Author: Drum Africa Correspondent

According to information made available by the Abia State Police command, 30 male suspects aged between 22 and 46 years and 1 female suspect were apprehended, while various substances suspected to be illicit hard drugs were recovered during an operation at the dreaded criminal enclave, “Down Below”, and others.  DrumAfricanews reports that following the instruction of CP Danladi Isa, Abia police recently intensified raids on crime-prone zones, and the Mission Hill/New Road axis, Umuahia, in an area popularly known as “Down Below”, notoriously known for various crimes, was not left out.  The Abia police PPRO Maureen Chinaka, in her statement,…

…calls for adoption of near-shoring to attract foreign investments Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has called for deliberate “co-communication” between Nigeria and the European Union. The Deputy Speaker also called for the adoption of near-shoring models to change negative global narratives and boost investor confidence in Nigeria. He made the call during an interactive session with European Union country ambassadors in Nigeria, led by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot in Abuja. DrumAfricanews reports that the session featured a question-and-answer segment, with the diplomats raising concerns about Nigeria’s tourism assets,…

Community leaders, stakeholders and the people of Bende Federal Constituencies have showered praises on Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and member representing their Federal Constituency, for his infrastructural stride in the area. Reacting to the construction of the road linking Agboa, Ozuitem, to Uzoakoli, the constituents described Kalu as a man who came prepared and has the needs of people written in his heart before heading to Abuja. Speaking, a traditional ruler from the area, HRM Eze Ifeanyi, said that what Kalu is doing is what no one expected from a representative of a federal…

President Candidate of the NDC for the 2027 election, Mr Peter Obi has said that the suspension of newly introduced examination fees is a relief and a victory for the Nigerian people. DrumAfricanews reports that the Federal Government on Monday suspended the proposed review of registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE). Federal Ministry of Education says the fee adjustment proposal contained in its 18 June 2026 letter has been withdrawn pending broader stakeholder consultations. The Ministry explains that the proposed increase was driven…

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 election, has condemned the latest killings in Benue and Plateau states, saying Nigeria cannot achieve meaningful development while innocent citizens continue to lose their lives to violence. Obi made the remarks in a statement posted on his X handle on Monday following reports of fresh attacks in parts of Benue and Plateau states that left several people dead. The former Anambra State governor described the killings as painful and deeply disturbing, citing the reported murder of at least 16 persons in the Otukpo-Nobi community of Benue…

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested three women suspected to be members of a child trafficking gang operating in the state. In its ongoing crackdown on child trafficking gangs, on the evening of July 11, 2026, the police operatives attached to the Awada Divisional Headquarters arrested the suspects during operation at a motor park in Onitsha. The suspects, identified as Florence Nnakuzie, 45; Hannah Ugah, 52; and Chinasa Daniel, 27, were arrested on connection to cases of buying and selling of children. PPRO of Anambra Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, preliminary said that investigations revealed that Chinasa Daniel allegedly…

…officials attribute success to Otti’s support Abia State Para-badminton Team won 7 Gold and 3 Silver medals out of the 13 medals won by Nigeria, writing its name in gold after a stellar performance at the Uganda Para-badminton International 2026. DrumAfricanews reports that the tournament, sanctioned by the Badminton Confederation Africa and BWF, ended in Kampala with athletes from across Africa battling for ranking points and honours. In a statement by Stanley Mba, Media and Publicity of Abia State Badminton Association said that the results from the championship show that Abia athletes dominated both singles and doubles events. According to…

…Commends President Tinubu on Renomination of Vice President for 2027 Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu,has expressed optimism that retaining the partnership between President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, will further consolidate the gains so far recorded in security, economy amongst other critical sectors. The Deputy Speaker commended President Bola Tinubu, for his wisdom and decisive leadership in renominating Vice President Kashim Shettima, as his running mate for the 2027 elections. Kalu in a statement on Sunday signed by Levinus Nwabughiogu, his Chief Press Secretary, described the decision as a bold step toward…

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Vice President Kashim Shettima, on the successful rescue of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State. The Deputy Speaker also rejoiced with Nigerians, particularly the parents and relatives of the victims, over the heartwarming development. Statement by Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, revealed that security forces successfully rescued the pupils and their teachers unhurt on Friday. Reacting on Saturday, the Deputy Speaker said President Tinubu has fulfilled his promise of not resting on his oars until…

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has said that the proposed State Police framework is not about weakening the Federal Government or fragmenting Nigeria’s security architecture. Kalu, who spoke at the National Town Hall on “Building a National Consensus on State Police and National Security”, organised by Arise News in Abuja, said that the proposed state police framework is rather about building a smarter, more responsive policing system anchored on constitutional safeguards. He reiterated the urgent need for a constitutional framework that strengthens Nigeria’s security architecture through the establishment of state police. Kalu said…