NGIJ Demands Independent Probe of Controversial PFIPC, Rejects Premature Exoneration

NGIJ Demands Independent Probe of Controversial PFIPC, Rejects Premature Exoneration

The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately constitute an independent panel of inquiry to investigate the unfolding scandal surrounding the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), insisting that the gravity of the allegations and the institutions reportedly involved make an ordinary investigation inadequate.

In a statement jointly signed by its National President, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, and National Secretary, Rowland Olonishuwa, the Guild faulted the Presidency's swift public exoneration of the Chief of Staff to the President by the President's spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, describing it as premature and inconsistent with the principles of natural justice.

According to the Guild, declaring any public official innocent before the conclusion of an impartial investigation undermines public confidence in the process and creates the impression that the outcome has already been predetermined.

"The hasty exoneration of any public official before a comprehensive investigation has been concluded negates the principles of justice, fairness and good conscience.

Every Nigerian deserves to see that justice is not only done but is manifestly seen to have been done," the statement said.

NGIJ said the controversy surrounding the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) has become one of the most significant governance scandals in recent years, alleging that the sequence of events surrounding the Council points to a level of official backing that requires a truly independent investigation.

The Guild argued that several developments associated with the Council have raised serious questions that cannot be ignored.

According to the statement, available information indicates that an account was reportedly opened for the Council at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the controversial PFIPC was reportedly captured in the 2026 Appropriation Bill presented to the National Assembly, office accommodation was allocated to the Council within the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja, and more than 300 personnel, including eight directors, were reportedly recruited or sourced to work for the Council.

NGIJ noted that these developments, if established through investigation, suggest that the activities attributed to the Council went far beyond the actions of a few individuals and may have involved approvals or support from influential actors within government.

"The establishment of banking arrangements, budgetary provisions, office allocation, recruitment of hundreds of personnel and appointment of directors are not processes ordinarily executed without official authorisation and institutional support. These issues raise legitimate public interest questions that deserve thorough and independent scrutiny," the Guild stated.

It added that the scale of the allegations has created widespread public concern and, if left unresolved, could erode confidence in Nigeria's governance institutions and anti-corruption framework.

The Guild expressed reservations over allowing the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to solely investigate the matter, arguing that given the alleged involvement of powerful figures and the institutional implications of the case, a broader and more independent mechanism would inspire greater public confidence.

According to NGIJ, the investigation should be handled by an independent judicial panel comprising retired judicial officers, forensic auditors, representatives of relevant anti-corruption institutions, professional bodies and civil society organisations, with full powers to examine documents, invite witnesses and recommend appropriate actions based on its findings.

The Guild further urged the National Assembly to commence a public legislative inquiry into the establishment, funding, operations and legal status of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council.

It maintained that no public official, irrespective of rank or political influence, should be insulated from investigation where credible allegations exist.

NGIJ stressed that the circumstances surrounding the controversial PFIPC have made the matter unprecedented and deserving of the highest level of independent scrutiny.

The Guild said only a transparent, credible and independent investigation can establish the true facts, identify any wrongdoing where it exists, protect innocent persons where appropriate, and restore public confidence in the administration's commitment to accountability, transparency and the rule of law.

Soldiers kill ISWAP cameraman, uncover foreign terrorist trainer, doctor in Borno forest Soldiers kill ISWAP cameraman, uncover foreign terrorist trainer, doctor in Borno forest

Soldiers kill ISWAP cameraman, uncover foreign terrorist trainer, doctor in Borno forest

Soldiers kill ISWAP cameraman, uncover foreign terrorist trainer, doctor in Borno forest

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised an Islamic State West Africa Province cameraman and recovered video materials indicating the presence of three foreign facilitators, including a Palestinian Arab identified as a trainer and a Moroccan Arab serving as a medical doctor for the terrorist group in Borno State.

The Acting Military Information Officer, Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

According to him, the operational success was recorded on Saturday following a failed infiltration attempt by members of ISWAP terrorists into Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Goni said the terrorists attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to breach the troops’ position and loot cholera medical supplies.

The statement read, “Troops of 19 Brigade, Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have decisively foiled an attempted infiltration by ISWAP terrorists into Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers and forcing them to retreat in disarray.

“The successful defence of the location further demonstrates the vigilance, combat readiness and operational effectiveness of troops who continue to deny terrorist elements freedom of action across the North East Theatre.”

The failed attack, he said, occurred at about 10:20 p.m. on July 11, 2026, when the terrorists attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to breach the troops’ position.

“Alert troops swiftly detected the hostile movement and responded with coordinated and overwhelming firepower, compelling the terrorists to abandon their mission of looting cholera medical supplies and withdraw in confusion after suffering severe losses,” Goni said.

According to him, the attempted looting further lends credence to recent intelligence reports of a cholera outbreak within terrorist enclaves, as well as reports of the execution of some affected members by the group.

“The neutralisation of a terrorist cameraman during the failed assault led to the recovery of a Sony camcorder containing highly sensitive recordings of terrorist activities, including operational footage and propaganda materials.

“Preliminary forensic analysis of the last available video recorded prior to the attack indicates that the operation was coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders (Qai’ds), alongside three foreign terrorist facilitators. They include a Palestinian Arab identified as Abu Ishaq, assessed to be ISWAP’s overall trainer; a Moroccan Arab identified as Abu Thaiba, a medical doctor serving within the terrorist network; and another Arab operative whose identity is yet to be established,” he added.

He said the presence and active involvement of the foreign nationals further reinforced intelligence assessments that ISWAP continued to benefit from external support, specialist expertise and transnational terrorist linkages.

“Following the successful engagement, troops immediately dominated the area and conducted exploitation operations to ascertain the full extent of the terrorists’ losses,” he added.

The Army spokesman said troops recovered the Sony camcorder, several rounds of PKT and 7.62mm Special ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other combat items during the operation.

He further stated that initial analysis of post-engagement satellite imagery revealed terrorists evacuating the bodies of some of their neutralised fighters during their withdrawal.

“This has since been corroborated by credible human intelligence sources, which confirmed that the terrorists suffered heavy casualties, with many others sustaining gunshot wounds during the engagement,” he said.

According to him, two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the firefight and were promptly evacuated by air for advanced medical care, adding that both personnel remained in stable condition.

“The failed infiltration attempt represents yet another significant operational setback for ISWAP and caps a costly weekend for the terrorist group following sustained offensive operations and intensified military pressure across the North East Theatre,” he said.

He added that the outcome underscored the increasing difficulty the terrorists faced in executing coordinated attacks against highly alert and combat-ready troops while further degrading their combat capability, morale and freedom of action.

“Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in sustaining offensive operations, protecting vulnerable communities and dismantling terrorist networks until lasting peace and security are fully restored across the North East,” he assured.

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President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that the Ansaru terrorist group was responsible for the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that the Ansaru terrorist group was responsible for the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The President made the revelation on Friday in a personally signed statement released shortly after the Presidency confirmed the successful rescue of the victims.

He commended the security forces for their professionalism, courage, and discipline, noting that their efforts ensured the victims were rescued alive and unharmed.

According to the President, no ransom was paid and no concessions were granted to the abductors during the rescue operation.

In the statement, the President said:

“Tonight, our nation has reason to give thanks.

“The children and teachers abducted by Ansaru terrorists in Oyo State have been rescued by our security forces, alive and unharmed. No ransom was paid. No concession was made.

“I salute every officer and operative whose courage, discipline, and professionalism made this possible.

“To those who seek to spread fear through terror, know that the Nigerian state will pursue you relentlessly. We will protect our people, defend our communities, and never relent until peace and security prevail across our country.”

The rescue of the victims comes after more than 50 days in captivity and marks the end of an operation involving multiple security agencies.

The incident had sparked widespread concern across Oyo State, with Governor Seyi Makinde earlier describing it as the first major security breach in the state after several years of relative peace. The governor had also assured residents that his administration was working closely with security agencies to secure the victims' release.

OONI COMMENDS TINUBU, OYO STATE GOVERNMENT, SECURITY AGENCIES OVER RELEASE OF ABDUCTED OYO PUPILS, TEACHERS

OONI COMMENDS TINUBU, OYO STATE GOVERNMENT, SECURITY AGENCIES OVER RELEASE OF ABDUCTED OYO PUPILS, TEACHERS

… CALLS FOR SUSTAINED COLLABORATION AGAINST INSECURITY 

The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Oyo State Government and Nigeria’s security agencies for the successful rescue of the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

According to a statement on Saturday signed by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, said the Ooni who is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) described the safe return of the victims after about 56 days in captivity as a significant relief to their families and a demonstration of the commitment of the Federal Government and security agencies towards protecting the lives and properties of Nigerians.

The Ooni praised the professionalism, bravery and dedication displayed by the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies involved in the rescue operation.

Ooni Ogunwusi also commended President Tinubu for providing the needed leadership and support that facilitated the successful operation, while appreciating the Oyo State Government, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the safe return of the victims.

He congratulated the parents, guardians and loved ones of the rescued pupils and teachers, noting that their reunion marks the end of a painful period of anxiety, prayers and uncertainty.

The Ooni said, “The successful rescue of the Oriire schoolchildren and teachers is a welcome development and a testament to what can be achieved when government institutions, security agencies and communities work together towards a common goal.

“I commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Oyo State Government and our gallant security personnel for their commitment and determination in ensuring that these innocent children and their teachers return safely to their families.

“The courage and professionalism demonstrated by our security agencies during this operation deserve commendation. Their efforts have restored hope and reaffirmed the importance of collective responsibility in addressing the security challenges facing our nation.”

The African foremost monarch, however, urged security agencies and relevant authorities not to relent in their efforts towards preventing future attacks, especially on schools and vulnerable communities across the country.

Ooni Ogunwusi stressed the need for stronger intelligence gathering, improved community engagement and continuous collaboration between security agencies and traditional institutions to build a safer Nigeria.

He noted that traditional rulers remain strategic partners in promoting peace and security, given their closeness to the people and their understanding of local environments.

While celebrating the successful rescue, the Ooni prayed for the quick recovery of the victims from the traumatic experience and expressed his condolences to families who lost loved ones during the unfortunate incident.

He called on Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible information that would aid efforts towards combating criminal activities and ensuring lasting peace across the country.

Signed:

Otunba Moses Olafare,

Director, Media and Public Affairs,

Ooni’s Palace,

Ile-Ife.

More details from Bayo Onanuga OON, CON

More details from Bayo Onanuga OON, CON

Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies.

Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies.