The National Counter Terrorism Center has handed over the former Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Maharazu Tsiga, and 18 other rescued kidnap victims to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The handover took place in Abuja on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and insecurity in the country.

PUNCH Online reports that Tsiga was abducted alongside other persons on February 5, 2025, from his hometown of Tisga in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.

He, however, regained freedom on Wednesday after spending 56 days in captivity.

During the handover, Ribadu commended the efforts of the security forces and intelligence agencies involved in the rescue operation.

He reiterated the federal government’s commitment to enhancing national security and ensuring the safety of all citizens.

PUNCH

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike on Thursday debunked reports that he collapsed last week.

Wike described the reports of him collapsing as the handiwork of “baseless” people trying to score cheap political points.

He spoke after inspecting four ongoing projects in the FCT, including the International Conference Centre, ICC.

Posts circulating on X had alleged that the minister collapsed at an event on Friday in the FCT.

The rumour also claimed that Wike was immediately rushed to an undisclosed hospital, where he received treatment.

But his media aide, Lere Olayinka had dismissed the claims, describing them as false.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu has urged businesses and organizations across Lagos to explore flexible work arrangements, including remote work and hybrid models, pending the complete repairs of the Independence Bridge.

During the governor’s visit to the bridge this morning, Sanwo Olu noted that a temporary shift in work culture can go a long way in reducing traffic pressure and supporting our collective well-being.

He apologised to Lagosain for the inconvinences experienced on the road yesterday noting that the decison to fix the Independence Bridge was not made overnight.

” I sincerely apologise to all Lagosians for the severe traffic congestion experienced yesterday. I understand the frustration, delays, and disruption this has caused in your daily lives. As someone who also moves through this city, I feel your pain, and we do not take your patience and resilience for granted.”

“The decision to fix the Independence Bridge was not made overnight. This repair has been in the works for over three years, carefully planned to avert a potential disaster. The structural integrity of the bridge had deteriorated, and delaying this intervention any further would have put lives at risk.”

” While this repair is necessary for the safety of all, I acknowledge the burden it has placed on commuters. We are working closely with all relevant agencies to improve traffic management, and find immediate solutions to ease the congestion.”

” I assure you that we are not just watching from the sidelines; we have deployed additional traffic monitoring officials and security personnel to ensure traffic flows freely.
I also want to urge businesses and organisations across Lagos to explore flexible work arrangements, including remote work and hybrid models. A temporary shift in work culture can go a long way in reducing traffic pressure and supporting our collective wellbeing.”

” Let us embrace innovative solutions that keep our city moving while we carry out critical infrastructure repairs. Together, we can build a more resilient, responsive, and liveable Lagos.
Lagosians, I ask for your continued patience and cooperation. Your safety remains our priority, and we are committed to ensuring that our city remains not only a hub of progress but also a place where infrastructure serves the people effectively.”