Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 17 May 2026

Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 17 May 2026

No Foreign Soldier Participated in Al-Minuki Operation – Defence Headquarters

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, has stated that no foreign soldier participated in the operation that eliminated terrorist commander Abu Bilal Al-Minuki. Onoja disclosed this during a televised programme while providing updates on the military operation.

Tinubu Welcomes Airbus Proposal for Aviation Facilities in Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed Airbus’ proposal to establish maintenance and hangar facilities in Nigeria. The presidency said the move forms part of efforts to position the country as a regional aerospace and aviation services hub while also strengthening security operations through quicker delivery of helicopters.

Yusuf Buhari Wins APC House of Representatives Primary

Yusuf Buhari, son of former President Muhammadu Buhari, has emerged victorious in the APC House of Representatives primary election. Buhari secured 17,342 votes to defeat Auwalu Musa Daura, who polled 480 votes.

Elumelu, Waive, Others Win APC Reps Primaries in Delta

Former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ndudi Elumelu, alongside Hon. Ejiro Waive and Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko, have emerged winners in the APC House of Representatives primary elections held across Delta State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Reps Majority Leader Ihonvbere Loses APC Primary Election

The Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, has lost his bid to return to the Green Chamber after suffering defeat in the APC primary election for Owan Federal Constituency. Former Commissioner for Mining, Andrew Ijegbai, won the contest with 3,695 votes.

INEC Officials Absent at Surulere APC Primary Election

Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission were absent from the Surulere Constituency II APC House of Representatives primary election held on Saturday in Lagos. The development was disclosed by former Coker-Aguda Local Government Chairman, Quodir Onikeku.

Wike Orders Free Treatment for Abuja Building Collapse Victims

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has directed that all victims of Saturday’s building collapse in Abuja’s Gudu district receive free medical treatment. Rescue workers recovered one survivor more than nine hours after the three-storey structure collapsed, leaving five people dead.

Police Confirm Death of 17 Officers in Yobe Terror Attack

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the death of 17 officers following a terrorist attack on the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Buni Yadi, Yobe State. The officers were reportedly undergoing operational training when the attackers struck.

Police Arrest 10 Over Violence at Lagos APC Primary

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 10 suspects in connection with violence that erupted during the APC primary election in Egbe, Alimosho area of Lagos. Hoodlums reportedly invaded the venue and fired sporadically, causing panic among residents and party members.

Benjamin Kalu Emerges APC Candidate for Bende Federal Constituency

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Benjamin Kalu, has emerged as the APC candidate for Bende Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections. Kalu was elected unopposed during the party’s primary election.

Presidency Dismisses Reports ISIS Commander Was Killed in 2024

The Presidency has clarified reports suggesting that ISIS commander Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki was previously killed in 2024 operations. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga described the earlier reports as a case of mistaken identity.

Army Explains Joint Operation That Eliminated ISIS Leader

The Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, has revealed details of the operation that led to the killing of senior Islamic State commander Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki in Borno State. The military said the mission followed sustained intelligence gathering and surveillance operations.

Middle Belt Group Urges Military to Sustain Pressure on Terrorists

The Middle Belt Conscience Guard has commended the Nigerian military for sustained operations against insurgents and criminal groups across parts of the country. The group urged security agencies to maintain pressure on terrorist elements.

ADC Postpones Presidential, Governorship Screening Exercise

The African Democratic Congress has postponed its presidential and governorship screening exercise earlier scheduled for the weekend to Monday. The party attributed the postponement to security concerns in parts of northern Nigeria.

Violence Disrupts APC Primary Election in Lagos

Violence broke out during the APC primary election in Mushin Local Government Area of Lagos State on Saturday, forcing party members and supporters to flee the venue. The disruption reportedly followed disagreements among supporters of rival aspirants.

Peter Obi Criticises Leaders’ Foreign Trips

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised recent foreign trips by Nigerian leaders, describing them as “fashion parades” lacking measurable economic benefits. Obi urged government officials to focus on attracting investments, jobs and industrial partnerships.

Ndume Says 42 Pupils Abducted in Borno School Attack

Senator Ali Ndume has disclosed that 42 pupils were abducted during an attack on Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. The lawmaker appealed to security agencies to intensify rescue operations.

BBNaija Season 11 Auditions to Begin May 22

Organisers of Big Brother Naija have announced that auditions for the show’s 11th season will commence on May 22. The auditions will hold physically in Lagos, Abuja and Enugu after an online registration process.

Manchester City Defeat Chelsea to Win FA Cup

Manchester City have won the 2025/2026 FA Cup after defeating Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley Stadium. Antoine Semenyo scored the decisive goal as Pep Guardiola’s side secured their eighth FA Cup title.

Chelsea Reach Agreement to Appoint Xabi Alonso as Manager

Chelsea Football Club have reportedly reached an agreement to appoint Xabi Alonso as their new manager. Reports indicate that the former Bayer Leverkusen coach has accepted a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

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