A suspected bandit leader identified as Kachalla Auwalu, said to be linked to the Dogo Gide network, has been killed during a clash between rival armed groups in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, according to a military report.

The Nigerian Army disclosed the development in an operational update made available to journalists in Abuja on Sunday. The report indicated that the incident resulted from an internal confrontation among armed factions operating in the area.

It further stated that about 12 suspected terrorists were killed during the clash, while troops continued to monitor the situation.

The army also reported a separate operation in Zamfara State under Operation Fansan Yamma, where troops responded to an attack on Gidan Daji village in Maru Local Government Area.

According to the report, troops have launched pursuit operations aimed at tracking and apprehending fleeing attackers, as part of broader efforts to disrupt armed networks.

The military added that ongoing operations are focused on dismantling terrorist groups and restoring stability in affected communities across the region.

Public schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were deserted on Monday as teachers commenced an indefinite strike action following a directive from the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) FCT chapter.

At schools such as LEA Ijayapi Primary School and LEA Byazhin Primary School, both teachers and students were absent, with classrooms locked and school premises left inactive as of early morning.

The strike follows a decision by the NUT FCT Executive Council, which instructed members to withdraw their services over unresolved welfare-related demands.

In a communiqué issued after an emergency State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) meeting held in Gwagwalada on Friday, the union directed full compliance with the industrial action and advised parents to keep their children at home.

The union also asked members to await further instructions, pending possible negotiations with the FCT administration.

According to the statement, the action came after a review of a seven-day ultimatum earlier issued to the Minister of the FCT on March 11. While the union acknowledged the implementation of the ₦70,000 national minimum wage, it said several other demands remained unresolved.

“After exhaustive deliberations on the industrial issues and the silence on the legitimate demands of teachers’ welfare, the Council resolved that all public primary and secondary school teachers in the FCT shall, with effect from Monday, proceed on an indefinite strike until our demands are met,” the union stated.

The development has effectively disrupted academic activities across public schools in the FCT, with no official resolution announced at the time of reporting.

The Dangote Refinery has lowered the ex-gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to N1,200 per litre, reversing its recent increase, industry sources confirmed on Wednesday.

The adjustment represents a N75 reduction from the earlier price of about N1,275 per litre, which the refinery had attributed to volatility in the global oil market that raised production and supply costs.

The latest cut follows a notable decline in international crude oil prices. Brent crude dropped to $95.05 per barrel, marking a 13 per cent fall, while West Texas Intermediate settled at $97.18, down by nearly 14 per cent.

Market analysts link the drop in oil prices to easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly a conditional two-week ceasefire involving the United States and Iran, which has reduced concerns about potential supply disruptions.

The development has been welcomed by fuel marketers and commuters across major cities, many of whom expressed optimism that the reduction could help cushion the impact of rising living costs driven by inflation.

Industry observers say the refinery’s decision may influence pump prices nationwide, especially if the downward trend in crude oil prices persists.

They also note that the situation reflects Nigeria’s growing exposure to global oil price movements, despite increased local refining capacity.

The Dangote Refinery, which began operations in 2023, was expected to reduce the country’s reliance on fuel imports, although its pricing continues to mirror international benchmarks such as Brent and WTI crude.