The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it has uncovered 908 suspected ghost workers across 50 federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) during a nationwide payroll verification exercise.

The anti-corruption agency disclosed that the exercise also led to the recovery of approximately ₦942 million in salaries allegedly paid fraudulently to non-existent or ineligible workers.

According to the ICPC, the discovery was made as part of efforts to strengthen transparency in the management of the Federal Government’s payroll system and eliminate financial leakages.

The commission said the verification exercise was designed to identify irregularities in personnel records and ensure that only legitimate public servants receive government salaries.

The findings have sparked renewed public debate over accountability within Nigeria’s civil service, with many Nigerians calling for a thorough investigation and the prosecution of anyone found responsible for the alleged fraud.

Analysts say recurring cases of ghost workers continue to drain public resources that could otherwise be invested in critical sectors such as education, healthcare and infrastructure.

The commission reiterated its commitment to tackling corruption in the public sector, stating that efforts to sanitise the government payroll system will continue.

It added that collaboration with relevant government agencies remains essential to preventing future abuses and strengthening financial accountability across MDAs.

The discovery of hundreds of suspected ghost workers highlights the persistent challenge of payroll fraud within Nigeria’s public service.

Addressing such irregularities could help reduce waste, improve transparency and ensure that public funds are used for their intended purposes.

A group identified as US-based Igbo military veterans has condemned an alleged on-air statement calling for the killing of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

He went further to demand a public apology from News Central Television and the programme guest involved.

The group described the alleged remarks as unacceptable, arguing that public discourse should remain within the bounds of the law and respect for human rights.

In a statement, the group called on News Central and the guest to publicly retract the alleged comments and issue an apology.

According to the veterans, statements perceived as encouraging violence or extrajudicial actions have no place in a democratic society and could further inflame tensions.

They urged media organisations to uphold professional broadcasting standards and ensure that discussions on sensitive national issues are conducted responsibly.

The group stressed that Kanu’s legal matters should continue to be handled through the courts, insisting that every individual is entitled to due process under the law.

They maintained that disagreements over political or legal issues should not translate into calls for violence.

As of the time of filing this report, News Central Television and the programme guest had not publicly responded to the veterans’ demands.

The development comes amid ongoing legal proceedings involving Kanu, whose case continues to attract national and international attention.

The incident has renewed conversations about responsible media conduct, freedom of expression and the limits of public commentary on sensitive legal and political issues.

It also highlights the importance of maintaining civil discourse while respecting the rule of law.

The terrorist group Boko Haram has reportedly released an obituary announcing the death of one of its media operatives, who was allegedly killed during a recent military operation by Nigerian troops.

According to security sources, the deceased was said to have served as a cameraman and media personnel for the insurgent group, documenting its activities and producing propaganda materials used to recruit members and spread extremist ideology.

Reports indicate that Abu Salim al-Barnawi died during a military raid targeting Boko Haram hideouts in Nigeria’s North-East.

Although details of the operation remain limited, security sources said the raid formed part of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts aimed at dismantling terrorist networks operating in the region.

The obituary, reportedly circulated through channels associated with the insurgent group, paid tribute to the deceased and confirmed his death.

Security analysts note that terrorist organisations often rely on media operatives to produce videos, photographs and online publications designed to spread propaganda, intimidate communities and recruit new members.

The loss of such personnel may affect the group’s communication capabilities, although experts caution that insurgent groups often attempt to replace media operatives quickly.

The Nigerian military has sustained offensive operations against Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), targeting camps, logistics networks and senior commanders across the North-East.

Authorities say recent operations have resulted in the neutralisation of several insurgents, the rescue of kidnapped victims and the recovery of weapons and other equipment.

The military has reiterated its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist groups while urging residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies.

While battlefield victories often focus on combatants, disrupting the propaganda machinery of terrorist groups is also considered an important aspect of counter-terrorism.

Media operatives play a significant role in extremist recruitment and messaging, making them strategic targets during security operations.