Evening recap: Army reshuffles top brass, FG pays lecturers’ tools allowance, other top stories

The Nigerian government has paid the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) to university and polytechnic lecturers for the period of January to August 2026. This payment fulfills the previous agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in 2025. Education Minister Tunji Alausa announced the release of the funds during his inauguration of a ministerial committee on accreditation. It is expected that funds for non-academic staff will be released soon.

In Ondo State, 24 individuals died after consuming a herbal liquid substance in Araromi Obu and Odigbo communities. Eight fatalities occurred in Araromi Obu, while 16 occurred in Odigbo town. Authorities are awaiting autopsy results to determine the exact cause of death and have imposed a ban on the sale and consumption of locally brewed alcoholic drinks in the area as a precautionary measure.

The Nigerian Army has carried out a strategic reshuffle of its senior leadership. Major General IA Ajose has been appointed as the new Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI. This change comes after approval from the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.

Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo criticized the reported blockade of Peter Obi’s convoy in Benue State by youths associated with opposition politician All Progressive Congress (APC). Keyamo emphasized that politicians must be allowed to move freely, regardless of their affiliation, and urged the media to maintain neutrality in reporting political confrontations. He called for an end to partisan double standards in news coverage, applying the same standards to all political parties.