TINUBU PLACES TROOPS ON HIGHEST ALERT AFTER BORNO, KEBBI, KWARA ATTACKS
President Bola Tinubu has ordered troops across the country to be placed on the highest-ever red alert following deadly attacks in Borno, Kebbi and Kwara that left several people killed and kidnapped, including 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi. He directed immediate rescue operations, insisting on a rapid response to the escalating security crisis.
RIBADU LEADS DELEGATION TO U.S. AMID CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION ALLEGATIONS
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has led a high-powered delegation to the United States as allegations of Christian persecution in Nigeria gain international traction. The development follows heightened debate triggered by Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s comments supporting a two-state solution to the Israel–Gaza conflict.
COAS SHAIBU REASSURES TROOPS, SAYS ARMY DOING ITS BEST AGAINST INSECURITY
Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the military’s commitment to tackling insecurity, stating that the Army is working tirelessly to fulfil its mandate. Shaibu made the remarks during an operational visit to One Division Headquarters in Kaduna, where he urged troops to remain resolute.
ISWAP CLAIMS DEADLY ATTACK ON TROOPS IN BORNO; 15 SOLDIERS REPORTED KILLED
The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has claimed responsibility for a deadly assault on Nigerian soldiers in Borno State, with at least 15 troops reported killed. The attack adds to the growing wave of violence confronting the region.
EFCC DECLARES CHAPPAL ENERGIES CEO UFOMA IMMANUEL WANTED
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has declared Ufoma Immanuel, managing director and CEO of Chappal Energies, wanted over alleged forgery and obtaining money by false pretence. The agency issued a public notice on Wednesday seeking information on his whereabouts.
ZULUM SAYS SECURITY IMPROVING IN BORNO, DECLARES “THE WORST IS OVER”
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has said the security situation in the state has significantly improved, asserting that “the worst is over.” He made the statement during a meeting with the Chief of Army Staff in Maiduguri, despite acknowledging recent attacks.
AIR FORCE LAUNCHES HEAVY AIRSTRIKES ON SAMBISA FOREST TERROR HIDEOUT
The Nigerian Air Force says its Operation Hadin Kai air component has carried out decisive airstrikes on Arra, a notorious terrorist enclave in the Sambisa axis. The operation was confirmed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame in Abuja on Wednesday.
FOUR FAMILY MEMBERS KILLED IN KANO HOUSE FIRE
A pre-dawn fire in Kundila, Tarauni LGA of Kano State, has killed four members of the same family. According to the state fire service, preliminary findings suggest the blaze may have started from a mosquito coil in the parlour.
WIKE SLAMS PDP FACTIONAL CHAIR AS POLICE SEAL PARTY SECRETARIAT
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has criticised PDP factional chairman Tanimu Turaki over calls for U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene in Nigeria’s political affairs. Police sealed the PDP national secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday amid a violent leadership tussle.
ADC SECRETARY AREGBESOLA URGES NIGERIANS TO EMBRACE PARTY FOR SECURITY REFORMS
Rauf Aregbesola, National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, has urged Nigerians to support the party, promising that an ADC-led government would end banditry and violent crime. He spoke in Ilesa after revalidating his party membership.
KEBBI ASSEMBLY SUSPENDS FA K AI LG CHAIRMAN FOR GROSS MISCONDUCT
The Kebbi State House of Assembly has suspended Fakai Local Government Chairman Muhammad Mahuta over alleged gross misconduct and negligence of duty, following a committee report adopted during Wednesday’s plenary.
TINUBU POSTPONES G20, AU–EU TRIPS, ORDERS SECURITY SURGE IN KEBBI, KWARA
President Bola Tinubu has postponed his scheduled trips to the G20 Summit in South Africa and the AU–EU Summit in Angola to focus on security after the Kebbi schoolgirls’ abduction and an attack on worshippers in Kwara. He ordered increased security deployment and directed police to pursue the perpetrators.
FG SAYS TRUMP’S “GENOCIDE” COMMENTS EMBOLDENING VIOLENT GROUPS
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has warned that recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump labelling Nigeria a “country of particular concern” have emboldened violent groups seeking to exploit global narratives to justify attacks.
FG CALLS FOR UNITY, WARNS AGAINST RELIGIOUS FRAMING OF RECENT ATTACKS
Minister of Information Mohammed Idris has urged Nigerians to unite against terrorism and resist attempts to frame recent attacks as religiously motivated, stressing that the country’s security threats are rooted in criminality, not religion.
ATIKU SLAMS TINUBU OVER POLITICAL SONG AT JUDGES’ CONFERENCE
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the singing of President Tinubu’s campaign anthem “On Your Mandate” at the All Nigerian Judges Conference, describing it as “reckless, scandalous, disgraceful” and an attempt to politicise the judiciary.
ISWAP COMMANDER SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS FOR 2012 KANO TERROR ATTACKS
An ISWAP commander, Hussaini Ismaila (Mai Tangaran), has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to coordinating several deadly terror attacks in Kano in 2012. Justice Emeka Nwite ruled that his jail term will run concurrently from his 2017 arrest date.
SHETTIMA: KEBBI SCHOOLGIRLS ABDUCTION A NATIONAL TRAGEDY
Vice President Kashim Shettima has described the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi as a “national tragedy,” assuring during a visit to the state that every available resource will be deployed to rescue the victims safely.
YVONNE JEGEDE SAYS LOOKS PLAY CRUCIAL ROLE IN ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY
Actress Yvonne Jegede has said looks remain highly important in the entertainment sector, explaining in an interview that showbiz thrives on appearance because “what you show people is what brings business.”
TG OMORI RAISES ALARM OVER DEATH THREATS AFTER ANTI–SAME-SEX COMMENT
Music video director TG Omori has alleged he is receiving death threats after stating online that “having same gender sex is evil,” claiming a subsequent media article worsened the backlash and put him at further risk.
NNADOZIE WINS CAF WOMEN’S GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR FOR THIRD TIME
Chiamaka Nnadozie has been named the 2025 CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for the third consecutive time, following outstanding performances for Paris FC, Brighton & Hove Albion, and the Super Falcons.
HAKIMI WINS AFRICAN BALLON D’OR AS MEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi has won the 2025 African Ballon d’Or, beating Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen after a stellar year that reaffirmed his status as one of the world’s most influential defenders.