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“I don’t know why DJ Tunez keeps messaging me and laughing,” — Carter Efe cries out as he shares his chats with Wizkid’s DJ, joking about what might happen if he ever runs into him

Troops of Sector 2 of the Nigerian Army in collaboration with Civilian Joint Task Force intercepted two pickup vans conveying assorted items suspected to be logistics supplies for the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the interception followed credible human intelligence indicating the movement of the items from Dapchi through the Magumeri general area.

According to the source, the troops intercepted the vehicles during the operation and took the drivers into custody for further interrogation.

Items recovered from the two vehicles included 31 spare tyres, 23 spare rims, two bicycles, 12 key starters, three alternators, two bags of flour, one mattress, five bags of charcoal, 34 tubers of yam, two blankets, nylon bags containing garri, adult and children clothing, one power bank, six mobile phones and a cash sum of N92,600.

The source added that the vehicles and recovered items were currently in custody, while investigations were ongoing to determine the extent of the suspects’ involvement and possible links to ISWAP logistics networks.

The troops, the source said, remained committed to disrupting the movement of supplies to terrorist groups and maintaining pressure on criminal elements across the area of responsibility.

Lawless Nigerian Navy Officer Brutalises Woman in Lagos During Dispute With Mechanic as Husband Watches, Sparking Outrage

A Nigerian Navy warrant officer, Balogun Olu, has been accused of violently assaulting a housewife in the presence of her husband during a dispute over a faulty car jack repair in Gowon Estate, Egbeda, Lagos State. According to the victim’s husband, Jacob Ipogah, the naval officer became aggressive while demanding an immediate refund from a mechanic and physically attacked Ipogah’s wife when she tried to calm the situation. The woman was allegedly slapped and beaten as bystanders intervened to stop the assault. Ipogah further alleged that naval authorities handled the complaint dismissively, asking the officer to merely apologise while blaming the victim for speaking up. The incident has raised serious concerns about abuse of power, gender-based violence, and impunity within Nigeria’s security agencies.

Amnesty International Condemns Brutal Assault on Gombe Councillor by Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s Aide Over Alleged Criticism

Amnesty International has strongly condemned the violent assault on Abdulrahman Abubakar Sherif, a councillor representing Shamaki Ward in Gombe State, allegedly carried out by a Senior Special Assistant to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya. The rights group described the attack as a troubling example of growing political repression and impunity in the state. According to Amnesty, the councillor was attacked for allegedly criticising the governor’s Chief of Staff, with a viral video showing him being slapped, kicked, and threatened. The organisation warned that such acts reflect a wider pattern of intolerance for dissent, intimidation, and human rights abuses by government officials and their agents, and called for an immediate, independent investigation and prosecution of those responsible.

CITAD Calls for Transparency Amid Alleged Alteration of Nigeria’s Tax Reform Acts, Urges Suspension

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has raised concerns over alleged alterations to Nigeria’s recently passed Tax Reform Acts, calling for transparency, an independent investigation, and suspension of the laws’ implementation. CITAD highlighted discrepancies between the versions debated and passed by the National Assembly and those published in the official Gazette. The organisation warned that these changes could expand tax agency powers, weaken judicial oversight, and erode public trust. While supporting the House of Representatives’ decision to probe the matter, CITAD urged publication of legislative records, a thorough investigation into the alleged alterations, and a halt to the Acts’ enforcement pending verification. The group emphasised that its stance supports constitutional governance and is not an opposition to tax reforms.

Rights Groups Warn of Christmas Season Attacks in Northern Nigeria, Urge Tinubu to Protect IDPs and Churches

A coalition of human rights, faith-based, and civil society groups has raised alarms over potential attacks during the 2025 Christmas season in Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt. Citing a history of seasonal violence, including attacks from 2010 to 2024 that caused mass killings and displacement, the groups warned that failure to act could lead to renewed atrocities. They urged President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian government to deploy security forces to protect communities, churches, and travellers, and to prioritize the welfare of internally displaced persons (IDPs). The coalition also called for activation of NEMA and SEMA to provide food, water, shelter, and security, and advocated for the domestication of the African Union Kampala Convention to ensure a rights-based response to displacement.

Nigerian Pilots and Crew Released in Burkina Faso, Head to Portugal

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has announced the release and departure of the pilots and crew of the Nigerian Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft (NAF 913) that had been detained in Burkina Faso.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Ambassador Tuggar confirmed that following engagement in Burkina Faso, the pilots and crew of NAF C-130 (913) have been formally cleared to depart and are currently en route to Portugal via Accra.

The minister highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to dialogue and regional cooperation, stating that these efforts continue to yield positive outcomes.

Ambassador Tuggar paid glowing tribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and steady guidance which he said proved decisive in resolving the matter through constructive diplomacy and peaceful engagement.

Tinubu Declares Bandits as Terrorists, Pledges No Mercy for Violent Criminals

President Bola Tinubu has officially classified bandits and other armed non-state actors as terrorists, promising that his administration will adopt a zero-tolerance approach toward violent crimes. Announcing the policy while presenting the 2026 budget to the National Assembly, Tinubu said acts such as banditry, kidnapping, militancy, and armed gang activities will now be treated as terrorism. The new national security framework emphasizes unified command, intelligence gathering, community stability, and counter-insurgency, with increased funding tied to measurable outcomes. The Nigerian Senate has also backed similar measures, including a maximum death penalty for kidnapping-related offences and the establishment of a new Joint Task Force to secure high-risk areas.

Tinubu Presents 2026 Budget, Vows to Deliver Renewed Hope Agenda to Nigerians

President Bola Tinubu on December 19, 2025, presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly, pledging that his administration will fulfill the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda. The budget, titled “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Hope, and Shared Prosperity,” aims to stabilize the economy, strengthen public finances, and improve citizens’ welfare. The presentation followed an emergency Federal Executive Council (FEC) session that finalised the budget parameters, including an oil price benchmark of $64.85 per barrel and an exchange rate of ₦1,512 per dollar. Tinubu called for collaboration between the legislature and the executive to ensure national development goals are met as lawmakers prepare to scrutinize the 2026 fiscal estimates.

Former Senator Peter Nwaoboshi Dies at 68, Delta State Mourns Prominent PDP Leader

Former Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi, who represented Delta North Senatorial District, has died at the age of 68. His passing was confirmed by Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who described Nwaoboshi as a proud son of the state and a dedicated advocate for the Anioma community. Nwaoboshi, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), also served twice as the party’s state chairman. Delta State Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, paid tribute to the late senator, calling him a mentor, leader, and friend, and prayed for eternal rest for his soul. His contributions to nation-building and the political development of Delta State were widely acknowledged.

Ekiti University Teaching Hospital Dismisses Surgeon for Secretly Removing Patient’s Kidney

Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) has terminated a surgeon who secretly removed a patient’s kidney during a procedure, following a panel of inquiry that confirmed the allegation. The state’s Health Commissioner, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, stated that the surgical team members present will be suspended for one month pending further review. The government pledged to cover the full cost of a new kidney transplant and post-transplant care for the affected patient. The incident has sparked public outrage, with calls for criminal prosecution and full disclosure of the surgeon’s identity to prevent future violations of patient safety.

We are terminating the habit of running three budgets in one inflow. By March 31, 2026, all capital liabilities from previous years will be fully funded and closed. From April, Nigeria will operate on a single budget."

~ President Bola Tinubu says

I attended my friend’s grandfather’s burial yesterday, but according to their tradition, during every burial, an old women must come out and announce who will be the next to d*e

So this old women came out and said, “The first person to leave the burial ground will be the next to d*e.”

Since yesterday morning till now, we’re still at the burial site. Even a 92-year-old women is still here, asking me if my parents won’t be worried about me at home

Tinubu Government Warns Death Penalty for Kidnappers, Terrorists Could Worsen Insecurity in Nigeria

The Tinubu administration has cautioned lawmakers against imposing the death penalty for kidnapping and terrorism offences, warning that it could exacerbate Nigeria’s security challenges. Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) told a Senate hearing that capital punishment may fuel extremist narratives, hinder international cooperation, and create legal and moral complications due to difficulties in execution and the irreversible nature of death sentences. The government stressed that alternative punitive measures should be considered to effectively combat terrorism while maintaining Nigeria’s credibility in global counterterrorism efforts.

NAFDAC Recalls Indomie Vegetable Flavour Noodles Over Undeclared Allergens, Issues Public Health Alert

NAFDAC has issued a public alert warning Nigerians about a recall of Indomie Vegetable Flavour noodles due to undeclared allergens, including milk and eggs, which could trigger severe reactions in allergic consumers. The recall follows a notification from France’s food safety authority, Rappel Conso. The affected batches have a best-before date of February 6, 2026. NAFDAC is intensifying surveillance to prevent the product’s circulation in Nigeria, urging distributors, retailers, and consumers to avoid its sale or consumption. The agency also encouraged the public to report any adverse reactions or suspected sale of the recalled product.

Conflicting Revenue Figures Under Tinubu Government Raise Concerns Over Fiscal Transparency in Nigeria

Concerns are mounting over Nigeria’s fiscal transparency following conflicting revenue figures reported under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. While the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) indicates the government had generated ₦13.6 trillion as of July 2025, Finance Minister statements report only ₦10.7 trillion in revenue. Analysts warn that the discrepancy raises questions about budget accuracy, deficit financing, and long-term economic implications. Civil society groups, including BudgIT and MonITNG, have called for reconciled, transparent, and timely disclosure of revenue, borrowing, and expenditure data to ensure accountability and public trust.

Tinubu Presents ₦58.47 Trillion 2026 Nigerian Budget, Defence and Security Receive Largest Allocations

President Bola Tinubu has presented the ₦58.47 trillion budget proposal for Nigeria’s 2026 fiscal year to the National Assembly, titled “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity.” The budget proposes ₦26.08 trillion in capital expenditure and ₦15.25 trillion in recurrent (non-debt) spending. Defence and security received the highest allocation of ₦5.41 trillion, followed by infrastructure (₦3.56 trillion), education (₦3.52 trillion), and healthcare (₦2.48 trillion). The budget is based on a crude oil benchmark of US$64.85 per barrel, daily production of 1.84 million barrels, and an exchange rate of ₦1,400/US$. Analysts note that the proposal underscores government priorities in security, infrastructure, and human capital while raising concerns over debt servicing and inflation.

President Talon Explains How Benin Republic Foiled December 7 Coup Attempt

President Patrice Talon of Benin Republic provided a detailed account of the December 7 coup attempt, describing it as an isolated attack by a few rogue soldiers rather than a full-scale mutiny. Speaking at a press conference, Talon praised the loyalty and professionalism of the National Guard and the army, who quickly contained the attackers and prevented mass casualties. He highlighted the careful measures taken, including targeted strikes and negotiations, to neutralize the threat without harming innocent personnel. Talon also addressed foreign support, noting consultation with Nigerian forces, and assured that measures would be implemented to prevent future threats, emphasizing that marginal elements, not systemic political issues, drove the incident.

Supreme Court Dismisses INEC’s Appeal On SDP Leadership, Awards ₦2 Million Cost Against Commission

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has dismissed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s appeal challenging the leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), ruling the matter purely academic as the by-elections had already been conducted and winners sworn in. The apex court upheld earlier judgments of the Federal High Court and Court of Appeal, which compelled INEC to recognise and include SDP candidates across 12 states. The court also awarded ₦2 million in legal costs against INEC’s counsel. Justice Mohammed Idris, delivering the lead judgment, emphasized that courts do not entertain academic questions where no live dispute exists, noting that INEC’s appeal lacked merit.