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Nigerian Army Confirms Mosque Suicide Bombing in Maiduguri: 32 Injured, 2 Dead

The Nigerian Army has issued an official statement following a suicide bomber attack at a mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, Borno State, on December 24, 2025. The explosion occurred around 6:00 p.m. during evening prayers, leaving two civilians dead and 32 others injured. The bomber reportedly died at the scene, with two of the injured later succumbing to their wounds in hospital, while two remain in critical condition.

Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) stated that troops, alongside the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, other security agencies, the Borno State Government, and the National Emergency Management Agency, promptly secured the area and evacuated victims to General Hospital and Teaching Hospital in Maiduguri. The Army emphasized that heightened security measures have been implemented across Maiduguri and surrounding areas, especially during the festive season, to prevent further attacks.

The Army called on residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity, and exercise extra caution in crowded places and places of worship. Operation HADIN KAI expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and maintaining security in the North East.

The statement was signed by Lt. Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, on December 25, 2025.

Four Islamic Movement Members Laid to Rest in Zaria After FCT Court Orders Release of Bodies

Thousands of mourners gathered in Zaria, Kaduna State, on December 24, 2025, for the burial of four members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) who were allegedly killed by soldiers during a pro-Palestine procession in Abuja earlier this year. The deceased — Kabiru Usman, Huzaifa Muhammad Sani, Jafar Abdullahi, and Uzairu Zakariya — were reportedly shot dead on March 28, 2025, during the annual Quds Day rally.

The bodies had been held by security agencies and medical facilities until an Upper Area Court in Abuja ordered their release. The court ruling, delivered by Hon. Gambo Garba, compelled the Nigeria Police and several hospitals, including National Hospital Abuja, Wuse General Hospital, and University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, to release eight corpses linked to the March crackdown. However, only four have been buried so far, while the IMN claims the remaining four are still being withheld despite the court’s directive.

The burial took place at Darur Rahma Cemetery in Dembo, Zaria, coinciding with 4 Rajab 1447 AH. The ceremony drew a large turnout of family members, supporters, and followers of IMN leader Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky. Maryam Sani Argungu, Chairperson of Mu’assatus Shuhada — a foundation supporting families of deceased IMN members — alleged that the victims were killed by gunshots inflicted by soldiers and vowed to continue the struggle for justice.

IMN members reiterated their commitment to peaceful and lawful campaigns demanding accountability, the release of the remaining bodies, and respect for the dignity and rights of the deceased and their families. Security agencies have not publicly responded to the latest allegations or comments regarding the withheld corpses.

Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu Condoles Victims Of Great Nigeria House Fire, Visits Balogun As Emergency Agencies Battle Inferno

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed deep sorrow over the devastating fire outbreak at the Great Nigeria House located in the Balogun area of Lagos Island, describing the incident as painful and distressing for victims and business owners affected by the disaster. The governor conveyed his condolences in a statement shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, December 25, 2025.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed that he personally visited the Balogun axis to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the damage caused by the inferno, stressing that the magnitude of loss suffered by traders and occupants could not be fully conveyed through written reports alone. According to him, witnessing the aftermath firsthand provided a clearer understanding of the pain, destruction, and economic setback faced by those impacted.

The governor commended firefighters, emergency responders, and relevant agencies for their swift and coordinated response, noting that their courage and dedication helped contain the blaze and prevented it from spreading to nearby buildings. He acknowledged that their timely intervention saved lives and reduced what could have been an even more catastrophic incident in the densely populated commercial hub.

Sanwo-Olu assured affected individuals that the Lagos State Government would continue to assess the situation and provide necessary support to victims as recovery efforts progress. Reaffirming the resilience of Lagos residents, he stated that the state has always demonstrated strength in moments of adversity and expressed confidence that the affected community would recover.

The fire outbreak, which reportedly started on the upper floors of the multi-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House, disrupted commercial activities around Martins Street and raised concerns over the safety of goods stored in the building, which is widely used for warehousing clothing materials. Officials from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that several floors were affected, though no casualties had been recorded as of the latest update.

Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, as emergency teams remain on ground to ensure safety and prevent further incidents. Business owners and workers in the area continue to await a clearer assessment of losses amid fears of significant material damage.

Catholic Diocese Confirms Release Of All 230 Abducted St Mary’s School Pupils, Staff In Niger State After Month-Long Ordeal

The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has officially confirmed the release and safe reunification of all pupils and staff abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State. The confirmation brings closure to a traumatic incident that occurred on November 21, 2025, when gunmen stormed the boarding school, sparking nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over school safety in Nigeria.

In a statement signed by the Bishop of Kontagora, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, the Diocese disclosed that a comprehensive reconciliation and verification exercise established that a total of 230 individuals were abducted during the attack. The verified figure includes 204 pupils, 14 students, and 12 staff members. The Bishop confirmed that all those affected have now regained their freedom and have been reunited with their families, stressing that no individual remains missing.

The Diocese explained that initial reports following the abduction cited conflicting figures due to panic, confusion, and the chaotic nature of the attack. An early headcount suggested that 315 persons were unaccounted for. However, further clarification revealed that many pupils had escaped into nearby bushes or returned home independently. By November 23, the number of missing persons had reduced to 265, and a final reconciliation confirmed that 85 individuals were never abducted.

Bishop Yohanna emphasised that the discrepancies were not deliberate or intended to mislead the public but were a result of the emotionally charged and rapidly evolving situation. He noted that some pupils could not be immediately verified because their parents were absent during the initial headcount.

The Diocese expressed deep gratitude to the Federal Government, the Niger State Government, and security agencies for their roles in securing the release of the abducted pupils and staff. The successful rescue operation, also confirmed by officials of the Office of the National Security Adviser, ended weeks of anxiety for families and the wider community, marking a major breakthrough in efforts to combat school abductions and insecurity in Nigeria.

Nicki Minaj Faces Backlash, Loses Followers After Speaking On Christian Persecution In Nigeria At Turning Point USA Event

American rap superstar Nicki Minaj has sparked widespread controversy and social media backlash following her surprise appearance at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest, where she spoke on faith, politics, and global issues, including the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. Minaj appeared alongside conservative activist Erika Kirk and used the platform to praise former U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance for what she described as their efforts in raising global awareness about violence against Christians, particularly in Nigeria.

Her remarks immediately triggered mixed reactions online. While some supporters commended her for drawing attention to religious persecution and amplifying the plight of Nigerian Christians—an issue she has previously addressed at international forums—others expressed strong opposition. Critics, especially from her progressive and LGBTQ+ fanbase, accused Minaj of aligning with conservative politics and abandoning communities that have long supported her career. Viral clips and posts alleging that she had “gone MAGA” intensified the backlash across multiple platforms.

The controversy quickly spilled into Minaj’s social media presence, with reports indicating that her Instagram account was deactivated shortly after the event. Viral claims suggested she lost up to 10 million followers, although independent checks indicate that the figure may be exaggerated, with some reports pointing to a smaller decline or noting that the account may have been inactive prior to the event.

The debate has drawn reactions from fellow artists, public figures, and commentators, with opinions sharply divided between those defending her right to speak on matters of faith and global violence, and those criticising what they see as a political and ideological shift. The Turning Point USA event itself has also attracted scrutiny, reflecting broader debates about celebrity involvement in politically charged causes.

Earlier in November, Minaj had spoken at a United Nations event hosted by the U.S. Mission, where she also highlighted alleged violence against Christians in Nigeria. That appearance marked the beginning of heightened public attention on her growing advocacy for religious freedom, a stance that continues to provoke both support and criticism worldwide.

Tags:
#NickiMinaj, #ChristianPersecution, #Nigeria

Six Zamfara Assembly Members Defect From PDP To APC, Strengthening Ruling Party’s Grip

Six members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant shift in the political balance of the state legislature. The lawmakers, who were elected on the PDP platform, formally announced their defection, further consolidating the APC’s influence in Zamfara State.
The defecting lawmakers are Hon. Muktar Nasir Kaura of Kaura North, Hon. Nasiru Abdullahi Maru representing Maru North, Hon. Amiru Ahmad Keta from Tsafe West, Hon. Bashar Aliyu Gummi of Gummi I Constituency, Barrister Bashir Abubakar Masama representing Bukkuyum North, and Hon. Bashir Bello of Bungudu West. Their exit alters the composition of the House and weakens the opposition PDP in the state.
The development comes amid a broader wave of defections affecting the PDP at both state and national levels. SaharaReporters had earlier reported that the PDP was reduced to just two members in the Rivers State caucus of the House of Representatives after six federal lawmakers defected to the APC, citing unresolved internal crises and divisions within the opposition party.
In the House of Representatives, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas attributed the defections to deep-seated political conflicts within the PDP, while the defecting lawmakers said the party’s internal instability had hindered their political ambitions. They declared their decision to align with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” under the APC.
The Zamfara defections further underscore the growing challenges confronting the PDP as the APC continues to attract lawmakers across states, tightening its grip on legislative institutions and reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of future elections.

Lagos Tanker Explosion Near University Kills Two As LASTMA Blames Overspeeding On Badagry Expressway

A tragic tanker explosion near the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) along the Oto-Ijanikin axis of the Badagry Expressway has claimed the lives of two people, sparking renewed concerns over road safety in Lagos. The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday when a diesel-laden Mack truck heading toward Agbara reportedly lost control while attempting to overtake another vehicle at high speed.

According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the tanker crashed and immediately burst into flames due to reckless overspeeding. The driver and an adult female passenger trapped inside the vehicle were unable to escape and died at the scene. LASTMA officials said their operatives swiftly arrived at the location, cordoned off the area, and contacted emergency responders, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Ijanikin Police Division.

Authorities also intervened to stop residents who had rushed to the scene with containers to scoop spilled diesel, warning that such actions are extremely dangerous and often lead to secondary explosions and preventable deaths. LASTMA stressed that the quick response of its officers helped avert a potentially larger disaster.

Emergency responders eventually extinguished the fire and removed the burnt tanker from the road, while the FRSC handled the recovery of the victims. The explosion caused significant traffic disruption along the busy Badagry Expressway, with motorists advised to expect delays as clearing operations continued.

LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing the deaths as painful and avoidable, particularly during the festive season. He cautioned tanker and articulated vehicle drivers to adhere strictly to speed limits and traffic regulations, noting that overspeeding remains a leading cause of fatal accidents in Lagos. He also issued a strong warning against fuel scooping at accident scenes, calling the practice irresponsible and a serious threat to public safety.

Malawi Confirms Vice President Jane Ansah’s UK Family Visit Will Cost Taxpayers $97,000 Amid Austerity

The Malawian government has officially confirmed that Vice President Jane Mayemu Ansah will embark on a two-week private family visit to the United Kingdom, a trip expected to cost taxpayers MK168,028,400 (approximately $97,000). The visit is scheduled to begin on December 26, 2025, and will run until January 10, 2026, with the Vice President travelling alongside a five-member delegation.

According to a statement issued in Lilongwe by the Minister of Information and Government Spokesperson, Dr. Shadric Namalomba, the trip received formal approval from President Peter Mutharika’s administration. The government noted that although the original projected cost of the visit was MK294,719,200, it was later reduced in line with the austerity measures announced by President Mutharika in October to curb public spending amid Malawi’s worsening economic situation.

Namalomba stated that the approved budget covers international flights and travel allowances for the delegation, insisting that the reduced figure reflects the administration’s commitment to prudent financial management and responsible use of public resources. However, the confirmation has intensified public debate, as the trip has been described as purely private, with no official diplomatic meetings or state engagements attached.

Critics argue that funding a private foreign visit with public money contradicts the government’s austerity narrative, especially at a time when Malawians are grappling with rising inflation, currency pressure, and economic hardship. The announcement has further fueled political backlash and scrutiny from civil society groups questioning the justification for the expenditure.

The confirmation follows earlier reports and public outrage over allegations that the Vice President planned to spend as much as $1.3 million in public funds to attend her husband’s 80th birthday celebration in the UK. The Office of the Vice President has since dismissed those claims as fake and misleading, maintaining that the approved cost of the trip is significantly lower. Despite this clarification, the controversy continues to dominate public discourse in Malawi.

KANO POLICE COMMAND ARRESTS FIVE SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS, CATTLE RUSTLERS IN INTELLIGENCE-LED OPERATIONS

The Kano State Police Command has recorded significant successes in its efforts to combat kidnapping and cattle rustling in the state as the Command's Anti-Kidnapping Squad and other units arrest five suspects in Kiru, and Tsanyawa LGAs.

A statement by the Command's Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa says acting on intelligence reports, a team of Police Operatives attached to the Command's Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS) on the direction of the Commissioner of Police, cordoned off Rahma Round in Kiru LGA, Kano State and arrested four suspects.

The suspects include Shafiu Ibrahim, 25 years old, of Auchanawa Village, Ikara LGA, Kaduna State.

The statement reveals that Shafiu confessed to belonging to a gang of kidnappers and involvement in a series of cattle rustling.

A TVS Motorcycle was recovered from him. The other three suspects are under investigation for other various felonious offences.

In a related operation, a combined team from Dragon Unit, Anti-Kidnapping Squad, and Tsanyawa Police Division, arrested Bishir Umar, 24 years old, of Karaduwa LGA, Katsina State, at Mahuta Village, Tsanyawa LGA, Kano State.

Bishir confessed that he and accomplices stormed Kano on two motorcycles with a rifle and was arrested while on surveillance, and others escaped with the motorcycles and rifle.

All suspects will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.

No Retreat, No Surrender Until Normalcy Returns to North-East — Chief of Air Staff

Nigeria's chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke says the Airforce will not retreat nor surrender until complete normalcy is restored to the north east and other troubled affected communities across the country.

The Chief of Air Staff represented by Chief of Air Intelligence Headquarters, Nigerian Airforce, Air Vice Marshal N.N Ananaba
stated this during a christmas luncheon with troops on the frontline held at the Headquarters, Air Component Operation Hadin Kai NAF base in Maiduguri.

The Nigerian Airforce had over the years been organizing such luncheon for troops on the frontline during religious festivals like christmas towards boosting their morale to perform optimally within the theatre.

This year is not different as the soldiers converged to be part of the historic event, listening attentively to the chief of air staff christmas message especially the need to utilize every opportunity provided by the airforce to deal with enemies of peace.

CHIEF OF STAFF GBAJABIAMILA NOT REPLACED BY MURI-OKUNOLA

The Presidency has dismissed reports that the Chief of Staff to the President has been replaced.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency described as false and misleading claims circulating on social media that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had replaced his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, with his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola.

There is absolutely no truth to this story. We advise Nigerians to disregard it entirely.

The Chief of Staff remains in his position. The Principal Private Secretary likewise remains in his role. Hakeem Muri-Okunola has not replaced Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff.

The viral claim is a fabrication by mischievous purveyors of fake news whose sole aim is to create disharmony within the government.

We reiterate that news media should always verify their information before publishing or sharing on social media.

Ex-AGF Malami Accuses EFCC of Blocking Court Order Service, Insists Bail Order Was Properly Served

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of deliberately evading compliance with a valid court order granting him bail. Malami’s camp insists that contrary to the EFCC’s claims, the anti-graft agency was properly served with the order but allegedly refused to acknowledge or accept it.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka, Malami said a court bailiff visited the EFCC offices a day after the order was issued, but officials of the commission declined to receive the documents. According to Malami, such refusal does not invalidate service under Nigerian law, as attempted service and subsequent delivery to legal representatives are sufficient to establish notice of a court order.

Malami further disclosed that the same bail order was later received by the chambers of Chief J.S. Okutepa (SAN), a senior advocate linked to the EFCC, arguing that this conclusively established the commission’s awareness of the court directive. The former AGF maintained that the EFCC’s continued detention of him therefore amounts to an attempt to sidestep judicial authority.

The EFCC, however, has firmly rejected these claims. In an earlier statement, its lead counsel, Okutepa, described reports of an ex-parte bail order as misleading, bizarre, and professionally irresponsible. He insisted that neither the EFCC nor his law firm was served with any court order directing Malami’s release and said he only learned of the alleged order through social media reports.

Okutepa also recalled that on December 10, 2025, Justice S.C. Oriji of the FCT High Court ordered Malami’s remand in EFCC custody for 14 days pending investigations, an order he said remains valid and subsisting. He added that a subsequent bail application filed by Malami’s legal team before another FCT High Court was dismissed on December 18, 2025, with the court affirming that Malami was not being unlawfully detained.

The legal dispute has now escalated into a public standoff, with Malami accusing the EFCC of contempt and the commission warning against what it described as abuse of judicial process and attempts to mislead the public. The controversy has further intensified scrutiny of the EFCC’s handling of high-profile corruption cases and the enforcement of court orders in Nigeria.

AFCON 2025: Morocco Opens Stadium Gates for Free After Kick-Off as Empty Seats Embarrass Organisers

Organisers of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco have come under criticism after resorting to opening stadium gates for free entry once matches were already underway, in a bid to mask embarrassingly low attendance figures during the tournament’s early stages. The move, confirmed by a senior Confederation of African Football (CAF) official speaking anonymously, was jointly approved by CAF and local organisers following repeated scenes of half-empty stadiums across host cities.

One of the most striking incidents occurred during the Group F match between Cameroon and Gabon in Agadir, where the game kicked off in front of largely deserted stands despite the stadium’s 45,000 capacity. Heavy rainfall further dampened turnout, but around 20 minutes into the match, gates were thrown open, allowing thousands of fans to enter without paying. This decision dramatically inflated the final attendance figure to 35,200, according to organisers.

A similar scenario played out in Rabat during the Group D clash between DR Congo and Benin, where official attendance figures were initially announced as 6,703 before being quietly revised to 13,073 after large numbers of unpaid spectators filled the stadium mid-match. These discrepancies have raised serious questions about the credibility of official attendance data released by tournament organisers.

Critics argue that the strategy prioritises optics over transparency, as organisers scramble to present AFCON 2025 as a successful continental showpiece. The controversy is particularly sensitive given Morocco’s ambition to bolster its global sporting reputation ahead of co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal. Despite tickets for most group-stage matches remaining widely available — starting from 100 dirhams — only a handful of fixtures involving Morocco and Algeria have sold out. Observers warn that the free-entry approach risks revenue losses, undermines tournament integrity, and could damage confidence in CAF’s event management standards going forward.

What’s the Cost of a Merry Christmas? Azu Ishiekwene Reflects on Power, Politics and Personal Choices

In this reflective Christmas opinion piece, Azu Ishiekwene departs from conventional year-end predictions to examine the deeper personal, political, and social costs of seeking a “merry” Christmas in a turbulent world. Writing against the backdrop of a chaotic global year marked by political disruption, Ishiekwene curates and revisits some of his most unusual and thought-provoking articles published in 2025.
Through humour, satire, and introspection, he reflects on Nigeria’s everyday frustrations—such as incomprehensible airport flight announcements—and broader continental issues, including the rise of algorithm-driven populism around Burkina Faso’s military leader, Ibrahim Traoré. He questions the substance behind viral political hero-worship and warns against mistaking online fantasy for real governance and reform.
The article also takes a deeply personal turn as Ishiekwene honours mentors and colleagues who shaped his journalism journey, highlighting how small acts of faith and guidance can define a lifetime. From tributes to seasoned journalists to reflections on career choices, love, regret, and ambition, he underscores the idea that life is lived forward, not in hindsight.
Politically, Ishiekwene revisits his controversial analysis of Peter Obi’s political future, cautioning against alliances that could undermine long-term ambition. He closes with a sober reminder that Christmas cheer should not come at the cost of critical thinking, moral clarity, or personal authenticity—urging readers to celebrate thoughtfully as they step into the New Year.

Christmas Reflections: Northern Nigeria’s Journey from Unity to Division

On Christmas Day, Samuel Aruwan reflects on Northern Nigeria’s historical trajectory, highlighting the contrast between its once-promising unity and its current state of division. He recalls Sir Ahmadu Bello’s 1959 Christmas message, which emphasized religious tolerance, shared citizenship, and mutual respect as foundational principles for the region. This vision of “Work and Worship” promoted coexistence and a common purpose despite ethnic and religious diversity.
Aruwan traces the erosion of this unity to the late 1970s, when political maneuvering, economic frustrations, and sectarian ideologies began to weaken communal bonds. Ethno-religious conflicts of the 1980s and 1990s, followed by terrorism and widespread banditry in the 21st century, further fragmented society. Incidents such as the Kaduna clashes (2000), Jos violence (2001), terror in Maiduguri (2009), and the spread of banditry from Zamfara (2011 onward) illustrate the human and social costs, including mass displacement, poverty, and insecurity.
Aruwan emphasizes that restoring Northern Nigeria’s cohesion requires deliberate, courageous leadership at all levels—community, religious, and political. He calls for a return to religious tolerance, impartial law enforcement, and rebuilding of trust as essential steps toward reconciliation. The article concludes that Northern Nigeria’s redemption depends on acknowledging past failures and actively reconstructing a society rooted in mutual respect, security, and opportunity for all.

JUST IN: Organisers of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco are allowing supporters to enter stadiums for free after kick-off in matches where the stands are not full, a Confederation of African Football source told AFP.

Gov. Ododo Greets Christians at Christmas, Harps on Peace, Unity

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has conveyed heartfelt Christmas goodwill message to Christians across the State, describing the sacred feast of the Nativity as a solemn reminder of selfless love, meekness and devotion to the service of mankind.

In his message through his Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Ismaila Isah, the Governor reflected on the spiritual depth of the season, noting that the birth of Jesus Christ calls believers to walk in patience, forbearance goodwill and virtues that strengthen harmony and communal living.

Governor Ododo observed that the enduring lessons of Christmas remain vital to the growth of Kogi State, urging citizens to uphold the spirit of brotherhood, restraint and collective duty as pillars for lasting peace and progress.

He stated that his administration remains guided by these timeless ideals in the pursuit of good governance, public order, and the steady advancement of the state, anchored on inclusive policies and geared towards the well-being of the populace.

The Governor further assured that the security and welfare of the people remain topmost priorities of the government, pledging continued efforts to safeguard lives and livelihoods.

He prayed that the joy of Christmas abide in every household accross Nigeria, rekindle hope in every individual and usher the people into a New Year marked by peace, diligence and shared prosperity.