PRESIDENCY REWARDS MISTA-ALI FOR COMMITMENT TO PEACE

The Presidency has awarded with a cash prize award to Mista - Ali community leader, Bassa local government area of Plateau state, Sarki Danladi in recognition of their commitment to peace.

The award is in recognition of his outstanding performance in the Community Social Cohesion challenge by demonstrating peaceful coexistence across religious and ethnic lines, while jointly addressing security challenges.

The challenge was organised by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on community engagement, North Central, Abiodun Essiet.

Sarki Danladi received a cash prize of #500,000 In addition to an intervention project to be channeled to the community to further support and sustain their efforts.

By the judgement of the organisers,
Mista Ali Community, Bassa LGA stands out for its remarkable interfaith solidarity.

During periods of unrest in surrounding areas, Christian youths voluntarily protect mosques, while Muslim youths safeguard churches. This practice of mutual protection continues to this day.

Air Peace Flight Grounded After Conveyor Belt Damages Engine Cover, Disrupts Operations On Nine Routes — NCAA

Operations on an Air Peace flight were severely disrupted after a ground handler’s conveyor belt struck and damaged the aircraft’s engine cover while passengers were already on board, forcing an unscheduled deboarding and widespread delays. The incident, confirmed by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Michael Achimugu, rendered the aircraft unsafe to continue operations. The affected plane, a newly acquired Embraer E2 jet, had been scheduled to operate nine sectors and was fully booked until January 15, 2026, meaning all passengers on those routes faced delays or cancellations. Achimugu explained that despite the damage being caused by a third-party service provider, airlines often bear passenger anger, financial losses, regulatory sanctions, refund obligations, and costly foreign repairs. He stressed the need for stricter regulation and accountability for ground handling services, transparency in informing passengers about the true causes of disruptions, and stronger sanctions against negligent service providers to protect airlines and restore confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

ADC Accuses Tinubu Of Incompetence Over US Military Airstrikes In Sokoto, Demands Clarity On Terrorists Killed

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the United States AFRICOM airstrikes on alleged terrorist locations in Sokoto State, describing the operation as evidence of failure in Nigeria’s security leadership. In a statement by its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party warned that allowing foreign military forces to conduct operations on Nigerian soil raises serious sovereignty concerns. While acknowledging the need to combat terrorism, the ADC questioned why Nigeria did not lead the operation despite years of heavy security spending and demanded full disclosure on the terms of engagement with the US, Nigeria’s level of operational control, and the number of terrorists killed in the strike.

RULAAC Petitions Police IG Over Death Of Enugu Resident Nnamdi Chidi, Demands Independent And Transparent Probe

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, seeking an independent and transparent investigation into the death of Nnamdi Chidi in Agunese Mmaku Community, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State. The group said conflicting narratives surrounding the circumstances of Chidi’s death have raised serious concerns about police accountability, investigative integrity and public trust. RULAAC urged the police to authorise a fresh forensic and medical review, authenticate witness statements and audio-visual evidence, and examine the conduct of all police units involved to ensure justice, restore public confidence and prevent further communal tension.

EXCLUSIVE: How Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed’s Nephew Allegedly Used Courts, Lawyers To Jail EFCC Witness In ₦4.6bn Fraud Case

Fresh allegations have surfaced in the ₦4.6 billion money laundering case involving Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, with claims that Muntaka Mohammed Duguri, a nephew of Governor Bala Mohammed, orchestrated a plot to silence a key EFCC witness. Sources allege that Duguri weaponised civil and Sharia courts, colluded with lawyers, bribed judicial officers and facilitated the remand of Ishaku Mohammed Aliyu, a crucial prosecution witness, in prison while his property was allegedly sold off. The developments have reportedly stalled the EFCC’s case, as Aliyu’s testimony is considered vital to the prosecution, raising serious concerns about judicial abuse, corruption and obstruction of justice in the high-profile fraud investigation.

POLICE SMASH CRIMINAL RINGS, ARREST 22 IN MULTI-STATE OPERATIONS, RECOVERED VEHICLES AND MOTORCYCLES

The Nigeria Police Force Special Tactical Squad has recorded major operational successes in a series of intelligence-driven raids carried out across several states of the federation, leading to the arrest of twenty-two suspects linked to armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, car snatching, impersonation and drug trafficking.

According to a statement by the Force, operatives recovered six firearms, including AK-47 and AK-49 rifles, a sub-machine gun, pump-action gun and an LAR rifle, alongside assorted ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs and other incriminating exhibits believed to have been used in the commission of various crimes.

A major breakthrough was recorded along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway, where thirteen brand-new motorcycles were intercepted and a suspect linked to economic sabotage was arrested. In the Federal Capital Territory, operatives apprehended an escapee from the Kuje Custodial Centre as well as a suspect impersonating a police officer. Further arrests were also made in Edo, Lagos, Ogun and Nasarawa States.

Commending the operatives for their professionalism and dedication, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Force’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, dismantling criminal networks and sustaining nationwide security operations. He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing policing efforts across the country.

Nigerian Air Force Confirms C-130 Aircraft Detained In Burkina Faso Has Safely Arrived Portugal For Maintenance

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that its C-130 aircraft, NAF 913, earlier detained in Burkina Faso over alleged airspace violations, has safely arrived in Lisbon, Portugal, for scheduled depot maintenance. According to NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the aircraft completed a ferry flight on December 26, 2025, transiting through Banjul and Casablanca in line with approved flight plans and aviation safety procedures. He noted that the aircraft and crew arrived without incident and remain in high spirits. The detention, which lasted about 10 days, was resolved following diplomatic engagements led by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, including talks with Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré, paving the way for the aircraft’s release and onward journey.

South Africa’s EFF Condemns US Christmas Day Airstrikes In Nigeria, Warns Of Growing American Militarism And Threat To African Sovereignty

South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has strongly criticised the United States over Christmas Day airstrikes carried out in northwest Nigeria, reportedly in Sokoto State, describing the action as military imperialism and a grave violation of African sovereignty. In a statement, the EFF accused US President Donald Trump of using inflammatory religious rhetoric to justify the strikes and of oversimplifying Nigeria’s complex security crisis into a religious conflict. The party argued that violence in northern Nigeria is driven by poverty, banditry, insurgency, and governance failures affecting all communities, not just Christians. It also faulted the Nigerian government’s response, describing its praise of US–Nigeria security cooperation as capitulation to foreign military pressure. Warning that American interventions are driven by selfish economic interests such as oil, the EFF urged African governments and institutions to resist what it called expanding US militarism on the continent.

Afenifere Faction Backs Trump, Hails US–Nigeria Christmas Day Airstrikes On ISIS Terrorists In Sokoto

A faction of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has thrown its weight behind former US President Donald Trump and the United States military over the Christmas Day airstrikes carried out against ISIS-linked terrorists in North-West Nigeria. In a statement signed by its Organising Secretary, Kole Omololu, the group described the joint US–Nigerian military operation in Sokoto as timely and necessary, arguing that years of insecurity and ineffective governance justified foreign assistance. Afenifere said true sovereignty lies in the ability of a government to protect its citizens and urged Nigerians to support, rather than criticise, the counter-terrorism operation. The endorsement followed confirmations by both the Nigerian government and Defence Headquarters that the strikes were approved and marked one of the most significant US military interventions on Nigerian soil in the fight against terrorism.

Nigerian Nurses Forum Condemns Alleged Threats, Intimidation, Forced Resignation Of Whistleblower Nurse Rufus Mojisola In Kwara State

The Elegant Nurses Forum has strongly condemned what it described as sustained threats, intimidation, and gross human rights violations against Nurse Rufus Mojisola, a whistleblower in Kwara State. According to the forum, Mojisola was allegedly punished for standing up for professional ethics, patient safety, and truth. The group claimed she was illegally transferred to a facility affected by terrorist activities, attacked by suspected thugs, and coerced into resigning after threats were allegedly issued to her family. The forum accused state and local actors of fostering a climate of fear and demanded the reversal of her resignation, payment of outstanding entitlements, guaranteed security for nurses, and an independent investigation. It warned that failure to act within 72 hours would lead to escalation to national and international bodies, including the UN and the International Council of Nurses.

EXCLUSIVE: Lagos Paid Tinubu-Linked Alpha-Beta Firm ₦213Billion Commission In Last Two Years –Sources

According to the internal figures from the Alpha-Beta Strategy, Lagos State’s tax revenue stood at “₦1,252,669,245,400.07” as of December 31, 2024. By October 31, 2025, the figure had risen to “₦1,409,018,340,857.74”, reflecting a significant increase in the state’s internally generated revenue under the existing tax administration structure.

Ogun Police Arrest Eight Yoruba Nation Agitators for ‘Unlawful Assembly’ in Sango-Ota

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested eight individuals linked to the group “Democratic Republic of the Yoruba” for allegedly engaging in unlawful assembly, obstructing traffic, and assaulting police officers in Sango-Ota. The arrests followed incidents at Temidire Junction and the Sango-Ota under-bridge, where the group reportedly barricaded roads, set bonfires, and disrupted public order.
Police recovered a Toyota Dyna vehicle used by the group, public address speakers, flags, shirts, banners, and a manifesto connected to the agitation. The suspects—identified as Adewale Sosanya, Opeyemi Oladotun, Zara Gabriel, Ajoke Gabriel, Adewale Adebomojo, Yusuf Tanimowo, Olurotimi Ademola, and Toyin Gabriel—are under investigation and will be charged to court once the probe concludes.
The Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, reassured residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, warning that any acts breaching public peace or assaults on officers will face decisive action. Residents were urged to remain law-abiding and report suspicious activities promptly.

US Republican Lawmakers Praise Trump for Sokoto Airstrikes Against ISIS in Nigeria

The Conference of Republican Lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives has commended former President Donald Trump for authorizing airstrikes against ISIS terrorists in Sokoto State, Nigeria. According to the lawmakers, the strikes were a decisive action against militants reportedly targeting Christians.
Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, emphasized that the airstrikes were a coordinated operation between Nigerian and U.S. authorities, highlighting that Nigeria supplied the intelligence for the mission. Tuggar stressed that the strikes were not aimed at any religion and were part of broader efforts to combat terrorism while safeguarding citizens in a multi-religious country.
The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed multiple ISIS terrorists were killed in the strikes. President Trump framed the operation as part of his administration’s commitment to preventing radical Islamic terrorism from flourishing. Nigerian officials have rejected the religious framing of violence, noting that victims of terrorism include citizens of various faiths across the country.

Exclusive: Lagos Paid Tinubu-Linked Alpha-Beta Consulting ₦213 Billion Commission in Two Years

SaharaReporters sources reveal that Alpha-Beta Consulting LLP, a firm linked to President Bola Tinubu, earned over ₦213 billion in commissions from Lagos State’s internally generated revenue over the past two years. The firm reportedly receives an 8% commission on all tax collections. In 2024, the firm earned approximately ₦100.2 billion, while in 2025, it received about ₦112.7 billion. Internal projections suggest even higher commissions in 2026 if the arrangement continues.
Allegations against Alpha-Beta include systematic underreporting of employee salaries and tax underpayment, raising concerns over transparency and public fund management. Former employees and civil society groups, including the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), have escalated these claims to the police, EFCC, ICPC, and relevant finance ministries. The consultancy’s longstanding links to President Tinubu, who previously governed Lagos State, amplify scrutiny over the arrangement.

AAC Chairman Warns Against US Airstrikes in Sokoto, Cautions Nigeria on Sovereignty and Long-Term Instability

The African Action Congress (AAC) Chairman for the FCT, Agena A. Robert, has warned Nigerians against celebrating recent U.S. airstrikes on alleged terrorist targets in Sokoto State. He cautioned that foreign military intervention risks undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty and could lead to long-term instability. In a statement titled “A Wake-Up Call for Nigerians: Don’t Trade Sovereignty for Short-Term Gains,” Robert argued that such strikes make Nigeria a potential battleground for global power interests and criticized the government for appearing merely “notified, not consulted.” He emphasized that foreign powers exploit conflicts rather than solve them, urging Nigerians to seek local solutions, strengthen regional cooperation via ECOWAS and Lake Chad Basin partners, and hold the Presidency accountable for approving foreign military operations. Robert stressed that addressing terrorism requires tackling root causes like poverty, corruption, and governance failures, rather than relying solely on airstrikes.

Gunmen Attack Church During Service in South-West Niger Republic, Kill Married Couple

Gunmen attacked a church in Mailo village, Dosso region, Niger Republic, during a late-night Christian service, killing a husband and wife. Witnesses reported that the attackers opened fire while worshippers were attending mass, causing panic and forcing some to flee to neighboring villages or hide in the surrounding bush. The assailants also stole cattle before fleeing. Niger Republic has faced long-standing insurgency from armed groups linked to Al-Qaeda and ISIS, with nearly 2,000 conflict-related deaths reported this year alone. Despite generally peaceful Christian-Muslim relations, western regions of Niger, including Tillaberi, have previously experienced deadly attacks on places of worship.

BREAKING: SGF George Akume Marries Queen Zaynab, Formerly Married to Ooni of Ife

George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has married Queen Zaynab Ngohemba-George Akume Dajoh, formerly married to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. The marriage announcement was made by the Dajoh family on Facebook, welcoming Queen Zaynab into the family and Benue State. Queen Zaynab, previously known as Olori Wuraola during her royal marriage, had divorced the Ooni in 2017 and later married a wealthy Arab prince, with whom she reportedly has a daughter. The union with SGF Akume marks her latest high-profile marriage. Several photos of the couple and family members have circulated online, highlighting the festive celebration and family reception.

BREAKING: SGF George Akume Marries Queen Zaynab, Formerly Married to Ooni of Ife

George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has married Queen Zaynab Ngohemba-George Akume Dajoh, formerly married to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. The marriage announcement was made by the Dajoh family on Facebook, welcoming Queen Zaynab into the family and Benue State. Queen Zaynab, previously known as Olori Wuraola during her royal marriage, had divorced the Ooni in 2017 and later married a wealthy Arab prince, with whom she reportedly has a daughter. The union with SGF Akume marks her latest high-profile marriage. Several photos of the couple and family members have circulated online, highlighting the festive celebration and family reception.

US War Secretary Pete Hegseth Thanks Nigeria for Cooperation in Christmas Day Counterterrorism Operation

United States War Secretary Pete Hegseth has expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government for its cooperation in the recent US-led airstrikes against terrorist targets in Nigeria’s North-West region. The strikes, conducted on Christmas Day, were part of broader counterterrorism operations following Nigeria’s designation as a "Country of Particular Concern" by former President Donald Trump. Hegseth highlighted the importance of Nigeria’s support in ensuring the operation’s success and emphasized that extremists were confronted with the consequences of continued violence. Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar confirmed that President Bola Tinubu personally approved the strikes, stressing that the operations were joint, aimed at combating terrorism, and not targeting any religion. The collaborative efforts underscore growing US-Nigeria military cooperation amid heightened security challenges in the North-West.

“I Don Stop to Dey Give Women Belle”: 2Baba Declares Himself a Reformed and Focused Man

Veteran Nigerian singer Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has publicly announced that he has reformed his lifestyle and will no longer impregnate women indiscriminately. Speaking at MC Edo Pikin Undiluted on December 23, 2025, 2Baba said his confession aims to correct misconceptions about his personal life rather than seek attention. He emphasized that he is now focused, disciplined, and will avoid sharing personal stories online. Fans and netizens have reacted with mixed opinions, debating his past choices and current intentions. Earlier, 2Baba and his wife, Natasha Osawaru, received a grand welcome at Benin airport during the festive celebrations.