Nigeria, Benin Foreign Ministers Meet in Abuja, Address Failed Coup and Regional Security Threats

Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, and his Beninese counterpart, Olushegun Adjadi Bakar, met at the ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja to discuss the recent failed coup attempt in Benin and rising security challenges across West Africa. Both ministers emphasized the need for deeper regional cooperation, with Tuggar noting that much of Nigeria’s insecurity stems from external influences. Benin’s minister confirmed that Nigerian military support was sought to neutralize coup plotters positioned in sensitive locations, praising the swift response that helped restore order. The two nations called for a standby regional force to counter future destabilisation attempts, while authorities continue hunting the coup leader, Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri.


#RegionalSecurity

#ECOWAS

#BeninCoup

Terrorists Demand ₦30m Ransom for Three Brothers Kidnapped After Mother’s Burial in Kwara

Three relatives returning from their mother’s burial in Agboro, Kwara State, have been abducted by terrorists who are now demanding ₦10 million each, totalling ₦30 million. The victims — Isanlu Bidemi (33), Olumide (30), and their 17-year-old cousin Moses — were kidnapped on December 7 along the Odo-Ogbe axis in Yagba East. A fourth traveler was also seized. The grieving family’s attempt to negotiate with ₦3 million was rejected as the abductors intensified threats and beatings. The incident adds to growing insecurity in the Yagba area, where kidnappings and daylight ambushes have surged, prompting renewed calls for urgent government intervention.


#KogiInsecurity #KidnappingCrisis #YagbaEast

17 Killed as Militias Ambush Returning IDPs in Taraba’s Wukari Area

At least 17 people were killed and eight injured when armed militias ambushed returning IDPs in Tse Ajogo village, Wukari LGA of Taraba State. The attack, which occurred around 6 a.m. on December 10, saw gunmen storm the community in a coordinated operation, shooting residents and burning seven houses. Several villagers remain missing. Security analyst Zagazola Makama confirmed it was the second attack on the resettling community within two months, warning that militias appear intent on disrupting return efforts. Authorities have begun tracking the attackers, urging increased patrols and vigilance among local communities, particularly Tiv settlements in the area.


#Taraba #Insecurity #IDPs

Zamfara Bandits Kill Political Leader After Collecting N15m Ransom, Months After Abduction

Armed bandits in Zamfara State have killed Hon. Mu’azu Zannan Gwashi, a local political leader abducted on July 22, 2025, despite collecting a negotiated N15 million ransom. The attackers initially demanded N30 million before reducing it, only to later insist on the full amount after receiving the first payment. Gwashi remained in captivity for about five months before his death was confirmed by community sources. The incident highlights the worsening insecurity in Zamfara, where kidnappings and violent attacks by armed groups remain rampant despite ongoing security operations.


#ZamfaraInsecurity #BanditryNigeria #KidnappingCrisis

Catholic Laity Council Joins Bishops in Condemning Rising Insecurity, Urges Government Action

The Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria (CLCN) has joined the Catholic Bishops’ Conference in strongly condemning the escalating insecurity affecting communities across Nigeria, especially in the Northern and Middle Belt regions. In a statement signed by its national leaders, the council lamented the increasing attacks on innocent citizens and praised Catholic bishops in Benue State for their steady leadership during the crisis. CLCN also welcomed a US-based fact-finding team for drawing global attention to Nigeria’s worsening security situation. The council urged the government to take immediate, decisive action to protect lives and property, while calling on Nigerians to reject violence and promote unity and peaceful coexistence.

Two Killed as Bandits Attack Tudun Wadan Rido Village in Kaduna

Armed bandits launched a deadly nighttime assault on Tudun Wadan Rido in Kaduna State’s Chikun Local Government Area, killing two residents and leaving several others injured. Witnesses said the attackers arrived in large numbers and opened fire indiscriminately before fleeing. The injured victims were rushed to a nearby hospital, while authorities have yet to issue an official statement. The attack comes amid a surge in insecurity across Kaduna, including the recent abduction of Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ezema, further highlighting the vulnerability of rural communities.

Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters Orders Immediate Removal of Unauthorized Roadblocks Nationwide

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has issued a directive ordering the immediate dismantling of non-essential roadblocks and unauthorized checkpoints across major highways in Nigeria. The internal memo, signed by Brigadier General A. Rabiu for the Chief of Defence Staff, warns that the proliferation of unapproved checkpoints is disrupting movement, reducing operational efficiency, and exposing troops to unnecessary risks. Commanders have been instructed to retain only approved control points while replacing static posts with mobile, intelligence-driven patrols. The order comes amid rising public concern over insecurity and road travel challenges nationwide.

Insecurity: Tinubu Orders Withdrawal of Police From VIPs
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his directive for police officers attached to VIPs to be withdrawn and reassigned to communities facing serious security threats.
He also instructed the Minister of Interior to collaborate with the IGP and NSCDC to ensure that NSCDC officers replace the withdrawn police personnel.

#NigeriaNews #SecurityUpdates #Tinubu #NSCDC

Tinubu Orders Shettima to Convene NEC Meeting on Ranching Amid Rising Farmer-Herder Clashes

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to summon a special National Executive Council (NEC) meeting focused on resolving Nigeria’s escalating farmer-herder crisis through ranching reforms. The directive comes as violent clashes surge across several states. Tinubu also ordered the immediate training, arming, and deployment of additional forest guards to combat kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism. According to the presidency, the worsening insecurity demands a more aggressive, coordinated national response to protect citizens.


#Tinubu
#Ranching
#Insecurity

Abuja Court Frees 11 #EndBadGovernance Protesters, Dismisses Treason and Terrorism Charges

A Federal High Court in Abuja has acquitted 11 activists arrested during the 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests, striking out all treason and terrorism-related charges brought against them. Justice Emeka Nwite ruled that the allegations were unfounded, marking what activist Adaramoye Michael Lenin described as a “historic victory.” The protesters had been detained for over a year after security agencies accused them of attempting to destabilise the country during nationwide demonstrations fuelled by economic hardship, insecurity, and public frustration under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Human rights groups consistently condemned the charges as politically motivated attempts to suppress dissent. With the ruling, all accused individuals have been fully discharged.

#EndBadGovernance

#HumanRights

#AbujaCourt

State Police, death penalty for kidnappers’ll address insecurity.

~ South West leaders say

FCT Police Arrest Abuja Resident Accused of Supplying Ammunition to Zamfara Bandits

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested 32-year-old Ahmed Abubakar from Anguwan Dodo, Gwagwalada, for allegedly supplying ammunition to bandits in Zamfara State. The arrest, made on December 7, followed actionable intelligence received by the Command’s Tactical Team. Investigations revealed that Abubakar had been working with an associate, Yusuf Mohammed, to procure 1,000 rounds of ammunition, allegedly under instructions from his uncle and key accomplice, Ahmed Yakubu, who is currently at large. Police say the suspect is in custody as efforts continue to dismantle the wider criminal network fueling insecurity in the region.

INSECURITY: President Tinubu directs NIPSS to study situation and recommend solutions

Ex-Kano Anti-Graft Boss Compares Corrupt Nigerian Politicians to Deadly Drug Cartels

Former Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, says combating corruption in Nigeria is as dangerous as confronting Colombian drug cartels. Speaking at the launch of the 19th Compendium on 100 High-Profile Corruption Cases in Lagos, he revealed that investigations during his tenure exposed billions in diverted public funds, fraudulent PPP projects, and illicit IGR schemes linked to powerful political figures, including former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. Magaji warned that corruption fuels poverty, insecurity, and banditry in the North, describing corrupt politicians as ruthless actors willing to kill to protect stolen wealth. He alleged that some policemen are being used against him despite having legal authorization to prosecute cases. The event, organized by HEDA to mark International Anti-Corruption Day, emphasized youth involvement in shaping a future of integrity.

Human Rights Day: RULAAC Urges Nigerian Government to End Widespread Citizens’ Rights Violations

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called on the Nigerian government to treat human rights as essential daily needs rather than abstract promises. In a statement marking Human Rights Day 2025, Executive Director Okechukwu Nwanguma highlighted the year’s theme, “Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials,” stressing the importance of access to clean water, healthcare, education, justice, housing, and freedom of expression. RULAAC lamented widespread rights violations caused by corruption, insecurity, poor governance, police brutality, and collapsing social services. The group urged the Tinubu administration to move beyond rhetoric by improving basic services, guaranteeing civic freedoms, reforming law enforcement, protecting vulnerable groups, and addressing insecurity through rights-respecting approaches. It reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring abuses and advocating for a Nigeria where human dignity is upheld daily.

Soyinka Slams ‘Private Battalion’ Escorting Tinubu’s Son, Warns of Dangerous Misuse of Security Forces

Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka has sparked nationwide debate after criticising the massive security convoy assigned to President Tinubu’s son, Seyi, describing it as large enough to “crush” the recent coup attempt in Benin Republic. Speaking at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism Awards in Lagos, he condemned the concentration of heavily armed operatives around one individual while Nigeria battles widespread insecurity. Soyinka warned that the misallocation of security resources highlights distorted national priorities and threatens public safety. He also criticised Nigeria’s involvement in Benin’s failed coup, warned about the dangers of misinformation, and condemned ongoing demolitions in Lagos. As public scrutiny intensifies, the Presidency has yet to respond.

Falana Warns Nigeria Risks Military Coup Without Political Pluralism, Open Civic Space

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has warned that Nigeria must urgently embrace political pluralism and expand civic freedoms to avoid the growing wave of military coups destabilising West Africa. Speaking on Channels TV, Falana said widespread poverty, insecurity, shrinking civic space, and the criminalisation of dissent are fueling public anger across the region. He criticised INEC for restricting the registration of ideological political parties and warned that Nigeria risks sliding toward a one-party state. Citing the recent failed coup in Benin Republic, Falana stressed that suppressing opposition, jailing critics, or limiting political space undermines democracy and increases instability.

NPHCDA Confirms Use of Soldiers to Escort Vaccination Teams in Insecurity-Hit Northern Communities

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has confirmed that soldiers are now escorting vaccination teams into communities heavily affected by insurgency and banditry across northern Nigeria. Speaking in Abuja, Director of Disease and Immunisation Rufai Ahmed revealed that military support is being used in “real difficult areas” to ensure child immunisation continues despite insecurity. He noted that over 202,000 children in Kebbi and Bayelsa have received the R21 malaria vaccine since December 2024, while Nigeria still has about 2.1 million zero-dose children, mostly in conflict-hit northern states. The agency says it has tracked and vaccinated more than 500,000 previously unreached children and recruited thousands of frontline workers, many serving in militarised zones. Officials insist they will continue pushing vaccination into remote and dangerous communities, even if it requires military escorts, to prevent children from dying of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Insecurity has no religious undertone

~ Fagbemi tells visiting U.S. delegates

Senate summons aviation minister over surge in domestic airfares

The Senate has summoned the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, and key stakeholders in the sector for an urgent interaction following public outcry over the sudden rise in domestic airfares.

The resolution came during plenary today December 9 after Buhari Abdulfatai raised a motion on the floor of the Senate, warning that the soaring prices pose a serious threat to mobility and could trigger nationwide travel disruption in the coming days.

Leading the debate, Senator Buhari from Oyo state noted that Nigerians have continuously decried the rise in cost of domestic flights.

He revealed that a one-way ticket from Abuja to Lagos now costs between N400,000 and N600,000, an amount many citizens can no longer afford.

The lawmaker argued that the situation is especially distressing given the increasing difficulty and insecurity on major highways.

“We need to invite stakeholders of our airline agencies to interact and interrogate the issues. Immediate steps must be taken before the festive period,” he said

Other senators echoed similar concerns.

Senator Orji Kalu however attempted to justify the airlines’ fare increases by pointing to rising operational costs and the soaring price of spare parts, an explanation that was met with rousing disapproval from several lawmakers.

The lawmakers unanimously agreed to summon the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, airline operators, regulators and other industry stakeholders to given reasons for the increase in fares and how it can be reduced.