Troops of the Nigerian army have repelled a failed attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mairari in Borno State, neutralising two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) and recovering arms and other items during a follow-up operation.

Sources told Nigerian Military Gallery on Saturday that the terrorists attempted to attack the base but were thwarted, with several of them killed and others wounded.

The sources said that the terrorists evacuating their dead and injured after the failed assault.

According to the sources, at about 6:10 a.m. on Friday, troops of Sector 3 Stabilisation Operation, supported by the Theatre Command Quick Reaction Force, the Nigeria Police crack team and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), conducted an exploitation operation in the area.

“During the exploitation, troops discovered several terrorist corpses and recovered assorted items, including five motorcycles, two Android phones, AK-47 rifles, a belt containing 165 rounds of PKT ammunition, five AK-47 magazines loaded with 30 rounds each, and 59 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition,” the sources said.

The sources added that other items recovered included blankets, a hand grenade, a combat boot, a flak jacket, plastic bottles containing engine oil, a stretcher, a wristwatch, a camel bag, spinners and a motorcycle pump.

The sources further disclosed that the two VBIEDs used in the attack were destroyed by troops using SHILKA firepower, resulting in significant damage to the road at two separate points.

“No casualty was recorded on the side of the troops. They remain dominant and have continued fighting patrols to secure the general area,” the sources added.

Tinubu Dismisses Claims of Christian or Muslim Genocide, Says Nigeria’s Crisis Is Criminality-Driven

President Bola Tinubu has refuted allegations of religious genocide in Nigeria, insisting the country’s insecurity stems from criminality and extremism rather than Christian–Muslim conflict. Speaking at NASFAT’s Biennial Conference in Abuja, he emphasized that both Muslims and Christians are victims of terrorism and urged Nigerians to reject divisive narratives. Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to security reforms, economic stability, and collaboration with faith-based organisations to promote unity and resilience.

#NigeriaSecurity
#Tinubu
#ReligiousUnity

Democrats release new batch of materials from Epstein's archive

Among the items are condoms with Trump's face and the inscription "I'M HUGE!", as well as a photo of Epstein with Trump, Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, and others.

One of the photos shows Trump with six women, their faces obscured.

Congressman Robert Garcia stated that the release aims to draw attention to Epstein's connections with influential figures.

Primate Ayodele Denies Extortion Allegations Against Oyo Minister Adebayo Adelabu

Primate Elijah Ayodele of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church has denied claims that he attempted to extort N150 million from Oyo State Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, in exchange for spiritual intercession to secure his governorship bid. Adelabu had filed a petition with the DSS accusing Ayodele of blackmail, fake prophecies, and demands for costly items. Ayodele insists the requests were symbolic, no money exchanged hands, and his prophecies are independent of financial gain.

Primate Ayodele Denies Extortion Claims Against Oyo Minister Adebayo Adelabu

Primate Elijah Ayodele of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church has denied allegations that he attempted to extort N150 million from Oyo State Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, in exchange for spiritual intercession to secure his governorship bid. Adelabu had filed a petition with the DSS accusing Ayodele of blackmail, fake prophecies, and demands for costly items. Ayodele insists no money changed hands and the requests were symbolic, emphasizing that his prophecies are independent of financial gain.

Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, Petitions DSS Over Primate Ayodele’s N150m Spiritual Demand

Bayo Adelabu, Nigeria’s minister of power and former Oyo governorship candidate, has petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS), accusing Primate Elijah Ayodele, founder of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Lagos, of attempting to extort N150 million from him for “spiritual intercession” to secure his governorship bid. Adelabu has confirmed his intention to contest the 2027 Oyo governorship election.

In the petition dated October 13, 2025, signed by his aide Bolaji Tunji, Adelabu alleged that Ayodele made false prophecies to tarnish his reputation after he declined the cleric’s demands, which included a large sum of money and costly spiritual items.

Text messages reviewed by TheCable show Ayodele instructed Adelabu to provide 24 APC flags and 1,000 saxophones/trumpets, with the cheapest Nigerian grade totaling N50 million and imported Chinese grade-one instruments reaching N130 million, initially due by April 1, later extended to April 4.

The cleric claimed his requests were “instructions from God” and insisted Adelabu perform rituals, including reciting prayers and vigil acts, assuring him divine intervention would secure electoral success. Adelabu reportedly told the cleric he could not afford the expensive items.

Following this, Ayodele publicly stated in his church that Adelabu had failed and would not become Oyo governor, describing his warnings as messages from God and daring the minister to take legal action against him. This petition highlights allegations of spiritual bl@ckmailand an attempt to manipulate a political process through financial and ritual demands.

Anambra Police Arrest Two Suspects Supplying Food and Logistics to Armed Groups Behind Killings, Kidnappings

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested two suspected members of a logistics network accused of supplying food and essential items to an armed criminal group linked to secessionist activities across Ihiala, Nnewi South, and Aguata. The suspects—Mmadubuchi Ike and Chinonso Izunobi—were apprehended during a raid on December 11. Police say they provided support to a camp responsible for kidnappings, targeted killings, and recent violent attacks, including the murder of a local youth leader. Security operatives recovered firearms and ammunition during the operation as authorities intensify efforts to curb rising insecurity ahead of the festive season.


#AnambraSecurity #PoliceArrests #SoutheastInsecurity

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

Minefields will no longer stop the army!

The Turkish military has unveiled a system that could change the rules of warfare: the MKE Alpay can clear safe corridors through minefields in just minutes — in areas where even tanks were previously forced to halt.

The vehicle uses powerful linear charges to create passageways for infantry and armored units without the risk of triggering mines — and, importantly, it is a fully Turkish design with no imported components.

Ankara is steadily building its own defense industry, and Alpay now joins systems like MEMATT, showing that Turkey aims not only to support its allies but also to protect its own soldiers where the only option used to be operating under extreme risk.

Kano Seizes 4,920 Bottles of Beer, Hands Trucks to Hisbah for Destruction

Kano State authorities have intercepted 4,920 bottles of beer after operatives of the Kano Road Traffic Agency (KAROTA) impounded three trucks transporting alcoholic beverages during a night operation. KAROTA’s Managing Director, Faisal Mahmud, said the seizure was part of their mandate to monitor suspicious movements and curb the circulation of intoxicants deemed harmful to public health. The confiscated trucks and goods were handed over to the Hisbah Board, whose Commander-General, Sheikh Aminu Daurawa, commended the vigilance of KAROTA officers. Hisbah officials stated that due process would precede the destruction of the items and reaffirmed continued collaboration to stop prohibited goods from entering the state.



#KanoNews #HisbahOperations #AlcoholSeizure

Ekiti Agro-Allied International Airport Begins Operations as United Nigeria Airlines Launches First Direct Flight

Ekiti State has commenced commercial operations at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport following a N49.7 billion investment by successive administrations. United Nigeria Airlines operated the inaugural direct flight from Abuja, carrying dignitaries and marking the beginning of passenger services. Governor Biodun Oyebanji revealed that N14 billion was spent between 2019 and 2022, while his administration invested an additional N34 billion to complete crucial infrastructure, including the terminal, control tower, drainage systems, and Instrument Landing System.
The governor praised the contributions of former governors and Aare Afe Babalola, who donated $1.6 million worth of navigational equipment. Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo described the milestone as a boost for regional trade and job creation. In a related development, Ogun State’s Gateway International Airport is also preparing to receive its first commercial flight after securing regulatory approval.

The Federal Government has approved a comprehensive upgrade of navigational and communication systems across airports nationwide, aimed at strengthening air safety, modernising infrastructure, and improving the passenger experience.

~ Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has disclosed

Atiku Demands Independent Probe Into Alleged Army Killing of Female Protesters in Adamawa

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for a transparent and independent investigation into allegations that soldiers from the 23 Brigade shot and killed female protesters in Lamurde, Adamawa State. The unrest stems from renewed clashes between the Bachama and Tsobo communities, which have resulted in deaths, displacement, and rising tension. While locals accuse the military of opening fire on unarmed women demonstrating over security failures, the Army has denied involvement, blaming the deaths on local militia clashes. Atiku condemned the violence, urged government intervention, and insisted that all responsible parties—civilian or military—must be held accountable.

ECOWAS Slashes Air Travel Taxes and Charges to Boost Regional Connectivity

West African leaders have taken a major step to make flying within the region significantly cheaper, adopting measures that will abolish multiple air transport taxes and cut passenger and security charges by 25 percent starting 1 January 2026.

The decision was reached at the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Summit held in Abuja in December 2024, where leaders signed a Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees aimed at tackling one of the biggest barriers to regional integration: the high cost of intra-African air travel.

For years, West Africa has had some of the world’s most expensive airfares relative to distance, largely due to a web of taxes, fuel surcharges, security fees and other levies imposed by individual countries.

The new policy requires all 15 ECOWAS member states to eliminate designated air transport taxes entirely and reduce remaining passenger service and security charges by a quarter.

The move is expected to lower ticket prices, stimulate tourism and business travel, strengthen local airlines and support trade, and advance the free movement of people and goods – a core objective of the ECOWAS Treaty.

To ensure compliance, the ECOWAS Commission will oversee implementation through a newly established Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism.

Regional aviation stakeholders have welcomed the decision, describing it as a game-changer for West Africa’s Africa’s chronically under-served air transport market.

The reforms will take effect on 1 January 2026, giving airlines and national authorities one year to adjust systems and regulations.

PRESIDENTIAL FOOD SYSTEMS PLANS FOR 2025/ 2026 DRY-SEASON FARMING

The Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (#PFSCU), Office of the Vice President, has convened policymakers, farmers, and economists to plan the 2025/2026 dry-season farming under the National Agribusiness Policy Mechanism (NAPM).

The initiative represents a critical pillar of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises food security, economic stability, and agricultural transformation.

Nigeria is stepping into a new era and this time, it’s our entire revenue system getting a major upgrade.

In what is easily the biggest shake-up since the TSA era, the federal government has rolled out a unified digital platform that finally puts every revenue stream under one transparent umbrella. No more scattered systems, no more blind spots, everything now speaks to one powerful engine.

Backed by fresh directives from the Accountant General’s office, all federal payments will move fully electronic from January 1, 2026, and the Federal Treasury e-Receipt becomes the only official proof of payment. Physical cash receipts are out.

Those unapproved payment apps some agencies use? Gone. Every Naira collected must go straight into the TSA, clean, clear and accountable.

This is big good news for Nigeria.
For the first time, the government will have real-time visibility of what MDAs collect, remit and account for. Leakages that cost the nation billions every year now face their toughest fight yet.

With the new Revenue Optimisation Platform overseeing billing, reconciliation and performance tracking, corruption loopholes will shrink dramatically.

And for citizens and businesses, it gets even better: no more guesswork, no more shady receipts, no more paying into the wrong hands. Payments become straightforward, secure and easy to verify.

This reform isn’t just another policy, it’s a signal that Nigeria is serious about modernising public finance and tightening the system where it matters most.

A cleaner, smarter, more transparent revenue process is finally here and a big win for everyone.

U.S. Police Arrest “Santa” Over Child S+xual Ab¥se Material

A 64-year-old New Jersey man, who worked as a “Santa for hire,” has been arrested for possessing and distributing child s+xual ab¥se material, raising concerns due to his repeated interactions with children at holiday events. Mark Paulino of Hamilton Township was taken into custody on Monday and faces charges including possession and distribution of child s+xual ab¥se material, as well as endangering the welfare of a child.

Mercer County officials said the investigation began on 4 December 2025 after detectives were alerted to suspicious online activity from a Hamilton Township residence involving the uploading of child porn%graphy. Paulino, a retired elementary school teacher, was quickly identified as the suspect.

Authorities noted that Paulino had performed as Santa Claus at private, corporate, and organizational events, a role that put him in repeated contact with children. “Because this role involved direct, repeated contact with children, detectives worked around the clock to secure a search warrant,” officials said.

The search warrant was executed on 5 December, during which police seized multiple items of evidentiary value. Paulino was arrested without incident. Prosecutors have requested that he be detained pending trial, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Three inmates allegedly broke out of a Louisiana jail through a crumbling wall on Wednesday — and authorities are racing to capture the final escapee, who is a murder suspect.

The fugitive trio — Joseph Allen Harrington, 26, Jonathan Jevon Joseph, 24, and Keith Eli, 24 — escaped St. Landry Paris Jail in Opelousas by prying through a decaying wall over time and lowering themselves to freedom with sheets and other items, according to the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office.

JUST IN: Niger Republic Has Introduced Systematic Inspections Of Goods Coming From Nigeria Especially “Miscellaneous” Items At All Entry Points Before Transit Processing. This Move Appears To Be Part Of a Coordinated Response By Sahel Countries Against Nigeria, Following Its Role In Foiling The Coup Attempt In Benin And The Recent Incident Involving a Nigerian Military Aircraft Entering Burkina Faso’s Airspace.

Burkina Faso Detains 11 Nigerian Officers, Impounds Air Force Aircraft Over Unauthorized Entry

Burkina Faso’s military government has confirmed the detention of 11 Nigerian military personnel and the seizure of a Nigerian Air Force cargo aircraft after it entered the country’s airspace without approval and made an emergency landing.

In a statement issued late Monday, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) said the C-130 aircraft belonging to the Nigerian Air Force was forced to land on December 8, 2025, in Bobo Dioulasso due to an in-flight emergency while flying over Burkinabe territory without clearance. The AES comprises Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, all currently under military rule. Authorities disclosed that the aircraft was carrying two crew members and nine passengers, all of whom were later identified as Nigerian military officers.

The 11 individuals are presently being held by Burkinabe authorities. The regional bloc strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a violation of its airspace and national sovereignty. An investigation has been launched to determine the full circumstances surrounding the unauthorized entry. In response, the AES announced that the armed forces of its three member states have been placed on maximum alert.

The bloc further stated that air defense and anti-aircraft systems across the confederation have been authorized to neutralize any aircraft that violates its airspace. The alliance described the incident as an unfriendly act carried out in breach of international aviation laws and warned that strict measures are now in place to safeguard its territorial integrity and civilian population.