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

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.

Nigerian Army Kills Bello Turji’s Deputy Kachalla Kallamu in Major Sokoto Operation Nigerian Army troops have killed Kachalla Kallamu, the deputy to notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji, during a coordinated operation in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State. According to a senior military source, Kallamu was neutralised alongside a key logistics supplier in a dawn offensive near Kurawa village, with critical support from local vigilantes. The military described the strike as a significant setback for Turji’s network, noting that Kallamu had long terrorised communities before fleeing to Kogi State earlier in 2025. Officials say improved intelligence from residents contributed to the success of the mission. Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s security adviser praised the troops for their professionalism and sustained efforts against banditry.

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.

Corruption Fueling Nigeria’s Security Crisis, CISLAC/TI Warn on UN Anti-Corruption Day CISLAC and Transparency International-Nigeria warn that corruption is the driving force behind Nigeria’s deepening insecurity, accusing political leaders, security chiefs, and military elites of profiting from opaque defence spending and fraudulent security contracts. The groups cite diversion of funds, recruitment racketeering, illegal arms deals, extortion, and poor welfare for frontline personnel as key factors undermining the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and organised crime. They call for urgent reforms, full transparency in defence procurement, strict sanctions for corrupt officers, and independent oversight to stop what they describe as an entrenched “insecurity economy.”

BREAKING: The Kogi State Government has said security operatives have intercepted 21 underage children trafficked into the state in what is suspected to be a covert recruitment attempt for banditry training.

Retired General Reveals Covert Nigerian Operation That Led to Boko Haram Leader Shekau’s Death Retired Major General Danjuma Ali-Keffi has disclosed how a covert Nigerian military intelligence unit, Operation Service Wide (OSW), weakened Boko Haram and engineered the events leading to Abubakar Shekau’s death. He credited the late Brig. Gen. Abdulrahman Kuliya, former Chief of Military Intelligence, for infiltrating terror networks and sparking the ISWAP–Boko Haram conflict that ended Shekau’s reign. Ali-Keffi detailed how political interference, intelligence leaks, halted operations, and the deaths of top officers—including Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru—nearly sabotaged the mission. He further alleged internal sabotage, plots against him, and complicity of powerful officials in rising banditry driven by illegal mining interests. His revelations shed light on high-stakes power struggles, covert operations, and deep-rooted security challenges in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.

Retired Gen. Ali-Keffi: Buhari Govt Halted Major Offensive Against Bandits, Sabotaged Anti-Terror Operations Retired Major General Danjuma Ali-Keffi has revealed that the Muhammadu Buhari administration halted a crucial 2021 military offensive that was close to crushing major bandit networks across the North West and North Central. The former GOC 1 Division and commander of the covert Operation Silent War (OSW) detailed internal sabotage, intelligence conflicts, alleged illegal-mining-linked complicity, and an attempt to frame him for treason. Ali-Keffi described clashes with then Army Chief Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, including an encounter where he was told to hand over intelligence so the Army could bypass OSW. He also alleged assassination attempts, noting that U.S. officials intervened during his detention. According to him, coordinated operations in Niger and Kaduna had cleared key bandit camps and rescued over 100 victims before a presidential directive abruptly suspended offensives following negotiations with Fulani leaders. Both he and the GOC 8 Division were removed before the ceasefire window ended, derailing what he said could have been a decisive victory against banditry.

Obasanjo Says Boko Haram War Endures Because Insecurity Has Become an Industry Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has asserted that Nigeria’s 15-year battle against Boko Haram has persisted because insecurity has become a lucrative “industry” benefiting actors within and outside government. Speaking during the Toyin Falola Interviews, Obasanjo criticised the country’s failure to apply a modern counterinsurgency strategy built on training, intelligence, technology, and specialised equipment. He revealed instances of internal sabotage, lack of trust from foreign partners, and missed negotiation opportunities—such as a 2011 ceasefire offer the government failed to pursue. Despite trillions spent on defence, insurgency, banditry, and mass abductions continue to ravage the North, worsening Nigeria’s security crisis.

Intelligence Report Uncovers Hundreds of Kidnapping and Bandit Syndicate Members Across Northern Nigeria A classified Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) report has exposed a vast network of kidnapping and bandit syndicates operating across the North-West and North-East. The investigation reveals detailed profiles of key kingpins, informants, logistics operators, and possible links to politically exposed persons. Hotspot states like Katsina, Zamfara, and Kaduna dominate the findings, with suspects tied to ransom collection, weapons sourcing, international communication, and alleged collaboration with security and political figures. The report highlights how coordinated criminal networks sustain abductions, banditry, and cross-regional movement of armed groups.

Use Benin-Style Military Force Against Terrorists in Nigeria, Adeyanju Urges Tinubu Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju has called on President Bola Tinubu to apply the same decisive military strength used in stopping the failed coup in Benin Republic to crush terrorist groups operating across Nigeria. Praising Nigeria’s swift and coordinated intervention in Benin — involving Air Force jets and ground operations — Adeyanju said the same firmness is urgently needed to tackle terrorism, banditry, and violent extremism within the country. He added that Nigeria’s regional leadership means little if citizens at home continue to suffer relentless attacks, especially in the North-West, North-East and North-Central regions.

Now that the man Nigerians admire and trust, General Musa, has been appointed Minister of Defence, one uncomfortable question refuses to leave my mind: Will he truly be able to work with the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle? Before anyone answers that, let us remind ourselves who Oga Bello really is. In 2021, when he was still Governor of Zamfara State, he boldly declared in a now-viral interview: “Not all bandits are criminals.” According to him, bandits only became violent because vigilante groups had cheated them. But that is not even the most troubling part. In November 2025, one of his former senior aides granted an explosive interview, alleging that Matawalle supplied 36 brand-new Toyota Hilux vehicles to notorious bandit commanders. Not only that, the aide claimed he maintained communication with these commanders even after becoming Minister. And then came the most shocking accusation of all. His successor, Governor Dauda Lawal, publicly accused Matawalle of harboring bandit leaders inside the Government House and diverting the resources of the state to enable banditry. He even went further to call for Matawalle’s removal from the Defence Ministry if the Federal Government is truly serious about ending terrorism and banditry. So I ask again General Musa may be ready to fight for Nigeria but is everyone around him ready to fight the same enemy? And how exactly are these appointments made without any background checks whatsoever? This leads to the question I keep asking: can we truly separate our government from the terrorists killing us? -KAA✍️✍️ #kaa_truths

Insecurity: Kano gov gathers 4,444 Qur’an reciters for prayers against banditry Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has warned against politicising insecurity, stressing that the growing threat of banditry demands collective action from all citizens regardless of political affiliation. The governor made the remarks on Saturday night during a special prayer session at the Government House, where 4,444 Qur’an memorizers (Huffaz) gathered to recite the Holy Qur’an and offer prayers for lasting peace in the state following recent attacks by armed bandits. The event drew notable figures, including the 16th Fulani Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, top government officials, clerics and community leaders. Governor Yusuf emphasised that insecurity affects everyone equally, urging Nigerians to unite in confronting the menace. “Insecurity does not know politics or party affiliations. This is why everyone, regardless of their leanings, must join hands to fight the monster of banditry. We want to see everybody working together to free Kano,” he said. According to him, the government is working round-the-clock with security operatives to protect Kano and its environs. Describing the mass prayer session as a vital spiritual effort, the governor noted that such initiatives should be appreciated by all well-meaning residents. The prayer session drew Islamic scholars, Qur’an reciters and participants from all 44 local government areas, all united in seeking divine intervention and an end to insecurity in the state.

The Police Command in Sokoto State has arrested three suspected financiers of banditry and several other individuals linked to motorcycle theft and criminal conspiracy, recovering rustled cattle as well as stolen motorcycles in two coordinated operations.

ZLP Chairman Nwanyanwu Says Nigeria’s Military Can Easily Defeat Bandits and Terrorists The National Chairman of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Dan Nwanyanwu, has declared that Nigeria’s military has the full capacity to crush banditry and terrorism, describing the task as “simple” for the armed forces. He referenced Nigeria’s strong record in peacekeeping missions across Africa, arguing that the same military that excelled abroad has the ability to restore peace at home if properly empowered and directed. #Nigeria #Security #Nwanyanwu #Military

Nigerian Troops Rescue 10 Kidnap Victims in Kaduna After Gun Battle, Recover Weapons The Nigerian Army has rescued 10 kidnapped victims in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State after engaging abductors in an early-morning gun battle. The victims, taken from their farms on November 29, were freed unharmed during a coordinated search-and-rescue operation under Operation Peace Shield. Troops recovered a fabricated AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and ₦1.6 million believed to be ransom money. The Army reaffirmed its commitment to combating banditry across Kaduna and nearby states, where rural communities remain persistent targets.

Nigeria Must Combine AI, Drones and Local Intelligence to Defeat Terrorism – Prof. Celestine Iwendi Professor Celestine Iwendi of the University of Greater Manchester says Nigeria must adopt a hybrid security strategy that merges artificial intelligence, drones, and community-based intelligence to effectively combat rising terrorism, kidnappings, and banditry. He emphasises that conventional military tactics alone are insufficient and calls for retraining the military in guerrilla warfare, recruiting local defenders, and building secure data-driven systems to predict and prevent attacks. Iwendi also highlights the importance of collaboration with research institutions to strengthen national security capacity.

Boris Johnson Says He Feels “Perfectly Safe” in Nigeria Despite Rising Insecurity at Imo Economic Summits Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has declared that he felt “perfectly safe” during his visit to Nigeria, despite widespread insecurity and global concern over rising violence. Speaking at the Imo State Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri, Johnson dismissed warnings about Nigeria’s security situation and praised Governor Hope Uzodimma’s plans for 24-hour electricity and sustainable power. His remarks contrast sharply with ongoing mass kidnappings, banditry, and international criticism, including recent warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump. Johnson emphasized Nigeria’s potential and highlighted strong cultural and economic ties between Nigeria and the UK.

Bandits Attack Ekiti Community, Engage Security in Gunfight as All Kidnap Victims Are Rescued Armed bandits raided the Gaa Fulani community in Iye-Mero, Ikole LGA of Ekiti State on Wednesday evening, abducting residents and looting valuables. The attackers were intercepted by local security operatives and soldiers, leading to a prolonged gunfight across the Ekiti–Kwara–Kogi forest corridor. The bandits eventually abandoned all kidnapped victims and fled. The attack occurred amid rising tensions in nearby Kogi State, where protests over insecurity earlier resulted in the deaths of two youths after security forces reportedly opened fire. #EkitiAttack #Banditry_in_Nigeria

Troops Rescue Six Kidnap Victims in Successful Joint Operation Across Kogi Forests Nigerian Army troops from the 12 Brigade in Lokoja have successfully rescued six kidnap victims during a coordinated search-and-rescue operation spanning the Ejiba and Saminaka forest axis in Kogi State. Supported by intensified air and ground offensives, including a Nigeria Police helicopter, the sustained pressure forced the bandits to release the abductees. Five victims have been reunited with their families, while one is receiving medical care. The Army reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating criminal hideouts and strengthening security across the state. #KogiState #NigerianArmy #KidnapRescue #SecurityOperations #Banditry #NigeriaNews #TroopOperations #Ejiba #YagbaWest #YagbaEast #NationalSecurity