Update: Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar has confirmed that, three days after the C-130’s had an emergency landing in Burkina Faso, both the eleven Nigerian officers and the aircraft remain in the country, meaning Captain Traore has not given orders for their release. He stated that negotiations with the Traoré regime are still ongoing to secure the release of the aircraft and the soldiers.

Ghana has taken firm diplomatic action after three of its citizens were deported from Israel under what officials described as unfair and unacceptable conditions.
The Ghanaians — including members of a parliamentary delegation travelling for a cybersecurity conference — were detained upon arrival on 7 December, and three were later sent back without clear justification.

In a reciprocal move, the Ghanaian government ordered the removal of three Israelis who had recently entered the country, signalling that it will not tolerate disrespect toward its nationals abroad.

Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister confirmed that Israel’s chargé d’affaires in Accra was summoned for discussions, stressing that while Ghana values its relationship with Israel, mutual respect for travellers is non-negotiable.

Both countries are now working diplomatically to calm rising tensions and restore normal relations.

#Ghana #Israel #Diplomacy #ForeignAffairs

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

Sam Nda-Isaiah’s Legacy Lives On: Azu Ishiekwene Reflects Five Years After His Passing”

In this reflective opinion piece, Azu Ishiekwene examines the enduring influence of Sam Nda-Isaiah, founder of LEADERSHIP newspaper, five years after his death. He highlights how Sam’s voice remains alive through his writings, especially his incisive columns on Nigerian politics, governance, corruption, and national security. Ishiekwene revisits several of Sam’s notable articles, showing how many of his warnings and analyses still hold relevance today—from the PDP’s internal crises to terrorism, corruption, and leadership failures. The tribute underscores Sam’s relentless fight against injustice, his bold political commentary, and the lasting imprint of his ideas on Nigeria’s public discourse.


#AzuIshiekwene

#SamNdaIsaiah

#Opinion

Work bestie deserves a raise for dealing with me 👏🏻

FCCPC Seals Ikeja Electric Headquarters Over Alleged Consumer Rights Violations

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed the Ikeja Electric head office in Alausa, Lagos, over alleged breaches of consumer rights. In a statement on Thursday, Bola Adeyinka, FCCPC’s Director of Surveillance and Investigation, said the enforcement action was carried out in line with the FCCP Act 2018 after repeated attempts to secure voluntary compliance.

“Sealing this facility is a proportionate enforcement measure taken only after repeated engagement and several opportunities for voluntary compliance,” the commission stated. According to the FCCPC, Ikeja Electric failed to comply with a Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) directive ordering the company to unbundle a Maximum Demand account into 20 non-Maximum Demand accounts.

The directive required IE to recognise each of the 19 residential units and a service point belonging to a complainant as separate customer units, and to provide appropriate metering and connection. “Ikeja Electric did not carry out that decision,” the FCCPC said, noting that the complainant has been without electricity for over two and a half years despite meeting all financial obligations and fulfilling every requirement demanded by the company.

NThe prolonged blackout has made it impossible for the complainant to utilise the 19 residential units. The FCCPC added that the seal will remain until Ikeja Electric fully complies with directives from both NERC and the Commission and submits written proof of compliance. The agency said it had repeatedly reminded the company of its obligations, issuing a detailed compliance directive in April 2025 and, later, a notice on October 2, 2025, giving seven business days for full compliance. “No action was taken,” the Commission said.

Ijebu-Ode Ruling House Rejects KWAM 1’s Lineage Claim for Awujale Throne

The Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Ijebu-Ode has formally rejected the lineage claim submitted by Fuji icon Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, declaring his application to contest for the Awujale throne invalid. In a letter dated December 11, 2025, the ruling family faulted the certification of his linkage form, noting it was endorsed by an unauthorized individual who is not a registered member of the royal house. The family said its investigation found no evidence linking the musician to the Jadiara or Fusengbuwa royal lineage, rendering his claim “null, void and of no consequence.” KWAM 1 had earlier declared his intention to be considered for the vacant Awujale stool, citing ancestral ties and decades of cultural contribution.


#IjebuOde #KWAM1 #RoyalSuccession

Withdraw Mine? Then Withdraw the President’s, Vice President’s, Others Too — Sen. Ningi Condemns Selective Enforcement of Police Escort Order

The Senate session turned heated on Tuesday after Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) sharply criticized the withdrawal of police orderlies attached to lawmakers, accusing the executive of enforcing President Bola Tinubu’s directive selectively.

Raising a Point of Order, Ningi said he woke up to discover that his only police orderly had been withdrawn, insisting he was not opposed to the President’s November 23, 2025 directive—which ordered police escorts attached to VIPs to return to regular security duty—but furious that lawmakers appeared to be the first targets. “I woke up today and was told my police orderly had been withdrawn. I have no problem with that, but I want the same action applied across the board—they should also withdraw the president’s, vice president’s, ministers’, and others’ police escorts,” he said, lamenting what he described as a double standard.

Ningi further fumed that while senators were stripped of protection, “businessmen, foreign nationals, and celebrity entertainers” were still moving around with full police escorts, openly flouting the presidential directive. His outburst prompted the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, to reveal that the Senate leadership had already held an emergency meeting to seek an exemption for lawmakers, warning that the sudden withdrawal exposed members to unnecessary d+nger. In the meantime, the Senate directed its Committee on Police Affairs to investigate the alleged selective enforcement. The committee has four weeks to report back to plenary.

BREAKING NEWS: Passengers across several United Nigeria Airlines routes departing Abuja were today left stranded and frustrated after a bird strike on one of the carrier’s aircraft triggered multiple flight cancellations.

BREAKING:

Security forces have recorded another major success in Niger State. The troops moved into the Borgu axis with precision and overpowered one of the most troublesome criminal groups operating in the area. Their coordinated action brought an end to the Lakurawa stronghold linked to the commander known as Amir Tajudeen.

More than forty members of the gang were neutralized during the operation, and the entire camp was cleared out.

Well done to our troops for proving once again that no criminal network is beyond the reach of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

"I proudly said I was a governor, which is the head of a subnational government, so when I speak, those who are not governors should listen.”

~ Sen. Adams Oshiomhole to Sen. Ndume during Reno Omokri's screening for an ambassadorial position.

Pashinyan’s plane got stuck in the sky over Moscow because of Ukrainian drones

The Armenian prime minister’s aircraft circled over the Tver region for almost an hour, waiting for permission to land — and finally managed to touch down at a backup airfield in Pulkovo.

Pashinyan was flying to Moscow from Germany to attend a meeting of the EAEU Intergovernmental Council.

That night, the Moscow region experienced one of the largest drone attacks in recent weeks — explosions were heard in Zelenograd, Ramenskoye, Odintsovo and Dubna.

Four major Moscow airports — Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo and Zhukovsky — were repeatedly put under restrictions. Around 200 flights were delayed.

BREAKING: The United States Coast Guard, in collaboration with the U.S. Navy, has intercepted a Nigerian-owned supertanker, Skipper, over allegations of crude oil theft, piracy, and other transnational crimes.

Authorities said the tanker was illegally flying the Guyanese flag at the time of the arrest. In response, Guyana’s Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) confirmed that Skipper is not on its national ship registry and that the vessel was using the flag without authorization.

Lai Mohammed Says Family Was Bullied During #EndSARS, Considered Resigning Under Pressure

Former Minister of Information Lai Mohammed says his family suffered severe bullying during the 2020 #EndSARS protests, with relatives harassed both online and offline and their businesses badly affected. Speaking ahead of the launch of his new book, Mohammed revealed that his family even held a meeting urging him to resign. He reiterated his long-held position denying a massacre at the Lekki Tollgate and accused CNN of relying on second-hand sources. Mohammed also defended Buhari’s legacy, insisting the former president managed Boko Haram more effectively than critics claim.


#EndSARS #LaiMohammed #Politics

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

Kaduna Trader Arrested After Facebook Post Criticising Governor Uba Sani’s Handling of Presidential VIP Security Order

A Kaduna trader, Abubakar Idris (Comrade Danhabu), has been arrested after criticising Governor Uba Sani on Facebook for allegedly failing to enforce President Tinubu’s directive withdrawing police officers from VIP protection duties. Danhabu was arrested two days after the post, interrogated by the Kaduna Commissioner of Police, and remanded in prison by a magistrate until January 13, 2026. His family alleges political influence behind the arrest, noting that he is married with two children and cares for an ailing mother. In the post that triggered the detention, he accused top Kaduna officials of still moving around with police escorts despite the presidential order.


#HumanRights #Kaduna #UbaSani

NASENI Staff Accuses Vice-Chairman Halilu of Withholding Salaries, Forcing Suspicious Undertaking

A NASENI staff member, identified as Isah, has accused the agency’s Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, of withholding his salary for seven months, denying training allowances, and coercing him to sign an undertaking restricting media appearances. Documents reveal allegations of political interference, corruption, and claims that Halilu is unqualified for the role. While disciplinary memos cite misconduct and political engagements by the staff, Isah insists the actions against him are punitive. Halilu denies awareness of the dispute, advising inquiries be directed to HR or the SGF’s office.


#NASENI #KhalilHalilu #CivilServiceDispute

BREAKING: Kenyon Dobie, the man stabbed by a criminal illegal on an NC train, was reportedly trying to protect passengers when he was brutally attacked.

Dobie was stabbed in the chest by Oscar Solarzano, a twice-deported ILLEGAL ALIEN with criminal convictions, and is currently in critical condition, getting blood pumped out of his lungs in the hospital.

This man is a HERO. Pray for him

Breaking:

Portugal has summoned the Nigerian ambassador in Lisbon for urgent clarifications after Portuguese authorities stated they had no prior knowledge of any scheduled Nigerian Air Force aircraft heading to Portugal. The move comes amid reports of a Nigerian military C-130 transport plane being detained (elsewhere) while reportedly en route to Portugal for maintenance. Lisbon seeks to understand the purpose and authorization of the flight.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Detective Amber Leist, a 12-year veteran and devoted mother of two sons, tragically lost her life on Sunday while performing an act of kindness.

Off-duty, Detective Leist stopped her vehicle to help an elderly pedestrian who had fallen in the street. After assisting the person to safety, she was struck by a passing car as she returned to her own vehicle. Despite immediate aid from the driver and rapid transport to the hospital, she passed away.

Sheriff Alex Villanueva
@AlexVilanueva33
called her “an outstanding detective who led by example.” Leist is survived by her 17-year-old son and her 20-year-old son, who serves in the U.S. Navy. Rest in peace, Detective Leist. Your selfless heart and service will never be forgotten.

(Photo: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office