Troops Eliminate Top Boko Haram/ISWAP Commander Abu Khalid In Sambisa Forest

Nigerian troops under the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, have killed a senior Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Abu Khalid, during a night offensive in Sambisa Forest, Borno State.

Military authorities confirmed that Khalid served as the group’s second-in-command within the Sambisa axis. He was neutralised alongside 10 other fighters during the coordinated operation.

The Theatre Command’s Media Information Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Sani Uba, disclosed the development in a statement on Sunday, noting that the success came less than 24 hours after troops eliminated another notorious commander, Julaibib, operating around the Gujba area of the Timbuktu Triangle.

According to Uba, soldiers from Sector 1, working closely with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) under Operation Desert Sanity, engaged the terrorists at the Komala general area in Konduga Local Government Area at about 11 p.m., leading to the deaths of the insurgents.

The military said the continued offensives are part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist strongholds and restore security across the North-East.

#Nigeria #Borno #SambisaForest #CounterTerrorism

Ex-Minister Saleh Mamman’s Trial Hits Snag as Court Rebukes Lawyer for “Time-Wasting Antics”

The Federal High Court in Abuja slammed former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman’s lawyer, Temitayo Sonuyi, SAN, for attempting to delay proceedings in a N31 billion fraud trial. Mamman and seven others face nine-count charges including conspiracy, false pretence, and intent to defraud. Justice Maryann Anenih criticized the defense for procedural delays, insisting the trial must proceed while jurisdiction issues are addressed separately. The case has been adjourned to February and March 2026 for continuation.
#SalehMamman #N31BillionFraud #CourtTrial

Alleged N31 Billion Fraud: Court Rebukes Saleh Mamman’s Counsel for “Time-Wasting” in Trial

The Federal High Court in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has accused the defence counsel of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, of engaging in “time-wasting antics” during the ongoing trial.

Justice Maryann Anenih made the remark while presiding over the case, which involves Mamman and seven others facing a nine-count charge of conspiracy, false pretence, and intent to defraud amounting to N31,070,541,349.64.

The trial continues amid heightened scrutiny as the court seeks to ensure proceedings are conducted efficiently and without unnecessary delays.

#SalehMamman #FraudTrial #N31Billion #JusticeInAction

Bayero University Kano Expels 60 Students Over Examination Malpractice, Misconduct

At least 60 students of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), have been expelled for examination malpractice and other acts of misconduct. The decision was reached during the institution’s 43rd statutory Senate meeting, following a detailed review of reports and recommendations from relevant academic and disciplinary committees. The university said each case was carefully examined before the Senate approved the expulsions in line with existing regulations.

#BUK #EducationNews #NigeriaEducation #ExamMalpractice

Are Nigeria’s Airstrikes Finally Turning the Tide? Nigerian Air Force Bombs Terrorist Hideouts in Borno’s Timbuktu Triangle Under Operation Hadin Kai

Is Nigeria’s intensified air campaign beginning to weaken terrorist strongholds in the North-East? The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed a major air interdiction operation targeting terrorist locations at AbbagaJiri in the Timbuktu Triangle of Borno State, carried out under the joint task force Operation Hadin Kai.

According to a statement by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the mission followed multi-source intelligence that confirmed active terrorist presence, fortified structures, and concealed logistics facilities in the area. Based on this intelligence, NAF air assets were deployed for integrated surveillance and precision strikes on identified targets.

The Air Force said the operation was carefully designed to degrade terrorist capabilities, deny them sanctuary, and shape the battlespace for advancing ground forces, while strictly adhering to rules of engagement and protecting non-combatants. Targeted structures believed to be used by terrorist elements were destroyed, while a follow-up strike neutralised armed fighters observed converging on the location.

Speaking on the mission, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described the operation as evidence of the Air Force’s determination to deliver precise and decisive airpower in support of ground troops. He stated that NAF would continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement, hideouts, and logistics wherever they attempt to regroup.

“Our operations are intelligence-led and carefully planned to achieve maximum impact on hostile elements while safeguarding innocent civilians,” Aneke said, reaffirming that pressure will be sustained until terrorist networks are completely dismantled. Ground troops who later advanced into the area reportedly confirmed the effectiveness of the airstrikes, validating the success of the joint air-land operation.

The Borno operation follows a similar strike in December 2025, when NAF targeted bandit camps in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State under Operation Fansan Yamma, destroying positions linked to a notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Dogo Sule. Those strikes were also based on what NAF described as credible, multi-source intelligence.

As Nigeria continues to battle insurgency and banditry across multiple regions, the latest operation raises key questions: Are precision airstrikes beginning to weaken terrorist networks? Can sustained intelligence-driven operations finally deny extremists safe havens? And will joint air-ground campaigns restore security to communities long terrorised by violence?

EXCLUSIVE: Taraba Governor Agbu Kefas Faces Backlash as Contractor Allegedly Collects N16 Billion, Abandons 60 Legacy Schools Project Across State

SaharaReporters’ investigation reveals that Prezzo Shield Investment Nigeria Limited, the contractor handling Taraba State Government’s flagship 60 Model Schools project, allegedly received N16 billion before stalling work across multiple locations. Sources indicate that construction at several schools has either slowed or stopped entirely, with some sites abandoned for over five months.
The stalled project has left hundreds of local artisans and engineers unpaid, while critical infrastructure—such as roofing, windows, and toilets—remains incomplete. At pilot schools in Jalingo and Ardo Kola, buildings have been roofed but are still not ready for use. Workers also reported that government-purchased brick-making machines were removed from sites, adding to confusion and delays.
Launched as part of Governor Agbu Kefas’ free education agenda, the project was intended as a legacy initiative to expand access to quality education in Taraba. Communities and workers are calling for urgent government intervention to ensure accountability and the completion of the schools. Attempts to obtain official comments from the Taraba State Government were unsuccessful.

#TarabaState #AgbuKefas #LegacySchoolsProject #EducationCrisis #ContractorAbandonment #NigeriaNews #CorruptionAlert #InfrastructureFailure

Bandits Kill Four Members of Family in Kachia, Southern Kaduna Amid Rising Attacks

A deadly overnight attack by bandits in Kachia town, Southern Kaduna, claimed the lives of four members of the Bitrus family: Mr. Bitrus Bahago, his wife Justina, their son Ibrahim, and a relative, Adam Waziri. The attackers reportedly arrived in large numbers, opened fire, and left several others injured, who were rushed to nearby hospitals.

Kachia, near the Federal University of Applied Science, has experienced repeated assaults by armed groups despite its proximity to major security formations. The Kaduna State Police Command has yet to release an official statement.

The incident follows other attacks in Southern Kaduna, including the abduction of seven villagers from Bukkah in Chikun LGA and the kidnapping of an Anglican priest and his wife from Nissi village. Residents continue to call on federal and state authorities to strengthen security and protect vulnerable communities.

Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed Accuses FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of Plot to Destabilise Bauchi, Says Tinubu Is Surrounded by “Hooligans and Charlatans” Amid Alleged Political Victimisation

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has accused the Federal Government and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of orchestrating a coordinated campaign of political victimisation, intimidation, and abuse of state institutions aimed at destroying his political career.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, the governor alleged that Wike was actively influencing security agencies and anti-corruption institutions, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to target him and officials in his administration. Mohammed claimed that petitions, court processes, and security actions against his government were politically motivated and designed to tarnish his reputation, force political alignment, or neutralise him as a perceived threat.

The governor further alleged that Wike had threatened to “put fire” in Bauchi State, accusing him of bribing people, manipulating institutions, and selling influence. He said intelligence from within the EFCC suggested that documents and petitions were deliberately orchestrated to implicate his Commissioner for Finance and cast suspicion on his government.

Mohammed described the actions as a violation of his fundamental human rights and said he had written to the Attorney General of the Federation and other agencies, warning that he would escalate the matter to the international community. He stated that he was seeking protection against what he termed “reckless” political persecution.

In a sharp rebuke of the presidency, the Bauchi governor said President Bola Tinubu was surrounded by “hooligans and charlatans” determined to destroy opposition figures. He also accused Wike of being a destabilising force within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alleging divided loyalties and describing him as an “undertaker” of the opposition party.

Mohammed warned that the alleged impunity within the ruling circle poses a serious threat to democracy, accountability, and political stability in Nigeria, insisting that unchecked abuse of power would have grave consequences for the country.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya Attends Funeral Prayers for Journalists Lost in Auto-Crash, Visits Survivors at FTH Gombe

...'Gombe Govt to Cover Medical Bills of Survivors, Assist with Funeral Expenses'

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has led a state government delegation to the funeral prayers of journalists who lost their lives in a tragic auto-crash.

The deceased were among journalists and media workers involved in the fatal accident that occurred along the Billiri-Kumo Road while they were returning from Kaltungo, where they had attended the wedding ceremony of a colleague.

The funeral prayer, held at the Bubayero Central Mosque, Emir's Palace, Gombe, led by Imam Aliyu Hammari and attracted a large turnout of sympathisers, including grieving family members, colleagues from the media industry and top government officials.

Among those in attendance was the Emir of Gombe, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, CFR.

A visibly saddened Governor Inuwa Yahaya described the demise of the seven journalists as a painful loss to Gombe State and the media profession, noting that the state had lost dedicated professionals who served with commitment.

After the funeral prayers, the Governor proceeded to the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Gombe, to personally assess the condition of the survivors who are currently receiving medical attention.

Speaking to journalists after the visit, Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed gratitude to God for sparing the lives of the survivors, while praying for their speedy recovery.

“We must thank Almighty God for sparing their lives, not because they are better than those who passed on, but because it was destined so. Our most important duty now is to continue praying for their quick and complete recovery. For those who lost their lives, we will not relent in praying for the repose of their souls, in view of the enormous contributions they made to journalism and public service,” the Governor said.

He extended the state government’s heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, their respective organizations and the entire media fraternity, urging them to accept the tragic loss as an act of God.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya also announced that the Gombe State Government has taken over the full medical bills of all the injured victims, assuring that the government would provide every necessary support to aid their recovery.

“As a government, we will do everything within our means to support the victims and their families in this difficult time,” he assured.

During the visit to the Accident and Emergency Unit, the Governor was conducted round the ward by the Chairman of the Hospital Advisory Committee, Dr. Bukar Lakube and Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, to assess the condition of the patients. He also extended financial support to other patients in the unit, to help cushion burden on them and their families.

The Governor was accompanied on the visit by his Deputy, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau; the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi; Commissioners; and other senior government officials.

Kizz Daniel Moves Fans to Tears Paying Tribute to Mohbad, Dagrin, and Late Celebrities at Concert

Nigerian singer Kizz Daniel evoked strong emotions during his recent concert while performing his hit song Al-Jannah. The performance included a heartfelt tribute to late Nigerian entertainers such as Mohbad, Dagrin, Sammie Okposo, and Nollywood stars Bukky Ajayi, Ada Ameh, and Justus Esiri. Fans reacted passionately when Mohbad’s name and image appeared on the big screen, with many sharing personal stories and memories of the late singer. The tribute underscored Kizz Daniel’s respect for his colleagues and the enduring impact of the departed stars on Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

Five Fulani Youths Shot in Plateau Community as MACBAN Condemns Attack, Demands Urgent Security Action

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has condemned the shooting of five Fulani youths by suspected militias in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. The victims were reportedly attacked without provocation while returning from Bukuru Cattle Market on December 27, 2025, and sustained serious gunshot injuries. MACBAN described the incident as a senseless assault on innocent civilians and urged security agencies to swiftly investigate, arrest the perpetrators, and prevent further attacks. The association warned that recurring violence against Fulani travellers could escalate ethnic tensions and fuel reprisal attacks if decisive action is not taken.

Six Zamfara Assembly Members Defect From PDP To APC, Strengthening Ruling Party’s Grip

Six members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant shift in the political balance of the state legislature. The lawmakers, who were elected on the PDP platform, formally announced their defection, further consolidating the APC’s influence in Zamfara State.
The defecting lawmakers are Hon. Muktar Nasir Kaura of Kaura North, Hon. Nasiru Abdullahi Maru representing Maru North, Hon. Amiru Ahmad Keta from Tsafe West, Hon. Bashar Aliyu Gummi of Gummi I Constituency, Barrister Bashir Abubakar Masama representing Bukkuyum North, and Hon. Bashir Bello of Bungudu West. Their exit alters the composition of the House and weakens the opposition PDP in the state.
The development comes amid a broader wave of defections affecting the PDP at both state and national levels. SaharaReporters had earlier reported that the PDP was reduced to just two members in the Rivers State caucus of the House of Representatives after six federal lawmakers defected to the APC, citing unresolved internal crises and divisions within the opposition party.
In the House of Representatives, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas attributed the defections to deep-seated political conflicts within the PDP, while the defecting lawmakers said the party’s internal instability had hindered their political ambitions. They declared their decision to align with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” under the APC.
The Zamfara defections further underscore the growing challenges confronting the PDP as the APC continues to attract lawmakers across states, tightening its grip on legislative institutions and reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of future elections.

NSCDC Operative Allegedly Shoots Five Traders At Jos Market As Rights Groups Petition IGP Egbetokun, Attorney-General For Justice

An operative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has allegedly shot and injured five unarmed traders at the Bukuru Filin Sarki Market in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, sparking outrage from civil society groups and community leaders. The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday, December 21, 2025, with the victims sustaining gunshot injuries while conducting lawful business activities. In response, human rights organisations and peace advocates have petitioned the NSCDC Commandant-General, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and the National Human Rights Commission, demanding the arrest and prosecution of the officer involved. The petition describes the shooting as a gross abuse of power and a violation of constitutional and international human rights laws, calling for an independent investigation, compensation for victims, and institutional reforms to prevent future abuses.

Bayero University Kano Releases Revised Guidelines for PhD and Master’s Students Seeking Postgraduate Amnesty

Bayero University Kano (BUK) has issued updated guidelines for postgraduate students in PhD and academic Master’s programmes who exceeded the approved duration of their studies and are seeking amnesty. The university directed affected students to submit a formal letter requesting amnesty, addressed to the Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies and routed through their respective Heads of Department. BUK clarified that applications should no longer be sent to the Vice-Chancellor, correcting an earlier notice that caused confusion. The institution urged prompt compliance and wide dissemination of the revised instructions to avoid further academic complications.

Family of bride whose marriage ended after two days release evidence to dispute groom's claim as they accuse him of lying to cover his philandering ways.

Uchechi Sandra Nnenne, 22, married Iwuchukwu Chukwuebuka Bobby, 29, on Jan. 4, 2025, and by Jan. 6, 2025, the marriage was over.

Sandra gave reasons for this, including that he lied about many things, borrowed money from her and also tried to borrow millions from her parents. She added that her family largely sponsored the wedding with N7million.

Reacting Bobby told LIB that he ended the marriage because Sandra was pregnant for her boss. When LIB asked him what happened to the baby since there was no baby bump and Sandra has not given birth after 11 months, he claimed she must have k!lled the child.

Sandra's family members have now reached out to LIB with evidence corroborating their sister's claim.

They shared with us audio recordings, purportedly of Chukwuebuka, aka Bobby, begging Sandra's father for forgiveness for cheating on his child with multiple women, including with one of her friends.

They also shared screenshots of messages Bobby sent to their mother and to Sandra's sisters, begging for forgiveness for cheating on Sandra while asking them to beg her not to end the marriage.

Another screenshot purportedly shows him attempting to strike up a relationship with another woman and when she asked if he wasn't married, he claimed the marriage ended due to genotype issues, claiming they were both AS, even though Sandra is AA.

Eventually, when he saw Sandra had resolved to walk away, he allegedly began a smear campaign against her and changed the genotype incompatibility story.

More to come, including voice notes purportedly of Bobby admitting he cheated and begging for forgiveness, and a reconciliation with Sandra.

BUK Students Plunged Into Darkness as N5.6bn Solar Plant Reportedly Fails Two Years After Launch

Barely two years after its commissioning, the N5.6 billion solar hybrid power plant at Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has collapsed, throwing students and staff into erratic electricity supply and rising energy costs. The 3.5-megawatt facility, inaugurated in September 2019 by then Vice President Yaptor Yemi Osinbajo, was hailed as Africa’s largest off-grid solar plant.

Executed by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under the Energising Education Programme and handled by Greek firm METKA, the project powered lecture halls, offices, hostels and staff quarters during the day, cutting the university’s energy costs by over 60 percent. By 2021, however, the plant developed faults and was shut down, forcing the institution back to diesel generators and the national grid.

Staff and students said the collapse ended a period of uninterrupted daytime power that improved learning, security and productivity across the campus. University workers attributed the failure to overuse, lack of storage facilities, rising maintenance costs and the absence of adequate technical involvement from BUK during implementation.

Inflation and prolonged inactivity reportedly worsened the d+mage, while electricity materials depreciated over time. The REA has now announced plans to revive and expand the plant to 6MW under a N100 billion federal solarisation programme. Speaking at the launch of the upgrade on November 20, 2025, REA Managing Director, Dr Abba Aliyu Abubakar, said the project would undergo a complete overhaul to deliver 24-hour power supply.

BUK Vice-Chancellor, Professor Haruna Musa, said the new phase would fully involve the university’s experts to ensure sustainability, noting that the school currently spends over N130 million monthly on electricity alone. Staff and students welcomed the intervention but urged strict accountability to prevent a repeat of the failure.

BREAKING: This morning in Bukkuyum LGA, Zamfara State, an explosive device reportedly detonated along Gwashi–Gurusu road, impacting a vehicle and a motorcycle and resulting in several death. According to residents, people remained at the scene awaiting an official response until authorities recently confirmed that the road was safe again.

What triggered the attack, and when will emergency support reach those affected?

Sharia Council Explains Rapid Growth of Islamic Banking in Nigeria

The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN) says Islamic banking is expanding swiftly because it offers interest-free, ethically grounded financial solutions aligned with Islamic principles. Speaking at a major workshop in Kano, SCSN President Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar highlighted the sector’s emphasis on fairness, risk-sharing, and responsible financial practices, noting the presence of five fully established Islamic banks in Nigeria. The event also featured BUK’s announcement that Summit Bank will offer automatic five-year employment to its top Islamic finance graduates. Over 250 stakeholders attended the conference, aimed at deepening understanding of Sharia-compliant finance and modern regulatory practices.

JUST IN: The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed The abduction of Mrs. Ibukun Otesile, the 2025 President of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Ibadan Elite.

President Tinubu has approved the constitution and reconstitution of the governing boards of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Bank of Agriculture (BOA), and Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

Below is the full list of appointed chairmen, executive directors, and members:

UNIVERSAL BASIC EDUCATION COMMISSION (UBEC) BOARD
- Chairman: Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura (retained)

- South East Representative: Uchendu Ikechi Mbaegbulem

- South South Representative: Gift Ngo

- South West Representative: Mrs Ibiwunmi Akinnola

- North East Representative: Dr Meiro Mandara

- North West Representative: Dr Abdu Imam Saulawa

- North Central Representative: Professor Paul Ibukun-Olu Bolorunduro

(Term: 4 years in the first instance)

BANK OF AGRICULTURE (BOA)

- Chairman: Muhammad Babangida

- Managing Director/CEO: Ayo Sotinrin

Executive Directors
- Fatima Garba (Sokoto) – Executive Director, Corporate Services

- Ka’amuna Ibrahim Khadi (Borno) – Executive Director, Risk Management & Strategy

- Hakeem Oluwatosin Salami (Kwara) – Executive Director, Operations

Non-Executive Directors
- Aminu Malami Mohammed – North East
- Charles Amuchienwa – South East
- Oladejo Odunuga – South West
- Rabiu Idris Funtua – North West
- Kochi Donald Iorgyer – North Central

NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT FUND (NADF) BOARD
- Executive Secretary/CEO (previously appointed): Muhammad Abu Ibrahim

- Chairman: Mallam Bello Maccido (North West)

Members
- Dr Nelson Henry Essien – South South (Akwa Ibom)
- Amina Ahmed Habib – North West (Jigawa)
- Engr. Akinyinka Olufela Akinnola – South West (Ondo)
- Hassan Tanimu Musa Usman – North East (Borno)
- Lufer Samson Orkar – North Central (Benue)
- Felix Achibiri – South East (Imo)

The appointments take immediate effect.