Tinubu Urges National Assembly to Summon IGP Kayode Egbetokun Over State Police Plan, Says Safeguards Needed

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the National Assembly to summon the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to address concerns surrounding the proposed creation of state police in Nigeria. Speaking at the APC National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja, Tinubu stressed that while state police is a necessary step to tackle terrorism, banditry, and rising insecurity, lawmakers must put strong safeguards in place to prevent abuse of power. The president reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to decentralised policing, as debates over state police continue to gain momentum nationwide amid worsening security challenges.

Tinubu’s Government Explains Roles of 7,000 Newly Recruited Forest Guards Deployed to Tackle Banditry

The federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has clarified the job description of over 7,000 newly recruited Forest Guards deployed across seven frontline states to combat banditry and insecurity. The guards, trained for three months under the Presidential Forest Guards Initiative, are tasked with protecting Nigeria’s forests, gathering intelligence, supporting security agencies, and reclaiming territories overtaken by criminal elements. According to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the initiative marks a decisive step toward restoring state authority, with plans to recruit up to 180,000 forest guards nationwide to curb terrorism, kidnapping, and other crimes operating from forest reserves.

US and Nigeria Carry Out Joint Missile Strikes on Islamist Militants in Sokoto State on Christmas Day

On December 25, 2025, the United States and Nigeria conducted precision missile strikes targeting Islamist militants in Sokoto State. Ordered by US President Donald Trump and approved by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, the operation focused on ISIS-linked positions, aiming to degrade the group’s operational capabilities. The attacks underscore the complex terrorism landscape in north-west Nigeria, where fragmented militant groups, including Lakurawa fighters with shifting jihadi allegiances, have threatened civilians for years. Initially invited by local communities to combat banditry, groups like Lakurawa later turned violent, imposing radical practices and attacking both civilians and security forces. The strikes prompted suspected terrorists to relocate, though insecurity continues to affect Sokoto residents of all faiths.

FG GRADUATES OVER 7,000 FOREST GUARDS, SET FOR IMMEDIATE DEPLOYMENT

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has announced the graduation of over 7,000 newly recruited Forest Guards drawn from seven frontline states, following the successful completion of an intensive three-month training programme under the Presidential Forest Guards Initiative launched by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in May 2025.

The initiative represents a coordinated Federal–State security intervention aimed at reclaiming Nigeria’s forests from criminal exploitation.

The graduation ceremonies were held on 27 December 2025 across Borno, Sokoto, Yobe, Adamawa, Niger, Kwara, and Kebbi States. The programme is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security architecture by denying terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal groups sanctuary within forested and hard-to-reach terrains.

The training programme was deliberately intensive, structured, and demanding, designed to transform loyal and committed Nigerians into agile, disciplined, and capable field operatives. The curriculum integrated environmental conservation principles with advanced security competencies, ensuring a balanced, professional, and mission-ready force.

Trainees underwent extensive physical and mental conditioning, including endurance exercises, obstacle-crossing drills, and long-range patrol simulations to prepare them for sustained forest operations.

They were also trained in tactical fieldcraft, including movement techniques, enemy-contact drills, ambush response, rescue operations, and coordinated offensive actions—equipping them to deny criminal elements any form of sanctuary within Nigeria’s forest spaces.

Equally central to the programme was a strong emphasis on ethics, legality, and professionalism. The curriculum placed significant focus on human rights, International Humanitarian Law (IHL), gender rights, and the protection of civilians.

Arms handling and use-of-force protocols were strictly regulated in line with an Arms Management Manual jointly agreed upon by all participating agencies.

Speaking at the ceremonies, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, described the initiative as a decisive step toward restoring state authority and protecting vulnerable communities.

“These Forest Guards are not just uniformed personnel. They are first responders, community protectors, and a critical layer of Nigeria’s security architecture. They will hold ground, gather intelligence, and support security agencies in reclaiming territories previously overtaken by criminal elements.”

The NSA confirmed that deployment will commence immediately, with no gap between graduation and operational duty.

“There will be no delay between graduation and deployment. Salaries and allowances will commence immediately, and every certified guard will proceed directly to assigned duty posts,” he stated.

The training programme recorded a 98.2 percent completion rate. A total of 81 trainees were disqualified on disciplinary grounds, while two trainees passed away due to pre-existing medical conditions. All successful participants have been fully certified and cleared for operational service.

The graduating Forest Guards are indigenous to their respective local government areas, enabling them to leverage terrain familiarity and community trust in countering banditry, kidnapping, and the illegal exploitation of forest resources.

The Nigerian Forest Guard is an inter-agency national security initiative established under the leadership and strategic guidance of the National Security Adviser, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment, and operationally coordinated by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Park Service.

The programme draws doctrine, operational alignment, and strategic input from the Defence Headquarters, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)—ensuring unity of command, clarity of purpose, and operational effectiveness.

Governors and Deputy Governors from the seven participating states attended the ceremonies, including Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State and Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, with other states represented by their Deputy Governors.

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment, the NSA concluded: “By protecting our forests, we are securing our territory. And by securing our territory, we are protecting our people. The Federal Government will not relent. This initiative will expand nationwide as part of our sustained effort to build a safer and more secure Nigeria.”

Bandits Invade Kwara Community After Christmas, Kidnap Seven Residents and Injure Others

Armed bandits attacked Adanla community in Igbaja Ward 2, Ifelodun LGA, Kwara State, on the evening of December 26, 2025, a day after Christmas celebrations. The attackers abducted seven residents and injured several others, including a young girl reported to be in critical condition. The assailants reportedly stormed homes firing sporadically, leaving the community in panic and grief. As of the report, it is unclear if security forces have launched a rescue operation. This incident adds to the growing insecurity in Kwara State and the North-Central region, highlighting ongoing threats from banditry, kidnapping, and violent attacks, even during festive periods.

Sokoto Government Confirms Nigeria–US Airstrikes Destroy Terrorist Camps In Tangaza, Says No Civilian Casualties Recorded

The Sokoto State Government has confirmed that a joint air operation conducted by the Nigerian military in collaboration with the United States targeted terrorist enclaves in Tangaza Local Government Area, resulting in the destruction of identified camps without any civilian casualties. In a statement issued by the Director-General of Media and Publicity, Abubakar Bawa, the government said investigations and post-strike assessments are still ongoing to determine the full impact of the operation. The state also addressed public concerns over suspicious objects discovered near Jabo town, noting that detailed analysis by Nigeria–US military authorities is underway. Reaffirming its support for security agencies, the Sokoto Government welcomed international collaboration against terrorism and urged residents to remain calm, cooperative and prayerful as efforts continue to combat banditry and cross-border crimes in the state.

POLICE SMASH CRIMINAL RINGS, ARREST 22 IN MULTI-STATE OPERATIONS, RECOVERED VEHICLES AND MOTORCYCLES

The Nigeria Police Force Special Tactical Squad has recorded major operational successes in a series of intelligence-driven raids carried out across several states of the federation, leading to the arrest of twenty-two suspects linked to armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, car snatching, impersonation and drug trafficking.

According to a statement by the Force, operatives recovered six firearms, including AK-47 and AK-49 rifles, a sub-machine gun, pump-action gun and an LAR rifle, alongside assorted ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs and other incriminating exhibits believed to have been used in the commission of various crimes.

A major breakthrough was recorded along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway, where thirteen brand-new motorcycles were intercepted and a suspect linked to economic sabotage was arrested. In the Federal Capital Territory, operatives apprehended an escapee from the Kuje Custodial Centre as well as a suspect impersonating a police officer. Further arrests were also made in Edo, Lagos, Ogun and Nasarawa States.

Commending the operatives for their professionalism and dedication, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Force’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, dismantling criminal networks and sustaining nationwide security operations. He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing policing efforts across the country.

South Africa’s EFF Condemns US Christmas Day Airstrikes In Nigeria, Warns Of Growing American Militarism And Threat To African Sovereignty

South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has strongly criticised the United States over Christmas Day airstrikes carried out in northwest Nigeria, reportedly in Sokoto State, describing the action as military imperialism and a grave violation of African sovereignty. In a statement, the EFF accused US President Donald Trump of using inflammatory religious rhetoric to justify the strikes and of oversimplifying Nigeria’s complex security crisis into a religious conflict. The party argued that violence in northern Nigeria is driven by poverty, banditry, insurgency, and governance failures affecting all communities, not just Christians. It also faulted the Nigerian government’s response, describing its praise of US–Nigeria security cooperation as capitulation to foreign military pressure. Warning that American interventions are driven by selfish economic interests such as oil, the EFF urged African governments and institutions to resist what it called expanding US militarism on the continent.

Police arrest bandit seen flaunting firearms in viral video, recover AK-47, cash

The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a significant operational breakthrough with the arrest of two notorious bandits and kidnapping kingpins responsible for violent crimes across Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kwara States.

A sttement from the force spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said on Friday, December 19, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT), attached to Kwara State, in a covert operation carried out in collaboration with operatives of the Kwara State Police Command, intercepted and arrested two members of the dangerous banditry and k!dnapping gang along the Komen–Masallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Hundeyin gave the names of the suspects as Abubakar Usman, alias Siddi ‘m’ aged 26 and Shehu Mohammadu, alias Gide ‘m’ aged 30. He mentioned that both suspects were arrested in Komen–Masallaci village, Kaiama LGA of Kwara State at the time of arrest.

Items recovered from the suspects incude one brand new Honda Ace 125 motorcycle, red in colour, valued at N1,850,000.00, which investigations revealed was purchased with proceeds of ransom payments; N500,000.00 cash, being unspent ransom money; one AK-47 rifle with a magazine loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are members of a notorious banditry and kidnapping gang terrorising communities across Zamfara, Katsina, Niger and Kwara States. Further findings indicate that the gang also doubles as suppliers of arms and ammunition to criminal elements.

Both suspects are currently cooperating with investigators to enable the arrest of other members of the syndicate and recovery of additional weapons.””the statement read

Hundeyin mentioned that one of the suspects, Abubakar Usman (alias Siddi), was recently identified as the individual seen in a viral video flaunting firearms and large sums of money on social media.

Nigeria Spends Over N827 Billion on Arms Imports from 2020 to September 2025 Amid Rising Security Threats

A review of Nigeria’s foreign trade statistics shows that the country spent a total of N827.1 billion on arms and ammunition imports between 2020 and September 2025. Spending increased from N29.2 billion in 2020 to a peak of N520 billion in 2024, reflecting escalating security challenges. Analysts and military officials have warned that Nigeria harbours a high concentration of illicit weapons, with non-state actors holding over six million small arms—far outpacing official security forces. Experts, including former Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, highlight the urgent need for enhanced border security, regional collaboration, and socio-economic initiatives to curb the proliferation of arms and combat terrorism, banditry, and militia violence in northern Nigeria.

Christmas Reflections: Northern Nigeria’s Journey from Unity to Division

On Christmas Day, Samuel Aruwan reflects on Northern Nigeria’s historical trajectory, highlighting the contrast between its once-promising unity and its current state of division. He recalls Sir Ahmadu Bello’s 1959 Christmas message, which emphasized religious tolerance, shared citizenship, and mutual respect as foundational principles for the region. This vision of “Work and Worship” promoted coexistence and a common purpose despite ethnic and religious diversity.
Aruwan traces the erosion of this unity to the late 1970s, when political maneuvering, economic frustrations, and sectarian ideologies began to weaken communal bonds. Ethno-religious conflicts of the 1980s and 1990s, followed by terrorism and widespread banditry in the 21st century, further fragmented society. Incidents such as the Kaduna clashes (2000), Jos violence (2001), terror in Maiduguri (2009), and the spread of banditry from Zamfara (2011 onward) illustrate the human and social costs, including mass displacement, poverty, and insecurity.
Aruwan emphasizes that restoring Northern Nigeria’s cohesion requires deliberate, courageous leadership at all levels—community, religious, and political. He calls for a return to religious tolerance, impartial law enforcement, and rebuilding of trust as essential steps toward reconciliation. The article concludes that Northern Nigeria’s redemption depends on acknowledging past failures and actively reconstructing a society rooted in mutual respect, security, and opportunity for all.

Terrorists Kill FRSC Officer, Brother of House of Reps Member in Katsina Amid Peace Talks

Ibrahim Dalhatu Tafoki, a Federal Road Safety Corps officer and younger brother of Rt. Hon. Shehu Dalhatu Tafoki, a House of Representatives member, was killed by armed assailants along the Funtua–Tafoki road in Faskari LGA, Katsina State. The attack occurred on Tuesday evening while Tafoki was riding a motorcycle, and the attackers stole his motorcycle. The incident raises serious concerns about the fragility of ongoing peace and reconciliation efforts with bandit groups in the region, highlighting the persistent security challenges in Nigeria’s North-West. Authorities have yet to release an official statement.

#Katsina #NigeriaSecurity #FRSCOfficerKilled #Banditry #NorthWestNigeria #PeaceTalks #NigeriaNews #HouseOfReps

IGP Egbetokun Approves Mobilisation of 700+ Police Officers to Counter-Terrorism Unit

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has sanctioned the mobilisation of over 700 police officers across Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory and Police Mobile Force, to strengthen the Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU). The move comes amid ongoing threats from terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings. The internal police signal, dated December 18, 2025, detailed the deployment numbers for each state, with the FCT Command contributing the highest at 121 officers. Senior police formations were instructed to release personnel to proceed with the deployment, underscoring a nationwide effort to bolster counter-terrorism capabilities.

#NigeriaPolice
#CounterTerrorismUnit
#IGPEgbetokun

Armed Men Abduct 28 Muslim Travellers, Including Women and Children, in Plateau State

Armed men kidnapped 28 people, including women and children, in Plateau State, Nigeria, while they were traveling to an annual Islamic event. The ambush occurred on Sunday night between villages, and families of the victims have begun receiving ransom demands. Police confirmed that they had deployed security assets to the area to rescue the hostages. The incident comes a day after the release of 130 schoolchildren and teachers abducted from a Catholic boarding school in Niger State. Authorities noted that the Plateau abduction is separate from the ongoing Islamist insurgency in northeastern Nigeria and emphasized that trained forest guards would support army operations to curb the growing kidnapping crisis.

#PlateauState
#NigeriaKidnapping
#BanditryInNigeria
#RansomDemands
#WomenAndChildrenAbducted
#NigerianSecurity
#IslamicEventAbduction
#NigeriaNews

Tinubu Urged To Suspend Defence Minister Bello Matawalle Over Alleged Links To Bandits, Terror Financing Claims

A constitutional lawyer and human rights activist, Hamza N. Dantani Esq., has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately suspend Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, or compel him to step aside, citing grave national security concerns linked to persistent allegations of banditry collaboration.
Dantani said Northern Nigeria continues to suffer devastating insecurity, arguing that allegations against Matawalle — dating back to his tenure as Zamfara State governor — have never been independently or conclusively investigated despite their seriousness. He referenced repeated claims by Sokoto-based cleric Sheikh Murtala Asada and former aide Musa Kamarawa, who accused Matawalle of fraternising with bandits, providing material support, facilitating the release of known criminals, and allegedly funding terrorist activities.
While stressing that the allegations do not amount to a conviction, Dantani warned that retaining a defence minister under such scrutiny undermines Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts. He urged the president to prioritise transparency and national security by ordering an independent investigation, warning that failure to act could lead to court-mandated probes into the claims.

Things Must Be Done Differently: Prof. Usman Yusuf Warns Nigeria Cannot End Banditry Through Militarisation Alone

In this opinion piece, Professor Usman Yusuf argues that Nigeria’s twelve-year war against banditry has failed largely due to an overreliance on militarisation without addressing the deep-rooted social, economic and governance failures that fuel the conflict. He traces banditry to local political irresponsibility, corruption, poverty, youth unemployment, arms proliferation and the breakdown of trust within communities. According to Yusuf, repeated top-down security strategies from Abuja have proven ineffective, leaving the military overstretched, battle-fatigued and increasingly vulnerable to psychological trauma. He insists that there is no purely military solution to banditry and calls for a shift toward inclusive, locally driven approaches involving traditional rulers, clerics, elders and community leaders. Yusuf advocates sincere dialogue, trust rebuilding and social investment as prerequisites for disarmament and lasting peace, urging the President to rethink Nigeria’s security strategy as the conflict enters its thirteenth year.

Nigerian Soldiers in North-East Under Operation Lafia Dole Raise Alarm Over Irregular, Unpaid Allowances

Soldiers serving in Nigeria’s North-East under Operation Lafia Dole have raised concerns over irregular and unpaid operational allowances, describing the situation as demoralising and unfair. Deployed far from their home commands, officers report receiving inconsistent payments—some get allowances for multiple months at once, others for just one or two months, while some receive nothing at all. Complaints submitted through official channels have reportedly gone unresolved. The affected soldiers stress that prompt and transparent payment of entitlements is critical for maintaining morale and operational effectiveness in high-risk security operations against Boko Haram, banditry, and other threats. The Army spokesperson has yet to comment on the situation.

Tinubu Urges Nigerians to Avoid Alcohol During Eyo Festival 2025, Stresses Peaceful Celebrations

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians, particularly participants of the upcoming Eyo Festival, to avoid alcohol and embrace peaceful celebrations. Speaking on Sunday, December 21, while receiving festival organizers at his Lagos residence, Tinubu emphasized the importance of unity, joy, and public safety during the December 27 festivities. The President urged festival adherents to celebrate responsibly, avoid actions that could endanger lives, and foster mutual respect. He offered prayers for Lagos and Nigeria while reiterating his administration’s commitment to tackling terrorism and banditry. The video of Tinubu’s remarks quickly went viral on social media, prompting widespread reactions. Many Nigerians praised the President’s advice as practical and responsible, noting that it encourages citizens to enjoy festivities safely and responsibly. The Ministry of Interior has also announced statutory public holidays for Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year, allowing citizens to celebrate responsibly.

Ex-Aide Accuses Tinubu’s Defence Minister Bello Matawalle Of Using Police Hit Squad, Supplying Vehicles To Bandits And Colluding With Criminal Networks In Zamfara

A former aide to Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has made grave allegations accusing the minister of colluding with police officers to eliminate perceived enemies and protect allies during his tenure as governor of Zamfara State. Musa Muhammad Kamara, also known as Musa Kamarawa, who served as a Senior Special Assistant to Matawalle, claimed in a viral Hausa-language interview that the minister maintained a network of police operatives who allegedly carried out extrajudicial killings on his orders. Kamara further alleged that the Zamfara State Government under Matawalle procured and supplied vehicles to notorious bandit leaders, including Bello Turji and Halilu Sububu, as part of an engagement strategy. He claimed to have personally facilitated the procurement of a Hilux vehicle for one of the bandits. Kamara stated that after he began speaking publicly, he was targeted through arrests, prosecutions, and what he described as a coordinated attempt to silence him. Swearing on the Holy Qur’an, he challenged Matawalle to publicly deny the allegations under oath. The accusations have reignited national debate over insecurity in Zamfara State, alleged government complicity with banditry, and calls for an independent investigation into Matawalle’s conduct as governor and defence minister.

Osun Governor Adeleke Raises Alarm Over Bandits’ Infiltration From Kwara Border, Urges Nigerian Army To Sustain Military Operations

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has raised fresh concerns over the threat of bandits infiltrating the state through its border communities with Kwara State, calling on the Nigerian Army to intensify and sustain ongoing military operations in the area. Speaking at the Passing Out Parade of the 89 Regular Recruits Intake at the Nigerian Army Depot in Osogbo, the governor praised the military’s role in maintaining national security and revealed that troops are currently conducting special operations in border towns to curb banditry and kidnapping. Adeleke described the threat as real but preventable, reaffirmed the state government’s collaboration with security agencies, and assured residents of continued efforts to protect lives and property following recent bandit attacks in Ora Igbomina.