Anambra Journalist Accuses Police, NSCDC of Harassment and Detention at State Assembly Complex

Awka-based journalist Izunna Okafor has alleged that police and NSCDC officers attached to the Anambra State House of Assembly harassed, assaulted, detained, and seized his phones while he attempted to cover a budget defence session. Okafor said the operatives blocked his entry, demanded unnecessary confirmation, pushed him, confiscated his devices for recording the encounter, and later attempted to force him into detention. He claimed he was only released after intervention from officials and resisted calls to write an apology letter. The Police Command, however, denied the allegations, insisting no journalist was detained and that officers only enforced standard security protocol.



#AnambraNews #PressFreedom #PoliceBrutality

Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters Orders Immediate Removal of Unauthorized Roadblocks Nationwide

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has issued a directive ordering the immediate dismantling of non-essential roadblocks and unauthorized checkpoints across major highways in Nigeria. The internal memo, signed by Brigadier General A. Rabiu for the Chief of Defence Staff, warns that the proliferation of unapproved checkpoints is disrupting movement, reducing operational efficiency, and exposing troops to unnecessary risks. Commanders have been instructed to retain only approved control points while replacing static posts with mobile, intelligence-driven patrols. The order comes amid rising public concern over insecurity and road travel challenges nationwide.

Tinubu Reaffirms Withdrawal of Police From VIP Escorts, Orders Strict Clearance for Exceptions

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his directive withdrawing police officers from VIP escort duties, insisting that only individuals who secure his personal approval through the Inspector-General of Police will receive special protection. Speaking before the Federal Executive Council meeting, Tinubu said the decision aims to redeploy security personnel to critical national security operations, particularly the fight against kidnapping and terrorism. He ordered the Interior Minister and NSCDC to replace withdrawn police escorts with civil defence operatives and directed the NSA and DSS to review nationwide security deployments. Tinubu also emphasised arming forest guards. The directive follows a national debate reignited by Wole Soyinka, who criticised the excessively large convoy attached to Seyi Tinubu, calling it a misuse of security resources.

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.”

JUST IN: Nigeria and Saudi Arabia sign MoU to strengthen defence ties

COAS DECORATES ARMY SPOKESPERSON AS COLONEL …Reaffirms Public Trust as a Strategic Enabler for Military Operations

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu Nigerian Army Medal, on 9 December 2025, decorated the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, with the rank of Colonel in recognition of her steadfast dedication and exemplary service to the Nigerian Army.

At a brief ceremony held at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, the COAS commended Colonel Anele’s professionalism and unwavering commitment, charging the Directorate of Army Public Relations to sustain its efforts in projecting the Nigerian Army’s image responsibly and credibly.

Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Bamidele Alabi, the COAS underscored the indispensable role of public trust in the success of military operations. He urged the Directorate of Army Public Relations to strengthen transparent, accountableand timely communication on the activities of the Nigerian Army, stressing that effective strategic communication remains vital in bolstering national confidence in the Armed Forces.

The Army Chief further tasked the Acting Director to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and loyalty, while mentoring her subordinates to enhance the overall effectiveness and capacity of the Directorate.

In her vote of thanks, Colonel Appolonia Anele expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the COAS for their visionary leadership, purposeful guidance and mentorship, which she described as instrumental to her career advancement.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including former Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Usman Kukasheka (Rtd) mni; Colonel Mustapha Anka (Rtd) mni, senior officers serving and retired; alongside family members, friends and well-wishers.

NIGERIA–INDIA ADVANCES DEFENCE PARTNERSHIP AS INDIAN DEFENCE ADVISER VISIT COAS

The strategic defence partnership between Nigeria and India received a significant boost on 9 December 2025 when the Indian Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Colonel Manoj Singh, paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu Nigerian Army Medal, at the Army Headquarters, Abuja. The visit reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to strengthening bilateral military cooperation and advancing shared security interests.

Colonel Singh while making his remarks commended the Nigerian Army for its sustained efforts in tackling security challenges nationwide and expressed appreciation for the warm reception. He emphasized India’s willingness to broaden defence cooperation, expand training opportunities for Nigerian Army personnel and deepen technical exchanges in critical areas of mutual benefit.

In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu stressed the importance of maintaining an enduring partnership with the Indian Armed Forces. He described India’s long-standing support in military training, capacity building and defence development as invaluable, noting the need to further enhance collaboration in counter-terrorism operations, intelligence sharing, equipment support and professional military education.

The visit featured the presentation of souvenirs to the Defence Adviser by the COAS as a symbol of friendship and continued cooperation. Colonel Singh also signed the visitors’ book and a group photograph.

APPOLONIA ANELE
Colonel
Acting Director Army Public Relations
9 December, 2025

NEWS FLASH

PRESIDENT TINUBU SEEKS SENATE CONSENT ON TROOPS DEPLOYMENT TO BENIN REPUBLIC

President Bola Tinubu this Tuesday transmitted to the senate a request seeking its consent to deploy Nigerian troops on peace mission to Benin Republic.

In the communication the President explained that the deployment is to provide support in the country as requested by President Patrice Talon, following the recent failed coup attempt.

The deployment is in line with the protocol of the regional bloc, Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS.

It is also in tandem with section 30 sub 5 of Nigeria's constitution in consultation with Nigeria Defence Council.

The request has been referred to the committee of the whole for immediate consideration.

Nigeria had earlier provided air intervention following the unconstitutional breach in Benin.

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.

NDA Cadet Missing for Seven Months: Family Demands Answers, Flags Suspicious Circumstances

A 21-year-old Nigerian Defence Academy cadet, Stephen Kubuma Gani, has been missing for over seven months after disappearing under mysterious circumstances within the NDA campus in Kaduna. His family says they have received conflicting accounts from cadets and Academy officials, no written report from the investigation panel, and no transparency from the authorities. They allege possible foul play involving his roommates and insist the NDA has not provided any formal explanation. The family, emotionally and financially devastated, continues to demand an independent and transparent probe into Stephen’s disappearance.

Court Adjourns Hearing on Nnamdi Kanu’s Request for Transfer From Sokoto Prison to January 27

The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the hearing of Nnamdi Kanu’s application seeking his transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Centre to a facility nearer to the FCT. Justice James Omotosho adjourned the case to January 27, 2026, directing that the Correctional Service and prosecution be notified. Kanu, who was recently sentenced to life imprisonment on terrorism charges, argues that his distant detention location hinders effective legal consultation and obstructs his appeal process. His legal team maintains that relocating him to Kuje, Keffi, or any facility within the court’s jurisdiction is essential for fair defence.

Kwankwaso Says Federal Government Overwhelmed as Militias Spread, Urges Urgent Action

Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has warned that the Nigerian government is struggling to contain the rising spread of militias, violence, and ethnic profiling across the country. While congratulating newly appointed Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa, he expressed concern that the Federal Government appears overwhelmed, allowing poorly trained vigilantes and political militias to proliferate. Kwankwaso cautioned that unchecked arms circulation, harassment of citizens, and rising hate speech threaten national unity, urging immediate and decisive intervention to prevent further instability.

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

President Tinubu commends Nigeria's Armed Forces for protecting democracy in Benin Republic

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the gallantry of Nigeria's military on Sunday for responding swiftly to the request by the Government of Benin Republic to save its 35-year-old democracy from coup plotters who struck at dawn today.

Acting on two separate requests from the Government of Benin, President Tinubu first ordered Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to enter the country and take over the airspace to help dislodge the coup plotters from the National TV and a military camp where they had regrouped.

The Republic of Benin, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a Note Verbal, requested immediate Nigerian air support "in view of the urgency and seriousness of the situation and to safeguard the constitutional order, protect national institutions and ensure the security of the population."

In the second request, the authorities in Benin requested the deployment of Nigerian Air Force assets within Beninoise airspace for surveillance and rapid intervention operations under Benin-led coordination.

The Benin government also requested Nigerian ground forces, "strictly for missions approved by the Beninese Command authority in support of the protection of constitutional institutions and the containment of armed Groups."

Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, said all the requests have been fulfilled, with Nigerian ground forces now in Benin.

"Ours is to comply with the order of the Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces, President Tinubu," he said.

Constitutional order was upended in the Republic of Benin, Nigeria's neighbour, when some soldiers led by Colonel Pascal Tigri announced a coup on Sunday morning. The putschists seized the National TV and claimed they had toppled President Patrice Talon and suspended all democratic institutions.

It took some hours before the government's loyal forces, assisted by Nigeria, took control and flushed out the coup plotters from the National TV.

In his remarks after the restoration of the democratic and constitutional order, President Tinubu saluted the Nigerian armed forces for standing firm as a protector and defender of democracy.

“Today, the Nigerian armed forces stood gallantly as a defender and protector of constitutional order in the Republic of Benin on the invitation of the government. Our armed forces acted within the ambit of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. They have helped stabilise a neighbouring country and have made us proud of their commitment to sustaining our democratic values and ideals since 1999. Nigeria stands firmly with the government and people of the Republic of Benin."

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President

(Information and Strategy)

December 7, 2025

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

The challenges we're facing, isn't entirely military solutions, Nigeria lacks good governance, justice, equity and fairness.

Defence Minister says

YPP Expels House of Reps Member Over Anti-Party Activities, Elects New National Officers

The Young Progressives Party (YPP) has expelled House of Representatives member Uzokwe Peter over verified cases of anti-party activities, following multiple petitions and video evidence presented to the NEC. The decision, upheld by the National Working Committee, was based on violations of key sections of the party’s constitution.
During its 24th Extraordinary NEC meeting in Abuja, the party also elected new national leaders to fill vacant positions, including a Deputy National Chairperson, National Legal Adviser, and National Security Adviser. The NEC passed a vote of confidence on National Chairman Bishop Amakiri and voiced support for newly appointed Defence Minister General Christopher Musa (rtd), insisting security positions must remain non-politicised.
The party further warned against any push toward a one-party system, describing it as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy while reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy and national development.

There is something many Nigerians have not paid attention to.

Ever since President Tinubu announced the appointment of General Christopher Musa as Minister of Defence, not a single bandit group has dared to attack any village anywhere in the country.

Those who study security trends understand exactly what this means:

A new message has been sent.
A new sheriff is in charge.
And the criminals know it.

The fear of General Musa has already begun to restore sanity.
Before he even resumes fully, the bandits have started retreating.

This is what true leadership in security looks like—your presence alone begins to change the battlefield.

ARMED FORCES LEADERSHIP SOLIDIFIES JOINT OPERATIONS UNDER NEW DEFENCE MINISTER

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, joined the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, and other Service Chiefs at the Ministry of Defence in Abuja.

“Shoot on sight. Don’t wait for orders. Use your instinct. If anyone tells you to wait for orders, they are cowards and liars. You know your enemy. Shoot.”

— New Defence Minister, Christopher Musa charge Troops.

BREAKING NEWS: Rural communities in Bungudu LGA, Zamfara State, are facing escalating pressure from armed bandit groups. Farmers in Durkai, Honkarhe, Makwa and Kiluta communities say they are being forced to pay steep levies before they can harvest:
Durkai community ₦5m
Honkarhe community ₦5m
Makwa community ₦9m
Kiluta community ₦5m

Residents also report that motorcycle prices are being dictated to them, with Honda bikes pushed to ₦1.7m. They are urgently calling on Defence Minister Christopher Musa to intervened and restore security so people can return to normal life in their communities.

▪︎ How long can these communities survive under such conditions?

▪︎ When will real protection reach Nigeria’s rural farmers?