Kebbi Governor Assures Parents of Efforts to Rescue Abducted School girls.

Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has assured families of the abducted students from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS), Maga, that all necessary steps are being taken to secure their release.

The governor gave the assurance on Monday during a visit to Maga, where he met with security agencies, traditional rulers, and the affected parents behind closed doors.

“The unfortunate thing has already happened. They have abducted our children. We came here, we saw things for ourselves, and we met the parents whose children were taken,” Idris said.

“We gave them confidence and our word that we will do everything possible to ensure their children are rescued.

“Every Child Deserves Safety” — First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Calls for United Action Against Sexual Abuse


The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on all Nigerians to take decisive action to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse.
She made this appeal in Abuja on Tuesday during the commemoration of the World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse 2025.

This year’s global theme is:
“Strengthening the Protection of Children Against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse Through Evidence-Based Policy Making.”

Mrs Tinubu stressed that child protection must be a shared responsibility, urging parents, leaders, institutions, and young people to unite in building a society where children feel safe, valued, and protected.

“As a nation, we must ensure that every child grows up free from fear and harm,” she said.
She further emphasized that true protection requires more than speeches — it demands evidence-driven policies, accurate data, effective research, and actionable collaboration.

She called on government agencies, civil society, traditional and religious leaders, and communities to work collectively in creating safe spaces where children can thrive without the threat of abuse.

The World Day, observed every November 18, was created in 2015 by the Council of Europe and later recognized by the United Nations in 2022 to raise awareness, reduce stigma, support survivors, and strengthen global response to child sexual abuse.

Mrs Tinubu concluded with a prayer:
“May God protect all our children.”

Sowore Slams Tinubu Police IG Over Silence as 25 Schoolgirls Are Abducted and Brigadier General kill.

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has sharply criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of Nigeria’s security agencies following the abduction of twenty-five schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the execution of a Brigadier General by Boko Haram/ISWAP. In a strongly worded message shared on his verified Facebook page, Sowore condemned what he described as the government’s disturbing silence in the face of national tragedy.

Sowore noted that despite the kidnapping of the schoolgirls, President Tinubu’s public statement of the day focused instead on offering a casual greeting to a “seasoned banker.” He also accused the Inspector General of Police of failing to make any comment, calling the IGP incompetent, illegally appointed, and long overdue for dismissal, especially after what he described as a disastrous handling of the Yelwata massacre in Benue.

The activist further expressed outrage that even after a senior military officer was executed, the President has still not addressed the nation. He argued that the absence of reassurance, outrage, or leadership reflects a government disconnected from its citizens.

According to Sowore, a country where schoolgirls are abducted and officers are murdered while leaders remain silent is a failed state.

Lt. Yerima harassed by police after refusing to show ID and covering his vehicle plate number.

A video has captured a tense encounter between police officers and Lt. Yerima after he refused to identify himself while driving a vehicle with its plate number covered.

The video shows the lieutenant beginning to record himself as the officers approached. “He has started making a video upon his wrong deed. He came with a car plate number covered and we stopped him,” one officer says.

When asked to identify himself, Lt. Yerima reportedly could not provide proof. “Identify yourself,” the officers insisted, but he did not comply. Witnesses said he responded by insulting those confronting him. “The best thing he could do is to start insulting everybody,” one officer said.

The confrontation escalated as the officers pressed him on his actions. “Do you now accept that what you did is wrong?” they asked, but he denied wrongdoing. When questioned about not seeing a particular individual, he reportedly said, “No, I didn’t even see her,” prompting further challenges: “You didn’t see it?”

The video has circulated widely, drawing attention to the encounter and raising questions about proper identification during interactions involving officers

Bandits have raided the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) in Maga, located in the Danko Wasagu area of Kebbi State, killing the Vice-Principal, Hassan Yakubu Makuku, and kidnapping an unspecified number of students.

Maga, a community in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, has suffered repeated attacks in recent times.A resident, Aliyu Yakubu, said the attackers stormed the school around 5 am on Monday without encountering resistance.

“The incident has thrown the entire community into panic. Residents of Maga are gripped with fear and sorrow,” he said.He added that the school principal, Makuku, was shot while attempting to shield the students during the invasion.

“He was h+t while trying to stop the bandits from taking the students. His death is a huge tragedy for both the school and the community,” he stated.

As of the time of filing this report, the police had yet to comment on the attack, as the command’s spokesperson, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, did not respond to repeated calls.

DR Congo denies Nigeria the chance to ‘oblee’ at the 2026 World Cup after beating the Super Eagles 4–3 on penalties.

DR Congo Leopards defeated the Nigerian Super Eagles in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 1‑1 draw in regulation and extra time at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, securing their place in the next stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup inter‑confederation playoffs.

Nigeria took an early lead in the 3rd minute through Frank Onyeka, but DR Congo equalized in the 32nd minute via Meschack Elia. Both teams created several scoring chances during a tense match, with Nigeria goalkeeper Nwabali making key saves to keep the Eagles alive.

After 120 minutes, the score remained tied, sending the game into penalties. DR Congo held their nerve in sudden death, while Nigeria missed crucial kicks, handing the Leopards a historic victory.

This result marks Nigeria’s first competitive defeat to DR Congo since a friendly draw in 2018, and DR Congo now advances to the next stage of World Cup qualification.

Military reportedly deploys patrol team on Gado Nasko Road amid suspected assasination attempt report on Lt. Yerima

Lieutenant A.M. Yerima was allegedly trailed by unidentified individuals on Sunday, prompting a heightened military presence along the Gado Nasko Road in Kubwa.

According to report from Vanguard,At around 7 p.m., a convoy of eight military vehicles was observed patrolling the Gado Nasko axis, reportedly due to concerns over the officer’s safety.

The incident allegedly involved two unmarked white Hilux vans, whose occupants—dressed in black—were said to have followed Lt. Yerima from the NIPCO Station off the Kubwa Expressway to Gado Nasko Road around 6 p.m. This development reportedly triggered the immediate activation of security protocols in the area.

Despite the reports, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has denied receiving any information regarding an assassination attempt or the trailing of the officer.

The Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, stated that no such incident had been reported or recorded anywhere within the FCT. She urged the public to disregard circulating claims, describing them as false and capable of causing unnecessary panic. Residents were also advised to remain alert and promptly report any suspicious activity to the nearest police division or through the Command’s emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08068587311.

Meanwhile, military authorities have confirmed that the alleged trailing is under investigation as they continue to assess the situation and ensure the officer’s safety.

Navy Officer Who had heated exchange with Wike ‘Escapes Assassination Attempt’ — Investigation Underway

A young Nigerian Navy officer, Lt. A.M. Yarima the same officer who recently clashed with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has reportedly survived an assassination attempt on Sunday evening.

Military sources told Vanguard that unidentified men dressed in black, driving two unmarked Hilux vans without number plates, trailed the officer from the NIPCO Filling Station along the Line Expressway to Gado Nasco Way. Their coordinated movement reportedly raised immediate suspicion.

Upon sensing the threat, Yarima executed a “strategic maneuver,” successfully shaking off the suspected assailants around 6:30 p.m. The matter is currently under investigation, with officials describing it as “sensitive” and insisting that certain details are being withheld to avoid compromising ongoing findings.

This incident comes barely days after Yarima’s viral confrontation with Wike at a disputed land site in Gaduwa an exchange that sparked public outrage and forced the Presidency to halt the demolition exercise.

Following the clash, military veterans nationwide condemned Wike’s conduct, labelling his verbal attack on the officer as disrespectful and unacceptable. Coalition spokesman, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, warned that ex-service members were prepared to “occupy” the minister’s office and residence if any disciplinary action was taken against Yarima, stressing that military personnel owe allegiance to the nation, not to individual officials.

Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru Abubakar, later reassured the public that no officer acting lawfully would be punished, emphasising that the government remains committed to protecting personnel performing their duties professionally.

Veterans had earlier vowed to mobilise across the country should Lt. Yarima face any form of penalty a threat many say reflects the depth of support the young officer currently enjoys.

US House of Representatives launches Probe into Christian Genocide in Nigeria.

The United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa will hold a public hearing on Thursday, November 20, 2025, to scrutinise President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged religious freedom violations.

The session, slated for 11 a.m. in Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building and streamed live online, will be chaired by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), a long-time advocate on global religious liberty issues.

According to an invitation issued to members of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, the hearing will convene two panels. The first panel will feature senior officials from the US Department of State, including Jonathan Pratt, the Senior Bureau Official for African Affairs, and Jacob McGee, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.

A second panel will include prominent voices from religious and policy organisations, among them the Director of the Centre for Religious Freedom, Ms. Nina Shea; Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of the Makurdi Catholic Diocese; and Ms. Oge Onubogu of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

The review will assess the scale of religious persecution in Nigeria and explore possible US responses, ranging from targeted sanctions to humanitarian assistance and increased cooperation with Nigerian authorities.

Trump’s Hardline Position
President Trump reignited debate on October 31, 2025, when he returned Nigeria to the CPC list, a designation that paves the way for sweeping punitive measures against foreign officials implicated in religious repression. In a strongly worded statement the following day, he alleged that Christians in Nigeria were facing an “existential threat,” claiming thousands had been killed by Islamist extremists.

“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria,” Trump warned. “We may very well go into that country ‘guns-a-blazing’ to completely wipe out the terrorists committing these atrocities.”

He also directed the US “Department of War” to prepare for possible intervention, saying any strike would be “fast, vicious, and sweet.”

Sheikh Gumi Defends Negotiating With Bandits, Claims He Led 600 to Surrender.

Popular Islamic cleric Sheikh Gumi has strongly rejected calls for his arrest, saying his peace-building role in Nigeria’s security crisis is being unfairly politicised.

He argues that his role as a mediator with bandit gangs is patriotic, not criminal.

In a statement on Sunday, the cleric lashed out at critics who demand he be detained.

He described them as “spineless, irresponsible and unpatriotic imbecilic people” who prefer sensationalism over real solutions.

Gumi reminded Nigerians of a major intervention he led in January 2021 in Sabon Garin Yadi forest, Kaduna State.

He says he was accompanied by the then Kaduna State Commissioner of Police — representing the Inspector-General — when he met with over 600 armed bandits and their commanders.

According to him, the meeting was part of a peace process.

The bandits agreed to disarm in exchange for security guarantees and basic amenities. But, he claims, the government never delivered on its side of the bargain.

Benue Insecurity: Zaki Biam Residents Pay Kidnappers N100,000 for Protection.

Residents of Zaki Biam in Ukum LGA, Benue State, are gripped by fear as criminal activities escalate, including kidnapping threats, motorcycle theft, and suspected cult operations.

A community source told Vanguard correspondent over the weekend that residents have been receiving calls from unknown individuals demanding money and threatening abduction. 

“People are scared because these callers sound serious and very coordinated. We need urgent help before things get out of hand,” he said.

He added that insecurity has worsened due to the activities of an alleged cult group that reportedly meets at the shop of its suspected leader, located at the former SSS office along Yam Market bypass. 

“These boys meet both during the day and very late at night. Their activities are suspicious, and everyone in the area is worried about what they are planning.”

Motorcycle theft has also surged. Thieves reportedly target riders at night, creating heightened tension in a community where motorcycles are essential for transport and livelihood. “Because all the motorcycle thefts have happened at night, people no longer move around freely once it gets dark,” he said.

The fear is intensified by kidnapping threats. “One case involved a POS operator who allegedly paid ₦100,000 after being threatened by criminals who warned they would kidnap him if he refused. Imagine receiving a call telling you to send money or you will be taken away. That is the kind of fear people here are living with every day,” he added.

Residents are calling for urgent intervention from security agencies. “We are appealing to the government and security operatives to come to our rescue. Lives and property are no longer safe, and something must be done urgently,” he lamented.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful at press time.

I’m alive, healthy – Willie Obiano.

According to a report by Daily Post on Friday, November 14, 2025, the former governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, has addressed the death claims that were circulating online on Friday by confirming that he is alive and well.

To set the record straight and put people at ease, Obiano took to his Facebook page.

He stressed that the rumours were completely unfounded and asked his audience to check the facts before spreading them.

Obiano expressed his dismay at the rumours' persistence, saying that certain people persist in spreading lies without providing any evidence. According to him, he and his family are unconcerned about the allegations, and he is still in good health.

Obiano urged people to disregard the rumours and pay attention to the truth. The ex-governor emphasised the significance of ethical online communication in the social media post.

He stressed that the public could be unnecessarily alarmed and confused by false claims. Obiano said that people should check the news's legitimacy before responding or sharing it extensively on social media.

The post by Obiano follows extensive false reporting that he had died on multiple platforms. Despite the lack of official confirmation from any reliable sources, the rumours continued to gain momentum.

Such unfounded assertions, onlookers found, tend to propagate like wildfire on social media, frightening both supporters and followers.

Former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, has dismissed reports suggesting he has withdrawn his legal action against the Peoples Democratic Party or consented to the party’s planned national convention in Ibadan. In a statement on Friday evening, Lamido described the circulating report as “fake news,” noting that it triggered a wave of calls from concerned PDP members nationwide after it spread around the proposed convention venue

Nigerian govt aware of policies fueling Christian persecution, chooses media manipulation – Ted Cruz.

United States Senator, Ted Cruz has claimed that the Nigerian government is aware of policies fueling alleged Christian persecution in Nigeria, but chooses media manipulation over accountability.

In a statement he posted on his X account on Friday, Cruz also warned about a PR campaign being waged by the Nigerian government to fight the accusations.

“Nigerian officials know their policies have created an environment in which Christians are being persecuted and slaughtered, including their enforcement of sharia law and their tolerance of Islamist violence,” Cruz said (via Fox News Digital).

“Instead of reversing these policies, they are waging a media campaign to escape exposure and accountability. I intend to prevent them from doing so.”

This is coming after the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, Yusuf Tuggar, recently spoke on the alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria on Piers Morgan Uncensored.

United States President Donald Trump had designated Nigeria as a country of particular concern a few weeks ago.

Trump cited what he described as ongoing violence against Christians and the failure of the Nigerian government to protect religious minorities.

The US leader also said he had asked the Department of Defense to prepare for possible military action in Nigeria if the Nigerian government “continues to allow the killing of Christians.”

But the Nigerian government has strongly denied the persecution of any religious groups in the country

No policeman should search your phone on the road – Lagos CP.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has reiterated that no security ooerative has the right to search people’s phones on the road.

CP Jimoh said this on Thursday during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Police–Youth Dialogue Programme organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development at Alausa, Ikeja, where he also told Lagosians that their phones are their personal belongings.

“Some people put me on TikTok where I said it that no policeman should search your phone on the road, I still stand by that order,” he said.

Jimoh said that the Lagos State Police Command is committed to strengthening its relationship with young people through continuous dialogue, community partnerships, and empowerment initiatives.

Speaking further at the event, with the theme, “The Power of Partnership: Cultural Trust and Understanding Between Youth and Law Enforcement Agencies,” which brought together police officers, youth representatives, civil society groups, and government officials, the CP described the youth as the “mirror of the society”.

You Go Explain Tire, Evidence Boku—Farotimi On Wike Saying He Never Called Naval Officer A Fool.

In a recent statement via his official X account, public affairs commentator and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, has reacted to the latest controversy surrounding the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The minister has denied ever calling a naval officer “a fool,” even though a video circulating online appears to show him making the statement.

"You go explain tire, evidence boku," he wrote.

In his post, Farotimi mocked the denial and suggested that evidence was already widespread.

Ex-Anambra Governor Willie Obiano Dies At 70.

The immediate-past governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, has passed away in London at the age of 70 after a prolonged battle with illness.

Family sources revealed that he had been struggling with “severe heart failure and complications related to urinary cancer.” A senior member of the family, who requested anonymity, explained that Obiano’s health had been deteriorating for months but took a sudden turn for the worse. “His health had been declining in the past months, but the final collapse came suddenly. We are devastated,” the relative said.

Hospital officials in London confirmed that Obiano spent his final days in intensive care. One medical insider disclosed that “He fought till the very last moment.”

Obiano’s death comes just months before he was expected to return to Nigeria to stand trial. In July, the Federal High Court in Abuja fixed November 25 for the commencement of his case, following charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The former governor was facing a nine-count allegation of laundering N4 billion, a matter reassigned to Justice Mohammed Umar.

Nigeria Strikes Major Security Pact With Mali as Both Nations Unite Against Rising Regional Threats.

Nigeria and Mali have renewed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and tackling escalating security challenges across West Africa.

This followed a courtesy visit by Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, to Mali’s Prime Minister, General Abdoulaye Maiga, on the sidelines of the maiden International Defence and Security Exhibition (BAMEX 2025) in Bamako.

Badaru, who led Nigeria’s delegation to the high-level event, described Mali’s reception as warm and exemplary. He delivered President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s goodwill message and reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Mali in pursuit of regional peace and stability.

“Nigeria remains committed to working closely with Mali to confront threats that endanger peace in our region,” Badaru said.

He noted that Mali remains a strategic partner, with both nations sharing common security concerns and a mutual desire to strengthen defence collaboration.

Responding, Prime Minister Maiga praised Nigeria’s continuous support and participation at BAMEX 2025, calling it proof of the “enduring friendship and mutual respect” between both countries.

“Our unity is essential as we confront the security issues facing our nations. Nigeria’s partnership remains invaluable,” Maiga said.

He also highlighted BAMEX 2025 as a critical platform for exchanging defence ideas and innovations, essential for building stronger security structures across Africa.

As the exhibition concluded, both nations signalled a renewed determination to pool resources, intelligence, and expertise to secure West Africa and address emerging threats.

Top military officials from both countries attended the meeting, including the Director-General of Nigeria’s National Intelligence Agency, senior defence officers, and Nigerian Embassy officials in Mali underscoring the importance of the strategic engagement.

"Ponmo consumption costs Nigeria’s leather industry $5bn" — FG cries out, warns citizens against consumption.

The Federal Government has raised fresh concerns over the widespread consumption of hides and skins, popularly known as ponmo, warning that the practice is harming Nigeria’s multi-billion-dollar leather industry.

Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ikemounso, issued the warning on Thursday during the National Campaign Against the Consumption of Ponmo in Abuja.

He explained that diverting hides and skins for food deprives local manufacturers of essential raw materials needed to sustain and grow the leather sector. 

According to him, the Nigerian leather goods market was valued at $2.79 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $4.96 billion by 2033, but this growth could be derailed if ponmo consumption continues unchecked.

“From an economic and industrial standpoint, cowhides are one of Nigeria’s most valuable raw materials.

Our nation possesses a vibrant leather industry with enormous potential for job creation, foreign exchange earnings, and contributions to GDP,” he said.

Prof. Ikemounso added: “Sadly, the continuous diversion of hides for ponmo consumption denies our industries access to quality raw materials, weakens our tanning and leather manufacturing sector, and diminishes Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global leather market.”

He noted that the global leather value chain is valued between $420 billion and $1 trillion, stressing that with the right policies, infrastructure, and access to raw materials, Nigeria can significantly expand its share.

Ikemounso clarified that the campaign is not targeted at cultural or dietary practices but aims to ensure hides and skins are channelled into more productive industrial use for national economic benefit.

TCN announces fresh three-day outage in Lagos.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria has announced a fresh three-day electricity disruption in parts of Lagos.

The agency said the electricity disruption is due to its planned maintenance of the Ala/Alagbon 330 kV transmission line from November 26th to 29th November 2025.

TCN’s spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, disclosed this in a notice on Friday.

The schedule will affect electricity distribution to Eko Electricity Distribution Company coverage in Lagos South and part of Ogun State, including Ojo, Festac, Ijora, Mushin (also Orile areas), Apapa, Lekki (also Ibeju areas), Lagos Island (also Ajele areas) and Agbara.

“The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) wishes to inform the public that scheduled maintenance will be carried out on the Aja/Alagbon 330 kV transmission line from November 26 to 29, 2025, between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily.

“The exercise is to enable the TCN contractor to install wave traps on the 330kV line bays at the Aja and Alagbon Transmission Substations in Lagos State. During this period, supply from the Alagbon Substation will be diverted to the Ijora 132kV line, while supplies to the Akoka and Oworo Transmission Substations will be diverted to the Ikeja West 132kV line.

“TCN explains that there will be a brief load disruption due to the diversion on the affected lines, but the areas will continue to receive a normal power supply during the maintenance window.

“TCN regrets any inconvenience this may cause electricity consumers within the Eko Disco franchise and appeals for understanding, noting that the exercise is part of ongoing efforts to improve the reliability and efficiency of transmission infrastructure in Lagos State,” TCN stated.

In July and October this year, parts of Lagos were thrown into darkness over TCN’s maintenance exercises.