NOA to Blow N252m to Teach Youths Say ‘No Japa Syndrome’ – Wahala or Opportunity?

Omo, government dey serious oo! National Orientation Agency (NOA) don plan to spend N252 million to sensitise Nigerian youths against Japa Syndrome – the wahala wey make plenty young people dey run abroad for better life.

According to the 2026 budget, the money go cover three locations: Kebbi State (N77m), Owan federal constituency (N140m), and Cross River’s Calabar municipal/Odukpani (N35m).

This na part of bigger youth empowerment and sensitisation drive, wey also include drug abuse, FGM, domestic violence, and civic education. NOA talk say dem dey target reach 3 million Nigerians daily through awareness campaigns.

Minister of Budget, Senator Atiku Bagudu, don beg youths to stop illegal migration, say government don arrange measures to empower them inside Naija.

How Did Ex-AGF Abubakar Malami, His Sons Amass 57 Luxury Homes, Hotels, University Assets Worth ₦213 Billion? Inside the EFCC Money Laundering Case, Court Forfeiture Order, and Full Property List Shaking Nigeria

How did a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice allegedly acquire 57 high-value properties across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna? What explains the sudden emergence of luxury hotels, vast landed estates, factories, schools, filling stations, shopping complexes, and an entire private university tied to Abubakar Malami (SAN) and his two sons? And why has a Federal High Court now ordered the interim forfeiture of assets valued at a staggering ₦213.2 billion?

In a dramatic legal move that has reignited national debate on corruption and elite wealth in Nigeria, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, granted an ex-parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), authorising the temporary seizure of 57 properties allegedly linked to Malami and his sons, Abdulaziz and Abiru-Rahman. The court ruled that the assets are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity and should be preserved pending full investigation and trial.

What exactly did investigators uncover? The forfeited properties include luxury duplexes in Maitama and Asokoro, high-end hotels in Abuja and Kano, shopping malls, warehouses, petrol stations, plazas, and sprawling estates across Kebbi State. Among the most striking assets are massive institutional holdings under the “Rayhaan” brand: Rayhaan University with multiple sites reportedly worth tens of billions of naira, agro-allied factories with heavy machinery, staff quarters, mosques, media outlets, model academies, and large commercial hubs such as Azbir Arena and Zeennoor Hotel in Kano.

Why are these properties raising alarm? According to the EFCC, the scale, speed, and structure of the acquisitions—many made while Malami served as Nigeria’s chief law officer—point to potential money laundering and abuse of office. Several assets were allegedly purchased at relatively low values and later upgraded into multi-billion-naira developments. Others are held through foundations, companies, and educational or religious fronts, prompting questions about whether public office was leveraged to build a vast private empire.

What happens next? The interim forfeiture does not yet mean permanent confiscation. The court has ordered that the assets be preserved while legal proceedings continue. Interested parties may be invited to show cause why the properties should not be finally forfeited to the Federal Government. Meanwhile, civil society groups and anti-corruption advocates are asking: will this case mark a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against high-level corruption, or will it join the long list of stalled elite prosecutions?

As Nigerians digest the full list of 57 properties—ranging from luxury residences and hotels to universities, factories, schools, filling stations, and commercial plazas—the central question remains: how did a public official and his immediate family come to control assets worth over ₦213 billion, and will the courts finally provide answers that restore public trust?

IGP Olukayode Egbetokun Deploys DIG Gumel, Reassigns 17 Commissioners to Strengthen Police Operations Across Nigeria

The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has deployed newly promoted Deputy Inspector-General DIG Mohammed Usaini Gumel to lead the Force Intelligence Department and reassigned 17 Commissioners of Police to strategic commands, departments, and formations nationwide. The redeployments, announced by Force PRO CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, aim to enhance operational capacity, leadership, public safety, and service delivery within the Nigeria Police Force. Key appointments include CP Aina Adesola to Delta State, CP Umar Mohammed Hajedia to Kebbi State, CP Iyamah Daniel Edobor to Bayelsa State, and several senior officers to specialized units like anti-human trafficking, maritime, and community policing. Officers were charged to demonstrate professionalism and ethical conduct in their new assignments.

#NigeriaPolice #IGPDeployments #DIGGumel #PoliceReassignments #PublicSafety #LawEnforcement

Kebbi State Government Orders Reopening of Schools Shut Over Terrorist Attacks, Sets January 12 for Full Academic Activities

The Kebbi State Government has directed the immediate reopening of all primary and secondary schools that were closed due to terrorist attacks and rising insecurity across the state. The announcement, issued by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Ministry for Basic and Secondary Education, urged school administrators, teachers, parents, and students to comply strictly with the resumption schedule. Authorities disclosed that the first week of reopening will be dedicated to first-term examinations, while normal academic activities are set to resume on January 12, 2026. Schools were earlier shut following the abduction of 25 schoolgirls from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga in November 2025, an attack that also claimed the life of the school’s vice principal. The government reassured residents of improved security, noting that all abducted students were rescued without payment of ransom.

Renewed Bandit Attacks Force Residents of Gebbe Village, Kebbi to Flee Homes, Sparking Humanitarian Crisis

Residents of Gebbe village in Shanga LGA, Kebbi State, have been forced to abandon their homes following renewed attacks by armed bandits. Families, including children, were seen fleeing through rough terrain and crossing streams, carrying minimal belongings. Displaced villagers now face severe challenges, lacking shelter, food, clean water, and healthcare. Social media posts have called for urgent humanitarian intervention, but as of now, the Kebbi State Government and security agencies have not issued an official response. Security analysts warn the ongoing attacks could worsen instability in the area.

One Killed, Five Trapped After Kebbi Rice Mill Collapse; Rescue Ongoing as Deputy Governor Oversees Operations

A section of a private rice mill in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, partially collapsed on Tuesday, killing one staff member and trapping five others under the rubble. Rescue efforts are ongoing, led by the State Fire Service and Government Emergency Response units. Kebbi State Deputy Governor, Umar Abubakar Tafida, visited the site to assess the damage and monitor the rescue operation. The cause of the collapse is yet to be determined, with a full investigation planned after the rescue phase. The state government has pledged continued support until all affected individuals are accounted for. This incident follows a recent fire outbreak at Bagudo General Hospital, which caused panic but no casualties.

Nigerian Police Debunk Bombing Claims, Confirm Kebbi General Hospital Explosion Caused by Inferno From Overheated Gas Cylinders

The Kebbi State Police Command has dismissed reports of a bomb blast or aerial attack at the General Hospital in Bagudo, confirming that the explosion was caused by an inferno that overheated air-conditioning and refrigerator gas cylinders. Police said expert investigations found no explosives involved and confirmed that no lives were lost, urging the public to rely only on official information and avoid unverified reports.

Kebbi Police Clarify Bagudo Hospital Explosion, Debunk Bomb and Helicopter Claims

The Kebbi State Police Command has clarified the cause of the explosion at the General Hospital, Bagudo, which occurred on 30th December 2025.

The Command confirmed that there was no bomb or helicopter involvement, and no casualties were recorded.

Investigations conducted by the Kebbi State Police, in collaboration with EOD-CBRN experts and the Commissioner of Police Tactical Team, revealed that the explosion was caused by an inferno from overheated air-conditioning and refrigerator gas cylinders.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman Anisma, urged the public and media to disregard unverified reports suggesting a bomb or helicopter and to rely solely on official updates from the Police.

The Kebbi State Police Command assures residents that all necessary measures have been taken to prevent any recurrence and that the situation remains fully under control.

Explosion Rocks General Hospital in Bagudo, Kebbi State; Police, Bomb Disposal Experts Respond

An explosion occurred at the General Hospital in Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi State, causing panic among residents, though no casualties were reported. The Kebbi State Police Command deployed joint security teams and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD-CBRN) operatives to secure the area and assess the situation. The blast damaged a building within the hospital’s staff quarters, but occupants had evacuated safely prior to the incident. Authorities launched investigations to determine the cause of the explosion and urged residents to remain calm while security efforts continue. Additional tactical deployments were ordered to maintain public order.

Explosion Rocks Kebbi General Hospital in Bagudo, Damages Staff Quarters as Police, Military Launch Investigation

An early morning explosion has rocked the General Hospital in Bagudo, Kebbi State, causing damage to part of the hospital’s staff quarters and triggering panic among residents and health workers. The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that no casualties were recorded as occupants had evacuated before the blast. Security operatives, including police, military personnel and vigilante groups, swiftly secured the area, while experts from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal–CBRN unit were deployed to assess the scene. Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation to determine the source of the explosion and urged residents to stay away from the hospital vicinity as security operations continue.

Suspected Terrorists Attack Gebbe Community in Kebbi, Residents Feared Dead and Injured

Gebbe community in Shanga Local Government Area, Kebbi State, came under a sudden and deadly attack by suspected terrorists, leaving multiple residents dead and many injured. Eyewitnesses reported indiscriminate gunfire, forcing villagers to flee to surrounding areas. The police confirmed the incident and deployed reinforcements to prevent further casualties. Residents have called on government and security agencies for urgent intervention, describing the assault as unprecedented for the area.

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.”

US Attack on ISIS: Man Recounts Terrifying Encounter With Armed Men on Sokoto–Kebbi Road

A Nigerian man has sparked widespread reactions online after sharing a chilling account of his encounter with armed men while travelling from Sokoto to Kebbi State, days after the United States confirmed airstrikes on ISIS terrorist bases in the region. According to the man, gunmen dressed like soldiers stopped their commercial bus, claimed to be Muslims, and warned they were fighting only “infidels” and enemies of Allah. His viral account has reignited concerns over insecurity, religious targeting, and the true extent of terrorist activities in northern Nigeria.

Ex-AGF Abubakar Malami, Son Arraigned on 16 Money Laundering Charges Over Alleged ₦8.7 Billion Fraud, 30 Luxury Properties Worth ₦212.8bn Under Probe

The Nigerian government has filed 16 criminal charges against former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), his son Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and an associate, Hajia Bashir Asabe, over alleged money laundering and unlawful acquisition of assets totaling about ₦8.7 billion. Court documents reveal that the alleged offences span nearly a decade, involving the use of corporate fronts and bank accounts to conceal illicit funds and acquire over 30 high-value properties across Abuja, Kano, and Kebbi states, valued at approximately ₦212.8 billion. Prosecutors allege violations of Nigeria’s Money Laundering laws, with transactions linked to luxury homes, hotels, land assets, and cash collateral arrangements while Malami served as the nation’s chief law officer.

#AbubakarMalami
#MoneyLaundering
#EFCCCase

Ex-Nigerian AGF Malami Faces 16-Count Fraud Case Over N212.8B Property Portfolio"

Fresh documents obtained by SaharaReporters reveal that former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, is set to face a 16-count fraud charge involving 30 properties valued at N212.8 billion. The assets, located across Kebbi State, Kano State, and the FCT Abuja, include hotels, universities, factories, residential estates, and commercial ventures. Kebbi properties constitute the bulk, totaling over N162 billion, with notable assets like Rayhaan University sites and Azbir Hotel. The Kano and Abuja properties are valued at N16 billion and N34.7 billion respectively. The revelations come as Malami prepares to answer allegations of large-scale financial misconduct.

#AbubakarMalami #NigeriaCorruption #FraudCase #NigerianPolitics

Nigerian Police Take Over Malami’s Azbir Hotel, Arena In Kebbi As EFCC Probes Alleged $16.9Million Abacha Loot Legal Fees Scam, Money Laundering

Nigerian police operatives have taken control of Azbir Hotel and Azbir Arena in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State—properties linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN—amid an ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The takeover follows multiple petitions accusing Malami of alleged financial improprieties, including involvement in a $16.9 million legal fees scam tied to the recovery of the Sani Abacha loot, money laundering, abuse of office, and accumulation of unexplained wealth. Court filings show that the EFCC has sought an order to remand Malami and an associate for further investigation, citing a prima facie case of corruption, criminal conspiracy, and breach of trust. Petitioners also questioned Malami’s ownership of high-value assets across Kebbi, Abuja and Kano, insisting that the scale of the properties far exceeds his legitimate earnings as a public servant.

Former AGF Abubakar Malami Alleges EFCC Raided His Abuja, Kebbi Offices and Homes Over Controversial Chapter 9 of Salami Report

Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of conducting coordinated raids on his offices and private residences in Abuja and Kebbi State shortly after his camp referenced Chapter 9 of the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry Report. In a statement signed by his media aide, Malami alleged the raids were carried out without notice, targeted documents linked to the report, and amounted to intimidation and retaliation. He called on Nigerians, the media, and civil society groups to question the timing and legality of the EFCC’s actions, while insisting he remains willing to submit to a neutral and lawful judicial process.

President Tinubu meets NLC leaders over planned nationwide protest against insecurity

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday night held a meeting with the leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) as part of last-minute efforts to stop plans by the Labour union to embark on a strike action over the growing insecurity across the country.

Last week, the congress declared a nationwide protest for December 17 over the “degenerating security situation” across the country.

The meeting, which was held at the State House, Abuja, started at about 11:27pm and had Joe Ajaero, NLC president, Imo state governor Hope Uzodimma, Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi state, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo state and the Minister of Labour and EMployment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha in attendance.

The NLC had on Tuesday evening raised the alarm over an alleged plot by “unscrupulous agencies and desperate political hirelings” to infiltrate and violently disrupt its planned nationwide protest.

Speaking with State House correspondents after the meeting, the NLC president said the labour union would reconsider its protest plans after reviewing President Tinubu’s input.
He said the congress team would regroup following a dedicated session with governors to evaluate next moves.

Ajaero described the presidential encounter as consultative only, noting that the labour union would deliberate internally before announcing outcomes on Wednesday, December 17.

The NLC president did not say whether the planned protest has been suspended or cancelled but noted that the union would meet and take a decision after the consultation with the president.

“We came for consultation with the president, and we have finished, so we have to go back to our meeting and then continue tomorrow. By tomorrow you will get the outcome. Whether I am insisting on or not insisting on the protest, I will communicate to you; it is not an organisation that one person rules. Let’s go back; after a meeting of labour and the governor’s forum, we go back to the drawing board and digest all that Mr President said to us and move forward from there’’ he said

NLC Declares Nationwide Protest for December 17 Over Insecurity, Education Collapse, Economic Hardship

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced a nationwide protest scheduled for December 17, 2025, citing worsening insecurity, deepening poverty, failing tertiary education, prolonged health sector strikes, and political interference in the Labour Party. Following its NEC meeting in Lagos, the NLC condemned the rising wave of kidnappings, including the abduction of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State, and criticised lapses in security deployment. The union warned that 139 million Nigerians now live in poverty, according to the latest World Bank report. It also raised concerns over decaying university infrastructure, unpaid staff allowances, and the ongoing Joint Health Sector Unions strike. The NLC vowed to revive the Labour–Civil Society Coalition and described the planned protest as necessary to force action on national crises affecting security, education, the economy, and governance.

GOOD NEWS: Yesterday night, Local vigilante members in Auda community in Danko-Wasagu LGA, Kebbi State, engaged armed bandits that tried to invade their community. Three bandits were killed. Unfortunately, two vigilantes were injured after falling during the confrontation and are now receiving care at General Hospital Wasagu.

Kudos to the vigilante members for their courage in protecting their community.