STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU ON THE OCCASION OF 2025 EID-EL-KABIR

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Nigerian Muslims and the global Muslim Ummah as we celebrate this year's Eid-el-Kabir.

Eid-el-Kabir represents the high point of the sacred first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, a period filled with opportunities for acts of worship and good deeds. It is a time for gratitude to Almighty Allah for His countless mercies upon us as individuals and a nation. While this festival is marked with joy and celebration, its true significance lies much deeper: Eid calls us to reflect on its core values of sacrifice, devotion, and selflessness.

To truly honour Eid, we must embody these virtues, just as Prophet Ibrahim (AS) exemplified complete submission to Allah's will and as our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has taught us. Let this sacred occasion renew our commitment to these ideals.

Eid-el-Kabir also reminds us of our responsibilities beyond faith: to show resilience, tolerance, compassion, and dedication to the progress of our beloved country. I reaffirm my commitment to these values and express my deep appreciation for the faith, patience, and perseverance Nigerians show as we implement bold reforms. Together, we have weathered challenging times and are approaching a brighter horizon.

Though the journey has not been easy, and some doubted our direction, the resilience of public and private sector leaders, along with the steadfast support of most Nigerians, is yielding results. I assure you that the toughest days are behind us. We are entering a new era of renewed hope and prosperity that we promised two years ago.

We may not yet be where we aspire to be, but I urge all Nigerians not to lose hope. Let us hold on to our faith and persevere. Our reforms are gaining traction, with key economic indicators now moving in a positive direction. Soon, all will feel the benefits.

The ultimate objective of these reforms is not just to improve statistics but to transform lives and set Nigeria firmly on the path to sustainable development. There are no quick fixes, but we are committed to repairing the foundations of our economy once and for all. Our administration will continue acting in the nation's best interest, ensuring that the gains we are recording translate into improving people's lives.

We crafted our Renewed Hope Agenda to bring prosperity to every Nigerian, and we remain steadfast in our pursuit of it. As we celebrate today, remember that Eid-el-Kabir enjoins love, compassion, and generosity for all, regardless of faith or background. Let us care for one another's well-being during this season and always.

In this instance, I recall recent sad developments in our country, particularly the Wednesday, May 28 heavy flooding, which submerged the market town of Mokwa, Niger State, causing deaths and destruction of properties and creating an untold humanitarian crisis. Let us pray for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and fortitude for their relations. Let us join hands with the government to bring succour to the people of Mokwa.

Finally, as we observe this Eid, let us continue our prayers for our front-line officers, who risk their lives for our safety and security.

Let us pray for our leaders at all levels and our country. Let us pray for peace in our tumultuous world of troubles and uncertainties. Let us dedicate this sacred celebration to seeking God's guidance and blessings for our country.

May those who have more remember those in need, sharing kindness and support as true brothers and sisters. Let the virtues of perseverance, sacrifice, loyalty, faith, and shared humanity bind us closer.

May the joy and blessings of Eid-ul-Adha multiply in our lives and the life of our great nation. May Almighty Allah accept our worship and devotion as acts of Ibadah, and may His blessings be with us always.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President & Commander-in-Chief,
Federal Republic of Nigeria,
June 5, 2025

Russia vs Nigeria: ‘Very bad’ – Naumov knocks NFF over absence of Osimhen, Lookman, others.
Nikolai Naumov, a former Lokomotiv Moscow president, has knocked the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, over the absence of some key players from the Super Eagles squad list to tackle Russia in an international friendly on Friday.

Naumov explained that it’s very bad from the part of the NFF not to ensured that the key Super Eagles players take part in the friendly against Russia.

Russia will welcome Nigeria at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Friday evening.

But key Super Eagles players like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Wilfried Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze, Ola Aina and among others will not partake in the encounter for various reasons.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, Naumov expressed his displeasure with those managing Nigerian football as he described the Super Eagles players that will face Russia as “beach footballers.”

“The non-arrival of key [Super Eagles] players for the friendly match against Russia is very bad,” Naumov was quoted by Championat as saying.

“When we [Russia] agree [to play a friendly match] with any national team, we incur significant expenses for flights and accommodation.

“[As a result of ] such expenses, we [Russia] must clearly indicate what line-up the opponent should’ve.

“Only the strongest players [from the opponent] are needed, except for injuries or other emergencies.

“When the Nigerian national team agrees to such a match, the management [NFF] must discuss this issue with their players in advance and now they are bringing beach footballers.”

Urgent Call: South-East Governors Must Halt Land Allocations to Armed Herdsmen and Jihadist Elements

A recent report by the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has raised alarms over the occupation of approximately 950 locations across the South-East region by armed herdsmen and jihadist groups. These areas, predominantly forests, have become operational bases for criminal activities, including kidnapping and violence against local communities. 

The report implicates certain state authorities in facilitating this occupation by issuing land certificates to these groups, allegedly in exchange for political support. This practice has been linked to the increasing insecurity and displacement of indigenous populations in the region.

Intersociety’s findings indicate that about 40% of the 1,940 communities in the South-East are under significant threat from these groups. The organization urges immediate action from state governments to revoke any land allocations made to armed herdsmen and to implement stringent security measures to protect the affected communities. 

#SecureSouthEast #StopLandAllocations

Police Rescue 12 Trafficked Children in Abia State

In a significant operation, the Abia State Police Command has rescued 12 children who were victims of human trafficking. The children, whose ages and specific circumstances have not been disclosed, were found in a suspected trafficking syndicate's hideout. The police acted swiftly upon receiving credible intelligence, leading to the successful rescue operation.

The police have arrested several suspects in connection with the trafficking ring and are conducting thorough investigations to dismantle the network and prevent further exploitation. The children are currently under the care of the state’s child protection services, receiving necessary medical attention and psychological support.

This operation underscores the commitment of the Abia State Police Command to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable children from exploitation. The police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

The Abia State government has expressed its gratitude to the police for their prompt action and reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards human trafficking. Governor Alex Otti commended the efforts of the security agencies and assured that the rescued children would be rehabilitated and reunited with their families. He also called on parents to be more cautious and protective of their children to prevent such incidents.

#AbiaPolice #ChildTrafficking #HumanTrafficking

Swift Justice: Nasarawa Police Dismantle Notorious Car Snatching Syndicate

In a decisive operation, the Nasarawa State Police Command has successfully apprehended a notorious car snatching syndicate and recovered a stolen vehicle within hours of the crime. 

Acting on actionable intelligence, operatives from the Doma Division intercepted the suspects along the Doma-Lafia Road on June 1, 2025, at approximately 6:00 p.m. The swift response was a result of seamless inter-state collaboration, showcasing the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement efforts. 

The arrested individuals have been identified as:
• Ibrahim Dahiru, 30, from Angwan Rogo, Jos, Plateau State
• Abdulrazaq Muhammed, 27, from Angwan Rogo, Jos, Plateau State
• Muhammad Sani, 28, from Potiskum, Yobe State
• Mustapha Isah, 23, from Misau, Bauchi State 

Investigations revealed that the syndicate was involved in an armed carjacking incident in Enugu State, where they forcefully snatched a black Toyota Venza with registration number KWL 668 GN (Abuja) at gunpoint. The stolen vehicle was recovered on the spot during the arrest. 

Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, lauded the operatives for their gallant efforts and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state. He emphasized that this arrest demonstrates the Nigeria Police Force’s resolve to dismantle criminal networks and ensure that perpetrators of crimes are swiftly brought to justice. 

The public is urged to remain vigilant and continue to support the police with credible information that can assist in tackling crime. 


#NasarawaPolice #CrimeBusted
#CarSnatchingSyndicate #SwiftJustice

2027 Elections: PDP Warns Tinubu—“Defections Won’t Win You Votes”

As Nigeria’s political landscape heats up ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a stern warning to President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC): the next election will be decided by governance, not by political defections.

Speaking on AIT’s Focus Nigeria, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, criticized the APC’s celebration of recent high-profile defections from opposition parties, including those of former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and several National Assembly members. Ologunagba argued that these defections are not indicative of genuine political support but are instead a result of coercion and a misguided attempt to create a one-party state. 

“When you find the president of a country in a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country like Nigeria declaring his preference for a one-party state, that shows that they continue to aggressively attack the processes of other political parties,” Ologunagba stated. He emphasized that the APC’s focus on defections is a distraction from its governance record, which will be the true determinant in the upcoming elections. 

This warning comes amid the APC’s official endorsement of President Tinubu for re-election in 2027, despite ongoing criticisms of his administration’s economic reforms and handling of security issues. While the APC touts these reforms as revitalizing the economy, many Nigerians have expressed concerns over the resulting cost-of-living crisis. 

As the 2027 elections approach, the PDP’s message is clear: the electorate will be evaluating the APC based on its performance in office, not the number of politicians it can attract from other parties.


#PDPvsAPC #2027Elections #DefectionsDebate #Tinubu2027
#NigerianPolitics

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NDLEA Arrests Saudi-Bound Pilgrims, Seizes ₦9.3bn Worth of Drugs in Rivers

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested two intending hajj pilgrims and dismantled a major drug trafficking syndicate smuggling cocaine to Saudi Arabia. The agency also intercepted drugs valued at over ₦9.3 billion during a sweeping operation in Rivers State.

In a statement released on Sunday, NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi revealed that two pilgrims—Ibrahim Umar Mustapha and Muhammad Siraj Shifado—were arrested at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Jeddah on May 26. Both suspects were found to have ingested 45 wraps of cocaine each, totaling 90 pellets weighing 1.04 kilograms.

“The interdiction at the NDLEA final screening point followed credible intelligence,” Babafemi said. “After body scans confirmed drug ingestion, both individuals were placed under excretion observation.”

Syndicate Dismantled
A follow-up investigation led to the arrest of three alleged kingpins—Abubakar Muhammad, Abdulhakeem Muhammed Tijjani, and Muhammad Aji Shugaba—on May 27 and 28 in Kano. The group is suspected of sponsoring hajj pilgrims as drug couriers to Saudi Arabia.

“This network has been identified as a major player in trafficking drugs during pilgrimage seasons,” Babafemi added.

Businessman Arrested En Route to Iran
In a separate incident, NDLEA operatives at the Kano airport arrested Chinedu Leonard Okigbo, a 60-year-old businessman, while trying to board a Qatar Airways flight to Iran. A body scan revealed he had ingested 65 wraps of cocaine, weighing 1.41 kilograms.

Massive Seizures in Rivers
Between May 28 and 30, seven watch-listed containers were jointly inspected by NDLEA officers, Customs officials, and other security agencies at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne. The operation yielded:

825,200 bottles of codeine-based syrup and trodol, worth ₦5.77 billion

5,100,000 pills of opioids, including tapentadol 225mg, valued at ₦3.57 billion

The combined street value of the seized drugs was put at ₦9.346 billion.

Other Major Operations
In Kano, two men—Abubakar Hussein (42) and Sahabi Adamu (53)—were caught along the Kano-Maiduguri road on May 30 with $900,000 in suspected counterfeit cash.

In Adamawa, operatives recovered 390 blocks of skunk (cannabis) weighing 275.3kg from an abandoned Toyota Sienna vehicle on May 27.

In Kwara State, on May 31, notorious drug dealer Alhaja Mutiat Abdul-Fatai was arrested at Oja Oba, Ilorin. Various opioids including tramadol, flunitrazepam, and codeine syrup were recovered.

Public Sensitization and Commendation
NDLEA’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy continued with sensitization sessions in schools across Katsina, Enugu, Anambra, Kano, and Cross River.

The NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), praised the efforts of the agency's commands in Kano, Rivers, Kwara, and Adamawa, and urged continued commitment to drug supply and demand reduction.

“These successes reflect the agency’s unwavering resolve in combating the drug menace across Nigeria,” Marwa said.

Femi Babafemi
Director, Media & Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja
Sunday, June 1, 2025

Tragedy in Mokwa: Flood Claims Lives and Devastates Farmlands in Niger State

A devastating flood has swept through Mokwa town, the administrative center of Mokwa Local Government Area in Niger State, resulting in the loss of lives and widespread destruction of property. While the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed, reports indicate that several individuals have perished, and numerous others have been displaced.

The flood, believed to have been exacerbated by the release of water from the Jebba hydroelectric dam, has inundated vast areas of farmland, destroying over 10,000 hectares of rice fields that were nearing harvest. This catastrophe has not only affected local farmers but also those who migrated from other states for dry-season farming, leaving many without their primary source of livelihood. 

Abubakar Ndako, a local farmer, described the incident as catastrophic, urging authorities to intervene urgently. “Lives, capital, and hard-earned investments have been lost—most of which cannot be recovered,” he lamented. The communities had resorted to dry-season irrigation farming after suffering similar flooding during the last rainy season. 

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has confirmed the incident and is currently assessing the full extent of the damage. Preliminary reports indicate that the flood has affected multiple communities within the LGA, displacing thousands of residents and destroying critical infrastructure, including homes and schools. 

This tragic event underscores the urgent need for comprehensive flood management strategies and infrastructure improvements to mitigate the impact of such disasters in the future.

#MokwaFlood #NigerStateDisaster #FloodRelief #NigeriaNews #AgriculturalLoss

BREAKING: Nigeria Immigration Service Confirms Arrest of Notorious Crime Suspect, Obi Levi Obieze

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has officially confirmed the arrest of Obi Levi Obieze, a crime suspect reportedly wanted in connection with a series of high-profile criminal activities.

In a press release issued by the NIS, the suspect was apprehended during a covert operation aimed at tightening border security and tracking individuals on the watchlist. Obi Levi Obieze had reportedly been on the run for months, evading capture across multiple jurisdictions.

Authorities have yet to release full details of the charges, but sources indicate that the suspect may be linked to organized crime networks. The arrest is being hailed as a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s ongoing crackdown on transnational crime.

The NIS stated that further investigations are underway and promised to work with relevant agencies to ensure justice is served.

#BreakingNews #NigeriaImmigration #ObiLeviObieze #CrimeSuspectArrested #NationalSecurity

On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, widespread confusion gripped Lagos as candidates sitting for the English Language paper of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) experienced severe delays. Reports indicate that some students were compelled to write their exams as late as 11:45 p.m., with many relying on torchlights due to inadequate lighting.

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has acknowledged the incident, attributing the delays to unforeseen logistical challenges, including transportation issues and adverse weather conditions that disrupted the distribution of examination materials. The council expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to the candidates and assured the public of its commitment to preventing such occurrences in the future.

This incident has sparked concerns among parents, educators, and stakeholders about the preparedness and contingency planning of WAEC in handling logistical challenges. Many have called for a comprehensive review of the examination body’s processes to ensure that candidates can undertake their examinations under optimal conditions.

As WAEC addresses these concerns, it serves as a reminder of the importance of robust logistical planning in large-scale examinations. Stakeholders are hopeful that the lessons learned will lead to improved processes, safeguarding the integrity and credibility of the examination system.

Atiku, Suswam Criticize Tinubu’s Government on Second Anniversary

As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marked his second year in office with a speech highlighting economic progress and reform, opposition figures took the opportunity to deliver a sharp rebuke of his administration’s performance.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar did not mince words, labeling Tinubu’s government as “the most incompetent and anti-people administration in Nigeria’s history.” He argued that the president’s policies have worsened the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians rather than improved them.

Similarly, former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam criticized the federal government for failing to respond effectively to the widespread suffering across the country. He noted that, despite the promises of reform and growth, many Nigerians continue to face harsh economic realities including inflation, high unemployment, and rising insecurity.

“What we are witnessing is not the change Nigerians were promised,” Suswam stated. “People are suffering, and there’s no clear indication that this administration understands or feels the urgency.”

The criticisms come amid ongoing debates about the impact of Tinubu’s reform agenda, especially the removal of subsidies and introduction of new tax policies. While the government points to fiscal improvements, critics argue that those gains have come at the expense of the most vulnerable.

—According to Dailypostnigeria

#Nigeria #Atikuabubakar #GabrielSuswam #TinubuAdministration

May 29: Nigerians Are Suffering, Tinubu Has Fallen Short — Suswam


As President Bola Tinubu prepares to mark the second anniversary of his administration, former Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, has criticized the president's performance, saying the government has failed to alleviate the growing hardship faced by Nigerians.

Speaking during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television, Suswam expressed concern over the current state of the economy, attributing the suffering of citizens to the policies of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government.

“My assessment of this government, just like that of any average Nigerian, is that they have not done well at all. The indicators are everywhere,” Suswam said.

He argued that while some economic reforms may have been necessary, the government failed to implement measures to cushion their impact on the population.

“As someone familiar with global economic trends, I believe that when you implement policies that will negatively affect your people—such as subsidy removal, currency devaluation, and increasing the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)—you must also introduce buffers to ease the burden. Sadly, this administration has not done that,” he added.

Suswam further emphasized that Nigeria’s largely import-dependent economy makes it vulnerable to such drastic policy shifts, leaving citizens to bear the brunt of inflation and rising costs.

Endorsements Amid Criticism
Despite public criticisms, President Tinubu continues to enjoy support from key members of the ruling party. Last Thursday, governors under the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) and the leadership of the National Assembly passed a vote of confidence in the president and endorsed him for a second term.

At the APC’s national summit in Abuja, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who chairs the PGF, said the Forum was satisfied with Tinubu’s performance halfway through his first term under the “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio echoed this sentiment, stating:

“If he hadn’t done well, it is the National Assembly that would raise the issue of impeachment. We’re not doing that. In 2023, the road was rough, but by 2027, I see things turning around.”

As Nigeria approaches the midpoint of Tinubu’s first term, the contrasting views from opposition leaders and party loyalists continue to define the national conversation. #TinubuAt2
#GabrielSuswam
#NigerianPolitics
#TinubuAdministration

Wike Disputes NEMA Report, Says Abuja Explosion Was Not Suicide Bombing

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has refuted claims that the recent explosion at the Mogadishu Army Cantonment along the Abuja-Keffi Road was a suicide bombing.

Speaking during an inspection of ongoing projects across the FCT, Wike clarified that the blast, which occurred on Monday, resulted from an explosive device stolen from a quarry by an uninformed individual. According to the minister, the device detonated en route, and there is no indication that it was a planned suicide attack.

“Abuja remains the safest city in Nigeria,” Wike affirmed, adding that his administration remains committed to sustaining peace and security in the nation’s capital.

His account directly contradicts an earlier report by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), which attributed the explosion to a suicide bomber wearing an improvised explosive device (IED) in an alleged attempt to infiltrate the army barracks.

The explosion, which took place near a bus stop along the Mararaba-Nyanya Expressway, left one person injured. The police have since launched a comprehensive investigation, including forensic analysis, to determine the exact cause and circumstances of the incident.

In its Tuesday statement, NEMA claimed that the agency was alerted to the explosion at 1:47 p.m. and that preliminary findings pointed to a suicide bomber who attempted to breach security at the Mogadishu Barracks.

“The bomber died instantly when the IED exploded during his attempt to gain entry,” NEMA stated. “One passerby sustained injuries and was evacuated to the National Hospital by the Nigeria Police Force’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit.”

The scene was secured by security operatives, and the operation concluded by 5:29 p.m. Agencies present included NEMA, the military, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

As conflicting accounts of the incident continue to circulate, the outcome of the police investigation is expected to provide clarity on what truly transpired.

#Wike
#AbujaExplosion
#NEMA
#FCTNews

“Leadership appointments at NDIC signal a fresh commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s financial safety net.”
— According to Imaran Muhammad

President Tinubu approves Thompson Oludare Sunday as MD and Kabir Sabo Kataka as Executive Director of NDIC.

#NigeriaFinance #NDIC #Leadership #TinubuAdministration #FinancialSecurity