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

Kebbi State Government Approves N10bn Loan To Secure Extra 1,300 Hajj Slots

The Kebbi State Government has approved a N10 billion loan to secure an additional 1,300 Hajj seats for intending pilgrims from the state for the 2026 pilgrimage. The Chairman of the State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Faruku Aliyu-Yaro, disclosed this on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi while briefing journalists.

He explained that the intervention was necessary to meet the December 5 deadline earlier fixed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria. Aliyu-Yaro praised Governor Nasir Idris for what he described as a timely and people-focused decision, noting that many prospective pilgrims were already distressed over f£ars of losing their slots.

According to him, the loan not only protected the state’s full allocation but also created opportunities for more residents to participate. He also announced that the payment deadline for intending pilgrims has now been extended to December 16. With the extension, pilgrims can now complete payment of the N7,696,769.79 Hajj fare without pressure.

He added that all 21 local government areas in the state would benefit equally from the new arrangement. Aliyu-Yaro further revealed that preparations for the 2026 Hajj had already been underway for several months, stressing that Kebbi remains one of the leading states in early planning and coordination for the pilgrimage.

The Nigerian military has handed over 24 rescued students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, to Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris.

The girls, abducted by bandits and later freed, were presented on Tuesday night in Birnin Kebbi by Theatre Commander Major General Idris Warrah, following the directive of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.

Warrah explained that troops quickly mobilised after the kidnapping, traced the victims to Bagega Forest, and sealed off the area before successfully rescuing all 24 girls without any deaths or injuries. He recommended full medical examinations to assess their health.

Governor Idris thanked President Bola Tinubu, the military, and security agencies for their coordinated efforts. He assured that the girls would undergo comprehensive medical checks before reuniting with their families and expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their prayers and support.

Kebbi state Governor Nasir Idris speaks on release of all 24 abducted Maga schoolgirls

Kebbi Governor Demands Probe Into Soldier Withdrawal Before Schoolgirls’ Abduction
Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has called on the military to identify who ordered the withdrawal of soldiers from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, shortly before bandits abducted students.
Speaking in Birnin Kebbi while receiving NLC President Joe Ajaero, Idris said the state had earlier received intelligence about a possible attack, convened a security meeting, and was assured by security agencies that additional personnel would protect the school.
According to him, troops were deployed but pulled out around 3 a.m., and the attack occurred about 45 minutes later. The governor described the situation as highly suspicious and demanded a full investigation to determine who authorised the withdrawal at such a critical moment.
Idris said both state and federal authorities were working to secure the girls’ release, thanking President Tinubu for dispatching top officials to Kebbi. He also urged clerics to intensify prayers, warning that “enemies of the nation” were trying to destabilise the government.
NLC President Joe Ajaero, on a sympathy visit, said the abduction appeared to be “more than a coincidence” and called on the state to remain focused despite attempts to derail its progress.
Twenty-five girls were kidnapped during Monday’s attack, which also claimed the life of the school’s vice principal, though the government confirmed that two of the abducted students had escaped.

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.

Kebbi Assembly Passes Pre-Marital Medical Examination Bill

The Kebbi State House of Assembly has passed the Pre-Marital Medical Examination Bill 2025, making medical tests compulsory for intending couples.

If signed into law, couples must present valid medical certificates — covering tests such as genotype and blood group — from recognised health facilities at least three months before marriage.

Clerics, traditional rulers, or marriage officials who conduct weddings without valid certificates risk fines of ₦200,000 or six months’ imprisonment. Medical workers who issue falsified results face fines of ₦1 million or one year in prison.

The bill, adopted by Speaker Muhammad Usman, will be forwarded to Governor Nasir Idris for assent.

Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has approved the appointment of Sanusi Mika’ilu Sami as the new Emir of Zuru.

His appointment follows the death of Emir Muhammad Sani Sami Gomo II, who passed away on August 16, 2025, in London.

According to the state’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Garba Dutsin-Mari, Sami emerged winner after securing the highest votes from the Zuru Emirate election committee screening three candidates.

He urged the new Emir to lead with diligence and fear of God.

#Kebbi #Zuru #Emir #TraditionalRulers #BreakingNews

News Brief: Air Chief Warns Insecurity Could Threaten Peace in Kebbi

Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has raised concerns over rising insecurity in Kebbi State, warning it could undermine the peace the state has long enjoyed if not urgently addressed.

During a courtesy visit to Governor Nasir Idris in Birnin Kebbi, Abubakar cited the state’s vast terrain and borders with two neighbouring countries as unique security challenges. He pledged intensified aerial surveillance and operations to combat terrorist activities.

Governor Idris urged the Federal Government to establish an Air Force base in Kebbi, highlighting the state’s quality airport and recent plans for a naval base in Yauri.

#Kebbi #Security #NigerianAirForce #HassanAbubakar

"It doesn't matter whether you're Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa or Benin, I'm Nupe, yet he appointed me"- Idris.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, Ahmed Idris, dismissed the recent defection of former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stating that it held no political significance for either the state government or the people of Kebbi State.

According to Leadership, he maintained that the defection posed no threat to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or to the rising popularity of Governor Nasir Idris.

Ahmed Idris highlighted Governor Nasir Idris’s inclusive style of governance, pointing to the appointment of non-indigenes and the presence of cross-ethnic representation within his administration as evidence of his commitment to unity and fairness.

He said, “ He does not discriminate. Whether you are Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba or Benin—it does not matter.

"I am Nupe from Niger State, yet he appointed me as his Chief Press Secretary. That shows his commitment to inclusive leadership.”

Pastor Paul Enenche rejected a ₦30 million cash donation from Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris during a church crusade, insisting public funds should be used for public good, not church events.