No Joy, Just Dust: Minna Traders Battle Falling Sales Amid Prolonged Road Construction

Traders in Minna, Niger State, are struggling as slow road construction disrupts business, raises health concerns, and limits customer access. From markets like Tunga and City Gate to Kpakungu, merchants report declining sales, mounting debt, and unbearable dust, leaving many praying for relief as projects lag behind schedule.

#MinnaMarkets #RoadConstructionCrisis #SmallBusinessStruggle

Tragedy as Niger Varsity Student Takes Own Life After Losing ₦600,000 to Betting….

A 300-level student of a university in Niger State has reportedly taken his own life after losing ₦600,000 to sports betting. The incident has left fellow students and family members in shock, as he was described as calm before the tragedy. Sources say he became deeply distressed after the loss and could not handle the pressure. Authorities are said to be investigating the case, while many Nigerians are calling for awareness on the dangers of gambling addiction among youths.
#fintternews

BREAKING: Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday met ex-military ruler Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (retd.) in Minna, Niger State, in a closed-door meeting amid growing political permutations ahead of the 2027 elections.

The brief meeting, held at Babangida’s hilltop residence, has sparked speculation about opposition realignment and emerging coalitions, including talks around Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso. Both leaders have remained silent on the visit.

#BreakingNews #Obasanjo #IBB #NigeriaPolitics #2027Elections

EXCLUSIVE: Nigerian Army trainers at NATRAC Kontagora, Niger State, have alleged starvation, poor living conditions, and withheld allowances.

The trainers say they are treated “like slaves,” forced to sleep on bare bunks without mattresses, fed poorly, and denied their ₦5,000 weekly instructors’ allowance despite training recruits for frontline combat against Boko Haram. The Army is yet to respond.

#Exclusive #NigeriaArmy #NATRAC #MilitaryWelfare #BreakingNews #Nigeria

DSS Rescues Two Pastors Abducted by Bandits in Kaduna Forest

The Department of State Services (DSS) has rescued two pastors and a church member who were abducted by armed bandits in Kaduna State. The victims — Idi Buhari, Emmanuel Jacob, and Suleiman Adamu — were kidnapped on January 9, 2026, in the Gwagwada area of Chikun Local Government Area while travelling from Kugosi to Sarkin Pawa in Niger State to officiate a wedding ceremony. The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Kaduna State, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, commended the DSS for what he described as a courageous, timely, and selfless operation, saying it brought relief to the church and the families.

#DSS #Kaduna #Banditry #NigeriaSecurity

Insecurity Don Scatter Teaching Practice: Niger College Relocates Students From Hot Zones

Niger State College of Education, Minna has ordered the immediate relocation of students on teaching practice from Zone C and other unsafe parts of Zones A and B following worsening insecurity. The directive, based on state government security assessments, affects the 2025/2026 exercise. Only schools in Bida, Bosso, Chanchaga, Suleja LGAs and the FCT have been approved. Students posted to high-risk areas have been instructed to report for reposting, with management stressing that compliance is compulsory as safety remains the top priority.

#NigerState #EducationCrisis #Insecurity

Niger Gov Bago Calls Kasuwan Daji ‘Market of Thieves’ After 40+ Killed, Orders Relocation of Hamlets

Niger State Governor Umar Bago has described Kasuwan Daji market in Demo village, Borgu LGA—where over 40 people were killed and many, including women and children, kidnapped—as a “market of thieves”, notorious for trading stolen cattle.

During a condolence visit to Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Muhammad Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV, Bago highlighted broader security risks tied to unmonitored settlements and warned that armed groups and extremist ideologies had infiltrated some communities.

The governor announced a two-month deadline for residents in hamlets within the Kainji Lake forest to relocate to designated resettlement areas to flush out criminals. This follows a rise in violent incidents, including the January 2026 Kasuwan Daji attack and the November 2025 abduction of pupils and staff from St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara LGA.

Bago urged the Emirate Council and residents to cooperate with security agencies, stressing that public safety remains a top priority.

Wahala oo! Niger Govt Give Kainji Lake Residents Two Months to Comot as Insecurity Don Turn Area to Hideout for Criminals

Niger State Government don give residents of small communities around Kainji Lake for Borgu LGA two months ultimatum make dem relocate, as part of effort to flush out criminals hiding inside the forests. Governor Umaru Bago drop the directive during condolence visit to the Emir of Borgu after recent terrorist attack wey claim many lives. According to the governor, unmonitored movement of people into the area don make security work difficult, as informants dey sabotage operations. He urge traditional rulers to join hands with security agencies to tackle insecurity. Minister of State for Agriculture, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, support the plan, say resettlement go allow government reclaim the forest and secure the communities. The Emir of Borgu also promise to help identify informants and protect lives and property. This directive come after deadly attacks, including the Kasuwan Daji market massacre and school abduction in Agwara. For many residents, the order raise fear and questions about where dem go go next. Wahala oo, insecurity don turn people to refugees for their own land.

Military authorities have arrested and detained a serving Brigadier General over his alleged association with retired Major General Danjuma Hamisu Ali-Keffi. The detention is believed to be connected to Ali-Keffi’s legal and public dispute with former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd).

Ali-Keffi, appointed in October 2020 by former President Muhammadu Buhari to lead the covert Presidential Task Force, Operation Service Wide, has repeatedly accused officials of releasing terrorism-financing suspects while they were in military custody. The task force was responsible for arresting, investigating, and prosecuting financiers and collaborators of terrorist groups and targeting their leaders.

According to military sources, Brigadier General Gabriel E. Archibong was arrested more than 10 days ago and is currently being held at the Army’s Special Investigation Bureau. His arrest was reportedly linked to frequent communication with Ali-Keffi and claims that he was not cooperating with authorities.

After his arrest, soldiers searched his Lugbe residence for several hours. Nothing incriminating was found, but his phones and laptop were seized. Archibong, an officer serving at the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) in Minna, Niger State, is feared to face serious career and personal consequences from the detention, despite sources insisting he has done nothing wrong.

Bandits Kill Four, Burn Homes and Loot Livestock in Niger State as Wawa Community Comes Under Fresh Attack.

Bandits have launched another deadly attack on Wawa community in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, killing four residents, burning homes and a church, and carting away villagers’ livestock in a violent raid that has deepened fear across the area.

According to local sources, the assailants struck Damala village near the Woko–Daba mining axis between 8:00pm and 8:30pm, catching residents off guard. Eyewitnesses said the attackers moved swiftly, setting houses ablaze, killing civilians, and escaping into surrounding forests with stolen animals before any help could arrive.

Survivors described scenes of terror as families fled burning homes while others mourned loved ones lost in the assault. Community members say the absence of security personnel has left the area exposed to repeated attacks, forcing residents to abandon farms, churches, and daily activities out of fear.

A community leader, Comrade Zakari Y. Adamu, appealed to state and federal authorities for urgent intervention, warning that without immediate deployment of security forces, more communities in Niger State could face similar bloodshed.

The latest attack highlights the worsening security crisis in Nigeria’s rural and mining regions, where forested terrain continues to provide safe routes for armed groups. As residents demand action, concerns grow that violence may spread if authorities fail to respond decisively.

Who Is Illegally Selling Hostel Spaces at IBB University? Why IBBUL Is Warning Students, Investigating Racketeers, and Threatening Sanctions Over Exploitation of Freshers

Who is behind the illegal sale of hostel spaces at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBUL), Lapai—and how are unsuspecting students being exploited? Why has the university stepped in with stern warnings, investigations, and threats of punishment? And what does this mean for students struggling to secure accommodation amid rising demand?

IBB University, Niger State, has raised the alarm over what it describes as a growing and disturbing practice in which individuals and organised groups allegedly hijack hostel spaces and resell them to students at inflated prices. According to the institution, these activities typically target vulnerable students—especially freshers—who are desperate for accommodation at the beginning of academic sessions when hostel demand is highest.

In a statement issued by the Deputy Registrar (Information), Alhaji Baba Akote, the university condemned the practice as exploitative and fraudulent. He explained that some individuals deliberately secure official hostel allocations only to turn around and sell them illegally at exorbitant rates, effectively profiting from students’ desperation and undermining the university’s accommodation system.

How exactly does the scheme work? The university says these groups identify periods of high demand, corner available hostel spaces, and then offer them to students at prices far above approved rates—often misleading students into believing the transactions are legitimate. For many new students unfamiliar with campus processes, the trap is easy to fall into.

What action is the university taking? IBBUL has directed its Student Affairs Division to launch a full investigation aimed at identifying and exposing those involved. University authorities insist that the matter will not be treated lightly and that all culprits will be held accountable.

What are the consequences? In a strong warning, the management made it clear that both sellers and buyers of illegally traded hostel spaces will face disciplinary action. The university says “stringent measures” are being prepared to deter the practice and restore transparency and fairness in the hostel allocation process.

But will this crackdown be enough to end racketeering on campus? As students continue to grapple with accommodation shortages, many are asking whether the investigation will uncover the networks behind the scheme—and whether enforcement will finally stop the exploitation that has quietly flourished for years.

At the heart of the issue lies a pressing question for students and parents alike: can universities protect their communities from internal profiteering, or will desperate housing needs continue to be used as a tool for exploitation?

Tinubu’s Information Minister Suspends Aide Over Unauthorised 2027 Niger Election Write-Up
January 7, 2026 – Politics

Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, has suspended his aide, Sa’idu Enagi, for publishing an unauthorised political article discussing the 2027 Niger State governorship election. The write-up, titled “Malagi 2027”, circulated without the Minister’s approval, prompting the Ministry to clarify that it does not represent Malagi’s views.

In a statement, Malagi’s Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, urged the public to disregard the publication. He confirmed that Malagi had initiated an immediate investigation and disciplined the aide by issuing a suspension letter with immediate effect.

The Ministry emphasized that Malagi maintains a positive relationship with Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, highlighting that speculation about the 2027 elections could undermine their collaborative efforts for the state. Malagi remains focused on his federal responsibilities at the Ministry of Information.

Prior to his ministerial appointment in August 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Malagi had contested the Niger State governorship under the All Progressives Congress (APC) but lost the primary to Umar Bago.

Minister Sympathises with Borgu Victims After Deadly New Year Terror Attack

In a heartfelt statement, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security Dr Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi expressed deep sorrow over a brutal terrorist attack on Kasuwan Daji rural communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, which claimed 42 lives just three days into the New Year.

The assault, which occurred on January 3, left scores injured, homes destroyed, and an unknown number of residents abducted, including women, children, and the elderly.

Dr Abdullahi described the violence as "senseless, deliberate, and murderous," highlighting the "depravity of the terrorists and bandits" who disrupted the peaceful livelihoods of the affected communities.

"My heart goes out to the families who have lost their loved ones, just as I wish a quick recovery to the many who were injured during the rage of atrocities," the minister said in his statement released on Tuesday.

He extended support to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, acknowledging the "challenging times" and praising the governor's efforts to enhance security for residents, particularly in vulnerable areas.

Urging resilience among Borgu residents, the minister called for unity against the perpetrators.

"Let us grieve, because we have lost our loved ones and our possessions. But I call on the Borgu communities to invoke their age-old spirit of resilience, wipe away their tears, and firmly resolve to never allow the lawless terrorists and bandits dictate their rhythm of life," he stated.

Dr Abdullahi emphasised the indiscriminate nature of the violence, noting that the attackers target individuals regardless of religion or ethnicity whether Bussawa, Hausa, Kambari, or Fulani.

He encouraged communities to collaborate with security forces to eliminate the threats, asserting that Borgu must not become a "haven nor a theatre for their atrocities."

The minister reassured residents of President Tinubu's commitment to pursuing and prosecuting those responsible for the "heinous crimes." Security agencies have yet to provide further details on the ongoing investigation or rescue efforts for the abducted.

Explosive Device Believed to Be US Tomahawk Missile Found in Niger State Community Days After Gunmen Kill 40 Residents, Raising Serious Safety Concerns

Three days after a deadly attack in Kasuwar Daji, Niger State, where over 40 residents were killed, a burnt Mobile Police checkpoint destroyed, and homes ransacked, locals in Ganaru, Magama Local Government Area, discovered an unexploded device suspected to be a missile. Reports indicate the device may be a Tomahawk missile warhead of United States origin, sparking fears for community safety. Authorities warned residents against handling the device, noting it contains a powerful 600-pound high-explosive warhead. The incident follows the Kasuwar Daji massacre, where attackers deliberately targeted a police checkpoint to prevent timely security responses, leaving civilians exposed. Local officials urged vigilance and reporting of any suspicious objects to prevent further casualties.

#NigerState #ExplosiveDevice #TomahawkMissile #KasuwarDajiMassacre #SecurityAlert #CommunitySafety

VIDEO: Niger State Bandits Attack Community Police Checkpoint Two Days After Kasuwar Daji Massacre, Facility Riddled With Bullets

Just two days after the deadly Kasuwar Daji market massacre in Borgu Local Government Area, Niger State, a Mobile Police (MOPOL) checkpoint in New Kalli, Wawa Ward, came under attack by gunmen reportedly riding motorcycles. The assailants set parts of the facility on fire, looted officers’ belongings, and destroyed farm produce, although no casualties were recorded.

Photos obtained by SaharaReporters show the checkpoint building riddled with bullets and some residents holding spent cartridges. The Borgu Local Government Disaster Officer, Musa Saidu, confirmed the attack, while the Niger State Police Command described the location as a border patrol “nipping point” along the Borgu axis.

According to Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, security operatives engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle and successfully repelled them, restoring normalcy after the incident. Local sources corroborated that officers’ accommodation was burnt and personal items were taken.

The attack is part of a growing pattern of insecurity in the area following the Kasuwar Daji massacre, which left over 40 people dead and many—including children and elderly women—abducted from rural communities in Borgu Local Government Area.

WATCH: How Bandits Attacked Niger Community Police Checkpoint Two Days After Kasuwar Daji Massacre, Riddled Facility With Bullets [Video link via SaharaReporters]

BREAKING: Gunmen Attack Mobile Police Checkpoint in Niger State Days After Kasuwar Daji Massacre That Killed Over 40, Torch Officers’ Quarters

Barely two days after the deadly Kasuwar Daji market attack that left more than 40 people dead and scores abducted in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, gunmen have launched another assault in the same area, targeting a Mobile Police (MOPOL) checkpoint.

According to SaharaReporters, the attack occurred around 12:30 a.m. on Sunday at New Kalli in Wawa Ward. The assailants reportedly stormed the MOPOL checkpoint, set fire to the officers’ living quarters, destroyed farm produce, and carted away personal belongings belonging to the police personnel stationed there. No casualties were recorded during the raid.

A local source confirmed the incident, stating that the attackers burnt the officers’ rooms and looted some of their possessions before fleeing the scene.

The renewed violence has heightened fears among residents, coming on the heels of the recent Kasuwar Daji market massacre in the same local government area, where armed attackers killed about 40 people and abducted many others, including children and elderly women. Most of the victims were said to be residents of rural communities in Borgu.

The latest attack underscores growing insecurity in Niger State, particularly in Borgu Local Government Area, as residents and security operatives continue to grapple with repeated assaults by armed groups despite the heavy human toll recorded in recent days.

‘I’m Left With Only the Clothes I Wore’: Survivor Recounts Niger State Terror Attack as Over 40 Killed and Many Abducted in Kasuwar Daji

A survivor of the deadly terror attack in Kasuwar Daji, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, has narrated the harrowing ordeal that left over 40 people dead and many others abducted, including women, children, and the elderly. Mohammed Suleiman, one of the victims, said the attackers destroyed everything the community depended on for survival, leaving residents destitute and traumatised.

Speaking in a video shared online, Suleiman revealed that farmlands, food stores, and harvested crops such as rice, maize, guinea corn, and sugar cane were completely burnt during the coordinated assault, which involved machetes, gunfire, and arson. He lamented that he was left with only the clothes he wore during the attack, with no footwear or personal belongings remaining.

According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants, believed to have emerged from the Kainji Lake National Park forest, launched the attack in the late afternoon and continued into the night, setting homes, markets, and food reserves ablaze. Several villagers, including children and elderly residents, were reportedly rounded up and killed, while others were taken away by the attackers.

Survivors say the community now faces severe food shortages, with nothing left to feed displaced children and families. Suleiman and other affected residents are appealing for urgent government intervention, calling for improved security, humanitarian assistance, and long-term solutions as fear and trauma continue to grip Kasuwar Daji and surrounding communities.

Niger State Government Accused of Scam After AI-Generated SME Grant Beneficiaries Video Surfaces

The Niger State government, led by Governor Umar Mohammed Bago, is facing public backlash after a video showing supposed Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) grant beneficiaries was revealed to be AI-generated. The footage, shared by former Special Adviser Abdulberqy Ebbo, depicted virtual recipients receiving credit alerts and thanking the government.

Residents and legal practitioners criticized the use of AI, questioning the authenticity of the grants and calling for transparency. Ibrahim Usman Wali described it as a “new low” in government propaganda. Social media users demanded proof from real beneficiaries, emphasizing that AI-generated videos undermine credibility and public trust.

The controversy follows similar incidents, including a viral image of President Bola Tinubu’s meeting with Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame that appeared to be AI-enhanced, highlighting growing concerns about the misuse of AI in government communications.

Topics: #Niger State, #SMEGrants, #AI-Generated Videos, #GovernmentAccountability, #PublicBacklash, #SocialMediaReactions.

Tinubu Orders Security Agencies to Intensify Operations Around Forest Communities After Deadly Niger State Market Attack That Killed Over 40

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s security agencies to intensify operations around vulnerable communities, particularly those located near forests, following a deadly terrorist attack in Niger State that left more than 40 people dead and many women and children abducted. The attack occurred at Kasuwa Daji market along the Sokobara–Tunga Demo axis in Borgu Local Government Area, sparking outrage among residents who accused security forces of responding only after victims’ bodies were being evacuated.

In a statement personally issued on January 4, 2026, President Tinubu said he had ordered the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to hunt down those responsible for the attack and ensure they are swiftly brought to justice. He described the attackers as terrorists who had tested the resolve of the nation and warned that they would face the full weight of the law.

The President also cautioned that anyone found aiding, abetting, or enabling the attackers would be prosecuted, regardless of their status or intent. He further instructed security agencies to urgently rescue all abducted victims and strengthen security presence in at-risk areas across the country, with particular focus on communities near forests that have increasingly become targets of violent attacks.

Calling for national unity, Tinubu urged Nigerians to confront insecurity collectively and deny criminal elements any safe haven. He expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the attack and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring peace and security to affected communities, stressing that Nigeria must stand together to defeat terrorism and reclaim safety for its citizens.

UPDATE :Tinubu Orders Military, Police, DSS To Hunt Down Terrorists Behind Niger State Attack

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to track down and apprehend the perpetrators of the Kasuwan Daji attack in Niger State.