NIGERIA-BANGKOK TO UNLOCK POTENTIAL IN AFRICA-ASIA COOPERATION

Nigeria and Thailand have agreed to take their bilateral relationship to a strategic level. The commitment was made during a high-level meeting in Bangkok today, between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar and his Thai counterpart, Sihasak Phuangketkeow.

In a statement, Yusuf Tuggar, proposed for Thailand to help bridge the regions, by fostering collaboration between the African bloc, ECOWAS, and the Southeast Asian bloc, ASEAN, foreseeing eventual ASEAN-ECOWAS Summit in the long-term.

Both sides discussed building on Nigeria's crude oil exports and Thailand's rice and machinery exports, and extending to scholarship programmes for Nigerian students.

They agreed to diversify into new areas like agro-processing, renewable energy, manufacturing, and ICT.

While on security, Yusuf Tuggar stressed on cooperation against transnational crimes like drug and human trafficking, proposing increased intelligence-sharing and joint training.

To solidify this enhanced partnership, the Minister urged for speedy conclusion of pending bilateral agreements on trade, investment, and culture, with a view to establishing a high-level joint commission.

The meeting concluded with Nigeria reaffirming Thailand as its strategic partner in Asia and extended an invitation for reciprocal high-level visits.

Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters Orders Immediate Removal of Unauthorized Roadblocks Nationwide

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has issued a directive ordering the immediate dismantling of non-essential roadblocks and unauthorized checkpoints across major highways in Nigeria. The internal memo, signed by Brigadier General A. Rabiu for the Chief of Defence Staff, warns that the proliferation of unapproved checkpoints is disrupting movement, reducing operational efficiency, and exposing troops to unnecessary risks. Commanders have been instructed to retain only approved control points while replacing static posts with mobile, intelligence-driven patrols. The order comes amid rising public concern over insecurity and road travel challenges nationwide.

VIDEO: Tinubu Calls for Stronger Measures on Farmer–Herder Clashes
Speaking ahead of the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu urged the government to take stronger and more decisive steps to address the recurring conflicts between farmers and herders across Nigeria.

#NigeriaNews #Tinubu #SecurityUpdates #FEC

Insecurity: Tinubu Orders Withdrawal of Police From VIPs
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his directive for police officers attached to VIPs to be withdrawn and reassigned to communities facing serious security threats.
He also instructed the Minister of Interior to collaborate with the IGP and NSCDC to ensure that NSCDC officers replace the withdrawn police personnel.

#NigeriaNews #SecurityUpdates #Tinubu #NSCDC

Tinubu Orders Shettima to Convene NEC Meeting on Ranching Amid Rising Farmer-Herder Clashes

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to summon a special National Executive Council (NEC) meeting focused on resolving Nigeria’s escalating farmer-herder crisis through ranching reforms. The directive comes as violent clashes surge across several states. Tinubu also ordered the immediate training, arming, and deployment of additional forest guards to combat kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism. According to the presidency, the worsening insecurity demands a more aggressive, coordinated national response to protect citizens.


#Tinubu
#Ranching
#Insecurity

ECOWAS Slashes Air Travel Taxes and Charges to Boost Regional Connectivity

West African leaders have taken a major step to make flying within the region significantly cheaper, adopting measures that will abolish multiple air transport taxes and cut passenger and security charges by 25 percent starting 1 January 2026.

The decision was reached at the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Summit held in Abuja in December 2024, where leaders signed a Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees aimed at tackling one of the biggest barriers to regional integration: the high cost of intra-African air travel.

For years, West Africa has had some of the world’s most expensive airfares relative to distance, largely due to a web of taxes, fuel surcharges, security fees and other levies imposed by individual countries.

The new policy requires all 15 ECOWAS member states to eliminate designated air transport taxes entirely and reduce remaining passenger service and security charges by a quarter.

The move is expected to lower ticket prices, stimulate tourism and business travel, strengthen local airlines and support trade, and advance the free movement of people and goods – a core objective of the ECOWAS Treaty.

To ensure compliance, the ECOWAS Commission will oversee implementation through a newly established Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism.

Regional aviation stakeholders have welcomed the decision, describing it as a game-changer for West Africa’s Africa’s chronically under-served air transport market.

The reforms will take effect on 1 January 2026, giving airlines and national authorities one year to adjust systems and regulations.

Abuja Court Frees 11 #EndBadGovernance Protesters, Dismisses Treason and Terrorism Charges

A Federal High Court in Abuja has acquitted 11 activists arrested during the 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests, striking out all treason and terrorism-related charges brought against them. Justice Emeka Nwite ruled that the allegations were unfounded, marking what activist Adaramoye Michael Lenin described as a “historic victory.” The protesters had been detained for over a year after security agencies accused them of attempting to destabilise the country during nationwide demonstrations fuelled by economic hardship, insecurity, and public frustration under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Human rights groups consistently condemned the charges as politically motivated attempts to suppress dissent. With the ruling, all accused individuals have been fully discharged.

#EndBadGovernance

#HumanRights

#AbujaCourt

State Police, death penalty for kidnappers’ll address insecurity.

~ South West leaders say

PRESIDENTIAL FOOD SYSTEMS PLANS FOR 2025/ 2026 DRY-SEASON FARMING

The Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (#PFSCU), Office of the Vice President, has convened policymakers, farmers, and economists to plan the 2025/2026 dry-season farming under the National Agribusiness Policy Mechanism (NAPM).

The initiative represents a critical pillar of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises food security, economic stability, and agricultural transformation.

Tinubu Reaffirms Withdrawal of Police From VIP Escorts, Orders Strict Clearance for Exceptions

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his directive withdrawing police officers from VIP escort duties, insisting that only individuals who secure his personal approval through the Inspector-General of Police will receive special protection. Speaking before the Federal Executive Council meeting, Tinubu said the decision aims to redeploy security personnel to critical national security operations, particularly the fight against kidnapping and terrorism. He ordered the Interior Minister and NSCDC to replace withdrawn police escorts with civil defence operatives and directed the NSA and DSS to review nationwide security deployments. Tinubu also emphasised arming forest guards. The directive follows a national debate reignited by Wole Soyinka, who criticised the excessively large convoy attached to Seyi Tinubu, calling it a misuse of security resources.

BOOM

Nigerian troops have intensified operations against armed bandits and insurgents in the Lakurawa axis. Within the last 48 hours, security forces successfully carried out coordinated strikes that led to the neutralization of several key criminals, including Kachalla Kallamu, the reported deputy to the notorious Turji.

This operation marks another significant step in restoring peace and security in the region.
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FCT Police Arrest Abuja Resident Accused of Supplying Ammunition to Zamfara Bandits

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested 32-year-old Ahmed Abubakar from Anguwan Dodo, Gwagwalada, for allegedly supplying ammunition to bandits in Zamfara State. The arrest, made on December 7, followed actionable intelligence received by the Command’s Tactical Team. Investigations revealed that Abubakar had been working with an associate, Yusuf Mohammed, to procure 1,000 rounds of ammunition, allegedly under instructions from his uncle and key accomplice, Ahmed Yakubu, who is currently at large. Police say the suspect is in custody as efforts continue to dismantle the wider criminal network fueling insecurity in the region.

INSECURITY: President Tinubu directs NIPSS to study situation and recommend solutions

Ex-Kano Anti-Graft Boss Compares Corrupt Nigerian Politicians to Deadly Drug Cartels

Former Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, says combating corruption in Nigeria is as dangerous as confronting Colombian drug cartels. Speaking at the launch of the 19th Compendium on 100 High-Profile Corruption Cases in Lagos, he revealed that investigations during his tenure exposed billions in diverted public funds, fraudulent PPP projects, and illicit IGR schemes linked to powerful political figures, including former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. Magaji warned that corruption fuels poverty, insecurity, and banditry in the North, describing corrupt politicians as ruthless actors willing to kill to protect stolen wealth. He alleged that some policemen are being used against him despite having legal authorization to prosecute cases. The event, organized by HEDA to mark International Anti-Corruption Day, emphasized youth involvement in shaping a future of integrity.

NORTH WILL REMEMBER: Tinubu's Govt Pushes for Completion of Mubi-Maiduguri Road, a Key North-East Corridor

For years, the road's poor condition hindered trade and movement, but no more! President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration is racing against time to complete the crucial Mubi-Maiduguri Road Reconstruction project, initially awarded by the previous government.

The project, a vital link between Adamawa and Borno states, is receiving priority attention. Minister of Works, Senator Engineer David Nweze Umahi, is overseeing the project, leveraging concrete technology for durability.

"The Mubi-Maiduguri Road is a game-changer for the North East," Umahi said. "We're committed to completing it swiftly, boosting trade, security, and regional integration."

Completion of this 104km road will significantly improve transportation, enhance economic growth, and foster regional connectivity. The North is poised to remember this administration for transforming its infrastructure landscape.

Human Rights Day: RULAAC Urges Nigerian Government to End Widespread Citizens’ Rights Violations

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called on the Nigerian government to treat human rights as essential daily needs rather than abstract promises. In a statement marking Human Rights Day 2025, Executive Director Okechukwu Nwanguma highlighted the year’s theme, “Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials,” stressing the importance of access to clean water, healthcare, education, justice, housing, and freedom of expression. RULAAC lamented widespread rights violations caused by corruption, insecurity, poor governance, police brutality, and collapsing social services. The group urged the Tinubu administration to move beyond rhetoric by improving basic services, guaranteeing civic freedoms, reforming law enforcement, protecting vulnerable groups, and addressing insecurity through rights-respecting approaches. It reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring abuses and advocating for a Nigeria where human dignity is upheld daily.

Police Arrest Notorious Suspect in Murder of Anambra Lawmaker Azuka Justice

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested 26-year-old Ugochukwu Uzor, the alleged mastermind behind the abduction and killing of Anambra lawmaker Hon. Azuka Justice. Police operatives captured the suspect during a major offensive in Ogbaru, recovering a locally made Beretta pistol and live ammunition. According to police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Uzor confessed to leading several violent criminal gangs across Anambra and neighbouring states and admitted involvement in the December 2024 abduction and murder of the lawmaker, whose decomposing body was found at the 2nd Niger Bridge in early 2025. Authorities described the arrest as a major breakthrough in efforts to dismantle kidnapping and armed robbery syndicates. Residents were urged to remain vigilant and support ongoing security operations.

Lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor Condemns Deadly Attack on Anambra Church, Demands Justice for Victims

Human rights lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor has strongly condemned the deadly attack on St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Lilu, Anambra State, describing it as a sacrilegious assault on faith and humanity. Two worshippers, including a cleric’s wife, were killed when armed men invaded the church during early Sunday worship preparations. Ejiofor demanded swift justice, criticised the slow pace of investigations, and urged security agencies and the Anambra government to ensure the perpetrators are tracked down and prosecuted. He consoled affected families and warned against normalising violence in sacred places of worship.

Nigerian Army Kills Bello Turji’s Deputy Kachalla Kallamu in Major Sokoto Operation

Nigerian Army troops have killed Kachalla Kallamu, the deputy to notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji, during a coordinated operation in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State. According to a senior military source, Kallamu was neutralised alongside a key logistics supplier in a dawn offensive near Kurawa village, with critical support from local vigilantes. The military described the strike as a significant setback for Turji’s network, noting that Kallamu had long terrorised communities before fleeing to Kogi State earlier in 2025. Officials say improved intelligence from residents contributed to the success of the mission. Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s security adviser praised the troops for their professionalism and sustained efforts against banditry.

Ghana Summons Israeli Envoy, Condemns Detention of Officials and Threatens Diplomatic Retaliation

Ghana has sharply criticised Israel after seven Ghanaian travellers — including four lawmakers attending an international cybersecurity conference — were detained at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv on December 7. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the treatment as discriminatory, inhumane, and a betrayal of over 60 years of diplomatic ties. While the lawmakers were released after more than five hours of interrogation, three other travellers were deported. Ghana dismissed Israel’s justification of “non-cooperation” from its embassy as false and has summoned the Israeli envoy in Accra to lodge a formal protest. The government warned that reciprocal measures affecting visas, travel, and bilateral programmes are now being considered.