Historical view of Sokoto, Nigeria, wood engraving, published in 1899

The Senate has announced plans to hold an executive briefing over the December 25 United States air strikes on suspected terrorist targets in Sokoto State, following concerns about the National Assembly’s alleged exclusion.

Senator Abdul Ningi questioned the operation, arguing that the strikes amounted to a violation of Nigeria’s territorial integrity and should not have been carried out without legislative oversight or prior engagement with the National Assembly.

The issue has sparked debate within the Senate, with lawmakers seeking clarity on the circumstances surrounding the operation and the level of involvement of Nigerian authorities.

#Nigeria #NationalAssembly #USAirstrikes #Security

New GOC 8 Division Visits Tidibale, Assures Residents of Stronger Security Against Bandits

The new General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna, has visited Tidibale Community in Isa LGA of Sokoto State, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to security and peace. The visit followed the safe return of residents previously displaced by bandit threats. The GOC assured that troops are now stationed in the community to prevent any bandit control and respond swiftly to threats. He urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces. Community leaders welcomed the visit, describing it as a renewed sign of hope and stability.

#NigerianArmy #SokotoSecurity #OperationFansanYamma

Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer Warns Conviction May Sway 2027 Elections, Raises Concerns Over Rights

Nnamdi Kanu’s legal consultant, Aloy Ejimakor, warns that dissatisfaction across the South-East over Kanu’s conviction could influence the 2027 general elections if not addressed. He highlighted challenges with Kanu’s transfer from Abuja to Sokoto, limiting access to courts and legal support, potentially infringing his constitutional right to a fair hearing under Section 36. Ejimakor stressed that post-judgment processes and appeals require immediate action, with public sentiment in the region signaling growing political unrest tied to the IPOB leader’s case.

#NnamdiKanu #IPOB #2027Elections

Documents Reveal Sokoto Lawmakers Spent ₦4.6bn on Vehicles Amid Rising Insecurity

Documents reviewed by SaharaReporters have revealed that Sokoto State lawmakers spent ₦4.6 billion on the purchase of vehicles amid widespread insecurity and poverty in the state. Budget performance documents show that between January and September 2025, the state spent ₦1 billion on 30 vehicles for members of the House of Assembly and management staff. The expenditure has sparked criticism, coming at a time when residents continue to face worsening security challenges and economic hardship.

#Sokoto #NigeriaPolitics #PublicFunds #Insecurity

Documents have revealed that lawmakers in Sokoto State spent about ₦4.6 billion on the purchase of vehicles despite the state grappling with widespread insecurity……….

The expenditure reportedly covered official cars and utility vehicles for members of the House of Assembly, sparking public outrage. Critics argue that the funds could have been redirected toward improving security, supporting displaced communities, and strengthening law enforcement. The revelation has renewed debates over government priorities, transparency, and accountability, especially as residents continue to face attacks by bandits and rising safety concerns across several parts of the state.#Fintter

Bello Turji Gang Storm Sokoto Village, Kidnap Over 20 People, Residents Scatter for Night

Gobe don burst for Sokoto oo! Terrorists wey dey under notorious bandit Bello Turji attack Gajit community, Lajinge District, Sabon Birni LGA. Over 20 people don disappear, and at least two people injure as di gang enter community in big number for Tuesday night.

Bakatsine security alert confirm say dis na part of many attacks wey Turji loyalists dey do for Sokoto East Senatorial District. Na so dem begin Tidibale village, Isa LGA, few days before, as dem carry fear come inside community. Villagers dem run, dem leave house for middle of night go hide for neighbouring areas.

Before now, Bargaja village for Isa LGA don feel Turji wahala too. Despite authorities promise better protection, communities dey suffer attack, abduction, and forced movement because of bandit gangs wey dey terrorize Sokoto and nearby areas. People dey beg government make dem act fast, else the yawa go scatter more.

Nigeria Approves $9m US Lobbying Deal To Ease Tensions With Trump Administration Over Christian Killings, Insecurity, and Travel Restrictions

The administration of President Bola Tinubu has approved a controversial $9 million lobbying contract with Washington-based DCI Group to persuade the Trump administration and key U.S. lawmakers that Nigeria is taking concrete action against insecurity, including the killings of Christians in northern Nigeria. U.S. Justice Department filings show an initial $4.5 million payment was made in December 2025, with another $4.5 million due by July 2026. The deal follows Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” a partial U.S. travel ban, and a U.S. military airstrike in Sokoto targeting insurgent hideouts. The lobbying effort, facilitated by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu through Aster Legal, aims to maintain U.S. support against jihadist groups and improve strained diplomatic relations. Additional outreach included a letter from Senate President Godswill Akpabio inviting U.S. lawmakers to visit Abuja. Analysts say the contract signals urgency by Tinubu’s government to reset ties with Washington.

Police Confirm Knowledge Of US Airstrikes In Sokoto, Refuse To Reveal Details.
The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed it has information regarding the US airstrikes carried out against terrorist targets in Sokoto on December 25, 2025, but says it will not disclose details to the public. Police spokesman Benjamin Hundeyin stated that while there was cooperation and intelligence involvement, the operation remains a defence matter best addressed by the military. The United States Department of Defense said the strikes, conducted at Nigeria’s request, killed multiple ISIS terrorists. Former US President Donald Trump announced the operation on his Truth Social platform, describing the strikes as successful and warning against continued terrorist attacks.

#NigeriaSecurity #USAirstrikes #Sokoto #CounterTerrorism

Wahala Don Set Oo! Bello Turji Storms Eastern Sokoto Villages, Residents Flee For Their Lives

Wahala don burst for Sokoto State as notorious bandits’ leader, Bello Turji, has launched fresh attacks on several communities in the eastern axis, beginning with a deadly raid on Tidibale village in Isa Local Government Area. According to reports, Turji’s fighters stormed the village in large numbers, forcing residents to abandon their homes and flee in the middle of the night to neighbouring communities. A video from the scene showed families escaping as fear gripped the area. Security alerts from Bakatsine confirmed the attack, describing it as part of a wider plan by Turji to seize and dominate rural settlements across eastern Sokoto. Bargaja village was also reportedly targeted days earlier in the same campaign. Despite government assurances, communities continue to face attacks, abductions and displacement. As villages empty and bandits tighten control over abandoned areas, concerns are growing over the response of security agencies and the safety of civilians.

Wahala Don Burst: US Drops Massive Airstrikes on ISIS in Syria, Sokoto Also Hit!

Na so e be! The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) don carry out big airstrikes against ISIS targets across Syria, and Nigerians won’t forget the connection at home—Sokoto was hit too!

CENTCOM revealed on X that the strikes happened Saturday around 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time, alongside partner forces. This operation, called Operation Hawkeye Strike, started December 19, 2025, after a deadly ISIS attack near Palmyra, Syria, that killed two American soldiers and one civilian interpreter.

The US military made it clear: “If you harm our warfighters, we will find you and kill you anywhere in the world.” No shaking!

Interestingly, in December 2025, the US also conducted airstrikes in northwest Nigeria, specifically in Sokoto State, targeting ISIS-linked militants of the Islamic State-Sahel Province (ISSP) and local affiliate Lakurawa. Tomahawk missiles were reportedly used in collaboration with the Nigerian government to dismantle terrorist camps.

These operations show that the fight against terrorism is now global and local, and both the US and Nigeria are keeping the pressure on ISIS wherever they pop up.

For Nigerians, the Sokoto strike is a reminder that terrorism is a real threat, and the government is working with international partners to try to keep citizens safe.

Wahala don burst, but the fight no go stop!

Is Nnamdi Kanu Being Illegally Detained? Nigerian Jewish Leader Visits IPOB Founder in Sokoto Prison, Rejects Terrorism Label and Demands His Immediate Release

Is the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), legally justified—or is it a violation of justice and human rights? This question has been reignited following a high-profile prison visit by Kohen Daniel Onuoha, a Nigerian Jewish cleric and spiritual leader of the Peace of Yahweh Synagogue and founder of Eastern Judaism, who met Kanu at the Sokoto Correctional Facility on January 10, 2026.

Describing the visit as an act of spiritual and moral solidarity, Onuoha said he was accompanied by his wife and representatives of Jewish congregations in Nigeria’s former Eastern Region, whom he said “faithfully observe the Ten Commandments.” According to him, the visit symbolised years of prayers and sacrifices by his community for Kanu’s freedom.

“For over five years, we have remained steadfast in daily sacrifices and prayers to Elohim without interruption,” Onuoha said, adding that the prison visit reaffirmed his commitment to justice and liberty.

During the visit, the cleric directly challenged the legal foundation of Kanu’s continued incarceration, urging the international community, legal experts, and human rights organisations to examine what he described as questionable legal grounds for the case. He argued that Kanu’s prosecution was based on a repealed law, making the detention unlawful.

Onuoha also rejected the designation of Kanu and IPOB as terrorists, insisting that neither the separatist leader nor the movement had committed violent acts. “Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not a terrorist, and IPOB is not a terrorist organisation,” he declared, adding that Kanu’s ordeal stemmed from the peaceful exercise of self-determination and his public criticism of alleged abuses by political elites, foreign interests, and local power structures.

He further contended that speech alone cannot justify criminal conviction, stressing that verbal expressions or broadcasts without evidence of violence should not result in imprisonment. Calling for Kanu’s “immediate and unconditional release,” the Jewish leader said such action was necessary to uphold justice and the rule of law.

Beyond Kanu’s case, Onuoha appealed for broader international intervention, arguing that Biafrans continue to face marginalisation, oppression, and violence. He commended U.S. President Donald Trump for what he described as efforts to protect Christians in Nigeria and urged increased global pressure on Nigerian authorities over alleged human rights violations.

In his closing remarks, Onuoha called on Kanu’s supporters, Biafrans, Jews, and human rights advocates to remain peaceful, resilient, and steadfast, expressing confidence that justice would ultimately prevail.

The visit raises urgent questions: Is Nnamdi Kanu’s detention legally valid? Has the terrorism label been misapplied? And will international scrutiny finally force a reassessment of one of Nigeria’s most controversial political prosecutions?

Are Terrorists Fleeing U.S. Airstrikes in Sokoto Now Spreading Violence Into Benue? Why Agatu Council Chairman Says Armed Groups Have Infiltrated Communities, Forced Policy Reversals, and Triggered a New Security Crisis

Are counterterrorism operations in one part of Nigeria unintentionally pushing violence into other states? That is the concern raised by the Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State, James Melvin Ejeh, who says armed groups displaced by recent U.S.–Nigerian military airstrikes in Sokoto State are now infiltrating communities in his region.

According to Ejeh, terrorists targeted in coordinated air operations in December have not been eliminated but instead relocated across state borders, spreading insecurity into rural Benue communities. He described a surge in attacks on Agatu villages, warning that innocent residents are now facing “unprecedented terror” as fleeing fighters establish new footholds.

The council chairman said intelligence reports and local accounts indicate that the militants, after being dislodged from Sokoto, are moving into neighbouring states, with Agatu among the hardest hit. He stressed that what was intended as a strategic blow against terrorism may now be creating a dangerous spillover effect, exposing vulnerable farming communities to renewed violence.

In response to the escalating attacks, Ejeh announced a decisive policy shift: the immediate cancellation of a 2017 grazing agreement that allowed herdsmen access to Adepati Island. He argued that the agreement, originally framed as a peacebuilding measure, had instead compromised community safety and enabled armed elements to operate within Agatu territory.

Describing the pact as an arrangement made “under the guise of promoting peaceful coexistence,” Ejeh accused previous local administrations of placing diplomacy above the security of residents. He declared the agreement null and void, ordered all armed herders to vacate Agatu land, and emphasized that no portion of Agatu belongs to herders under any guise.

Ejeh further revealed that security agencies have begun arrests and investigations, warning that anyone found collaborating with armed groups will face the full weight of the law. He maintained that the people of Agatu have reached a firm position: no future engagement with herders will occur unless it is conducted lawfully, transparently, and only after broad consultation with traditional rulers and community stakeholders.

The development raises urgent national questions: Are military airstrikes merely displacing terrorists rather than dismantling their networks? Is Nigeria witnessing a dangerous redistribution of insecurity from one region to another? And can local governments withstand the security fallout without stronger federal coordination?

As communities in Benue confront the consequences of a conflict they did not initiate, the Agatu chairman’s warning highlights a growing fear that counterterrorism victories in one state may be creating new frontlines elsewhere, leaving civilians trapped in the crossfire of shifting militant movements.

MINISTER OF LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT LAYS FOUNDATION FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF SERVICE CENTRE IN SOKOTO STATE

The new Livestock Service Centre is a key intervention under the World Bank-assisted Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project.

Performing the foundation stone laying, the Minister of Livestock Development, Dr. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment to unlocking Nigeria’s livestock potential for sustainable peace and development.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu stated that the Centre is designed to address livestock losses, rural poverty and insecurity linked to unregulated livestock practices.

The Governor noted that the Facility will introduce modern feedlots, support pasture development and ease the pressures of open grazing on Farmlands.

National Coordinator, L-PRES, Dr. Sanusi Abubakar, assured full support from the National Coordination Office to guarantee the project’s successful implementation.

The Commissioner for Livestock Development, Bello Muhammad Wamakko, highlighted Sokoto State Government’s investment in routine vaccination programmes and other measures to reduce Farmer–herder conflicts.

Similar projects are being executed in 20 participating States nationwide, expected to enhance food security, improve animal health and strengthen the Nation’s economy.

Is Nigeria Now Leading the War in the Air? Why the U.S. Is Shifting to Intelligence Support After Christmas Day Strikes—and What This Means for Terrorism, Banditry, and Security in the North

Is Nigeria taking full control of the aerial war against terrorism and banditry? Why has the United States stepped back from direct airstrikes to an intelligence and reconnaissance role? And what does this new security arrangement mean for the fight against jihadist groups and armed gangs across the country’s troubled regions?

Following U.S. airstrikes carried out on Christmas Day in Sokoto State, the Nigerian Air Force is set to lead subsequent military air operations, as Washington shifts its role to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support. A Nigerian official familiar with the new Nigeria–U.S. security framework confirmed that while the United States will now rely mainly on reconnaissance flights, Nigeria remains open to further American strikes if necessary.

What triggered the change? The Christmas night strikes targeted what U.S. officials described as Islamic State–linked sites in northwestern Nigeria. According to Nigerian authorities, the operation was aimed at militants cooperating with the Lakurawa jihadist group and criminal “bandit” networks that have destabilised large parts of the northwest and north-central regions. Both countries reported that an unspecified number of fighters were killed.

But why is the U.S. stepping back now? In the weeks before the strikes, analysts had already noted increased American surveillance flights over Nigeria—activity that has continued since. However, U.S. officials later described the bombing as a “one-off event,” signalling a strategic shift away from direct military action toward intelligence-sharing and operational support for Nigerian forces.

What role did diplomacy play? The strikes came after a tense period in bilateral relations, sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims in October that violence in Nigeria amounted to the “persecution” and “genocide” of Christians—assertions rejected by Abuja and independent analysts. Although Nigeria later said the dispute had been resolved and that the partnership had been “strengthened,” the unilateral announcement of the strikes by Trump reportedly caused unease in Abuja. Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, subsequently described the operation as a joint effort.

What does this new arrangement mean for Nigeria’s security strategy? Nigeria has battled jihadist insurgency since 2009, mainly in the northeast, while heavily armed criminal gangs have entrenched themselves in rural communities across the northwest and north-central regions. By assuming full responsibility for air operations—with U.S. intelligence support—Nigeria appears to be asserting greater operational sovereignty while maintaining strategic cooperation with Washington.

However, critical questions remain: will intelligence-backed Nigerian air power be enough to contain Islamic State–linked fighters and bandit networks? Could the U.S. return to direct strikes if the threat escalates? And does this shift mark a long-term change in America’s military posture in West Africa—or merely a tactical pause?

As reconnaissance flights continue and Nigeria leads future air operations, the evolving partnership signals both a test of Nigeria’s military capacity and a recalibration of U.S. involvement in the region’s counterterrorism fight.

Sokoto Court Jails Three for Spraying Naira Notes at Social Events, Orders Community Service

Justice Ahmad Mahmud of the Federal High Court in Sokoto has sentenced Ahmad Abdullahi Buhari, Jamilu Bello, and Yasir Muhammad Bala to five years imprisonment for offences related to Naira mutilation. The trio pleaded guilty to charges under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, for spraying Naira notes at birthday parties in Sokoto. Each convict received one-year jail terms per count, with an option to pay N100,000 fine per count. Additionally, they are required to depose to affidavits of good behaviour with the EFCC and carry out community sensitization in secondary schools against cybercrime and other fraudulent activities. The case highlights Nigeria’s strict stance against currency mutilation and misuse.

#SokotoCourt #NairaMutilation #CBNAct #NigeriaNews #SocialEventDrama #EFCC #CommunityService #FraudAwareness #Legitng #TrendingNews

Sheikh Ahmad Gumi Refutes Viral Claims of Being Targeted in US Airstrikes, Says Video is Old and Misleading

Kaduna-based Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has dismissed viral claims suggesting he was marked for elimination in recent US airstrikes in Sokoto State. The cleric clarified that the circulating video is an old clip taken out of context and unrelated to any current military operations.

Gumi explained that the misunderstanding arose from a 2012 incident when Boko Haram allegedly attempted to assassinate him. In that event, an explosive device killed the assailants before reaching him, which Gumi attributed to divine intervention. He emphasized that he is currently living peacefully with his family and faces no present threat.

The cleric called the viral report false, urging the public to verify information before spreading unsubstantiated claims, reinforcing concerns about misinformation and misinterpretation in online media.

Topics: Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, Viral Video, US Airstrikes, Boko Haram, Misinformation, Nigerian Security, Public Clarification.

Tinubu Orders Military, Police, DSS to Hunt Kasuwan Daji Terrorists, Rescue Abducted Women and Children in Niger State

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s security agencies, including the military, police, and the Department of State Services (DSS), to intensify operations to track down and apprehend the terrorists behind the deadly attack on Kasuwan Daji community in Niger State. The directive was issued on Sunday and conveyed in a statement signed on January 4, 2026, by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The President ordered the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the DSS Director-General to urgently locate the attackers and rescue all abducted victims, particularly women and children. The Kasuwan Daji attack, which occurred amid a surge in terrorist activities in Niger State, led to the killing of villagers and mass abductions.

According to the presidency, the assailants are suspected to be fleeing from Sokoto and Zamfara states following a U.S. airstrike carried out on Christmas Eve. President Tinubu condemned the killings, described the attack as a test of Nigeria’s resolve, and vowed that the perpetrators and anyone aiding them would be hunted down and brought to justice.

He also extended condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Niger State, while assuring that security operations would be strengthened around vulnerable communities, especially those near forest areas used as criminal hideouts. The President urged Nigerians to remain united and avoid divisive rhetoric, stressing that collective resolve is crucial to defeating terrorism and restoring peace to affected communities.

VIDEO: Sokoto Men Play With Alleged U.S. Bomb Fragments From Christmas Day Airstrike, Mock American Military and Boast Nigerians Are Stronger as DHQ Issues Safety Warning

A viral video has emerged showing some men, suspected to be herdsmen, handling and playing with what they claim are fragments of a bomb dropped by the United States military during a Christmas Day airstrike in Jabo community, Sokoto State. In the footage obtained by SaharaReporters, the men are seen casually rolling and touching the metallic object while speaking in Hausa, openly mocking the U.S. military and boasting that Nigerians are stronger than any foreign or local armed force.

The men derided America as a “disgrace,” claimed that no U.S. missile or nuclear weapon could successfully strike Nigerian soil, and suggested that divine will alone determines outcomes. Despite the obvious danger, they laughed and encouraged one another to “show strength,” while praying that the fragment would not explode.

The video surfaced amid heightened security concerns following reports that explosive materials from the alleged U.S. airstrike site had been taken by unauthorised persons. Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed awareness of the situation and issued a strong warning to residents, urging anyone in possession of such materials to return them immediately.

Speaking in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, stressed that the items were highly dangerous and should only be handled by trained military personnel. He appealed to the public and the media to help ensure the safe return of the materials to nearby military bases or recognised security locations to prevent potential loss of lives and further harm.

Nigerian Military Urges Sokoto Residents to Return Explosive Materials Taken From Site of U.S. Christmas Day Airstrike

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has appealed to residents of Sokoto State to return explosive materials allegedly removed from the site of the U.S. Christmas Day airstrike in Jabo community, warning that the items pose serious danger to individuals and the public. The appeal was made by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, who expressed concern that unauthorised persons picked up sensitive and highly dangerous materials from the blast scene.

Onoja stressed that only specialised military formations are trained to recover and neutralise explosive devices, urging those in possession of such items to return them to nearby military bases or recognised security locations for safe disarmament. He also called on the media to help spread the message to prevent possible loss of lives.

The appeal follows ongoing investigations into the joint Nigerian–U.S. airstrike targeting terrorist enclaves in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The state government has confirmed that no civilian casualties were recorded and said post-strike assessments and analyses are still underway, while reiterating its commitment to working with security agencies to address security threats in the state.