"Majority of Bandits Neutralised, Only Few Scattered Elements Remain"— Defence Minister,Matawalle.

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has stated that most b+ndit leaders and their followers have been neutralised, noting that only a few scattered elements remain. He added that President Bola Tinubu has directed Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops to eliminate the remaining bandits in the North-West.

SaharaReporters previously reported that the Kebbi State Police confirmed the abduction of at least 25 students from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Danko/Wasagu LGA, on Monday morning.

The attack by heavily armed bandits resulted in the d+ath of one staff member and injury to another, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar Kotarkoshi said. The incident reportedly occurred around 4am, with assailants engaging police officers in a gun battle.

Matawalle made his remarks during a visit to the Theatre Command Headquarters, following Juma’at prayers at the Command Mosque.

According to his Director of Information, Ibrahim Sule, he conveyed President Tinubu’s appreciation for the troops’ courage, patriotism, and achievements in dismantling bandit formations across the Northwest.

He told the soldiers: “Most key bandit leaders and their foot soldiers have been neutralised through your gallant effort. What remains now are scattered elements, and the Commander-in-Chief has directed that these must be completely eliminated. You have every support needed logistics, equipment, welfare, and morale to finish the job.”

Matawalle was received by Theatre Commander Maj. Gen. Warrah Bello Idris, who briefed him on recent operations, including neutralising high-value targets and reclaiming communities previously under bandit control. The minister praised the troops’ resilience, calling their sacrifices the foundation for peace returning to Zamfara and neighbouring states.

Addressing officers and soldiers, Matawalle urged sustained vigilance and discipline, assuring them that total victory was near. “Your sacrifices will never be in vain. The President, the nation, and soon the people of this region will sleep peacefully,” he declared.

"Our Goal Is To Use Education To End Poverty", President Tinubu Tells Duke of Edinburgh.

President Bola Tinubu emphasized that his administration’s economic and institutional reforms aim to equip Nigerian youths with globally competitive skills to secure their future. Speaking during a meeting with the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, at the State House, Abuja, on Monday, Tinubu stated, “Our goal is to use education to drive down poverty.”

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that discussions also covered plans for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award events in Lagos.

Tinubu highlighted that Nigeria’s participation in the G-20 this week will focus on youth empowerment and economic growth, stressing that reforms prioritize demography, skills development, and opportunities for young people.

He noted the introduction of a special education loan fund to ensure university students receive support to complete their studies, alongside broader reforms to enhance infrastructure, including fibre optics, security, and crime reduction initiatives. Tinubu also acknowledged humanitarian agencies for their role in supporting terrorism victims.

Finance Minister Wale Edun briefed attendees on the country’s median age of 17 and explained that policies are designed to expand youth participation, skill acquisition, and growth prospects. Prince Edward praised Nigeria’s reforms and highlighted the Lagos events, where 320 youths will be recognized for pursuing their passions, developing skills, and contributing to national development.

Also present were the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Sir Richard Montgomery; the Duke’s Private Secretary, Alex Potts; the Award’s Secretary-General, Martin Houghton-Brown; and International Trustee Muhoho Kenyatta.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global program promoting non-formal education through schools, youth organizations, and community groups to develop skills, resilience, and service among young people.

“Every Child Deserves Safety” — First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Calls for United Action Against Sexual Abuse


The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on all Nigerians to take decisive action to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse.
She made this appeal in Abuja on Tuesday during the commemoration of the World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse 2025.

This year’s global theme is:
“Strengthening the Protection of Children Against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse Through Evidence-Based Policy Making.”

Mrs Tinubu stressed that child protection must be a shared responsibility, urging parents, leaders, institutions, and young people to unite in building a society where children feel safe, valued, and protected.

“As a nation, we must ensure that every child grows up free from fear and harm,” she said.
She further emphasized that true protection requires more than speeches — it demands evidence-driven policies, accurate data, effective research, and actionable collaboration.

She called on government agencies, civil society, traditional and religious leaders, and communities to work collectively in creating safe spaces where children can thrive without the threat of abuse.

The World Day, observed every November 18, was created in 2015 by the Council of Europe and later recognized by the United Nations in 2022 to raise awareness, reduce stigma, support survivors, and strengthen global response to child sexual abuse.

Mrs Tinubu concluded with a prayer:
“May God protect all our children.”

Nigerians to stop paying five common bank charges from January 2026 — Oyedele

From January 2026, millions of Nigerians will enjoy major financial relief as the Federal Government removes five common bank charges under its new tax reform laws.

Signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 26, 2025, the reform aims to ease business costs, support households, and grow the economy. These changes are contained in four new laws: the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service Act, and Joint Revenue Board Act.

According to Taiwo Oyedele, head of the Presidential Tax Reform Committee, the new system will simplify taxes and remove unnecessary financial pressure on citizens.

Bank charges to be scrapped in 2026 include:
1. ₦50 Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) on transfers above ₦10,000.
2. Stamp duty on salary payments for both employees and employers.
3. Stamp duties on investments such as treasury bills, bonds, and shares.
4. Stamp fees on documents for stock and share transfers.
5. ₦50 intra-bank transfer charges for moving money within the same bank.

These reforms, introduced through the Nigeria Tax Act 2025, overturn earlier stamp duty rules and make financial transactions cheaper and easier for Nigerians.

President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to immediately rescue the 25 female students abducted from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in the Danko-Wasagu area of Kebbi State.

Sowore Slams Tinubu Police IG Over Silence as 25 Schoolgirls Are Abducted and Brigadier General kill.

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has sharply criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of Nigeria’s security agencies following the abduction of twenty-five schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the execution of a Brigadier General by Boko Haram/ISWAP. In a strongly worded message shared on his verified Facebook page, Sowore condemned what he described as the government’s disturbing silence in the face of national tragedy.

Sowore noted that despite the kidnapping of the schoolgirls, President Tinubu’s public statement of the day focused instead on offering a casual greeting to a “seasoned banker.” He also accused the Inspector General of Police of failing to make any comment, calling the IGP incompetent, illegally appointed, and long overdue for dismissal, especially after what he described as a disastrous handling of the Yelwata massacre in Benue.

The activist further expressed outrage that even after a senior military officer was executed, the President has still not addressed the nation. He argued that the absence of reassurance, outrage, or leadership reflects a government disconnected from its citizens.

According to Sowore, a country where schoolgirls are abducted and officers are murdered while leaders remain silent is a failed state.

FG Suspends All NIHOTOUR Enforcement Activities Nationwide.

The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy has announced the immediate suspension of all enforcement activities carried out by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) across the country.

This decision, approved by the Honourable Minister, Hannatu Musa Musawa, follows a comprehensive review of recent enforcement operations by NIHOTOUR and growing concerns expressed by stakeholders within the hospitality and tourism sectors.

According to the Minister, the suspension is necessary to restore order, protect the rights of operators, and ensure that regulatory activities are conducted within the limits of the law and in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

"Justice must never be sold"— President Tinubu warns Nigerian Judges.

President Bola Tinubu on Monday called on the judiciary to uphold integrity, warning that justice must never be for sale. He highlighted public concerns over delays in case resolutions and limited access to justice, stressing that courts must become efficient and trustworthy institutions.

Addressing judges at the 2025 All Nigerian Judges Conference in Abuja, themed “Building a Confident Judiciary,” Tinubu emphasized that public confidence is essential for the judiciary’s legitimacy. He affirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting judicial dignity, eliminating misconduct, and enhancing institutional capacity, saying this responsibility extends beyond the National Judicial Council to all judicial officers.

The President stressed that a judgment, however legally sound, loses authority if perceived as unfair. He called for reforms to restore public trust, noting that the judiciary exists to serve the people, not the Bench or Bar.

Tinubu underlined the need for synergy among the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary, and described a strong, efficient, and principled judiciary as vital for democracy and national prosperity.

He pledged tangible support, including modern infrastructure, digital case management, and well-equipped courtrooms to ensure transparency and speed in justice delivery. Highlighting judicial welfare, training, and independence, he affirmed continued backing for the National Judicial Institute to promote professional development.

Tinubu warned against corruption within the judiciary, stressing that compromise erodes governance and democracy. He urged judges to be bold and practical in addressing challenges like case backlogs, discipline, affordability, and accessibility of justice for all, particularly the vulnerable.

Concluding, he called judges “guardians of Nigeria’s moral conscience,” urging them to deliver fair, courageous rulings that strengthen democracy and ensure that every citizen is heard, promising continued governmental support in their sacred duty.

Group Petitions Tinubu, Demands Removal of INEC Chair Over Alleged Ethnic, Religious Bias.

Group Petitions Tinubu, Demands Removal of INEC Chair Over Alleged Ethnic, Religious Bias
The recent appointment of Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sparked a major controversy, as a coalition of citizens has petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately remove him, citing what they describe as “grave threats to national unity, democracy, and electoral integrity.”

In a petition submitted through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the group—operating under the banner Concerned Citizens for Peace, Justice, and Democratic Integrity—warned that Prof. Amupitan’s past writings and alleged biases make him unfit to oversee Nigeria’s electoral process.

According to the petition, Prof. Amupitan authored a controversial legal brief in 2020 titled “Genocide in Nigeria: The Implications for the International Community.” The document, the petitioners allege, contained “inflammatory and divisive claims” accusing certain ethnic and religious groups of orchestrating genocide and pursuing domination.

The petitioners argue that such views reveal a “deep-seated bias” incompatible with the neutrality required of an INEC Chairman. “These writings expose a worldview that cannot guarantee fairness to over 200 million Nigerians of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds,” the petition stated.

The coalition warned that Prof. Amupitan’s appointment has already created fear and suspicion among communities referenced in his writings. They noted that the perception of bias in the leadership of INEC could reignite ethnic tension, heighten religious polarization, and sow distrust ahead of future elections. The petition further stressed, “When citizens doubt the neutrality of the umpire, the entire democratic process collapses. When elections are tainted by fear and bias, democracy dies in spirit.” The group insisted that allowing Prof. Amupitan to remain in office would pose “a clear and present danger to national peace, cohesion, and stability.”

Describing their advocacy as patriotic rather than partisan, the petitioners urged President Tinubu to swiftly replace Prof. Amupitan with a more neutral and credible figure to safeguard the electoral system.

“INEC must be led by someone whose words and conduct embody impartiality, inclusiveness, and national cohesion—not division and distrust,” the statement read. The petitioners argued that Nigeria’s unity is “too precious to be endangered” by leadership weighed down by alleged religious or ethnic prejudice.

Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), has vowed that his second term in office will bring an intensified crackdown on drug barons and trafficking networks across the country. Marwa, reappointed by President Bola Tinubu for another five-year term, told jubilant staff at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja that traffickers should expect no respite.

WATCH: Ex-President Buhari's Former Aide Lauretta Onochie Vows "Tinubu Is Gone, Won't Return In 2027"

Nigeria Strikes Major Security Pact With Mali as Both Nations Unite Against Rising Regional Threats.

Nigeria and Mali have renewed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and tackling escalating security challenges across West Africa.

This followed a courtesy visit by Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, to Mali’s Prime Minister, General Abdoulaye Maiga, on the sidelines of the maiden International Defence and Security Exhibition (BAMEX 2025) in Bamako.

Badaru, who led Nigeria’s delegation to the high-level event, described Mali’s reception as warm and exemplary. He delivered President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s goodwill message and reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Mali in pursuit of regional peace and stability.

“Nigeria remains committed to working closely with Mali to confront threats that endanger peace in our region,” Badaru said.

He noted that Mali remains a strategic partner, with both nations sharing common security concerns and a mutual desire to strengthen defence collaboration.

Responding, Prime Minister Maiga praised Nigeria’s continuous support and participation at BAMEX 2025, calling it proof of the “enduring friendship and mutual respect” between both countries.

“Our unity is essential as we confront the security issues facing our nations. Nigeria’s partnership remains invaluable,” Maiga said.

He also highlighted BAMEX 2025 as a critical platform for exchanging defence ideas and innovations, essential for building stronger security structures across Africa.

As the exhibition concluded, both nations signalled a renewed determination to pool resources, intelligence, and expertise to secure West Africa and address emerging threats.

Top military officials from both countries attended the meeting, including the Director-General of Nigeria’s National Intelligence Agency, senior defence officers, and Nigerian Embassy officials in Mali underscoring the importance of the strategic engagement.

Wike Rebukes Buratai for Comment on Clash With Naval Officer.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike on Thursday criticised former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), accusing him of misinterpreting the altercation he had last Tuesday with naval officers led by Lt. A.M. Yerima.

Wike questioned Buratai’s claim that his conduct amounted to a national security threat and a slight on President Bola Tinubu. 

Addressing reporters at his Life Camp residence, he faulted the former Army chief for asking him to apologise to Lt. Yerima, insisting Buratai had no authority to lecture him on proper behaviour.

He also blamed Yerima for escalating the confrontation over a disputed plot in the Gaduwa District, which the FCT Administration says was illegally acquired by former Naval Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo. Wike accused the officer of obeying an unlawful directive.

Wike said: “I read what one former Chief of Army Staff wrote. He cannot tell me of decency and he can’t teach me. This was the same man who (allegedly) directed his GOC to rig election, my election in 2019. He couldn’t rig me. He lost.

He told his GOC to kill me and I could not be killed. He became an agent in APC primaries to one of APC’s presidential aspirants. Look at the rank of a polling agent. He is the one commenting that the minister did this and that. I have never seen people like this.

I have no regrets for my political opponents. I will continue to make them have sleepless nights. Whether you are in PDP, whether you are in APC, whether you are in ADC, it is not my business.

I have no regrets supporting President Tinubu and I have never hidden my intention and I will continue to do what is right. So, if you like to write anything you want to write, as far as I know, I am standing by the side of the law. If you like, bring every ethnicity coloration, it is your business”.

He urged all officials, regardless of status, to respect the rule of law at all times.

President Tinubu Reappoints Buba Marwa as NDLEA Chairman.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has renewed the appointment of Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd) as Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for another five-year term.

The announcement was made on Friday by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.

Marwa, first appointed by the late President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2021, previously served as Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse between 2018 and 2020. His renewed tenure means he will lead the NDLEA until 2031.

An Adamawa-born retired military officer, Marwa is a former military governor of Lagos and Borno States and an alumnus of both the Nigerian Military School and the Nigerian Defence Academy.

Commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1973, he held several key roles, including brigade major of the 23 Armoured Brigade, Aide-de-Camp to then Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Theophilus Danjuma, and academic registrar of the NDA. He also served as Deputy Defence Adviser at the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, DC, and later as Defence Adviser to Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations.

Marwa holds two postgraduate degrees: a Master of Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University.

His time at the NDLEA has been marked by major successes, including the arrest of more than 73,000 drug traffickers and the seizure of over 15 million kilogrammes of illicit substances.

The agency has also intensified nationwide campaigns against drug abuse under his leadership.

President Tinubu praised Marwa’s achievements, describing his reappointment as a vote of confidence and urging him to continue pursuing drug cartels and traffickers seeking to endanger Nigerians, especially the youth.

JUST IN: President Bola Tinubu has rallied the Super Eagles to remain resolute until they secure the qualification ticket to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, after going one step closer with a 4-1 win over Gabon in the African playoffs on Thursday.

ADC Coalition Slams Tinubu: You Deceive Nigerians With 'Increased Revenue' But Keep Borrowing

PFN President, Bishop Wale Oke, has urged Trump to work with President Bola Tinubu to stop the killings in Nigeria — not launch an invasion.
This follows Trump’s post on Truth Social, where he accused Nigeria of allowing mass killings of Christians and even warned that the U.S. military is ready for action

Wike vs Soldiers: Ordinary President hails Lieutenant Yerima.

The host of Brekete Family, a Human Rights Radio and Television programme, Ahmed Isah, popularly known as “Ordinary President,” has hailed Naval officer, Lt. A.M. Yerima, for his conduct during a confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, and FCT Administration officials.

He spoke while calling on Wike or President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to apologize over the Minister’s abusive language on Lt. Yerima.

Speaking on the Brekete Family programme on Wednesday, Ordinary President said: “Nigerians, in case we are deceiving ourselves, it’s not democracy that is holding this country [Nigeria] together.

“If the military decides to remove its hands from the matter that concerns this country, all of us are finished. I am not supporting the military to intimidate people, and I will not support the military being disrespected.

“What happened yesterday, that soldier that stood there [Lt. Yerima was representing Tinubu and Nigerians, and Wike disrespected him, and the people around Wike cannot advise him.

“I was expecting Wike to tender an apology since yesterday, and up till now, he has not apologized. This Lieutenant Yerima is the true reflection of the discipline our Nigerian military has. Let’s appreciate him.

“He respectfully neutralized the situation. Lieutenant Yerima, we are proud of you; you made the military proud and Nigerians proud. We are waiting for Wike to tender an unreserved apology.

“If Wike doesn’t apologize, Tinubu must apologize on his behave. We demand that you apologize. This is getting too much; people around him should advise him. Go and see El-Rufai, where is El-Rufai today?”

President Bola Tinubu received a security briefing from the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, at the Presidential Villa — their first official meeting since Shaibu’s appointment and decoration. The briefing focused on the security situation in the North-East and other parts of the country.

Shaibu, who recently visited the region for an on-the-spot assessment, assured that Nigerians should expect improved security nationwide. The President had earlier charged all new service chiefs to deliver results, collaborate effectively, and tackle emerging threats in the North-Central, North-West, and South using modern technology.

“A Threat to National Security” — Buratai Slams Wike Over Clash with Naval Officer in Abuja

In a bold statement that has stirred national debate, former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd.), has warned that the recent altercation between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and a Nigerian Navy officer poses a “clear and present danger to national security.”

Buratai, writing on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, condemned Wike’s public confrontation with the officer, describing it as “a reckless act that undermines the authority of the Commander-in-Chief and the integrity of the Armed Forces.”

The confrontation reportedly took place at Plot 1946, Gaduwa District, Abuja, over a disputed parcel of land allegedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff.

According to reports, Wike—accompanied by officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA)—had arrived at the site to halt what he called an illegal construction. A viral video from the scene shows the minister angrily confronting the officer, declaring that “no one, not even the Chief of Naval Staff, is above the law.”

The unnamed officer, however, maintained that the land belonged to a former service chief and was under legitimate military protection.

Reacting to the viral footage, Buratai warned that Wike’s actions went beyond political theatrics.

“A minister’s verbal assault on a uniformed officer is an act of profound indiscipline that strikes at the foundation of our national security,” he said.

Buratai urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to view the situation as a serious national security concern, insisting that Wike must publicly apologize to the Commander-in-Chief, the Armed Forces, and the affected officer.

“Our nation’s security must come first. It is time for decisive action, not politics of military bashing,” Buratai added.

The incident continues to spark heated reactions across Nigeria, with military veterans and citizens debating the boundaries of ministerial authority and military respect under a democratic government.