"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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

"Tinubu Speaks to  Nigerians Everyday" — Presidential Aide Bwala.

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Policy Communication, has said that the president has consistently been communicating with Nigerians since U.S. President Donald Trump accused the Nigerian government of allowing “Christian genocide.”

Bwala made the remarks during an interview on Prime Time on Arise TV.

Trump recently designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” and warned that he had instructed the U.S. Defence Department to prepare for possible military action if the alleged killings of Christians continue.

Responding to concerns that Tinubu has not made a direct public address on the issue, Bwala insisted that communication has been ongoing.

“If the president speaks through a tweet, is that not communication?” he said. “Issuing a statement is communication. President Tinubu speaks to Nigerians every day.”

EFCC Declares Timipre Sylva Wanted Over $14.8 Million Scandal — Aide Cries Political Witch-Hunt

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, wanted over an alleged case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14,859,257.

According to a statement by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the funds in question were reportedly part of an investment made by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited.

The EFCC urged anyone with useful information about Sylva’s whereabouts to contact its nearest office or the police.

However, Julius Bokoru, Sylva’s Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, dismissed the EFCC’s move as a “digitally orchestrated political attack” designed to discredit his principal.

“It is, to say the least, curious that what was once whispered as a coup matter has now metamorphosed into a financial allegation,” Bokoru said.
“No formal communication was made to him — just a sudden digital proclamation meant to inflame public sentiment.”


Bokoru alleged that “shadowy political forces” threatened by Sylva’s influence were behind the renewed attacks. He confirmed that the former minister is currently in the United Kingdom for medical treatment and would honor the EFCC’s invitation upon his return.

“Chief Timipre Sylva has clean hands. He has not diverted a single dollar, and the refinery project is transparent, legitimate, and verifiable,” Bokoru insisted.


The media aide urged supporters to remain calm, stressing that “truth, though often delayed, remains immutable.”

In October, security operatives reportedly raided Sylva’s residences in Abuja and Bayelsa, arresting his brother amid allegations linking him to a failed coup plot against President Bola Tinubu — claims his camp has also branded politically motivated.

President Bola Tinubu is expected to sign the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill 2025 into law before month end.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has reduced the 2026 Hajj fares following President Bola Tinubu’s directive to make the pilgrimage more affordable.

Under the revised rates, pilgrims from Borno and Adamawa zones will pay ₦7.58 million (down ₦748,104), those from the Northern Zone ₦7.69 million (down ₦760,915), and those from the Southern Zone ₦7.99 million (down ₦792,943).

NAHCON announced December 5, 2025, as the payment deadline for intending pilgrims and advised them to complete payments early for smooth processing.

Ecowas Rejects Claims of Religious Genocide in West Africa.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has dismissed claims that any religious group is being systematically targeted in West Africa.

ECOWAS expressed serious concern over growing terrorist attacks across the region, including Nigeria, and warned against misinformation that could inflame divisions among communities. This follows US President Donald Trump’s assertion that Christians in Nigeria face systematic persecution and his subsequent declaration of the country as a “Country of Particular Concern,” along with threats of cutting aid and possible military intervention.

President Bola Tinubu rejected these claims, affirming that Nigeria remains a democracy committed to constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion and belief.

In a formal statement ahead of the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja, President Tinubu emphasized the government’s resolve to defeat terrorism through diplomatic engagement and national unity, guided by the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at building a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient nation.

In its communiqué dated November 4, 2025, ECOWAS urged the United Nations and international partners to increase support for member states combating terrorist groups whose activities have caused widespread devastation and loss of life. The bloc stressed that extremist violence targets civilians of all faiths, ethnicity, gender, and age, and strongly rejected claims suggesting a genocide against any particular religious group, warning that such narratives could undermine social cohesion and worsen insecurity.

ECOWAS called on the international community to stand in solidarity with West African nations in their fight against terrorism and violent extremism, emphasizing that coordinated regional and global efforts are crucial to protecting all communities and ensuring lasting peace.

Nigerian Shari’ah Council Asks Tinubu To Immediately Sack INEC Chairman, Prof Amupitan Over 'Legal Brief On Genocide’.

The Shari'ah Council's call on Saturday followed SaharaReporters’ exclusive report that revealed that Professor Amupitan once authored a legal brief in 2020 containing

The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately reverse the appointment of the newly inaugurated Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof Joash Ojo Amupitan.

The Shari'ah Council's call on Saturday followed SaharaReporters’ exclusive report that revealed that Professor Amupitan once authored a legal brief in 2020 containing

exclusively obtained the report titled "Nigeria's Silent Slaughter" where the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, in his legal brief, called for urgent intervention to stop what he termed “pogrom and attacks against the Christians and minority groups in Nigeria.”

Amupitan, recently appointed by President Bola Tinubu to head the country's electoral commission, had titled his contribution, “Legal Brief: Genocide in Nigeria – The Implications for the International Community."

The document published by the International Committee on Nigeria (ICON), a global advocacy network promoting human rights and religious freedom — was officially signed under Amupitan’s law firm, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) & Co., Legal Practitioners & Corporate Consultants, with offices in Jos and Abuja.

The Shari'ah council described Amupitan's legal brief as “provocative, distorted and bigoted assertions” against Muslims in Northern Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Friday, November 7, 2025 (16th Jumada I 1447 AH), the SCSN said it received with “deep disappointment and grave concern” the SaharaReporters investigation alleging that Amupitan’s 2020 legal document characterised Northern violence as “Christian genocide” and linked the insecurity in the North to the 19th-century Jihad of Sheikh Uthman bn Fodio.

Trump’s threat: Whoever wrote your October 1 speech doesn’t like you, Pastor Adeboye tells Tinubu.

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has criticised a section of President Bola Tinubu’s October 1 Independence Day speech on security, saying whoever wrote the speech for the president “does not like him.”

Speaking during the November Holy Ghost Service at the Redemption City Campground, Adeboye said, “I almost spoke last month when I heard the speech of my in-law (Tinubu), particularly that section that spoke about security. I heard him saying all is well now, that displaced people have returned to their villages. I almost said the one who wrote that speech does not like him. Somebody wrote it, but it was the President who read it. There are several people around Tinubu who are not telling him the truth. The following day, we read that a traditional ruler was killed in Kwara or Kogi.”

Adeboye noted that while the President inherited Nigeria’s security challenges, the focus should now be on taking decisive action to resolve them.

“Our President inherited this problem. I am an applied mathematician; I am only interested in getting the problem solved.”

He also urged the Federal Government to move wisely, diplomatically, and decisively in addressing insecurity and the alleged killings of Christians in some parts of the country.

“If I am asked to make suggestions, I will say quietly to the governments to move wisely, diplomatically. I have cousins. There were times in Nigeria when Christians and Muslims were living together. I have families that are Muslims till date. When I was little, I ate sari with them, and I still eat my breakfast, but the issue of religion started when politics came into religion.”

The cleric said he had privately advised past presidents on the security crisis but noted that his role was limited to offering counsel.

“All the presidents who were around when this trouble started, whatever I discussed is top privacy. I have done my best behind the scenes, but as I have always told you, you can only advise a Commander-in-Chief; you cannot command him. But I have tried. God is my witness.”

NAF Chief Vows to Prioritise Civilian Safety in Military Operations

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to safeguarding civilian lives and preventing collateral damage during its missions.

Aneke made the pledge on Thursday at his first meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding, and other senior officers at NAF Headquarters in Abuja.

He said the directive reflects President Bola Tinubu’s expectations for the Armed Forces, noting that the service under his leadership will prioritise operational efficiency, safety, and professionalism.

“We will continue to work closely with sister services and other security agencies to root out terrorism, eliminate threats, and deny safe haven to all adversaries of our nation,” he stated.

President Tinubu assures U.S. of Nigeria’s victory over terrorism.

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to defeating terrorism in Nigeria, assuring the United States of continued cooperation despite ongoing political and security challenges.

Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, Tinubu emphasized that his administration is fully engaging with international partners to strengthen national security and economic stability. His remarks followed concerns raised by U.S. President Donald Trump over Nigeria’s security situation.

The President made the statement shortly after swearing in two new ministers — Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh from Enugu State and Dr. Bernard Mohammed Doro from Plateau State. Dr. Udeh, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Enugu State Attorney General, replaced Uche Nnaji, who resigned amid a certificate scandal. Doro took over from Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, now the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

31 U.S. lawmakers praise Trump for reinstating Nigeria as country of particular concern.

Thirty-one members of the united states congress have commended former president donald trump for reinstating nigeria’s designation as a “country of particular concern” (cpc), a status reserved for nations accused of severe violations of religious freedom.

In a joint statement released by Rep. Robert Aderholt, chairman of the house values action team, the lawmakers described trump’s move as a bold and moral step to confront what they called the persecution of christians in nigeria. Aderholt said the decision revived hope among nigeria’s christian communities and reaffirmed america’s commitment to defending global religious liberty.

House majority whip tom emmer hailed trump’s courage, calling him “a leader unafraid to defend people of faith,” while republican chair lisa mcclain condemned the killings in nigeria as “a moral outrage.”

Representatives chris smith, josh brecheen, mary miller, and mark alford urged for stronger u.s. sanctions and action against perpetrators of religious violence. smith, who chairs the house subcommittee on africa, said the move corrected the biden administration’s earlier decision to lift nigeria’s cpc status in 2020.

Trump had announced the reinstatement on his truth social page, warning that christianity faced an “existential threat” in nigeria and vowing that the U.S. would not ignore the killings. rep. riley moore, who raised the issue in congress, praised trump’s “moral clarity and leadership.”

However, nigeria’s government rejected the allegations, saying its conflicts are driven by crime, insurgency, and socio-economic issues — not religion. minister of information mohammed idris said the u.s. report was based on misinformation. President Bola Tinubu also reaffirmed nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom, stressing that the nation’s constitution guarantees equality and peaceful coexistence among all faiths.

President Bola Tinubu has pledged his administration’s resolve to deepen global engagement and intensify the fight against terrorism and criminality.