Why Are Nigerians Being Killed Abroad? Did New Year Violence in the UK and Canada Expose Growing Dangers for Nigerians in the Diaspora, as NiDCOM Mourns Two Victims? Are Nigerians in the diaspora becoming increasingly unsafe? The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has expressed deep sorrow over the killing of two Nigerians in separate violent incidents in the United Kingdom and Canada in the early days of the new year, raising renewed concerns about the security of Nigerians living abroad. In a statement issued on behalf of the Commission’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, NiDCOM described the deaths as shocking and deeply troubling. The Commission noted that the incidents highlight growing fears over the vulnerability of Nigerians in foreign countries, even in societies often perceived as safer. Dabiri-Erewa extended heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims, urging them to remain strong in the face of the tragic loss. While commending the prompt actions of the UK Metropolitan Police and the Toronto Police Service, she called for thorough, transparent, and timely investigations to ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice. According to reports, one of the victims, John Temitope Onetufo, a 23-year-old Nigerian, was fatally stabbed on New Year’s Eve in the Lewisham area of London. In a separate incident, Osemwengie Irorere, a 46-year-old Nigerian, was shot and killed at the Yorkdale GO Bus Terminal in Toronto, Canada, on Sunday, January 4. Both cases occurred within days of each other, amplifying anxiety within Nigerian communities abroad. NiDCOM further assured the public that it would work closely with the Nigerian High Commissions in the United Kingdom and Canada to provide all necessary support to the bereaved families, in line with the Commission’s mandate to safeguard the welfare and interests of Nigerians living outside the country. Beyond condolences, the tragedy has reignited a critical national conversation: Are existing diplomatic and consular protections enough to keep Nigerians abroad safe? Human rights advocates and diaspora groups argue that recurring reports of violent deaths, discrimination, and insecurity demand stronger international engagement, improved community policing partnerships, and better support systems for Nigerians facing risks overseas. As investigations continue, many Nigerians are asking whether these killings are isolated criminal acts—or part of a disturbing pattern affecting Africans and immigrants in Western societies. For families left behind and a diaspora already on edge, the pressing question remains: What more can be done to ensure that Nigerians seeking opportunity abroad do not pay the ultimate price?

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.

Bandits Kill Two, Loot Homes in Katsina Community Despite Peace Deal Bandits attacked Kwatangiri community in Funtua LGA, Katsina State, on Thursday night, killing at least two residents and looting multiple homes, SaharaReporters has learned. The incident has left the community in fear, highlighting the vulnerability of rural areas even amid ongoing peace initiatives. The attack raises questions about the effectiveness of a recent peace deal reportedly brokered between local officials and some bandit groups. Security expert Malam Bakatsine confirmed the attack, noting the sparse security presence in the region. Earlier reports revealed controversy surrounding the Katsina State government’s attempt to secure the release of detained bandits as a condition for sustaining peace. A “SECRET” letter dated January 2, 2026, from the Ministry of Justice to the Chief Judge disclosed that 48 suspects facing various banditry-related charges had been proposed for release under the peace accord. Another list of 22 inmates awaiting High Court trials was also included. The Ministry of Justice argued that these actions fall under the powers of the Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee as outlined in the Katsina State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2021. As of the report, no official statement had been issued by the Katsina State government or security agencies regarding the attack. #KatsinaInsecurity #NigeriaNews #Banditry”

Is Abuja Safe Anymore? NBA Raises Alarm Over Return of ‘One-Chance’ Killings After Murder of Nurse and Lawyer The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has raised a grave alarm over what it described as the disturbing return of “one-chance” criminal operations in Abuja following the brutal killing of two professionals in separate incidents across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In a statement signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the association warned that insecurity is once again tightening its grip on Nigeria’s seat of power. According to the NBA, the victims were Ms. Chinemerem Pascalina Chuwumeziem, a nurse, and Princess Chigbo Mediatrix, a lawyer and former Treasurer of the NBA Abuja Branch. Both women were allegedly murdered after falling prey to criminals posing as commercial transport operators—an infamous tactic known locally as “one-chance.” Their bodies were later discovered in different parts of the city, sparking widespread fear among residents. The association described the killings as a chilling reminder of the growing vulnerability of Abuja residents, stressing that the victims were not faceless individuals but professionals who simply intended to return home safely from their daily engagements. The NBA said the incidents had plunged the capital into grief and exposed a dangerous deterioration in public safety. Condemning the attacks in the strongest terms, the NBA warned that the pattern of “one-chance” crimes could no longer be ignored. It stated that criminal gangs masquerading as transport operators have turned routine commuting into a life-threatening gamble, making ordinary citizens, workers, and professionals targets on the city’s roads. Osigwe described the killing of Princess Chigbo Mediatrix as particularly painful for the legal community, noting that she was a committed member of the Bar whom he knew personally. He said her death was not only a professional loss but a deeply personal blow, underscoring that lawyers—like all Nigerians—remain dangerously exposed in an environment where criminals operate with impunity. The NBA warned that the murders represent more than individual tragedies, arguing that they signal a broader erosion of security in the FCT. It stressed that when citizens cannot commute safely, when professionals are attacked in plain sight, and when criminal networks act unchecked in the nation’s capital, the foundations of social order are severely threatened. Calling for urgent action, the association urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies to treat the situation as a full-scale security emergency. It demanded immediate, visible, and coordinated measures to dismantle “one-chance” syndicates, including intensified intelligence gathering, surveillance, policing of transport corridors, and targeted operations against known criminal networks. The NBA also insisted on thorough, transparent, and time-bound investigations into the killings, warning that failure to deliver justice would deepen public fear and embolden criminal elements. It emphasized that justice must not only be promised but must be seen to be done, with perpetrators, collaborators, and enablers identified, arrested, and prosecuted. Reaffirming the state’s duty to protect lives, the association said citizens should not have to choose between earning a living and staying alive. It warned that Abuja must not become a hunting ground where criminals prey on the vulnerable while law enforcement appears distant or reactive. The NBA extended condolences to the families of the victims, the healthcare community, the NBA Abuja Branch, and residents of the FCT. The killings have reignited public debate over safety in Nigeria’s capital, raising urgent questions about urban security, policing, public transport safety, and government accountability in protecting citizens from organized street crime.

How Were an Elderly Woman and Her Granddaughter Freed by Bandits in Southern Kaduna After a Ransom Payment? In a dramatic turn of events in Southern Kaduna, an elderly woman, Mrs. Averik Arak, and her granddaughter were released by bandits after their family paid an undisclosed ransom. The victims had been abducted earlier this week in Arak village, Sanga Local Government Area, following a violent attack in which Mrs. Arak’s son, Kefas Habila Averik, and another resident were killed. The release occurred on Wednesday night, after negotiations between the family and the abductors. The victims were immediately taken to an undisclosed hospital for medical examinations, and they are reportedly in stable condition. A family member, Racheal Averik, confirmed the ordeal on social media, expressing deep gratitude for the prayers and support received during the challenging period. She revealed that the abduction occurred just 48 hours after her mother’s son was killed, and that the elderly woman, already in mourning, was particularly vulnerable when the bandits struck. This incident highlights the growing security challenges in Southern Kaduna, where banditry, kidnappings, and violent attacks have become increasingly frequent. Local authorities and security agencies continue to face pressure to protect vulnerable communities and prevent similar tragedies. The Kaduna kidnapping saga underscores the human cost of insecurity, showing how families are forced to pay ransoms while mourning lost loved ones, and raises urgent questions about government measures to tackle banditry and protect civilians in Nigeria’s most affected regions.

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.

VDM Calls Out President Tinubu Over Failed Scholarship Promises to Nigerian Students in Morocco Nigerian activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as Verydarkman (VDM), has publicly criticized President Bola Tinubu and his son, Seyi Tinubu, over the deteriorating conditions some Nigerian students are reportedly facing in Morocco. The students, granted scholarships by the Nigerian government, were promised full support including a $500 monthly allowance, and were allegedly instructed not to work while studying. In a video shared online, VDM revealed that some students have suffered serious consequences due to the government’s alleged failure to deliver on these promises. He claimed that one student died while another sustained a broken leg after attempting to work secretly to survive. He also highlighted the poor state of their accommodation, where up to five students were crammed into rooms meant for one, lacking electricity and proper study facilities. VDM warned that if students continue to be neglected, they may resort to cybercrime, which could negatively impact Nigeria’s international image. He also alleged that attempts by students to reach out to influencers and media houses were met with demands for money before their stories could be shared. The activist called on the government to intervene urgently and suggested that funds meant for students may have been embezzled. VDM’s video has received praise from fans who expressed outrage at the government’s inaction and applauded his advocacy for the students’ rights. This incident underscores ongoing concerns about government accountability in managing scholarship programs and protecting Nigerian students abroad, and it adds to VDM’s history of activism, which includes previous solo protests addressing national insecurity issues.

Oyo Bandit Attack: Governor Makinde Confirms Killing of Five Forest Guards in Cross-Border Operation Tragedy struck Oyo State as five National Park Service Forest Guard officers were killed in what authorities are calling a cross-border attack by suspected bandits. The incident occurred at the National Park Office in Oloka Village, according to a statement personally issued by Governor Seyi Makinde on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Governor Makinde described the attack as a criminal act and mourned the loss of the officers, who were killed while performing their official duties. In his statement posted on social media, he said: “Earlier today, there was a criminal attack by bandits at the National Park Office, Oloka Village which resulted in the death of five National Park Service Forest Guard Officers. This is a devastating loss… May their souls rest in peace.” Preliminary investigations by security agencies indicate that the incident was a cross-border operation, suggesting that armed groups exploited forest corridors along Nigeria’s borders to carry out the attack. Governor Makinde assured residents that security agencies are already coordinating efforts to address the situation and have deployed additional personnel to prevent further incidents. He appealed to residents of Oriire Local Government Area and other border communities to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies in intelligence gathering, emphasizing that “our administration will leave no stone unturned to respond decisively to prevent a recurrence of such attacks.” The killing has heightened concerns about insecurity in border and forest-adjacent communities across Nigeria. Authorities have warned of the increasing frequency of attacks by armed groups exploiting vulnerable forest corridors, raising questions about regional security, cross-border collaboration, and the protection of personnel responsible for safeguarding national parks and natural resources. The attack has also caused uncertainty and fear among local residents, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced intelligence, community engagement, and stronger law enforcement responses to banditry and criminal incursions in vulnerable areas. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by forest guards and the broader challenge of combating cross-border criminal activity in Nigeria’s forested regions.

Is Tinubu Failing Yoruba Land? Pan-Yoruba Group Slams President Over Insecurity, Kidnapped Monarchs and ‘Silence From Power Is Nigeria’s security crisis finally reaching a breaking point in Yoruba land—and is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu truly doing enough to stop it? These are the urgent questions being raised after a Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, publicly condemned the President over what it described as his “deafening silence” in the face of worsening insecurity across the South-West. The group’s outcry followed the shocking abduction of a Kwara State monarch, Oba S. Y. Olaonipekun, and his son, Olaolu, who were reportedly kidnapped by suspected terrorists in the Ile-Ire district. For many observers, the incident marks a dangerous escalation in Nigeria’s security crisis: when even traditional rulers—symbols of authority, culture, and community stability—are no longer safe, what hope remains for ordinary citizens? In a strongly worded statement signed by its Convener, Olusola Badero, and released through Home Director Princess Balogun, the group accused President Tinubu of abandoning his constitutional duty as the nation’s chief security officer. According to the group, violent attacks, kidnappings, and killings have spread across Yoruba communities with little visible federal response. They argued that while statements are often issued, concrete action has been painfully absent. The union alleged that forests and rural communities in parts of Kwara and the wider South-West have become safe havens for armed groups posing as herdsmen, whom they directly described as terrorists. It lamented what it called the humiliation of Yoruba traditional institutions, stressing that the kidnapping of monarchs was once unimaginable in the region’s history. Quoting a Yoruba proverb—“Oríadé kì í sùn tán” (Royalty does not sleep outside)—the group said the abduction of kings represents not only a security failure but also a deep cultural wound. Beyond insecurity, the group launched a broader political critique of President Tinubu’s leadership. They accused him of prioritising personal interests, political allies, and future elections over the immediate safety and welfare of citizens. They further criticised what they described as his frequent foreign trips, alleging that he enjoys public funds abroad while Nigerians face poverty, fear, collapsing healthcare, and deteriorating schools at home. For the group, this contrast symbolises a widening gap between those in power and the people they govern. The statement also targeted Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, accusing the state government of failing to protect residents. The group demanded the immediate release of the abducted monarch and his son, as well as other kidnapped citizens, including workers from the Kwara State Ministry of Works. To underline what it sees as a pattern of lawlessness, the union recalled earlier incidents, including the killing of Segun Aremu, a retired army general and monarch (the Olúkòrò of Koro), and the abduction of Kamilu Salami, the Oníbàrà of Bayagan Ile, who reportedly spent weeks in captivity before regaining freedom. These cases, the group argued, show that the crisis is not isolated but systemic. Perhaps most striking is the group’s warning that continued political inaction could lead to long-term devastation: deserted villages, abandoned farmlands, and forests fully occupied by armed groups. They questioned how elections can even matter if citizens are no longer safe enough to live in their communities. “Who will be alive to vote,” they asked, “if our villages are deserted and our forests controlled by terrorists?” The union went further, calling on Yoruba people at home and in the diaspora to take collective responsibility for protecting their region, suggesting that reliance on political leaders who have “clearly failed” could invite even greater catastrophe. As this controversy unfolds, Nigerians are left with uncomfortable but necessary questions: Has the federal government lost control of internal security? Is President Tinubu doing enough to protect his own region? And what happens when traditional institutions—once seen as untouchable—become targets of violence? On Fintter, this story is more than breaking news; it is a national conversation about leadership, accountability, and survival. Are these criticisms justified, or are they politically motivated? Can Nigeria still reverse its security decline, or has the crisis reached a point of no return? The answers may shape not just the future of Yoruba land, but the fate of the entire nation. 💬 What do you think? Is Tinubu truly failing on security—or is the crisis beyond any single leader? Share your thoughts and join the debate on Fintter.

“Southern Kaduna Crisis: 138 Kidnapped, 16 Killed in Less Than Two Months — Communities Petition Governor Sani” Communities in Southern Kaduna have submitted an urgent petition to Governor Uba Sani and top Nigerian security officials, highlighting a “silent and neglected crisis” that has left 138 people kidnapped and 16 others killed between late November 2025 and early January 2026. The petition, presented by Comrade Nasiru Jagaba, provides a detailed village-by-village account of the violence in Kauru Local Government Area, underlining the severe human toll on residents. The worst-affected village, Kabari (Gobirawa), recorded 53 abductions and four killings, followed by Rumaya (28 kidnapped, 3 killed) and Nasarawan Kadage (29 kidnapped, 2 killed). Other villages, including Kajunga, Fadan Rishiwa, Darmanu, and Ningi Karku, reported similar abductions and deaths. Smaller incidents occurred in Rafin Iwa, Fagen Rawa, Unguwan Baka, and Zaman Chawai, showing the widespread nature of the attacks. The petition emphasizes that the victims are not mere statistics but farmers, women, youths, and breadwinners whose lives have been shattered. It draws particular attention to a 30 November 2025 incident, in which the Chawai Youth Leader and six others were killed just meters from a military checkpoint, yet there was no immediate response from security forces. The petition criticizes local authorities, highlighting the “continued silence” of the Kauru LGA Chairman and the absence of advocacy from state and national lawmakers, which has deepened the community’s sense of abandonment. The community is calling for urgent action, including: Immediate deployment of security personnel. Intelligence-led operations targeting criminal hideouts. A public government plan to address ongoing insecurity. An independent investigation into the November killings. Accountability from elected officials. While Governor Sani has promoted a “whole-of-society approach” to tackle insecurity, at the time of reporting, neither the Kaduna State Government nor federal security agencies had responded to the petition, leaving residents desperate for intervention.

Nigeria Divided: Why It’s Time for a Peaceful ‘Velvet Divorce’ — Bayo Oluwasanmi” In a compelling opinion piece, Bayo Oluwasanmi argues that Nigeria is no longer a united country but a collection of diverse ethnic nationalities with conflicting cultures, religions, histories, and languages. Citing Nigeria’s history of military coups, a 30-month civil war, and ongoing Christian-targeted violence, Oluwasanmi contends that attempts to maintain national unity by force have failed, leading to heightened secessionist and separatist movements such as Biafra, Oduduwa, and Arewa. Oluwasanmi highlights the rise of Boko Haram and Fulani terrorist attacks as evidence of the government’s inability to protect citizens, particularly Christians. He underscores that universal human rights guarantee the right to life, liberty, and security, which are currently under threat across Nigeria. The article criticizes the ruling elite for profiting from societal chaos while ordinary citizens face abductions, massacres, and widespread insecurity. The author draws a parallel with the “Velvet Divorce” of Czechoslovakia in 1993, advocating for a peaceful, non-violent separation of Nigeria into autonomous nations where citizens can live safely and govern themselves according to their values and priorities. He argues that a structured, peaceful split is preferable to continued bloodshed, lawlessness, and an ungovernable state. Oluwasanmi’s piece is a call for urgent action, urging Nigeria’s leaders and citizens to recognize the deep divisions and seek a solution that preserves life, dignity, and freedom, rather than perpetuating ongoing violence and insecurity.

“Is Night Duty a Death Sentence for Female Workers in Nigeria? How Safe Are Women Like Nurse Chinemerem?” The tragic killing of Nurse Chinemerem Pascalina Chuwumeziem on January 3, 2026, after returning home from night duty at the Federal Medical Centre in Abuja has exposed a stark reality for female workers in Nigeria: the night shift can be deadly. In a country where insecurity is rampant, especially in major cities, women working late hours are disproportionately targeted by criminals, including notorious “one-chance” taxis. Despite widespread awareness of these risks, many employers continue to schedule female staff for night shifts without providing safe transportation or alternatives, a failure that amounts to negligence. Under Nigerian labour laws, organizations have a duty of care to protect employees, but for female workers on night duty, these protections often stop at the workplace gate. The predictable dangers faced by women like Nurse Chinemerem demand accountability, not mere condolences. The article highlights that employers have practical solutions: dedicated night buses, transport allowances for safe services, or support for personal vehicle acquisition. Unions, too, must do more than issue statements—they must demand safety as a non-negotiable condition for night work. Failure to do so signals that women’s lives are valued less than their labour. This tragedy raises critical questions for Nigerians: Should female workers be forced into dangerous night shifts without protection? Are unions and employers doing enough to prevent such deaths? How can Nigeria reform workplace safety to ensure women are not exposed to predictable dangers? Fintter readers, we want your voice: How should the government, employers, and unions act to protect women like Nurse Chinemerem? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments to join this urgent conversation.

Bandits Kill Kogi Man After Collecting Over ₦1 Million Ransom, Motorcycle and Phone in Yagba West Kidnapping Case Gunmen have reportedly killed a man identified as Agba in Egbe community, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, despite collecting over ₦1 million in ransom, a Bajaj motorcycle, and a brand-new Samsung phone from the community. Agba was one of two emissaries sent to deliver the ransom for the release of a kidnapped resident, Mabe, who was abducted along the Egbe–Ogbe Road in December 2025. Although the kidnappers collected all demanded items and later freed Mabe, Agba was allegedly killed while in their custody after attempting to escape. The incident has heightened fears over rising insecurity in the area, following recent attacks in nearby communities that left residents dead and injured. #KogiState #YagbaWest #Banditry #KidnappingInNigeria #Insecurity #BreakingNews #NigeriaNews #Ransom

PLATEAU GOVERNMENT TRAINS PERSONNEL IN COMMUNITY BASED SECURITY OPERATION Governor Caleb Mutfwang says investing in the security architecture of the state is a priority that must be met towards tackling insecurity in parts of the state. He stated this during the Passing Out parade of personnel of the community based state security outfit, code named, Operation Rainbow in Jos. The community based security outfit Operation Rainbow is part of strategy by the state government to provide security structure at the community level towards enhancing intelligence support, protect communities and a rapid response to emerging security threats. It is in this regard that another batch of 1450 persons were trained. The passing out parade therefore is the formal induction of the trainees into Operation Rainbow. Governor Mutfwang says security remains the bed rock for sustainable development and urged them to adhere to rule of law, human rights and the principles of responsible engagement with civilians. He emphasized that Operation rainbow is an all inclusive security outfit meant to protect all citizens irrespective of ethnic or religious background. The coordinator, Operation Rainbow Brigadier General Gakji Shipi says the recruits were trained in tactical drills and community defense modules serving as first line of protection for their communities.

Abuja Nurse Murdered by Suspected “One-Chance” Robbers After Night Duty at Federal Medical Centre, FMC Staff, Nurses’ Group Demand Justice Amid Rising Insecurity A frontline health worker, Chinemerem Pascalina Chuwumezie, was brutally murdered by suspected “one-chance” robbers while returning home from night duty at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, Abuja. The killing has sparked outrage across Nigeria, with the Elegant Nurses Forum condemning the incident and highlighting the worsening insecurity faced by essential workers. In a statement, the forum described the murder as preventable, criticizing the government’s failure to protect citizens, particularly healthcare personnel. They called for immediate investigations, arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators, and the provision of government-funded staff shuttle services for workers on late-night shifts. The forum also demanded stronger security measures along key worker routes, formal recognition of health workers as high-risk essential staff, and active engagement from trade unions to confront insecurity nationwide. They stressed that the life of every Nigerian, especially those saving others, must be safeguarded. #AbujaNurseMurder #FMCJabi #OneChanceRobbers #NigeriaInsecurity #ProtectHealthWorkers #JusticeForNurse #NigerianNews #HealthWorkerSafety #AbujaCrime #StopViolence

US Congressman Riley Moore Warns of Escalating Violence Against Christians in Nigeria, Cites ISIS ‘Convert or Die’ Threats and U.S.–Nigeria Security Cooperation U.S. Congressman Riley Moore has raised fresh alarm over what he describes as a worsening campaign of violence against Christian communities in Nigeria, citing threats from ISIS-linked groups demanding that Christians “convert or die.” Speaking on Newsmax TV, Moore said he visited Nigeria in December as part of a congressional delegation sent at the direction of President Donald Trump to assess security conditions and humanitarian needs. Moore recounted harrowing testimonies from internally displaced persons (IDPs), including women who witnessed the قتل of their children, families torn apart, and unborn babies killed. He said these accounts point to targeted religious persecution, not random criminal violence. According to him, extremist groups—such as ISIS-affiliated factions and Islamist militants active in Nigeria’s Middle Belt—are deliberately attacking churches, Christian villages, and IDP camps. The West Virginia lawmaker stated that U.S.–Nigeria security cooperation has intensified, claiming recent joint military actions, including a reported strike around Christmas, helped deter attacks during the holiday period. While some details of these operations have not been independently verified, Moore said discussions are ongoing to establish a broader strategic security framework to strengthen Nigeria’s military capacity, improve intelligence sharing, and close operational gaps. Rejecting explanations that attribute the violence mainly to climate change or land disputes, Moore argued that the rhetoric and actions of extremist groups clearly show a specific focus on Christian communities. He acknowledged that Nigerians of all backgrounds have suffered but insisted that Christians face targeted persecution. Human rights groups continue to document widespread insecurity in Nigeria involving Boko Haram, ISIS–West Africa Province (ISWAP), and armed militias, with debate persisting over the root causes of the violence. Moore said his conclusions are based on firsthand observations: “What is happening in Nigeria is Christian persecution,” he maintained, urging sustained international attention and support.

Israel Offers Intelligence Sharing to Nigeria to Tackle Insecurity, Protect Vulnerable Christian Communities – Envoy Israel plans to support Nigeria in addressing insecurity and protecting Christian communities through intelligence sharing and strategic cooperation, according to Israel’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman. The initiative, outlined by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasizes working in partnership with the Nigerian government and respecting national sovereignty. Freeman stated the support targets broader security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, and violent extremism, not just threats against Christians. He highlighted Israel’s model of religious freedom, pointing to the thriving Christian population in Israel as an example. Amid growing concerns over attacks on Christians in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and northern regions, the Israeli involvement is intended as cooperation rather than unilateral action, with all sensitive operations guided by Abuja. The ambassador declined to speculate on potential U.S. unilateral interventions in Nigeria, emphasizing that Israel will act only with government approval. The announcement comes as Nigeria continues to face threats from Boko Haram, ISWAP, and bandits, with recurring calls for international support to safeguard vulnerable communities.

Gunmen Kill One of Two Doctors Abducted on New Year’s Day in Edo State, Family Negotiates N100 Million Ransom Gunmen have killed one of two medical doctors abducted on January 1, 2026, in Auchi, Edo State. The deceased, Tahir Abu Emhoye, a fresh graduate of Ambrose Alli University, was kidnapped alongside his elder brother, Abu Ibrahim Babatunde, who is undergoing housemanship at Edo University Teaching Hospital. The brothers were abducted at their residence gate around 7:30 PM while returning from work. The kidnappers initially demanded a ₦200 million ransom, later reduced to ₦100 million after negotiations with the family. Tahir’s body was discovered by security operatives near a river, confirmed by family members. The Edo State Police Command launched an immediate search, with investigations ongoing. The case highlights the rising insecurity and kidnapping incidents targeting professionals in the region.

IGP Kayode Egbetokun Orders Commissioners to Redeploy Withdrawn VIP Police Escorts to Anti-Crime Operations Nationwide, Places SPU Bases Under State Command Control Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has directed all state Commissioners of Police to take immediate control of Special Protection Unit (SPU) bases in their jurisdictions and redeploy officers withdrawn from VIP protection duties to frontline anti-crime operations across the country. The order was conveyed in an internal wireless message issued by the Department of Operations (DOPS) at Force Headquarters, Abuja, dated January 5, 2026, and obtained by SaharaReporters. According to the directive, all personnel previously assigned to VIP escort services are to be reassigned to conventional policing roles aimed at crime prevention, detection, and response, reflecting a force-wide strategy to strengthen operational capacity amid rising insecurity nationwide. Commissioners were also instructed to organise training programmes for redeployed officers “where necessary” to ensure effectiveness in their new assignments. In addition, each state command is required to submit a comprehensive list of the affected personnel to Force Headquarters for documentation, oversight, and monitoring, while acknowledging receipt of the directive for “strict compliance.” The move places SPU bases under the direct command of state police formations and signals a significant policy shift away from elite protection toward bolstering routine policing. Analysts view the decision as part of broader efforts by the police leadership to optimise manpower deployment, curb crime more aggressively, and restore public confidence in internal security operations across Nigeria.

Ambrose Alli University Students Protest Rising Kidnappings in Ekpoma, Demand Urgent Action on Insecurity in Edo State Students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, on Monday staged a peaceful protest over the increasing cases of kidnapping and insecurity in the university town, located in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. The demonstrators said their action was prompted by growing fear within the AAU community, which they claim has witnessed repeated abductions in recent weeks. According to the protesters, the decision to take to the streets followed the recent abduction of a student identified as Akhabhe Favour, as well as the kidnapping of an unnamed former students’ union leader. Speaking during the protest, Andrew Oziegbe, who led the demonstration, said the aim was to compel security agencies and government authorities to take decisive action to address the worsening security situation. Oziegbe described the response of relevant authorities as inadequate, warning that continued inaction could further endanger students and residents of Ekpoma. He stressed that students were living in fear and could no longer remain silent in the face of persistent insecurity. However, the management of Ambrose Alli University distanced itself from the protest. In a statement issued by the institution’s Principal Assistant Registrar and Head of Information, Protocol and Public Relations, Otunba Mike Ade Aladenika, the university said it neither authorised nor endorsed the demonstration. The school claimed that those involved were not registered students, members of the Students’ Union Government, or affiliated with the university in any capacity. The university further warned that any unauthorised actions carried out in its name would attract appropriate measures, adding that it would take steps to protect its interests and maintain order. The protest highlights growing concerns over security in Ekpoma and renewed calls for urgent intervention by security agencies and government authorities to curb kidnappings in the area.