NIGERIA-BANGKOK TO UNLOCK POTENTIAL IN AFRICA-ASIA COOPERATION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#NigeriaNews #Tinubu #SecurityUpdates #FEC

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

#NigeriaNews #SecurityUpdates #Tinubu #NSCDC

ECOWAS Unveils Business Council, Appoints Dangote as First Chairman

ECOWAS has launched the ECOWAS Business Council to strengthen private-sector participation and boost regional investment, naming Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote as its pioneer chairman. The announcement was made during the opening of the 95th ECOWAS Council of Ministers meeting in Abuja. ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray said the initiative aims to reduce dependence on foreign capital by promoting intra-regional investment and fostering collaboration between governments, private-sector leaders, and ECOWAS institutions. Dangote’s selection is based on his vast investment footprint across West Africa and his leadership of one of the region’s biggest conglomerates. The Council is expected to drive economic integration, sustainable development, and capital mobilisation across member states.


#ECOWAS

#Dangote

#RegionalInvestment

Lawyer Seeks Compensation, Apology After Court Acquits 11 #EndBadGovernance Protesters

An Abuja Federal High Court has discharged and acquitted 11 #EndBadGovernance protesters after striking out all treason and terrorism charges filed by the Bola Tinubu administration. Justice Emeka Nwite described the case as baseless, leading human rights lawyer Abubakar Marshal to demand immediate compensation, restoration of frozen accounts and a public apology from the Nigerian government. Marshal condemned the prolonged prosecution as state-backed persecution, insisting the protesters were victimised for exercising constitutional rights to demand good governance. He said the ordeal—detentions, frozen accounts, and reputational damage—violated their freedoms and must now be remedied.


#EndBadGovernanc
#HumanRights
#NigeriaJustice

BREAKING NEWS: The Federal Inland Revenue Service has signed a landmark cooperation pact with France aimed at modernising Nigeria’s tax administration through digital transformation, capacity development and improved cross-border enforcement.

The agreement comes barely weeks before the formal transition into the Nigeria Revenue Service by January 2026.

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

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


#Tinubu
#Ranching
#Insecurity

House of Reps Summons CBN Governor Cardoso Over Alleged N16 Trillion Unremitted Funds

The House of Representatives has summoned Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Olayemi Cardoso over allegations that the apex bank failed to remit more than ₦16 trillion in operating surplus and revenue to the government. The decision followed a motion by Public Accounts Committee Chairman Bamidele Salam, citing findings from the 2022 Auditor-General’s report, which highlighted financial irregularities linked to the Remita revenue collection system from 2015–2016. Despite disagreements among lawmakers on how to proceed, the House mandated the Public Accounts Committee to continue the investigation. Rights group SERAP had earlier demanded accountability from the CBN over missing public funds flagged in the same report.


#CBN
#HouseOfReps
#PublicFunds

JUST IN: Nigerian Army Eliminates Notorious Bandit Leader Kachalla Kallamu in Sokoto Operation

The 8th Division of the Nigerian Army has killed notorious bandit commander Kachalla Kallamu in Sokoto State’s Sabon Birni Local Government Area.

BPP AND SON SIGN MOU TO PROMOTE “NIGERIA FIRST” IN PUBLIC PROCUREMENT

The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen the application of Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) in Federal Government procurement processes, in support of the Federal Government’s Nigeria First policy.

A statement jointly signed by Zira Zakka Nagga, Head of Press and Public Relations (BPP) and
Talatu Ethan, Director Corporate Affairs (SON) indicates that the MoU was signed by both the Director-General of BPP, Dr. Adebowale A. Adedokun, FCIPS, FCILT, ACFE and the Director-General of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, ACTI, FCA, FMSN at the BPP headoffice in Abuja.

The MoU establishes a cooperation framework to ensure that goods, works and services procured by Government comply with relevant Nigerian Industrial Standards and encourages the adoption of local content and the use of Made-in-Nigeria products that meet approved quality benchmarks.

With the signing of the MoU, both institutions reaffirm their commitment to improving quality outcomes in Government projects and advancing transparency, competitiveness, and value-for-money in line with the Nigeria First policy.

BOOM

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

This operation marks another significant step in restoring peace and security in the region.
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Lai Mohammed Says Buhari’s Death News Left Him Paralysed for Days

Former Information Minister Lai Mohammed revealed he was physically paralysed for days after hearing of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari’s death. He described Buhari as a supportive leader who never micromanaged and praised his loyalty and leadership style. Mohammed also recounted the challenges he faced during the EndSARS period, including attacks on his family, and addressed accusations that he frequently lied while defending the administration. His reflections are documented in his new book, Headlines and Soundbites.

#fintter

#LaiMohammed

#Buhari

#NigeriaPolitics

Kano, Osun Top List as 13 Nigerian States Spend N22.6bn on Foreign Trips Amid Economic Hardship

A review of expenditure records from 13 Nigerian states shows that a combined ₦22.669 billion was spent on foreign trips between January and September 2025, despite worsening economic hardship across the country. Kano led the list with ₦7.7 billion, followed by Osun with ₦3 billion and Benue with ₦2.7 billion. Other major spenders include Nasarawa, Jigawa, Taraba, Ekiti, and Adamawa. Enugu recorded the lowest at ₦94 million. The figures, released amid rising inflation and shrinking public services, have sparked fresh concerns over fiscal priorities. Civil society groups are demanding transparency and justification for the costly trips. At the federal level, earlier data revealed that the Tinubu administration spent ₦36.3 billion on international travel in 2024, bringing total local and international travel expenses to ₦83 billion.
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NAHCON Commissioner Defies VP Shettima’s Order, Retains Retired Staff Amid Nepotism Allegations


The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is facing fresh controversy as insiders accuse Commissioner of Operations, Anofi Elegushi, of ignoring Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s directive by retaining a retired officer, Mr. Gaffar, who left the commission in 2023. The retired officer reportedly attends official meetings, travels with the commissioner, and maintains offices in Abuja and Saudi Arabia — actions seen as violations of Public Service Rules. Elegushi is also accused of keeping a former NYSC corps member allegedly related to him, granting her full staff privileges despite her service ending months ago. These actions allegedly defy a written directive from VP Shettima rejecting NAHCON’s request to re-engage retired staff and ordering all such appointments reversed. Staff fear retaliation, with claims that Elegushi is consolidating power ahead of a possible bid for the NAHCON chairmanship. Efforts to reach him were unsuccessful.

JUST IN: The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced to its passengers that the disruption of train services along the Abuja-Kaduna is temporary.

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

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

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

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

BREAKING: Nine Adamawa Women Killed in Alleged Army Shooting Laid to Rest in Mass Burial

Nine women allegedly shot dead by Nigerian soldiers in Lamurde, Adamawa State, have been given a mass burial that drew thousands of grieving residents. Community leaders released the identities of the victims and accused the Nigerian Army of opening fire on unarmed women, a claim the Bwate Youth Wing strongly reiterated. However, the Chobo Youth Forum countered the narrative, alleging their own communities were attacked by a Bachama militia. As both sides exchange accusations, public pressure mounts on the military to explain the circumstances that led to the deadly confrontation and why innocent women became casualties.

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

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