Witchcraft Accusations, Agwu Beliefs and Police Abuse in Imo State — How Extortion and Impunity Thrive

This opinion piece by Leo Igwe exposes how witchcraft accusations and beliefs surrounding Agwu rituals are being exploited by families, vigilantes and even police officers in Imo State to justify abuse, extortion and human rights violations. Using the case of 70-year-old Joseph Ottih and his family, the article details alleged police brutality, illegal arrests, destruction of property and collusion between relatives, vigilantes and the anti-kidnapping unit (Tigerbase). Igwe argues that witchcraft accusations are unlawful under Nigerian law, that freedom of religion is constitutionally protected, and that the police must enforce the law—not tradition or superstition. The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) vows legal support for the victims, insisting that witch-hunting, ritual policing and religious bias within law enforcement must end.

South Africa-Based Nigerian Rescued by Police After Escaping Kidnappers’ Den in Anambra

Operatives of a police-led joint security team in Anambra State have rescued a South Africa-based Nigerian man who was abducted on January 1, 2026, from his hometown in Oji River, Enugu State. The victim escaped from his captors’ hideout in Orumba South LGA during a routine patrol by the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Aguata, and was immediately taken into protective custody. The police are acting on intelligence from the victim to dismantle the criminal gang and arrest its members. Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to proactive policing and urged residents to cooperate in the fight against kidnapping.

Wahala Don Happen: Abuja Lawyer Abducted, Brutally Killed by ‘One-Chance’ Criminals – Ejiofor Raises Alarm!

Abuja wahala don reach another level! Human rights lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor has cried out over the shocking abduction and brutal murder of Abuja-based lawyer, Princess Nwamaka Mediatrix Chigbo, allegedly carried out by notorious “one-chance” criminals hiding under the guise of commercial taxis.

In a statement shared with journalists, Ejiofor described the killing as a tragic reflection of the worsening insecurity in the nation’s capital and a failure of leadership and proper intelligence-led policing.

According to the rights lawyer, urgent, discreet, and intelligence-driven action is needed to dismantle these “one-chance” syndicates. He suggested measures like vehicle profiling, mandatory registration, digital tagging, and biometric capture of all commercial transport operators in the FCT, while eliminating unregistered taxis through continuous enforcement and undercover operations.

Ejiofor lamented that Abuja, once meant to be the secure heart of Nigeria, is increasingly becoming a city of fear where criminals attack unsuspecting citizens in broad daylight.

He described the late Princess Chigbo, an active Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) member, as a brilliant lawyer whose death marks the alarming rise of insecurity in the capital. The lawyer was reportedly abducted on January 5, 2026, after boarding what seemed like a normal commercial taxi—what Ejiofor called a “moving death chamber.” She was allegedly tortured and killed by her abductors.

Ejiofor also called out leadership failure in the FCT, accusing the Minister of neglecting his constitutional duty as Chief Security Officer of Abuja, allegedly being more focused on political activities outside the capital.

With insecurity on the rise, Nigerians are now left wondering: is Abuja still safe for everyday citizens trying to go about their business?

Why Is Oyo Police Cracking Down on Unmarked Vehicles, Fake Number Plates and Face-Concealing Motorcyclists—Is This the End of Crime Through Disguise in the State?

Is Oyo State entering a new phase of security enforcement—and will it finally curb crimes committed through disguise and anonymity? The Oyo State Police Command has announced a statewide operation targeting unmarked vehicles, fake or defaced number plates, and motorcyclists who conceal their faces, as part of what it describes as a proactive and intelligence-led policing strategy.

Approved by the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, the operation is scheduled to commence on Monday and will focus on vehicles without valid registration numbers, those using covered, blinded, defaced, fake, dealer’s, or unauthorized plates, as well as motorcyclists who wear hoods or masks to obscure their identities while riding.

According to the police, offenders will face arrest, vehicle impoundment, and prosecution following investigations. The Command explained that the crackdown is driven by intelligence reports showing that criminals increasingly exploit unmarked vehicles and concealed identities to evade detection, carry out robberies, kidnappings, and other violent crimes, and escape law enforcement scrutiny.

The announcement follows earlier engagements by CP Haruna with commercial motorcyclists across the state, where he issued warnings that any motorcycle linked to criminal activity would attract severe penalties. He also urged riders and residents to provide timely intelligence, assuring them of confidentiality and swift police response.

Beyond this specific enforcement drive, the police reaffirmed that routine stop-and-search operations, checkpoints, and intelligence-based patrols remain central to crime prevention in Oyo State. Residents were advised to stay vigilant, comply with vehicle and traffic regulations, and report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station.

As security challenges continue to evolve, the operation raises key questions: Will the removal of fake plates and masked riding close a major loophole criminals use to operate? Can stricter enforcement improve public safety without disrupting legitimate transport and commercial activity? For many residents, the coming weeks will determine whether this strategy marks a turning point in the fight against crime—or merely another short-term security campaign.

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?

CAPTI Declines Nigeria Police Meeting Over Human Rights Violations by Imo ‘Tiger Base’ Unit

The Coalition Against Police Tigerbase Impunity (CAPTI) has declined a scheduled meeting with the Nigeria Police Force’s Police Monitoring Unit at Force Headquarters, Abuja. The coalition cited practical, logistical, and substantive constraints, emphasizing that the short notice and travel requirements made attendance impossible.

In a letter signed by Sanyaolu Juwon, CAPTI Coordinator, the group acknowledged the police’s willingness to engage but stressed that any meeting must include victims and their families, many of whom reside in Imo State or are held at Owerri Correctional Centre. CAPTI noted that meaningful engagement requires proper planning, sufficient notice, and clear mechanisms for victim testimonies and accountability.

The coalition remains open to dialogue but requested a mutually convenient date with arrangements allowing for inclusive participation of victims and civil society observers. CAPTI has been vocal about alleged abuses by the Tiger Base anti-kidnapping unit, advocating for transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights in Nigerian policing.

#CAPTI #TigerBase #HumanRights”

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.

Delta Police Accused of Extortion and Harassment After SaharaReporters Exposé on New Year’s Eve Arrests

The Delta State Police Command is under scrutiny for alleged harassment, intimidation, and extortion following a SaharaReporters report exposing arbitrary arrests on New Year’s Eve in Asaba. Sources revealed that police operatives arrested over 40 individuals, including churchgoers attending crossover night services, allegedly demanding ₦150,000 to ₦200,000 for bail.

The situation escalated when police reportedly rearrested a worshipper, Benjamin Eboka, after he was initially released, accusing him of leaking information to the media. Eyewitnesses described assaults, tear gas deployment, and wrongful detentions, highlighting claims of deep-rooted corruption within the Delta State Police.

The arrests were reportedly orchestrated by DCP Adejobi Olumuyiwa, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, with many victims alleging extortion and abuse of power. Affected individuals include members of the Federal Road Safety Corps, traditional rulers, and innocent worshippers, raising concerns about human rights violations.

SaharaReporters’ investigation paints a picture of a pattern of abuse, where officers allegedly label innocent citizens as hoodlums while extorting them and denying due process. Legal experts and victims have called for urgent government intervention and accountability measures within the police command.

This story underscores ongoing issues of police misconduct in Nigeria, highlighting the need for transparent policing, protection of citizens’ rights, and institutional reforms to prevent arbitrary detentions and extortion.

Was Deadly Force Justified? Why an ICE Agent Shot a Motorist in Minneapolis During Immigration Raids—and How This Killing Is Reigniting America’s Immigration and Police Brutality Debate

Was the fatal shooting of a motorist by a federal immigration agent in Minneapolis an act of self-defence—or a troubling escalation in America’s immigration crackdown? And how far is the U.S. government willing to go in enforcing immigration laws under the Trump administration?

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shot and killed a woman during a federal immigration operation in Minneapolis after authorities said she attempted to drive her vehicle into law enforcement officers. The incident occurred in a residential neighbourhood as ICE carried out what the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) described as “targeted operations” connected to an ongoing nationwide enforcement surge.

According to DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, the confrontation unfolded after protesters reportedly surrounded officers at the scene. She alleged that the woman “weaponized her vehicle” in an attempt to run over federal agents—calling the act “domestic terrorism.” The woman was shot inside her car, but as of Wednesday evening, authorities had not released her identity or confirmed whether body-camera footage would be made public.

Why is this incident causing such outrage? The killing comes amid a dramatic expansion of federal immigration enforcement in major U.S. cities. Just one day earlier, DHS announced the deployment of approximately 2,000 federal agents to Minneapolis and St. Paul as part of a sweeping crackdown linked in part to alleged fraud involving members of the Somali community. The announcement immediately heightened tensions in a region already sensitive to aggressive immigration operations.

Following the shooting, crowds of protesters flooded the area, chanting “Shame! Shame! Shame!” and “ICE out of Minnesota!”—slogans that have echoed across other U.S. cities experiencing similar raids. Civil rights advocates and community leaders have called for an independent investigation, demanding transparency around the use of deadly force by federal officers during immigration operations.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey strongly condemned the federal presence, accusing ICE of destabilising the city. “Immigration agents are causing chaos in our city,” he said, insisting that federal authorities leave Minnesota and affirming the city’s support for immigrant and refugee communities.

What does this mean for immigration enforcement in America? The shooting is being widely seen as a turning point in an already polarising national debate over immigration, policing, and the militarisation of federal law enforcement. With Minneapolis now emerging as a flashpoint—alongside cities like Los Angeles and Chicago—the incident raises urgent questions: Are ICE operations becoming more dangerous for both officers and civilians? Is the use of lethal force becoming normalised in immigration enforcement? And will federal authorities face greater scrutiny or legal challenges over how these operations are conducted?

As investigations loom and public anger grows, the Minneapolis shooting is likely to intensify political battles over immigration policy, civil rights, and the limits of federal power—reshaping how America confronts one of its most divisive issues in the years ahead.

Nigerian Police Foil Kidnapping Plot in Kaduna, Rescue 76 Children and Arrest Three Suspects”

The Nigeria Police Force successfully foiled a kidnapping plot in Kasuwan Magani, Kaduna State, rescuing 76 children and arresting three suspects, according to a statement issued on January 7, 2026. The operation followed credible intelligence received on January 5, 2026, around 8:00 PM, indicating that armed bandits planned to target motorists transporting children.
The police, under the supervision of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Kasuwan Magani, mobilized a team immediately. On reaching the scene, officers engaged the suspects, repelled the attack, and ensured that all 76 children, both boys and girls aged between seven and 20 years, were rescued unharmed.
Three suspects were apprehended during the operation: Jonathan John (25), Oliver Magaji (27), and Bitrus Sawaba (23). Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects intended to transport the children to various parts of the country for child labor and other forms of exploitation. The suspects are currently in police custody, and the rescued children have been safely transferred to the Kaduna State Police Command Headquarters, awaiting the identification and arrival of their parents or guardians.
Police authorities have intensified investigations to identify any additional collaborators and to fully uncover the circumstances surrounding the plot. The suspects will face court proceedings once the investigations are concluded.
In reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the Nigeria Police Force urged citizens to continue providing timely and credible information, highlighting the importance of community cooperation in preventing crimes. The successful rescue demonstrates the effectiveness of proactive policing and the ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable groups, especially children, from criminal networks in Kaduna and other regions of Nigeria.

BORNO POLICE RECOVER 912 ROUNDS OF AMMUNITION

The Borno State Police Command has recorded a major security breakthrough with the recovery of a hidden cache of ammunition in Maiduguri.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, the discovery was made last Sunday when the Divisional Police Officer of Lamisula Division, acting on credible intelligence, led a team of operatives to the Kumshe Jamba Mari area of the metropolis.

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit was immediately deployed, and the area was secured before the safe recovery of nine hundred and twelve rounds of B32 API ammunition, calibre 7.62 by 51 millimetres.

The recovered ammunition has been secured, while investigations are ongoing to trace its source and intended use, as well as arrest those behind it.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, commended members of the public for providing timely information and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing.

He also urged residents to continue cooperating with the Police by reporting suspicious activities within their communities.

IGP Olukayode Egbetokun Deploys DIG Gumel, Reassigns 17 Commissioners to Strengthen Police Operations Across Nigeria

The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has deployed newly promoted Deputy Inspector-General DIG Mohammed Usaini Gumel to lead the Force Intelligence Department and reassigned 17 Commissioners of Police to strategic commands, departments, and formations nationwide. The redeployments, announced by Force PRO CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, aim to enhance operational capacity, leadership, public safety, and service delivery within the Nigeria Police Force. Key appointments include CP Aina Adesola to Delta State, CP Umar Mohammed Hajedia to Kebbi State, CP Iyamah Daniel Edobor to Bayelsa State, and several senior officers to specialized units like anti-human trafficking, maritime, and community policing. Officers were charged to demonstrate professionalism and ethical conduct in their new assignments.

#NigeriaPolice #IGPDeployments #DIGGumel #PoliceReassignments #PublicSafety #LawEnforcement

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.

Edo Governor Okpebholo’s Alleged Loyalist Who Brutalised Female Worker Over ₦40,000 Salary Petitions Police to Arrest Victim as Officers Allegedly Shield Him

A political enforcer allegedly loyal to Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, identified as Adam Ehigiamusoe, popularly known as Shaba, has sparked outrage after petitioning the Nigeria Police to arrest a female employee he is accused of brutally assaulting over an unpaid ₦40,000 salary. The incident reportedly occurred on December 23, 2025, at Destiny O Hotel Suites in Benin City, which Shaba owns.

According to sources, the victim, Love Nehizena, also known as Bella, was beaten severely after demanding payment of her outstanding salary. Videos obtained by SaharaReporters showed her covered in blood with visible injuries, suggesting an assault described by witnesses as near-fatal. Despite the severity of the attack, Shaba was allegedly never arrested, reportedly boasting that his political connections made him untouchable.

Sources disclosed that the Edo State Commissioner of Police had earlier directed Shaba to report himself, but he allegedly ignored the order and instead, through his lawyer, submitted a petition to the Zone 5 Police Headquarters in Benin, accusing the victim. Shockingly, police action reportedly followed against Bella rather than the alleged attacker, with a senior officer, CSP Christopher Ereshe, inviting her for questioning, raising concerns of intimidation and victim persecution.

Witnesses expressed alarm that Shaba, whom police claimed they could not locate, was publicly seen days later distributing bags of rice in Benin City and freely engaging law enforcement. Bella, a single mother, narrated how she was beaten with wires, planks, and wooden objects, spat on, insulted for her poor background, and threatened with death if she reported the incident. Her phone was also destroyed during the assault.

Human rights advocates and residents have condemned the episode as a gross abuse of power, politicisation of policing, and a dangerous example of how poverty and political influence are weaponised to silence vulnerable citizens. The case has intensified public calls for accountability and justice amid fears that political protection may obstruct due process.

Ondo State Police Arrest 53-Year-Old Woman and Her Son for Alleged Plot to Use 10-Year-Old Boy for Money Ritual in Ile-Oluji

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 53-year-old woman, identified as Maria, and her 28-year-old son, Adewale, over an alleged attempt to use a 10-year-old boy for money ritual activities in Ile-Oluji, Ondo State. The suspects were apprehended on December 27 by operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit following a tip-off from a vigilant resident who reported suspicious ritual-related movements.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the swift intervention of the police foiled the alleged ritual plan and led to the successful rescue of the child, who has since been taken to a hospital for medical examination and treatment. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly conspired to engage a herbalist to carry out money ritual practices using the boy.

The suspects are currently in police custody and reportedly confessed to the crime, while investigations are ongoing ahead of their arraignment in court. The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Adebowale Lawal, commended the SWAT operatives for their professionalism and emphasized the importance of intelligence-led policing. He also warned parents, especially mothers, against involvement in criminal acts and urged them to instill values of hard work and integrity in their children, while calling on the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly.

Tinubu Vows Stronger International Security Cooperation in 2026 to Eliminate Terrorists, Boost Peace, and Safeguard Nigeria’s Sovereignty

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eliminating terrorism and criminal threats in Nigeria through stronger collaboration with regional and global partners in 2026. In his New Year message to Nigerians, the President stressed that economic reforms and national development cannot succeed without peace, security, and stability.

Tinubu acknowledged the persistent security challenges facing the country, noting that criminal and terrorist groups continue to threaten lives and national unity. He disclosed that Nigeria has already carried out joint counter-terrorism operations with international partners, including the United States, citing the December 24 airstrikes against terrorist targets in parts of the Northwest. According to him, military operations have continued across the Northwest and Northeast to dismantle terror networks and criminal strongholds.

Looking ahead, the President said Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies will deepen international cooperation in 2026 to eliminate all threats to national security. He reiterated the government’s resolve to protect citizens, property, and Nigeria’s territorial integrity, while also restating his support for security sector reforms such as decentralised policing and the deployment of properly regulated forest guards to combat terrorism and banditry effectively.

Beyond security, Tinubu said 2026 would mark a more robust phase of economic growth, with tangible improvements in citizens’ lives. He announced plans to accelerate the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, aimed at empowering at least 10 million Nigerians through grassroots economic activities across the country’s 8,809 wards. The President added that investments in agriculture, trade, mining, and critical infrastructure—including roads, power, ports, railways, healthcare, and education—will continue without interruption.

Calling for unity and shared responsibility, Tinubu urged Nigerians to support nation-building efforts with patriotism and integrity. He concluded by wishing citizens a peaceful, productive, and prosperous New Year, while praying for the safety of Nigeria’s troops and the defeat of forces threatening the nation’s peace and stability.

2026 Begins New Era of Economic Growth, Stability and Reform as President Tinubu Projects Lower Inflation, Strong GDP Growth and Improved Security in New Year Address

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that 2026 marks the beginning of a more robust phase of economic growth for Nigeria, citing steady gains recorded in 2025 despite global economic challenges. In his New Year address, the President said the government sustained major reforms, achieved a fiscal reset and recorded measurable progress in GDP growth, trade surpluses, exchange rate stability and declining inflation.

According to Tinubu, Nigeria closed 2025 with quarterly GDP growth projected to exceed 4 percent annually, while inflation dropped below 15 percent in line with government targets. He noted that the Nigerian Stock Exchange recorded a strong 48.12 percent gain, foreign reserves rose to $45.4 billion, and foreign direct investment surged to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025, reflecting renewed investor confidence backed by positive assessments from global rating agencies.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline and tax reform, stressing that harmonising taxes across all levels of government will reduce the burden on citizens, boost revenue sustainably and expand fiscal space for infrastructure and human capital development. He added that the 2026 budget is designed to consolidate reforms and position Nigeria for long-term stability and prosperity.

On security, Tinubu acknowledged ongoing threats from terrorism and criminal networks but said decisive actions, including coordinated operations with international partners, have weakened terror groups in the Northwest and Northeast. He pledged deeper cooperation with global and regional partners in 2026, while reiterating support for decentralised policing and regulated forest guards to tackle insecurity.

President Tinubu also outlined plans to accelerate inclusive growth through the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, targeting the empowerment of at least 10 million Nigerians across the country’s 8,809 wards. He said the government will continue investing in infrastructure, agriculture, mining, healthcare, education and food security to improve living standards nationwide.

Calling for unity, patriotism and shared responsibility, the President urged Nigerians to support ongoing reforms, expressing confidence that 2026 will deliver tangible improvements in the lives of citizens and strengthen national stability.

Take-It-Back Movement Raises Alarm Over Deplorable Conditions Of Ogui Road Police Station, Urges Enugu Government To Intervene Urgently

The Take-It-Back Movement (TIB) Global has expressed concern over the poor state of infrastructure at the Ogui Road Police Station in Enugu, describing the conditions as degrading and harmful to effective policing. Following an on-site assessment, the group reported lack of electricity, dilapidated offices, collapsed ceilings, leaking roofs, and poor living conditions for officers. In a letter to the Enugu State Government, TIB called for urgent intervention, including solar-powered lighting and comprehensive renovation, warning that the current state undermines public trust and institutional integrity.

Tinubu Urges National Assembly to Summon IGP Kayode Egbetokun Over State Police Plan, Says Safeguards Needed

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the National Assembly to summon the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to address concerns surrounding the proposed creation of state police in Nigeria. Speaking at the APC National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja, Tinubu stressed that while state police is a necessary step to tackle terrorism, banditry, and rising insecurity, lawmakers must put strong safeguards in place to prevent abuse of power. The president reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to decentralised policing, as debates over state police continue to gain momentum nationwide amid worsening security challenges.

Tinubu Announces Order of 4 US Attack Helicopters, Emphasizes State and Community Policing During CAN Leaders Meeting

President Bola Tinubu revealed that his administration has ordered four attack helicopters from the United States to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture. Speaking at a meeting with Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) leaders, Tinubu acknowledged delays in military procurement but assured that ongoing security reforms, including state and community policing, would soon yield results. He also highlighted the importance of cooperation from religious leaders and called for vigilance in tackling insecurity. CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh pledged support for the administration and requested direct engagement with local structures across Nigeria to further collaboration.