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Kwankwaso Urges FG to Absorb State Security Groups Into Military to Tackle Insecurity

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Former Kano State governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has urged the Federal Government to formally integrate state-backed security outfits into Nigeria’s security framework as a way of boosting troop strength and confronting the country’s worsening insecurity. Kwankwaso made the call on Tuesday at the inauguration of 2,000 members of the Kano State Neighbourhood Watch Corps. According to him, Nigeria needs a much larger and better-supported military to effectively deal with security threats across the country. The 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) said Nigeria should have at least one million military personnel, insisting that the major challenge is a lack of political will at the federal level. “What we are lacking is political will from our leaders, especially the Commander-in-Chief,” he said. “He should ensure that our troops are properly trained and retrained, fully equipped, and provided with the right arms and ammunition.” Kwankwaso argued that existing security outfits in both northern and southern states should be absorbed into the military to strengthen national security and curb what he described as the growing wave of violence across the country. “I advise the Federal Government to do whatever it takes to absorb these corps in states like Sokoto, Katsina, Kano and Zamfara. This will significantly increase the number of security personnel we have,” he said. “We need not less than one million men and women in uniform to secure this country.” He also said the Federal Government owes Nigerians an apology, stressing that protecting lives and property remains its primary responsibility. In addition, Kwankwaso addressed the security situation surrounding the Nassarawa Palace, urging the Kano State Commissioner of Police to withdraw officers currently guarding embattled Emir Aminu Bayero and redeploy them to areas where residents need protection. “I advise the Commissioner of Police in Kano State to withdraw all police officers guarding the Nassarawa cemetery and redeploy them to protect the people of Kano,” he stated. Meanwhile, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf charged the newly inaugurated Neighbourhood Watch Corps to work closely with conventional security agencies, especially in border communities facing persistent threats. “Our conventional security agencies need partners who understand the terrain, and that is where the neighbourhood watch plays a critical role,” Yusuf said. “No single agency can secure Kano on its own.” The governor warned the corps against overlapping the duties of established security agencies, stressing that cooperation and coordination are key to success. “Your effectiveness will depend on how well you complement, not duplicate, the efforts of conventional security agencies,” he said. Governor Yusuf also revealed that Kano State is engaging neighbouring states to tackle cross-border criminal activities, noting that insecurity does not respect boundaries. “We are working with sister states to ensure criminals have no safe haven or escape routes. Together, we will respond to emerging security challenges,” he added.

Governor Seyi Makinde
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Makinde Rules Out Backing Tinubu in 2027, Says Wike Offered to ‘Hold PDP’ Without Consultation

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Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has made it clear that he will not support President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, while also revealing fresh details about his political fallout with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Speaking during a media chat at the Government House in Ibadan on Tuesday, Makinde said his decision was firm and personal, stressing that he has already made up his mind ahead of the next general elections. “I have my own choice as well, and I will never support the president for 2027,” the governor stated bluntly. Makinde traced the origin of his rift with Wike to a meeting attended by President Tinubu, Wike, the President’s Chief of Staff, and other senior officials. According to him, it was during that meeting that Wike made a shocking declaration about the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). “The real issue was that I was in a meeting with the president and Wike and the president’s chief of staff, and a few others were there. Wike told the president that he would hold the PDP for him in 2027. I was in shock,” Makinde said. He explained that Wike’s statement came as a surprise because there had been no prior discussion or agreement among PDP stakeholders. “When we got to the venue, I asked Wike, ‘Did we agree on this?’ Wike may want to support the president for 2027, and that is his personal choice. The president did not even ask him. He volunteered on his own,” Makinde added. The Oyo governor was careful to note that his disagreement with Wike is political, not personal. “I don’t beef anybody,” he said, emphasising that there is no personal animosity between them. Makinde revealed that he initially chose to watch how events would unfold, hoping Wike might rethink his position. “I even told a mutual friend, let’s just observe and see if he backs off, but he didn’t,” he said. The governor’s comments shed more light on the growing divisions within the PDP and underline his clear stance ahead of the 2027 presidential race.

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FCT Task Force Intensifies Security Sweep Ahead of Christmas, New Year

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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) task force, known as Operation Sweep, has intensified efforts to rid Abuja of criminal elements as residents prepare for the Christmas and New Year celebrations. Leading the exercise, the Director of the Department of Security Services at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Adamu Gwary, said the move was aimed at ensuring a safe and peaceful festive season for residents and visitors. Gwary, who was represented by Dr Olumiji Peter, visited key locations including Apo Bridge, Area 1 Roundabout, Julius Berger Junction and Utako Motor Park to sensitise transport operators and other stakeholders. He explained that the FCT Administration, in collaboration with security agencies, has deployed personnel to identified black spots across the city to tighten security during the yuletide period. According to him, operators of motor parks and event centres have been directed not to allow individuals without proper identification especially motorists to operate within their premises. “We are going round the city as part of the ongoing Operation Sweep to ensure the FCT is free of miscreants and criminal elements. This festive season is meant for families and friends to come together and celebrate, but unfortunately, some criminal elements try to cause trouble. We are here to prevent that,” he said. Gwary added that the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, has issued firm directives to all security agencies under Operation Sweep to decisively tackle all forms of criminality. He noted that the monitoring of motor parks would be sustained, while illegal parks often used by ‘one-chance’ syndicates would be dismantled. “The FCT Police Command has also carried out massive deployment. Officers have been stationed at strategic locations following the commissioner of police’s directive,” he added. Speaking on other security-related measures, the Head of the Enforcement Unit of the FCT Social Development Secretariat, Ukachi Adebayo, disclosed that 481 beggars have been evacuated from the city within the last two weeks. “The individuals arrested are taken to our holding centre, where we profile them and cater for their welfare. Those willing to learn skills are also trained,” she explained. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Utako Motor Park, Adamu Abubakar, assured authorities that motorists without valid identification are not allowed to operate in the park. He pledged that the union would continue profiling all members, particularly new entrants, to support the ongoing security efforts in the FCT.

police
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Imo Police Arrest Four Over Sale of Banned Fireworks in Owerri

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The Imo State Police Command has arrested four young men for the illegal possession and distribution of banned fireworks and other pyrotechnic materials within the Owerri metropolis. The suspects, identified as Victor Amadi (29), Moses Okoro (31), Ebuka Onye (28) and Isaac Amadi (23), were apprehended during separate intelligence-driven raids carried out at different locations across the city. Confirming the arrests in a statement made available to journalists, the Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, said a large quantity of prohibited fireworks and pyrotechnic items was recovered from the suspects during the operations. Okoye reiterated that the use, sale, possession and distribution of fireworks, knockouts, bangers and other explosive devices remain totally banned across Imo State. He warned that anyone found violating the directive would be arrested and prosecuted in line with the law. He also cautioned residents, parents and traders against dealing in such dangerous items, noting the serious risks they pose to public safety. Members of the public were urged to stay alert and promptly report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station. The police command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and wished residents a safe and peaceful festive season, while advising everyone to celebrate responsibly.

FRSC
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12 Killed, Two Injured in Late-Night Auto Crash on Ejule–Enugu Highway

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The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed that 12 people, including a child, lost their lives in a tragic road accident that occurred on Friday night along the Ejule–Enugu Highway in Kogi State, while two others sustained injuries. The Kogi State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mr. Tenimu Etuku, disclosed this to journalists in Lokoja on Saturday, describing the incident as “fatal and deeply unfortunate.” According to Etuku, the crash happened around 11:30 p.m. at Iboko community in Ofu Local Government Area. It involved an 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus belonging to Romchi Mass Transit, which was travelling from Abuja to the eastern part of the country. Preliminary investigations revealed that the bus rammed into a stationary, faulty articulated truck after the driver allegedly over-sped. FRSC rescue teams promptly responded to the scene, evacuating the injured victims to Mercy of Jesus Hospital in Ejule for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were taken to the morgue. The sector commander expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and warned motorists against speeding and reckless overtaking. “As we move through the yuletide season, drivers must exercise extra caution and strictly obey traffic rules to prevent avoidable accidents and the loss of precious lives,” Etuku said. He urged motorists to be patient and adopt safe driving habits, especially on long-distance journeys, noting that responsible driving is key to reducing the high rate of road crashes and fatalities across the country.

President Bola Tinubu
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A Living Legend Honored: President Tinubu Renames University for Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi

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In a powerful gesture celebrating a lifetime of service and scholarship, President Bola Tinubu announced Saturday that the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, will now bear the name of one of Nigeria’s most revered Islamic scholars, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi. The President shared the news during a deeply personal visit to honor the esteemed cleric at his mosque in Bauchi. Standing before the Sheikh and his followers, President Tinubu paid heartfelt tribute not to a memory, but to a living legacy whose influence has shaped the nation for decades. The renaming of the institution to Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi University is a move to immortalize the scholar’s immense contributions to Islamic learning, spiritual guidance, and community development, which have resonated far beyond Nigeria’s borders. President Tinubu spoke of the Sheikh as a true symbol of humility, discipline, and peaceful coexistence. He noted that the cleric’s teachings have been a moral compass for generations, fostering a spirit of national unity and mutual respect. “This is not just about changing a name,” the President seemed to convey, “it is about engraving the values of a great man into the heart of an institution that will shape our future.” By dedicating a university to him, the federal government recognizes an outstanding individual whose life has been a testament to the power of knowledge and service. The newly named university will now stand as a living monument, inspiring students and future generations to pursue integrity, serve their communities, and build a better, more united Nigeria.

Crude oil
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Uherevie Communities Accuse Host Trust Leaders of Undermining PIA Mandate

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Concerned members of the Uherevie Host Communities Development Trust have accused the Trust’s Board of Trustees (BoT), Executive Management and Management Committee of failing to live up to the spirit and letter of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), insisting that the law itself has not failed the people those charged with implementing it have. The accusation was contained in a statement signed by the group’s spokesperson, Comrade James Anaughe, and released to journalists in Ughelli, Delta State, on Wednesday. The statement followed a heated stakeholders’ meeting held on Monday, December 15, 2025, at the PIA Office in GRA, Ughelli, where community leaders openly expressed frustration over what they described as years of neglect, weak leadership and disregard for the PIA 2021. According to the group, the emergency meeting convened by the Comrade Pender Agwarive-led BoT brought together the Board of Trustees, Executive Management, Management Committee, Advisory Committee and presidents of host communities. It was called amid growing anger over the Trust’s poor engagement with the operating company, Heritage Energy Operational Services Ltd, and its failure to drive development in host communities. “What unfolded was far beyond a routine disagreement,” the statement said. “It was a painful exposure of a governance system that has broken down, where responsibilities exist only on paper while communities remain stuck in stagnation.” Community representatives reportedly took turns describing a Trust paralysed by inaction, pointing in particular to the failure to establish a Funds Distribution Matrix and a Host Community Development Plan both mandatory under the PIA. Despite repeated complaints and petitions, they alleged that the BoT and Executive Management showed little urgency in addressing these gaps. Without these frameworks, the group said, the Trust has become practically ineffective, leaving development projects stalled and host communities without clear direction. One community leader reportedly summed it up bluntly: “We have a Trust without direction, funds without structure and leaders without urgency.” The statement recalled that Sections 235 to 257 of the PIA were designed to correct decades of neglect by guaranteeing petroleum host communities structured funding, transparent governance and accountability. However, the group alleged that these safeguards have been ignored within the Uherevie Trust, with no clear development roadmap, no transparent sharing formula and no measurable outcomes. Participants warned that such lapses amount to serious breaches of fiduciary responsibility, potentially exposing trustees and managers to legal and regulatory consequences. The meeting also highlighted concerns that weak leadership has allowed operating companies to withdraw long-standing goodwill initiatives such as scholarships, festive support and community engagement assistance. According to the group, the silence of the Trust’s leadership in the face of these withdrawals amounts to quiet endorsement. Even more troubling, they alleged, is the failure to invoke sanctions or compliance measures against defaulting operators, despite clear enforcement provisions in the PIA. The group said this inaction has robbed communities of years of development, denied young people opportunities and worsened poverty in oil-producing areas. Today, they said, the impact is clear abandoned projects, unemployed and untrained youths, poor infrastructure and rising frustration across communities. “The oil continues to flow and the law remains in force, but our people see no benefits,” the statement said. “This failure has faces, names and offices attached to it.” The group warned that unless the BoT and Executive Management urgently return to the core objectives of the PIA, put transparent governance structures in place and assert the Trust’s statutory authority, the Uherevie Host Communities Development Trust risks losing all legitimacy in the eyes of the people it was created to serve.

Kwara state
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APC Is Nigeria’s Strongest Election Brand, Says Kwara Governor AbdulRazaq

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Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains the most formidable political party in Nigeria, pointing to the economic reforms and development initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as proof. The governor said the impact of APC-led governments at both the federal and state levels especially investments in key sectors of the economy has improved the lives of Nigerians and positioned the party for victory in the 2027 general elections. AbdulRazaq made the remarks during the Kwara APC Youth Dialogue 2025, organised by the Kwara Coalition of APC Support Groups and held at the Government Banquet Hall in Ilorin. He was represented at the event by his Senior Adviser and Counsellor, Alhaji Saadu Salahu. According to the governor, the large turnout of young party members at the event was a clear sign of growing support for the APC and an opportunity to highlight its achievements. “This gathering of APC youths is to showcase and appreciate the achievements of APC administrations at both the state and federal levels. I can confidently say that the APC government at the centre has performed very well,” he said. AbdulRazaq stressed that sustained investments in critical sectors have strengthened the party’s appeal, adding that the APC remains the best political brand for winning elections in Nigeria. He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering youths and women, creating opportunities for them to thrive, and encouraging them to actively participate in politics by contesting for elective offices. “We are assuring Mr President that Kwara State will continue to support his administration to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigeria,” he added. The event attracted top government officials and party leaders from within and outside Kwara State, including representatives of the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, the Minister of Youth Development, state APC executives, local government chairmen, and leaders of transport unions. Speaking at the event, Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande represented by Abdullah Muhammad praised Governor AbdulRazaq’s development initiatives and urged Kwarans to continue supporting both the state and federal governments. He also called for support for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 to consolidate ongoing reforms. State APC Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, reaffirmed the party’s readiness for future elections, boasting of its clean sweep in the 2023 polls. “We are moving forward, not backward. We delivered 100 percent success in the 2023 elections, and we are determined to repeat that feat in the next general elections,” he said. Also speaking, Alhaji Rasaq Lawal, a former commissioner and patron of the coalition, said the dialogue was aimed at generating ideas to sustain the party’s achievements, while the state APC Youth Leader, Hon. Sulaiman Duduyemi, commended the governor for his focus on infrastructure and human capital development, describing his youth-inclusive approach as a model for leaders nationwide.

Governor Bala Muhammed
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Bauchi PDP Caretaker Committee Gives Bala Mohammed’s Camp 14 Days to Vacate Party Offices

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The Bauchi State Caretaker Committee of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has directed members loyal to Governor Bala Mohammed to vacate all PDP secretariats across the state within 14 days. The directive was issued on Wednesday by the state chairman of the Caretaker Committee, Hon. Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, during a press briefing. He warned that anyone who fails to comply would face lawful consequences. Jungudo said the committee’s actions are aimed at restoring unity, discipline and order within the party, urging all loyal members to cooperate in the overall interest of the PDP and the people of Bauchi State. He expressed appreciation to the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), led by Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed, for approving the caretaker committee to manage the party’s affairs in the state. “We are grateful to the NWC for the confidence reposed in us. We accept this responsibility and will carry it out diligently, in line with the PDP constitution and the directives of the national leadership,” he said. The committee reaffirmed its loyalty to the party’s national leadership, including Minister Nyesom Wike, stressing its commitment to stability, constitutionalism and the rule of law within the PDP. Jungudo also offered an apology, on behalf of the people of Bauchi State, to former governor and PDP founding member, Sule Lamido, over what he described as the embarrassment caused by the alleged refusal to sell him nomination forms ahead of the party’s aborted national convention. He accused Governor Bala Mohammed of orchestrating the incident and warned that the caretaker committee would operate strictly within the law, adding that any harm to party members or supporters would be the responsibility of the governor. The committee further dismissed claims by individuals allegedly parading themselves as members of the PDP National Working Committee, insisting that a recent convention held in Ibadan was illegitimate because it disregarded court judgments and lacked supervision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). “The public should not be deceived. Legitimacy comes from strict adherence to party laws, court orders and the constitution, not from gatherings involving former governors or lawmakers,” Jungudo said. He added that ongoing legal cases involving INEC and the disputed convention cannot confer recognition or authority on those involved. He urged the public to respect the decisions taken at the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on November 18, 2025, which reportedly expelled Governor Bala Mohammed and dissolved state party executive committees. Restating the committee’s position, Jungudo again warned all “illegal occupants” of PDP secretariats across Bauchi State to remove their personal belongings and vacate the premises within 14 days. He concluded by appealing to aggrieved members considering leaving the party to have a rethink, assuring them of the committee’s commitment to fairness, inclusiveness and unity within the PDP.

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Lagos Govt Praises Leadway Group for Inspiring Young Readers Through Festember Initiative

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The Lagos State Government has applauded Leadway Group for its Festember Initiative, following the successful hosting of the 2025 Lagos Festember Read-Along in collaboration with Ouida. The event, designed to make arts, literature and creative experiences more accessible to children, brought together pupils from various schools and learning centres across Lagos for an engaging reading session. This year’s edition featured Guinness World Record holder and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, alongside award-winning author and publisher, Lola Shoneyin. Both guests led a lively reading of Shoneyin’s book, Tunde Onakoya, The Chess Champion, which tells the inspiring story of Onakoya’s journey, highlighting resilience, vision and impact beyond the chessboard. The session allowed children to connect with the story in a relatable and meaningful way, sparking curiosity and imagination. The partnership reflects Leadway Group’s commitment to promoting education, creativity and community development. By blending storytelling with real-life role models, the initiative aims to nurture a love for reading while encouraging young learners to dream big and think critically. Speaking on the programme, Leadway Group’s Brand Communication Manager, Niyi Abiola, said the Read-Along reinforces the company’s long-standing focus on education and cultural preservation. “Our goal is to reignite children’s love for books by connecting them with influential innovators, creatives and storytellers,” Abiola said. “When children engage with stories like Tunde Onakoya’s, they begin to imagine broader possibilities, build empathy and strengthen critical thinking. These are the building blocks of responsible future citizens, and we are proud to support that journey.” Representing the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Busola Williams commended Leadway Group and Ouida for championing an initiative that promotes literacy using relatable Nigerian stories. She noted that the programme aligns with the state government’s efforts to improve reading culture and educational outcomes, particularly in public schools. Beyond the reading session, the initiative also gave pupils the opportunity to explore carefully selected books, take part in guided discussions and share ideas shaped by storytelling. Organisers say these efforts are aimed at improving learning outcomes and expanding access to knowledge for children across Lagos and beyond.

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