Index to Nigerian Newspapers

Northern governors and traditional rulers have called for a six-month suspension of mining across the region, attributing worsening insecurity to illegal mining activities. They announced a plan to mobilize N228 billion for combating banditry, with each state contributing N1 billion monthly. This decision was made during a joint meeting aimed at enhancing security responses, following numerous school raids resulting in the kidnapping of over 500 individuals. President Bola Tinubu recently declared a nationwide security emergency and endorsed the establishment of state police, marking a shift in political opposition. The forum also highlighted the link between illegal mining and increased violence, pushing for an audit of mining licenses. The meeting underscored the importance of regional unity and sustainable financing in addressing these challenges, with leaders stressing the need for investments in infrastructure to facilitate economic growth in the North.

Nigeria's security crisis has intensified with coordinated bandit attacks resulting in the abduction of over 490 individuals, including monarchs, students, and worshippers, across multiple states. The Senate has urged for the enhancement of community-based policing as security agencies struggle to address the escalating violence, despite a declared nationwide security emergency. Incidents report abductions and attacks from Sokoto to Kogi, with specific cases including the kidnapping of 38 worshippers, students, and a traditional ruler whose captors demanded a ransom of N150 million. Various officials have called for a more localized approach to security, emphasizing the role of community efforts in combating banditry. The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria criticized the government's current strategies, asserting a lack of urgency and effectiveness in addressing terrorism and advocating for a more aggressive stance against perpetrators.

Former Attorney General Abubakar Malami was taken into custody by the Department of State Services immediately after his release from Kuje Correctional Centre, following the fulfillment of his bail conditions set by the Federal High Court. He was released on bail on January 7, alongside his wife and son, each required to secure N500 million bail with strict conditions. Malami had been detained for money laundering involving N8.7 billion and had previously been in EFCC custody since December 8, 2025. Despite his release, the EFCC clarified that they did not re-arrest him. Court documents revealed allegations against Malami and his family involving the concealment of funds through multiple corporate entities and high-value transactions.

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) disrupted an alleged arms supply network linked to attacks in Plateau State and surrounding regions, arresting a suspected arms dealer, Musa Abubakar, on November 12, 2025. Intelligence led DSS operatives to Abubakar's workshop in the Mista Ali area of Bassa Local Government Area, where they reportedly seized components of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), chemicals, and equipment. Abubakar allegedly confessed to manufacturing and distributing high-caliber weapons and ammunition to armed groups engaged in violent activities in Plateau and other northern states. This operation coincided with the recapture of Abdulazeez Obadaki, known as Bomboy, a Kuje Prison escapee linked to previous attacks. Additionally, the DSS had earlier apprehended nine suspects, including Timna Manjol, aged 46. The statements affirm the DSS's commitment to combating arms trafficking and terrorism in the region.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recovered N802,420,000, which was unlawfully taken by Ojo Eghosa Kingsley, from an erroneous credit of over N1.3 billion to his account at First Bank Nigeria Plc. Investigations revealed that Kingsley transferred significant amounts to family members and used part for personal projects. The funds were returned to First Bank as part of the EFCC's commitment to addressing financial crimes. Kingsley and others involved have been charged in court, and First Bank praised the EFCC for their effective recovery efforts.

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, remains in custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) after being detained again following his initial release from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). El-Rufai was initially detained on Monday but released late Wednesday, only to be taken into ICPC custody that same night. Despite requests for clarification from his legal team, the commission has not disclosed the specific reason for his investigation, although there are unverified allegations linking it to the failed N11.1 billion Joint Venture Kaduna light rail project. Reports also indicate that El-Rufai's passport was seized by Department of State Services operatives at the airport before his arrest. His media aide announced on social media that ICPC officials conducted a search of El-Rufai’s residence, which his lawyer condemned as unlawful and a violation of due process.

The Federal Government has launched the Safe Nigeria Initiative, a youth-focused programme aimed at empowering 11,000 young people as part of efforts to address insecurity across the country.The initiative, also known as Youth Empowerment for Peace and Resilience, was launched on Tuesday in Abuja by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and is being coordinated by the National Counter Terrorism Centre in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.Speaking at the event, Ribadu, who was represented by the National Coordinator of the NCTC, Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, said the programme was designed to complement Nigeria’s counterterrorism and security operations by addressing the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to insecurity.Shittu said state governments were ready to support implementation of the programme through community engagement and coordination, describing youth empowerment as not just a social policy priority but a national security imperative requiring a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.The initiative comes amid persistent security challenges across the country, including insurgency, banditry and kidnapping, which authorities have linked to youth unemployment, poverty and social exclusion, prompting a shift towards preventive and people-centred security responses.

The Federal Government of Nigeria recognized the bravery and service of personnel and veterans of the Nigerian Army at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day. Awards included a posthumous Gallantry Award for the late Brig. Gen. Musa Uba, honored for his courage during counter-insurgency operations. Other key awards went to Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu for leadership, Maj. Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, and Maj. Gen. Faruk Mijinyawa for operational dedication. Additional honors included Brig. Gen. Usman Ahmad's Mission Success Award and various posthumous distinctions for fallen military officers. President Bola Tinubu, represented by Minister Mohammed Idris, urged the Armed Forces to maintain discipline and outlined government support for military initiatives aimed at honoring service members and veterans.

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has been in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for two nights as his lawyer seeks bail. The EFCC is considering a remand order to extend his detention while it investigates allegations of N432 billion in corruption, linked to a report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly on financial mismanagement during his tenure from 2015 to 2023. El-Rufai's lawyer asserts that he has cooperated fully and is not a flight risk. In addition to these allegations, the Department of State Services has filed criminal charges against El-Rufai for unlawfully intercepting communications of the National Security Adviser, with an arraignment pending.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) renewed commitment to enhancing the security of schools across Nigeria through a strategic partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). During a courtesy visit to UBEC’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Aisha Garba, Aneke emphasized that safeguarding education has become a national imperative, as schools face increasing threats that undermine learning environments. He highlighted NAF’s investments in secure, technology-driven and inclusive education within its 33 schools, which serve both military and civilian populations. These initiatives include improved teacher training, enhanced digital literacy, and infrastructure upgrades. Aneke noted that deeper collaboration with UBEC—particularly in safe-school technologies, digital learning platforms, quality assurance, and expanded school capacity—would strengthen national education security. UBEC expressed readiness for technical collaboration, stressing that safety and education are interdependent. The engagement aligns with Nigeria’s Safe School agenda and the Renewed Hope vision, aimed at ensuring that every child can learn in a safe and supportive environment. The partnership underscores the importance of integrating security and education to build a resilient and prosperous nation.

The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Jalal Arabi, and the commission's secretary, Abdullahi Kontagora, have been detained for the third night in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) custody due to their failure to meet bail conditions. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is investigating the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria helmsmen over alleged mismanagement or diversion of N90bn released by the Federal Government to subsidy the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. The investigation revealed that Arabi fraudulently overpaid himself and others for the necessary operational costs. The EFCC has previously grilled Arabi for hours and released him on bail. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria Chairman and secretary are currently in custody and facing serious interrogations on the N90bn subsidy, among other allegations.

The Nigerian Navy has announced a major reshuffle involving the appointment and redeployment of 65 Rear Admirals, approved by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas. This extensive reorganization, confirmed in a statement by Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, affects officers across Naval Headquarters, Defence Headquarters, naval commands, and various institutions and subsidiaries. The move follows Abbas’s recent assumption of office as the 23rd indigenous Chief of the Naval Staff after President Bola Tinubu’s overhaul of the military leadership. Among the key appointments, Rear Admiral Suleiman Abdullahi becomes Chief of Logistics, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed is named Commandant of the National Defence College, and Rear Admiral Musa Katagum assumes the role of Chief of Operations. Others include Rear Admiral Abdul-Rasheed Haruna as Chief of Training and Rear Admiral Hamza Ibrahim as Group Managing Director of Navy Holdings Limited. The redeployments aim to enhance operational effectiveness, strengthen leadership across commands, and promote efficiency within the Nigerian Navy. All postings take immediate effect.

Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to Nyesom Wike, accused Dele Momodu of supporting Atiku Abubakar for financial gain. Olayinka labeled Momodu a "fairweather friend" and asserted that his loyalty would wane without financial support from Atiku. In response to Momodu's claims that Wike was responsible for Peter Obi's departure from the PDP, Olayinka dismissed this as unfounded, asserting that such statements come from a lack of understanding. Olayinka criticized Atiku as a divisive force in the PDP, alleging his historical sabotage of the party’s ambitions since 2003. He pointed out the contradictions in Atiku's supposed support for a South-East presidential candidate while already pursuing his own presidential ambitions. Olayinka highlighted the exodus of key PDP figures, including Senator Gbenga Daniel and Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, as indicators of internal issues within the party due to Atiku's leadership. He questioned whether Wike was responsible for these departures, suggesting that their exits indicate Atiku’s self-serving nature. Attempts to obtain comments from Atiku's spokesperson and Dele Momodu were unsuccessful, as calls and messages went unanswered.

Former military generals have condemned a recent confrontation between Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and naval officer A. Yerima over disputed land ownership, arguing it undermines military respect and the chain of command. Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru stated that the ministry is investigating the incident and praised Yerima's conduct during the clash. General Tukur Buratai called for Wike to apologize, emphasizing that the minister’s public reprimand of a military officer threatens national security and discipline. Other retired generals highlighted the importance of proper channels for addressing such disputes, cautioning that public confrontations could damage military morale. Wike’s aide defended his actions as a response to a land scam, alleging that the former Chief of Naval Staff illegally partitioned land designated for park use into private ownership without proper approvals. The aide argued that the former naval chief was misled and should address the scam rather than seek military intervention.