An explosion has been reported around Yidi Road in Offa, a major town in Kwara State, triggering a swift security response y the police, who have since cordoned off the area.
Details surrounding the incident remain sketchy, as information on possible casualties or the extent of damage has yet to be confirmed.
However, the Kwara State Police Command has assured residents that investigations are underway. Speaking to the media shortly after the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Ejire Toun-Adeyemi, said security operatives are actively working to ascertain the cause of the explosion.
“Discrete investigations are ongoing to reveal precisely what happened. Please be patient,” she said in a brief message.
Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the situation develops.
The House of Representatives has moved to address growing public concerns over the legislative process that led to the passage, presidential assent and gazetting of four key tax reform laws.
The issue emerged shortly after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assented to the bills transmitted by the National Assembly and the resulting Acts were published in the Federal Government Gazette. Lawmakers and policy analysts observed apparent discrepancies between the versions passed by the National Assembly and those reflected in the Gazette.
The matter gained prominence when a member of the House raised a Point of Order (Privileges) on the floor, drawing attention to provisions in the gazetted Acts that appeared inconsistent with the versions approved by both chambers. The lawmaker warned that any post-passage alteration, if established, would amount to a serious breach of legislative procedure and constitutional principles.
In response, the House leadership constituted a seven-member Ad Hoc Committee to investigate the legislative and administrative processes surrounding the Acts. The committee is working alongside relevant standing committees and the National Assembly Management to reconstruct the sequence of events and identify any procedural or administrative factors that may have contributed to the controversy.
In a statement issued by the House Spokesman and Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Rep. Akin Rotimi, the House explained that public debate has centred on the harmonisation of bills passed by the Senate and the House, the documents transmitted to the President for assent, and the versions ultimately gazetted. The Acts under review are the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025; Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025; Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025; and Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025.
The House assured Nigerians that the ongoing review is being conducted strictly within the constitutional and statutory framework governing the National Assembly. This includes a detailed examination of any procedural lapses, irregularities or external influences that may have occurred in the course of the process.
According to the statement, the review is being carried out in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Acts Authentication Act, Cap. A4, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, the Standing Orders of both chambers, and established parliamentary conventions.
For the purpose of accuracy and clarity, the leadership of the National Assembly, led by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, and the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, has directed the Clerk of the National Assembly to re-gazette the Acts and issue Certified True Copies of the versions duly passed by both chambers. The House stressed that this step is intended solely to validate and reflect the legislature’s decisions and does not in any way concede or imply a defect in its legislative authority.
The House further clarified that the review focuses strictly on institutional processes and is being conducted without prejudice to the powers of any arm or agency of government, and without affecting existing rights, obligations or legal proceedings arising under the Constitution or other applicable laws.
Reaffirming its commitment to constitutionalism, due process, separation of powers and the rule of law, the House urged members of the public to allow the review process to run its course without speculation. It assured Nigerians of its dedication to transparency, accountability and the faithful discharge of its constitutional responsibilities, adding that further updates would be provided as necessary.
The Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, has strongly condemned the suicide bombing at Al Adum Jummuat Mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, describing the attack as a “barbaric and inhumane” act against peace and humanity.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Umar Alkali Jibril, the minister stressed that peace remains the foundation of meaningful development worldwide, warning that acts of terror threaten national stability and critical sectors, including transportation infrastructure essential to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Alkali extended heartfelt condolences to the Borno State Government and the people of the state over the tragic incident, offering prayers for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and for the speedy recovery of the injured.
According to preliminary reports from the Borno State Police Command, five persons were killed in the explosion, while 35 others sustained injuries. The victims are currently receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and the State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri.
The attack, which occurred during Jummuat prayers on Wednesday, December 24, underscores the persistent security challenges in the North-East, where insurgents continue to target civilian locations despite ongoing military efforts to restore lasting peace.
While no group has claimed responsibility for the bombing, investigations are ongoing. The minister, through his media aide, reaffirmed the federal government’s resolve to protect lives, property and critical national infrastructure across the country.
ABUJA, December 26, 2025 — The Nigerian government has formally confirmed a deepening security alliance with the United States, revealing that structured intelligence cooperation has enabled precision airstrikes against terrorist positions in the country’s volatile North West region.
In an official statement released today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs detailed a partnership involving “the exchange of intelligence, strategic coordination, and other forms of support” conducted within strict adherence to international law, bilateral agreements, and respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.
A Coordinated Campaign Against Insurgency
The confirmation follows unverified reports and social media speculation about foreign military activity in the region, where groups affiliated with Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other militant factions have intensified attacks. The Ministry’s statement provides the first official Nigerian acknowledgment of the operational mechanics behind recent successful counter-terrorism strikes.
“All counter-terrorism efforts prioritize the protection of civilian lives, safeguarding national unity, and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity,” the statement read, addressing potential domestic concerns about foreign military involvement.
Rejecting Sectarian Narratives, Upholding National Unity
In a firm rebuke to narratives that frame Nigeria’s security crisis along religious lines, the Ministry condemned terrorist violence targeting any community. It described attacks on “Christians, Muslims, or others” as “a direct affront to Nigeria’s values and international peace and security.”
This aligns with consistent positions from President Bola Tinubu’s administration and independent conflict monitors, who assert that jihadist violence and farmer-herder clashes have claimed victims across all faiths, disproving claims of a religiously-motivated genocide.
Strategic Objectives and Sovereign Assurance
The Federal Government outlined the strategic goals of the international cooperation, which aim to:
· Weaken terrorist networks and disrupt their financing and logistics.
· Prevent cross-border security threats.
· Strengthen Nigeria’s own security institutions and intelligence capabilities.
Crucially, the statement emphasized that all cooperative actions are taken with full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty—a key point of national sensitivity. The government pledged to “continue engaging relevant partners and to keep the public informed of developments through official channels.”
This formal acknowledgment marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s security strategy, transitioning a previously discreet partnership into a publicly acknowledged component of its fight against terrorism, while carefully balancing the imperatives of effective action, civilian protection, and national sovereignty.
WASHINGTON/LAGOS, December 25, 2025 – U.S. military forces carried out targeted strikes against ISIS terrorist camps in Nigeria’s Sokoto State on Christmas Day, in a significant operation coordinated with Nigerian authorities, according to an official statement from U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM).
The operation, authorized by the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, marks a notable escalation in direct U.S. military action within Nigeria, a nation grappling with a complex web of jihadist insurgencies.
Strikes Target ISIS Strongholds in Northwest
AFRICOM confirmed the strikes were conducted against ISIS-affiliated terrorists operating in Sokoto State, located in Nigeria’s restive northwest region. While specific details about the nature of the strikes or the assets used were withheld for operational security, the command stated its initial assessment indicates “multiple ISIS terrorists were killed” in the camps.
General Dagvin Anderson, commander of U.S. Africa Command, framed the action as part of broader security cooperation. “U.S. Africa Command is working with Nigerian and regional partners to increase counterterrorism cooperation efforts related to on-going violence and threats against innocent lives,” Anderson said. “Our goal is to protect Americans and to disrupt violent extremist organizations wherever they are.”
Context: Deepening Security Cooperation and Regional Threats
The Christmas Day operation follows public acknowledgments from both Nigerian and U.S. officials about enhanced military collaboration. Last week, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated the country “remains engaged in structured security co-operation with international partners, including the United States of America,” which had already “led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West.”
This region has seen a surge in violence from militant groups, including factions of Boko Haram that have pledged allegiance to ISIS, forming the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The group has expanded its operations from its traditional stronghold in the northeast into northwestern states like Sokoto, Kaduna, and Niger, challenging both Nigerian security forces and rival jihadist factions.
Sovereignty and Strategy: A Delicate Balance
The direct involvement of U.S. forces on Nigerian soil touches on sensitive issues of national sovereignty. In recent comments, Daniel Bwala, an adviser to President Bola Tinubu, emphasized that while Nigeria welcomes international support, it remains a “sovereign” country and that any military action “should be carried out together.”
AFRICOM’s statement explicitly noted the strikes were conducted “in coordination with Nigerian authorities,” underscoring the partnered nature of the mission. This aligns with the Tinubu administration’s public commitment to work with international allies to address security challenges that “affect people across faiths and regions.”
U.S. Africa Command stated it will continue to assess the results of the operation and provide further information as appropriate. The command refrained from releasing specific operational details to maintain security for future missions.
The strikes represent a clear signal of the United States’ intent to take a more direct, kinetic role in counterterrorism efforts in West Africa, even as it operates through partnerships with national governments like Nigeria’s.
YOLA, ADAMAWA STATE, DECEMBER 23, 2025 – Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has granted a full pardon to Sunday Jackson, a farmer whose death sentence for killing a herdsman on his farm sparked years of national controversy and international calls for clemency. The pardon was announced on Tuesday as part of a Christmas and New Year clemency exercise.
Jackson, who had been incarcerated for over a decade and held at the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in Abuja, was among three inmates granted full pardons. Five others had the remainder of their prison sentences remitted.
A Case That Captivated a Nation
The case of Sunday Jackson became a flashpoint in Nigeria’s ongoing tensions between farmers and herders. Jackson was convicted and sentenced to death in 2019 after a violent confrontation on his farmland in which a herder was killed.
· Widespread Perception of Injustice: Rights groups, lawyers, and community leaders consistently argued that Jackson acted in self-defense, claiming the herder attacked him first. His conviction was seen by many as a symbol of the criminalization of farmers defending their livelihoods.
· International Advocacy: The case drew significant foreign attention. U.S. Congressman Riley M. Moore became a vocal advocate, pressing for Jackson’s release during congressional hearings and in meetings with senior Nigerian officials. In a statement praising the pardon, Congressman Moore said, “Sunday Jackson is free! After more than a decade in prison serving a death sentence for defending himself”.
The Governor’s Prerogative of Mercy
In the official statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, Governor Fintiri stated the pardon was exercised under his constitutional powers and followed the recommendations of the Adamawa State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
The governor cited the inmates’ “significant improvement in their behaviour and conduct” as the basis for the clemency. The official announcement focused on this rehabilitation, avoiding any commentary on the legal merits or facts of Jackson’s original case.
Mixed Reactions and a Call for Safety
The pardon has been met with widespread relief among Jackson’s supporters and farming communities, where his sentence was viewed as a grave injustice. However, it has also highlighted the deep societal divisions surrounding farmer-herder conflicts.
· U.S. Congressman’s View: Congressman Moore framed the pardon as “a positive development” in U.S.-Nigeria relations, demonstrating the Nigerian government’s willingness to engage on human rights and security concerns. He also called on Nigerian authorities to “ensure Sunday’s safety during and following his release”.
· Counter-Narrative on Social Media: On social media, alternative narratives emerged. One widely shared Facebook post contested the self-defense claim, arguing the case was “twisted” by international Christian groups to influence foreign policy and questioning why foreign intervention was sought in a Nigerian judicial matter.
Full List of Beneficiaries
The Christmas clemency benefited a total of eight individuals:
Granted Full Pardon:
· Sunday Jackson: Previously at Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre, Abuja.
· Joseph Eugene: Previously at Medium Security Custodial Centre, Yola.
· Maxwell Ibrahim: Previously at Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kaduna.
Granted Full Remission of Remaining Sentence:
· Joshua James Audo
· Adamu Ibrahim
· Mohammed Abubakar
· Ibrahim Usman
· Saidu Abubakar
(These five were serving their terms at the Medium Security Custodial Centres in Numan and Jada, Adamawa State).
With this pardon, Sunday Jackson’s long legal battle concludes not through a judicial reversal, but through an executive act of mercy, closing a chapter that had become a potent symbol of Nigeria’s complex security and ethnic tensions.
FCT High Court Grants Ex-AGF Malami Bail in EFCC Case
ABUJA, DECEMBER 23, 2025 – The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has granted an application for interim bail to a former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, in a matter involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Presiding Judge, Hon. Justice Bello Kawu, delivered the ruling on Tuesday, approving the bail on grounds of “exceptional hardship.”
Bail Conditions Remain Unchanged
The court order stipulates that bail is granted on the same terms earlier considered by the EFCC. Key conditions include:
· The surrender of Malami’s international passport.
· The provision of two sureties.
The approved sureties are the Director-General of the Nigerian Legal Aid Council and a serving member of the House of Representatives representing the Augie/Argungu Federal Constituency.
The court reviewed and formally reactivated these conditions, which were originally set in a bail order dated November 28, 2025, and had already been fulfilled by the former minister.
Adjournment and Next Steps
The matter has been adjourned to January 5, 2026, for the hearing of the substantive Motion on Notice. The interim bail is to remain in effect pending the hearing and determination of that motion.
The court order was issued under the official seal of the High Court and signed by the Registrar, Hadiza Sambo Gwandu.
LAGOS – The Federal Government’s 50% nationwide discount on train fares has triggered a massive surge in passenger traffic, with major railway corridors recording near-full capacity on the first day of the Yuletide initiative.
The discounted travel, which commenced on Tuesday, is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to ease transportation costs for Nigerians travelling home for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Significant Surge Across Key Routes
Early findings at major train stations revealed a significant increase in passenger turnout. Key standard gauge corridors, including the busy Lagos–Ibadan and Abhdad–Kaduna routes, as well as several narrow gauge services, reported heavy traffic with many trains operating at or near full capacity.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) confirmed that advance bookings and early ticket purchases indicated a strong public response to the initiative, which offers a 50% fare reduction throughout the festive season.
Passengers Hail Timely Economic Relief
Passengers at various stations commended the policy, describing it as a much-needed economic relief during the peak travel period.
“It is a very timely intervention,” said one traveller at the Lagos station. “The cost of traveling home for Christmas has been a huge burden for my family. This 50% cut makes it possible for us to reunite with our loved ones without financial strain.”
Similar sentiments were echoed by group travellers and families, who highlighted the savings as a critical factor enabling their festive journeys.
NRC Assures Safe, Efficient Operations
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, assured the public of the corporation’s preparedness to manage the increased demand.
“We are fully ready to deliver safe, efficient, and customer-focused services throughout the Yuletide season,” Dr. Opeifa stated. He confirmed that both standard gauge and narrow gauge services are fully operational, with enhanced security, safety, and customer service measures deployed across all stations and onboard trains to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Travel Guidelines and Ticket Purchase
To facilitate the increased traffic, the NRC has advised passengers to adhere to the following guidelines:
· Standard Gauge Routes: Passengers are to continue using NRC-approved online ticketing platforms for bookings.
· Narrow Gauge Services: Tickets can be purchased at designated railway stations.
The Corporation has reaffirmed its commitment to seamless festive operations and urged all travellers to cooperate with railway officials and comply with travel guidelines to ensure hitch-free journeys during the discount period.
The initiative underscores the government’s push to promote rail transport as a safe, reliable, and affordable alternative for mass mobility, particularly during peak travel seasons.
PORT HARCOURT – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has accepted the resignation of Edison Ehie, the former lawmaker for Ahoada East Constituency II in the Rivers State House of Assembly, and announced a bye-election to fill the vacant seat.
Ehie, before resigning from the Rivers State House of Assembly in December 2023, served as the factional Speaker of a five-member assembly aligned with Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
After his resignation, Governor Fubara appointed him as Chief of Staff, a position he held until President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suspended the state’s executive and legislative arms on March 18, 2025.
In October 2025, INEC rejected Ohie’s resignation, maintaining that it would not conduct a bye-election to replace him and another lawmaker who had died, representing Khana Constituency II.
However, after an extraordinary meeting on Monday, December 22, 2025, the commission scheduled bye-elections for Ahoada East Constituency II and Khana Constituency II for February 21, 2026.
INEC also reviewed preparations for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, which are slated for the same date.
Section 116 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) authorises INEC to conduct bye-elections to fill vacant seats in state assemblies.
The schedule shows that the Notice of Election will be issued on January 22, 2026, followed by party primaries, dispute resolution, and public campaigns by parties and candidates from January 23 to 27, 2026. The bye-elections is set to take place on February 21, 2026.
Abia state governor, Alex Otti has been accused of plotting against the functionality of Local Government Autonomy.
An Abia state chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Paul Ikonne, who stated this on Tuesday, added that Governor Otti is one of the governors prominently disobeying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive on the functionality of Local Government Administrators in Nigeria.
Ikonne specifically accused the Abia state governor of “trying to amend, and find a way to create new laws in the state that will empower him to continue using the Local Government funds at will.”
The President at the recent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the APC lamented the refusal by the governors to obey the Supreme Court judgement on the Local Government Autonomy.
President Tinubu, however, threatened the state governors with an executive order, saying “I have the knife and I have the yam.”
Speaking on the development during an interview on Television Continental (TVC) popular programme “Politics Tonight’, Ikonne, who is the immidiate past Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), said unlike Abia state, Local Government Areas in Lagos state are executing projects.
He said: “In Lagos state, you see local government building health centers, building schools. They are also council elected chairmen and councillors. So, the issue of knowing them may not be the issue, but the governor who should know that local government is another tier of government that is closer to the people, closer to the farmers, closer to the less privileged, closer to the widows, closer to the disabled people.
“But in some other states, like in Abia state for example, the governor of Abia state is trying to amend the laws, and find a way to create new laws that will empower him to continue using the local government funds at will, at his pleasure.”
According to Ikonne, local government is an arm of government that ought not to be played with, adding, “you can see how passionate Mr. President is in trying to drive the point that governors should let local government handle their funds and implement projects that will impact positively the lives of people. You know, it was really great and interesting to see Mr. President address that issue because it was looking like the President was not prepared to confront these powerful governors who are also key political allies.”
While commending President Tinubu for demonstrating sincerity, Ikonne added that “anybody playing politics with Mr. President’s statement is being misleading. If the President doesn’t speak to his party members, the governors that are within his party, who will he speak to? How well does this expose a deeper crisis of constitutional obedience among governors? It’s really a challenge.
The APC chieftain said: “In Enugu state, local governments are building schools, building hospitals. Lagos State is an example also. Lagos State local government council chairmen are also implementing projects. But there are states that are not. Where I come from, we must have to look at it from both sides to understand the weight of not allowing local government to have the autonomy.
“Abia state local government, 17 local governments receive an average of 7 to 8 billion Naira every month. Now, people are crying that there are hardships out there as a result of subsidy removal. But the President makes sure that money goes back to the local government. Money that would have cushioned the effect if these funds are properly utilized. If facilities are provided in the state at the local government level. If infrastructures are in place, hospitals, schools are put in place by the local government authorities. But they don’t see their funds.
“My local government, for example, receives an average of 400 to 500 million every month but the local government chairman gets 8 million naira only from the government.”
Ikonne challenged the Alex Otti-led administion to come out openly and tell Nigerians how he has utilized Local Government funds in the state.
He said: “One would have imagined that being a Labour Party, that they would have used this as an example to show what they would do. But unfortunately, if you get to Abia state, you find out why Abians, Nigerians in general, will not let anything Labour come up again. Because the party in power in Abia state have ruined the local government system, in the sense that you cannot lay hands on any single project executed by the local government authority.
Ikonne expressed confidence that APC governors who are yet to adhere to President Tinubu’s directive will take a cue after last week APC NEC meeting, adding that none of them will disobey the President.
“But I’m very optimistic that none of them (Governors) will disobey the president.”
While responding to a question on accusations that the APC is using federal might to force opposition governors into APC, Ikonne said said, “there are rumours that the man in Abia, Alex Otti wants to join APC. Has he been coaxed?
“So if he’s running around, clear indication some of them want to go back to the office. So they see that APC is taking control. In Abia today, 95% of PDP structure have collapsed into APC. So why wouldn’t the governor start running from pillar to post? Because he knows that nobody…, the APC has the population to vote and win elections.”
