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Europe Leads Historic €15.5 Billion Clean Energy Investment for Africa

By
Ola Akinola
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ABUJA – A major international campaign co-chaired by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has successfully mobilized €15.5 billion to accelerate Africa’s transition to clean energy, officials announced on Sunday.

The initiative, organized in partnership with advocacy group Global Citizen and supported by policy guidance from the International Energy Agency, aims to drive both public and private investment in renewable energy across the continent. The funding will expand electricity access to millions of households and support sustainable economic growth through decarbonized industrialization.

The European Union spearheaded the financing effort, contributing over €15.1 billion of the total amount. President von der Leyen announced a Team Europe pledge exceeding €10 billion, complemented by substantial bilateral contributions from European financial institutions, member states, and their development finance institutions, along with estimated private investment.

“Today, the world has stepped up for Africa,” declared President von der Leyen. “With €15.5 billion, we are turbocharging Africa’s clean-energy transition. Millions more people could gain access to electricity; real, life-changing power for families, for businesses, for entire communities.”

The comprehensive funding package includes significant bilateral commitments from Italy (€2.4 billion), Germany (over €2 billion), and the Netherlands (€250 million), among other European nations. Major European financial institutions are also contributing substantially, with the European Investment Bank pledging €2.1 billion and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development committing €740 million.

Beyond the direct financial pledges, the campaign secured additional commitments expected to generate 26.8 gigawatts of renewable energy and provide renewable electricity to 17.5 million households currently lacking reliable access.

The African Development Bank has pledged to allocate at least 20% of its African Development Fund’s 17th replenishment to renewable energy projects, while Norway committed approximately €53 million through its contribution to the same fund for 2026-2028.

President von der Leyen emphasized the broader significance of the investment, describing it as “a surge of opportunity: thriving markets, new jobs, and reliable, clean energy that meets the needs of partners across the globe.”

The announcement represents a significant step in global efforts to transition from fossil fuels to sustainable energy sources while addressing Africa’s critical energy access challenges.

Follow NewsFocus for continuing coverage of global energy initiatives and development projects.

Bauchi Orders Statewide School Closure Amid Rising Security Fears

By
Toyin Adebayo
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BAUCHI – The Bauchi State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all schools across the state, including federal and private institutions, in a decisive move to protect students and staff from escalating security threats.

The directive, announced late Sunday, affects primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions and follows a wave of recent school abductions in neighbouring Niger and Kebbi states.

In a statement issued by Jalaludeen Usman, Public Relations Officer of the State Ministry of Education, the government described the decision as “difficult but necessary,” citing “overwhelming security concerns” and the need to prevent “any unforeseen circumstances.”

“The protection of our children remains our highest moral responsibility,” the statement read. “Every student in Bauchi State deserves to learn in an environment that is safe, stable, and free of fear.”

The closure comes amid a sharp rise in kidnappings targeting educational institutions in northern Nigeria. Last week, more than 300 students and staff were abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State, one of the largest such incidents in recent years.

Authorities have urged parents and school proprietors to remain calm and assured the public that the state is working closely with security agencies to monitor the situation. Normal academic activities will resume “as soon as it is safe to do so,” the statement added.

Residents have also been encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, with the government emphasising: “If you see something, say something.”

The shutdown reflects growing regional anxiety over school safety as armed groups continue to target vulnerable communities. Several northern states, including Katsina and Zamfara, have taken similar measures in recent months.

DSS Nabs Notorious Bandit in Bauchi Village Raid, Seizes Cash and Ammunition

By
Ola Akinola
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0

BAUCHI – Operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a high-profile bandit during a surprise raid in Bojinji Village on the outskirts of Bauchi, seizing millions of naira in cash and a significant cache of ammunition.

Intelligence sources confirmed to NewsFocus that the suspect had relocated to Bauchi from Zamfara State, presenting himself as a victim fleeing conflict—a pattern authorities say is increasingly exploited by criminal elements to conceal their activities in the state.

The operation, conducted without prior warning, led to the apprehension of the individual, who had integrated into the local community with his family. According to security sources, the DSS had been monitoring the suspect’s financial transactions and movements before carrying out the raid.

Investigations revealed that the suspect maintained a conspicuously lavish lifestyle, frequently spending his days drinking at Unguwar Yelwan Angas and purchasing alcohol for others, which raised no initial suspicion among residents.

Security officials are urging increased public vigilance, emphasizing the importance of reporting individuals whose lifestyles appear inconsistent with their known sources of income. Such cooperation, they note, is essential in disrupting criminal networks and preventing further infiltration.

Authorities have confirmed that investigations are ongoing to uncover the full scope of the suspect’s operations and identify any potential accomplices within Bauchi State.

Tinubu Orders VIP Police Escorts Withdrawn

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Greenlights 30,000 New Officer Recruits to Bolster Community Security

ABUJA – President Bola Tinubu issued a directive Sunday for the immediate withdrawal of police officers assigned to Very Important Persons (VIPs) across Nigeria, redirecting them to frontline community policing amid escalating insecurity.

The order, announced by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, stems from a high-level security summit in Abuja attended by service chiefs—including Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu and Chief of Air Staff—along with Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and Department of State Services Director-General.

Tinubu, voicing alarm over sparse police coverage in rural and remote areas, emphasized redeploying these personnel to “core police duties” to enhance public safety and rebuild trust in law enforcement. “Many parts of Nigeria, especially remote areas, have few policemen at the stations, thus making the task of protecting and defending the people difficult,” Onanuga’s statement noted.

To amplify the Nigeria Police Force’s capacity, the President approved the recruitment of **30,000 additional officers**, with the federal government partnering states to modernize and expand training facilities nationwide. This infusion aims to address chronic manpower shortages and fortify grassroots security amid banditry, kidnappings, and insurgency threats.

The move signals a broader push under Tinubu’s administration to prioritize citizen protection over elite safeguards, potentially reshaping VIP security protocols—possibly shifting them to agencies like the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Analysts hail it as a pragmatic reform, though implementation challenges, including logistics and potential elite pushback, loom large.

As the directive takes effect, security experts urge swift execution to stem recent abductions, including those in Borno and Niger State, underscoring the urgency of Tinubu’s “I will not rest” vow to crush nationwide insecurity.

Troops Neutralize Seven Terrorists, Disrupt Supply Lines in North-East Offensive

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

MAIDUGURI – In a significant escalation of counter-terrorism operations, troops of the Nigerian Army have eliminated seven terrorists and disrupted key supply routes in coordinated ambushes across Borno State over the past 24 hours.

Military sources confirmed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Operation Hadin Kai forces intensified offensive actions against Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’adati wal-Jihad (JAS) elements, successfully targeting their mobility corridors and logistics networks.

According to operational reports, troops of 192 Battalion and hybrid forces ambushed terrorists in the Gwadale general area along the Pulka-Gwoza axis, neutralizing four combatants and forcing others to flee with gunshot wounds. The operation yielded a mobile phone containing a Cameroonian MTN SIM card, indicating cross-border communication links.

In a separate night operation, 152 Task Force Battalion eliminated two terrorists attempting to cross into Nigeria from Cameroon along the Banki-Kumshe route in Bama Local Government Area. Simultaneously, another terrorist was neutralized by 192 Battalion forces near Kwatarakasa village in Gwoza, with remaining fighters reportedly retreating toward the Mandara Mountains.

Further successes were recorded in Chibok Local Government Area, where troops of 117 Task Force Battalion recovered 91 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition after establishing ambush positions along terrorist withdrawal routes.

In a significant logistical disruption, Civilian Joint Task Force patrols along the Damasak-Kareto route uncovered a substantial cache of abandoned supplies, including blankets, engine oil, construction materials, baby items, tricycle rims, and a grinding machine engine—materials believed destined for ISWAP/JAS cells.

The military source confirmed that Operation Desert Sanity IV remains active, with troops maintaining dominance over key routes and continuing to deny terrorists freedom of movement across the North-East theater.

Follow NewsFocus for continuing coverage of security operations in the North-East.

13 Female Farmers Abducted in Borno, Deputy Speaker Confirms… Ndume, Askira Demand Urgent Rescue Operation

By
Saladin Babagana
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0

The Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdullahi Askira, has confirmed the abduction of 13 female farmers by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Askira-Uba Local Government Area.

The attack occurred on Saturday when the women, all from Huyim District, travelled to nearby Mussa District to jointly harvest their crops. Although both communities are in Askira-Uba LGA, residents of Huyim had relocated their farming activities to Mussa due to insecurity and poor accessibility in their home district.

Askira disclosed that one of the abducted women managed to escape and returned home on Sunday morning, but the remaining 12—mostly aged between 15 and 20—are still being held by their abductors at an unknown location.

Reacting to the development, both the Deputy Speaker and Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South) condemned the attack and urged security agencies to launch an intensified operation to ensure the safe rescue of the victims.

They further appealed to residents to remain vigilant and continue offering timely intelligence to security operatives, while also praying for the safe return of all persons held by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and bandits across the region.

The lawmakers reiterated their commitment to supporting efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in Borno State.

School Closures Are a Surrender to Terrorists, PDP Warns FG Amid Rising Kidnappings

By
Ola Akinola
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0

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has faulted the Federal Government’s response to the renewed wave of mass abductions in the North, warning that shutting down schools would amount to “a complete surrender to terrorists.”

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Sunday, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, said the recent kidnapping of 25 students in Kebbi State and 315 students and staff in Niger State reflects a disturbing escalation of insecurity under the Tinubu-led administration.

The opposition party accused the government of adopting a “lackadaisical and simplistic approach” by considering school closures instead of presenting a clear, coordinated security strategy.

“Under the APC-led Tinubu Administration, Nigerians have witnessed a spate of kidnappings in Northern Nigeria. Each incident leaves behind sorrow, fear and anguish,” the party said. “We warn that closing schools will amount to a complete surrender to terrorists whose aim is to halt children’s education. If schools are shut, the terrorists’ goal will have been achieved.”

The PDP insisted that what Nigeria needs is a comprehensive and intelligence-driven strategy to secure learning environments, not what it described as “quick-fix solutions for political optics.”

The party noted that shutting down schools would worsen Nigeria’s education crisis, especially in the North where, according to UNICEF, 18.3 million children are out of school.

“This data paints a grim picture,” Ememobong said. “A closure of schools will certainly exacerbate the already challenging educational situation in Northern Nigeria.”

The PDP also criticised what it described as the President’s “lacklustre and unempathetic response” to the crisis. Instead of visiting affected states, the party said, President Tinubu “merely directed the Minister of State for Defence to relocate to Kebbi.”

“A comparison of the high-level delegations sent to the US Congress and the G20 meeting with Matawalle’s lone deployment shows the levity with which the presidency treats this matter,” the party added.

The PDP urged the Federal Government to immediately fund and implement the National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools, which emphasises community intelligence and rapid-response systems.

“Insecurity in schools will be a major disincentive to education in the country,” the party warned.

The opposition reminded the government that the protection of lives and property remains its primary responsibility.

“At any time government is unwilling, unable, or incapable of executing this primary role, such a government must either ask for help—locally or internationally—or honourably resign,” the PDP said.

Over 8,000 FCTA Workers Begin CBT-Based Promotion Examinations This Week

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0


More than 8,000 civil servants under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) are expected to sit for promotion examinations this week, in what officials describe as a major step towards entrenching a digital-driven assessment system in the public service.

The computer-based tests (CBT), scheduled to run from Tuesday, November 25 to Saturday, November 29, 2025, will take place at the National Open University Study Centre along Kubwa Road, Abuja. The exercise covers no fewer than 165 cadres across the FCTA and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Emeka Ezeh, said yesterday that the examinations follow the approval of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who directed the Commission to expedite the conclusion of the 2024 promotion cycle.

Ezeh noted that this year’s process reinforces the administration’s shift towards digital testing, a model first introduced under Wike’s leadership.

“Recall that the FCT, under Barrister Nyesom Wike, blazed the trail as the first Commission in Nigeria to conduct its promotion examinations by CBT,” he said. “In August 2025, the Minister approved the promotion of 49 directors who had successfully scaled through the CBT assessment.”

He added that the expanded adoption of CBT would not only strengthen transparency and efficiency in the promotion process but also further align the FCTA with global best practices in public-sector human resource management.

Tinubu’s Swift Intervention Frees 38 Kidnap Victims in Kwara — Gov AbdulRazaq Hails President’s ‘Hands-On Leadership’

By
Uche Kingsley
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0


Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has announced the release of 38 abducted worshippers of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area, crediting their freedom to President Bola Tinubu’s swift and hands-on intervention.

The victims, kidnapped during an attack on the church, regained freedom on Sunday, November 23, following days of covert operations by security agencies.

Governor AbdulRazaq described the President’s role as decisive, saying the rescue was “wholly due to President Tinubu’s personal leadership and commitment to the safety of Nigerians.”

According to the Governor, President Tinubu cancelled his planned trip to the G20 Summit in South Africa to focus on the security breaches in Kwara and Kebbi States. He also ordered massive security reinforcement in Kwara, including the deployment of four additional tactical police teams.

“The President’s direct initiative made this possible. His leadership reassures our people that Nigeria is in safe hands,” AbdulRazaq said.

He extended appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the Nigeria Police Force for their coordinated efforts.

The Governor also thanked religious leaders, community influencers, and Kwarans for their support throughout the ordeal.

Obesere Attack: Okitipupa LGA Chairman Confirms Arrest of Three Suspects

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Akure, Ondo State – Local authorities in Okitipupa Local Government Area have arrested three suspects in connection with Friday’s violent assault on renowned Fuji musician Abass Akande, popularly known as Obesere, during a burial ceremony in Ondo State.

The chairman of Okitipupa LGA, Hon. Andrew Ogunsakin, disclosed the development in a statement on Sunday, vowing a thorough probe to prevent future disruptions. “We’ve arrested three suspects,” Ogunsakin said, emphasizing that the attack—perpetrated by a gang of known community thugs—does not reflect the values of the Ikale people. He pledged personal outreach to Obesere and his team to express regrets and ensure justice.

The incident unfolded at the Government Field in Okitipupa on November 21, as Obesere and his band wrapped up their performance. Eyewitnesses, including attendee Bosede Akinyemi, described a chaotic scene where over a dozen assailants swarmed the stage, demanding “settlements” and escalating to physical blows when unmet. The thugs destroyed musical equipment worth millions of naira, including speakers and microphones, and stabbed at least one band member in the melee.

Obesere, 60, recounted the ordeal in a Premium Times interview, revealing he was beaten, possibly stabbed while fleeing to his vehicle, and robbed of a bag containing cash intended as performer fees. “I sustained several blows and am in significant pain,” he said, urging security agencies for swift arrests and prosecutions. Despite offering money to de-escalate, the attack persisted, forcing guests to scatter in panic.

Ogunsakin condemned the “hooliganism” as “unfortunate and unacceptable,” promising community-wide measures to restore harmony. “We are looking into the matter thoroughly to ensure such an incident does not repeat itself,” he added.

The assault has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with fans and industry peers decrying the erosion of cultural events by thuggery. As investigations continue, Obesere’s team is assessing damages, while calls mount for enhanced security at public gatherings in the region.

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