Kano – Nigerian military troops on Thursday night successfully repelled a bandits’ attack on Yankwada, Babanduhu, and other villages in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State.
Security sources confirmed that the troops engaged the heavily armed bandits, who stormed the communities on motorcycles, in a fierce gun duel that lasted several hours.
Revenge Mission
Chairman of the Shanono/Bagwai Community Security Forum, Alhaji Yahya Bagobiri, said the attackers came on a revenge mission after losing nine of their fighters to military firepower last week.
Bagobiri explained that the bandits, riding over 50 motorcycles with three persons each and armed with bazookas and other weapons of war, raided the villages between 1 a.m. Thursday and 5 a.m. Friday.
“The bandits were dislodged by the military’s tactical fighting despite the fact that they came with heavy arms,” Bagobiri said, commending the troops for standing firm against “the enemy of the state.”
He urged the Federal Government to further equip the military with sophisticated weapons to strengthen their capacity in combating insurgency and banditry.
Military Confirms No Casualties
Commenting on the incident, Major Babatunde Zubairu, Public Relations Officer of the 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, confirmed that there were no casualties recorded among civilians or military personnel.
“There was no casualty on the part of the military, or the civilian, and no cow was rustled,” Zubairu stated.
The successful operation has restored calm to the affected villages, with residents praising the military for their swift response.
A Kano State High Court has affirmed the appointment of Hon. Abdullahi Zubairu Abiya as Acting State Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano State, while upholding the suspension of former chairman Hashimu Sulaiman Dungurawa.
In its ruling, the court restrained Dungurawa from interfering in the affairs of the party pending the determination of a substantive suit filed against him by the Dawakin Tofa Local Government Executive Committee of the NNPP. The case has been fixed for hearing on January 19.
The decision followed an application challenging Dungurawa’s continued claim to the chairmanship despite his suspension by the party’s State Executive Committee. Dungurawa is reportedly aligned with NNPP’s national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Party Confirms Abiya’s Appointment
Meanwhile, the Kano State Executive Committee of the NNPP, during an emergency meeting at the party’s secretariat, formally confirmed Abiya’s appointment as Acting State Chairman. The committee explained that the move was necessitated by Dungurawa’s removal from office.
Court Orders Status Quo
The court directed all parties to maintain the status quo, warning Dungurawa against parading himself as chairman or taking any action capable of disrupting the party’s activities in the state until the suit is resolved.
Lafia, Nasarawa State – Governor Abdullahi Sule has confirmed that arrests have been made in connection with the December 31, 2025 attack on Akunza-Ashege community in Lafia Local Government Area, which left four people dead and several others injured.
Speaking at a bi-monthly press conference in Lafia, the governor, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Mr. Peter Ahemba, said security agencies acted swiftly to restore peace in the affected community.
Background of the Attack
On December 31, masked men invaded Ashege community around 8 a.m. during a traditional wedding ceremony, opening fire and killing four persons while leaving many others severely injured. The incident threw the community into mourning and heightened security concerns across the state.
Government’s Response
Mr. Ahemba explained that upon receiving news of the attack, the governor immediately mobilised the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to the scene.
“Security personnel have taken charge and normalcy has been restored. A number of arrests have been made and more suspects are still being hunted,” Ahemba said.
He added that the government is putting modalities in place to ensure lasting peace in the area and across Nasarawa State.
Zoning Debate
Addressing questions on the ongoing debate over zoning of the governorship seat in the state, Ahemba clarified that Governor Sule is currently consulting with stakeholders to determine the best approach.
“No decision has been taken yet on whether the seat should be zoned to the South, North, or Western zone. Stakeholders are consulting, and at the appropriate time, the party will make its position clear,” he said.
Assurance of Peace
Governor Sule reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to security and stability, assuring residents that the government will continue to work closely with security agencies to protect lives and property.
Abuja – Allegations of a ₦300 million bribe have split the ranks of a group planning a protest against Nigeria’s new tax laws scheduled for January 20, 2026.
A faction within the movement accused its leadership of plotting to use the protest as a cover to ignite unrest, calling on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the bribery claims.
Faction Moves to Cancel Protest
The dissenting faction announced its withdrawal from the planned demonstration, alleging that the protest was being sponsored by the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) to destabilize the country.
Leader of the faction, Mustapha Abudulahi, in a statement, urged security agencies to arrest the head of the January 20 protest to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
“We have broken away from the group planning to stage a protest against the Tax Reforms laws on January 20, 2026 following the commencement of their implementation on January 1, 2026. Our decision is based on serious concerns,” Abudulahi said.
Allegations of Bribery and Political Sponsorship
Abudulahi alleged that some members of the group had collected a ₦300 million bribe, insisting that the EFCC must investigate the matter. He further claimed that the protest leadership was being influenced and sponsored by the ADC with the aim of causing public disorder and pushing for regime change.
“We have it on good authority that the ADC, having faced the reality of making no significant impact in the 2027 general election, sees this as an opportunity to create anarchy which could possibly lead to regime change,” he stated.
Call for Responsible Civic Action
The faction explained that it initially supported the protest when the intention was to urge government reconsideration of the tax reforms, given the economic hardship facing Nigerians. However, it said the movement had now been hijacked for financial and political gain.
“Our withdrawal from the protest is a call for unity, maturity and patriotism. Nigeria’s economic recovery requires collective sacrifice and responsible civic action,” Abudulahi added.
The group reiterated its appeal to the EFCC and security agencies to investigate and prosecute those allegedly involved in bribery and plans to incite violence.
Residents of Ipele community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State are still reeling from the New Year’s Eve terrorist attack that left the Divisional Police Station razed. In response, the Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Olowo of Owo Kingdom, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, has expressed deep concern and sympathy with the people.
In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Sam Adewale, the monarch condemned the attack, describing it as a deliberate attempt to disrupt peace and dampen the joy of the yuletide season.
“The attack was clearly aimed at disrupting the peace and to spoil the joy of the yuletide season, a period meant for thanksgiving, love and unity among the people,” the statement read.
Oba Ogunoye, however, thanked God that no lives were lost, stressing that the preservation of lives remains paramount despite the destruction recorded.
Solidarity and Security Appeal
The Olowo commiserated with the Olupele of Ipele, the Nigeria Police Force, and the entire Ipele community, assuring them of his total support and solidarity during this difficult time. He urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, while also being vigilant and proactive in reporting suspicious movements or unfamiliar faces to security agencies.
“Community cooperation with security agencies is critical to safeguarding lives and property. Collective responsibility remains the strongest weapon against crime and criminality,” he emphasized.
Prayer for Protection
The monarch prayed for divine protection over the people, security personnel, and the land, expressing confidence that with unity, vigilance, cooperation with security agencies, and God’s help, peace would continue to reign across Owo Local Government Area and Ondo State at large.
Abuja – The National Working Committee (NWC) of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) on Friday announced the dissolution of its Executive Committees at the state, local government, and ward levels in Kano State.
The decision, taken at an emergency meeting of the NWC, was said to be in line with the provisions of the NNPP constitution.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bamofin Ladipo Johnson, the NWC explained that caretaker committees would be appointed to oversee the structures in the interim, with further directives to be communicated in due course.
“The NWC resolved to appoint caretaker committees to act in the interim. Further instructions will be announced in due course,” Johnson stated.
The party expressed appreciation to all outgoing officials for their service and contributions to the NNPP in Kano State.
“The NWC accordingly thanked all those who held positions at state, local government, and ward structures of the party in Kano State and assured them of the party’s appreciation for their invaluable contributions,” the statement added.
The African Centre for Justice and Human Rights (ACJHR) has described the successful implementation of Nigeria’s new tax reform bills as one of the nation’s greatest economic achievements in recent history.
In a statement issued by its Director of Policy and Strategy, Iloabuchi Mirabel Chinenye, the organisation commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Zacch Adedeji, for what it called bold leadership and strategic commitment to fixing Nigeria’s long-standing fiscal challenges.
Shift to Transparency and Growth
According to ACJHR, the reforms mark a decisive departure from an inefficient, leak-prone tax system to a transparent, growth-driven framework capable of repositioning the Nigerian economy. For decades, weak revenue mobilisation, tax evasion, multiple taxation, and overdependence on oil revenues had hindered economic development.
The Centre said the new regime directly confronts these problems by widening the tax net, improving compliance, and ensuring fairness without placing undue burden on ordinary Nigerians.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has once again demonstrated uncommon political will by driving a reform that previous administrations avoided,” the statement read.
Praise for Adedeji’s Leadership
ACJHR particularly lauded Zacch Adedeji for what it described as “exceptional technocratic leadership” at FIRS, noting that his role in translating policy into effective implementation has been critical to the early success of the reforms.
“Under the leadership of Mr. Zacch Adedeji, the FIRS has shown professionalism, transparency, and efficiency. The clarity in implementation and engagement with stakeholders has helped build confidence in the new tax framework,” the group stated.
Long-Term Benefits
The Centre emphasized that the reforms will deliver far-reaching benefits, including increased government revenue for infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social welfare. It added that the measures would also boost investor confidence and strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal sovereignty.
Calling on Nigerians to exercise patience, ACJHR stressed that short-term adjustments are necessary to achieve long-term stability and prosperity.
“No great economy is built without sacrifice. Nigerians must see this reform not as a burden, but as a collective investment in a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous nation,” the statement added.
Call for Transparency
The group urged relevant government agencies to sustain transparency, accountability, and public sensitisation to ensure that the gains of the tax reforms are fully realised and equitably distributed.
Port Harcourt – A major realignment shook Rivers State politics on Friday as Dr. Nname Ewor, factional Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former loyalist of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, formally dissolved his faction into the Aaron Chukwemeka-led caretaker committee backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike.
Ewor announced the collapse of his faction during Wike’s “thank you” visit to Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni (ONELGA) Local Government Area, declaring an end to factionalisation within the PDP in Rivers State.
“Today, I am handing over the chairmanship and leadership of my faction to the Aaron Chukwemeka-led caretaker committee. PDP is no longer factionalised in Rivers. PDP is under one chairman and one leadership, and that leadership is the leadership of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike,” Ewor said.
Ewor’s Defection and Criticism of Fubara
Explaining his decision, Ewor accused Governor Fubara of being untrustworthy, particularly in handling efforts to resolve the lingering political crisis in the state.
“The President mediated twice. If the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria mediated twice and agreements were not kept, that means you cannot be trusted. Can such a leader be trusted? We can’t trust him,” he declared.
Ewor also dismissed claims by Fubara that Wike had been intimidating or frustrating his administration, insisting that the former Rivers governor had done nothing to undermine his successor.
ONELGA Leaders Laud Wike
Earlier, ONELGA Chairman, Mr. Chukwu Ogbogu, praised Wike for his developmental interventions in the area during his tenure as governor. He noted that many indigenes of ONELGA benefited from appointments at both state and federal levels under Wike’s leadership.
“I cannot thank you enough for this and many other things you have done for us,” Ogbogu said, assuring the minister of continued loyalty and support.
Mrs. Nkemjika Ezekwe, representing ONELGA II State Constituency, described Wike as a strong advocate of women empowerment, noting that he gave Rivers women a voice and financial independence.
Similarly, Brother Felix Obuah, Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, hailed Wike as a “divine project,” crediting him with building bridges across Rivers State and shaping his political journey.
Wike’s Response
In his remarks, Wike commended the people of ONELGA for their unity and strength, describing the local government as a stronghold of his supporters. He emphasized that Rivers people were united in support of President Bola Tinubu, irrespective of party affiliation.
“We are not talking about party politics in Rivers. We are talking about the Renewed Hope family for Tinubu, and we will do all we can to give him the needed support,” Wike said.
The Oyo State Government has disclosed that the N30 billion released by the Federal Government as part of the intervention fund approved for the January 16, 2024 Bodija explosion in Ibadan has remained untouched, nearly two years after the incident.
The state government also revealed that the Federal Government is yet to release the outstanding N20 billion balance from the N50 billion approved to support the reconstruction of Old Bodija and its environs.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, the government said the N30 billion is still intact in the Oyo State Government Infrastructure Support Account domiciled with FirstBank of Nigeria.
According to the statement, Governor Seyi Makinde formally wrote to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on January 19, 2024, requesting federal intervention following the devastating explosion. The governor reportedly outlined immediate actions taken by the state, including search-and-rescue operations, medical treatment for victims at the state’s expense, provision of accommodation for displaced residents, and deployment of emergency services.
The statement said the state estimated the total cost of intervention at N100 billion but received presidential approval for N50 billion, specifically for the reconstruction of Old Bodija and surrounding areas. Of this amount, only N30 billion was released by the Federal Government through the Central Bank of Nigeria on November 4, 2024.
“As of Thursday, December 31, 2025, the N30 billion remains untouched in the Oyo State infrastructure account. Interested members of the public may verify this with the bank,” the statement said.
The government explained that it deliberately refrained from accessing the funds because the remaining N20 billion has been withheld by relevant federal agencies without official explanation.
“Given the recent controversies surrounding the approval and release of the funds, the Oyo State Government is convinced of the wisdom of its decision to ‘wait and see’ before utilising the N30 billion already released,” the statement added.
The government maintained that despite delays in federal intervention, it acted swiftly after the explosion, spending N24.6 billion from its own resources on emergency response, infrastructure reconstruction and compensation to victims.
The breakdown, according to the statement, includes N20.141 billion spent on reconstructing infrastructure in Bodija and adjoining areas, and N4.085 billion paid as support and compensation to affected victims.
The state government further noted that intervention funds are treated as capital grants and are subject to standard budgeting processes, explaining why the receipt of the N30 billion was not publicly announced earlier.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, the Oyo State Government urged residents to disregard what it described as attempts by “desperate political actors” to exploit the tragedy for personal or political gain.
Governor Makinde, the statement said, remains committed to serving the people of Oyo State faithfully and ensuring that all approved funds are properly accounted for and utilised in the best interest of victims and the state at large.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by its National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, has disowned reports that former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, has defected to and registered as a member of the party in Enugu State.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, Gombe said the clarification became necessary following what he described as misleading information circulating in the public domain regarding the ADC’s membership registration process.
He stressed that the ADC is founded on the principles of order, discipline and strict adherence to its constitution, noting that the party’s registration procedure is clearly defined and leaves no room for ambiguity.
“The party distances itself from reports claiming that a certain Mr. Peter Obi was registered at the party’s zonal office in Enugu,” Gombe said, adding that such action contravenes the ADC’s constitution and established procedures.
According to him, “It has come to our attention that a certain Mr. Peter Obi was reportedly registered at a party zonal office in Enugu. The National Working Committee categorically states that this action does not align with the constitutional and stipulated procedures for membership registration into the African Democratic Congress.”
Gombe explained that membership of the ADC begins strictly at the ward level, which is the only constitutionally recognised point of entry into the party.
“The process of registering with the ADC is clearly outlined: prospective members must register at their respective ward levels within their state of origin or residence; complete official party forms with required documentation; and, upon successful registration, be issued a validated membership card,” he said.
While reaffirming the party’s openness to all Nigerians, the ADC chairman emphasised that such inclusiveness must be exercised strictly within the framework of the party’s laws and regulations.
He added that the ADC constitution does not recognise registration at zonal or national offices outside a member’s designated ward, stressing that any such registration is irregular and invalid.
“Therefore, the Office of the National Chairman distances the constitutionally governed ADC from the reported registration of Mr. Peter Obi at the Enugu zonal office. The party is investigating this breach of due process,” Gombe stated.
The ADC leadership urged prospective members, supporters and the general public to disregard claims suggesting alternative channels for party registration, reiterating that ward-level registration remains the only valid and recognised method.
“The ADC remains committed to providing a robust and credible platform for all Nigerians, but insists on operating strictly within the ambit of its constitution and regulations,” the statement concluded.
