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 NIGERIAN ARMY POUNDS TERRORIST IN NATIONWIDE OFFENSIVE, NEUTRALIZES  47 The Nigerian Army has recorded major operational successes across several theatres of operation within the last 72 hours, neutralising 47 terrorists, arresting 19 criminal suspects, rescuing over 30 kidnapped victims and recovering a cache of arms, ammunition and other logistics. These coordinated land and air operations underscore the Nigerian Army’s sustained offensive against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements threatening national security. In the North West and North Central regions, troops conducted aggressive ground operations based on credible intelligence. In Sokoto State, troops from forward operating bases in Binji and Tangaza Local Government Areas (LGAs) neutralised three Lakurawa terrorists during successful ambushes, recovering one AK-47 rifle, a motorcycle, communication radios, mobile phones and  other items. Similarly, in Niger State, troops engaged armed te...

 PRESS RELEASE  TROOPS APPREHEND SUSPECTED SUICIDE BOMBER, INTERCEPT IED MATERIALS IN BORNO The Joint Task Force North East (JTF NE), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has recorded a significant operational success with the arrest of a suspected suicide bomber and the interception of materials intended for the manufacture of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Borno State. The arrests followed sustained joint operations and credible intelligence gathering aimed at securing Banki town in Bama Local Government Area, conducted by troops of 152 Task Force Battalion, in collaboration with other security agencies. At about 1740 hours on Monday, 29 December 2025, personnel deployed at the Banki Central Mosque apprehended a suspected suicide bomber identified as Abubakar Mustapha. The suspect was found in possession of primed IED components, indicating imminent intent to carry out an attack. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect hails from Bama Local Government Area and wa...

Fire at Bolade Arena Market Lagos Another fire incident occurred in Lagos, this time at Arena Market, Bolade, Oshodi. The fire, which broke out on Tuesday, affected a section of the market made up of five 40-foot container shops arranged in two rows, totaling ten shops. The affected shops were mainly used for the storage and sale of clothing materials kept in bales. The fire was contained from spreading to other parts of the market. In a statement signed by Margaret Adeseye, Controller General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the agency assured the public that the situation is fully under control, with no threat to lives or surrounding property. An investigation into the cause of the fire will be carried out, and further updates provided. Watch video below. 

 Rivers Head of Service Praises Gov. Fubara for Approving Christmas Bonus for Workers and Pensioners The Head of Service, Rivers State, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi  Brown on behalf of the workforce and pensioners, formally thanks His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, for approving and paying a Christmas bonus of ₦100,000.00 to all Rivers State Government employees and pensioners. The gesture underscores the Governor’s unmatched benevolence, people-centred leadership, and humane disposition toward workers and senior citizens. Coming amid prevailing economic realities, the timely intervention will ease financial pressures and enhance the wellbeing of beneficiaries during the festive season. The workforce and pensioners express renewed morale and reaffirm their commitment to supporting the Governor’s development-driven agenda for Rivers State.

 Oba Of Benin First Son, Ezelekhae Cries Out Over the last few weeks I've received an alarming amount of messages about the welfare of my mother. I really appreciate your concern but rest assured she is being cared for. Before the year ends, I choose to address this simply because I wouldn't allow false narratives about why my mother isn't in the palace. I want to make it very clear; my mother did nothing wrong. 6 months ago my youngest brother allegedly badged into the palace wanting to see his father; our father wasn't happy with his approach as a result my mother was told to leave the palace. Our Dear Father, Domo, I will like to use this medium to plead on behalf of your senior children you wouldn't see. Your second son, your third son and your second daughter: Please, whatever our Father said they all did wrong please forgive and forget. Time is precious. We want togetherness not division. As for me, my own Father intentionally chose to compose a speech and tal...

 Backlash over US removal of Black soldiers' panels at WWII cemetery in the Netherlands Visitors to a US military cemetery in the Netherlands have voiced anger after two displays recognising Black American troops who fought in Europe during World War II were quietly removed. The panels were taken down in the spring from the visitors centre at the American Cemetery in Margraten, where about 8,300 US soldiers are buried near the Belgian and German borders. The site is overseen by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC), a US government agency responsible for American memorials abroad. The removal followed a series of executive orders by US President Donald Trump that ended diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes. “Our country will be woke no longer,” Trump said in a March address to Congress. No public explanation was given at the time for the decision. The move has upset Dutch officials, families of fallen soldiers and local residents, many of whom have spent decad...

 African Union lauds peaceful elections in Central African Republic African Union observers on Tuesday said elections in the Central African Republic, where incumbent President Faustin-Archange Touadera ran for re-election, had gone ahead peacefully. Touadera, 68, is seeking a third term and has touted his efforts of steadying the nation peacefully. Part of the opposition had called for a boycott, saying the election lacked political dialogue. Touadera went into the election in pole position after a new constitution was adopted in 2023 allowing him to seek another term. 'General atmosphere of calm' AU delegation representative Bernard Makuza praised the elections, which included parliamentary, municipal and regional ballots at the same time, as "a step forward towards democracy," AFP reported. The AU delegates monitored this year's polls in three of the country's 20 prefectures. Makuza, a former Rwandan prime minister, stressed that the "overall security...

 Ivory Coast coach Fae backs switching AFCON to every four years Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae has backed the decision to play the Africa Cup of Nations every four years instead of two, saying that the change could benefit the development of football on the continent. "It can be a good thing if alongside that we do what we need to do for the development of African football," he told AFP. The Cup of Nations has almost always been held at two-year intervals since the first edition in 1957 but Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe announced the change on the eve of the ongoing tournament in Morocco. Motsepe said that the tournament would go ahead every four years after the next two editions planned for 2027 and 2028, a decision that has been heavily criticised by some on the continent who see it as bowing to pressure from leading European clubs and FIFA. He said an annual African Nations League -- along the lines of the UEFA Nations League -- would instead b...

 Senegal aims to finalise IMF programme 'very quickly', finance minister says Senegal hopes to finalise a programme with the International Monetary Fund "very quickly", its finance minister said on Tuesday, adding that progress had been made on multiple issues related to managing the country's debt crisis. The West African nation is trying to tame debts that the Fund said hit 132% of GDP at the end of 2024 after the current leadership uncovered billions in debts that were not reported by the previous administration. The IMF froze a $1.8 billion loan package last year, though it said this month that "significant progress" had been made towards a new programme even as work continued on an internal investigation into how the IMF failed to detect the unreported debt. Speaking to lawmakers on Tuesday, Finance Minister Cheikh Diba also said the discussions were "going very well" with consensus reached on issues including data correction and work cont...

 Somali president says his country got Türkiye’s support amid sovereignty threats Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said on Tuesday that Somalia has strongly felt Türkiye’s support at a time when the country is facing threats to its territorial integrity and sovereignty. At a joint press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Presidential Dolmabahce Working Office, Mohamud thanked Erdogan for his support and leadership during difficult times in Somalia. Mohamud said that, especially during a period marked by threats to Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, Somalia has felt the support of Türkiye and the Turkish people. He added that his country is working to establish a strong government and to safeguard its territorial integrity and sovereignty. Mohamud recalled that Türkiye had previously played a mediating role between Somaliland and Somalia and has since continued efforts to help resolve the issue in a peaceful and friendly manner. He said...

 Egypt receives $3.5 billion under Qatar-backed Mediterranean coast development deal Egypt received $3.5 billion under a Qatar-backed development deal for a luxury real estate and tourism project on its Mediterranean coast, part of Doha's $7.5 billion investment pledge to Cairo, a cabinet statement said on Tuesday, Reuters reported.

Wicked: For Good now streaming “Wicked: For Good” part two is now available to stream at home, officially hitting digital platforms on Dec. 30, 2025, at 12 a.m. ET (Dec. 29, 9 p.m. PT) on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. The film is being offered as a premium video-on-demand (PVOD) release, with digital purchase priced at $29.99 or rental for $19.99, valid for 30 days. Amazon Prime Video also allows fans to bundle both films in the “Wicked” collection for $39.98. For those who prefer physical copies, “Wicked: For Good” is available to pre-order on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, or DVD through Amazon, with prices starting at $19.95 for DVD, $24.95 for Blu-ray, and $29.95 for 4K. All physical editions include a digital code for streaming on devices. Collectors can also pre-order a limited edition 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital Gift Set for $229.99, with a release date of Feb. 3, 2026.

 Governor Inuwa Yahaya Attends Funeral Prayers for Journalists Lost in Auto-Crash, Visits Survivors at FTH Gombe ...'Gombe Govt to Cover Medical Bills of Survivors, Assist with Funeral Expenses' Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has led a state government delegation to the funeral prayers of journalists who lost their lives in a tragic auto-crash. The deceased were among journalists and media workers involved in the fatal accident that occurred along the Billiri-Kumo Road while they were returning from Kaltungo, where they had attended the wedding ceremony of a colleague. The funeral prayer, held at the Bubayero Central Mosque, Emir's Palace,  Gombe,  led by Imam Aliyu Hammari and attracted a large turnout of sympathisers, including grieving family members, colleagues from the media industry and top government officials. Among those in attendance was the Emir of Gombe, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, CFR. A visibly saddened Governor...

 Isiagu Community Banishes Family for Drowning Two Children. Residents of Isiagu community in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State have reportedly banished a man, his wife, and their 15-year-old son from the community following a tragic incident that claimed the lives of two young boys. According to the viral video, the incident occurred when the teenage boy allegedly pushed two younger children into a flowing river while they were together in a bush fetching firewood. The children were said to have been swept away by the river. It was gathered that the act was witnessed by a palm wine tapper who raised an alarm after seeing what happened. Despite efforts to rescue the victims, the boys reportedly died before help could reach them. Following the incident, community leaders and residents reportedly convened and resolved to banish the boy and his parents from Isiagu permanently, in line with local customs and traditions. More photos below. 

 Gunmen Strike Lilu Again, allegedly Kill Resident, Abduct Palace Chief Barely three weeks after unidentified gunmen attacked Lilu community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, burning down an Anglican church, the resident priest’s home, killing at least four indigenes, and abducting several others, the assailants have once again struck the community, unleashing renewed violence and leaving residents in deep anguish. According to a report by Independent Newspaper on 30th of December 2025, the gunmen reportedly returned to Lilu under the guise of a “Christmas visit.” During the attack, they brutally killed a community member, Chineze Nwaka, hacking him to death with an axe, and abducted a palace chief, Oliver Umeaku, alongside several other residents whose whereabouts remain unknown. Speaking to journalists during a tour of the affected homes and sites of destruction, the community’s spokesman, who identified himself simply as Emeka for security reasons, lamented the w...

 Fireworks explosion allegedly kills two in Umuchu, Anambra State  Two persons were reportedly killed while several others sustained injuries following a fireworks explosion during a Christmas carnival in Umuchu, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, at the weekend. The explosion reportedly occurred near the main stage of the event during the celebrations, forcing guests to scamper for safety. The fireworks were allegedly packed in cartons and were intended to be disposed of at the venue when they suddenly exploded. According to an eyewitness, one of the victims, identified simply as Ugochi, died on the spot, while another victim was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she later died. There were fears that the death toll might rise, as many of the injured persons who sustained severe burns and deep cuts were said to be in critical condition. “The knockout exploded like a bomb. Those closest to the stage collapsed immediately. The sound was deafening, and chaos erupted ...

 Bianca Ojukwu Receives 11th Chieftaincy Title At Igu Aro Cultural Festival In Igboland Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has been honoured with her 11th chieftaincy title in Igboland following a grand traditional ceremony held at the Igu Aro Cultural Festival. The development was announced via her verified Instagram page, where she shared photos and videos from the colourful event. According to her post, the chieftaincy title was conferred by His Majesty, Obi Austin Chukwuezugo Ndigwe (MON), during the prestigious cultural festival. Bianca Ojukwu revealed that the event celebrated the richness of Igbo culture, featuring traditional music, dances, masquerades, and other heritage displays. She noted that the festival attracted a mammoth crowd, with dignitaries from far and wide in attendance. She was bestowed with the chieftaincy title “Anyanwu N’Awalu Ora”, which translates to “The Light of the Community”. She explained that Anyanwu represents the Sun Goddess in Igbo traditional religion, Odi...

 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE The editors, CRIME BULLETIN POLICE ARRESTED RAPE, ARMED ROBBERY/CULPABLE HOMICIDE SUSPECTS On 16th December, 2025, at about 1030hrs, the Bununu Divisional Headquarters received an information via telephone call from a good Samaritan. The report stated that on the same date at about 1600hrs, one Sirajo Abdulhamid, 'm', aged 32 years, of Badara village, Dull ward, Tafawa Balewa LGA, was travelling on a Boxer motorcycle (without a registration plate) to Burga village. He was conveying two females: Khadija Abdulhamid, 'f', aged 25 years, and Asiya Sirajo, 'f', aged 20 years (wife of the deceased). They were attacked by unidentified armed robbers who shot Mr. Abdulhamid in the head and made off with the motorcycle. Upon receipt of the anonymous report, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, psc(+), mni dispatched a team of detectives led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), SP Jamilu Kabir, in conjunction with Danga Security and special ...

 Kaduna Police Arrest Suspected Kidnappers Who Developed Romantic Feelings For Their Victims Two suspected kidnappers, who reportedly developed romantic feelings for their victims, have been arrested in Kaduna. The suspects allegedly abducted and sexually assaulted two married women during their captivity. In a bid to survive, the women reportedly pretended to reciprocate the kidnappers’ feelings, even claiming they were enjoying the encounters, which led to an exchange of phone numbers. After their release, the women continued to communicate with the suspects. On Tuesday, they arranged a meeting under the guise of a romantic encounter.  Acting on prior information, police apprehended the two suspects at the meeting location.

 Gov. Uba Sani Extends Cash Support To 120 Beneficiaries In Chikun LGA, Days After Rice Distribution The Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, CON, has extended additional welfare support to residents of Chikun Local Government Area, as part of efforts to ease economic hardship and promote inclusive governance. The intervention, which covered all 12 wards of the local government, followed an earlier distribution of rice during the Christmas celebrations.  This time, the governor approved a cash support scheme targeted at the less privileged members of the community. Under the programme, 120 beneficiaries received ₦100,000 each.  The distribution exercise took place on Monday, 29 December 2025, and was carried out through the Executive Chairman of Chikun Local Government Area, Engr. Salasi Nuhu Musa, in collaboration with Hon. Jesse David Tanko, the Member representing Chikun Constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly, and the Chairman of the sharin...