PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 TROOPS OF OPHK NEUTRALIZE TERRORISTS AND RESCUE HOSTAGES IN KONDUGA LGA BORNO STATE Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recorded another significant success following a well-coordinated operation against terrorist elements around Kondunga Local Government Area of Borno State, which also led to the rescue of kidnapped civilians. In a statement signed by the Media Information Officer Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba says on the  early hours of 4th January 2026, troops  in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), engaged terrorists at a known crossing point along the Sojiri axis. The operation resulted in the neutralization of 5 terrorists without any casualty to own troops. The troops successfully rescued 3 hostages abducted by the terrorists and recovered  AK-47 Rifles during the operation.  This operation underscores the commitment of OPHK to both offensive action against terrorist elements and ...

 INSECURITY: FARMER GOVERNOR UMARU BAGO EXPRESSES SADNESS OVER TERRORIST ATTACK ON COMMUNITIES IN BORGU LGA. Niger State Governor, farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago expresses sadness over the terrorist attack on communities in the Borgu local government area of the state. The farmer governor, through his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, describes as cruel and nefarious the terrorist attack that led to the death of many people, the kidnapping of several others, and the destruction of livelihoods. He extends his deepest sympathy to the people of the affected communities, especially the victims and their families. The victims of the attack at the Kasuwan Daji, Market, Sukumbara Village, are both Muslims and Christians drawn from different communities in Borgu local government area of the state   The farmer governor, who notes that it is disturbing and worrying to start the year with such unfortunate incidents, however enjoined the people to remain resolute in God and that his...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES KANO GOVERNOR ABBA YUSUF ON HIS BIRTHDAY   President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sends heartfelt congratulations to Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, Governor of Kano State, on his 63rd birthday on January 5, 2026.   The President highlights Governor Yusuf's integrity, modesty, humility and commitment to public service, exemplified in his administration of Kano State.   Yusuf was elected governor of Kano in 2023 on the New Nigeria Peoples Party platform. He was previously the Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport in the state from 2011 to 2015 during the administration of Senator Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso.   President Tinubu affirms that Governor Yusuf's regime in Kano, the bastion of progressive politics in the North, re-echoes the commitment to grassroots development and ameliorating the plight of the Talakawas as championed by the late Mallam Aminu Kano in the state.   The President remarks: "Governor Yusuf's lea...

 Botswana to open embassy in Moscow Botswana plans to open an embassy in Moscow soon and has invited Russian investors to cooperate on rare earths and diamonds, Russia's TASS state news agency quoted Botswana's foreign minister as saying on Sunday. Russia is seeking to strengthen its foothold in Africa amid the wider confrontation with the West. "We firmly believe that Botswana is the best place for investment, considering its political and economic stability. Therefore, we strongly encourage Russian investors to come to Botswana," Botswana's Phenyo Butale was quoted as saying by TASS. Diamonds normally contribute around one-third of Botswana's national revenues and three-quarters of its foreign exchange receipts. Russia's Norilsk Nickel, the world's largest producer of palladium and high-grade nickel, settled its dispute with the government of Botswana and BCL Group in 2021 about a transaction for the sale of Nornickel's assets in Africa to BCL Gr...

 Benin, Niger expel each other's diplomats in tit-for-tat move Two years of tension between Benin and Niger this week saw the West African neighbours carry out a tit-for-tat expulsion of diplomats, diplomatic sources in both states said on Sunday, AFP reported. Relations have been frosty since Niger's military coup against President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023. Niger claims that Benin wants to destabilise it, an allegation Cotonou denies. Recent days saw Benin expel an intelligence agent and a police officer stationed at the Niger embassy in Cotonou, according to a Beninese diplomatic source, who did not specify a reason. 'Persona non grata' In retaliation, Niger, in a note dated Thursday, declared the first counsellor of Benin's embassy in Niamey "persona non grata" and gave him 48 hours to leave the country, citing a reciprocal move. Niger is allied with Burkina Faso and Mali, its two neighbours which are also under transitional rule. All three states ha...

 Somali forces kill 15, capture eight Al Shabaab terrorists in southern Somalia Somali special forces killed 15 Al Shabaab terrorists and captured eight others during a nighttime operation in southern Somalia, the Defence Ministry said on Sunday, underscoring what officials described as the military’s expanding reach against the militant group. The elite Danab unit carried out the raid late Saturday in the Jilib district of the Middle Juba region, long considered a key Al Shabaab hub, TRT Afrika reported. In a statement, the ministry said the operation involved air mobility and precise ground maneuvers, allowing troops to strike militant positions deep inside contested territory. Somalia’s growing ability to combat terrorism Officials stated that the raid underscored the Somali National Army's growing capabilities, particularly its ability to deploy rapidly and sustain operations across multiple regions. Al Shabaab, which is linked to Al Qaeda, has waged terrorism against Somalia’s...

 Gov. Abiodun Meets Ogun Security Chiefs to Review Safety as New Year Begins Governor Dapo Abiodun has met with security chiefs in Ogun State to assess the overall security situation and review measures for the protection of lives and property as the new year begins. At the meeting, the governor received briefings on current security realities, emerging concerns, and ongoing operations across the state. Discussions focused on strengthening intelligence gathering, improving inter-agency collaboration, and ensuring swift response to any security threat. Governor Abiodun reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising security, assuring the agencies of continued support to keep Ogun State safe, stable, and conducive for living, working, and investment. More photos below. 

 A Defining Moment for Nigeria: Why Staying the Course Matters    By Mohammed Idris, fnipr    As we enter a new year, the questions that fill our markets, our homes, and our places of work are clear and urgent. They are questions about the price of food, about security in our communities, and about the direction in which our country is headed. It is the duty of this office, the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, to speak to these questions directly, clearly, and with respect for every Nigerian bearing the weight of this moment.    The last thirty-one months have been a period of foundational, often difficult, transformation. Our bold reforms, beginning with the necessary but painful decisions on subsidies and exchange rates, were engineered to break a cycle of economic stagnation and secure a future of sustainable prosperity. This path was never promised to be easy, but it was promised to be honest and purposeful.    Today, the...

 *PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT* NAF INVITES SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES FOR DSSC 34 ENLISTMENT INTERVIEW IN KADUNA The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) wishes to inform the general public, particularly applicants for the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) 34/2025, that the list of shortlisted candidates for the DSSC 34 Selection Interview has been uploaded on the NAF Recruitment Portal. Successful candidates are hereby invited to attend the DSSC 34 Enlistment Interview, scheduled to hold at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna, from 12 January to 8 February 2026. Candidates will be interviewed in batches, strictly in accordance with the schedule published on the NAF recruitment website: https://nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng. All invited candidates are strongly advised to carefully read and strictly comply with all instructions provided on the portal.Candidates must report as scheduled for their respective batches, as failure to adhere to the stated guidelines may lead to disqualification. Additiona...

 First University Graduate in Igbo-Ukwu Dies At Age Of 102 The first degree holder from Igbo-Ukwu community and the second from old Aguata, Ide Justus Nkachukwudebelu Ezeife, has passed on at the age of 102, with many who came to pay their last respects at his country home, Ihuakaba, Ezihu Village, Igbo-Ukwu, Aguata Local Government Area, describing him as an honest and foremost educationist who was also a disciplinarian to the core. Speaking during the funeral ceremony, one of the deceased’s sons, Mr. Uche Ezeife, described his father as a man of his word who was never compromised, always spoke the truth, and was a strict disciplinarian from whom he learnt many life lessons, noting that his jovial nature was endearing. The eldest daughter, Dr. Obiageli Nwobi, also emphasized that her father was an honest man who never joked with his integrity, a kind, generous, and humorous person who, as the first graduate of Igbo-Ukwu and the second in old Aguata, encouraged many of his peers in...

"APC Will Takeover Anambra After Soludo" -------Dr. Amobi Nwokafor FCA, MFR (Former Anambra Governorship aspirant of APC) Former governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2021 and former President-General of Awka Development Union (ADU), Ozo Dr. Amobi Nwokafor FCA, MFR, has stated categorically that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will take over Anambra State after the regime of Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo. Nwokafor, who spoke exclusively with this journalist in his palatial country home, Okpuno Awka, maintained that the current All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA state government,, led by Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo is APC in spirit because APGA, according to him, had to play APC to be able to win the last governorship election, otherwise the incumbent governor would have been removed. Nwokafor explained that with the way and manner Nigerian politics is headed, there is no gainsaying the fact that APC will take over Anambra after Soludo...

 Kajuru LG Chairman, Hon. Dauda Madaki Receives Over 500 Decampees Into APC  The Executive Chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area, Hon. Dauda Madaki, has formally received over 500 decampees into the All Progressives Congress (APC) at Kajuru Ward. Speaking on behalf of the decampees, Alhaji Danasabe Salisu said the mass defection was a deliberate and well-considered decision, motivated by their confidence in the people-centered governance and tangible achievements of the Kaduna State administration under His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani, CON.  He emphasized that the reform-driven posture of the current administration, especially in governance delivery, inclusion, and development, provided strong justification for their alignment with the APC. Hon. Dauda Madaki warmly welcomed the new members into what he described as the progressive family, assuring them of equal rights, full privileges, and fair participation within the party structure.  He praised their political...

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU ORDERS MILITARY, POLICE, DSS TO HUNT DOWN TERRORISTS BEHIND KASUWAN DAJI ATTACK President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to track down and apprehend the perpetrators of the Kasuwan Daji attack, ensuring they are swiftly brought to justice.   He also directed security agencies to rescue all the abducted victims urgently.   President Tinubu issued the directives on Sunday in response to the recent killings of villagers in Niger State by terrorists suspected to be fleeing from Sokoto and Zamfara following the United States' air strike on Christmas Eve.   The President strongly condemned the attack on the Kasuwan Daji Community and the abduction of women and children.   He sent his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the Governm...

 “I Received a Call From a Top Official In Abuja Informing Me That I Am Among Those Marked By The US For Elimination Through An America Airstrike, As Part Of Boko Haram. Northern Leaders And Clerics Must Speak Up Against These Lies.” ~ Sheikh Gumi.  Watch video below. 

 Anambra: Market Chairman Drills, Constructed Overhead Tank For Fire Fighting, Cleanliness  By Juliana Nwachukwu  The Chairman of Old Car Parts Dealers Association, Mgbuka Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area, Chief Samuel Ifurunwa has constructed an overhead tank to ensure water availability for firefighting and cleanliness. This is in line with the Governor's Chukwuma Soludo's agenda on clean and healthy Anambra State, and to also ensure no incidence of fire outbreak, especially in this dry season. Speaking with an information officer in the market, Ifurunwa said that he met with the Borehole Drilling Company with the collaboration of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), to drill a borehole, despite existing ones, to ensure adequate water supply, adding that taps have been mounted in major lines of the market, with plans to extend to all 20 zones by end of January. He also said that his administration has fenced the market's transformer with cable wire, putting ...

Fr Ebube Muonso Sues for Peace, Unity in Nkwelle Ezunaka Community  .. Distributes Christmas Largesse To Over 1000 Septuagenarians and Widows  By Uzo Ugwunze  Fiery Catholic Priest, Fr. Emmanuel Obinma, popularly called Fr Ebube Muonso by admirers has called for peace, unity, respect for traditional ruler and elders in Nkwelle Ezunaka Community. He made the call at his family house, Ilo Uruebo, Nkwelle Ezunaka of Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra State during the Fada Ebube Muonso Salary Scheme Christmas Get Together and sharing of Christmas gifts to beneficiaries and less privileged where he gifted bags of rice and tomatoes to no fewer than 280 Septuagenarians (70 years) and over 700 widows and less privileged persons. Speaking during the event, Fr Obinma advocated for unity and peace in Nkwelle Ezunaka, saying that no community can move forward without peace and love.   "I am pleading for peace in Nkwelle Ezunaka. Peace brings progress. I am not happy with what is...

 New Year Message: A Call to Action for Renewed Hope, Responsible Leadership...Ajulufo By Juliana Nwachukwu Chief Anietonwa Kingsley Ajulufo, the esteemed President of Onitsha Country Club, Fegge, Onitsha South Local Government Area, has extended a heartfelt message to Nigerians, wishing them a year of renewed hope, courage, and responsible leadership at all levels. With unwavering conviction, Chief Ajulufo emphasized that Nigeria's potential is boundless, but its realization is hindered by ineffective leadership. He stressed that the nation's challenges are not due to a lack of talent or resources, but rather a dearth of visionary leaders who prioritize the greater good. According to him, this is a season for accountability, integrity, and patriotic action, not excuses. He urged Nigerians to rise above the status quo and demand better leadership, highlighting that silence in the face of poor governance is tantamount to consent. As he prepares to embark on a new journey, Chief ...

 Otu Odu Amawbia: Tradition, Dignity, and Womanhood Celebrated in Grand Initiation Ceremony By Regina Igwebuike It was a joyous celebration at the country home of Ozonkpu Eddy Nwokoye as his wife, Ojiefi Ebele Nwokoye (Iyom Mmadiche), was ceremoniously initiated into the prestigious Otu Odu Amawbia amid pomp, pageantry, and rich cultural display. Iyom Chizobam Nweke (Ifediche), 'Isi Otu Odu Nri', who assisted Iyom Josephine Anenih in performing the Igba Odu rites on Iyom Ebele Nwokoye, explained that Igba Odu is a deeply symbolic and revered traditional rite through which a woman is formally inducted into a circle of honor, ancestral acknowledgment, and moral authority. She stressed that Igba Odu is far from a casual title; it is earned through years of proven character, exemplary conduct, community contribution, and a life marked by integrity and responsibility. “It is a sacred journey, one that connects a woman to her heritage, reinforces her place in society, and elevates he...

 Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro flashes a peace sign after arriving in the US following his capture by American forces Venezuela’s ousted leader Nicolás Maduro was seen flashing a peace sign and smirking at officers as he arrived in US federal custody in New York following his dramatic arrest. Maduro was transferred to Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center after being flown into the United States earlier on Saturday. The facility is one of the country’s most high-profile federal jails and has previously housed inmates including Sean “Diddy” Combs and Ghislaine Maxwell. Footage circulating online shows the former president throwing up a peace sign and giving a thumbs-up while handcuffed as he was escorted by law enforcement. During a perp walk at the Drug Enforcement Administration offices in Manhattan, Maduro was also filmed wishing officers a “Happy New Year,” before attempting to speak in English and then switching to Spanish, asking, “Es buenas noches, ¿no?”, meaning, “T...

 Vanezuela: Trump plotting to remove Tinubu from office — Primate Ayodele The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that US President Donald Trump is after removing him from office. This comes amid the removal of Vanezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by Donald Trump. Primate Ayodele, in a statement signed Sunday by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, made it known that the US President has ‘caged’ Tinubu and his plan is to ultimately see that he is removed from office. He stated that the support the US is giving Nigeria to fight insecurity isn’t for nothing other than ways to penetrate the government. “Trump is adamant to remove President Tinubu. America will be part of those who will be against Tinubu. You may not see it as I am being shown, and that’s why I am saying Trump is after removing Tinubu, that’s it and nothing more.” The cleric made it known that, despite US’ help, Nigeria will continue to fight insecurity...

 FG withdraws criminal charge against Natasha Akpoti  The federal government has withdrawn the criminal charge against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central. The notice of discontinuance was filed in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025 between the federal government and Akpoti-Uduaghan. The document, dated December 12, 2025, was brought pursuant to sections 108(1), 108(2)(a) and 108(5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. “The Office of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation intends to discontinue proceeding in this matter,” the notice reads.

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE TINUBUNOMICS AND THE ARITHMETIC OF ILLUSION By Tanimu Yakubu A striking feature of Nigeria's current economic debate is the enthusiasm with which huge numbers are circulated—and the casualness with which they are assembled. Tax collections are added to oil receipts; oil receipts are added again under customs or "subsidy savings"; borrowing is treated as income; and the resulting total is presented as proof of incompetence or theft. This is not an economic analysis. It is an arithmetic illusion. At the core of most viral critiques of Tinubunomics lies a fundamental failure to distinguish between revenue, cash, and financing, and between federation-wide collections and federal budgetary resources. These are not technicalities. They are the foundation of public finance. Revenue is not the same as cash available to the Federal Government. Borrowing is not income; it is financing and creates future obligations. Federation receipts are not equivalent t...

 UPDATE ON THE GREAT NIGERIA INSURANCE (GNI) BUILDING FIRE INCIDENT The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service hereby provides a comprehensive update on the fire incident at the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) Building, incorporating the most recent briefing by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Following a second on-site assessment by Mr. Governor on January 2nd, 2025, the Lagos State Government has constituted a Technical Recovery and Demolition Committee, chaired by the Honourable Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations. The committee is tasked with developing and implementing a controlled and safe demolition plan for the affected structure and its immediate surroundings in the shortest possible time, while prioritising public and responder safety. Current Situation on Ground - The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, alongside sister emergency agencies, remains fully deployed on-site. - The incident scene is highly sensitive and volatile, w...

 More than 30 people killed, several others kidnapped in central Nigeria: police More than 30 people were killed and several others kidnapped by "bandits" in Nigeria's central Niger state, police said on Sunday. The bandits invaded Kasuwan Daji village in Kabe district and set a market ablaze, before looting shops for food. "Over 30 victims lost their lives during the attack, some persons were also kidnapped," during the raid on Saturday, Wasiu Abiodun, Niger police spokesperson said. Kidnap gangs, referred to as bandits by locals, regularly carry out mass kidnappings for ransom and loot villages in the parts of northwest and northcentral Nigeria. Hardest hit But Niger state has been one of the hardest hit in recent months. In November, armed gangs abducted more than 250 students and staff from a Catholic school in the state. Authorities announced their release in two batches weeks later. The Nigerian government has ramped up efforts to improve security in the w...

 Power outage after drone strikes in Sudan's El Obeid On Sunday, the national electricity company reported a significant power outage in El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state, following drone strikes that targeted the local power station.  The strikes come amid escalating violence in the oil-rich southern region of Sudan, where clashes between the national army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have intensified over the past two years.  The RSF has recently launched an offensive aimed at seizing control of strategic areas in Kordofan, marking the region as the latest battleground in this protracted conflict. The electricity company confirmed that the drone attack caused a fire in the machinery building of the El Obeid power station, leading to a complete halt in electricity supply. This incident underscores the ongoing instability in the region and the impact of military actions on civilian infrastructure. Military Gains Amidst Ongoing Violence In th...

 "My brothers keeper" Anthony Joshua writes in first post since accident as he visits family of deceased friends. The professional boxer, who has now returned to the UK after being hospitalised for injuries he sustained in the accident along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Nigeria, visited the families of his friends who didn't survive the accident. Sina Ghami, who was Joshua's strength and conditioning coach, and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, who was his personal trainer, were buried today, Jan. 4, at the London Central Mosque. One more photo below.