Day: December 18, 2025

Troops repel Terrorist infiltration attempt in Borno, neutralise insurgents

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have foiled an early-morning attempt by terrorists to infiltrate Bitta from the Mandara Mountains, neutralised several insurgents and significantly disrupted their operational plans.   The incident occurred in the early hours of December 18, 2025, when OPHK troops, supported by advanced surveillance systems, detected suspicious movements by terrorists advancing toward the community. Acting with tactical precision, the troops allowed the insurgents to move into an effective engagement range before launching a coordinated defensive fire, according to the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North…

CDS pledges stronger partnership with NIPSS on National Security, Policy Development

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has assured the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) of improved collaboration between the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and the Institute in advancing national development and security. General Oluyede gave the assurance on Thursday, December 18, 2025, during a courtesy visit by the Director General of NIPSS, Professor Ayo Omotayo, to his office. He commended the Institute for its significant contributions to nation-building through the training of strategic-level manpower and policy-oriented research aimed at driving transformational development. The…

MURIC condemns masquerade assault on Muslim woman in Kogi, calls for Police action

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned what it described as a growing pattern of violence linked to masquerade activities in parts of Nigeria, following the alleged assault of a Muslim woman in Obangede, Kogi State. In a statement issued on Thursday, the Kano State Chairman of MURIC, Malam Hassan Sani Indabawa, said the organisation received a complaint that a masquerade physically harassed, assaulted and humiliated a Muslim woman for wearing a niqab while going about her lawful activities in Obangede, Kogi Central Senatorial District. According to MURIC, the incident…

NAHCON denies contract rollover for 2026 Hajj, cites emergency procurement rules

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has dismissed claims that it sought approval to roll over contracts awarded to service providers for the 2025 Hajj into the 2026 operations, describing such reports as false and misleading.   In a press statement issued on Thursday by Ahmad Muazu, Technical Assistant (Media) to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON. the Commission said it did not at any time request rollover approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), clarifying that decisions taken for the 2026 Hajj were guided by…

BREAKING: Senate confirms Jimoh Ibrahim,Reno Omokri, Fani-Kayode, Ex-INEC Chairman, Others as Ambassadors

Emporium Reporters

The Nigerian Senate has confirmed the appointment of 34 career and 30 non-career ambassadors, during plenary on Thursday. The confirmation followed the presentation and adoption of a committee report chaired by Senator Sani Bello.   During the session, Senator Sahabi Yau raised a concern over the absence of nominees from Zamfara State, urging that the President be notified. Senate President assured lawmakers that the list was not exhaustive and that additional ambassadorial nominations would be submitted, ensuring Zamfara State’s representation.   Among the career ambassadors confirmed are: Arewa Esther (Oyo…

Hallowmace Foundation demands probe, suspension of Tax Reform Laws over alleged Post-Assent Alterations

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Hallowmace Foundation Africa has called for an urgent investigation into allegations that recently passed tax reform laws were altered without authorisation after being approved by the National Assembly and assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.   In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the non-governmental organisation expressed concern over claims by members of the House of Representatives that versions of the tax reform laws currently in circulation differ from those duly passed by the legislature.   The Foundation warned that any post-enactment modification of laws without legislative approval…

NYSC Cultural Troupe wins Youth Minister’s Award at International Youth Day

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) National Cultural Troupe has clinched an award from the Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, in recognition of its outstanding performance at the 2025 International Youth Day celebration in Abuja. The troupe was honoured for its culturally rich acrobatic display, melodious musical rhythm and precision dance that captivated the audience at the event held at the main auditorium of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Piwoyi, Abuja.   Presenting the award plaque to the NYSC management, the President of the…

Akpabio, US Envoy meet in Abuja to strengthen Nigeria–US Democratic Ties

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday held high-level talks with the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jr., as both countries moved to deepen diplomatic and democratic cooperation.   The meeting took place during a courtesy visit by the US envoy to the Senate President at the National Assembly in Abuja, where discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and advancing shared democratic values.   According to a statement issued by Akpabio’s Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Anietie Ekong, the Senate President noted that…

YULETIDE: FCT Police deploys 2,202 Personnel, issues End-of-Year Security Advisory

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has deployed 2,202 police personnel across the Territory to ensure a peaceful, secure and hitch-free Yuletide and end-of-year celebration.   The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Miller Gajere Dantawaye, disclosed this in an end-of-year message and security advisory issued on Thursday, December 18, 2025, in which he extended warm festive greetings to residents and visitors of the Federal Capital Territory.   According to the Commissioner, the deployment is in line with the 2025 festive season operational order and reflected the Command’s determination…

Burkina Faso releases detained Nigerian Air Force crew after Tinubu’s diplomatic intervention

Emporium Reporters

Burkina Faso has released Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots and crew members who were detained after a NAF aircraft made a forced landing in the country, following high-level diplomatic engagement by President Bola Tinubu.   The air force personnel regained their freedom after President Tinubu dispatched a delegation led by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, to Ouagadougou on Wednesday for talks with Burkina Faso’s military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.   In a statement issued by Alkasim Abdulkadir, spokesperson for the foreign affairs minister, Nigerian and Burkinabè authorities said…