Month: November 2025

By Nazirah Muhammed,

Before the first note of his debut single, My Time, hit any speaker, Boluwatife Balogun lived in a world deliberately shielded from the glare of celebrity, a rare reality for the firstborn son of Afrobeats icon Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid. To understand his entry into music, you must first appreciate the calm, structured upbringing that shaped him.

Born in 2011, the same year Wizkid’s Superstar album launched him into global recognition, Boluwatife arrived at a moment that reshaped his father’s life. Unlike the public drama that often surrounds celebrity births, his early years were quietly protected. His mother, Shola Ogudu, Wizkid’s former partner and one-time manager, built a bubble of normalcy around him, ensuring that despite his father’s fame, his childhood remained grounded.

Privacy defined Boluwatife’s early life. While fans saw only occasional birthday photos or short videos, Bolu lived what many would consider a normal Lagos childhood. He attended regular schools, played basketball, hung out with friends, and focused on his education. Photos shared over the years showed a cheerful, well-adjusted boy enjoying vacations, milestones, and hobbies far from the spotlight. It was a deliberate effort to let him grow into himself, not into the expectations attached to his surname.

As he got older, one truth became impossible to ignore: Boluwatife is the spitting image of his father. From his eyes to his smile and lean frame, the resemblance earned him the nickname “Wizkid’s twin” among fans. And while Wizkid rarely posts about his children, the love is unmistakable. In a 2020 birthday message, he called Bolu his “twin” and expressed heartfelt affection, a glimpse into a quiet but strong father-son bond.

But beyond the looks, Boluwatife was absorbing another inheritance: music. Growing up around one of the most successful African musicians meant witnessing the creative process up close. The first public hint of his musical journey came in 2023, when his mother shared a video that quickly went viral. It didn’t just show a teenager singing along; it showed Boluwatife in a home studio, headphones on, confidently recording original material.

That clip changed everything. His voice, youthful but melodic and steady, revealed a natural ease with music. It was the moment “Boluwatife the artiste” shifted from speculation to reality.

My Time didn’t appear out of nowhere. It is the product of years spent watching, listening, learning, and quietly preparing. The same boy who hustled on the basketball court and completed assignments is now stepping into the booth with intention. His sheltered upbringing gave him self-awareness; his environment gave him artistry.

His debut marks not just a career launch but the beginning of a new chapter for a young man raised with care, balance, and an understanding of the legacy he represents. The world may just be hearing him now, but Boluwatife Balogun has been getting ready all along.

Nazirah Muhammed is an intern with PRNigeria. She can be reached at nazirahmuhammed01@gmail.com.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In a major operation across the Niger Delta, troops have dismantled seven illegal oil refining sites and recovered over 109,000 litres of stolen petroleum products valued at over One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira.

The operations, conducted by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in conjunction with other security agencies between November 10 and 23, 2025, also led to the arrest of four suspected oil thieves.

According to a statement from the Division’s Acting Deputy Director of Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the recovered items include over 88,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 21,355 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel.

The crackdown yielded significant results in Rivers State, where troops deactivated three illegal refining sites in Okolomade, Ahoada West LGA, seizing over 40,000 litres of crude and 20,000 litres of AGO alongside equipment like large pots and receivers.

Further operations at the Imo River fringes in Oyigbo LGA led to the discovery of three more sites with over 14,700 litres of stolen crude.

In a separate raid in Abuloma, Okrika LGA, acting on intelligence, troops uncovered a compound storing about 32,000 litres of stolen crude in 1,050 sacks.

Other successes were recorded in Akwa Ibom and Delta States. In Akwa Ibom, a raid on a storage facility in Abak LGA led to the recovery of over 520 litres of illegally refined AGO.

In Delta State, suspects fled an operation at the DAEWOO yard in Ekpan, abandoning wooden boats and 75 litres of crude oil.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, commended the troops for their resilience and charged them to sustain the offensive against economic saboteurs.

He also urged residents of the region to support the military by providing credible intelligence on criminal activities.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Brigadier General Abu Ali, a former Military Governor of Bauchi State and a traditional ruler in Kogi State, has passed away.

The late General was the father of the renowned and gallant soldier, Lieutenant Muhammad Abu Ali, who was killed in action during a fierce battle with Boko Haram insurgents in Maiduguri.

The younger Abu Ali was widely celebrated for his bravery and military prowess in the fight against terrorism.

Brigadier General Abu Ali’s legacy is thus deeply intertwined with Nigeria’s military history, marked by both his own service and the ultimate sacrifice of his son.

The announcement of his passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes, with many offering prayers for the repose of his soul and for all the faithful departed.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

On Saturday, November 1, 2025, U.S. President Donald J. Trump made his famous “guns-a-blazing” remark and described Nigeria as “the now disgraced country.”

On Sunday, November 2, he repeated that the United States could deploy troops to Nigeria or launch airstrikes to stop alleged killings.

In what appears to be a reaction to Trump’s comments, terrorists and bandits in Nigeria have intensified attacks, especially the mass abduction of pupils, students, and worshippers.

On November 17, bandits abducted 25 female students from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State.

On November 18, daredevil gunmen attacked Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegba, Eruku, kidnapping 38 worshippers during an evening service.

On Friday, November 21, gunmen raided St. Mary’s School in the Papiri community of Niger State’s Agwara District, abducting 215 pupils and 12 teachers.

That same day, after Trump appeared on Fox News and declared, “I think Nigeria is a disgrace,” reports emerged that ISWAP fighters had abducted 13 teenage girls working on farmlands in Askira-Uba, Borno State.

Armed groups across Nigeria have long understood the symbolic power of their targets. But the timing and composition of these attacks suggest deeper motives:

Three separate days. Four mass kidnappings. Hundreds of victims. Mostly female victims. This is not a coincidence. This is a strategy.

Observers cite four major reasons:

1.  To escalate the situation and attract international attention. Nothing provokes global outrage like the mass abduction of schoolgirls or worshippers. Terrorists crave visibility, especially when a powerful international figure has threatened intervention.

2.  To instil fear and embarrass the government , psychological warfare, so to speak. Targeting female students and worshippers strikes directly at the heart of communities. Schools and places of worship are supposed to be sanctuaries; when they are violated, society trembles.

3.  To use abducted victims, especially girls, as human shields. If the U.S. were ever to conduct air strikes, the bandits and terrorists understand the protective value of having dozens of young female hostages in their custody.

4.  Ransom opportunities: To exploit heightened international interest as leverage for ransom or negotiation. Heightened American interest increases the “value” of hostages. Criminal groups see an opportunity to negotiate for large payouts.

President Trump’s threats have become a local weapon for the terrorists. To be fair to President Trump, he may not intend it, but his sensational remarks have become ammunition in the arsenal of Nigeria’s armed groups. They interpret his words as an opportunity or a provocation and recalibrate their tactics accordingly.

Also, to be fair to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he or his government cannot control the statements made by foreign leaders. Still, they can control how prepared the country is for the consequences. This moment demands urgency. The Nigerian delegation to the US, led by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, is engaged in sterling diplomatic work. Thus, apart from local efforts, this visit indicates to the Nigerian leadership that a well-planned diplomatic strategy can prevent reckless foreign commentary from escalating domestic crises.

Local and international efforts must work together!

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Uzair Adam

The Kaduna State Government has dismissed as false and politically driven the allegation that the current administration paid N1bn to bandits, describing the claim as unfounded and damaging.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the government gave the former governor a one-week ultimatum to present verifiable evidence or publicly withdraw the allegation, insisting that failure to comply would result in legal action.

The former governor had, during a recent appearance on Channels Television, alleged that the state paid bandits as part of its security engagements.

Responding to the claim, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs described the allegation as reckless, baseless and deliberately misleading.

The statement criticised the former governor for weaponising a sensitive security matter for political purposes, adding that such action falls below the standard expected of someone who previously held the highest office in the state.

The government demanded that the allegation be retracted and an unreserved apology issued within one week, warning that the state would initiate legal proceedings to protect public order and institutional integrity should the ultimatum be ignored.

It stressed that the governor has never authorised, negotiated or paid any amount to criminal groups, a position repeatedly made clear in interviews, press briefings and engagements with stakeholders.

The statement also recalled that the Office of the National Security Adviser had earlier dismissed similar claims as unfounded and inconsistent with Nigeria’s security practices, reaffirming that neither the Federal Government nor state governments pay ransom to criminal elements.

Highlighting its security approach, the Kaduna State Government stated that it has adopted a community-focused strategy anchored on stronger military operations, deeper engagement with legitimate community leaders and improved access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities.

It emphasised that the state engages with communities—not bandits.Grassroots groups, including those from areas most affected by insecurity during the former governor’s tenure, have also rejected the allegation, describing it as misleading and untrue.

The statement further referenced past accusations made by senior officials of the former administration, suggesting that public funds were used to appease certain groups, making the current allegation particularly paradoxical.

Since taking office, the governor has prioritised stabilising vulnerable communities, reopening schools, markets and farmlands and rebuilding trust among previously divided groups.

The government urged former officials to exercise restraint and support ongoing efforts to sustain peace.

Challenging the former governor to present credible evidence—such as bank records, internal correspondence or security documents—the government noted that similar claims made in September 2025 were never backed with proof.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and responsible security management, the Kaduna State Government said it would not be distracted by bitterness, fear-mongering or deliberate misinformation.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued an immediate order for the withdrawal of all police officers assigned as personal security guards to Very Important Persons (VIPs) across the country.

The directive, announced on Sunday, aims to redeploy these officers to their core duties of frontline policing and public security.

The order was issued following a security meeting in Abuja, which was attended by the heads of the nation’s security agencies, including the Army, Air Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Inspector-General of Police.

According to the new directive, any VIP requiring personal protection must now seek such services from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), which will be responsible for providing armed guards.

This move comes as many regions of the country, particularly rural and remote areas, suffer from a severe shortage of police personnel.

This deficit has hampered the force’s ability to effectively protect lives and property.

President Tinubu stated his administration’s commitment to increasing police presence nationwide to tackle the security challenges plaguing the nation.

This initiative aligns with the federal government’s earlier approval to recruit 30,000 new police officers, alongside a partnership with state governments to enhance police training facilities across Nigeria.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Bauchi State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all schools across the state due to rising security challenges.

The directive affects primary, secondary and tertiary institutions. It also covers Federal Government-owned schools and private schools operating within the state.

In a public announcement signed by the Information and Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Education, Jalaludeen Usman, the government said: “The Bauchi State Government wishes to notify the general public that all primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions—including Federal Government-owned schools and private schools—are hereby closed with immediate effect.”

The statement explained that the decision was not taken lightly. It said:“This decision, though difficult, was taken by the Government of Bauchi State after extensive consultations and in response to overwhelming security concerns affecting the safety of students, teachers, and school communities across the state.”

He acknowledged the disruption the closure may cause. It added:“The government is fully aware of the inconvenience this may cause. However, the protection of our children remains our highest moral responsibility. Every student in Bauchi State deserves to learn in an environment that is safe, stable, and free of fear.”

Parents, guardians, school owners and other stakeholders were urged not to panic. The statement said:“We therefore call on parents, guardians, school proprietors, and all concerned stakeholders not to panic, but to remain calm and cooperative. The government is working closely with security agencies to address the concerns swiftly and comprehensively, ensuring that normal academic activities resume as soon as it is safe to do so.”

The government also appealed to residents to stay alert and support security efforts. It stated:“If you see something, say something. Timely information from the public is crucial in safeguarding our communities.”

It assured the public that updates will be provided as the situation develops.

By Anas Abbas

A newly married woman, Zainab Muhammad, has allegedly killed her husband, Abubakar Abdurrahman, barely 3 days after their wedding in Jibia, Katsina State.

The couple reportedly tied the knot on Thursday afternoon in the Jibia area of Katsina state.

However, according to a neighbor, the tragic incident occurred yesterday afternoon when Zainab allegedly slaughtered her groom.

The neighbor who spoke to The Daily Reality said the shocking incident happened inside the couple’s residence, throwing the community into confusion.

Speaking on the cause, the ward head told our reporter that the suspect had been battling what he described as “jinn/[demons]-related problems,” which he believes may have influenced her actions.

He noted that community members were aware of her condition prior to the incident.

Abubakar’s remains were buried yesterday at about 5 p.m. according to Islamic rites.

Police authorities have taken the suspect into custody for further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Suspected bandits attacked Zalau, a village in Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, late on Saturday, November 22, 2025. In the raid, they killed Alh. Muhammad Bakoshi, an Islamic cleric.

The attackers, whose numbers could not be confirmed, targeted the home of the late cleric, who served as the Discipline Officer of the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) in Zalau.

According to reports, the cleric was killed, while his wife—who gave birth just two weeks ago—and their five-year-old daughter were abducted and taken to an unknown location.

A resident said the attackers arrived between 11 p.m. and midnight, firing shots into the air before heading straight to Bakoshi’s house.

He added that the incident has left the community gripped by fear and sorrow, as residents feel increasingly vulnerable to repeated bandit attacks.

The resident also expressed the community’s hopes, stating, “Bandits and kidnappers in Nigeria do not target only Christians. These criminals go after anyone they see as vulnerable, regardless of religion. Let’s focus on safety and unity, not divide ourselves by faith.”

Local residents are praying for the safe return of the victims and for strength for the bereaved family during this difficult time.

As of the filing of this report, the Bauchi State Police Command had not issued any official statement.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Fifty pupils abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, Niger State, have escaped from their captors and reunited with their families. School authorities confirmed the development on Sunday.

The escape happened days after gunmen attacked the school and abducted 303 pupils and students.

The pupils fled between Friday and Saturday but were unable to return to the school. The administration later confirmed their safety after contacting and visiting their parents.

The proprietor of the school and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, described the development as a sign of hope but urged that efforts must continue for the rest of the victims.

He said: “As much as we receive the return of these 50 children that escaped with some sigh of relief, I urge you all to continue in your prayers for the rescue and safe return of the remaining victims.”

The update came in a statement signed electronically by his media aide, Daniel Atori. The statement also clarified the situation of those still in captivity.

It read:“For the records, we now have 251 primary pupils, 14 secondary students and 12 teachers still with their abductors.”The cleric further explained the composition of the school population.

He said:“In the primary section, out of the total number of 430 pupils we have in the school, 377 of them are boarders and the remaining 53 others are non-boarders.”

Giving a breakdown of those affected, he added:“Currently, aside the 50 pupils that escaped and have returned home, we have 141 pupils who were not carried away. As it stands now, we have 236 pupils, another 3 children who belong to our staff, 14 secondary students making a total 253 children including 12 members of staff with the abductors.”

Rev. Yohanna appealed to the public to remain calm and prayerful. He said the school and church authorities are working with security agencies, community leaders and government officials to secure the release of the remaining captives.

He said:“As much as we receive the return of these 50 children that escaped with some sigh of relief, I urge you all to continue in your prayers for the rescue and safe return of the remaining victims.”

He also added:“I want to call on everyone to remain calm and prayerful as we will continue to actively collaborate with security operatives, community leaders, government and relevant authorities for the safe and quick return of all abductees.”

He ended with a prayer:“May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect his people from all dangers.”

Security agencies have not yet released an official statement on their operations or progress made so far in tracking down the abductors.