News

By Uzair Adam

The National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC-ONSA), Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, has warned that some Point of Sale (POS) operators are playing active roles in facilitating terrorism and kidnapping in Nigeria.

Maj. Gen. Laka raised the alarm on Tuesday during an end-of-year briefing in Abuja, where he disclosed that ransom payments demanded by kidnappers are often routed through accounts owned by POS operators, making it difficult for security agencies to trace the funds.

According to him, investigations have revealed a recurring pattern in which kidnappers provide victims’ families with POS account details for ransom transfers. Once the money is sent, the criminals simply collect the cash from the operators.

“You see a transfer made by terrorists, and when you investigate the account, it belongs to a POS operator.

“The kidnappers give out the POS operator’s number, the money is transferred, and they go to collect it,” he explained.

He said the practice has become a major challenge for counter-terrorism efforts, as it allows criminal networks to move funds discreetly while evading financial tracking mechanisms.

By Uzair Adam

Kidnappers operating across Nigeria collected at least N2.57 billion in ransom payments between July 2024 and June 2025, according to a new report released by SBM Intelligence.

The report, titled “The Year Ahead at an Inflection Point” and published on December 19, 2025, examined key political and economic trends shaping Africa in 2025. It revealed that while kidnappers demanded an estimated N48 billion within the 12-month period, only a small fraction of that amount was eventually paid by victims and their families.

SBM Intelligence noted that kidnapping in Nigeria has increasingly become a well-organised, profit-oriented enterprise, flourishing amid weak governance structures, expansive ungoverned rural areas and deteriorating security conditions in several regions of the country.

According to the findings, at least 4,722 people were abducted in 997 kidnapping incidents during the period under review, while no fewer than 762 people lost their lives in attacks linked to banditry and related criminal violence.

Although ransom demands rose sharply in naira terms, the report observed that the actual earnings of kidnappers remained relatively modest when converted to dollars due to the depreciation of the naira. The N2.57 billion paid translates to approximately $1.66 million, only slightly higher than the $1.13 million equivalent of N653.7 million collected in 2022.

The Northwest emerged as the epicentre of kidnapping activities, accounting for 425 incidents, representing 42.6 per cent of cases nationwide. The region also recorded 2,938 victims, amounting to 62.2 per cent of all abducted persons across the country.

Zamfara State recorded the highest number of victims at 1,203, followed by Kaduna and Katsina States. SBM Intelligence attributed the prevalence of kidnappings in the region to vast, poorly governed rural communities and the presence of entrenched bandit networks capable of carrying out large-scale operations with minimal resistance.

In contrast, the Southwest recorded the lowest level of kidnapping activity, accounting for just 5.3 per cent of incidents and 3 per cent of victims during the same period.

The report further highlighted a rise in mass abductions, defined as incidents involving more than five victims, which accounted for about 23 per cent of all recorded cases and were largely concentrated in northern states. It noted that entire communities were sometimes targeted, with abducted persons reportedly forced to work on farms and mining sites controlled by criminal groups.

Beyond kidnapping, SBM Intelligence drew attention to escalating violence across several parts of the country in 2025. In the Northcentral region, attacks linked to armed herders persisted through March, with Benue State particularly affected. A single attack in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area on March 7 reportedly claimed 15 lives.

Zamfara State also experienced repeated deadly incidents, including an attack in Tsafe Local Government Area on March 13 that left 40 people dead, alongside mass abductions in Maru Local Government Area on the same day.

April and May were identified as some of the deadliest months of the year, with attacks in Plateau and Benue States killing more than 100 people combined, while mass abductions involving up to 100 victims were recorded in Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi and Sokoto States.

By Uzair Adam

Former Kano State governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has attributed the persistent insecurity in Nigeria to what he described as a lack of political will by the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government.

Kwankwaso made the assertion on Tuesday while serving as the special guest of honour at the passing-out parade of 2,000 newly recruited personnel of the Kano State Neighbourhood Watch Corps.

Drawing from his experience as a former Minister of Defence, the NNPP leader said Nigerian troops have consistently demonstrated professionalism and effectiveness during international peacekeeping missions but face difficulties in tackling insecurity at home due to inadequate political backing.

According to him, the capacity of Nigeria’s security personnel is not in doubt, stressing that what is missing is firm commitment at the highest level of leadership.

He said the Commander-in-Chief must ensure adequate training, recruitment, equipment, arms and ammunition for the military and other security agencies to enable them to confront security challenges effectively.

Kwankwaso also called on the federal government to integrate trained personnel from northern states such as Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara into national security operations.

He argued that Nigeria needs no fewer than one million military personnel to effectively address both internal and regional security threats.

He further noted that beyond the North-West, the country requires additional armed security forces to complement the efforts of the military and other agencies, adding that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of the federal government.

Despite his criticism, Kwankwaso expressed optimism that the Kano State Neighbourhood Watch Corps initiative would contribute significantly to restoring peace in border and vulnerable communities grappling with insecurity.

By Engr. Kabiru Garba

Kano State remains one of Nigeria’s most populous states, where security is not an abstract policy but a daily reality.

For every citizen, security is the bedrock of daily life, commerce, and culture. It is undoubtedly a concern that resonates from the crowded city markets to the vast, farm-lined hinterlands.

For Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, confronting this challenge has demanded a strategy that is equally multifaceted. It requires moving beyond a centralised command to embedding safety within the communities themselves. This is not a top-down decree, but rather a ground-up compact.

This conviction now drives a multi-million naira, multi-layered initiative aimed at turning the tide through visibility, mobility, and local intelligence.

The most visible symbol of this compact is the newly inaugurated Kano State Neighbourhood Watch Corps.

On Tuesday, at the Sani Abacha Stadium, the governor stood before 2,000 recruits, comprising of 1,870 men and 130 women drawn from every one of the state’s 44 Local Government Areas.

Their passing-out parade activated a frontline distinct from the conventional vigilante groups. These corps members have undergone formal training and will be legally equipped. Their primary advantage is intrinsic: they are local. They know the alleyways, the dialects, the rhythms, and the people.

Their mandate is to act as the first line of defence and intelligence, helping to combat crimes like banditry, kidnapping, and rural violence that have tested the region’s peace.

Recognising that even the most knowledgeable personnel need mobility to cover ground, the state has made a substantial investment in logistics.

At the inauguration, Governor Yusuf commissioned 88 new Hilux patrol vehicles and 440 motorcycles for the corps. This fleet is a force multiplier, designed to make security presence constant. The practical goal is to shrink emergency response times, enable patrols across difficult terrain, and ensure a visible, reassuring presence that deters crime before it begins.

This deployment is part of a sustained financial commitment. Just before the launch, the governor approved N484 million to procure 300 Boxer motorcycles to further amplify the corps’ reach at the community level.

This sequential investment reveals a strategy of layered reinforcement, building capacity piece by critical piece.

The neighbourhood watch initiative is the Kano’s newest layer in a security architecture that has been under construction.

Months earlier, in November, the governor targeted areas under acute pressure. He provided 10 vehicles and 50 motorcycles to the federal-state Joint Task Force (JTF). This aimed at boosting their operational efficiency in seven frontline local government areas: Kiru, Tsanyawa, Kunchi, Gwarzo, Shanono, Tudun Wada, and Doguwa.

This support was a direct response to immediate threats, enhancing rapid response and inter-agency coordination in the state’s most vulnerable regions.

Perhaps the most forward-thinking layer of Governor Abba’s strategy focuses on protection beyond immediate conflict.

In May this year, he approved the immediate recruitment of 17,600 security guards for public schools across Kano.

This move, while distinct from law enforcement, addresses a deep societal anxiety. By hardening these soft targets, the government seeks to safeguard not only buildings but the state’s future, its children, and to restore a fundamental sense of normalcy and security to education.

Taken together, these actions sketch a comprehensive philosophy that simply says security is interconnected. It requires empowering formal task forces, establishing legitimate community-based forces, and proactively protecting critical social infrastructure.

Analysts observe that the governor’s approach tackles Kano’s complex security situation on three fronts: strengthening formal joint operations with the JTF, establishing a dedicated, locally-rooted armed corps, and hardening soft targets like schools.

Meanwhile, the substantial allocation of resources, from hundreds of millions for motorcycles to over a hundred patrol vehicles signals a clear prioritization of security expenditure in our dear state, Kano.

Therefore, it is the hope of every citizen that the true measure of this security compact will determine the state’s trajectory of peace and prosperity for years to come.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nigeria emerged as Africa’s largest exporter of crude oil to the United States between January and August 2025, shipping 33.23 million barrels valued at $2.57 billion, according to the U.S. Mission in Nigeria.

The disclosure was made on Tuesday through a post on the Mission’s official X handle, @USinNigeria. The Mission stated that Nigeria’s shipments during the eight-month period represented more than half of total African crude oil exports to the American market.

The U.S. Mission said the figures highlight Nigeria’s strong position among African oil-producing countries supplying crude to the United States and reflect the depth of economic ties between both nations.

“#DidYouKnow that Nigeria was the leading African exporter of crude oil to the United States between January and August 2025, shipping 33.23 million barrels worth $2.57 billion? That’s more than half of all African crude oil exports to the United States during that period,” the Mission stated.

The Mission added that the ongoing trade relationship continues to deliver economic value to both countries. “Our strong trade ties create jobs and drive prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic,” the statement said.

Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest oil producers and a key supplier to the global energy market, despite recent output challenges linked to oil theft, pipeline vandalism and operational constraints.

The strong trade performance comes against the backdrop of shifting diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the United States in 2025. During the latter part of the year, bilateral ties experienced tension linked to immigration, security and religious freedom concerns, before easing toward the end of the year.

On December 16, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a proclamation titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.”

The order, which takes effect on January 1, 2026, expanded an existing travel restriction list to 39 countries. Nigeria was among 15 countries subjected to partial entry limitations, including a halt to new F, M and J visa issuances.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has announced public holidays for the 2025 Christmas and New Year celebrations, while security agencies across the country have intensified measures to ensure safety during the festive period.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Monday declared Thursday, December 25, 2025; Friday, December 26, 2025; and Thursday, January 1, 2026, as public holidays to mark Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year. The announcement was made on behalf of the Federal Government.

In a statement, the minister conveyed Christmas and New Year goodwill messages to Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora, as well as to all citizens marking the close of the year and the start of a new one. He described the season as a time for reflection and national unity.

The holiday declaration came amid heightened security arrangements ordered by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. The IGP directed the nationwide deployment of police personnel and assets to maintain public safety throughout the festive season.

According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, all zonal Assistant Inspectors-General and state Commissioners of Police have been instructed to boost patrols, strengthen visibility policing, deepen intelligence-driven operations and expand community engagement.

“In line with the Force’s proactive security strategy for the festive season, the IGP has directed all Zonal AIGs and State Command CPs to intensify patrols, visibility policing, intelligence-led operations, and confidence-building engagements throughout the period.

“Specialised units, including the Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Command, Intelligence Response Team, Special Tactical Squad, Special Intervention Squad, Highway Patrol, Marine Police, and the Airwing, have been placed on heightened operational readiness,” the statement read.

Hundeyin said security coverage includes places of worship, recreational centres, markets, motor parks, event venues, transport terminals, highways, critical national infrastructure and other crowded public locations.

He added, “Additional patrol teams and surveillance units have also been activated to cover inter-state routes and major expressways to prevent road-related crimes, traffic disorder, and accidents.

“The deployed officers have been charged to be firm but courteous in the discharge of their duties.”

The police spokesman further stated that commands across the country have been directed to sustain raids on identified blackspots, forests, criminal hideouts and flashpoints, while collaboration with other security agencies has been strengthened.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Federal Government has made drug tests compulsory for anyone applying for a job in the public service.

The move aims to tackle the growing problem of drug abuse and its effects on security and work performance.

The directive came in an official circular issued today by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

It orders all Permanent Secretaries and heads of Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and parastatals to include drug screening in their hiring process.

According to the circular, all MDAs must work with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to carry out the tests and ensure they meet required standards.

The government said the policy is a response to the “alarming rate” of substance abuse, especially among young Nigerians.

It warned that the trend poses a serious threat to public health, the economy, workplace safety, and national security.

The statement was signed by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information at the OSGF.

He stated that the administration is determined to safeguard the workforce from drug-related harms.

This new rule for federal jobs follows similar recent policies that introduced mandatory drug testing in universities and other sectors.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Governor Uba Sani has formally signed the 2026 appropriation bill of ₦985.9 billion into law, marking a significant commitment to infrastructure and grassroots development in Kaduna State.

The budget, titled “Consolidation of Transformation for Inclusive Development,” strongly prioritizes capital projects. A substantial ₦698.9 billion representing 70.9% of the total is allocated for capital expenditure aimed at infrastructure, economic expansion, and improved public services.

Recurrent expenditure, set at ₦287 billion (29.1% of the budget), will cover essential government operations and services.

A standout feature is the direct allocation of ₦100 million to each of the state’s wards for community driven projects, a move designed to ensure development reaches the grassroots level.

Governor Sani emphasized that the budget reflects his administration’s focus on inclusive growth and tangible improvements in the lives of Kaduna’s residents.

By Ibrahim Yunusa

Confederation of African Football (CAF) President, Dr. Patrice Motsepe has announced an increment of $3m to the winner of the African Cup of Nationa that is currently being hosted by Morocco.

The winner’s prize of the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) has been raised to $10 million from $7 million that was initially given to the winner of 2023 edition, following an increase approved by the Confederation of African Football.

This marks a significant boost aimed at rewarding excellence and further elevating the prestige of the tournament.

The 2025 tournament kicked off yesterday with a thrilling opening match between the host, Morocco, versus Comoros, in which the Moroccan team defeated Comoros with two goals to nil.

By Maryam Ahmad

El Salvador’s attorney-general has announced what he described as “exemplary sentences” against 248 members of the MS-13 criminal gang, following a major trial linked to dozens of violent crimes.

The convictions covered a range of offences, including 43 homicides. One defendant was sentenced to 1,335 years in prison, while ten others were each sentenced to several hundred years.

Authorities said the case marks one of the most significant legal blows against organised crime in the country. The mass sentencing forms part of President Nayib Bukele’s ongoing crackdown on gangs, a campaign that has dramatically reshaped El Salvador’s security policies and drawn both domestic support and international scrutiny.

Government officials argue that the harsh penalties are intended to dismantle gang structures and deter future violence, as the administration continues its hardline approach to public security.