News

By Maryam Ahmad

Ghanaian authorities have arrested 50 suspected cybercriminals, believed to be Nigerians, in a major operation targeting organised online crime, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The suspects were allegedly involved in romance scams, online investment fraud, impersonation schemes, and illegal online gold trading.

The raid was led by the Cybersecurity Authority in collaboration with the National Security and the Ghana Police Service. During the operation, security agencies seized 54 laptops, 39 mobile phones, and several internet devices and routers believed to have been used in illicit activities.

Government officials said the arrests demonstrate Ghana’s strong commitment to protecting its digital space and combating organised cybercrime. They added that investigations are ongoing and that the suspects will be taken through the legal process.

Authorities also reiterated their resolve to strengthen cybersecurity enforcement as online fraud continues to pose a growing challenge in the region.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Abubakar Gumi has filed a criminal complaint at the Kaduna State Chief Magistrate Court against two Facebook users for alleged defamation and death threats.

The case, filed on December 24, 2025, targets individuals identified as George Udom and Bello Isiaka. It stems from a Facebook post dated December 23, which falsely attributed a violent statement to Gumi, threatening the family of Defence Minister Christopher Musa if military action against bandits continued.

Through his lawyer, Suleiman Danlami Lere, Esq., Gumi denied ever making the statement, saying the post was fabricated to frame him as a terrorist sponsor and endanger his safety.

The complaint cites sections of the Kaduna State Penal Code 2017, which carry serious penalties for criminal defamation, incitement, and threats.

Gumi’s legal team stated the false portrayal maligns his reputation as a peace advocate and could make him a target.

They issued a stern warning to social media users: “The era of hiding behind a smartphone to destroy the reputation of others is over. The law will find you.”

The case serves as a legal notice against online defamation and false publication.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A suspected explosive device detonated inside a mosque in the Gamboru-Kasuwa area of Maiduguri on Wednesday evening, causing panic and casualties as worshippers were observing the Maghrib prayer.

The blast occurred shortly after the congregation had completed the first unit (rak’ah) of the prayer, shattering the solemnity of the worship service and sending victims and debris flying within the mosque premises.

Initial reports from the scene indicate that several worshippers lost their lives in the explosion. Many others sustained severe injuries.

Authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the cause of the blast or claim of responsibility.

The area has been cordoned off as emergency responders and security forces continue their operations.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State House of Assembly on Wednesday recorded the death of two serving lawmakers who reportedly died within minutes of each other.

One of the deceased is Sarki Aliyu Daneji, a member of the Assembly representing Kano Municipal Local Government Area. His death was announced shortly after confirmation of the passing of Hon. Aminu Sa’adu, who represented Ungoggo Local Government Area.

The deaths were confirmed by the spokesperson to the Kano State Governor, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, in a post on his official Facebook page.

The development has left members of the Assembly and residents of the state in mourning.More details later.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The National Identification Number (NIN) issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) will automatically function as a Tax Identification Number (Tax ID) for Nigerians starting from January 2026, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has announced.

According to the FIRS, the policy is part of broader efforts to harmonise government databases, improve tax administration, and expand the country’s tax net. By linking tax records directly to the NIN, authorities aim to reduce duplication, enhance compliance, and make it easier for individuals and businesses to fulfil their tax obligations.

Officials said the integration would streamline identification across government services while strengthening transparency and efficiency in revenue collection.

Nigerians are therefore encouraged to ensure their NIN details are accurate and up to date ahead of the January 2026 implementation.

The move aligns with ongoing digital reforms by the Federal Government to modernise public administration and improve service delivery nationwide.

By Anwar Usman

The troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have thwarted a kidnapping attempt along the Otukpo–Enugu expressway in Benue State.

The troops, however, succeeded in rescuing 24 passengers who were traveling from Jos, Plateau State, to Ibadan in Oyo State on Monday night.

Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, the acting information officer of OPWS, made this known in a statement released on Tuesday and made available to journalists in Makurdi early hours of Wednesday.

According to the statement, the incident occurred on 22 December 2025 following a distress call, prompting troops on routine patrol to mobilise to the Amoda axis in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.

The statement read in parts, “The armed criminals had emerged from the bush and briefly occupied an existing checkpoint. The assailants subsequently stopped two 18-seater commercial buses travelling from Jos, Plateau State, to Ibadan, Oyo State, and attempted to abduct all passengers.

“However, the timely intervention of troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE led to a firefight that compelled the kidnappers to abandon their victims and flee into the bush.”

Zubairu said that 15 passengers were initially rescued and handed over to the Nigerian Police Division, Otukpo, while six adults and four minors were declared missing.

He added that subsequent operations led to the rescue of an additional five adults and all four minors, who are now in custody of the Police Area Command, Otukpo, with search efforts ongoing to locate the remaining missing passenger.

The Force Commander Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their prompt response and professionalism.

Gen. Gara reaffirmed the troops’ unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property within its area of responsibility through sustained offensive operations, intelligence-led patrols, and coordinated engagements with sister security agencies.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered 41 properties allegedly linked to Abubakar Malami, a former attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice.

Findings indicate that the assets include hotels, residential houses, schools, parcels of land, and a printing press. These properties are spread across Kebbi State, Kano State, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Assets located in Kebbi State carry an estimated value of N162,195,950,000.

Properties identified in Kano State are valued at N16,011,800,000. Those situated in the FCT are estimated at N34,685,000,000.

In addition, the federal government has filed a 16-count charge against Malami and his son, Abdulaziz Malami. The charges border on money laundering. Both men are accused of committing offences contrary to Sections 15, 18, and 21 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.

A full breakdown of the traced assets has also emerged.

Kebbi State Assets

Total Valuation: N162,195,950,000

Educational institutions dominate the list in Kebbi. Rayhaan University Permanent Site is valued at N56,000,000,000. Rayhaan University Temporary Site stands at N37,800,000,000. The third site of the university carries a valuation of N2,450,000,000. The Vice Chancellor’s House is valued at N490,000,000.

Rayhaan Model Academy is listed at N11,200,000,000, while Rayhaan Primary and Secondary School stands at N8,750,000,000.

Rayhaan Agro Allied Factory & Commercial properties include factory buildings valued at N4,200,000,000, machines and plant units valued at N10,500,000,000, and a factory mosque valued at N2,450,000,000. Rayhaan Mill Staff Quarters, which consist of ten units, are valued at N1,487,500,000. Rayhaan Bustan Building carries a valuation of N3,150,000,000.

Other identified properties include a printing press valued at N1,050,000,000, Al-Afiya Energy Tanker Garage valued at N2,450,000,000, Amasdul Oil and Gas Ltd Structure valued at N1,050,000,000, and Rayhaan Radio valued at N78,750,000.

Azbir Brand properties also feature prominently. Azbir Hotel is valued at N10,325,000,000. The gallery stands at N581,000,000. Gardens are valued at N392,000,000. The mosque is valued at N252,000,000. Azbir Clothing is valued at N350,000,000, while Azbir Pharmacy and Supermarket stands at N175,000,000.

Several residential and foundation-related assets were also traced. Malami House in GRA is valued at N350,000,000. Malami House behind Mobil is valued at N490,000,000. Malami Residence behind the cemetery stands at N350,000,000. Abdulaziz’s house, described as the first son’s house, is valued at N1,659,000,000. Ahbiru’s house, listed as the second son’s house, carries a valuation of N2,989,000,000. Malami Support Organization Building at ADC is valued at N210,000,000. Kadi Malami Foundation Building stands at N56,000,000. Rayhaan Security House is valued at N245,700,000. An uncompleted three-storey complex carries a valuation of N665,000,000.

Kano State Assets

Total Valuation: N16,011,800,000

In Kano State, Zeennoor Hotel leads the list with a valuation of N11,200,000,000. Zeennoor Mosque stands at N84,000,000. Zeennoor Old Hotel Building is valued at N280,000,000. Rayhaan Hotel Kano carries a valuation of N2,240,000,000. Rayhaan Gym Kano is valued at N1,225,000,000. A house described as the wife’s house along Ahmadu Bello Way is valued at N982,800,000.

FCT Abuja Assets

Total Valuation: N34,685,000,000

Properties traced to the FCT include a duplex on Amazon Street, Maitama, valued at N5,950,000,000. Meethaq Hotel in Jabi is valued at N8,400,000,000. Meethaq Hotel in Maitama carries a valuation of N12,950,000,000. Forty-two units of bungalows at Efab Estate are valued at N385,000,000. Harmonia Hotels in Area 11, Garki, stands at N7,000,000,000.

The cumulative valuation of all 41 properties traced to Malami stands at N212,892,750,000.

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.