U.S. President Donald J. Trump has claimed that the United States carried out a “powerful and deadly” military strike against ISIS targets in northwest Nigeria.
In a statement released on Thursday night, Trump said the operation was conducted under his direction as commander in chief and targeted ISIS fighters accused of killing civilians, particularly Christians. He described the strikes as highly successful and warned that further military action would follow if the violence continues.
There has been no independent confirmation of the operation from U.S. defense officials, and no details have been provided regarding the exact locations, casualties, or scope of the strikes.
As of the time of this report, the Nigerian government has not issued any official statement responding to or confirming the claims.
In his Christmas address, Pope Leo appealed for an immediate end to violence and renewed efforts toward peace in the Gaza Strip. Speaking to worshippers during the traditional Christmas message, he expressed deep concern over the humanitarian suffering caused by the ongoing conflict.
The Pope called on world leaders and all parties involved to choose dialogue over confrontation, stressing the need to protect civilians, especially children and other vulnerable groups. He urged the international community to work tirelessly for a just and lasting peace in the Gaza Strip and across the broader Middle East.
He also lamented reports of continued killings of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, noting that violence has persisted despite announcements of a ceasefire. The Pope described the situation as deeply troubling.
He called on Israel and all parties to respect international humanitarian law, honour ceasefire commitments, and take concrete steps to end the suffering of civilians caught in the conflict.
Concluding his message, Pope Leo emphasised that the spirit of Christmas is rooted in compassion, reconciliation, and hope, values he said must guide global responses to conflict and human suffering.
The launch of Kano State Security and Neighbourhood Watch Guard on December 23 by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is a timely and reassuring response to growing concerns about insecurity across the state.
At a moment when residents were increasingly raising alarm over safety in their communities, the governor chose action over silence.
In recent months, reports of petty crimes and organised disturbances have unsettled many neighbourhoods, threatening Kano’s long-held reputation as one of the more peaceful states in the North.
These concerns were not distant headlines but daily experiences discussed in markets and almost everywhere in Kano state. Acknowledging this reality, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration moved swiftly to confront the challenge.
Central to the initiative is the deployment of 2,000 security personnel, carefully drawn from all local government areas of the state. This structure ensures broad representation, local knowledge, and community trust key elements in effective crime prevention. By embedding security personnel within familiar environments, the government strengthens early detection and rapid response.
The neighbourhood watch guard complements existing security agencies rather than replacing them. It is designed to close the gaps where formal policing alone may struggle, particularly at the grassroots. This layered approach reflects a practical understanding that modern security requires cooperation, intelligence sharing, and community participation.
Beyond physical protection, the initiative delivers psychological reassurance. Visible security presence restores confidence, discourages criminal behaviour, and reassures residents that the government is attentive to their fears. Insecurity thrives where people feel abandoned; decisive leadership reverses that narrative.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf deserves commendation for the timing of this intervention. Launched during a period of heightened social and economic activity, it demonstrates foresight and sensitivity to public safety risks. It also reinforces the principle that governance must be proactive, not reactive.
However,as implementation unfolds, sustained training, accountability, and respect for human rights will be essential to long-term success. If properly managed, the neighbourhood watch guard can become a durable pillar of community safety.
In taking immediate steps to safeguard lives and property, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has sent a clear message: the security of Kano’s people is paramount. This initiative stands as a strong example of responsive leadership in challenging times.
The Vice-President if Nigeria, Sen. Kashim Shettima has said the Federal Government is deploying more tactical teams to Maiduguri, Borno State, following a terrorist attack in a mosque to track down and apprehend the perpetuators.
The Daily Reality reports that, suspected terrorists blasted one Al-Adum Mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, on Wednesday when worshippers were observing prayers.
The Vice President, in a statement on his X page on Thursday, condemned the explosion that claimed five lives and left several others injured, describing it as “a despicable assault on innocent citizens and the peace of the nation.”
Shettima said that, “President Bola Tinubu has ordered an immediate intensification of security operations in Borno State following the incident.”
He added that “The Federal Government is working closely with state authorities and local security agencies to ensure protection of vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure across the North East and other regions.”
“The Federal Government will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the peace and security of our nation. Our security agencies are working round the clock to ensure that perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice immediately.” Shettima emphasized.
Shettima expressed confidence that the existing security framework would not only apprehend the perpetrators but also unravel the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
He assured Nigerians that the Tinubu administration is commitment to national security, anchored in constitutional duty.
“Since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023, this administration has consistently reaffirmed commitment to safeguarding the security, unity, and stability of our nation,” he said.
Shettima reiterated that “We will continue to provide our security agencies with all necessary resources and support to decisively defeat terrorism in all its forms.”
Channels Television has come under intense criticism following its headline on the Christmas Eve bomb blast in Maiduguri, Borno State, which many Nigerians have described as biased and insensitive.
The television station had reported the incident with the headline: “Many Feared Dead As Bomb Blast Rocks Maiduguri On Christmas Eve.”
The blast, however, occurred inside a mosque, with Muslim worshippers as the primary victims.
Critics argue that the omission of both the mosque and the victims’ religious identity from the headline distorted the gravity and context of the tragedy.
A journalism expert and Facebook user, Aisar Fagge, accused the station of deliberately reframing the narrative in a manner that downplayed the victims and their place of worship.
“The bomb blast occurred in a mosque but Channels TV chose to remove the mosque from the headline of the story and replaced it with ‘Christmas,’ showing a lack of sympathy for the people (Muslims) who were killed,” Fagge wrote.
He further alleged that such editorial decisions reflect deeper problems within sections of the Nigerian media.
“In Nigeria, we do not only fight Boko Haram; we also fight what I call ‘Truth Haram’ media outlets — the likes of Channels,” he added.
Another Facebook user, Abubakar Suleiman, also criticised the station, stating that the headline exemplified what he described as “the politics of headline framing.”
According to Suleiman, the editorial choice influenced how the public processed the information by shifting attention from the actual victims and location of the attack.
“The bomb blast happened in a mosque, and the victims were Muslims. However, Channels TV chose to headline the story by removing the place and the victims of the heinous attack, replacing them with ‘Christmas Eve,’” he stated.
He added that although the incident occurred on Christmas Eve, the wording of the headline effectively erased the victims’ identity and dignity.
“Yes, it is true that the bomb blast happened on Christmas Eve, but the presentation of the headline controlled the perception of the targeted audience and eroded the victims of any mention, identity, or dignity,” Suleiman wrote.
Suleiman further alleged that the omission of the mosque was linked to a broader narrative that does not align with the interests of certain ideological groups.
“The exact place where the bomb blast happened — a mosque — also does not matter, because it does not fit into the narrative of Reverend Dachomo, which advances the ‘Christian genocide’ propaganda,” he stated.
Drawing parallels with global media practices, Suleiman said skewed narratives in international media had forced other regions to establish their own independent broadcast platforms.
“When the Arab world grew tired of skewed and silenced narratives, massive propaganda, double standards, and hypocrisy from the likes of Fox News, the BBC, and CNN, they did not stop at complaining; they established competent and reliable broadcast media and employed credible journalists to present their stories,” he wrote.
Quoting Chinua Achebe, he added: “Until the goats learn to write their own history, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.”
Suleiman also warned that sensational reporting encourages division in a multi-religious society such as Nigeria.
“Even if Nigerians choose to live in peace with one another regardless of religion, region, or ethnicity, the Nigerian media will always find a way to sow the seeds of hatred and discord. You know why? Because fear sells much faster and more easily than hope, or than the effort required to deliver a nuanced message,” he stated.
He concluded with a call for responsible journalism and urged Channels Television to exercise greater sensitivity in future reporting.
“Anyway, I hope Channels TV will do better next time because all we wanted is, to quote Ben Affleck: ‘We just want to eat our sandwiches, go about our lives, mind our own business, without being targeted, demonized, or expected to condemn things that have nothing to do with us,’” he said.
President Bola Tinubu has established a high-level committee tasked with resolving internal conflicts and mobilising support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as it gears up for the 2027 general elections.
The Committee on Strategy, Conflict Resolution and Mobilisation was inaugurated by the President on Wednesday in Lagos.
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, will lead the committee as its Chairman, with former APC National Legal Adviser, Muiz Banire, serving as Member/Secretary.
The committee’s composition is a who’s-who of party heavyweights, including several governors, federal ministers, and former governors.
Notable members are the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq; the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma; and Governors Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers).
Also on the committee are the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; and former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.In his remarks after the inauguration, Chairman Mai Mala Buni pledged the committee’s dedication to fostering inclusivity and developing lasting strategies for the party.
“We shall implement a system that gives everyone, especially aggrieved parties, a sense of belonging and inclusion, with a renewed hope,” Governor Buni stated.
He urged members to prioritise the party’s collective interest over personal sentiments.
This move follows President Tinubu’s strong appeal for unity during the APC’s National Executive Committee meeting last Friday in Abuja.
At that meeting, the President emphasised the need for tolerance and cohesion, reminding party leaders that the APC was founded on progressive ideals and respect for diverse opinions.
“The committee will engage in strategic engagements and consultations to develop an all-encompassing, productive and result-oriented strategy that will stand the test of time,” Buni added, outlining the panel’s broad mandate to ensure a unified front for the ruling party.
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.
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.
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.
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.
