News

By Anwar Usman

The Kogi State Government has said security operatives have intercepted a group of underage children trafficked into the state in what is suspected to be a covert recruitment attempt for banditry training.

This was revealed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo.

“At about 1500hrs on December 5, 2025, eagle-eyed security operatives of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Yagba Area Command, in collaboration with other security agencies in Isanlu, acting on credible intelligence from community hunters, intercepted a truck conveying 21 children aged between six and 17 years into Kogi State,” the commissioner stated.

The commissioner stated that investigations revealed that the children were trafficked from different northern states suspiciously by adults who could not provide legitimate justification for their movement.

“Several suspects linked to the trafficking operation have been arrested, including individuals who claimed they were transporting the children to establish an informal ‘Islamic school’ within Yagba East,” the statement further revealed.

Fanwo also added that, further arrests were carried out as security operatives intensified effort and surveillance in the area, uncovering additional persons allegedly connected to the movement of the minors.

“Some of the suspects were also found with items raising significant security concerns,” he said, adding that the rescued children had been transferred to the NSCDC State Command in Lokoja for detailed investigation and proper profiling of all persons involved.

He also assured that “upon completion of profiling and verification, the children will be handed over to their respective state governments for further investigation and eventual reintegration with their families.”

The commissioner, however, said all individuals found guilty in the trafficking operation would be prosecuted in accordance with Kogi State’s child trafficking and child rights protection laws.

By Maryam Ahmed

Florida is poised to carry out its 18th execution of the year on Tuesday, marking the state’s deadliest year on record, after death row inmate Mark Geralds declined to challenge his death warrant.

Geralds, convicted of the 1989 murder of a woman in Panama City, spent more than three decades on death row before Governor Ron DeSantis signed his execution order last month. In a rare move, Geralds informed officials that he would not pursue the final round of appeals typically filed by inmates facing imminent execution.

His execution by lethal injection will also contribute to a national surge in capital punishment, pushing the United States toward its highest annual total in nearly twenty years. Florida, which has significantly accelerated its use of the death penalty in recent years, now accounts for a large share of the country’s executions in 2025.

The spike has intensified debate among legal experts, civil-liberties groups, and faith leaders, many of whom warn that the growing pace leaves less room to identify wrongful convictions or address longstanding concerns about racial bias, mental health, and sentencing disparities.

State officials, however, argue that the system provides ample opportunity for review and that carrying out sentences brings long-delayed closure to victims’ families. Geralds’ execution, they say, follows decades of litigation, during which multiple courts upheld his conviction and sentence.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has ignited fresh debate over media bias in football after highlighting what he sees as unequal treatment between himself and fellow striker Harry Kane. 

Speaking in a recent interview, Salah recalled a past spell when Kane went 10 matches without scoring, yet continued to receive strong backing from commentators.

According to Salah, the tone was markedly different when he experienced similar difficulties. “The media were like: ‘Oh, Harry will score for sure.’ When it comes to Mo, everyone is like: ‘He needs to be on the bench,’” he said. The Egyptian forward stressed that his point was not a personal jab at Kane, adding humorously, “I am sorry, Harry!”

Salah’s comments quickly circulated on social media, garnering millions of views and sparking widespread discussion. Analysts and supporters have since weighed in, with many arguing that the incident reflects broader inconsistencies in how players from different backgrounds are portrayed in mainstream football coverage.

The episode has added a new layer to ongoing conversations about fairness, perception, and representation in global sport, especially in Europe.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the release of 100 students kidnapped from the Papiri Catholic School in Niger State, while ordering security agencies to swiftly secure the freedom of 115 students and their teachers still held captive.

The President commended security forces for their “steadfast work” in returning the first group of students to their families following the abduction on November 21.

In a statement, President Tinubu directed that the rescue of all remaining abducted Nigerians nationwide remains an absolute priority. “We must account for all the victims,” he said.

He assured parents that federal and Niger State authorities are collaborating closely to reunite all hostages with their families. Governor Umar Bago was also praised for his efforts.

Looking forward, the President issued a stern mandate to prevent further attacks on schools.

“Our security agencies, working with the governors, must prevent future kidnappings,” Tinubu stated. “Our children should no longer be sitting ducks for heartless terrorists intent on disrupting their education and subjecting them and their parents to unspeakable trauma.”

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with all states to secure schools and ensure a safer, more conducive learning environment.

By Uzair Adam

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have attacked Kururawa community in Lakwaya district of Gwarzo Local Government Area, Kano State, abducting an elderly resident, Alhaji Yakubu Na Tsohuwa, and injuring his son, Badamasi.

According to a source who spoke on condition of anonymity, the attackers, armed and riding on two motorcycles, invaded the community from neighbouring Katsina State.

They reportedly overpowered the household, seized Yakubu, and shot his eldest son in the leg as he attempted to stop the abduction.

Badamasi is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.

The source noted that Lakwaya shares a border with Malumfashi and Musawa Local Government Areas of Katsina State, adding that the assault on Kururawa—located about one kilometre from Lakwaya—was the first of its kind in the area in a long while.

He appealed to the Kano State Government to establish a security base in the area to protect residents, saying the attack has left the community in fear and uncertainty.

As of the time of filling this report, the Kano State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement, and efforts to reach its spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna, were unsuccessful.

The Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria (IMAN) has rounded off its 26th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Kaduna with strong calls for ethical regulation of artificial intelligence in healthcare and the elimination of harmful cultural practices that threaten public health.

The five-day hybrid conference, held at Arewa House from December 1–5, brought together 1,018 delegates from across Nigeria and beyond.

Discussions focused on the conference theme, “Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare,” alongside subthemes on reproductive health, harmful customs, medical ethics, palliative care, and the rising burden of non-communicable diseases.

Experts highlighted concerns about the rapid growth of AI technologies outpacing legal and religious guidance, the persistence of female genital mutilation and vaccine refusal, and the risk of AI reducing human compassion in clinical care.

Delegates also noted that cultural and religious misconceptions continue to hinder timely uptake of vaccinations, contraception, and modern treatment.

At the end of deliberations, IMAN resolved to push for Islamically grounded legal frameworks for AI and reproductive technologies, intensified collaboration with religious leaders to dispel myths, and stronger national ethical oversight of AI.

The Association also called for improved training of Muslim health professionals, development of AI-based accident-prevention systems, and expansion of telemedicine nationwide.

IMAN expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kaduna State Governor Sen. Uba Sani, Jigawa State Governor Mal. Umar A. Namadi, the Emir of Zazzau, and other health sector leaders for their support and hospitality.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has chaired his first meeting as head of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, leading the 93rd Session of the Policy Commission in Antigua, Guatemala.

The gathering strengthened Nigeria’s profile within the global customs community.

The session took place from 2 to 4 December 2025 at the historic Hotel Soleil and brought together Heads of Customs Administrations and senior representatives from the WCO’s six regions.

During the opening ceremony, CGC Adeniyi welcomed the delegates to Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage city.

He paid tribute to customs officers who died in the line of duty and encouraged participants to engage meaningfully on issues that influence global customs operations.

He was joined by WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders and Guatemala’s Vice Minister of Public Finance, Honourable Patricia Joachin, who addressed attendees on behalf of the host country.

Delegates were later treated to a traditional cultural dinner at the historic Capuchinas Ruins.

CGC Adeniyi’s emergence as WCO Council Chair in June 2025 is widely seen as a significant achievement for Nigeria and the African region.

His election placed the country in a leadership position within an organisation that comprises 187 customs administrations.

Reflecting on the importance of the role, Adeniyi stated that the position carries “a major responsibility for Nigeria and for Africa,” noting that his focus is on delivering leadership that supports global trade, security, and fair customs practices.

His remarks align with comments he made earlier in an exclusive interview on The Customs Exchange: Conversations with Global Customs Leaders, where he said his election affirmed Nigeria’s ongoing customs reforms.

According to him, the trust placed in his leadership is “an endorsement by the global customs community that we are on track,” as he highlighted key reforms undertaken by the Service over the past two years.

These include the modernisation of procedures, system upgrades, and improved cooperation with international partners.

Adeniyi listed the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, developed with WCO support, as one of the most significant changes.

He said the programme has reduced clearance times, boosted revenue performance, and strengthened trust between Customs and compliant traders.

He also mentioned the SAFE Framework of Standards, the Time Release Study (TRS), and progress on advance rulings as further proof of Nigeria’s commitment to global standards.

Calling for stronger partnerships among customs authorities worldwide, Adeniyi emphasised the importance of inclusiveness within the WCO, saying, “Our uniqueness is our strength. We must allow that diversity to continue creating opportunities and progress for us.”

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Nigerian government has secured the release of 100 schoolchildren abducted last month from St. Mary’s School, a Catholic boarding institution in the Papiri community of Niger State.

The attack, which occurred on November 21, saw armed men take 303 students and 12 teachers hostage. In the days following the abduction, 50 pupils managed to escape and were reunited with their families.

According to officials, the rescued children are expected to be handed over to Niger State authorities for medical and psychological evaluation. Government sources confirmed the release but did not disclose whether it resulted from negotiations, military operations, or other interventions.

Despite the successful rescue, concerns remain high. More than 160 students and staff members are still unaccounted for, leaving many families anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones.

Child-protection advocates and community leaders have renewed calls for stronger security measures around schools, stressing that the safety of students must be a national priority as mass abductions continue to plague parts of the country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Prof. Salisu Shehu, has inspected the fully refurbished NERDC Press located at the Council’s South West Zonal Office in Jibowu, Lagos.

The press had been inactive for several years. Prof. Shehu visited the zonal office on 10 May 2025 and pledged to restore the non-functional printing facility to improve its productivity. In early September 2025, the Council began the refurbishment work in fulfilment of that promise.

At the start of the repairs, the Press Manager, Mrs Precious Iweha, praised the Executive Secretary for approving the intervention, explaining that “we have commenced work on the generator set and are currently servicing the Sord Z machine, Polar cutter machine, and one of the Gestener machines”.

She added that “we are grateful for ES’s approval of the repairs and servicing of the Printing Press. This initiative will ensure that the Council’s investments in plants, machinery, and infrastructure will yield optimal results”.

Upon completion of the project, the Executive Secretary visited the facility on Thursday, 4 December 2025, to assess the work completed.

He expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded in his first year in office and gave an assurance that the revitalised press would be put to full use in line with its intended purpose.

The Head of the South West Zonal Office, Mr. Babatope Oloruntoba, and Mrs. Iweha commended the Executive Secretary for the achievement.

They described the successful revamp of the press as a significant milestone for both the NERDC Press and the Council as a whole.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised Nigeria’s military for swiftly intervening to protect democracy in the Republic of Benin following an attempted coup on Sunday.

The action came at the formal request of the Beninese government, which faced an uprising led by Colonel Pascal Tigri.

The coup plotters seized the national broadcaster, announced the overthrow of President Patrice Talon, and suspended democratic institutions.

Acting on two urgent requests from Benin’s Foreign Ministry, President Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief, authorized the deployment of Nigerian Air Force fighter jets.

The jets entered Beninese airspace to help dislodge the plotters from the TV station and a military camp where they had regrouped.

Nigeria also deployed ground forces to support the protection of constitutional order.

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that all requests were fulfilled, with Nigerian forces now on the ground in Benin under Beninese command authority.

After loyalist forces, assisted by Nigeria, regained control and restored constitutional order, President Tinubu commended the armed forces.

He stated they had acted within the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, helping to stabilize a neighboring country and upholding democratic values.

“Today, the Nigerian armed forces stood gallantly as a defender and protector of constitutional order,” Tinubu said. “Nigeria stands firmly with the government and people of the Republic of Benin.”