News

By Uzair Adam 

The Nigerian Army has apprehended a suspected arms dealer, rescued a kidnapped victim, and disrupted terrorist logistics networks within the last 24 hours.

A credible source at the Army Headquarters reportedly disclosed that the troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, on Thursday, apprehended a suspected terrorist informant during an ambush at Ungwan Gombawa in Kontagora Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State.

The source said troops of 1 Brigade also arrested an alleged major terrorist logistics supplier and arms dealer at Danjigba in Bukkuyum LGA.

According to him, preliminary investigations reportedly linked the suspect to two coordinators in Anka LGA, believed to be responsible for storing weapons sourced from the Niger Republic.

He said the troops recovered military uniforms, a helmet, boots, financial receipts amounting to about N4 million, and audio evidence linked to arms transactions.

The source added that troops responding to intelligence on the recent abduction of students of GGSS Maga in Kebbi State stormed a terrorist camp in the Gando–Sunke Forest, which belongs to a kingpin known as Bello Kaura.

He said the attackers fled the location, allowing troops to destroy the camp and its support facilities.

The source explained that another suspected informant travelling from Sokoto was arrested at Augie, where troops recovered five ATM cards, clothing, and N78,900.

In another development, he said troops survived an ambush along the Kaiga–Mara road in Katsina State, forcing the attackers to flee.

He added that an operation carried out in Shinkafi and Zurmi LGAs also resulted in a firefight during which troops captured two AK-47 rifles, ammunition and two motorcycles.

Under Operation Enduring Peace in Plateau State, troops foiled a kidnap attempt in Jos South, rescuing a victim who sustained gunshot wounds.

The source also confirmed that eight suspected criminal herders were arrested in a separate raid in the same LGA.

Similarly, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke responded to a road incident in Nasarawa State, where three passengers were reportedly kidnapped and a driver was injured. Efforts to rescue the victims are ongoing.

He added that troops arrested two herders accused of destroying crops in Guma LGA of Benue State.

According to him, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu recently undertook operational visits to Borno, Kaduna, and Zamfara, during which he assessed ongoing operations and urged troops to remain disciplined, alert, and committed to the fight against terrorism.

By Ishaka Mohammed

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has withdrawn Oyaje Daniel from his Place of Primary Assignment (PPA) in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State and redeployed him to the NYSC state headquarters for closer monitoring. This came after his threat on social media to sleep with his female secondary school students.

As part of the sanctions, Daniel has been denied access to the free accommodation at the headquarters despite being required to report there daily for the remainder of his service year.

The Daily Reality earlier reported that the affected Corps member serving at Judeen International School in Kaduna had threatened to sleep with his female secondary school students, whom he considered more voluptuous than undergraduates. 

According to John Adesogan, who appears to have been Daniel’s schoolmate, the Corps member was summoned by the NYSC Disciplinary Committee at the state headquarters after his comment attracted public outcry.

John Adesogan said, “The Alumni President of our college, Comr. Philip Ayuba Bobai and I went with Daniel to the NYSC Headquarters to further engage with the officials handling the matter.” 

He further revealed that the NYSC had constituted an investigation team to visit Daniel’s former PPA to determine whether any other form of misconduct had occurred. This is in addition to NYSC’s efforts to track other Corps members who made comments similar to Daniel’s on the same post.

Daniel has taken to social media to express remorse. Reacting to a comment from one Sabastine Ezekiel, who urged him to “be strong”, Daniel wrote, “Thank you, my leader. I’m sorry for disappointing your expectations. I was careless with my comment, thinking I was catching ‘cruise’. But I have learned my lesson. All I want is another chance to live up to my name and trust.”

Adesogan urged fellow Nigerians to use social media responsibly, maintain discipline, and create a safer, more decent online environment.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Plateau State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all primary and junior secondary schools across the state as a precautionary security measure.

The directive was issued on Friday by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). In a statement released in Jos, the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Richard Jonah, confirmed the directive.

Jonah addressed parents and guardians, assuring them that the shutdown is a temporary step.

He emphasized that the decision was imperative to avert potential security threats to students and school infrastructure.

While the statement did not specify the nature of the security threats or a potential reopening date, the move underscores the government’s priority to ensure the safety of schoolchildren amid ongoing security challenges in the region.

By Ibrahim Yunusa

Amidst the heightened security tension, President Bola Ahmad cancels his planned trip to G20 Leader’s Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa and delegated Vice president, Kashim Shettima to represent him in the meeting.

Disclosed by Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of The Vice President, Shettima has departed Abuja for the G20 Leader’s Summit.

President Tinubu has cancelled the trip to South Africa awaiting the security briefings on the current escalated terrorists operations in Kebbi and Niger state.

The Presidential statement said, President Cyril Ramaphosa, the South African leader who also serves as the current President of the G20 group had invited his Nigerian counterpart to participate in this year’s edition.

The Summit, scheduled to take place from Saturday, November 22nd, to Sunday, November 23rd, at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, will bring together leaders from the world’s top 20 economies, including the European Union, the African Union, financial institutions, among others.

By Ibrahim Yunusa

Chelsea attacking midfielder, Cole Palmer, suffers home injury and fractures his toe four days to meet Barcelona in Champions League.

Palmer who is almost back from a long groin injury has this small issue while his club, Chelsea, is counting on him in their Champions League clash with Spanish club, Barcelona.

With Barca, 11th and Chelsea, 12th in the Champions League table with difference of two goals to Chelsea with the same point, seven, their Tuesday’s clash will determined who will be on the top of the other in being in the top eight of the table.

By Ibrahim Yunusa

An unidentified number of pupils and staff of St. Mary’s School in Papiri community of Agwara Local Government of Niger State were abducted by terrorists in the early hours of today, Friday.

The terrorists raided the school between 2:00 am to 3:00 am and kidnapped a number of pupils that yet to be identified by authorities.

While condemning the attack, the Niger State Government blames the school of not complying with the directives of closure of boarding schools issued by the state government.

Statement issued by the Office of the Secretary of the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, disclosed that prior intelligence report received by the government alarming an increased threat level in parts of Niger North Senatorial District, the state government in response to the credible security alerts issued a clear directive suspending all construction activities and also ordering the temporary closure of all boarding schools within the affected areas as a precautionary measure.

“Regrettably, St. Mary’s School proceeded to reopen and resume academic activities without notifying or seeking clearance from the State Government, thereby exposing pupils and the staff to avoidable risk.” the statement added.

This incident comes days after 25 students were kidnapped in Maga of Kebbi state resulting a height tension and deteriorating of security of educational institutions across the region.

By Uzair Adam

US Congresswoman Sara Jacobs has condemned President Donald Trump’s threat of unilateral military intervention in Nigeria over claims of a Christian genocide, calling the rhetoric “reckless” and potentially harmful to communities already grappling with widespread insecurity.

Jacobs, a Democrat representing California’s 51st Congressional District and a ranking member of the House Subcommittee on Africa, made the remarks on Thursday during a congressional hearing reviewing Nigeria’s redesignation as a Country of Particular Concern.

She argued that framing Nigeria’s complex security challenges solely as a religious conflict misrepresents reality and could inflame tensions.“It is counterproductive to adopt overly simplistic narratives about the multiple, complex, overlapping security challenges across the country,” Jacobs said.

Drawing on her experience with counter-Boko Haram strategies during her tenure at the State Department, she emphasized that both Christian and Muslim communities are affected by insecurity.

She cited recent killings and the church kidnapping in Kwara State, as well as the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State, to illustrate the wide range of victims.

“The violence affecting both Christian and Muslim communities is real, and the Nigerian government can and should do more,” she said, cautioning that Trump’s statements risk deepening divisions.

“We are already receiving reports of increased tensions between Christian and Muslim populations following this rhetoric,” Jacobs added.

She further stressed that Trump’s threat of military action would violate both US law and international norms. “Any unilateral military action in Nigeria would be illegal.

Congress has not authorised the use of force in Nigeria, and any action without Nigeria’s consent violates international law,” she said.

Jacobs concluded that while Nigeria faces serious security challenges, resolving them requires careful analysis, dialogue, and cooperation rather than inflammatory threats.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Pope Leo XIV has played down claims that Christians alone are the targets of mass killings in Nigeria, stressing that the country’s insecurity threatens people of every faith.

The Catholic leader made the clarification during an interaction with journalists as he departed his Castel Gandolfo residence in The Vatican.

A reporter sought his view on the safety of Nigerian Christians, a topic that has drawn considerable attention in Western political debates.

The pontiff said Nigeria’s violence cannot be separated from terrorism, economic pressures, and fierce disputes over land.

“I think in Nigeria, in certain areas, there is certainly a danger for Christians, but for all people. Christians and Muslims have been slaughtered,” he stated in response to EWTN News.

“There’s a question of terrorism. There’s a question that has to do a lot with economics, if you will, and control of the lands that they have. Unfortunately, many Christians have died, and I think it’s very, it’s important to seek a way for the government, with all peoples, to promote authentic religious freedom.”

His remarks come after former U.S. President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern over alleged religious persecution.

Abuja strongly rejected the designation, arguing that the crisis is not an assault on one religion but a complex conflict involving multiple groups.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, also echoed a similar view last month. At the launch of the 2025 Religious Freedom Report by Aid to the Church in Need, he said the violence in Nigeria fits more into a “social conflict,” often between herders and farmers, rather than a religious confrontation.

In an effort to address the growing narrative in Washington, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu led a federal delegation to the United States on Wednesday.

The team met with Congressman Riley Moore, whom Trump appointed to review Nigeria’s situation. Moore later said he and the delegation held a “frank, honest, and productive discussion.”

By Muhammad Abubakar

A federal court in Abuja has sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life imprisonment for terrorism-related charges. The judge stated that Kanu’s calls for “sit-at-home” orders incited violence and constituted acts of terrorism.

The court ruled that for several of the charges, the law prescribes either life imprisonment or the death penalty. In delivering the verdict, the judge described Kanu as a “tyrant” capable of violence and said he should no longer remain a part of society.

The prosecution immediately called for the death penalty following the conviction. Kanu has previously been imprisoned, first in 2015 and again in 2021 after a controversial extradition from Kenya.

Supporters of Kanu have staged protests, and opposition politicians have criticised the government, alleging that the trial was politically motivated.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A new wave of public debate has followed the Katsina State Government’s invitation to Yahaya Masussuka to defend his religious preachings before a committee of scholars, with some analysts accusing Amnesty International and northern intellectuals of inconsistency in their reactions to similar cases.

The development comes after the state government released a statement on November 18 acknowledging that it had received complaints alleging that Masussuka’s teachings “contravenes the general principles of Islamic Law.” Authorities also noted that Masussuka himself had reported threats from members of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a.

According to the statement, the government escalated the concerns to the Katsina Emirate Council, where the Emir invited Masussuka and other clerics for discussions and cautioned all parties against preaching that could offend other Muslims. Despite that intervention, the government said tensions persisted. It explained that Governor Dikko Umaru Radda subsequently directed Masussuka to appear before a Committee of Ulamas to defend himself, after which standards for preaching would be set and violations addressed.

While the state urged the public to remain calm, the invitation triggered sharp reactions from Amnesty International and some activists who insist Masussuka’s rights must be protected.

Commentators Challenge Amnesty’s Position

Public commentator Abubakar Suleiman questioned why similar advocacy was absent when Kano authorities invited another cleric, Lawan Shuaibu Triumph, to defend statements some groups considered blasphemous. He said:

“The Amnesty International Nigeria and some Northern Intellectuals were asleep or in a state of limbo when Mallam Lawan Shuaibu Triumph was invited by the Kano state government… He appeared, defended his statements, and heaven did not fall.”

Suleiman argued that Amnesty International only found its voice when the Katsina government invited Masussuka, whom he described as “the ‘anointed’ Yahaya Masussuka (whom some people laughably expect to bring about a ‘revolution’ in mainstream Islam and its preachings).”

He accused the organisation and some northern intellectuals of “double standards or hypocrisy,” calling their intervention “a clever-by-half and calculated attempt to arm-twist a government procedure.”

Suleiman also advised state governments to stay away from organizing doctrinal debates, proposing instead that legislative frameworks and faith-based regulatory bodies like JNI or CAN oversee preaching. He noted that disagreements over religious messages should go before the courts, not government panels. He warned that continued direct intervention by state executives could place them “in a quagmire.”

Khaleel: Masussuka’s Teachings Resemble Maitatsine Doctrine

Another analyst, Ibrahim Khaleel, linked Masussuka’s ideology to historical radical movements. He wrote:

“Yahaya Masussuka’s ideology of Qur’anism is what Maitatsine preached in the 1970s. The only difference is that Masussuka has not picked up arms yet.”

Khaleel described Masussuka’s approach as involving “rejection of Hadith, rejection of mainstream Islamic scholarship, personal interpretation of the Qur’an, provocative sermons of puritanism.”

He argued that the government is right to be wary, especially given what he described as troubling advocacy from international NGOs. He said these organisations “are not friends of our fragile country” and referenced past allegations that they assisted hostile groups.

Khaleel insisted the Katsina government acted responsibly by inviting Masussuka only for a scholarly clarification, stating:

“The government hasn’t done anything more than inviting him to come before a scholarly committee to discuss his beliefs, just to ensure that he doesn’t be the next problem the government will spend a lot of money trying to solve.”

He also questioned the defense of Masussuka’s freedom of expression, asking:

“Wasn’t freedom of speech what has landed us in terrorism today?”

Khaleel urged authorities to regulate unconventional religious teachings to prevent potential crises and declared, “Let the panel discussion proceed.”

Katsina Government Pledges Caution

The Katsina Government, in its press release signed by Director of Press Ibrahim Almu Gafai, said the matter is being “judiciously handled.” It said guidelines for preaching will be issued after the committee concludes its review and that decisive action will follow any violations.

The state further appealed to the public to remain patient as the process unfolds.

Masussuka has not publicly responded to the invitation as of the time of this report.