By Sabiu Abdullahi

Residents of Offa in Kwara State were gripped by fear late Thursday night after powerful explosions tore through parts of the town, leaving several homes and shops damaged.

The incident came hours after United States President Donald Trump announced that American forces had carried out airstrikes against ISIS positions in some parts of Nigeria.

It has not been confirmed whether the explosions in Offa were connected to the reported U.S. military operations or whether they were the result of an action carried out solely by Nigerian security forces.

Witnesses said fragments fell from the sky shortly after the blasts. This development raised suspicions that the explosions may have resulted from bombs delivered by unmanned aerial vehicles.

A large piece believed to be part of a drone bomb was seen on the ground near the affected area.

Information gathered indicated that at least five houses and several shops were damaged. Rubble spread across the neighbourhoods that were hit by the explosions.

Video clips also showed frightened residents appealing to the Kwara State Government to step in and assess the situation.

Some residents expressed confusion over why Offa, known as a peaceful community, would experience such an incident.“Why would they launch a bomb here?” one visibly shaken resident asked. Another added, “We saw the drone remnants after it destroyed a house.”

A member of the local vigilante group who visited the affected areas confirmed that the first explosion occurred around midnight.“I got there after 12 a.m. I called the Balogun (war chief), and he came immediately. We went to the hotel where one of the explosions occurred, but I won’t mention the hotel’s name. The hotel was damaged. Another explosion happened around the prayer ground near Ijagbo in Offa,” he said.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the Federal Government over what it described as poor public communication surrounding reported United States military strikes against terrorists in parts of northwest Nigeria.

The opposition party urged the Tinubu administration to adopt a more proactive and transparent method of addressing sensitive national security matters.

Reports had earlier emerged that on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, former United States President Donald Trump announced that American forces carried out what he called “numerous precise strikes” against terrorist elements in northwest Nigeria. He claimed that the targets were militants responsible for attacks on Christians in the region.

Trump stated that the operation took place under his authority as Commander-in-Chief. He said the strikes focused on ISIS-linked fighters who have operated for years in areas affected by violence and insecurity.

According to him, the militants had been “viciously killing, primarily innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even centuries.” He also said he had earlier warned the groups to halt the killings or face consequences.

The Nigerian government later acknowledged that strikes had taken place in parts of northern Nigeria through the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Authorities, however, did not disclose details about the operation or clarify the level of Nigeria’s involvement.

In a statement issued on Friday, December 26, 2025, by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP said Nigerians first became aware of the reported operation through verified social media accounts linked to Trump and other American officials. The party said this happened long before any formal reaction came from Nigerian authorities.

The party noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs only released what it described as a “vague statement” several hours later. The statement, according to the PDP, merely offered passive confirmation that Nigeria was aware of and cooperated in the operation.

“While international cooperation in the fight against high crimes like terrorism is very much appreciated, the Peoples Democratic Party is deeply concerned about a communication structure where foreign powers break the news of security operations in our country before our government does,” the statement read.

The PDP warned that such an “inverted communication approach” does not protect the interests of Nigeria or its citizens. The party referred to reports that the United States military had in the past entered Nigerian territory and carried out operations without the prior consent or knowledge of Nigerian authorities.

The opposition party said the Federal Government ought to have taken the lead in informing the public about the operation. It added that such an approach would have helped in properly sensitising Nigerians instead of waiting to confirm information that was already circulating widely.

“The government should not be in a position of merely reacting to foreign announcements on security operations within its territory, unless it was taken unawares like the rest of the citizens,” the party stated.

By Isah Kamisu Madachi

For over a week now, flipping through the pages of Nigerian newspapers, social media, and other media platforms, the dominant issue trending nationwide has been the discovery of significant discrepancies between the gazetted version of the Tax Laws made available to the public and what was actually passed by the Nigerian legislature. Since this shocking discovery by a member of the House of Representatives, opinions from tax experts, public affairs analysts, activists, civil society organisations, opposition politicians, and professional bodies have been pouring in.

Many interesting events that could disrupt the pace of the debate have recently surfaced in the media. Yet the Tax Law discussion persists because public interest is deeply entrenched in the contested laws. However, while many view the issue from angles such as a breach of public trust, a violation of legislative privilege by the executive council, the passage of an ill-prepared law and so on, I see it from a different, narrower, and governance-centred perspective.

What brought this issue to public attention was an alarm raised by Hon. Abdulsammad Dasuki, a Member of the House of Representatives from Sokoto State, during a House plenary on 17 December 2025. He called the attention of the House to what he identified as discrepancies between the gazetted version of the Tax Laws he obtained from the Federal Ministry of Information and what was actually debated, agreed upon, and passed on the floor of both the House and the Senate. He requested that the Speaker ensure all relevant documents, including the harmonised versions, the Votes and Proceedings of both chambers, and the gazetted copies, are brought before the Committee of the Whole for scrutiny. The lawmaker expressed concern over what he described as a serious breach of his legislative privilege.

Beyond that, however, my concern is about how safe and protected Nigerians’ interests are in the hands of our lawmakers at the National Assembly. This ongoing discussion raises a critical question about representation in Nigeria. Does this mean that if Dasuki had also been indifferent and had not bothered to utilise the Freedom of Information Act 2011 to obtain the gazetted version of the laws from the Federal Ministry of Information, take time to study it, and make comparisons, there would have been no cause for alarm from any of Nigeria’s 360 House of Representatives members and 109 senators? Do lawmakers discard the confidence we reposed in them immediately after the election results are declared?

This debate serves a latent function of waking us up to the reality of the glaring disconnect between public interest and the interests of our representatives. The legislature in a democratic setting is a critical institution that goes beyond routine plenaries that are often uninteresting and sparsely attended by the lawmakers. It is meant to be a space for scrutiny, deliberation, and the protection of public interest, especially when complex laws with wide social consequences are involved. 

We saw Sen. Ali Ndume in a short video clip that recently swept the media, furiously saying during a verbal altercation with Sen. Adams Oshiomhole over ambassadorial screening that “the Senate is not a joke.” The Senate is, of course, not a joke, and neither should the entire National Assembly be. Ideally, it should not be a joke to the legislators themselves or to us. Therefore, we should not shy away from discussing how disinterested those entrusted with the task of representing us, and primarily protecting our interests, appear to be in our collective affairs.

It is not a coincidence that, even before the current debate over the tax reform law, it has continued to generate controversy since its inception. It also does not take quantum mechanics to understand that something is fundamentally wrong when almost nobody truly understands the law. Thanks to social media, I have come across numerous skits, write-ups, and commentaries attempting to explain it, but often followed by opposing responses saying that the authors either did not understand the law themselves or did not take sufficient time to study it.

The controversy around the gazetted Tax Reform Laws should not end with public outrage or media debates alone. It should prompt deeper reflection on how laws are made, scrutinised, and defended in Nigeria’s democracy. A system that relies on the alertness of a single lawmaker to prevent serious legislative discrepancies is neither resilient nor reliable. Representation cannot be occasional, and vigilance cannot be optional. 

Nigerians deserve a legislature that safeguards their interests, not one that notices breaches only when a few individuals choose to be different and look closely. If this ongoing debate does not lead to formidable internal checks and a renewed sense of responsibility among lawmakers, then the problem is far bigger than a flawed gazette. When legislative processes fail, it is ordinary Nigerians who bear the cost through policies they did not scrutinise and consequences they did not consent to.

Isah Kamisu Madachi is a public policy enthusiast and development practitioner. He writes from Abuja and can be reached via: isahkamisumadachi@gmail.com.

By Anas Abbas

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed that 11 passengers lost their lives and 12 others sustained injuries in a single-vehicle crash along the Ringim-Sankara-Beguwa road in Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

Ado Adamu, Acting Commander of the FRSC unit in Ringim, told the News Agency of Nigeria that the accident occurred at about 4:45 p.m. on Thursday. The Volkswagen vehicle involved was carrying 23 passengers seven males and 16 females when it was involved in the crash.

According to Adamu, preliminary findings indicate that the crash was caused by a tyre burst aggravated by excessive speeding, which forced the vehicle off the road.

Eleven of the passengers five males and six females died as a result of the accident, while 12 others, comprising seven males and five females, were injured and taken to Ringim General Hospital for treatment.

The FRSC Sector Commander for Jigawa, Mr. Umar Matazu, has extended condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.

Adamu also said the victims were traveling from Bauchi State toward Kankia Local Government Area in Katsina State when the crash occurred.

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.

By Maryam Ahmad

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.

By Anas Abbas

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.

In 2025, the Hausa film industry, popularly known as Kannywood, witnessed a clear shift, with series films completely overshadowing feature-length productions. Apart from Mansura Isa’s Faliha and Falisha, no major Kannywood movie was released in cinemas throughout the year. This is, of course, troubling, as series films alone do not define the strength and global reach of any serious film industry.

However, series films attract more audience commitment, offering extended runtimes, deeper character development, and closer engagement with social realities. They also give filmmakers and actors the room to explore complexity in ways feature-length films often cannot.

After following several Kannywood series throughout the year, six clearly stood out for viewership, audience engagement, and the level of conversation they generated. They are as follows:

1. Labarina (Season 14), 
2. Wata Shida, 
3. Garwashi, 
4. Jamilun Jidda, 
5. Zabi Biyu, and 
6. Taskar Kannywood (Da Na Sani)

The above series were considered for the year’s best performances. Nominees were first identified within each series, after which an overall winner was selected for each category based on consistency, depth of performance, narrative impact, and contribution to the series as a whole.

1. Best Actor of the Year 

Top Nominees:

1. Adam Garba (Abba Galadima in Labarina [season 14], and Sameer/Dahiru in Wata Shida)
2. Abubakar Waziri [Bado] (Malam Sani in Garwashi)
3. Ali Nuhu (Professor Nuri in Jamilun Jidda)
4. Yakubu Muhammad (Mudan in Garwashi)

Winner: Adam Garba (Abba Galadima in Labarina [S14], and Sameer/Dahiru in Wata Shida)

Adam Garba’s contributions to two of the top series clearly set him apart from other nominees. In Labarina (season 14), he delivers a calm, grounded performance as Prince Abba Galadima. However, his portrayal of Sameer/Dahiru in Wata Shida demands duality and emotional balance, all of which he handles with impressive control.

• Best Actress of the Year 

Top Nominees:

1. Fatima Abdulahi Washa (Sumayya in Labarina [Season 14])
2. Fatima Hussaini (Zahrah in Wata Shida, and Ruth/Fatima in Jamilun Jidda)
3. Fiddausi Yahaya (Ma’u in Garwashi, and Jidda in Jamilun Jidda)

Winner: Fatima Hussaini (Zahrah in Wata Shida, and Ruth/Fatima in Jamilun Jidda)

Although Fiddausi Yahaya left a strong impression as Ma’u in Garwashi and the title character in Jamilun Jidda, Fatima Hussaini maintains a stronger performance quality across different projects. The confidence she showed as Zahrah in Wata Shida, and her dual role in Jamilun Jidda prove her versatility, as she navigates contrasting identities effectively.

• Best Supporting Actor 

Top Nominees:

1. Rabi’u Rikadawa (Baba Dan Audu in Labarina [Season 14])
2. Kabiru Sani (Gaddafi in Garwashi)
3. Isah Feroz Khan (Kasim in Garwashi)

Winner: Kabiru Sani (Gaddafi in Garwashi)

Each of these actors delivered memorable supporting performances, but Kabiru Sani, alias International, stands out for the complexity and freshness he brought to the role of Gaddafi in Garwashi. The character is a blend of thuggery and humour. This combination could easily have messed up in less capable hands. However, Kabiru International plays it naturally. His performance felt confident and fully formed.

• Best Supporting Actress

Top Nominees:

1. Faiza Abdullahi (Lawisa in Garwashi)
2. Bikisu Safana (Shatty in Wata Shida)
3. Aisha Humaira (Samira in Garwashi)

Winner: Faiza Abdullahi (Lawisa in Garwashi)

The reason why Fa’iza Abdullahi wins is the way she adjusted her physicality, voice, and mannerisms to fit in the thuggish character of Lawisa in Garwashi. Her performance reminds you of Alia Bhatt’s finest performance in Gangubai Kathiawadi, which earned her the prestigious Indian National Film Award.

• Best Villain of the Year

Top Nominees:

1. Hauwa Farar Lema (Kilishi, Labarina [Season 14]) 
2. Balaraba Abdullahi (Baba Lami, Garwashi)
3. Magaji Mijinyawa (Kawu Nakowa, Wata Shida)

Winner: Hauwa Farar Lema (Kilishi, Labarina [S14])

Hauwa Farar Lema’s portrayal of Kilishi in Labarina (Season 14) stands out for her deep understanding of the character’s motivations and emotions. Her performance feels realistic. She looks fearsome and conveys the essence of her malicious character through threatening glances and expressions.

• Star of the Year

Winner: Fiddausi Yahaya (Ma’u in Garwashi and Jidda in Jamilun Jidda)

While some critics question her acting prowess, Fiddausi Yahaya is undoubtedly the star of the year. As a relatively new actress, she suddenly became a household name, gained a massive fan following, trended widely on social media, and began appearing in multiple big-budget projects such as Garwashi and Jamilun Jidda, among others. She is a subtle performer and has shown steady improvement in acting quality with every new role.

• Best Breakthrough Performance of the year

Winner: Amina Shehu [Lulu] (Samira in Da Na Sani)

A breakthrough performance is a role that elevates an actor’s visibility and reputation. This happens to Amina Shehu after delivering an intense and emotionally layered role of Samira, nicknamed Kwaila, in “Da Na Sani”, the seventh film from Taskar Kannywood collection. Da Na Sani became the most-reviewed film, and her performance in it was probably the most widely acclaimed of the year. 

• Most Promising Actor of the Year

Winner: Murtala Yahaya Musa Sarauta (Bello in Zabi Biyu)

Judging by how convincingly he handled the role of Bello in Zabi Biyu, only a few roles would truly challenge him. He may appear too mature and lack the conventional swagger of Kannywood heroes, but his acting skills are too solid to be overlooked. With the right story that suits his personality, Murtala is really an actor to watch.

• Most Promising Actress of the year

Winner: Hassana Ibrahim (Safiyya, Zabi Biyu)

The debutante Hassana Ibrahim demonstrates exceptional potential in her powerful lead performance in Zabi Biyu. She portrays emotional depth and control, particularly in scenes that require vulnerability and internal struggle. She has a commanding screen presence, delivers her dialogue effectively, and complements it with appropriate gestures

1.  Best Comic Performance

Winner: Isiyaka Jalingo (Zabi Biyu,and Garwashi)

Isiyaka Jalingo is not merely funny; he generates humour through behaviour and mannerisms while still serving the story. His roles are not designed solely for comic relief; instead, the humour emerges organically from the way he speaks and acts in every scene he features. His roles in Garwashi and Zabi Biyu, though small, leave a huge impact.

Written By

Habibu Maaruf Abdu

habibumaaruf11@gmail.com

By Ibrahim Badamasi Abdulrahman

Amid the widespread circulation of fictitious conspiracy theories alleging a so-called Christian genocide in Nigeria by Muslims, narratives often promoted by a few self-interested actors for personal gain and the advancement of narrow agendas, to the detriment of national cohesion and Nigeria’s sovereignty, one would expect a media house of Channels Television’s standing to exercise heightened objectivity and sensitivity.

Such care is essential, particularly given how these narratives were weaponised to invite foreign hostility under the guise of protecting Christians.

In reporting the same incident, Al Jazeera English headlined: “Explosion rocks crowded mosque in Nigeria, killing at least five.”

The BBC World Service reported: “Bomb blast in packed Nigerian mosque kills five.”

Sadly, Channels Television chose the headline: “BREAKING: Many Feared Dead As Bomb Blast Rocks Maiduguri On Christmas Eve.”

This choice is troubling, particularly given the well-known reality that casual or “lazy” readers far outnumber those who read beyond headlines. To such readers, and to warmongers or actors with selfish interests, the dominant keywords become “dead,” “bomb blast,” and “Christmas.”

These are easily stripped of context and repackaged to advance dangerous and divisive narratives.

Even international outlets such as The Times of Israel reported the incident as a mosque bombing, yet a Nigerian media organisation that prides itself on being Nigeria’s most awarded television station for over fifteen years failed to appreciate that, in this environment, headlines often matter more than the content beneath them.

This may not have been deliberate. However, it was reckless, and it was insensitive, especially in a country already grappling with deep religious fault lines and the harmful consequences of misinformation.

A media house of Channels Television’s stature ought to lead in restraint, precision, and contextual responsibility, particularly at moments when careless framing can inflame tensions and deepen existing harm.

It is within this context that the media is regarded as the Fourth Estate. This designation is not in a vacuum. Rather, it reflects the media’s role in filling the gap of accountability, transparency, and public awareness left by the three arms of government in a democracy.

As a watchdog, the media observes, questions, exposes, and informs the public. While it does not exercise the powers of governance, legislation, or adjudication, it carries the grave responsibility of ensuring that the successes and failures of the three arms of government are accurately, responsibly, and sensitively presented to the people, especially in a society where careless framing can inflame tensions and deepen existing harm.

Ibrahim Badamasi Abdulrahman wrote in from Borno State, Nigeria.

By Anwar Usman

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.”