Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a direct order to the nation’s security chiefs to track down and bring to justice the terrorists responsible for the deadly attack on Kasuwan Daji community in Niger State.

He also mandated the urgent rescue of all abducted victims. The directive, given on Sunday, follows reports that terrorists, possibly fleeing from military pressure in Sokoto and Zamfara states, carried out the assault, killing villagers and kidnapping women and children.

President Tinubu strongly condemned the attack, extending his heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and the people of Niger State.”These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people.

They must, therefore, face the full consequences of their criminal actions,” the President declared. “No matter who they are or what their intent is, they must be hunted down.”

He warned that not only the perpetrators, but also their accomplices, would be caught.

The President assured Niger State residents that security operations would be intensified around vulnerable communities, especially those near forest areas used as criminal hideouts.

Calling for national unity, Tinubu urged citizens to remain resolute and avoid divisive rhetoric that could undermine security.

“These times demand our humanity. We must stand together as one people and confront these monsters in unison,” he said, emphasizing the goal to reclaim peace and security in the affected communities.

The orders were issued to the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, all Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS).

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 Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the renaming of the Federal University of Medical Sciences, Azare, to Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi University of Medical Sciences, Azare.

The change honours the legacy of the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, a highly respected Islamic scholar and elder statesman who passed away in 2025. He was widely known for his vast teachings, philanthropic works, and efforts in promoting peace.

The presidential announcement directs all relevant government agencies and the institution’s leadership to ensure a smooth transition to the new name.

The university, located in Bauchi State, specializes in medical and health sciences education.

By Anwar Usman

The Bauchi State Government has announced its plans to temporarily close and divert of some major roads within the metropolis ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s condolence visit to the state.

The government said the President is expected in Bauchi to commiserate with the family and followers of the late renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi.

This was disclosed in a statement issued late Friday by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, Mukhtar Gidado.

According to the statement, the affected riads include major roads leading to the Sheikh Dahiru Baushi’s mosque and other strategic locations, which will be closed or diverted between 1pm and 6pm on Saturday for security and traffic control purposes.

Gidado explained that the measures were adopted to ensure the safety of people in the State and the smooth conduct of the presidential engagement.

“The public is hereby notified that some major routes leading to the Sheikh’s mosque and other key locations will be temporarily closed or diverted from 1pm to 6pm for traffic control and security reasons.

“These measures are purely for safety and effective traffic management during the President’s visit,” the statement read.

He urged residents of the state to plan their movements accordingly, obey traffic instructions, avoid restricted areas during the period and cooperate fully with security agencies deployed across the state.

The government also appealed to residents to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly during the visit.

Recall that, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday announced that Tinubu would depart Abuja on Saturday for a three-state visit to Borno, Bauchi and Lagos states.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will begin a three-state visit tomorrow, Saturday, before settling in Lagos for the end-of-year holidays.

His journey will first take him to Maiduguri, Borno State, where he will commission projects executed by Governor Babagana Zulum in collaboration with the Federal Government. During his stay, the President will also attend the wedding of Sadeeq Sheriff, son of former Borno Governor Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, to Hadiza Kam Salem.

The President will then travel to Bauchi State on a condolence visit. He will pay his respects to the state government and the family of the late revered Muslim cleric, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, leader of the Tijjaniyya Muslim Brotherhood, who passed away on November 27.

Following the visit to Bauchi, President Tinubu will proceed to Lagos, where he is scheduled to spend the Christmas and New Year holidays.

His itinerary in Lagos includes several engagements, notably as the Special Guest of Honour at the Eyo Festival on December 27.

The event, to be held at Tafawa Balewa Square, will pay tribute to notable personalities, including the President’s late mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, as well as former Lagos State Governors Alhaji Lateef Jakande and Chief Michael Otedola.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has restated his administration’s resolve to prioritise the welfare, professionalism, and operational efficiency of the Nigerian Army.

The President made this known at the opening of the 2025 Chief of Army Annual Conference held in Lagos on Monday. He was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Tinubu assured the Armed Forces of sustained support to enable them carry out their constitutional responsibilities. The assurance was contained in a statement released by the acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele.

While paying tribute to both serving and retired military officers, the President acknowledged their enduring contributions to the institution.

“Their sacrifices, leadership, and institutional memory shape the Army. I commend the courage and patriotism of those placing national duty above personal comfort—their defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and unity is etched in our history,” he said.

The President noted that the annual conference provides an opportunity for strategic assessment in the face of changing security threats. He added that the presence of former Service Chiefs and elder statesmen reflected the rich heritage of the Armed Forces.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, described the conference as essential for assessing military operations and the Army’s preparedness in line with national objectives.

He stressed the importance of joint operations, stronger inter-agency cooperation, and a whole-of-society approach, urging that discussions at the conference translate into tangible results on the battlefield.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for demonstrating strong political will in areas of troop welfare, equipment provision, training, and institutional reforms. He also commended the National Assembly for its continued support.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said security remains the bedrock of development. He praised the Nigerian Army for its contributions to national stability and pledged the support of the state government.

The event drew senior government officials, Service Chiefs, former military leaders, heads of security agencies, diplomats, and other dignitaries.

According to the organisers, the conference will deliberate on key operational, administrative, and strategic matters. The programme will also feature the unveiling of a biography of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued an immediate order for the withdrawal of all police officers assigned as personal security guards to Very Important Persons (VIPs) across the country.

The directive, announced on Sunday, aims to redeploy these officers to their core duties of frontline policing and public security.

The order was issued following a security meeting in Abuja, which was attended by the heads of the nation’s security agencies, including the Army, Air Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Inspector-General of Police.

According to the new directive, any VIP requiring personal protection must now seek such services from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), which will be responsible for providing armed guards.

This move comes as many regions of the country, particularly rural and remote areas, suffer from a severe shortage of police personnel.

This deficit has hampered the force’s ability to effectively protect lives and property.

President Tinubu stated his administration’s commitment to increasing police presence nationwide to tackle the security challenges plaguing the nation.

This initiative aligns with the federal government’s earlier approval to recruit 30,000 new police officers, alongside a partnership with state governments to enhance police training facilities across Nigeria.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has issued a firm directive to Nigeria’s newly appointed service chiefs, demanding an end to terrorism and banditry and warning that “Nigerians expect results, not excuses.”

The President gave the charge on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja after decorating the top military brass with their new ranks.

He emphasized that the security crisis, which began in 2009, cannot be allowed to persist any longer.

“I charge you, as the heads of our nation’s armed forces, to carry out your duties with patriotic zeal,” Tinubu stated.

He urged the chiefs to be “innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous,” and to deploy technology to stay ahead of threats.

A key concern highlighted by the President is the emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and some parts of the South.

“We must not allow these new threats to fester. We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right at the head,” he declared.

While commending the military’s past sacrifices and successes, Tinubu tasked the service chiefs with ensuring synergy and providing exemplary leadership.

“Work with other security agencies and defeat this enemy once and for all. We need to clean them up, clear them out,” he said, promising full government support.

In his response, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, thanked the President for the appointment and assured him of their determination to keep the country safe.

He also called on all Nigerians to support the military’s efforts.The event was attended by the Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House, several state governors, and other top government officials.

The service chiefs were accompanied by their spouses, whom they saluted in a gesture that drew applause from the audience.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has assured Christian communities in Northern Nigeria of his administration’s commitment to fairness and religious equity, while also pledging to decisively tackle the nation’s security challenges.

The President gave the assurance on Saturday during a visit to Jos, Plateau State, where he met with Christian leaders at the Headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) and attended the funeral of Nana Lydia Yilwatda, the mother of the APC National Chairman.”

I have a mission to unite this country, ensure its prosperity, and we are making progress,” President Tinubu stated.

He emphasized his personal commitment to religious harmony, citing his own family as an example.

“In our family, we have a strong Muslim background, and I married a Christian, a pastor for that matter, and I have never forced her to change her religion.”

On the pressing issue of insecurity, the President was resolute.

“We are defeating bandits, and we will defeat them. We will deal with them and combat the farmers-herders clashes,” he declared.

The funeral service served as a platform for the President to pay tribute to the late Nana Lydia Yilwatda, whom he described as a devoted mother and humanitarian.

The event also featured remarks from her son, Professor Nantawe Yilwatda, the APC National Chairman, who thanked the President for his support.

Reverend Dr. Amos Mohzo, the President of COCIN, expressed gratitude for the appointment of Northern Christians like Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, into key government positions.

He also appealed to President Tinubu for increased assistance for victims of conflict in Benue, Plateau, and for Christian communities displaced from Borno and Adamawa into Cameroon.

The high-profile event was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, several state governors, and top government officials.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In a major move to tackle the nation’s security challenges, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of the Forest Guards of Nigeria, a new security outfit tasked with flushing out terrorists and bandits from the country’s vast woodland areas.

The President has directed the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to commence the immediate recruitment of personnel for the new force.

According to a statement by Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, the guards will be assigned to secure 1,129 forests across the country.

The initiative is a collaborative effort between the federal and state governments.The President mandated that the forest guards be “well-trained and armed” to effectively carry out their primary duty of combating criminals who use the forests as hideouts for illegal activities.

The Office of the NSA and the Federal Ministry of Environment have been tasked with overseeing the full implementation of the initiative, which is expected to employ thousands of young Nigerians.

The establishment of the Forest Guards follows President Tinubu’s recent vow that his administration would not surrender any Nigerian territory to criminals, emphatically stating that the country “would take back its forests.”