By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has taken a swipe at the Federal Government over its rapid intervention in the attempted coup in the Benin Republic, saying the speed of action only highlights how slowly the government responds to the insecurity tormenting communities across Nigeria.

In a statement signed by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, the ADC said the development raises important questions about the government’s priorities, its respect for constitutional processes, and its commitment to safeguarding Nigerian lives.

The party acknowledged that Nigeria’s prompt response in Benin was commendable, but argued that the contrast with the country’s domestic security failures is becoming too glaring to ignore.

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) welcomes Nigeria’s swift intervention in the Benin Republic following the announcement of a coup attempt. We commend the Federal Government for acting promptly to defend constitutional order in our neighbourhood,” Abdullahi said.

Even so, the party stressed that any such intervention must still follow constitutional procedures, noting that military or security deployment outside Nigeria requires the approval of the National Assembly, as clearly outlined in the Constitution.

The ADC also raised concerns over what it described as an inconsistent pattern in Nigeria’s foreign interventions. It recalled the government’s hesitation during the instability in Guinea-Bissau, especially at a time when a former Nigerian President was reportedly caught up in the crisis.

“Why were we not as swift in responding to the crisis in Guinea-Bissau, even when a former Nigerian President was trapped there? What determines when Nigeria acts firmly and when it delays?” the party asked.

According to the ADC, such inconsistencies only fuel speculation that Nigeria’s rapid move in Benin may have been influenced by interests outside the country, a perception it says undermines Nigeria’s credibility as a regional leader.

But beyond foreign policy, the party said the Benin action draws attention to something far more troubling; the government’s inability to act with equal urgency against bandits, terrorists, and violent criminals who continue to terrorise Nigerians.

“If Nigeria could respond decisively to threats across our borders, why has our government demonstrated such outrageous incompetence in dealing with domestic insecurity?” the ADC queried.

The party argued that no government can lay claim to defending democracy abroad while citizens at home remain at the mercy of violent groups, adding that the first responsibility of any administration is to protect its people.

“A government that can act swiftly abroad must also act decisively at home. The defence of democracy does not begin in neighbouring countries; it begins in the protection of Nigerian lives,” Abdullahi added.

Reaffirming its opposition to any unconstitutional change of government in the region, the ADC said the most effective way to prevent military intervention is for elected leaders to govern responsibly, improve citizens’ welfare, and allow opposition voices to flourish.

“The best possible safeguard against military adventurism is for elected governments to make democracy meaningful to the people by improving their lives and allowing opposition to thrive,” the party stated.

The post ADC to FG: If you can act in Benin overnight, why not protect Nigerians? appeared first on Vanguard News.

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The Okomu National Park in Edo, on Monday, said that a baby elephant, which was rescued from an oil palm plantation on November 30, was undergoing rehabilitation.

Conservator of the park, Mr Osaze Lawrence, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the park in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo.

NAN reports that the Okomu National Park, in collaboration with the Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation, had rescued the male calf, about two months old, while it was wandering alone inside the Okomu Oil Palm Company plantation.

The conservator said that workers had quickly stabilised the animal and alerted park authorities.

“It was a very young elephant less than two months old; they gave it water, tried to revive it and immediately called us,” he told NAN.

He said that rangers and African Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation personnel had retrieved the calf and attempted to reunite it with its herd inside the elephant home range, but it still roamed.

“It walked some metres into the wild on its own, and we thought it had returned to the family.

“But a commercial motorcyclist later reported seeing the disoriented calf alone by the roadside.

“At that point, it became clear it could not find its herd; the best option was for us to rescue, rehabilitate and stabilise it,” he said.

He noted that the calf, which had slipped into a health crisis, was under 24-hour veterinary care at an ANI camp within the park.

“We are feeding it with the recommended milk, giving medication and monitoring its strength; it is stabilising and doing very well,” he added

He praised the synergy among national authorities, ANI, Okomu Oil Palm Company, veterinarians, as well as the international experts.

NAN reports that the rescue had drawn international attention, including that of a UK-born wildlife rescue specialist Liz O’Brien, who had flown in from Zambia, to join the efforts.

O’Brien who had gathered about15 years of experience rescuing elephants across Africa, described the case as historic.

“In Nigeria, they have never rescued an elephant like this before; this is the first of its kind,” she said.

According to her, she had travelled to Nigeria because the baby elephant required expert’s intervention, adding that hands-on training for local conservation teams, will help build long-term capacity.

“My main reason for coming was to train people here, so the knowledge stays in the country.

“You cannot always rely on people flying in; We must develop the next generation of wildlife rescuers,” she said.

Meanwhile, on the future of the calf, O’Brien advised that it would require at least two years of milk feeding and several more years of supervised exposure to the wild.

“Wild animals belong in the wild; the aim should be to return him to the area he came from when he is strong enough,” she said.

She noted that elephants needed vast spaces and zoos were not suitable.

On his part, ANI’s Project Manager at Okomu, Peter Abanyam, said that the rescue had revealed a growing conservation awareness among communities around the park.

According to him, the level of local engagement has risen significantly, with more community members showing interest in conservation employment and training.

“When the calf wandered to the main road, community members immediately alerted our gate; this. shows how much the awareness has grown,” he said.

He said that the rescue was intriguing because it involved an African rainforest elephant, which is on the list of wildlife in extinction.

He, however, warned that increased elephant movement could escalate human–wildlife conflict unless an urgent demarcation of park boundaries is completed.

“We will soon grow into a crisis if boundaries are not marked, especially in the southern part, where farms are expanding.

“Communities must know where the park begins,” he added.

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The Federal Government on Monday unveiled a N50 million Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG), aimed at promoting innovation, research excellence and entrepreneurship across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

Speaking at the official launch in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said the programme represented a strategic national investment in young innovators and aligned directly with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Education.

Alausa described the S-VCG as far more than a grant scheme, noting that it was designed to identify high-potential ideas from campuses and nurture a culture of creativity and enterprise among students.

He said beneficiaries would receive up to N50 million in equity-free seed funding, alongside intensive incubation, expert mentorship, and access to networks and critical start-up-building tools.

The initiative, he added, was jointly implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education and TETFund, in collaboration with the Bank of Industry, Afara Initiative, Afrilabs, the Entrepreneurship and Skills Development Centre, and Google.

According to the minister, the programme is open to full-time students in federal, state and private tertiary institutions from year three and above, with younger students allowed as team members.

“The S-VCG is structured to identify exceptional talent, give them a fair and credible opportunity to succeed, and inspire thousands of others to believe in their capacity to innovate.

“We know that many successful founders did not thrive on their first attempt. But their journey began with a spark.

“This programme exists to light that spark, build a new culture of confidence, and showcase to the world the depth of Nigerian ingenuity.

“Beneficiaries of the S-VCG will receive a comprehensive support package tailored to increase their chances of building viable and scalable ventures,” he said.

Alausa added that eligible ventures must have a CAC-registered business name and be rooted in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical Sciences (STEMM) fields.

He said every application would undergo thorough evaluation, with shortlisted teams pitching before a 12-member expert panel drawn from academia, industry, venture capital and government.

He added that participants would receive feedback and may be paired with complementary teams to encourage collaboration and shared innovation.

He stressed that the S-VCG was expected to accelerate research commercialisation, support intellectual property development, and position students to produce high-impact solutions with global relevance.

“Not every idea will become a start-up, but some will evolve into patents and licensable technologies capable of significant impact,” he said.

Speaking on the overview of the programme, Mr Adebayo Onigbanjo, National Programme Coordinator, Special Programme Unit of S-VCG, said the programme was designed to ignite student-driven innovation.

Onigbanjo said it was also designed to close the investment gaps that have made venture capitalists hesitant to invest in early-stage university ideas.

He said the portal had received 17,914 applications from 402 schools comprising 346 public and 56 private institutions, noting that over 1,000 applications had actually been submitted.

Also, the former Minister of Power, Prof Barth Nnaji, whose board awards a $100,000 prize annually for groundbreaking scientific innovation, commended the initiative, noting its alignment with efforts to deepen scientific research and innovation in the country.

“This is how students and their mentors can develop impactful inventions that serve global needs but solve local problems,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the application portal was opened on November 17 and will close on January 23, 2026, with the evaluation process to begin immediately afterwards.

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

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The Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Prof. Teddy Charles Adias, has revealed that the University will be conferring Degrees on 10,272 graduating students across the various faculties of the university and postgraduate school.

Out of these, he said that 9912 students will be graduating with various first degrees, while 360 will be graduating with postgraduate degrees.

Speaking on Monday at the University Premises during a Press Brief sequel to the Maiden edition of the University’s combined Convocation ceremony billed to hold on Thursday, 8 December, the Vice Chancellor disclosed that the Convocation was a milestone in the life of the university.

He added that the University will also launch a 100 billion Endowment Fund to support the developmental needs of the university.

The weeklong activities Prof Adias maintained will also be used to honour some distinguished Nigerians who, he said, have made outstanding contributions to the nation’s development with the award of honorary degrees.

He said: We shall be conferring degrees on 10,272 graduating students across our various Faculties and the Postgraduate School. This number, 9912, will be graduating with various first degrees, and 360 with postgraduate degrees.

“We will also launch a 100 billion Endowment Fund to support developmental needs for our university, as well as honour some distinguished Nigerians who have made outstanding contributions to our nation’s development through the award of honorary doctorate degrees.

“This convocation is indeed a milestone in the life of our university. It brings together several graduating sets whose academic journeys were shaped by resilience, innovation, and dedication, especially in the years following the global pandemic and industrial disruptions.”

The Vice Chancellor also revealed some of the institution’s achievements which he disclosed as full accreditation for most of their programmes, adding that the university has introduced new ones that align with national priorities and global trends.

“Our staff and students are winning research grants and fellowships, both locally and internationally. We have improved our learning environment with new laboratories, classrooms, hostels, and digital infrastructure to support teaching and innovation.

“Beyond academics, FUO continues to contribute to community development through entrepreneurship programmes and sustainability projects across the state and the nation.”

He maintained that the university’s vision remains clear to position it as a centre of excellence, producing graduates who are globally competitive yet deeply rooted in the values of service, integrity, and innovation.

“In the coming years, we will continue to strengthen academic quality, expand research partnerships, improve digital readiness, and enhance the overall welfare of staff and students.

“These priorities are firmly captured in our strategic development plan, which guides our actions as an institution of the future.” He concluded.

He, however, asked that individuals should partner with the university to build hostels to ease the challenge of accommodation, adding, “We are calling for private partnership, build, operate and leave.

He thanked President Bola TInubu, the management and the people of Otuoke for supporting the university.

The high point of the event was the commissioning of some of the completed facilities by the Vice Chancellor.

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Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has asserted that Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis did not begin in the North, as widely believed, but in the oil-rich southern region.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Governor Sule described a recent meeting of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum as “tense and emotionally charged,” with governors expressing deep frustration over the worsening insecurity nationwide.

According to him, kidnapping first gained prominence in the South—particularly in the Niger Delta—between 2003 and 2009, where oil workers were frequently abducted for ransom. Drawing on his extensive experience in the oil and gas industry, Sule recalled several incidents, including cases involving the engineering firm Tetra Tech, that forced some multinational companies to pull out of Nigeria.

He said the early wave of abductions was driven largely by financial motives tied to the region’s militancy and agitation for resource control. The situation, he noted, began to improve during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan following negotiations with Niger Delta militants.

Governor Sule cautioned against framing Nigeria’s insecurity along regional lines, emphasizing that kidnapping has now become a national problem. He admitted that northern leaders initially viewed the crisis as a southern issue but warned that it has since “spread everywhere” and requires a united response.

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A suspected kidnapper identified as Ibrahim Mohammed has been arrested by operatives of the Edo State Security Corps, ESSC, while allegedly delivering a firearm to his colleagues in the state.

DAILY POST reports that the suspect, who hails from Borno State, was arrested by the operatives within the Oluku bypass area in Benin City.

Richard Balogun, ESSC Deputy Commander, Operations, who confirmed the arrest, said the suspect and the recovered gun have since been handed over to the police for profiling and further investigation.

Balogun said there have been incessant cases of kidnapping incidents around the Oluku bypass, Benin-Akure road and environs.

He said due to the kidnapping incident, personnel of the outfit were placed on surveillance in the area in addition to regular motorised patrols.

He added that during one of the patrols, the team got credible information that a man was going to deliver a gun to a kidnapping gang in the locality.

According to him, the security patrol was intensified. A few hours later, the suspect was spotted on a motorcycle while he concealed the gun in a long bag. He was subsequently apprehended, and the said gun was recovered.

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• A lady in Lagos reported a frightening experience with wig snatchers in Igando.
• The incident took place while she was on her way to a friend’s birthday party.
• After getting off a bus to take a motorcycle, an unknown person pulled her wig from behind.

A Lagos lady has shared a terrifying encounter with alleged wig snatchers in the Igando area.

She revealed that the incident occurred while she was heading to a friend’s birthday party. After stepping off a bus to catch a motorcycle, an unknown individual suddenly yanked her wig from behind.

The sudden attack left her stunned and struggling to comprehend what had just happened.

“I’m just back from my friend’s birthday. While getting off the bus to take a bike at Igando, someone tried to snatch my wig from behind. I’m honestly shocked,” she recounted.

The story has sparked reactions online, with many residents expressing concern over the rise of petty thefts, particularly during the festive season. Several people also urged women to stay vigilant, noting that thieves are increasingly targeting wigs, jewelry, and other easily grabbed items in busy areas.

see post below:

See some comment below:

@BIG_SHABZ: “This is not 2005, that gold is being snatched from people’s ears and neck in Oshodi and other notorious axis… but it’s the Lagos they ‘built’.Y’all need extra scarf to secure your wig this period.”

@Omo_Alaafin_Odoya: “Eeyah… many girls go use stolen wig do Xmas. Boyfriends out hunting Xmas gift for bae… imagine say na ontop moving bike she dey, she for fall and get injured… stay safe out there, wig wearers…”

@TOMI: “Make them no go pull my natural Afro o. It’s not a wig o.”

@Zoo_Magazines: “Insecurity don reach to dey thief wigs.”

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has reiterated that President Bola Tinubu will continue to support the judiciary to enhance productivity, reduce delays, and uphold its independence and integrity.

The minister disclosed that budgetary provisions had been made to construct additional residential houses for FCT High Court judges to mitigate housing shortages and ensure all judicial officers are appropriately accommodated.

Wike, in his goodwill message at a special court session formally marking the commencement of the 2025/2026 Legal Year of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, on Monday, said “well-equipped court facilities, chambers and support infrastructure ensure that judicial work is conducted in a professional, safe, and conducive environment”.

In a statement by his spokesman, Lere Olayinka, Wike disclosed that “under the President’s decisive action, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has formally handed over the Certificate of Occupancy for the Supreme Court’s land and commenced the full perimeter fencing of the entire complex to safeguard the nation’s apex court against encroachment and security breaches.

“This swift, long-awaited intervention gives the Apex Court of our beloved country the much-needed Confidence Building which had not been done in past administrations. This confidence building actions trickles down to each arm of the judiciary.”

Wike also listed various interventions and supports the President has provided for the judiciary through the FCTA to include the ongoing construction of secure and befitting residential quarters for Heads of Courts within the FCT and ongoing construction of a new Magistrate Court Complex in Jabi District to expand access to justice for FCT residents and reduce the burden on existing court infrastructure.

Others are construction of staff quarters for the Nigerian Law School in the FCT and design and construction of the Court of Appeal Abuja Division Complex as well as residences of the justices of the National Industrial Court Abuja Division and Federal High Court Abuja Division.

He stated that the projects were designed to directly support judges in the performance of their duties.

Wike said: “The reasoning of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is that providing comfortable and secure accommodation allows judges to focus entirely on the timely and efficient administration of justice, free from the distractions of inadequate living conditions.”

Reiterating the continued support of the FCTA to the implementation of justice reforms, Wike said, “As we step into the new Legal Year, the FCT Administration remains resolute in its determination to further support the implementation of justice reforms.

“Our priorities for the 2025/2026 Legal Year are focused on consolidating the gains made and expanding support where it is most needed.

“We will aggressively push for the timely completion of the new residential quarters for Heads of Courts and the Jabi Magistrate Court Complex to ensure prompt utilization.

“Furthermore, we have made budgetary provisions to construct additional residential houses for FCT High Court Judges to mitigate housing shortages and ensure all judicial officers are appropriately accommodated.

“We will continue to collaborate with the various FCT-based judiciaries (including the Court of Appeal) to support the digitization of court proceedings and registries to improve efficiency, reduce manual processes, and accelerate the dispensation of justice.

“Let me state that justice must never be compromised under any circumstances, for it is the bedrock of our democracy and the safeguard of public trust. It is the responsibility of all stakeholders, judges, legal practitioners, government agencies, and citizens alike to work collaboratively to strengthen and improve our judicial system.”

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The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to the prompt prosecution of suspected kidnappers, bandits, and terrorists across the country, declaring that swift judicial processes are crucial in tackling the rising wave of insecurity.

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), made this known on Monday while speaking at the opening of the 2025/2026 legal year of the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

Fagbemi said, “At this solemn juncture in our national life, it is impossible to ignore the grave challenge of insecurity that confronts our country.

“From insurgency and terrorism to banditry, kidnapping, and violent crimes, these threats imperil not only the safety of our citizens but also the very fabric of our constitutional democracy.

“Through firm, consistent, and courageous adjudication, the courts can ensure that those who threaten peace and stability are held accountable, that impunity is dismantled, and that the sanctity of human life and property is protected.”

Fagbemi noted that rather than focusing solely on detention or military engagements, the government is prioritising the prosecution of suspects linked to mass attacks, kidnapping-for-ransom, terror-financing, and extremist recruitment.

He added that the judiciary plays a vital role in reinforcing national security efforts, especially through timely and fair adjudication of terrorism-related offences.

To fast-track trials and boost the judiciary’s capacity, Fagbemi disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to appointing additional judges to the Federal High Court.

He said the appointments will help reinforce the national counter-terrorism effort and ensure that cases are handled promptly and efficiently.

The AGF emphasised that effective administration of justice complements military and intelligence strategies and restores public confidence.

He said, “The swift administration of justice is a vital complement to our military and intelligence operations. This is a time for collective resolve, not distraction, as we work together to secure our nation.”

Fagbemi also lauded the Court of Appeal for its efforts in reducing backlog through special sittings and Fast Track Practice Directions, particularly in terrorism, human trafficking, and kidnapping cases.

“The initiative plays an essential role in the anti-terrorism battle of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration because prosecuting delays can extend periods of insecurity while damaging public trust in judicial procedures,” he stated.

The AGF praised the Court of Appeal for maintaining a healthy yet independent relationship with the executive.

“This delicate balance, marked by mutual respect, institutional independence, and constructive engagement, has ensured that the separation of powers is preserved while the machinery of governance functions harmoniously,” Fagbemi said.

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The US Congressman, Riley Moore, who made repeated claims of a Christian genocide in Nigeria, says he and other American lawmakers held “productive and positive” conversations with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Mr Moore is part of the US congressional delegation visiting Nigeria to discuss security in the West African nation.

The Republican lawmaker had repeatedly criticised the Nigerian government for not doing enough to protect the country’s Christians and claimed there was a Christian genocide in the country.

He insisted on his claims despite the Nigerian government and local and international organisations saying different factors caused the insecurity in Nigeria and could not be tagged a genocide against any group or religion.

READ ALSO: US delegation arrives Nigeria, meets Ribadu on strategic security partnership

On Monday, Mr Moore wrote on X that “There were concrete steps and actions discussed at length” with Mr Ribadu and other Nigerian officials.
He said if the steps are “fully executed, I believe will enhance security across the country for all Nigerians.”

Details later…

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