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.

© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]

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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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December 8, 2025December 8, 2025

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The Nigerian Forest Security Service, NFSS, has vowed to reclaim Nigerian forests from bandits, kidnappers, terrorists and other criminals nationwide.

The Commander General of NFSS, Dr Joshua Osatimehin made the vow during a four day National Workshop organizes for Officers and Men of NFSS particularly those in the Operations and Intelligence Departments of NFSS held at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

Dr. Osatimehin said the workshop was to further sensitize the participants on operations and local intelligence gathering towards complimenting the efforts of formal security agencies in securing the country’s forests.

According to him, the participants during the four days national workshop which was attended by over three thousand officers from the Operations and Intelligence Departments of NFSS featured paper presentations and lecture from the Military, DSS, Police, NSCDC, NDLEA, Immigration, Customs, Federal Ministries of Environment, Agriculture and other critical stakeholders in the nation’s security sector

“The main essence of this workshop is to further enable us synergize with the constituted authority and during the four days training, the DSS has tutored us on how to gather local intelligence around the forest corridor and the Nigeria Police has also trained us on joint operations as well as the Nigeria military on how we synergize also to make sure that we can flush out criminals from our forests nationwide ” He said.

In his words” We the Officers and Men of NFSS have to give in our best to support President Bola Tinubu because for him to have established the Nigerian Forest Security Service shows that the citizens depend on us and we must do our best to make sure that we did not betray the confidence reposed in us by Mr President hence the need for this four days national workshop”.

“We are now using this opportunity to tell the bandits, kidnappers, boko haram, terrorists and other criminals using our forests to perpetrate evil that enough is enough because NFSS is battle ready to flush them from our forests and take our forests back from them and I must confess to you that we have the manpower and structure to deliver on that because our offices and men in all the 36 States of the Federation and the FCT as well as on the 774 Local Government Areas of Nigeria are combat ready for them “. the NFSS CG stated.

Dr. Joshua Osatimehin therefore used the opportunity to once again appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure full integration of NFSS into Nigeria’s security apparatus to enable the Service take the battle to the forests and dislodge all the criminal elements that have invaded our forests ‘.

“Nigeria has 1,129 forest reserves, 29 games reserve, and 17 National Parks as well as 417 grazing reserves and we have map out all the interconnectivity of these forest linkages because it’s our job and we’re products of local hunters and forest experts and we can use our knowledge of local terrain to combat this criminality all what we need now is for Mr President to help us to be properly and fully integrated and incorporated into National Security so that we can discharge our constitutional Mandate because Nigeria is expecting much from us and we’re ready to deliver “.

Some of the participants, Sunny Akpa and A A Ibrahim said the four days national workshop would further enhance their performance in combating forest related crimes in their various States.

While commending the Commander General of NFSS, Dr Joshua Osatimehin for his visionary leadership through the provision of regular training and retraining for officers and men of the Service, the Participants stressed the need for the support of State and Local Governments in the programme of activities of NFSS towards strengthening the fight against insecurity nationwide.

Highpoints of the four days National Workshop was the presentation of Award of Excellence to the Commander General of NFSS, Dr Joshua Osatimehin by the Lion Female Squad of the Service and CG Football Cup competition among the State Commands and the FCT where the FCT Command of NFSS won the competition.

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• A young man has finally made a statement after popular activist Harrison Gwamnishu was accused of stealing
• The statement by the young man comes after another individual claimed Harrison stole N5.4 million from ransom money
• Many people have reacted to the initial post, sharing their observations about the whole matter involving the activist

A Nigerian man who knows a popular activist, Harrison Gwamnishu, personally has reacted to claims that he stole from the ransom money.

The statement of the individual is coming after a user, @AbdulGaniyuOse1, shared a post online, claiming Harrison Gwamnishu fled after removing a certain amount of money from the cash that was supposed to be handed over to kidnappers who kidnapped his sister and her husband.

Nigerian man reacts to claims Harrison stole from ransom money. Left photo for illustration purposes only. Photo Credit: Getty Images/PeopleImages
Source: Getty Images

Nigerian man reacts to claims Harrison stole

He mentioned that the said money took about 10 days to raise and claimed Harrison took the sum of #5.4 million and fled.

Read also

“I knew him”: Man shares experience with Harrison Gwamnishu amid controversy, post trends

However, news of the arrest of the activist soon made its way online.

In the middle of this, a man who knows Harrison personally took to social media to speak about him.

According to a post he made available on his page, @DuduyemiYalaju, via a popular social media platform, Twitter, the individual mentioned that he knows Harrison Gwamnishu personally.

Aside from knowing him personally, he mentioned that the individual is not a thief and he can vouch for his behavior.

Nigerian man reacts to viral post accusing Harrison of stealing ransom money. Photo Credit: Harrison Gwamnishu
Source: Twitter

His statement:

“Harrison is not a thief. I know him personally and can vouch for him.”

In the post of the individual who accused Harrison of removing money from the ransom, many individuals reacted in the comments section.

Reactions as man accuses Harrison of theft

@Odoemena58 stressed:

“Did you call the kidnappers to know how much exactly they collected from him? Me sef, no too trust that guy but I no get evidence.”

Read also

“My money, he must pay it”: Harrison’s friend calls him online out over 5-year debt, post goes viral

@Mryems20 shared:

“If what you said is all true. Why haven’t the auchi police declared him wanted since he ran away.”

@_xtian01 noted:

“How is it that all of a sudden @HarrisonBbi18 is a thief? And it bothers me that there a just few pple here asking the right questions, what went wrong? Hope this is not a campaign against this young man who dared.”

@WarriWeirdo added:

“The person you’re accusing posted on Facebook less than an hour ago without saying anything about your allegations. If you’re wrong on this I hope they pick you up. You have police before you went to a civilian.”

@Dstructuralguy stressed:

“This particular idiot might be the one who connived with the bandit to kidnap his other sister… Ur family still dey kidnappers den na money be ur problem… U r evil.”

@anonymousegoat shared:

“Hmmm this same guy as recover millions from kidnappers but now you all forget what he has done because of things you are not even sure about , so you trusted the kidnappers that they can’t lie with amount you gave to them , another day to learn that you can’t fight for people.”

Read also

UK-based man who knows Harrison Gwamnishu posts their chat, shares why netizens should pray for him

@x_thejuice said:

“He said you can write a petition against him …he can’t give out all the details of what transpired online so as not to jeopardize the operation…what is even wrong with people sef ….are you sure you are not in contact with the kidnappers? …how did you know the money was short?”

Read the post below:

In a similar story, Legit.ng reported that a Nigerian man recently shared his personal encounter with popular activist Harrison Gwamnishu amid allegations that the activist stole ransom money.

Nigerian man calls out Harrison over debt

Meanwhile, Legit.ng recently reported that the same friend had earlier taken to his social media page to openly accuse Harrison Gwamnishu of owing him a huge sum of money.

In that post, he shared an old photo of both of them together and explained that they had been very close before things fell apart.

Source: Legit.ng

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The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo has called on the State House of Assembly, the National Universities Commission, NUC, and the Council of Legal Education, CLE, to investigate the alleged controversial Professor of Law title conferred on the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Roland Otaru, SAN.

DAILY POST reports that the party said the call for investigation was necessitated by a petition by the Concerned Law Students, Faculty of Law, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State signed by one K. Akanbi S.A.L.

A statement by the Publicity Secretary of PDP, Dan Osa-Ogbegie described the petition as embarrassing and disturbing.

Osa-Ogbegie opined that the petitioners alleged that the Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice may have been conferred with the title of Professor of Law in circumstances that point to an unmistakably to academic fraud.

The PDP statement titled, “Edo at a moral crossroads: Allegations of academic fraud against the Attorney-General demand immediate, public and credible investigation,” dated December 8, 2025.

According to him, this development is profoundly troubling. While it is true that Mr Otaru, SAN, has enjoyed a long and commendable legal career, such a career, however illustrious, cannot and must not be used to sidestep allegations of academic impropriety.

“A professorship is not an ornament of political prestige. It is a hard-earned academic rank achieved only through transparent scholarly progression, including mandatory service as Reader or Associate Professor, and backed by verifiable research, teaching, examination of postgraduate students, and recognised intellectual contributions.

“The petition alleges that none of these essential academic milestones was attained before the purported appointment of Mr Otaru as Professor of Law. It equally raises questions about the authenticity and academic weight of the PhD said to have been obtained only recently from a nondescript institution.

“These are not trivial inconsistencies. They are serious claims that strike at the heart of academia and at the dignity of the chief law office of our State.

“This is not the first time Edo people have been forced to endure embarrassment from the present administration. What makes this episode even more shocking is that the Governor and alleged his rubber-stamp State House of Assembly failed woefully to conduct proper background checks before clearing and appointing commissioners, despite taking nearly a full year to assemble a cabinet.

“The intellectual lassitude displayed by both the Governor and the Assembly in this matter is staggering. How a government that kept Edo waiting for months could not perform the most basic due diligence on nominees is yet another glaring testament to the administrative incompetence and indolence that have become the hallmark of this government.

“This is how Edo State, once respected for its intellectual heritage, now finds itself reeling from yet another avoidable national embarrassment orchestrated by an administration that confuses governance with improvisation and treats due diligence as an inconvenience.

“Edo people deserve more. We deserve truth, clarity and accountability, not silence, shortcuts and negligence”, he said.

The party, however, called on Governor Monday Okpebholo to immediately address the matter publicly and transparently, rather than through the usual silence and subterfuge that has become his alleged preferred method of avoiding accountability.

It also called on the Edo State House of Assembly to redeem its alleged battered dignity by constituting an independent, competent and credible investigative committee to probe the professorship claim, the PhD claim, the academic trajectory, publications, teaching records and all related circumstances.

It further called on the National Universities Commission, NUC, and the Council of Legal Education, CLE, to conduct external verification and publish their findings to Nigerians.

“If the allegations are false, let the Attorney-General be vindicated before the entire nation. If they are true, then Edo State must not, for a single day more, tolerate an Attorney-General whose academic credentials are the product of manipulation, misrepresentation or undue advantage”, he added.

The party posited that the All Progressives Congress, APC-led administration has embarrassed Edo people enough, stating that it must not add the desecration of academic credibility to its growing list of failures.

While noting that Edo people are watching, the party threatened that “this time, we will not look away”.

“This matter cannot be swept under the carpet. It cannot be managed in whispers. Integrity demands sunlight, and Edo people will accept nothing less”, Osa-Ogbegie stated.

However, reacting, Prof Roland Otaru described the allegations as a deliberate attempt to smear his rising profile.

Otaru insisted that he was duly appointed as a Professor by the Senate of the Federal University.

“I am a PhD holder, I have two Master’s Degrees, and I have up to five or six fellowships. I have been SAN, working for the past 20 years. So what are they talking about? Maybe somebody there engineered it because of my rising profile.

“It is very funny. The Senate of the University conferred it on me. I have a letter to that effect. And on that day, I was not the only one; we were about four. It was an approval from the Senate of the University, and I delivered the lecture on that day, December 9, 2024.

“They were there that day, they were there when I delivered the lecture. It was an assemblage of all the students in that faculty when I delivered the lecture. There was no financial inducement, nothing like that, The conferment was based on merit.

“It is not a fake award. I don’t know what they want, but there is no cause for alarm. I have the letter of the award”, he stated.

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The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has alleged that the Tinubu-led government is deeply uneasy about the rising political strength of Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 election.

CUPP claims that President Bola Tinubu and his team view Obi as the single major threat to their hold on power and are allegedly exploring ways to keep him off the ballot.

These allegations were made by the CUPP National Secretary, Peter Ameh, during a recent interview on Monday.

Ameh said that the information did not come from rumours but from deliberate research, private engagements and data gathered across different regions by the coalition.

According to him, the findings show that the presidency is more focused on Obi than any other politician expected to contest in 2027.

He insisted that internal conversations within government circles reveal that the Labour Party candidate is seen as the only figure capable of disrupting the ruling party’s plans.

Ameh explained that the administration’s worry is evident in the continuous online attacks directed at Obi by presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga.

He noted that the level of attention given to Obi by government-aligned voices shows that the ruling party is monitoring him closely.

He said his conclusions came from extensive political consultations and private briefings.

“We are not just running election and just making speculation out of the blues. We also collect data, do a lot of engagement… And we know that the only person that this government does not want to be on the ballot is Peter Obi. They are doing everything,” he said.

Ameh pointed at the frequency of Onanuga’s posts to drive home his point. He stressed that the government barely talks about other notable political figures such as Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi, who are expected to join the race.

He maintained that Obi is the only contender generating genuine concern within the ruling establishment.

“Go and count how many times Bayo Onanuga has posted about Peter Obi on his Twitter page… Tinubu is not afraid of Atiku and Rotimi Amaechi. It’s on record, they know it. There’s a high level of fear,” he added.

Ameh also recalled Obi’s performance during the 2023 general election. He said the Labour Party candidate recorded strong numbers in several states and even secured a victory in the Federal Capital Territory, despite the presence of “federal might.”

He argued that this remains one of the reasons Obi is now seen as a serious political force heading into 2027.

“It took the Mr Peter Obi to garner about 1 million votes that was reduced to 500,000 votes. It took a Peter Obi to come to FCT where there was seat of power to defeat the APC,” he said.

The CUPP secretary noted that the administration’s alleged attempts to weaken Obi’s chances highlight the tension gradually building up as the election cycle approaches.

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