Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado-Ekiti

Renowned cleric and founder of Grace of Mercy Prayer Mountain Worldwide, Prophet Sam Olu-Alo, has warned that the Nigerian government is inadvertently sustaining a “kidnap economy” through the continued payment of ransom to bandits, saying such practices entrench criminality and undermine state authority.

Speaking in Ido-Ekiti during the 15th annual relief outreach of the Sam Olu-Alo Foundation — where over 3,500 widows received support packages worth more than N16 million — the prophet said the government’s reliance on ransom negotiations has become a dangerous shortcut that worsens insecurity across the country.

According to him, while the Bible provides room for repentance and forgiveness, rewarding violent crimes with financial payments only strengthens the perpetrators and emboldens criminal networks.

“It is very bad for the government to be paying money to bandits to secure the release of victims,” he said. “Turning kidnapping into a business shows the government is incapable of handling the situation. If negotiations continue this way, they will keep at it for years and insecurity will never be resolved.”

Prophet Olu-Alo urged the government to address the underlying causes of banditry—such as joblessness and social deprivation—rather than incentivising violence. 

He noted that nations that successfully confront organised crime do so through intelligence-driven strategies and firm law enforcement, not ransom deals.

The cleric spoke at an event that empowered thousands of widows with food stipends and Ankara fabrics, while 50 outstanding students received scholarships. 

He explained that the outreach aims to ensure widows “do not regret their existence after the demise of their soulmates. This initiative gives me fulfilment,” he added.

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The ECOWAS Council of Ministers has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring regional stability and integration in the region.

The Council made this known at the end of its 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers held between Dec. 10 and Dec. 12, in Abuja.

Amb. Timothy Kabba, Chair of the Ministerial Council and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sierra Leone, expressed the council’s commitment to strengthening regional peace, security, and economic integration.

He also commended Member States for their open, constructive, and productive deliberations, adding that this underscored the Community’s collective resolve for shared prosperity and cohesion.

Kabba commended the delegates for their dedication and collaborative spirit, saying such reflected ECOWAS’s enduring commitment to peace, stability, and regional integration.

The Chair decried terrorism and violent extremism, the proliferation of small arms, and transnational organised crime, as well as maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea.

He also added that unconstitutional changes of government, economic integration gaps, and the growing impact of climate change have hindered the sub-regional growth.

According to him, such threats can be surmounted through unity, solidarity, and a balanced use of diplomatic and operational measures.

He reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to ECOWAS principles, emphasising that democracy, constitutional order, and the rule of law would remain non-negotiable in the Community.

He reiterated the need to accelerate the flagship regional initiatives, including the ECOWAS Single Currency programme, the Free Movement Protocols, and the Customs Union.

“Against the backdrop of global economic uncertainty, the meeting emphasised the need to mitigate structural vulnerabilities, foster intra-regional trade, and develop a more competitive and integrated West African economy.

“Sierra Leone pledges to work closely with member states and ECOWAS institutions, particularly in areas of youth employment, innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable development.

“Ministers noted the interconnected nature of challenges such as food insecurity, displacement, education disruptions, and natural disasters, and called for coordinated, proactive regional responses,” Kabba said.

He revealed that measures have been put in place to strengthen early warning systems, regional preparedness, and resource mobilisation to better support affected communities.

Highlights of the session were the review of political developments in some member states and their implications for democratic governance, as well as humanitarian concerns and climate-related vulnerabilities. (NAN)

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The Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, has directed his men to immediatelly free three men arrested in June 2025, over allegations of involvement in banditry and kidnapping.

The three persons known as Umar Ibrahim, Alhaji Bello Rabiu, and Jaja Sarki Bamo were arrested in June 2025 and were freed after the DSS operatives reviewed their cases and discovered that they were innocent of the alleged crimes.

The DG also approved that N3 million be paid as compensation to the freed men found to have been detained in error.

The Guardian gathered from reliable security sources that investigations could not prove any link between the suspects and their alleged crimes.

Their freedom and immediate payment of N3 million compensation by the DSS are part of efforts by the DSS leadership to ensure that justice is served to victims of the agency’s past mistakes.

Recall that many wrongly detained suspects have since been released by the new DSS leadership, while those found culpable are facing prosecution in various courts.

A top official with knowledge in security establishments said, “The DG, DSS, is an honourable man who acknowledges errors and rectifies them swiftly.

“He attempts to ensure due process is followed to ensure the right thing is done. This is why he has sustained efforts in reviewing cases under the agency’s jurisdiction.”

Another source described payment of compensation as an established practice under Ajayi’s leadership and expressed confidence in the agency.

Expressing gratitude to the DG of DSS, the suspects revealed that they were humanely treated throughout their stay.

“We were properly fed, and we were not abused in any way. The officers ensured that our needs were met and we cooperated throughout the investigation till we were finally released,” remarked Umar Ibrahim.

“It could also be recalled that in July 2025, one Abdulyakini Salisu, a quarry operator arrested in 2022 along the Zuba-Kaduna expressway, was freed after a review revealed he was wrongly identified.

“Salisu was awarded N10 million in compensation and granted lifetime access to medical care at the DSS facility.

“Back in May, the DSS also paid N20 million to a Sokoto-based businessman who was mistakenly shot by its operatives during a 2016 operation in Jos, Plateau State.”

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…as Nigerian Army gains additional manpower

The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu on Saturday charged the 3,439 newly trained recruits of the Nigerian Army to uphold the highest standards of loyalty, discipline, and professionalism as they formally join the service.

This was contained in a statement made available to defense correspondents in Abuja by the acting director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.

According to the statement, the recruits, who are members of the 89 Regular Intake of the Nigerian Army, have completed six months of intensive training at Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, Kaduna State and were presented during a Passing Out Parade marking their official induction into the Army.

While addressing the parade as the Special Guest of Honour and Reviewing Officer, Lieutenant General Shaibu said that their successful training reflected hard work, dedication, and discipline.

The parade, described by the COAS as a “testament to your dedication and perseverance,” showcased the skills, discipline, and esprit de corps instilled in the recruits over the course of their training.

Highlighting the Army’s role as a professional, combat-ready force, the COAS stressed the significance of the additional manpower in strengthening national security.

He noted that the Nigerian Army continues to confront emerging domestic and transnational threats and that the new recruits were vital to sustaining operational readiness across the country.

He said, “your successful training reflects hard work, dedication, and discipline you have been moulded to meet the highest standards of soldiering and are now entrusted with the sacred duty of safeguarding the territorial integrity of our nation, I have no doubt that you will rise to the challenges ahead and serve with honour, courage, and professionalism.

“The Nigerian Army continues to confront emerging domestic and transnational security threat , your induction today is not only a boost to our manpower but a reinforcement of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of every Nigerian. You are now part of a professional, combat-ready force capable of decisively responding to any threat to our nation” .

The COAS commended Depot Nigerian Army for its historic role in producing professional soldiers since its establishment in 1924, adding that the premier institution remained the backbone of the Nigerian Army’s training capabilities.

He said, ” I assure you that it will continue to receive unwavering support in terms of logistics, training infrastructure, and personnel welfare to maintain its high standards.”

He urged the recruits to maintain discipline, integrity, and respect for human rights in all operations, stressing that these values were the cornerstone of professional soldiering.

The COAS reminded them of the Oath of Allegiance they took, stating:”by that oath, you are now bound to uphold both civil and military laws.

He continued, “avoid any act that may tarnish the image of the Nigerian Army or the nation. Serve with honour, dignity, and unwavering loyalty to constituted authority.”

The COAS expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani, and various security agencies for their continuous support to the Nigerian Army.

He also commended the Commandant, instructors, and staff of Depot Nigerian Army for their dedication in producing well-trained, professional soldiers.

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Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa’s political group, under the leadership of Surajo Garba Maikatako, has vowed to continue promoting Senator Marafa’s political thoughts that formed his alluring style of politics for fulfilling the dreams of his people.

The declaration followed what they described as unguarded statements by the state Chairman of the APC, Tukur Danfulani Maikatako, against Senator Marafa, saying, “No politician in Zamfara State that formidably established a political empire as that of Senator Marafa, who in history, had never committed any political offence”.

Making a declaration during a meeting in Gusau, Zamfara State capital, on Friday evening, the Chairman of Senator Marafa’s political group, Surajo Maikatako, said they would remain dancing to the political tunes of Senator Marafa for his steadfastness in struggles for the protection of the interests of his people.

“All the unguarded utterances by the APC Chairman against our mentor would only deteriorate the limping state of his party. The Marafa’s group has been recorded as the strongest camp in the state, with the teeming followers whose votes determine the winner in every election conducted right from the 147 wards across the 14 local government areas of the state.

“Let me warn you that making insults against Senator Marafa is as equally as maltreating your dying party. Recall that Matawalle has become a product of Senator Marafa, because Marafa and his loyal teeming followers had made Matawalle the Governor of Zamfara State in the 2019 gubernatorial election.

“To remind you of the power of our group in Zamfara State politics, out of about 410,000 followers, 315,000 are registered and duly marked as eligible voters who always wait for a directive on who to vote for; therefore, we can not be just a threat to any politician contesting any position, but the political making body in the state.

“Right now, our group is intact across the 14 local government areas of the state only waiting for Senator Kabiru Marafa to tell us where to go and what to do as 2027 is approaching, we will not dump him as he will not abandon us, for this I found it even necessary to advise our good people of Zamfara not to waste their votes but utilize it”, Maikatako further reaffirmed.

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Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s open-door policy for partnership in various areas of the economy.

Governor Otti told his counterpart from the State of Delaware, USA, Governor Bethany Hall-Long, who came to seek possible areas of partnership, that the government had made remarkable footprints in several sectors, including education, health, sanitation, and power supply, among others, and invited her to a mutually beneficial partnership in any area of her choice.

He said he was committed to social infrastructure transformation because the people needed an enabling environment to ply their trade rather than wait for handouts from governments and organisations to survive, and expressed hope that a collaboration with a State like Delaware in the US would yield positive results.

The governor also explained that the reason for defraying arrears of pension and salaries was to stimulate the economy by putting money in the hands of the people.

“So, I’m pleased to have you here, and it’s also an invitation for partnership, as you said. We would be very happy to work with your team so that we can collaborate. I have fantastic people in my team,” Gov. Otti assured.

He said his administration has invested heavily in education and health, and implemented free and compulsory basic education, including employment of thousands of teachers with a discriminatory compensation package, as well as retrofitting of health care facilities and employment of over 700 medical personnel.

In her speech, the 75th Governor of the State of Delaware, Dr Bethany Hall-Long, said that she is in Abia to seek collaborations with the State Governor, Dr Alex Otti.

Hall-Long identified areas of possible collaborations and assured that she would deploy her years of experience to ensure that the partnership works.

“In my 25 years of experience in the State legislature, lieutenant governor, which is like a deputy governor, and short-term governor of Delaware, I hope that we can leverage on it and build bridges.

“I am so honoured to be with a gentleman who can balance humanity, addressing poverty, security and homelessness while providing jobs, workforce, and use of manufacturing.

“We have a lot we can do together, a lot of connections. There are ideas and opportunities for collaboration with medical supplies. There are a whole lot of things that can be accomplished with the proposed partnership.

“it’s really important that you have the leadership, Sir, that you have accomplished all this in two years. And I know you’ve done it with an incredible team, and with courageous leadership”, Dr Hall-Long stated.

Introducing the Delaware governor earlier, Senator Uche Ekwunife of Anambra State said that Governor Hall-Long is in Abia to collaborate with the State Government in various areas of the economy, “To partner with the State; to bring some grants that will help the people, help the education sector, help the health sector, and help other areas where I don’t know if Governor Otti might want them to partner with the State.”

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Multiple sources have told SaharaReporters that the Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Ishaq Hussaini Magaji (SAN), allegedly acquired vast wealth and luxury assets within two years of assuming office.

According to the sources, Magaji bought two duplexes in the upscale Jahi area of Abuja, each valued at about N350 million. 

They further claimed that the furnishings in the houses cost more than the buildings themselves. Before his appointment in 2023, Magaji was reportedly living in a rented three-bedroom apartment at Redbricks Estate along Katampe Road and struggled to pay N2 million annual rent.

The sources alleged that both duplexes were developed by Interactive Property Development Company Limited and equipped with luxury facilities, including sound-proof cinemas. 

They claimed Magaji installed solar systems imported from Germany worth about N70 million in each house and gym equipment from China valued at N50 million.

One source said Magaji, who previously worked as a Bauchi State counsel before moving to Abuja, was supported by associates to secure the CAC job despite not being ten years post-call at the time. 

The source alleged that after assuming office, Magaji distanced himself from those who helped him, later buying the Jahi properties and relocating his mother to Abuja.

The sources further alleged that Magaji delayed declaring his assets with the Code of Conduct Bureau to first acquire the properties and then list them as pre-owned, in violation of public service rules.

Pay advice documents obtained by SaharaReporters showed Magaji earned N546,186.66 monthly in 2023 and N583,333.33 in 2024. 

His appointment letter, dated October 18, 2023, confirmed a four-year term as CAC Registrar-General approved by President Bola Tinubu.

Source: SaharaReporters

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• A young widow, Nanbam, has cried out for help after terrorists who killed her husband in an August attack in Plateau State began threatening her life and that of her children.
• She says the attackers are forcing her to marry their leader and convert to Islam, warning they will kill her family if she refuses.

A young widow identified as Nanbam has publicly appealed for help after receiving death threats from the terrorists who killed her husband. Nanbam’s husband was among the 40 people killed in an August attack in the Mushere community of Bokkos Local Government Area, Plateau State.

Nanbam, a mother of three, narrated her ordeal to the global NGO, “Equipping the Persecuted,” stating that the killers are forcing her to marry one of their leaders.

She described the brutal attack where her husband was killed: “My husband was k!lled along with 39 other people when the bandits invaded our village in August. They surrounded the village and k!lled our people mercilessly. In my husband’s case, they cut open his body and removed his heart before throwing him into a pond,”.

She revealed the terrorists called her on the very day they murdered her husband. “In fact, the very day they k!lled my husband, they used his number to call me to say that their leader wants to marry me. I was shocked at what they said after k!lling him,”. Nanbam refused the demand: “I thought they were joking and I told them that over my dead body will I marry someone who k!lled my husband and the father of my children,”.

The threats have been relentless. She said, “They call me every day, using different numbers and have been threatening to k!ll me and my children if I keep refusing to marry their boss and convert to Islam since I am still a young woman,”.

Despite relocating to her hometown in Mangu and even changing her SIM card, the calls resumed. A recent call shocked her with a direct threat: “I was surprised when a call came into my phone last week, and the person said they know where I am and if I still prove stubborn and refuse to marry their leader, they will come to the village and k!ll not only me but my children and other family members,”.

Nanbam reported the matter to the police, but they informed her they could not trace the numbers. She lamented, “The police even asked me to bring money for them to track the numbers, but I told them I didn’t have money, and they lost interest in the case,”. She concluded, “I don’t know what to do now or where to turn to,”.

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The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has reacted to reports that a Nigerian-owned supertanker has been seized by United State authorities.

The supertanker was seized over allegations of crude oil theft and illicit activities.

In a long post on X, Obi said he had warned the Nigerian government in the past about these illegal activities.

Obi called for proper investigation into the matter and said the incident was a “wake-up call.”

He wrote: “My attention has been drawn to reports that the Nigerian-owned supertanker was seized by the United States authorities over allegations of crude oil theft and related illicit activities. While the full facts are still emerging, this development is deeply troubling and speaks to a much bigger crisis that has continued to undermine our national economy, our global reputation, and the future of our young people.

“Severally over the years, I have consistently alerted that Nigeria is losing billions of dollars annually to crude oil theft, a criminal enterprise that has been allowed to thrive because of weak institutions, lack of accountability, and an entrenched culture of impunity. When a nation’s most valuable resources are stolen in broad daylight, whether at home or on the high seas, its people inevitably suffer. Our schools deteriorate, our hospitals remain underfunded, insecurity worsens, and millions slip further into poverty.

“The seriousness of this incident should be appreciated and thorough investigation insituted to get the root of the matter.

“This incident should serve as a wake-up call. I have consistently mentioned that ordinary Nigerians cannot steal crude oil, and no responsible nation can afford to look away while its wealth is siphoned off by a network of powerful individuals.

“We must strengthen our maritime security, reform our regulatory agencies, digitise and transparently track every barrel of oil produced in this country, and dismantle the criminal cartels that have operated with impunity for decades.

“More importantly, we must rebuild Nigeria’s global image by showing the world that we are serious about the rule of law, honest governance, and responsible management of our national assets. A nation cannot attract investment when it is constantly in the news for corruption, theft, and mismanagement.

“Relevant Nigerian authorities should work with international partners to establish the facts of this case and ensure that anyone found complicit faces justice, without fear or favour. Our nation cannot continue on this path.

“Nigeria has everything it needs to become a prosperous and respected nation. What we lack is competent and compassionate leadership that will prioritise the welfare of our citizens. It is time for that to change.”

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A former senator representing Ekiti North and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ayodele Arise, has called on President Bola Tinubu to consider military intervention in Burkina Faso to secure the release of 11 Nigerian soldiers currently being detained in the West African country.

Speaking on Arise TV on Saturday, Arise said while Nigeria’s military is stretched thin due to internal security operations, a bold move could pressure the Burkinabe junta to release the soldiers.

Referencing Israel’s 1976 Entebbe Raid in Uganda, Arise argued that history has shown the effectiveness of decisive military action in such situations.

He said, “I think we should move and do something. As a matter of fact, once they are aware that we want to do that, I am sure that the man who is President there will have a rethink because they are our neighbours.

“Yes, we should be friendly with our neighbours, but at the same time we should let them know that they can’t be messing with our country.”

Arise also backed Nigeria’s military response to the recent coup attempt in the Republic of Benin, stating that President Tinubu acted within reason even before formally notifying the National Assembly.

He dismissed suggestions that the President had breached constitutional procedures, arguing that national security decisions sometimes require immediate action.

His comments came a day after the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, confirmed that the 11 Nigerian military personnel remain in custody in Burkina Faso.

Speaking at the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja, Tuggar said diplomatic efforts were underway to resolve the situation.

“We are discussing how we can resolve this delicate matter as quickly as possible, and we’re talking. So it’s something that is being handled diplomatically,” the minister said.

He also clarified that the Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft that landed in Bobo Dioulasso, southwestern Burkina Faso, was not involved in any operation related to the coup in the Benin Republic.

However, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Territorial Administration, Emile Zerbo, claimed the aircraft violated national airspace regulations and failed to obtain proper clearance, prompting the soldiers’ arrest.

Beyond regional security, Arise also weighed in on recent Senate screenings of ambassadorial nominees, criticising the practice of allowing candidates to “take a bow and go” without robust questioning.

He said, “There are two ways to look at that. It is either the President and the security agencies have done a good job of due diligence of the candidates, and the Senators have read their profiles, resumes, achievements and contributions to national development.

“It is a learning process because the fact that you are a Senator doesn’t mean that you know everything. So, the opportunity for engagement, information for people to know their professions and educating the Senators at large has been lost.”

“But many of us will prefer that the Senate ask questions. Let the nominees justify the nomination from Mr President because he himself can’t know every one of them. He is going to rely on the security report and the reference from those who work around him.”

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