NIGERIA NEWS
Insecurity: CNG demands probe on alleged confession by ex-aide to former Zamfara gov
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has raised serious concerns over what it described as troubling revelations contained in alleged confessional statements attributed to Musa Kamarawa, a former Senior Special Assistant to a former Zamfara State governor and current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.
The group said the allegations extend beyond partisan debate, warning that they touch on the ethical core of Nigeria’s security framework and raise urgent questions about possible high-level involvement in criminal networks driving insecurity across Northern Nigeria.
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, on Saturday, the coalition said Kamarawa was reported to have made claims involving alleged direct transfer of funds to a notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, the purchase of dozens of Hilux vehicles for criminal groups, and the supply of wide-ranging logistical support, including housing, cattle and other assets, reportedly enabled by political actors in Zamfara and neighbouring states.
According to the CNG, the alleged testimony points to a sustained pattern of engagement between Matawalle and some of the most feared bandit groups operating in the North-West.
The coalition argued that if the claims are substantiated, they indicate the existence of a deliberate and deeply rooted network of political alliances with terror groups, with the potential to undermine years of military efforts and further endanger already vulnerable communities.
The CNG said the allegations are too weighty, far-reaching and damaging to national security to be brushed aside through hurried rebuttals, selective denials or reactive political damage control, adding that a defensive response by government aides only deepens public suspicion that vital facts are being withheld.
Charanchi said: “We contend that Nigeria cannot realistically claim a commitment to defeating terrorism while credible accusations of state-enabled sabotage remain unresolved. A nation that shields suspected collaborators within its own leadership cannot secure the confidence of its citizens or win the fight against violent criminality.
“Equally troubling is the Minister’s decision to initiate legal action against Sheikh Murtala Asada, a respected cleric known for his unwavering advocacy against banditry. Resorting to litigation in this context appears less like an effort to protect reputation and more like a calculated attempt to muzzle a critical voice at a time when transparency is urgently needed.
“It is important to remind the public that Sheikh Murtala Asada has consistently insisted that minister has direct or indirect links to the very networks undermining national security. Therefore, this is the moment for the cleric to present every piece of evidence in his possession, without fear or hesitation, to further ascertain and validate the involvement of all those who may be complicit in this menace.
“The truth must not remain hidden, and no individual, no matter how highly placed, should be shielded from scrutiny. Silencing truth-tellers imperils justice; intimidating those who raise alarms only strengthens impunity and weakens the fight against insecurity.”
The coalition reaffirmed its support for clerics, journalists, civil society actors and whistle-blowers who risk personal safety to expose wrongdoing and demand accountability.
The CNG also called for an immediate, independent and non-partisan national investigation to be jointly conducted by the National Assembly, relevant intelligence and security agencies, and the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
Charanchi said: “Such an inquiry must thoroughly interrogate the financial transactions, material procurements, communication exchanges, and administrative decisions that may have facilitated these alleged relationships.
“It must also guarantee full protection for whistleblowers and witnesses, and ensure that any public official found culpable faces swift prosecution, without regard to their political influence or office.
“We believe that Northern Nigeria has endured unimaginable suffering, mass displacement, loss of livelihoods, relentless killings and widespread fear, due to the entrenchment of banditry. The disclosures made by Kamarawa present a rare and critical opportunity to confront the underlying enablers of this crisis.
“Treating this moment lightly would be a profound betrayal of the millions of Nigerians whose lives have been shattered by insecurity. If powerful individuals involved in sustaining violence are protected, then the foundations of national security will continue to erode, and public trust will deteriorate beyond repair.
“The Coalition affirms its position with absolute clarity: any public officeholder implicated in financing, aiding, protecting or collaborating with criminal networks must be held fully accountable. No rank or title should grant immunity from justice. Nigeria cannot continue to battle insecurity with one hand while the other shields those who profit from the chaos.
“The time for evasion has passed. This is a defining moment for Nigeria’s integrity, its security, and its future. The country must choose transparency over secrecy, justice over expediency, and accountability over impunity. Nigerians are watching, and history will record the choices made in this moment.”
The management of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, ATBU, Bauchi, has distanced itself from a group of ex-students of the university who disrupted a senate public hearing on a bill seeking to amend the law establishing the institution.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Shehu Buba, representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, seeks to amend the law establishing ATBU by changing its status from a university of science and technology to a conventional university.
Reacting to the disruption, the university’s management, in a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Zailani Bappa, described the group as impostors and not genuine graduates of the institution.
“The Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, wishes to distance itself from the actions of these impostors, who are not graduates of the university.
“The ATBU prides itself on producing disciplined students who have remained good ambassadors of the university across the globe for more than four decades.
“Hence, the university is confident that its genuine graduates would never engage in any action capable of showing disrespect to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement read.
Bappa expressed dismay that the actions of the alleged impostors led to the adjournment of the public hearing.
He also urged stakeholders to be cautious and verify the identity of any individuals claiming to represent or speak on behalf of the university in future engagements.
It will be recalled that the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund commenced public hearings on the amendment bill last Thursday, but the proceedings were disrupted by the group, forcing an indefinite adjournment.
The need for the Federal Government to urgently equip security agencies with advanced weapons to effectively combat terrorism has again been stressed.
The Chairman of Bukuyum Local Government Area in Zamfara State, Abubakar Umar Faru, emphasised that providing sophisticated weapons would enable a full-scale offensive against bandits operating in the Gando Forest.
In an interview with DCL Hausa, Faru stated that he had already provided security agencies with the coordinates of bandits’ hideouts deep inside the forest. However, he lamented that they lack the capacity to confront the criminals effectively.
“The security agencies are doing their best to protect lives and property, but for this banditry to end, we must take the war to the bandits in the forest,” he emphasised.
When asked who he believed had failed to bring an end to banditry in the state, Faru pointed to the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, saying he had not lived up to expectations.
“Matawalle is from Zamfara State, and as Minister of State for Defence, he is in the best position to ensure banditry ends here. I don’t know what is wrong, but he has failed to do so,” Faru said.
The chairman noted that while the Zamfara State Government and local authorities were making efforts within their constitutional limits, they lacked direct control over federal security agencies.
“The governor and I are doing the best we can with the power we have, but security agencies do not take directives from the governor. He cannot compel them to act without federal approval,” he added.
Gando Forest, a vast forest reserve in Zamfara State, is integral for farming, grazing, and natural resources. However, in recent years, it has become synonymous with armed banditry, leading to widespread displacement and disruption of agricultural activities.
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American rapper Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, popularly known as Nicki Minaj, has continued her campaign against religious persecution, calling for freedom of Christians in Nigeria.
This is a part of her social media advocacy against religious persecution and violence, especially since the American Government alleged Christian Genocide in Nigeria and designated the country as a place of particular concern in November.
On 19 November, in her address to United Nations delegates on an alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria, the 42-year-old singer-rapper stated that Nigerian Christians are targeted, displaced from their home, and killed.
Nicki Minaj added that protecting Nigerian Christians is not a way of taking sides, but a way to unite humanity. This came amidst rising insecurity in Nigeria, where bandits attacked many religious places.
Christians’ freedom
However, demanding Christians’ freedom in Nigeria in an X post on Friday, the Grammy-nominated rapper said Christians’ persecution must stop in the multi-religious country.
“On Christ the solid rock I stand. All other grounds are sinking sand. All other grounds are sinking sand. Free the Christians in Nigeria. Stop this now! #FreeChristians.”
In another post on X, the mother of one also appealed for an end to bloodshed around the world, saying, “Shed not their blood anymore. All Nations hear this. Shed not their blood, you have shed the blood of those that called you my name. #FreeChristians.”
Background
In November, U.S President Donald Trump designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over allegations of Christian genocide in the country, and threatened military actions if the alleged genocide persists.
READ ALSO: Obasanjo, Gowon, others join First Lady Tinubu at 2025 Christmas Carols
“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities,” Mr Trump wrote on his Truth social media.
Though the Nigerian Government denied the allegations, U.S. officials such as Senator Ted Cruz and celebrity Nicki Minaj have continued to call for an end to the religious persecution of Christians in the country.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has acknowledged the quality of service challenges currently being experienced by telecommunications subscribers in parts of Abuja, attributing the disruptions to difficulties in diesel supply to critical network infrastructure.
In a press release issued on Friday, the Commission explained that the service disruptions stem from interruptions in diesel delivery to IHS Nigeria Limited, a colocation service provider responsible for powering a majority of Airtel and MTN base stations in the affected areas.
According to the NCC, the diesel supply challenge is linked to ongoing activities by the National Oil and Gas Suppliers Association (NOGASA), which have affected the transportation of diesel to key telecommunications sites, thereby impacting network operations and service quality.
The Commission assured subscribers that it is working closely with relevant government agencies, affected network operators, and other stakeholders to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. It noted that proactive engagements and dialogues are ongoing to address the diesel supply issues and restore normal service levels.
“The NCC understands the inconvenience caused by these service disruptions and wishes to reassure the public that decisive steps are being taken to manage the situation effectively,” the statement said.
While thanking subscribers for their patience and understanding, the Commission reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring reliable and high-quality telecommunications services across the country. It added that the public would be kept informed of developments as efforts continue to fully restore services in Abuja.
The statement was signed by the Head of Public Affairs at the NCC, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, and dated December 12, 2025.
NIGERIA NEWS
Lady Missing 8 Days Found At Boyfriend’s House, Story Goes Viral: “Babygirl Took A Little Break”
- A Nigerian young lady shared a story about her course mate who had been missing from school for 8 days
- She explained what happened and how worried the girl’s parents were when they couldn’t reach her for several days
- The individual also shared other sensitive details on her social media page , and many people reacted to her post
A university student has gone viral on social media after she was traced to her boyfriend’s house after being unreachable by her parents for eight days.
A lady who is a friend of the individual shared the story on social media, and it has since gone viral as people have started reacting to it online.
University student traced to boyfriend’s house. Photos for illustration purposes only: Photo Credit: Getty Images/Hill Street Studios/Samuel Olawepo
Source: Twitter
Lady traced to her man’s house
She mentioned that the individual is her coursemate and shared wh at happened and how she was found.
The individual who shared the story, @folaaa_aa, also mentioned the age of the lady’s father.
Read also
“I tried to find her”: Lady posts 2 things she discovered about Apostle Joshua Selman and Sandra Areh
She said:
“My coursemate was reported missing by her parents yesterday. They said they could not reach her for like eight days. We did our research and saw that she was last seen online on Monday. They did a proper investigation with the oga olopa, and they found out she was with her man.”
Missing student found at her man’s apartment. Photo for illustration purposes only: Photo Credit: Getty Images/Samuel Olawepo
Source: Twitter”The parents are even old. The father said he’s 70.”
Speaking further about the lady and her boyfriend, she added:
“Omo, we were worried before o. Then I saw one edit that she did with her man. I just came off it. I came peace. Please, this girl dey chop life jare.”
Reactions as last shares story
@dha_mylolah noted:
“Dem suppose arrest Her and her man. Make dem sleep inside cell for a week.Imagine giving your parents so much headache and eventually you are with a man,at least call them and let them know you are safe wherever you are.Omo ale?”
Read also
Nigerian lady who is primary school teacher in UK shares unexpected question student asked her
@FineGurlLumi said:
“I don’t know if it’s the same girl I posted (Esther from UNILAG Mass Communications Department) she’s very silly.”
@folaaa_aa said:
“Na you fear pass, you dey even follow up. You no know say baby girl dey collect for where she day. More grease to her elbow.”
@JustblameJimmy added:
“Same thing happened in my department while i was in year 1,fliers were made they even interrogated her male friends.these went on for the whole of the semester only to find out she reads the class group messages and sees the missing fliers. She then later said she’s with her man.”
@johnmoyewa noted:
“It’s unfair to do that to parents. She could have least texted her parents.”♟️
@Rhine_sto noted:
“Babygirl took a lil break.”
@hArtboy_VEHAM stressed:
Na people like this, male or female Dem suppose dey beat. I mean physical beating!”
@hArtboy_VEHAM stated:
“Na people like this, male or female Dem suppose dey beat. I mean physical beating.”
Read also
Woman drives 3 hours to find person who dropped bad comment on her post, confronts him in video
Read the post below:
In a similar story, Legit.ng reported that a Nigerian lady shared a heartwarming video showing how her boyfriend surprised her on her sign-out day.
Man buys provisions for girlfriend
Meanwhile, Legit.ng recently reported that a Nigerian student shared a video showing the many gifts her boyfriend bought for her before she returned to school.
She said the young man took her resumption very seriously and decided to buy plenty of food for her. In the video, she showed cartons of noodles, cereals, food items, and many other things.
Source: Legit.ng
The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ogun State, Abayomi Tella, has said the party is fully prepared and ready to defeat the rulling All Progressives Congress, APC, in 2027.
Tella warned that PDP would not tolerate any form of harassment and intimidation as witnessed in recent elections held in the state.
Tella spoke on Saturday, shortly after receiving the National Chairman of the Party, Kabiru Turaki, in Abeokuta, the state capital.
DAILY POST reports that Turaki had emerged as the chairman of the opposition party during its convention in Ibadan about three weeks ago, and was in Abeokuta to visit former Nigeria President, Olusegun Obasanjo.
Tella expressed joy that the state is the first to receive the leadership of the party after the election, adding that his visit has rekindled hopes in the party.
“We are all very happy, our hope is rekindled, now we know that the end has come to all the shenanigans of the past in the party. It is a new dawn and we are all happy,” he said.
Tella noted that the 2027 election in the state would be people versus political parties, maintaining that with the support of residents, PDP will get the mantle of leadership.
“So together with the people, we are battle ready for 2027. What happened in 2023 will not repeat itself, what happened during Remo Federal Constituency by-election in August will not repeat itself.
“It’s the way they bring it that they will take it back, I am emphatic about this. We are all indigenes of this state, we are all residents of this state and we have the right to vote and be voted for. You can’t stop people from voting for one party, we won’t allow that to happen in 2027.”
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of politicising the revocation of bail previously granted to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mallam Abubakar Malami, SAN.
In a statement on Saturday, signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC argued that the EFCC’s action was politically motivated rather than rooted in law enforcement.
The party insisted that Malami had complied with all bail conditions and continued to cooperate with investigators.
“From all available evidence, Malami did not violate any of the legal conditions attached to his initial bail.
“As a senior lawyer and former number one law officer in the country, he understands what it means to violate bail conditions,” the statement read.
The ADC also criticised the timing of the revocation, noting it followed Malami’s attendance at a political rally in Kebbi State as part of his governorship campaign.
“What he probably did not know was that attending a political gathering in his home state could suddenly become a reason for revoking his bail.”
The party added that the move created the impression that the EFCC aimed to curb his political activities rather than pursue justice.
The statement further argued that the EFCC’s action exceeded its constitutional authority.
“By barring a citizen from political activity, the EFCC arrogates to itself powers it does not possess under the Constitution.
“No agency has the power to suspend political rights, redraw political boundaries, or dictate where a citizen’s political interest may be exercised.”
The ADC warned against selective investigations and the weaponisation of anti-graft agencies against opposition figures, stating: “Politicising the fight against corruption is itself a major form of corruption.
“The Afrobarometer survey released earlier this year ranked the Presidency as the third most corrupt public institution in the country, after the police and the National Assembly.”
Maintaining that Malami is innocent until proven guilty, the ADC demanded his immediate release on bail without restrictions on his political rights.
“More importantly, we demand his immediate release on bail, without the attached conditions that stifle his political rights,” the party concluded.
- The family of Tartenger Terdue James, a Benue State indigene, has been thrown into panic after he was abducted by suspected kidnappers just days before his planned wedding.
- James was kidnapped on Tuesday evening, December 9, 2025, while traveling to Cross River State to purchase palm oil for his traditional marriage scheduled for Saturday, December 13, in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
- The abductors are demanding a ₦3 million ransom and have reportedly threatened to kill him if the demand is not met.
The family of Tartenger Terdue James, a man from Benue State, is in panic after he was abducted by suspected kidnappers just five days before his scheduled wedding.
James was kidnapped on Tuesday evening, December 9, 2025, while he was traveling to Cross River State. He was reportedly going there to buy palm oil for his traditional marriage, which was set for Saturday, December 13, in the Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
Relatives confirmed that the abductors are demanding a ransom of ₦3 million. The kidnappers have threatened to kill James and dump his body by the roadside if the money is not paid.
A relative, Charles Ayuwa, confirmed the incident in a Facebook post on Thursday, writing, “My brother Hon. Tartenger Terdue James, it’s been two days already since you were kidnapped… May God protect you in the hands of your captors and further hasten your release ahead of your wedding this Saturday. Amen,”.
A Nigerian man who claims to be a former schoolmate of Sandra Areh, the lady recently linked to popular preacher Apostle Joshua Selman, has shared his personal experience with her.
Sandra’s name has been trending following her public appearances connected to the clergyman, sparking mixed reactions across social media.
Sandra Areh Trends Over Joshua Selman Connection
Over the past few days, Nigerians on X (formerly Twitter) have shared different opinions about Sandra Areh’s association with Apostle Selman.
While some expressed curiosity, others openly judged the situation, with a few hoping the pair would eventually get married.
Former Schoolmate Shares His Experience
Joining the online discussion, a man identified as @penforme on X revealed that he knew Sandra personally during their secondary school days.
According to him, they attended the same school, though Sandra was his junior.
Talks About Her Family Background
The man further explained that he is familiar with Sandra’s family, stating that her brother, Collins, has been his close friend for many years.
This, he said, gave him enough reason to speak confidently about her past character.
Describes Sandra’s Character in School
Reflecting on her behaviour back then, he described Sandra as a well-behaved and offering person who related freely with others.
He noted that his memories of her from school were largely positive.
Despite speaking well of her character, the former schoolmate mentioned that one aspect of her recent public appearance did not sit right with him, particularly her choice of outfit.
In his words: “Sandra Areh. She was my junior in secondary school. Her brother Collins was and still is my good friend. Nice girl. But, that dress. Not so good.”
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A former federal lawmaker, Senator Ayodele Arise, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider military pressure on Burkina Faso over the continued detention of Nigerian soldiers in the country.
Arise, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, said Nigeria should not rule out the use of force if diplomatic efforts fail to secure the release of the detained personnel.
He made the remarks on Saturday while speaking during an interview on an Arise TV programme.
The senator argued that Nigeria must protect its sovereignty and make it clear that its military personnel cannot be detained without consequences.
According to him, good neighbourliness should not be mistaken for weakness.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s internal security challenges, Arise insisted that firm action would send a strong message across the region.
He referenced a historical military operation by Israel in 1976, stating that decisive action often compels cooperation.
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, who once represented Ekiti North Senatorial District, also backed Nigeria’s recent military involvement in Benin Republic following reports of a coup attempt.
He rejected claims that President Tinubu acted outside constitutional provisions by authorising action before briefing the National Assembly.
According to him, national security decisions sometimes require swift responses.
His comments came shortly after the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, confirmed that 11 Nigerian military officers detained in Burkina Faso are still being held.
Tuggar disclosed this while addressing journalists at the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja.
The minister said discussions are ongoing to resolve the issue through diplomatic channels.
He stated, “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.”
Tuggar also dismissed speculation linking the detained officers to Nigeria’s involvement in the Benin Republic crisis.
According to him, the Nigerian Air Force aircraft involved had no connection to any coup-related operation.
The officers were travelling in a C-130 aircraft that made an emergency landing in Bobo Dioulasso, a city in south-western Burkina Faso.
They were later arrested amid suspicions that the flight was connected to a rescue mission tied to political instability in Benin.
However, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Territorial Administration, Emile Zerbo, claimed the aircraft entered the country’s airspace without proper clearance.
Beyond regional security, Arise also spoke on internal parliamentary procedures.
He criticised the Senate’s continued use of the ‘take-a-bow-and-go’ method in screening ambassadorial nominees.
Although he acknowledged that the Foreign Affairs Committee may have followed due process, he argued that deeper engagement would strengthen legislative oversight.
He said lawmakers need the opportunity to question nominees to better understand their qualifications and preparedness.
According to him, relying solely on security reports and resumes limits transparency.
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.”
The former senator added that meaningful interaction during screenings would benefit both the Senate and the public.
He said, “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.”
Arise further stressed the need for nominees to personally justify their appointments.
He said, “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.”