NIGERIA NEWS
Use of Force Contributes Small Percentage to Resolving National Security Challenges, says Air Chief – THISDAYLIVE
Linus Aleke in Abuja
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has said that military force alone plays only a limited role in resolving Nigeria’s complex national security challenges, emphasising that enduring peace can only be achieved through a comprehensive, whole-of-nation approach.
He explained that while kinetic operations remain necessary, they represent just a fraction of what is required to secure the country.
According to him, sustainable security is rooted in good governance, active community participation, public trust, responsible media engagement, and coordinated national effort aimed at addressing the underlying causes of insecurity.
Air Marshal Aneke made these remarks at a Meet-and-Greet Cocktail with Defence Correspondents held at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Officers’ Mess and Suites, Kado, Abuja.
The event, he said, was designed to strengthen collaboration and mutual understanding between the military and the media.
The CAS appealed to journalists for patience and understanding, particularly when there are delays in releasing operational information.
He noted that what may appear as simple requests often require thorough scrutiny to prevent compromising missions, exposing personnel to danger, or jeopardising national security.
While reaffirming the NAF’s commitment to transparency and timely communication, he stressed that all information must undergo proper vetting before release.
Allowing time for verification, he added, ultimately supports the collective responsibility of protecting the nation and its citizens.
Addressing defence correspondents, Aneke described the media as an indispensable partner in national security.
Through their reporting, he said, Nigerians gain insight into the complexities of defence operations, while public accountability is strengthened and trust between the Armed Forces and the populace is enhanced.
He further highlighted the value of developmental journalism, noting that it goes beyond reporting incidents to providing context, deepening public understanding, and drawing attention to issues that require collective solutions.
Such journalism, he said, reinforces democratic accountability and helps citizens appreciate the broader efforts of security agencies.
Earlier, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, acknowledged that while timely information is central to journalism, certain defence-related details must be carefully verified and sanitised to safeguard operations, assets, and lives.
He commended journalists for their professionalism and patience, adding that the media play a vital role in the non-kinetic dimension of modern warfare by shaping public perception, building trust, and complementing military efforts toward a safer and more secure Nigeria.
In a related development, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, also reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering commitment to counter-insurgency, internal security operations, and the protection of lives and property during his maiden operational visit to the Air Training Command (ATC) and co-located units in Kaduna.
Addressing officers, airmen, and airwomen at a durbar, Air Marshal Aneke described Kaduna as a strategic hub in the Service’s history and future, noting that the visit held both professional and personal significance.
He said the engagement provided an opportunity for direct interaction, frank dialogue, and a renewed commitment to the core values and mission of the Nigerian Air Force.
Earlier, the Air Officer Commanding ATC, Air Vice Marshal Yusuf Dari, briefed the CAS on the Command’s mandate, training activities, achievements, and challenges.
He emphasised that the Command remains central to operational effectiveness, noting that the quality of air operations is directly linked to the standard of training, maintenance, and support delivered by ATC.
The CAS explained that upon assuming office as the 23rd Chief of the Air Staff, he prioritised a review of factors affecting operational performance, which informed his Command Philosophy.
According to him, the philosophy serves as a practical framework for guiding planning, training, leadership, and decision-making at all levels, rather than a mere slogan.
Commending personnel of the Command, Aneke underscored the critical role of training and sustainment in ongoing counter-insurgency efforts.
He stressed that standardised training, innovation, emerging technologies, and strategic partnerships are vital to mission success.
During his tour, the CAS inspected facilities, commissioned selected projects, and assessed operational needs.
He concluded by reaffirming his “Welfare for Enhanced Warfare” policy, assuring personnel of continued support to boost morale, readiness, and operational effectiveness.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed the death of 12 persons with two others injured in an auto crash that occurred on Friday along the Ejule – Enugu highway in Kogi.
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Mr Tenimu Etuku, The FRSC Sector Commander in Kogi, disclosed this to newsmen in Lokoja on Saturday.
Etuku described the accident as “fatal and very unfortunate”, adding that one child was among 12 persons that died.
According to him, the crash occurred at about 11.30 p.m. in the Iboko community, Idah Local Government Area, involving an 18-Seater Toyota Hiace Bus belonging to Romchi Mass Transit.
The ill fated bus, Etuku said, was travelling from Abuja to the eastern part of the country but ramped into a parked faulty articulated vehicle due to over speeding.
The sector commander said that his personnel, who carried out the rescue, have rushed the injured to Mercy of Jesus Hospital Ejule for medical attention, while the dead bodies were deposited in the morgue.
Etuku, who expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased, reiterated the dangers of excessive speed and reckless overtaking by motorists.
“At this yuletide, motorists must be careful and adhere strictly to traffic rules and regulations to avoid such accidents and wastage of precious lives.
“I believe this is one way to help the FRSC and the federal government reduce the alarming rate of road traffic crashes and fatalities in the country.
“I hereby urge drivers to exercise patience and maintain safe driving practices, especially during long-distance journeys in this yuletide,” he advised.
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In accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the Impacthive Centre for Accountability, Democracy and Rights (ICADAR) has requested the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to furnish it with a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently signed between the agency and Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFiP), the tax authority in France.
In a letter addressed to the Executive Chairman of FIRS, the civil society organisation also requested to be furnished with the procedure followed in the appointment of Xpress Payment Solutions Limited as a Treasury Single Account (TSA) collecting agent.
Additionally, the CSO requests information on the persons behind Xpress Payment Solutions Limited and the percentage of revenue that Xpress Payment Solutions Limited is authorised to collect for their services.
According to the letter signed by Dr Bello Ishaq, Executive Director of ICADAR, all the requested information is to be provided within seven (7) working days from the date of receipt of the letter:
It would be recalled that since the FIRS sealed the deal, there have been protests from critics and analysts across the country. For instance, the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) kicked against the Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) between the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the French Directorate Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFP) on digital transformation and information exchange, as well as the appointment of Xpress Payment Solutions Limited as the official Treasury Single Account (TSA) collecting agent of the Federal Government revenue in Nigeria.
The opposition party expressed “serious reservations and condemns both actions,” describing the signing of the MoU with DGFP as a reckless act of outsourcing Nigeria’s tax data management to a foreign government.
According to the party, such a pact poses grave threats to Nigeria’s sovereignty, economy, and national security.
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A fire has broken out at the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) office in Abuja. Emergency responders, including firefighters, have been deployed to the scene to contain the blaze.
The cause of the fire and the extent of damage are yet to be confirmed. No official statement has been issued as of the time of filing this report.
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The Police in Ogun State have arrested a suspected armed robber identified as Adenekan Segun, popularly known as Expensive, in the Abeokuta area of the state.
The arrest was announced in a statement signed by the Command’s spokesperson, Oluseyi Babeseyi, and made available to DAILY POST on Saturday.
According to the statement, the suspect was arrested following credible information that he allegedly brandished two pump-action firearms during a minor disagreement with a person.
Upon the information operatives of the anti-robbery squad, from the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, swung into action leading to his arrest and the recovery of two pump-action rifles.
The statement read: “On Sunday, 14th December 2025, actionable intelligence indicated that the suspect was unlawfully in possession of pump-action firearms.
“He was alleged to have brandished the weapons during a minor disagreement with a person.
“The operatives acted swiftly, which led to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of two pump-action rifles.”
The police public relations officer added that investigation is ongoing and on completion, the suspect will be charged to court.
Meanwhile, the State’s Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, commended the swift response of the operatives and reiterated the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on armed robbery and illegal possession of firearms.
Ogunlowo also assured residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to sustaining peace, urging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to the police.
The coalition of Ondo State Magistrates, Presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts and Legal Research Officers has announced that it may withdraw its services across the state beginning from January 5, 2026
The announcement was contained in a letter dated December 10 and addressed to the state’s Chief Judge.
The letter made available to reporters on Saturday indicated that the decision followed what the coalition described as the “continued lip service by the State Executive to the issue of financial autonomy for the Judiciary”.
The coalition expressed concerns that the lack of genuine implementation of judicial financial autonomy in the state has severely affected the welfare of judicial officers, dignity of office, operational efficiency and the institutional support required for an effective justice delivery system.
The coalition pointed out that its members have been subjected to persistent denial of several welfare entitlements, including, improved allowances, provision of official vehicles.
DAILY POST reports that the Ondo State government in June this year claimed that it had granted financial autonomy for the judiciary workers.
The government’s claim followed the suspension of the industrial action earlier embarked upon by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN.
Similarly, the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, in a separate statement, assured the workers that the state remained committed to the principles of judicial independence and fiscal responsibility.
However, the coalition lamented the government’s inability to implement the promises, stating that the judicial workers are tired of the lip services.
Benin Republic on Saturday placed a former defence minister and prominent opposition politician, Candide Azannai, in pre-trial detention as part of investigations into the failed coup attempt earlier this month.
According to an AFP journalist, Azannai was accused of plotting against the state and incitement to rebellion following his arrest last week at his party’s headquarters in Cotonou.
Azannai’s detention comes in the aftermath of the failed December 7 coup, despite the opposition figure publicly condemning the attempted overthrow.
His remand followed several hours of questioning at Benin’s anti-terrorism court. An AFP reporter said police escorted him away at dawn before taking him into custody.
The detention is the latest development linked to the foiled coup, after about 30 people, mostly soldiers, were jailed on Tuesday on treason charges.
On December 7, soldiers appeared on national television claiming they had toppled President Patrice Talon. However, loyalist forces swiftly crushed the plot with assistance from the Nigerian Air Force.
Several people were reportedly killed during the uprising, while some mutineers, including the alleged coup leader, Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri, remain at large.
While Talon has received praise for driving economic growth, critics accuse his administration of creeping authoritarianism in a country once celebrated for democratic stability.
In recent years, Benin has also faced growing jihadist violence in its northern regions.
President Talon is expected to hand over power in April after completing the constitutionally permitted two terms in office.
The gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the August 8, 2026 governorship election in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, has declared that governance is a serious business that must not be left in the hands of mediocre leaders.
Oyebamiji made this assertion shortly after receiving his Certificate of Return from the leadership of the APC at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja on Friday.
He said Osun State requires a serious and competent manager to harness its abundant human and material resources and drive sustainable development.
According to the governorship hopeful, the APC is poised to reclaim Osun State in the 2026 governorship election and also secure victory for the party in the 2027 presidential election.
“The business of governance is a serious business. And we have a lot of human assets. We have a lot of material assets in Osun State. We need a serious manager to drive that asset. And that serious manager is Bola Oyebamiji.
“Now that I have the support of the leaders and members of the party to represent APC at the poll, we are going to carry that mandate. Come 2026 and 2027, we are going to deliver Osun for APC at the governorship and presidential elections. We will win massively to return the progressives to the Bola Ige House in 2026 as well as renewing the mandate of Mr President in 2027,” he assured.
The former Commissioner for Finance in Osun State said the collection of his Certificate of Return marks the beginning of a renewed journey to restore the state to the path of progress, inclusive governance, and accelerated development.
He pledged to build on the legacies of progressive leaders who had governed the state in the past, while charting new frontiers of prosperity across key sectors.
“The journey ahead is clear: the work to reclaim Osun is not only a campaign but a calling. Today signifies the beginning of a renewed march to restore our state to the path of progress, inclusive governance, and accelerated development.
“We are committed to building on the legacies of progressives who came before us and charting new frontiers of prosperity from education and healthcare to jobs and security for every resident of Osun. The task is great, but our resolve is greater.”
Calling for unity within the party, Oyebamiji urged APC members and supporters to rally together ahead of the polls.
“Let this moment be a clarion call to every member and supporter of the All Progressives Congress: our collective mission to return Osun to the path of progress has commenced.
“Let us work with unity of purpose, discipline and passion to mobilise our people and win the confidence of every community. Together, we will write a new chapter of hope and transformation for Osun.”
The former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) also commended other aspirants of the party for rallying behind him as the APC consensus candidate, describing their decision as an expression of confidence, faith, and commitment to the party’s ideals.
He further applauded party leaders, elders, and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) for their unwavering support.
“To my respected co-aspirants, I express sincere appreciation for your spirit of sportsmanship and commitment to our party’s ideals. To the good people of Osun State, I say thank you for your confidence, prayers, and encouragement.”
Oyebamiji also used the occasion to express his heartfelt appreciation to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adebisi Akande, national leaders of the party, members of the APC National Executive Council led by the party’s National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, the overall leader of the party in Osun State and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, the National Secretary of the party, Ajibola Basiru, the APC State Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, as well as leaders and members of the party at both national and state levels, for their unflinching support.
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NIGERIA NEWS
22-years-old Mother Arrested After Selling 2-Month-Old Baby for ₦1.5M and Faking Kidnap
- A 22-year-old woman has been arrested in Delta State for allegedly selling her two-month-old baby for ₦1.5 million and reporting a fake kidnapping.
- Police uncovered the plot after inconsistencies in her account led to a confession, the arrest of the buyers, and the rescue of the child, now in state care.
A 22-year-old woman is currently in police custody in Delta State after she allegedly sold her two-month-old baby for ₦1,500,000 and subsequently staged a kidnapping to cover her tracks.
According to police reports, the woman approached the Ekpan Police Station in Uvwie Local Government Area, claiming she had been violently attacked by unknown gunmen who snatched her infant. However, investigators became suspicious of her inconsistent testimony during the initial debriefing.
The False Report and Confession
The suspect initially alleged that she was intercepted while walking along a local road, where she was “beaten and her baby forcefully taken.” Under intense interrogation by detectives, her story crumbled. She eventually confessed that she had voluntarily sold the child to a couple in a pre-arranged transaction.
Following her confession, she led the police to the residence of the buyers, who were also arrested. It was discovered that the woman had already received a substantial part of the ₦1.5 million payment before filing the false police report.
Police Warning on Child Trafficking
The Delta State Police Command has condemned the act, noting a disturbing rise in cases where biological parents sell their children due to economic hardship or unwanted pregnancies.
The Police Public Relations Officer stated that the suspect will be charged with child trafficking and giving false information to a public officer. The rescued baby is currently in the care of the state welfare department as investigations continue to identify any other intermediaries involved in the sale.
She sold her two-month-old baby for #1,500,000 to a couple and went to the police station in Ekpan and reported that she was attacked and her baby kidnapped. What a life pic.twitter.com/lhwIyVddCA
— SP Bright Edafe (@Brightgoldenboy) December 20, 2025
By Abbanobi -Eku Onyeka
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Comr. Eze Onyebuchi Chukwu, popularly known as Delaw, has demonstrated his commitment to educational development in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
Delaw’s leadership is characterized by visible actions, not just loud promises. His track record of intentional educational interventions has placed students, teachers, and learning environments at the center of development.
In 2025, Delaw organized the Inaugural Students’ Symposium, bringing together hundreds of secondary school students to celebrate learning and reward excellence.
The event was a practical demonstration of leadership that understands education as the foundation of a meaningful society.
Delaw’s vision for Smart Schools and model primary education across AMAC is an extension of his proven track record.
He has consistently shown that education must go beyond classroom attendance to include motivation, innovation, and opportunity.
Delaw’s two-term scholarship awards and recognition of outstanding students reflect a leader who understands that encouraging children leads to societal progress.
AMAC needs a builder with vision, a reformer with experience, and a leader whose actions speak louder than campaign slogans.
Delaw represents that leadership, with educational interventions proving governance begins with the mind of the child and the strength of the school system.
His actions demonstrate a commitment to securing AMAC’s future through Smart Schools, smart teachers, and empowered students.
The people of AMAC are encouraged to support Delaw’s candidacy for AMAC Chairmanship, as he campaigns with results, not just words.
NIGERIA NEWS
“Everything Changed”: Nigerian Man Narrates His Sweet Experiences Travelling as US Passport Holder
- A Nigerian man who has a United States passport has admitted that his travelling experiences changed for good since he got the American passport
- In the past, he underwent constant scrutiny or was even called off a boarded aeroplane for extra searches because of his Nigerian passport
- His experiences underscored the superiority of the American passport over the Nigerian passport and the challenges passport holders from the West African country face when flying
A Nigerian man, @seanpepisky, who holds a US passport, has said everything changed positively for him since he acquired the American passport.
The Lagos-born Texas resident recalled on X (formerly Twitter) how challenging his travelling were in the past because of his Nigerian passport.
A Nigerian man says his travelling experience changed since he became a US passport holder.
Photo Credit: @seanpepisky
Source: Twitter
He said he was subjected to constant scrutiny during stopovers and even being called off a boarded aeroplane for extra searches.
According to the man, he had thought they were normal international travel procedures until he became a US passport holder and observed the different treatment he received.
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Man’s experiences as US passport holder
He said everything changed as a US passport holder, as he was no longer constantly scrutinised or delayed for extra checks.
In fact, he described his experiences as smooth movement and clear preferential treatment. He prayed Nigera gets better. The man wrote:
“I didn’t realize how bad this issue was until I started traveling with my American passport. “Back then, I thought it was normal, the constant scrutiny during stopovers, being pulled aside, or even called off a boarded plane just for extra searches. I assumed that was just how international travel worked. “But once I started using my U.S. passport, everything changed. Countries that had previously stopped and scrutinized me never did again. No extra searches, no delays, not even a pause. Instead, it’s been smooth movement and clear preferential treatment. “That’s when it hit me, what we often normalize isn’t normal at all. Sometimes it’s not your behavior, it’s the passport you carry. 
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Man who had US visa interview in London shares his unfavourable experience: “Because I’m Nigerian”
“I pray Nigeria gets better for us all.”
A Nigerian man says he no longer experiences extra searches or delays since becoming a US passport holder.
Photo Credit: @seanpepisky
Source: Twitter
See his tweet below:
Reaction trail man’s experience using US passport
Legit.ng has compiled some reactions to the man’s experience below:
@TeemarhTheLight said:
“This is painfully accurate. A lot of what we’re told to “get used to” isn’t normal at all. Travel really exposes how uneven the system is. I genuinely hope things change for Nigeria, because no one deserves to be treated with suspicion just for where they’re from.”
@IGONO said:
“At Istanbul International Airport, Turkey, others nationals were allowed to get through the Gate but Nigerians were subjected to extra security scrutiny. We eventually missed our connecting flight simply because we are Nigerians!”
@Dr_Asek said:
“When you check, most of you have no life no personality outside these passports u hold.”
@Quazim11 said:
“You guys are the ones giving Nigeria bad reputations abroad, it is you guys that are scamming people, laundering money, peddling hard drugs, sham marriage, overstaying your visa durations &you expect them not to shut their doors on you . You guys need to change your bad habits.”
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@JayOjo40 said:
“It’s just soo sad that even our country passport is somewhat a disadvantage to us already.. It is well.”
@Shinaayomiiii said:
“Ordinary stop over in Turkey… they told we nigerians to sit one side and collected our passports When we got to our destination nkogreen card no get rep at all.”
In a related story, Legit.ng reported that an American man who married a Nigerian man had narrated his difficulty in getting a Nigerian passport.
Man shares US visa experience in London
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a Nigerian man had recounted his unfavourable US visa interview experience in London.
The diasporan shared his story following the news of the US adding Nigeria to the list of countries slapped with travel restrictions.
The man, who had his US visa interview in London, said the female visa officer denied him without asking him any questions or offering an explanation.
Source: Legit.ng