•Military, police order massive deployment of personnel, assets for crime-free Yuletide

Emmanuel Addeh, Olawale Ajimotokan, Linus Aleke in Abuja and Laleye Dipo in Minna with additional reporting from Reuters

Nigeria and the United States have launched a coordinated security operation aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves across multiple parts of the country, signalling a renewed push to degrade the operational reach of violent extremist groups and restore state authority in affected communities.

The joint effort, involving Nigeria’s security agencies and US technical and advisory support, is focused on intelligence-driven raids, surveillance, and disruption of logistics networks believed to sustain insurgent and terror cells operating in remote and urban locations.

THISDAY learnt that the operation is prioritising precision actions during the mapping and surveillance activities and is designed to limit civilian harm while striking high-value targets, with the collaboration building on long-standing defence and counterterrorism ties between both countries.

Also yesterday, the military and police authorities announced extensive security measures, including large-scale deployment of personnel and operational assets nationwide, to ensure a peaceful and crime-free celebration.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) disclosed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), working in collaboration with other security agencies, had intensified operations across the country, particularly in areas assessed as vulnerable to criminals and terrorists’ threats.

On the Nigeria-US collaboration, the Donald Trump-led nation is providing advanced intelligence, reconnaissance capabilities, and capacity-building support, with the operation  expected to enhance information-sharing across agencies, closing gaps previously exploited by the terrorist groups.

The renewed offensive comes amid persistent security challenges linked to terrorism, banditry, and violent extremism, which have strained local economies and displaced thousands.

Already, the US has been conducting intelligence-gathering flights over large parts of Nigeria since late November, according to flight tracking data and current and former US officials, in a sign of increased security cooperation between the countries.

But the flights in West Africa follow US President Donald Trump’s threats in November to militarily intervene in Nigeria over what he says is its failure to stop violence targeting Christian communities. The flights also are occurring just months after a US pilot working for a missionary agency was kidnapped in neighbouring Niger.

The US contractor-operated aircraft used for the surveillance operations typically takes off from Ghana and flies over Nigeria before returning to Accra, the Ghanaian capital, the tracking data for December showed.

Besides, the flight tracking data showed the operator is Mississippi-based Tenax Aerospace, which provides special mission aircraft and works closely with the US military, according to the company’s website.

Liam Karr, the Africa Team Lead for the Critical Threats Project at the American Enterprise Institute, who analysed the flight data told Reuters that the operation appeared to be running out of an airport in Accra, a known hub for the US military’s logistics network in Africa.

Karr said the operation was an early sign the US was rebuilding its capacity in the region after Niger ordered US troops to leave a sprawling, newly built air base in the desert last year, and turned instead to Russia for security assistance.

“In recent weeks we’ve seen a resumption of intelligence and surveillance flights in Nigeria,” Karr said in an interview. A former US official told Reuters that the aircraft is among several assets the Trump administration moved to Ghana in November.

It is unclear how many aircraft remain in Ghana, but the former official said the missions include tracking down the kidnapped US pilot and gathering intelligence on militant groups operating in Nigeria. Boko Haram and its splinter organisation, Islamic State West Africa Province, are among the militant groups operating in Nigeria.

Also, a current US official confirmed the aircraft has been flying over Nigeria but declined to provide details given the diplomatic sensitivity of the issue.

A separate administration official told Reuters that Washington was continuing to work with Nigeria to “address religious violence, anti-Christian attacks, and the destabilising spread of terrorism.”

While Nigeria’s government has said armed groups target both Muslims and Christians, the US claims that Christians facing persecution do not represent a complex security situation and ignore efforts to safeguard religious freedom. But Nigeria has agreed to work with the US to bolster its forces against militant groups.

The Tenax Aerospace aircraft was seen on November 7 by flight tracking data at MacDill Air Force Base, which is home to the headquarters of the United States Special Operations Command in Tampa, Florida. It flew to Ghana on November 24, just days after the high-level meeting between US and Nigerian security officials, according to flight tracking data.

The data showed the aircraft has flown over Nigeria almost daily since the start of the operation. The aircraft is a Gulfstream V, a long-range business jet often modified for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, according to the data seen by Reuters.

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu declared a security emergency last month and ordered the army and police to begin mass recruitment to tackle worsening armed violence across the country.

Yuletide: Security Agencies Deploy Massively

Meanwhile, the military and police authorities have announced extensive security measures, including large-scale deployment of personnel and operational assets nationwide, to ensure a peaceful and crime-free celebration.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) disclosed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), working in collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified operations across the country, particularly in areas assessed as vulnerable to criminals and terrorists’ threats.

In a statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, the military confirmed that additional troops have been deployed to strategic locations and along critical routes, while special forces units and air components have been placed on high alert to provide rapid response where necessary.

According to him, surveillance operations have been significantly enhanced through aerial monitoring and strengthened intelligence gathering to track the activities and movements of suspected criminal groups.

He added that unit commanders nationwide have been directed to increase patrols, establish reinforced checkpoints and deepen collaboration with community leaders, local vigilante groups and state security outfits.

Onoja emphasised that the Armed Forces remained fully committed to safeguarding lives and property throughout the festive period.

“The security and stability of our nation remain our top priority. Every necessary measure is being taken to ensure that Nigerians can celebrate Christmas and the New Year in peace, unity and joy,” he stated.

He also called on citizens to support security efforts by remaining vigilant and promptly reporting suspicious activities to the nearest security formation, assuring that all credible information would be treated with urgency and confidentiality.

Similarly, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, extended his festive greetings to Nigerians, wishing them a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, while urging communities to share security-related information widely in the interest of collective safety.

In a related development, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the strategic deployment of police personnel and operational assets across the country to complement the military’s efforts and ensure a safe, peaceful and crime-free festive season.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the directive formed part of the Nigeria Police Force’s proactive security strategy for the yuletide period.

He explained that all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General and State Commissioners of Police have been instructed to intensify patrols, visibility policing, intelligence-led operations and confidence-building engagements.

The IGP further directed commands to sustain raids on identified blackspots, forests, criminal hideouts and flashpoints, while strengthening collaboration with other security agencies and community stakeholders to guarantee comprehensive security coverage.

Hundeyin revealed that specialised units, including the Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Command, Intelligence Response Team, Special Tactical Squad, Special Intervention Squad, Highway Patrol, Marine Police and the Air Wing, have been placed on heightened operational readiness.

He added that deployments have been prioritised around places of worship, recreational centres, markets, parks, event venues, transport terminals, highways, critical national infrastructure and other high-density public areas.

Additional patrol and surveillance teams have also been activated along major inter-state routes to curb road-related crimes, traffic disruptions and accidents.

Officers on duty, he said, have been charged to remain firm but courteous in the discharge of their responsibilities.

While wishing Nigerians a joyful Christmas and a prosperous New Year, the IGP urged the public to celebrate responsibly, remain alert and report all suspicious activities through designated emergency lines or the nearest police station.

The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the festive season and the period beyond are enjoyed in an atmosphere of peace, safety and security nationwide.

Similarly, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division to step up offensive operations and decisively eliminate criminal elements operating within their area of responsibility.

The directive was issued during the Army Chief’s maiden operational visit to the 2 Division Headquarters at Odugbo Barracks, Ibadan, where he addressed officers and soldiers drawn from various formations under the division.

According to a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, the COAS commended the troops for their resilience, professionalism and operational effectiveness in combating banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality across the division’s area of operations

Shaibu said he had been comprehensively briefed on ongoing operations and expressed satisfaction with the notable successes recorded so far. He urged the troops to sustain the current tempo and remain relentless in their pursuit of criminals.

“I have been thoroughly briefed on your operations and the remarkable successes you have achieved. I commend your efforts and urge you to maintain the momentum.

“Go after kidnappers and other miscreants wherever they may be — in forests, bushes or other hideouts — and ensure these criminal activities are reduced to the barest minimum,” he directed.”

Beyond operational directives, the army chief reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of personnel, describing troop morale as a critical factor in achieving mission success.

He disclosed that approvals had been granted for the renovation of existing accommodation as well as the construction of new residential facilities within the barracks.

He further enjoined officers and soldiers to take responsibility for the proper maintenance of existing facilities, stressing the need for a conducive living and working environment to support sustained operational effectiveness.

Shaibu, however, assured the troops that their welfare remained a central pillar of his command philosophy as the Army continued its efforts to enhance internal security across the country.

FCTA Combs Motor Parks, Flushes Out Criminals

The special security task force of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Operation Sweep, yesterday, combed motor parks and other strategic locations in the FCT to flush out criminal elements.

The Director, Security Services Department, FCTA, Adamu Gwary, said the operation was to ensure the safety and security of the FCT during the yuletide season.

Gwary, who was represented by Dr Peter Olumuji, Secretary, Command and Control Centre, said the ongoing operation would strengthen security throughout the festive season.

He said the security agencies under the Operation Sweep had the marching order of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to rid the territory of every form of criminality.

He described the operation as very successful, adding that it was being sustained through continued monitoring of motor parks, adding that the operation also targeted illegal motor parks being used by “one chance” criminal elements to abduct people.

Niger Bans Use of Fireworks

Ahead of the Christmas and New year festivities, the Niger state Police Command has deployed its personnel and assets to enforce security during the celebrations. The force has also outlawed the use of fireworks during the period and after.

Commissioner of Police, Mr Abdullahi Adamu Elleman, in a statement, directed Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders and Divisional Police Officers DPOs to ensure adequate cover for public places, particularly, places of worship, recreation centres, amusement parks, motor parks and highways within the State.

Elleman further directed his officers to adhere to the operation order drawn for the season, and ensure intelligence-led and high visibility policing, with respect for human rights across the State,

The police boss, while assuring the safety of travellers and free flow of traffic during the period, disclosed that the policies put in place were in addition to the joint Show of Force and township patrol of Operation Flush, as well as constant raids of black spots, which were proactive measures emplaced for crime prevention, and quick response for intervention in case of any incident.   

He assured the public of the continued commitment of the Command to providing security, maintenance of law and order, and protection of lives and property throughout the state.

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By Juliet Umeh

Nigeria has emerged as a continental leader in Africa’s fast-growing digital payments ecosystem, as instant payment systems across the continent processed transactions worth nearly $2 trillion in 2024, according to a new report.  

The State of Inclusive Instant Payment Systems, SIIPS, 2025 Report, released by the AfricaNenda Foundation in partnership with the World Bank and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, UNECA, show that Nigeria’s Instant Payments, NIP, is the first system in Africa to achieve “mature inclusivity”, setting a benchmark for other countries.

The report notes that Africa’s digital payments landscape is expanding at a record pace, signalling a major shift towards more inclusive and interoperable financial systems.

In total, 36 instant payment systems now live across 31 African countries, with five launched in the past year alone. Collectively, these systems processed 64 billion transactions valued at nearly $2 trillion in 2024, underscoring Africa’s rapid transition to digital finance.  

Chief Executive Officer of the AfricaNenda Foundation, Dr. Robert Ochola, said: “Inclusive instant payments are transforming how Africans connect economically. The findings of SIIPS 2025 show clear progress, more countries are adopting instant payment systems, and more people are gaining access to digital financial services that support livelihoods, trade and economic growth across the continent.”

Also speaking, Acting Global Director, Finance, Competitiveness and Investment Global Department at the World Bank, Niraj Verma, said while the steady uptake of fast payment systems across Africa was encouraging, significant gaps remain.

“The latest SIIPS report shows steady progress across Africa in the uptake of fast payments. This is promising, but much work remains.

“Countries without fast payment systems should begin implementation, while those already operating them must prioritise inclusivity, innovation and affordability,” Verma said.

He added that regional fast payment models offer opportunities for cost-efficient and speedy cross-border payments, noting that through Project FASTT, the World Bank continues to support countries with financing, technical assistance and capacity building to strengthen fast payment ecosystems.  

The report highlights growing interoperability across Africa’s payment systems, noting that half of the continent’s IPS now connects banks, mobile money operators and fintechs through cross-domain platforms. While Nigeria reached the mature inclusivity stage, 10 other countries advanced to the “progressed” level on the AfricaNenda Inclusivity Spectrum.

Beyond person-to-person transfers, more systems are enabling person-to-business, government-to-person and cross-border payments, broadening access and use cases for instant payments.

Addressing these challenges, Chief of Section, Innovation and Technology at UNECA, Dr. Mactar Seck, said inclusion must be intentional for digital payments to reach everyone.

“The SIIPS 2025 data gives policymakers the evidence they need to design ecosystems that serve women, youth, informal sector operators and rural communities,” Seck said.

The post Nigeria leads as Africa’s instant payment transactions hit $2tn — SIIPS appeared first on Vanguard News.

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Lawmaker representing Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency of Anambra State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Peter Uzokwe, has dismissed claims that lawmakers deliberately failed to criminalise vote-buying during party primaries in the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act 2022, insisting that the issue was more complex than it was being portrayed.

Uzokwe made the clarification on Monday while speaking on ‘Politics Today’, a current affairs programme on Channels Television, amid public criticism of the ongoing clause-by-clause consideration of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill by the House of Representatives.

LEADERSHIP reported last week that the House approved amendments to the Electoral Act 2022, making the electronic transmission of election results mandatory under Section 60. However, controversy arose after lawmakers could not reach consensus on criminalising vote-buying during party primaries.

Addressing the criticism, Uzokwe said the position of the House had been widely misunderstood, explaining that lawmakers examined the issue holistically before arriving at their decision.

According to him, one of the key challenges lawmakers explored was the difficulty of proving vote-buying, especially within the internal processes of political parties.

“When you say that you influence somebody to vote during primaries, how do you prove it?” he asked. “Your opponent can bring somebody who claims you gave him money. How do you prove that you don’t know the person or that the person has anything to do with you? By the time you struggle to prove it, the time for justice may already be gone.”

Uzokwe further argued that vote-buying is not limited to cash inducement, stressing that influence can take many forms.

“It is not only financial inducement that can influence the outcome of anything,” he said. “You can promise somebody something. Gentleman’s agreements. You can promise land, a car, or any other thing that the person may need at that particular time.”

He warned that criminalising vote-buying without clear parameters could be abused by political opponents, noting that allegations could easily be weaponised during intra-party contests.

The lawmaker also touched on broader electoral reforms, including timelines for party activities, explaining that party registers are submitted at least 30 days before primaries, while election-related activities often begin far ahead of general elections.

“In 2026, we will already begin serious election activities,” he said. “Governance will be reduced to the barest minimum one year before elections. So, how do we balance governance with electoral processes and still give people value for their mandate?”

Uzokwe added that lawmakers considered proposals requiring primaries and other activities to be concluded not later than 180 days before elections, though some stakeholders argued for a longer period of 210 days.

Sharing a personal reflection, the lawmaker rejected the idea that electoral success must be driven by inducement, recounting that he won his election without distributing money or food items.

“When I stood for election, nobody collected money from me because I didn’t have that money,” he said. “I neither shared rice nor one naira, yet people voted for me, and here I am today.”

He said his focus since assuming office has been on continuous empowerment of constituents, not election-season handouts.

“I have been sharing rice without election coming. I’ve been empowering petty traders,” Uzokwe said. “The voters own us, not the other way around.”

The lawmaker also criticised what he described as the weaponisation of poverty in Nigerian politics, contrasting it with practices in more developed democracies.

“In America, you spend money on communication,” he said. “But in Nigeria, we have weaponised poverty, where people ask for money before they vote. That is something we must consciously move away from.”

Uzokwe maintained that strengthening democratic institutions and improving citizens’ welfare, rather than criminalisation alone, remains key to curbing vote-buying and electoral malpractice in Nigeria.

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Disturbed by the lack of access to care for children with limb loss in Nigeria, the IREDE Foundation, in partnership with NNPC/Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), has embarked on improving their health condition through its 3D printed prosthetic limb production.
 
The initiative, the first of its kind by the Foundation, integrates digital scanning and 3D printing technology into its prosthetic workflow, significantly reducing production time, cost and discomfort associated with traditional methods.
  
Founder of TIF, Crystal Chigbu, who spoke at the launch of the printer, said the innovation was driven by the need to prioritise children’s dignity, comfort and timely access to support.
 
She said that the conventional process of producing prosthetic limbs often involves Plaster of Paris (PoP) casting, which can be uncomfortable and emotionally taxing, particularly for teenage children.
  
“For us, this has never been about machines or equipment. It’s about the children. It’s about shortening the time between when a child needs help and when they actually receive it, and doing that in a way that preserves their dignity and confidence,” she said.
 
According to her, while the launch marks a major milestone, the initiative is currently in its pilot phase. At this stage, the focus is on learning, gathering data, and refining the technical processes involved in 3D-printed prosthetic production. 

Under the new system, digital scanners are used to capture the shape and measurements of a child’s limb, eliminating the need for invasive casting. 
 
Also, according to IT and 3D Printing Lead at the Foundation, Isaac Ugwu, the scanned data is converted into a digital model, refined and sent to a 3D printer to produce the limb socket.
 
He noted that the technology had made the process faster, more precise and more comfortable for beneficiaries, while also cutting down production timelines from several months to a few weeks.
 
Beyond speed and comfort, the Foundation said the adoption of 3D printing had reduced production costs by up to 40 per cent, allowing it to support more children within the same budget and reduce waiting lists.
 
Managing Director, SNEPCo, Ronald Adams, said the partnership had progressed from providing prosthetic limbs to supporting advocacy and sustainability.
 
He said the donation of a 3D printing machine would enable local manufacturing of prosthetic limbs, supported by trained personnel skilled in advanced 3D production techniques.
 
A recipient’s mother said the experience with the 3D printed prosthetic was more convenient and less time-consuming compared to previous limbs, while expressing gratitude to TIF and NNPC/SNEPCo for the support.

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The United States has been carrying out intelligence-gathering flights over large parts of Nigeria since late November, signalling heightened security cooperation between both countries, according to flight tracking data and US officials cited by Reuters.

The exclusive report published on Monday said the purpose of the surveillance missions could not be independently confirmed.

Reuters noted that the flights followed threats by Donald Trump in November to intervene militarily in Nigeria over what he described as the government’s failure to halt violence against Christian communities.

The surveillance operations also come months after a US pilot working for a missionary agency was kidnapped in neighbouring Niger.

Flight tracking data for December showed that the contractor-operated aircraft typically took off from Ghana, flew over Nigeria, and returned to Accra.

The data identified the operator as Tenax Aerospace, a Mississippi-based firm that provides special mission aircraft and works closely with the US military, according to its website. The company did not respond to requests for comment.

The Africa team lead at the Critical Threats Project of the American Enterprise Institute, Liam Karr, who analysed the flight data, said the operation appeared to be running out of Accra, which he described as “a known hub for the U.S. military’s logistics network in Africa.”

Karr said the flights suggested Washington was rebuilding its intelligence capacity in the region after Niger last year ordered US troops to leave a major desert air base and turned to Russia for security assistance.

“In recent weeks, we’ve seen a resumption of intelligence and surveillance flights in Nigeria,” he told Reuters.

A former US official said the aircraft was among several assets moved to Ghana by the Trump administration in November.

While it was unclear how many aircraft remained there, the official said the missions included tracking the kidnapped US pilot and gathering intelligence on militant groups operating in Nigeria, including Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province.

A current US official confirmed the aircraft had been flying over Nigeria but declined to provide details, citing diplomatic sensitivity.

Another administration official said Washington was continuing to work with Nigeria to “address religious violence, anti-Christian attacks, and the destabilising spread of terrorism.”

In a statement, the Pentagon said the US government held “productive meetings” with Nigeria following Trump’s message on the country, but declined to comment on intelligence activities.

Nigeria’s military spokesperson and Ghana’s deputy defence minister did not respond to requests for comment.

Nigeria has repeatedly said armed groups target both Muslims and Christians, arguing that US claims of Christian persecution oversimplify a complex security situation and overlook efforts to protect religious freedom.

A Nigerian security source told Reuters that the US agreed during a November 20 meeting between National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to deploy air assets for intelligence gathering.

A spokesperson for the Nigerian military did not respond to a request for comment.

Flight tracking data showed the Tenax Aerospace aircraft at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida on November 7. MacDill hosts the headquarters of the United States Special Operations Command.

The aircraft later flew to Ghana on November 24, days after the high-level security meeting, and has since flown over Nigeria almost daily.

The aircraft is a Gulfstream V, a long-range business jet commonly modified for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, according to the data.

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Chiemelie Ezeobi 

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, has deployed a Monitoring Team to strengthen accountability and transparency in the management of security assets across Lagos State.

The deployment, which took place on Monday, December 22, 2025, at the LSSTF Headquarters, is part of ongoing efforts to ensure that resources provided to security agencies are properly utilised and deliver value to residents of the state.

Security expert, Mr. Adeniran Israel Samson was named Head, Field Operation Office of the Monitoring Team at the event, alongside the presentation of a new operational vehicle to support field activities and improve response efficiency.

Addressing the team, Dr. Ogunsan stressed that the assignment was a core responsibility of the Fund and not a symbolic exercise, urging members to uphold the confidence placed in the LSSTF by donors and the Lagos State Government.

He said: “This Monitoring Team is not ceremonial. You are being deployed to ensure strict compliance, value for money, and responsible use of all assets provided to our security agencies. 

“The credibility of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund rests on how well we safeguard and account for the resources entrusted to us. Discharge your work effectively.”

The Monitoring Team’s deployment fulfils a commitment earlier made by Dr. Ogunsan during a Strategic Media Parley with senior editors and media executives on December 5, 2025, where he pledged that all donations to the Fund would translate directly into improved security outcomes for Lagos residents.

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Agusto & Co. has assigned a “Bbb-” long-term rating to Universal Insurance Plc, reflecting the company’s long operating history, improved profitability, low loss ratio, moderate liquidity position and effective deployment of digital initiatives.

The rating agency noted that Universal Insurance ability to maintain a solvency margin of 184.9 per cent, well above Agusto & Co.’s minimum threshold of 100 per cent, indicates a strong capacity to support its underwriting activities.

The strong growth according to Agusto was driven by initiatives aimed at deepening relationships with customers and insurance brokers, alongside improvements in customer experience through digital platforms.

It noted that as at 31 December 2024, Universal Insurance’s shareholders’ funds stood at N13.2 billion, representing a 27 per cent year-on-year increase, supported by full profit retention.

The company maintained a sound insurance revenue of N13.8 billion, representing a 71.9 per cent increase from the prior year.

The company’s reinsurance arrangements were tested in 2024 amid a spike in claims from the oil and gas segment. Gross claims more than doubled to N3.6 billion, but reinsurance recoveries reduced net claims by 48 per cent to N2.3 billion. As a result, the average loss ratio improved by 220 basis points to 14.7 per cent, significantly better than the 33.1 per cent industry average.

It noted that the company’s investment portfolio grew by 14.5 per cent to N10.5 billion at the end of 2024.

Operating cash flow strengthened significantly in 2024, rising 98.4 per cent to N3.1 billion, supported by higher premium collections and reinsurance recoveries. This covered liabilities for incurred claims 1.5 times, outperforming the industry average. However, liquidity metrics remained broadly stable due to an increase in estimated claims liabilities.

Improved underwriting performance and favourable portfolio valuations helped drive profit before tax to N2.1 billion, up sharply from N526.7 million in 2023.

Pre-tax return on assets and equity improved to 11.4 per cent and 17.4 per cent, respectively, although both remained below industry averages.

Claims payments in early 2025 moderated performance, but expected reinsurance recoveries are projected to support a rebound in profitability for the full year.

Based on these factors, Agusto & Co. assigned a stable outlook to Universal Insurance Plc’s ratings, reflecting expectations that improved underwriting discipline, successful capital raising and enhanced digital capabilities will support the company’s financial profile over the medium term.

Commenting, Dr. Jeff Duru, Managing Director/ CEO of Universal Insurance Plc, said “We acknowledge the recent “Bbb-” credit rating assigned to our company. It is indeed a reflection of hard work and the current macroeconomic environment and the ongoing investments we are making to support long-term growth and resilience.

“We are fully focused on strengthening our balance sheet, improving operating efficiency, and executing initiatives that we believe will enhance the metrics of our credit standing over time. Management remains committed to maintaining transparent communication with our stakeholders and to delivering sustainable value for shareholders including customers and employees.”

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…Monarch still in captivity

By Demola Akinyemi

Ilorin— Residents of Bayagan Ile in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have fled the community in large numbers following renewed attempts by suspected bandits to abduct residents, even as the community’s monarch remains in captivity.

Vanguard gathered that fear and confusion have gripped the community since the abduction of the traditional ruler, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, the Ojibara of Bayagan, on November 29, 2025 on his farm.

It was further learnt that repeated but unsuccessful efforts to secure the monarch’s release have heightened anxiety among residents, many of whom now consider the community unsafe in the absence of their ruler, described as a unifying figure.

The situation reportedly worsened on Sunday morning when bandits were again sighted around the community, triggering panic and a fresh wave of relocation. According to sources, the alarm was raised after some residents, who spotted groups of armed men on motorcycles approaching the area.

Confirming the development, the community’s spokesperson, Ayinla Lawal, said residents had been living in fear since the monarch’s abduction about 24 days ago.

“Already, people have been relocating from our community since the abduction of our monarch 24 days ago. To say that our people have been living in serious fear and confusion over the absence of our monarch is an understatement,” Lawal told Vanguard.

He lamented what he described as the lack of intervention from government authorities, saying neither the local nor the state government had provided meaningful assistance.

“The worst development is that neither the local government nor the state government is helping us in this matter. We are begging them to please come to our rescue so that our monarch can be released,” he said.

Lawal disclosed that the community has been in constant negotiation with the kidnappers, contributing money in an effort to meet their ransom demand.

“We have been negotiating with the bandits, begging them, while we are still contributing money. We even held a meeting yesterday. I can’t disclose the amount, but we have not met their target,” he added.

The spokesperson revealed that he last spoke with the abducted monarch on Thursday, describing his condition as distressing.

“I spoke with our monarch last on Thursday. His spirit was very low. He was begging the community to help him so that he could leave that place alive. He said we should not let him die there,” Lawal said.
He noted that the fresh sighting of bandits had virtually emptied the community.

“As we speak, our community is almost empty following the fresh abduction attempt yesterday morning. There was a sudden loud noise, and someone sighted groups of bandits on motorcycles from afar, so people started leaving in fear,” he stated.

Lawal appealed to the Kwara State Government and security agencies to intervene urgently, warning that the situation could worsen if immediate action is not taken.

“There is nothing we can do other than continue to beg the state government. It is obvious that we cannot do it alone, and we don’t want our monarch to die in the captivity of bandits,” he said.

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Telecommunications giant, Globacom has extended warm Christmas greetings to Christians and Nigerians across the country as they join the global community in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

In a goodwill message released on Tuesday, the company described Christmas as a season that invites deep reflection, particularly for Christians, while calling on them to live out the core values exemplified by Christ love, humility, obedience to God, and compassion for humanity.

According to Globacom, “The noble but lowly circumstances of the birth of Christ teach salient virtues including obedience to God, humility, love for mankind, and a fastidious commitment to the good of all. We urge Christians to commit to practicing these virtues, as followers of Christ”.

The statement further emphasized that the current social and economic climate makes it even more critical for people to show care and generosity toward one another. It referenced biblical accounts of Jesus feeding the multitudes as a reminder of the importance of sharing and supporting those in need.

Globacom urged Nigerians to let the spirit of Christmas extend beyond the holiday season by consistently demonstrating love, unity, and peace; values that defined Christ’s life and ministry.

While wishing its subscribers and Nigerians a joyful Christmas celebration, the company reaffirmed its commitment to delivering dependable and high-quality services throughout the festive period and beyond. It also encouraged customers to explore its range of innovative products and services to stay connected with family and friends and share in the joy of the season.

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Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed strong confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be re-elected in the 2027 general elections, citing what he described as the positive impact of the administration’s reforms on governance, revenue generation and infrastructure development across the country.

Governor Sanwo-Olu stated this on Monday during an interview on Journalist Hangout, a programme aired on Television Continental (TVC), where he assessed the performance of the Tinubu-led Federal Government nearly midway into its tenure.

According to the Lagos governor, Nigerians will reward President Tinubu with a second term because he has demonstrated commitment to his campaign promises through far-reaching reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“President Bola Tinubu has a very good chance of being re-elected in 2027 because the reforms of this administration have positively impacted governance and infrastructural development across the country,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He noted that revenues accruing to both the Federal Government and subnational governments have improved significantly under the current administration, enabling states to undertake more development projects.

“In this administration, revenues have accrued more to the national and subnational governments. The price of food has come down; we cannot deny that. We have seen improvements in e-commerce, increased foreign direct investment inflows and renewed interest from Nigerians in the diaspora who are returning home to invest,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu acknowledged that challenges remain but stressed that President Tinubu has shown capacity and resolve in addressing them.

“There will still be challenges, but the President is smart and doing more than his very best. I absolutely believe that we should support him,” he added.

On the political front, the governor pointed to growing support for President Tinubu within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a reflection of confidence in his leadership.

“Politically, more governors are supporting him. We had about 20 APC governors after the 2023 elections, and today we have 28 or 29. That is a measure of success. President Tinubu is committed to Nigeria’s conversation, and we will give him all the support,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He further explained that improved revenue management and accountability have strengthened the capacity of states and local governments to deliver infrastructure and social services.

“Revenues accruing to states and local governments have seen significant improvement. The administration has blocked loopholes, ensured compliance and improved monitoring so that revenues are properly accounted for. This has helped us to do more in infrastructural development,” he stated.

Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his belief that Nigerians can see tangible results from the Tinubu administration and will express their approval at the polls in 2027.

“I am confident Nigerians will re-elect President Tinubu because they can see that he has done more work for us and fulfilled many of the promises he made,” he said.

The Lagos governor also used the opportunity to highlight achievements of his administration in the state, noting that the THEMES+ Agenda has recorded significant progress in critical sectors such as transportation, security, environment, entertainment, tourism and technology.

He said Lagos would continue to align with the Federal Government’s development priorities to deliver inclusive growth and improved living standards for residents.

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has flayed the 2026 Budget Proposal of N58.57tn, adding that a plan to generate N34tn in revenue while borrowing N24tn is an admission of fiscal insolvency.

The opposition party added that in no sane or functional fiscal system would a deficit-to-revenue ratio of 70 percent be considered acceptable or even contemplated.

ADC added that the budget is a debt trap masquerading as a budget, stressing that the government’s plan to spend N25.68tn on capital expenditure, with a projected deficit of N23.85tn, is a clear sign that almost every single bridge, road, or project is being funded by high-interest debts.

The party made these observations after its team of economists reviewed the 2026 budget proposal presented to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last Friday.

The national publicity secretary of the ADC, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, who signed the statement on the party’s review of the budget proposal, said although it was presented as a “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” labelled it “a consolidation of the fiscal recklessness and renewed wishful thinking that have become the hallmark of the Tinubu administration.”

He added that the budget is capable of sharing more debts and greater misery in the years ahead if approved.

He added that the 2026 budget proposal is a copy of the “failed, unimplemented and perhaps, unimplementable 2024 and 2025 budgets” and will most likely end up in the same way, with the bulk of its implementation pushed to another year.

The statement read in part, “Perhaps most terrifying is the sheer scale of the deficit and what it reveals about this government’s lack of concern for the next generation.

“This administration behaves as if after them, there would be no Nigeria anymore. A budget that plans to generate N34tn in revenue while borrowing N24tn is an admission of fiscal insolvency. In no sane or functional fiscal system would a deficit-to-revenue ratio of 70% be considered acceptable or even be contemplated at all.

“The document presented before the National Assembly on December 19 is a debt trap masquerading as a budget. The government claims it will spend N25.68tn on capital expenditure, yet with a projected deficit of N23.85tn, it is clear that almost every single bridge, road, or project is being funded by high-interest debts.

“Even with a transparent capital plan in place, this on its own calls for concern. But it is even more alarming when the government borrows mindlessly to fund opaque and often frivolous expenditures.

“It is one thing to squander current revenues on the excesses of the state, but it is unpardonable sin to raise massive debts to fund reckless spending, effectively burying our children under a mountain of debt obligations before they even enter the workforce,” it stated.

While noting that the budget’s fundamentals betray a total abandonment of revenue credibility and deficit management, the opposition party said the consequences of this incompetence are already staring the country in the face.

“Driven by the twin engines of devaluation and surging borrowing, Nigeria’s debt servicing costs have exploded from N12.63tn in 2024 to a projected and staggering N15.52tn in 2026.

“There is no fiscal doctrine on earth that justifies a path of high deficits paired with such astronomical servicing costs,” the party added.

It further claimed that the administration has hit a wall, and are blinded by their own propaganda.

It stressed that the federal government is in desperate need of a new pair of eyes and a radical departure from this path of ruin to rebuild a fiscal structure that serves the people rather than just the creditors.

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The family of Sodiyat seeks support for their 2-year-old daughter for a heart surgery. She has been diagnosed with sub-truncus VSD, and the surgery is estimated to cost over N20 million at Marengo Asia Hospital in India.

According to the mother, Inayat Sodiyat was first presented at the hospital a few weeks after her birth with cough and other signs at ‘Sacred Heart Hospital Lantoro’, Abeokuta. The mother noticed Inayat wasn’t gaining weight compared to other children whenever she is taken to the hospital for immunization.

It was said that Inayat’s heart started beating fast, coupled with coughs and other scary signs. She was presented for medical evaluation at FMC, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta where they discovered Inayat had developed ‘multiple holes’ in the heart

According to the medical report presented to us, signed by Dr. Oyebanji Adedayo, Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist at the
Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ogun state, An Echo test was conducted in June 2025, the result showed that Inayat had developed sub-truncus VSD measuring 20mm shunting bidirectional but predominately right to left.

The hospital recommends CT Pulmonary Angiography to define Truncal Anatomy
Consider Diagnostic Cardiac Catheterization for oximetry for a possible heart correction surgery

The estimated cost of the surgery is over N20 million, which is a significant burden for Inayat’s parents. Her mother, Mrs. Precious, runs a small tailoring shop that generates only N15,000 monthly, while her husband, an interior decorator, earns less than N50,000 monthly.

Mrs. Precious’s emotional appeal highlights the desperation and fear she’s experiencing as a first-time mother. Her baby’s condition is not only a physical challenge but also an emotional strain on the family.

Mrs. Precious is reaching out to the public for help, hoping that kind-hearted individuals will come to their rescue and support them in raising the funds needed for Inayat’s surgery.

If you are touched by Inayat’s pathetic health story, donations can be made into her account

Acc No: 1580099054

Bank: Ecobank

Acc Name: Sodiya Inayat. A

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By Sola Ogundipe

The 2025 edition of the STACK Reform Health Fair delivered one of the most compelling demonstrations yet of youth-driven innovation and cross-sector collaboration in Nigeria’s health ecosystem.

Held at the Tayo Aderinokun Hall, University of Lagos, the fair drew more than 550 students, professionals, innovators, and policymakers, filling the venue under the theme “Tomorrow’s Healthcare Today.”

At the opening, Prof. Ademola Oremosu, Provost of the College of Medicine, UNILAG, speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to health innovation, research, and youth empowerment.

In her keynote address, underscoring the urgency of building sustainable and equitable health systems, Dr. Mujidat Babah of eHA Clinics outlined frameworks for resilient healthcare business models, while Dr. Lawal Wakeel Olaide of the National Orthopedic Hospital, Igbobi, representing the Minister of State for Health, emphasised cross-sector synergy as the backbone of health equity.

Additional insights came from Chisom Mefor of the Digital Health Interoperability Network, Adekunle Dalton-Oke of ABC Health, and Adedayo David Ojo of TechCabal, each highlighting the role of data, private capital, and interoperability in shaping Nigeria’s digital health future.

The workshops provided hands-on learning, with AWS/Cloud Plexo demystifying cloud-powered healthcare solutions and NITHUB introducing secondary school students to artificial intelligence in healthcare.

Dr. Toni Adeyemi, on behalf of the Lagos State Government, reinforced official support for digital health adoption and youth-led innovation.

The Northwest Petroleum Secondary School Innovation Competition electrified the audience, with International School, UNILAG clinching first place for its creative health-tech solution. Other winners included Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Vetland Senior College, and Queen’s College, Yaba.

At the Tech Expo, startups like WellMama, SerielleHealth, and Dycovue showcased maternal health support tools, digital health data optimization, and diagnostic imaging innovations, underscoring the depth of Nigeria’s emerging health-tech landscape.

A dynamic panel on “Digital Health & AI” explored how technology is transforming patient care, clinical workflows, and healthcare business models.

Closing the fair, Rad Bayode Oke Thomas, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Wealth Creation, challenged Nigeria to position itself as a health innovation leader within the Commonwealth. His call for global competitiveness and deeper youth investment echoed the day’s central theme: the future of healthcare must be inclusive, innovative, and people-centered.

The KB Fellowship Spotlight capped the event, celebrating fellows in health tech, business of healthcare, and clinical informatics, with mentors highlighting the transformational role of professional development in shaping future leaders.

The STACK Reform Health Fair 2025 was not just another conference, but a blueprint for Nigeria’s healthcare future, proving that with technology, creativity, and collaboration, tomorrow’s healthcare is already here.

The post Youth, tech drive Nigeria’s healthcare transformation at STACK Fair appeared first on Vanguard News.

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The Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG) has marked its 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of growth and increasing indigenous participation in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

At the anniversary event in Lagos, Adegbite Falade, chairman of IPPG and chief executive officer of Aradel Holdings, stated that the milestone reflected the growing role of indigenous operators in shaping the country’s energy sector.

He noted that local producers now account for more than 50 per cent of Nigeria’s crude oil and gas production, attributing the development to sustained advocacy and collaboration with government and regulators.

Falade commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ongoing reforms in the energy sector, and acknowledged the support of the ministers of state for Petroleum Resources, the special adviser to the president on energy, and regulatory institutions, including the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), and NNPC Limited.

He said IPPG remains committed to supporting government efforts to achieve energy security, particularly following the divestment of assets by some International Oil Companies, adding that indigenous operators now carry greater responsibility for sustaining production and investment.

Representing President Tinubu at the event, the minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, described IPPG as a key driver in the sector’s evolution and praised the capacity of indigenous operators.

He cited the appointment of Ademola Adeyemi-Bero as Nigeria’s OPEC governor and chairman of the OPEC Board of Governors for 2025 as evidence of growing international recognition of local expertise.

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Members of Nigeria’s Super Eagles have received their national honours certificates, alongside housing and land allocations, as rewards for their runner-up finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.

This was done on Monday at the team’s Fez camp in Morocco, as Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Malam Shehu Dikko, stated that President Bola Tinubu had decided to do this before the start of the ongoing tournament.

Dikko, alongside NFF President Ibrahim Gusau and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports Sen. Abdul Ningi, confirmed that the honours were issued as MON or OON in line with existing awards already held by players, while the housing and land grants approved by

President Tinubu, have been fully processed with Certificates of Occupancy issued. The event was held in Fez, Morocco.

“This is the first time a promise made is fulfilled as early as this, and we believe it is a motivation for the players to excel at the 2025 AFCON,” Dikko said.

The players received certificates of occupancy in various locations like Lagos, Abuja and other cities across the country.

The Super Eagles take on Taifa Stars of Tanzania on Tuesday in their AFCON opener.

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