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.

SOURCE PAGE

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.”

SOURCE PAGE

…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.

The post Kwara community deserted after renewed bandit attack appeared first on Vanguard News.

SOURCE PAGE

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.

SOURCE PAGE

The Special Offences mobile court of Lagos State in the Ikeja Magisterial district sitting at Oshodi, yesterday, remanded a waste offender, Makinde Rasaq, at the Kirikiri correctional facility.
 
He was remanded for breach of peace, indiscriminate dumping of waste, non-patronage of government-approved waste trucks, illegal transportation of waste, obstruction of officers among others.
 
Rasaq was initially detained at Adekunle Police station before being handed over to Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) Brigade for temporary remand on December 21, 2025. 
 
However, legal officers were present at the court yesterday to prepare the charge sheet of the waste offender and oversee his prosecution. 
 
Rasaq faced seven charges of  indiscriminate dumping of refuse in a place other than a waste disposal site, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 8(1) (b) of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law 2017 and punishable under Section 109 of the same law.
 
The charge reads: “Rasaq did operate a business of waste collection, transportation and disposal services without licence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 63(1) of the Lagos State Environmental Management Protection law, 2017 and punishable under Section 109 of the same law. 
 
“[He] did obstruct LAWMA/other government officials from carrying out their functions and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 97 of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017 and punishable under Section 109 of the same law.”
 
Upon presentation of facts by the prosecutor and presentation of evidence by legal officer, H. A. Olanrewaju-Oke, the court ruled that for Count one, it will require one month correctional or imprisonment. 
 
“Count two is for two months community service, two months imprisonment; Count three is two months community service or three months imprisonment; Count four is for two months community service or three months imprisonment; Count five is for two months community service or three months imprisonment; Count six is for two months Community service or three months imprisonment and Count seven is for two months community service or three months imprisonment,” the court ruled.

SOURCE PAGE

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.

Please follow and like us:

SOURCE PAGE

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.

SOURCE PAGE

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

SOURCE PAGE

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.

SOURCE PAGE

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.

SOURCE PAGE

A video making the rounds on social media has captured the moment a Nigerian lady shared her experience at a church in the United Kingdom. Netizens reacted.



SOURCE PAGE

Seplat has announced that Engineer Saidu Aliyu Mohammed, recently appointed as Independent Non-Executive Director, has withdrawn his acceptance.

Mohammed, who was appointed alongside Mr. Larry Ephraim Ettah in an announcement dated 17 December 2025, withdrew over a conflict of interest, according to Seplat’s latest disclosure.

The disclosure notes that Engineer Saidu was recently appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), prompting his withdrawal from Seplat’s board.

Backstory 

On 17 December, the Board of Seplat Energy Plc announced the appointment of Engineer Saidu Aliyu Mohammed and Mr. Larry Ephraim Ettah as Independent Non-Executive Directors, effective 1 January 2026.

The notice, filed on the Nigerian Exchange, was issued by the company’s Director of Legal/Company Secretary, Mrs. Edith Onwuchekwa.

The appointments came after Mr. Bello Rabiu and Mr. Babs Omotowa resigned in April 2025, following their nomination to the Board of NNPC Limited by the President.

According to a recent disclosure filed on 22 December by Seplat, Engineer Saidu has withdrawn from the board due to a conflict of interest following his Federal Government appointment.

• The Federal Government appointed Engineer Saidu Aliyu Mohammed as NMDPRA CEO, succeeding Farouk Ahmed. Confirmed by the Senate in December 2025, he brings extensive NNPC and gas sector experience.

Board members congratulated him, stating: 

“The company congratulates him on his appointment and fully supports this national assignment. We acknowledge the honor of serving in such a capacity and believe his appointment will bring valuable contributions to the industry.” 

Seplat also stated it will update the public and stakeholders on any future appointment to the role.

About Saidu Aliyu Mohammed   

Engr. Saidu Aliyu Mohammed is an energy executive with over 37 years’ experience in oil and gas, focusing on natural gas development, infrastructure, and commercialization.

A Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers, he is a COREN-registered engineer with a B.Eng. in Chemical Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University.

At NNPC, as Group Executive Director and COO of Gas & Power, he led major gas projects, policy frameworks, and contributed to the Petroleum Industry Act.

• His work includes delivering key infrastructure like the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline Expansion, AKK Gas Pipeline, and Nigeria LNG Train 7, while representing Nigeria in regional and international energy forums.

Previous leadership roles include Managing Director of Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company, Managing Director of Nigerian Gas Company, and board chairmanships of strategic energy organizations.

SOURCE PAGE

…seize 652,000 litres of stolen crude in Niger Delta

…two impersonators of the COAS arrested in Edo

Troops engaged in internal security operations across the country have killed several terrorists and recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition in the ongoing onslaught against non-state actors.

In the past week, the troops also arrested criminals and terrorist collaborators and rescued kidnap victims during operations spanning five geopolitical zones nationwide.

They also seized 652,000 litres of stolen crude, destroyed three illegal refining sites, and arrested five oil thieves.

In the North East, where troops are battling Boko Haram and its splinter groups, several Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP/JAS) fighters were killed, weapons were recovered, and three kidnap victims were rescued.

A statement by the Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, on Monday, revealed that troops repelled an ISWAP attack on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mairari, striking a blow to the group’s capability.

According to the statement, terrorists tried to breach the base with two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs), but were detected and neutralised, preventing their penetration into the troops’ location.

“The operation led to multiple terrorist casualties and seized weapons, ammunition, and logistics,” the statement said.

According to the statement, troops discovered and safely detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) along the Damboa–Komala axis, thereby ensuring the safety of commuters. They also intercepted a Lagos-registered vehicle along the Maiduguri–Bama Road conveying suspected logistics supplies for Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and arrested two suspects.

“Also, seven of their collaborators, informants, sympathizers, and spies were arrested, while three kidnapped victims were rescued,” it said.

In the North West theater of operation, from December 12 to 17, troops conducted offensive operations in Zurmi, Maradun, Maru, and Bukkuyum Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Zamfara State; Kachia, Kaura, and Igabi LGAs of Kaduna State; Sabon Birni and Isa LGAs of Sokoto State; Wasagu and Bagudo LGAs of Kebbi State; Malumfashi and Rafi LGAs of Katsina and Niger States.

According to the statement, during these operations, troops killed several terrorists, arrested eight others, rescued four kidnap victims, and recovered weapons, vehicles, livestock, and other household items.

Earlier, on December 3, during a routine check at Kadage in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State, troops intercepted two passengers carrying ₦9,000,000.00 intended for the payment of ransom to secure the release of six of their adopted children.

“Efforts are ongoing to arrest the perpetrators.”

The statement said that troops of Operation Enduring Peace conducted operations between December 13 and 18 in Bassa, Jos North, Riyom, Jos South, Mangu and Jos East LGAs of Plateau State, as well as Kaura, Sanga, Jema’a, and Kafanchan LGAs of Kaduna State, during which several terrorists were neutralised, 16 suspects were arrested, and 19 kidnap victims were rescued.

It said, “Similarly, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States between December 13 and 17, conducted several offensive operations to various kidnappers’ hideouts in Akwanga, Nasarawa Eggon, Awe and Obi LGAs of Nasarawa State as well as Apa, Otukpo, Guma, Ukum LGAs of Benue State.

“They responded to distress calls on kidnapping activities in Takum, Wukari, and Karim Lamido LGAs of Taraba State, as well as Lokoja, Ijumu, Kabba, Kogi, Ifelodun, and Eru LGAs of Kogi and Kwara States, respectively. During the operations, troops arrested eight suspected kidnappers, while 43 kidnapped victims were rescued. Arms and ammunition, motorcycles and other items were also recovered.”

On operations against oil theft, the statement said that in the Operation DELTA SAFE theatre, covering Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, and Rivers states, troops foiled oil theft valued at over ₦15,697,975.00 during the week.

The breakdown, according to the statement, showed that troops recovered 652,000 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,510 litres of diesel, and 2,015 litres of petrol. In addition, three illegal refining sites were destroyed, while five oil thieves were arrested.

It stated that during air and land operations conducted between December 13 and 17 in Yenagoa and Kolokuma/Opukuma LGAs of Bayelsa State, as well as Okrika and Oyigbo LGAs of Rivers State, troops arrested nine criminal suspects, including three suspected gunrunners found in possession of arms and ammunition. The suspects are now in custody for interrogation.

The statement further said that on December 11, following intelligence reports, troops apprehended two individuals impersonating the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W. Shaibu, in Utesi, Ovia South West LGA of Edo State. The suspects are currently in troop custody, undergoing investigation before being handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.

On operations in the SouthEast region, the statement said troops of Operation UDO KA conducted offensive operations within the South East region and encountered Indigenous People of Biafra/ Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) fighters.

“For instance, between December 12 and 15, troops arrested four suspected criminals in Ihiala, Ogbaru, and Onitsha North LGAs of Anambra State,” the statement said. 

SOURCE PAGE

Governor Uba Sani has signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, with education taking the largest share of 25% of the N985.9 billion budget of Kaduna State.

Speaking at the Council Chambers of Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, the governor said that the budget “reflects our resolve to consolidate the gains we have made while laying even stronger foundations for sustainable growth.”

Governor Uba Sani disclosed that ₦698.9 billion, representing 70.9 percent of the budget, has been devoted to capital expenditure, targeted at infrastructure development, economic expansion, and improved service delivery.

He also said that “recurrent expenditure stands at ₦287 billion, or 29.1 percent, ensuring that essential government services continue to function efficiently and responsibly.”

Giving a breakdown of the budget, the Governor said that education got 25 percent of the budget “because we believe that knowledge is the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and securing the future of our children.

“Infrastructure and rural transformation also account for 25 percent, reflecting our determination to open up communities, connect markets, and stimulate economic activity across the state.

“Health takes15 percent, affirming our conviction that a healthy population is the foundation of productivity and human dignity.

“Agriculture and food security receive 11.65 percent, reinforcing our commitment to feeding our people, empowering farmers, and strengthening our local economy,” he disclosed.

According to Governor Uba Sani, his administration “also made deliberate provisions for climate change activities, nutrition, and environmental sustainability, recognising the realities of our time and our responsibility to future generations.”

Titled Budget of “Consolidation of Transformation for Inclusive Development,” he pointed out that its defining feature is the administration’s resolve to correct long-standing exclusion errors.

“By allocating ₦100 million to every ward in Kaduna State for community-driven projects, we are empowering our people to determine their priorities and drive development from the grassroots. This is governance that listens, governance that includes, and governance that delivers,” he argued.

Governor Sani maintained that his government is committed to fiscal discipline and responsible financial management.

“The 2026 budget introduces no new loans, and we have already paid ₦114.9 billion in debt servicing. This reflects our determination to protect the future of Kaduna State while meeting the needs of the present,” he disclosed.

According to him, the 2026 budget is more than figures and projections because it promises “progress, opportunity, and a better quality of life for every citizen of Kaduna State.”

The governor, however, said that its success will depend on effective implementation and continued collaboration with Kaduna State House of Assembly, assuring a cordial and productive working relationship with the legislature.

“Together, we have helped position Kaduna as Nigeria’s bastion of peace and tranquility, and together we will sustain this stability as the bedrock of development. By working together, we will consolidate transformation, deepen inclusion, and build a Kaduna State that truly works for all,” he promised.

Vanguard News

The post Education gets 25%, each ward N100m, as Uba Sani signs 2026 budget appeared first on Vanguard News.

SOURCE PAGE

The Kano State Police Command has arrested a notorious armed robbery suspect, Abba Aliyu, popularly known as ‘Abba Fiya’, following a prompt response to a distress call in the Hausawa Quarters area of Kano.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, on Monday, the suspect was arrested on Sunday, December 21, 2025, by operatives of the Anti-Daba Unit of the Police Command while responding to a report of an armed robbery incident.

Kiyawa said the suspect, a 26-year-old resident of Dala Quarters, Kano, is known for specialising in armed robbery, adding that a sharp knife was recovered from him at the point of arrest.

He disclosed that during interrogation, Abba Fiya confessed to participating in several armed robberies and rival gang clashes across areas such as Gobirawa Gangare, Dala, and Tudun Fulani Mayanka in Kano. “On discreet investigation, the suspect further confessed to a series of armed robberies resulting in deaths, injuries, and the theft of property in Kano, Rivers, and Lagos States,” the police spokesman said.

The police noted that investigation into the case was ongoing and assured that the suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Commending the officers involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police urged members of the public to continue cooperating with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements or activities.

He advised residents to contact the nearest police station or use the Command’s emergency lines 08032419754, 08123821575, and 09029292926 or the NPF Rescue Me application.

SOURCE PAGE