NIGERIA NEWS
Terrorists Will Face Full Weight Of Law — VP Shettima
Vice President Kashim Shettima has vowed that perpetrators of the explosion that rocked a mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, Borno State, will not go scot-free but face the consequences of their act.
Shettima also strongly condemned the Christmas Eve bomb explosion that claimed five lives and left scores of others injured, describing the incident as a despicable assault on innocent citizens and the peace of the nation.
The Vice President stated that President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate intensification of security operations in Borno State following the incident.
In a statement on Thursday, the Vice President condemned the attack, assuring that the Federal Government was deploying additional tactical teams to the area to track down and apprehend those responsible for the terror attack.
“The Federal Government will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the peace and security of our nation. Our security agencies are working round the clock to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice immediately” he said.
Shettima expressed confidence that the security architecture currently in place would not only apprehend the perpetrators but also unravel the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
“We sympathise with the Government of Borno State, residents, and families who have lost their loved ones in this attack. The Federal Government is confident that those responsible for this despicable act of terrorism will face the full weight of the law,” VP Shettima said.
He assured Nigerians that the Tinubu administration’s commitment to national security, anchored in constitutional duty, remains unwavering.
“Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in 2023, this administration has consistently reaffirmed its unyielding commitment to safeguarding the security, unity, and stability of our nation.
“This commitment remains steadfast under God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We will continue to provide our security agencies with all necessary resources and support to decisively defeat terrorism in all its forms,” he affirmed.
The Vice President assured that the Federal Government was working closely with state authorities and local security agencies to ensure protection of vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure across the North-East and other regions.
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has sparked nationwide debate with his Christmas message, linking Nigeria’s insecurity to deep social failure.
In his Christmas message, the bishop said bandits, kidnappers and extremists are products of the same society they now terrorise.
Society Created the Crisis
Delivering his 2025 Christmas message, Kukah warned that neglect of children, education and values continues to fuel violence.
He blamed years of poor leadership, governance failure and weak social responsibility.
He said those behind killings and abductions did not emerge suddenly or mysteriously.
According to the Christmas message, society itself produced them through broken systems and toxic politics.
“Whether we call them bandits, kidnappers or extremists, they are our children. They came out of our own loins. Our children are our future.”
Hope Amid National Trials
In his Christmas reflection titled “Joy and Hope in a Time of Tribulation,” Kukah said Nigeria is passing through painful trials.
The bishop in his Christmas message listed killings, abductions and fear across many communities.
Despite the suffering, he reminded Christians that Christ’s birth symbolises hope in dark times.
The bishop stressed that insecurity, especially in the North, stems from poverty, illiteracy and moral collapse.
Kukah warned that ignoring these root causes could push Nigeria closer to chaos.
As a solution, he called for urgent investment in education and moral renewal. “We must either renovate, educate or perish.”
Children as the Biggest Victims
The bishop expressed concern over the suffering of children in Nigeria’s broken system.
He said many children face kidnapping, abuse, forced labour and early marriage.
He referenced school abductions in Chibok, Dapchi, Maga and Papiri. According to his message, nearly 2,000 children have been affected in Nigeria.
He added that similar tragedies are unfolding globally, citing Gaza and Sudan.
Rejecting Violence and Revenge
Addressing persecution, Kukah rejected armed retaliation by Christians. He urged faith, prayer and moral conduct instead of violence.
Citing scripture, he recalled Jesus telling Peter to put away his sword. “Violence cannot defeat violence.” He said Christianity has survived oppression through resilience, not force.
Call to Leaders and Citizens
The Sokoto-based cleric challenged Nigerian leaders to act responsibly.
The bishop urged leaders to use national resources for the common good.
He said insecurity, poverty and bad governance must be confronted honestly. Despite the grim situation, Kukah urged Nigerians not to lose hope.
“By the birth of Christ, Emmanuel—God is with us.” He added that Christmas light “is a light that darkness cannot overcome.”
Kukah called on Nigerians to reject hatred and division. “We have buried our dead together. We have mourned together. We must hold together in darkness so we can welcome the light together.”
Closing Reflections
The bishop acknowledged efforts by government and security agencies in freeing abducted children. He described repeated school abductions as “one ordeal too many.”
In his final message, the bishop urged Christians to reflect Christ in daily life.
“We do not celebrate Christmas as a feast or a date on our calendar. We celebrate it as a vocation — to let the world see and experience the face of Jesus through lives of love, peace and reconciliation.”
He wished Nigerians a joyful Christmas and encouraged them to remain hopeful.
- …describes him as peacemaker, true servant leader
The Omituntun Initiative in the Diaspora (OID) has felicitated with Governor Seyi Makinde on occasion of his 58th birthday.
He group described Makinde as a peacemaker, true servant leader, and a symbol of purposeful leadership.
Governor Makinde celebrates his birthday on Christmas day every year.
A statement by the convener of the group, Moses Eledan, said Makinde’s 58th birthday is a great milestone as well as represents more than a personal celebration.
He stated that the birthday of the governor is a moment to reflect on an enduring legacy anchored in compassion, selfless service, and a steadfast commitment to the welfare of the people.
OID highlighted the Governor’s rise from humble beginnings, noting that his life journey reflected resilience, integrity, and leadership driven by purpose.
The group commended the Makinde-led administration for transforming Oyo State through strategic infrastructure development and deliberate investments in human capital, adding that these interventions have uplifted lives and strengthened democratic governance in the Pacesetter State.
According to the group, Governor Makinde has earned wide recognition as a unifier and peacemaker, whose inclusive leadership style continues to inspire confidence within Oyo State, and beyond Nigeria.
“As he marks this milestone, we are hopeful that his new year will open greater chapters of hope for Nigeria, reinforcing a shared vision of a more united, enduring, and prosperous nation.”
The convener of the group alluded that Makinde’s selfless act, leadership, character, determination, and commitment to service qualify him to be the future president who will lead Nigeria to greater heights and a wealthy nation.
The group further wished Governor Makinde good health, peace of mind, renewed strength, and wisdom as he continues to serve the people of Oyo State and contribute to shaping Nigeria’s future.
Mali coach Tom Saintfiet on Thursday railed against the decision to play the Africa Cup of Nations every four years instead of two, insisting the move was forced upon the continent by FIFA and European clubs motivated by money.
“I am very shocked with it and very disappointed. It is the pride of African football, with the best players in African football,” the Belgian told reporters in Rabat ahead of Friday’s AFCON clash between Mali and Morocco.
“To take it away and make it every four years, I could understand if it was a request for any reason from Africa, but it is all instructed by the big people from (European governing body) UEFA, the big clubs in Europe and also FIFA and that makes it so sad.”
Saintfiet, 52, has managed numerous African national teams including Gambia, who he led to the quarter-finals of the 2022 Cup of Nations.
He was appointed by Mali in August last year and on Friday will lead them out against current AFCON hosts in a key Group A game at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The Cup of Nations has almost always been held at two-year intervals since the first edition in 1957 but Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe last weekend announced that the tournament would go ahead every four years after a planned 2028 tournament.
“We fought for so long to be respected, to then listen to Europe to change your history — because this is a history going back 68 years — only because of financial requests from clubs who use the load on players as the excuse while they create a World Cup with 48 teams, a Champions League with no champions,” Saintfiet said.
“If you don’t get relegated in England you almost get into Europe, it is so stupid,” he joked.
“If you want to protect players then you play the Champions League with only the champions. You don’t create more competitions with more load. Then you can still play AFCON every two years.
“Africa is the biggest football continent in the world, all the big stars in Europe are Africans, so I think we disrespect (Africa) by going to every four years.
“I am very sad about that –- I hoped that the love for Africa would win over the pressure of Europe.”
Vanguard News
The post Mali coach protests AFCON’s shift to four-year cycle appeared first on Vanguard News.
* Promises N710m community support in 2026
The member representing Yagba East, Yagba West and Mopamuro Federal Constituency of Kogi State in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide, has flagged off the distribution of food items and other relief materials valued at about ₦1 billion to widows and constituents across the constituency as part of activities to mark the Christmas and New Year festivities.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Abejide said the gesture was part of his annual humanitarian intervention aimed at supporting widows and vulnerable constituents.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Bashiru Abdul Mohammed, Thursday, Hon. Abejide stressed that the initiative has been sustained for about nine years.
According to him, the distribution will cover all the 34 wards and polling units across Yagba Federal Constituency to ensure that residents have food items to celebrate the festive season.
“The distribution of food items is my usual gesture. It will reach the 34 wards and all polling units across Yagba Federal Constituency so that our people can celebrate Christmas and the New Year.
“This initiative did not start today; it has been in existence for about nine years,” Abejide said.
He said the items lined up for this year’s distribution include 24,000 bags of 5kg rice, 10,000 packs of 2kg garri, 10,000 six-yard wrappers for widows, as well as salt, sugar and noodles.
Abejide said the initiative was driven by his passion for philanthropy and his commitment to showing genuine care for widows, especially during the festive period, in line with moral and religious teachings.
He also announced a review of his earlier pledge to support autonomous communities across the constituency. The lawmaker recalled that he had previously promised to support each of the 71 autonomous communities with ₦5 million but was unable to fulfil the pledge due to the demands of his governorship ambition at the time.
According to him, the pledge has now been reviewed upward, with a commitment to provide ₦10 million each to the 71 autonomous communities to support community-based projects.
“By 2026, all the autonomous communities in Yagba Federal Constituency will benefit. A total of ₦710 million will be disbursed to support community development projects,” he said.
The lawmaker, thereafter, formally flagged off the distribution exercise and urged those handling the process to ensure that the items get to all wards and polling units, particularly widows and other deserving beneficiaries across the constituency.
LASTMA announced a fatal tanker explosion involving a Mack Truck conveying diesel, which occurred in the early hours of today at the Oto-Ijanikin axis
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has announced a fatal tanker explosion involving a Mack Truck conveying diesel, which occurred in the early hours of today at the Oto-Ijanikin axis, in the vicinity of the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), inward Agbara, along the Badagry Expressway, Lagos.
Preliminary findings from security investigations indicate that the unfortunate incident was caused by excessive speed, as the tanker driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle while attempting to overtake another road user.
The vehicle subsequently crashed and erupted into a raging inferno, tragically trapping and claiming the lives of the driver and an adult female occupant.
LASTMA personnel who were actively monitoring vehicular movement within the corridor secured and cordoned off the affected stretch of the expressway to forestall secondary incidents, while immediately notifying the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (Ojo Unit), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Ijanikin Police Division for urgent emergency response and security reinforcement.
The LASTMA operatives prevented members of the public who had converged on the scene with containers from scooping the spilt diesel. This timely intervention effectively averted a potential escalation of the tragedy before the arrival of other emergency and security agencies.
Following the successful containment of the blaze and clearance by relevant authorities, the severely burnt tanker was evacuated from the expressway by LASTMA personnel to prevent further road mishaps along the busy transport corridor, while FRSC removed the remains of burnt bodies.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed sorrow and extended condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased, particularly poignant during this festive season.
He described the incident as deeply painful and entirely avoidable, reaffirming the Authority’s steadfast commitment to road safety and the sanctity of human life.
Bakare-Oki further underscored the urgent necessity for tanker and articulated vehicle drivers to exercise heightened caution, observe prescribed speed limits and comply strictly with all traffic regulations, noting that reckless driving and speeding remain dominant factors in fatal road traffic crashes across the metropolis.
He also seized the opportunity to caution members of the public against the dangerous and irresponsible practice of scooping petroleum/Diesel products from accident scenes, emphasising that such conduct poses grave and far-reaching risks to both individuals and the general public.
The Presidency has denied a widely circulating report that President Bola Tinubu has replaced his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila with his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola.
It described the report as false, urging Nigerians to disregard such claims.
A statement by Tinubu’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said Gbajabiamila and Okunola still retainsl their positions.
The statement read: “The attention of the Presidency has been drawn to a viral falsehood circulating on social media suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has replaced his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, with his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola.
“There is absolutely no truth to this story. We advise Nigerians to disregard it entirely.
“The Chief of Staff remains in his position. The Principal Private Secretary likewise remains in his role. Hakeem Muri-Okunola has not replaced Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff.
“The viral claim is a fabrication by mischievous purveyors of fake news whose sole aim is to create disharmony within the government.
“We reiterate that news media should always verify their information before publishing or sharing on social media.”
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has appealed to Nigerians to put their health and safety first during the festive season by making responsible choices and steering clear of drug use.
In a Christmas message shared on its X page on Thursday, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), extended goodwill to Nigerians across the country and paid tribute to NDLEA officers for their continued commitment to protecting communities from drug abuse.
“Your dedication and sacrifice in protecting our communities from drug abuse are deeply appreciated,” Marwa said.
He called on members of the public to use the holiday period as an opportunity to make healthy, drug-free decisions that would safeguard their wellbeing and that of others.
“Together, we can build a safer, healthier, and more prosperous Nigeria. Wishing you all a peaceful, joyous, and drug-free Christmas,” he added.
The message comes at a time of growing concern over drug use in Nigeria. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, as contained in the World Drug Report 2025, the national prevalence of drug use stands at 14.4 per cent. This figure is nearly three times the global average and affects an estimated 14.3 million Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 64.
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has confirmed that all pupils and staff abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Schools, Papiri, in Niger State have been successfully rescued and reunited with their families.
Naija News reports that the confirmation was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Proprietor of St. Mary’s Catholic Private Primary and Secondary School and representative of the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, Rev. Bulus Yohanna.
Yohanna disclosed that a total of 230 persons were eventually verified to have been abducted during the attack on the school and later rescued through the combined efforts of the Federal Government, the Niger State Government and security agencies.
According to him, the verified figure comprised 12 staff members, 14 students and 204 pupils.
He added that all rescued children had been safely reunited with their families, stressing that no report had been received to suggest that any child or staff member remained in captivity.
The cleric explained that immediately after the abduction on November 21, an initial headcount conducted by the school showed that 315 persons were unaccounted for.
He said two days later, on November 23, about 50 of those earlier listed as missing escaped from their abductors and returned to their parents, reducing the number of unaccounted persons to 265.
“A joint verification exercise by the state government, security agencies and school authorities later revealed that not all parents were present during the exercise,” Yohanna said.
He noted that a second and final verification exercise carried out by the school authorities in collaboration with the Parents-Teachers Association showed that an additional 35 persons had either not been abducted or had escaped earlier.
“A second and final verification conducted by the school authorities in collaboration with the Parents-Teachers Association established that an additional 35 persons had either not been abducted or had escaped earlier,” he stated.
According to Yohanna, this brought the number of those confirmed to have either escaped or not been abducted to 85, reducing the verified number of abducted persons to 230.
The Diocese acknowledged that discrepancies recorded during the initial headcount were caused by the chaotic circumstances surrounding the attack.
Yohanna explained that some pupils fled into nearby bushes and could not be immediately accounted for during the first headcount, while some parents were absent during verification exercises.
He emphasised that the discrepancies were not deliberate.
“The discrepancies were not intended to mislead the public but were the result of challenges associated with a fast-evolving and emotionally charged situation,” he said.
Yohanna expressed appreciation to the Federal and Niger State governments, as well as security agencies, for their swift intervention in securing the release of the victims.
He also thanked parents, the Christian community, the media and members of the public for their prayers, patience and support throughout the ordeal.
The cleric prayed for healing and restoration for all families affected by the abduction.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kebbi State Chapter has honored the Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi Mikailu Sami Gomo lll, with the “Most Loved Emir Award” for his fairness and justice in governing the emirate without discrimination.
Emir’s open-door policy, accommodation, and compassion towards multi-ethnic and religious communities were recognized as qualities worthy of emulation.
While presenting the Award at a well-attended congregation, the Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) kebbi state chapter, Dr Ayuba Y Kanta Yaji who is also the Anglican Bishop, Zuru Diocese stated that ” it is in acknowledgement of Your Highness’s leadership, deep connections with the people and your tireless commitment to unity, peace , Cultural preservation and community development across the Zuru Emirate.”
In his remarks, the Emir expressed gratitude and assured various ethnic and religious communities of his care and protection, stating that all residents are bonafide indigenes of Zuru emirate.
He requested prayers for peace, unity, and an end to armed banditry in Kebbi State and Nigeria.
The Emir also praised Comrade Governor, Nasir Idris as a detribalized and compassionate leader, citing the reconstruction of the Koko-Zuru federal road project.
He congratulated Christians on Christmas and prayed for their prosperity.
The event, held at the United Missionary Catholic Association, Zuru, was attended by prominent Christian leaders, including former Chief of Army Staff and Sarkin Yakin Zuru Lieutenant General Ishaya Rizi Bamaiyi.
NIGERIA NEWS
24/7 Light: Nigerian Man Spends N8 Million To Install Solar Electricity, Goes Off National Grid
- A man who is desirous of enjoying 24/7 electricity has installed solar in his house after spending a lot of money
- The man, Agba Akin said he has migrated his power supply from the Nigerian national grid to his personal solar system
- Akin stated that he spent N8 million to install the solar and was happy that he would no longer be subjected to the constant collapse of the national grid
A man known as Agba Akin has gone off the Nigerian electricity grid to install his own power supply system.
Agba Akin will now enjoy constant electricity because he has installed a solar energy at home.
A Nigerian man installed solar electricity in his house. Photo credit: X/Kynsofficial.
Source: Twitter
He posted photos of the solar energy he installed and said he acquired the first one in 2023.
According to Akin, it was the best decision he ever took as he no longer relies on the national grid which is always collapsing.
Read also
Nigerian lady gets N2 million transfer from stranger after she complained of lack of money
How much is solar electricity installation in Nigeria?
He said:
“I have just protected myself with 8.8m and you can collapse all you want in 2026. I’m no longer on you.”
Akin said he spent N8 million on the latest installation.
Nigerian man showed off solar battery he installed at home. Photo credit: X/Agba Akin.
Source: Twitter
See his post below:
Reactions as man installs solar at home
@KepoAlawode said:
“I also use solar inverter bro. There’s no way you will escape NEPA and when it collapse, you will then understand that you need National grid even if it is just 2 hours a day.”
@ScouserNigerian said:
“Best investment I made this year was installing solar in my house. Nepa don show me shege.”
@olasilver06 said:
“Just wondering if that Hithium 1KWH is gonna be free for grabs, or it’s gonna be like Santaforgot to deliver.”
@reckon_iam said:
“Two weeks you will come back here.”
@Ezeifeka_Obinna said:
“Tinubu made electricity tariff unbelievably expensive now millions of people can’t afford to pay for steady electricity supply. I like the way you’re celebrating the failure of Tinubu in power sector.”
Read also
Man shows 4-bedroom flat he built from scratch, mentions amount he budgeted: “I started with nothing
@SeyiGlobal said:
“N8.8 million Naira solar system? Na wa o! At this rate, by 2026 the national grid go dey beg people like you to come back and pay NEPA bill . “You no back rubbish” but rubbish don pursue you go solar exile!”
@RexUchendu said:
“This is the mindset of a typical Nigerian. Anything can happen to others as long as it will not affect them and their immediate family.”
@JezebelReborn
“Spent almost 2million naira on colar lithium batteries and it’s been serving me for 7months now During the day I power major appliances then evening I reduce the load And it last till the next charge the next day I have uninterrupted power 24/7 As time goes on I will add another colar lithium battery to make it 3( three ) Nah me dey tire for light self Have not used NEPA or Generator in a year now They can collapse for all I care.”
Read also
Christmas: Nigerian man treks from Asaba Airport to hotel after taxi driver charged him N30k
Man installs solar with eight batteries
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a Nigerian man using a solar setup that runs on eight tubular batteries shows how he supplies energy to his neighbours.
The solar expert installed a metre for each neighbour who buys energy at N200 per kWh at least from him.
Many Nigerians who thronged his comment section wanted to know how he manages his neighbours’ electricity distribution.
Source: Legit.ng
NIGERIA NEWS
“People were begging me” – Lady shares how she dealt with okada man who ran away with N800 change
A Nigerian lady living in Lagos has recounted an unusual encounter with a commercial motorcyclist, popularly known as an okada rider, who allegedly attempted to shortchange her.
According to her account shared on social media, she paid the rider ₦1,000 for a trip that required ₦200, expecting ₦800 in change.
Lady.
on
Instead of returning the balance, the rider reportedly rode off.
The woman said she later encountered the same rider again and confronted him publicly. During the confrontation, she drew attention to herself and the situation, which attracted passersby. Faced with public pressure, the rider reportedly returned the full ₦1,000 while pleading.
She added that she initially refused to collect the money until people around intervened and appealed to her to accept it.
The incident has since sparked reactions online, with many social media users commenting on the daily struggles and street justice often associated with life in Lagos.
She said …
“To live in Lagos, you sef go first mad. I gave bike man 1k instead of giving me 800 change he took off. I later jam him for front. He returned my 1k with pleading after I used my red handkerchief to rub his face and I shouted ‘Yes Owo de’ I even refused to collect it and people were begging me”
Watch video below …
@waltem6
Na person wey get small craze fit love for Lagos 😂😂😂 #fyp #waltem6 #lagostiktok
♬ original sound – Big T_Me🌴🎧
Six members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly have defected from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing internal party crises, factional leadership and alleged poor governance in the state.
The lawmakers formally announced their defection in separate but similarly worded letters addressed to the Speaker of the House and sighted by LEADERSHIP on Thursday.
The defectors are Hon. Bashar Aliyu Gummi (Gummi I Constituency), Hon. Nasiru Abdullahi Maru (Maru North), Barr. Bashir Abubakar Masama (Bukkuyum North), Hon. Bashir Bello (Bungudu West), Hon. Amiru Ahmad Keta (Tsafe West), and Hon. Muktar Nasir Kaura (Kaura North).
In the letters titled “Notice of Resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC)”, the lawmakers said their decision was informed by “lingering and unresolved crises” within the PDP, which they said had resulted in factional leadership at various levels of the party.
“I write to formally inform the Honourable Speaker and Honourable Members of this Honourable House of my decision of defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC) due to lingering and unresolved crises of my party (PDP) which resulted to factional leadership,” one of the letters read.
The lawmakers said their action was in line with the provisions of Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which allows lawmakers to defect in the event of a division in their party.
They also accused the PDP-led administration in the state, under Governor Dauda Lawal, of poor leadership, alleging negligence in addressing the security challenges facing Zamfara State and failure to fulfil campaign promises.
“Therefore, my decision is consonant and pursuant to Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), and poor leadership of Governor Dauda Lawal ranging from negligence in the security of the state and unfulfilled promises made as his campaign manifestos,” the letters stated.
NIGERIA NEWS
Tinubu tags Trump in social media Christmas message, vows to protect Nigerian Christians
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has tagged U.S. President Donald Trump in a Christmas message to Nigerian Christians, pledging to protect religious freedom amid international claims of Christian persecution in Nigeria.
Trump and some conservative groups in the United States had accused the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians from violence.
“On this Holy day, I wish all Christians in Nigeria and around the world a Merry Christmas,” Tinubu wrote in a post on X on Wednesday.
The president thanked God for the opportunity to lead the country and prayed for peace among Nigerians of different faiths.
“I thank God for the opportunity to serve as the leader of our great country, and I pray for peace in our land, especially between individuals of differing religious beliefs,” Tinubu said.
He said his administration is committed to protecting religious freedom and safeguarding all citizens from violence.
“I stand committed to doing everything within my power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and to protect Christians, Muslims, and all Nigerians from violence,” he added.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos has visited Balogun market for an on-the-spot assessment following a fire incident at the Great Nigeria House.
In a post on X, Sanwo-Olu said he was deeply saddened by the incident and expressed sympathy with those affected.
The governor said no written report could fully capture the pain or extent of the losses recorded.
He commended firefighters, emergency responders and relevant agencies for working through the night to bring the fire under control.
Sanwo-Olu said their efforts saved lives and prevented the inferno from spreading further, adding that the state government will continue to assess the situation and provide support to affected persons.
“We will continue to assess the situation and provide support to those who have been impacted. Lagos has always shown strength in difficult moments, and I believe we will get through this together,” he wrote on X.
The Nigerian Army has called for extra vigilance at churches following a bomb blast at a mosque located within Gamboru Market in Maiduguri.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI.
The official disclosed that the explosion, which occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24, 2025, at a mosque within Gamboru Market while Muslim faithful were observing evening prayers, is linked to a suspected Boko Haram operative.
What the Army is saying
According to the statement, “Preliminary findings indicate that the incident was caused by a suspected Boko Haram terrorist (BHT) suicide bomber, who detonated an improvised explosive device, killing himself and two civilians at the scene.”
Troops, in conjunction with other sister security and law enforcement agencies, the Borno State Government, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), were said to have responded to the incident by securing and cordoning off the affected area to prevent further harm and ensure public safety.
The official confirmed that casualties were immediately evacuated to the General Hospital and the Teaching Hospital in Maiduguri for prompt medical attention, while two persons were initially confirmed dead.
“A total of 32 civilians sustained varying degrees of injuries. Regrettably, two of the injured civilians were later confirmed dead at the hospital, while two others are currently in critical condition.
“The remaining injured persons are stable and receiving appropriate medical care,” the statement partly read.
The Army warned against gathering in crowded places and called for heightened vigilance across religious centres, particularly churches.
“It is advised to avoid crowded places and maintain extra vigilance at religious centres, especially churches, during the yuletide period.
“Citizens are urged to promptly report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest security post,” the official added.
The Army maintained that troops and other security agencies have intensified surveillance and security measures within Maiduguri and the surrounding areas following the incident.
Members of the public were advised to remain calm and security-conscious, especially during the yuletide season, while residents should be on the lookout for teenagers exhibiting suspicious behaviour.
The Army commiserated with the families of the deceased and assured the public of its continued commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
What you should know
The Army’s press release comes hours after Vice President Kashim Shettima condemned the bomb attack.
The Vice President described the incident as a despicable assault on innocent citizens and the peace of the nation.
In recent months, Nigeria has experienced a rise in insecurity across several states, including the kidnapping of students, armed robberies, and attacks on communities in the North and Central regions.
These incidents have heightened public concern and highlighted the ongoing threat posed by criminal and extremist groups.
In response, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a national security emergency, ordering intensified operations by the Armed Forces, the Police, and the Department of State Services (DSS).
The measures included redeploying officers from VIP duties to frontline operations, recruiting additional personnel, and deploying trained forest guards to counter armed groups in volatile areas.
The development resulted in the return of most of the abductees.
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