NIGERIA NEWS
Afenifere Endorses US-Nigeria Joint Military Actions On Terrorists In North-West
Afenifere, the prominent Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, has thrown its weight behind the joint US-Nigeria military airstrikes targeting ISIS terrorists in Nigeria’s North-West zone.
The foremost Yoruba organisation declared that true sovereignty demands protecting citizens from unrelenting violence.
In a statement signed by its National Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, the group commended the Defence Headquarters’ confirmation that the Thursday’s strikes, executed with Nigerian government’s approval, were both timely and essential, following years of insecurity gripping communities.
Omololu emphasised that Nigerians have endured too long under attacks, kidnappings, and destruction, with past governance failures creating a void now filled by capable allies like the United States.
“At this critical juncture, the involvement of the United States in the ongoing counter-terrorism operations deserves recognition, not condemnation.
“True sovereignty is measured not by rhetoric but by the capacity to protect citizens, enforce the rule of law, and secure the nation’s borders,” he stated
The organisation hinted that the “swift and coordinated” response was proof of the federal government’s resolve to restore stability.
Afenifere, however, urged citizens, leaders, and civil society to rally behind the government rather than offer ‘misplaced criticism’.
While calling for solidarity to eradicate terror, Afenifere applauded the “courage, professionalism, and decisive action” of both Nigerian and US forces.
The group reaffirmed its support for any measures, domestic or international, that ensure Nigerians live free from fear.
Insists tax reform not for quick revenue, targets growth, fairness
The Federal Government has insisted that there will be no delay in the commencement of implementation of Nigeria’s new tax laws, despite recent controversy over alleged alterations to the legislations.
Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, gave the assurance on Friday after presenting an update on the implementation of the tax reform Acts to President Bola Tinubu at his Lagos residence.
Oyedele was accompanied to the meeting by the chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacchaeus Adedeji, and the chairman of the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee, Joseph Tegbe.
Oyedele said the government remained fully committed to the agreed implementation timeline, noting that two of the four tax reform laws had already taken effect.
“As you are already aware, there are four of those laws, and two of them have already commenced,” he said. According to him, the Nigerian Revenue Service Establishment Act and the Joint Revenue Service Establishment Act both took effect on June 26, 2025.
He added that the remaining two laws — the Nigerian Tax Act and the Nigerian Tax Administration Act — were scheduled to commence on January 1, 2026, as originally planned.
Oyedele welcomed the intervention of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee, which recently concluded its work on allegations of alterations to the tax reform bills.
“We welcome the statement by the National Assembly, House of Representatives committee today on the findings and the work around the allegations about alteration,” he said.
He stressed that the Federal Government would work with the National Assembly if any further action became necessary but made it clear that the implementation timeline would not be affected.
“The plan to commence the two remaining new laws on the first of January 2026 will go ahead as planned, on schedule,” Oyedele said.
He explained that the reforms were deliberately designed to ease the tax burden on Nigerians rather than to generate immediate revenue for government.
According to him, the bottom 98 per cent of workers will either pay no personal income tax or pay lower taxes under the new regime, while about 97 per cent of small businesses will be exempt from corporate income tax, value added tax and withholding tax.
Oyedele also noted that large businesses would benefit from reduced tax obligations, describing the reforms as pro-growth and inclusive.
“The whole idea is to promote economic growth, inclusivity, as well as shared prosperity for our people,” he said, adding that the government was encouraged by the progress made so far and was looking forward to January 1, 2026.
Responding to questions on government readiness and revenue expectations, Oyedele said preparation for the reforms began from the moment the bills were submitted to the National Assembly in October 2024.
He explained that the bills spent nine months in the legislature before being passed in June 2025, while the period since presidential assent had been used for capacity building, system upgrades and public sensitisation.
“This kind of reform is a work in progress,” he said. “You never get to perfection. You get better as you go along.”
He added that the early commencement of two of the laws was intentional, to allow institutions time to get ready, including the establishment of new structures required for effective implementation.
On revenue projections, Oyedele said the reforms were not targeted at short-term revenue gains.
“The plan, the intention for this tax reform is not immediate revenue generation,” he said, explaining that government expected revenue to grow organically as economic activity expanded and the tax base widened.
He also pointed to the removal of what he described as wasteful and distortionary incentives, as well as improved tax compliance and fairness, as key long-term benefits of the reforms.
The chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, has reaffirmed that the implementation of the new tax reforms will commence on January 1, 2026.
Oyedele assured that the reforms under the new tax laws are intended to provide relief to Nigerians and stimulate economic growth.
He disclosed this while addressing journalists following the visit of the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee, NTPIC, chaired by Joseph Tegbe, to President Bola Tinubu at his residence in Lagos.
According to Oyedele: “The plan to commence the two remaining new laws on the 1st of January 2026 will go ahead as planned on schedule because these reforms are designed to provide relief to the Nigerian people.
“Bottom 98 per cent of workers will see either no PAYE tax or lower taxes to be paid; small businesses, 97 per cent of them, will be exempted from corporate income tax, VAT, withholding tax, and large businesses will see a drop in the taxes that they pay.
“The whole idea is to try and promote economic growth, inclusivity, and shared prosperity for our people. We are actually excited at the progress we are making, and we are looking forward to January 1, 2026.”
A former presidential spokesman, Josef Onoh has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu is planning to relocate Nigeria’s capital to Lagos.
Naija News understands that one Mohammed Bello Doka had in an opinion article presented a narrative of regional favoritism and stealth relocation of Nigeria’s capital through administrative and budgetary decisions.
However, speaking via a statement, Onoh said that Doka’s claims are laughable and ludicrous.
He argued that while concerns about equitable development are valid in a federation, the facts were misrepresented.
Onoh said it was more painful that the wrong narrative was reposted and promoted by former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai whom he said he has high respect for despite negative perceptions that surrounds him.
He lamented that the over-packed media handlers of President Tinubu have failed in positively defending and promoting his policies to Nigerians and the world as a whole in a respectful manner expected from the office of a President.
Onoh countered the claim that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has “quietly transferred” key departments to Lagos, shifting real power there, noting that he had in a previous publication responded to same exact false insinuation by Senator Ali Ndume and once again compelled to make clear that In 2024, the CBN relocated specific departments (e.g., Banking Supervision, Financial Policy and Regulation) to its Lagos office as part of a decongestion plan for the overcrowded Abuja headquarters (occupancy exceeded safe capacity by over 50%).
“This involved redistributing 1,533 staff across Abuja, Lagos, and understaffed branches nationwide for safety, efficiency, and better oversight, most commercial banks are headquartered in Lagos. The CBN’s official headquarters remains in Abuja; this is internal restructuring, not a power grab,” he said.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has been applauded for his leadership style and achievements in the last six and a half years, which have been described as superlative and proof that the “Otooge” struggle has continued to yield a huge success.
According to a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa, who is the Chairman, Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority (LNRBDA), “Kwara APC became a formidable and sought-after party to everyone following the Governor’s records of performance”.
He spoke in Ilorin, the state capital, at the end-of-the-year meeting/launch with critical stakeholders, including nine National Assembly members (both serving and former), top officials of government, captains of industry, and party leaders.
Governor AbdulRazaq was in attendance. Also present were the Deputy Governor, Kayode Alabi; Senator Salihu Mustapha (Kwara Central); Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Yakubu Salihu Danladi, DG NOA, Alhaji Issa Lanre Onilu, among others.
“This is a gathering of eminent kwarans from all walks of life. At the instance of His Excellency, we are all here gathered at the Kwara State banquet hall to celebrate unity, achievements, the fruits of Otooge struggle, and the success that has come from the collective sons of Kwara, who, in different ways, have contributed to the throne of the new system and modern Kwara, ” he said.
“Your Excellency, we thank you for putting this occasion together. And to every attendee this afternoon, it is our struggle, our contributions, our understanding, and the sacrifices that have given us the Kwara that we are all proud to say is our state, today.
“During that struggle, nobody gave us a chance, nobody believed us. But we thank God for the driver that was divinely given to us from the top through the Almighty Allah.”
The party chieftain said Kwara APC remains a party to beat under the watch of Governor AbdulRazaq, where many people, he noted, prefer to pursue their political aspirations.
He said, while some people doubted the capacity of this administration to perform big and deliver on its campaign promises, Governor AbdulRazaq has proved the doubting Thomas wrong.
While pointing out the strides of the administration in many sectors, such as education, road, agriculture, health, and social investment, Alakawa said all this serves as a major shift from what Kwara used to be.
Hon. Alakawa equally commended the Governor’s approach to addressing the security challenge and promoting religious harmony, saying no amount of blackmail by the opposition party can deny the administration its deserved credit.
“For those who thought that the Otooge struggle in 2019 was a mistake, they have got it wrong. Some said it was a calculated mistake or an accident,” he said.
“Whereas in 2023, under the full leadership of our Governor, Kwarans repeated that (electoral success). This has shown that the Otooge struggle in 2019 was not a mistake.”
Cabinet members took turns to showcase the achievements of the administration in their respective offices.
Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Dr Segun Ogunsola, spoke on the Urban Renewal project across the state and the Kwara Smart City at Alalubosa, saying about 40km of the land has been cleared to house the state university of education.
Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Ahmed El-Imaam, said Governor AbdulRazaq has achieved greatly and changed the narratives in the health sector, citing the increasing number of healthcare facilities and improved access to good medical treatments.
She also mentioned the 83 newly upgraded Primary Health Care Centres across the state, which the government just inaugurated to meet the health needs of citizens.
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The Zamfara State parallel House of Assembly, under the leadership of Hon. Bashar Aliyu Gummi, has condemned the way and manner Governor Dauda Lawal is misapplying state resources to sponsor attacks on his predecessor and Hon Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle.
The Assembly explained that they learnt that Governor Dauda is always witch-hunting Minister of Defence, Bello Matawalle, through character assassination.
The house further blamed the Governor for abandoning his constitutional role and duties for his personal agenda of remaining in office beyond 2027 by trying to paint the minister black since his assumption in office in 2023, which formed part of the reasons we were at loggerheads with him due to our refusal to join him in the dirty job.
The condemnation was contained in a statement signed by the factional Speaker of the state’s parallel House of Assembly, Hon Bashar Aliyu Gummi and made available to journalists shortly after the sitting of the members in Gusau.
The lawmakers who charged Governor Dauda to ensure full security coverage of the lives and properties of the citizens, lamented that he is said to be spending billions of Naira from the taxpayers’ money just to fight Matawalle’s 2027 governorship bid.
While vowing to investigate and make public the money syphoned by the state government for misplaced priorities such as the governor’s personal agenda and fight against the minister, the members counselled him to turn his attention to the security situation that bedevilled the state.
They noted that having campaigned and won election using the phrase ‘We will end insecurity immediately after swearing in,’, therefore, Governor Dauda has no excuse whatsoever to give over his failure in this regard.
They also expressed dismay in the Governor’s continued refusal to either visit victims of bandit attacks or send assistance to such victims to cushion the impact of their miserable situation.
The factional Zamfara State House of Assembly has, however, vowed not to relent in calling for accountability and obedience to the rule of law in the state until the right things are done.
In their separate contributions during the plenary, members described Matawalle’s tenure as more committed and serious on security.
They noted that Dauda is jittery about Matawalle’s popularity and acceptance, which is causing fears in Dauda.
The lawmakers also expressed worries over the escalation of insecurity throughout the state without any concerns from the Governor or his agents, citing recent attacks in Keta, Maru and parts of the Bungudu local government area,s where many residents were abducted, with the government remaining silent in all.
The House unanimously commended the effort of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his ministers of defence, Christopher Musa and Bello Mohammed Matawalle and all military personnel involved in the fight against banditry and criminal activities and prayed that the efforts would be sustained until peace is fully restored in all parts of the country.
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Senator Representing Sokoto South Senatorial District and former Governor of the state, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwa,l has called for calm following reports of an airstrike carried out in parts of Sokoto State as part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
In a statement shared on his official X handle, Senator Tambuwal explained that the operation was conducted through cooperation between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the United States.
While urging residents to remain law-abiding, while relevant authorities should clarify the circumstances surrounding the strike.
He assured constituents in Sokoto South that he is in active discussions with relevant security authorities to obtain full details of the operation and to ensure that all necessary safeguards are upheld.
The Senator emphasised that counterterrorism operations are targeted strictly at criminal and terrorist elements who threaten public safety, and not at innocent civilians who are themselves victims of insecurity.
He stressed that the protection of civilian lives remains paramount and central to all legitimate security operations.
Senator Tambuwal also commended the courage and professionalism of Nigeria’s military and security forces, noting their continued sacrifices in confronting terrorism and banditry, often in collaboration with international partners under extremely challenging conditions.
He further called on community leaders, traditional institutions, and residents to support security efforts by sharing credible information and resisting misinformation capable of heightening fear or tension within communities.
According to him, unity, vigilance, and cooperation with lawful security efforts remain essential to overcoming terrorism and securing lasting peace in Sokoto State and across Nigeria.
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The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume has reportedly married Queen Zaynab Ngohemba-George Akume Dajoh.
Naija News reports that the Akume Dajoh family announced this in a statement on Facebook, welcoming Zaynab into their home and Benue State, describing the union as a joyful addition to their family.
Photos shared online show members of the Dajoh family celebrating with Zaynab.
The family thanked supporters of Akume and encouraged them to continue showing their support for the SGF in this new chapter of his life.
The statement read: “We the entire Dajoh Family, happily join our daddy, uncle and brother, His Excellency, The Secretary To The Government Of The Federation, Sen. George Akume Jugu Dajoh in welcoming his new and uncommon wife, Queen Zaynab Ngohemba-George Akume Dajoh into the Dajoh family.
“We appreciate and thank the fans and supporters of Sen. Akume for always standing by him. We enjoin every one of you to continue to support his Excellency even in this beautiful union with Queen Zaynab. We wish you all a happy Christmas Celebration and a Prosperous New Year.
“Welcome to Benue State; the Food Basket of the Nation, welcome to Mbakor; the seat of leadership of the Tiv nation and welcome to the Dajoh family; the home of your darling husband. Welcome home Queen Zaynab”.
See photos:
Queen Zaynab, formerly known as Zaynab Otiti Obanor, was previously married to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
Their marriage began with traditional rites in Benin City in March 2016, followed by a reception at the Royal Court of Ife.
According to Sahara Reporters, the marriage lasted about 17 months and ended in 2017.
She later continued her humanitarian work and moved to Doha, Qatar.
Before marrying Akume, reports claimed that Zaynab married an Arab prince, and she is said to have had a daughter in 2022.
By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Nigerian Army on Friday described a Nigerian Army Direct Short Service Course (DSSC) 29 Application Form 2026 advertisement circulating on social media and other online platforms as fake, false, and misleading.
The Army’s Acting Director of Public Relations, Colonel Anele Appolonia, stated that the advertisement was not authorized by the Nigerian Army.
She said the Nigerian Army has not commenced any recruitment or commissioning exercise for the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) or Short Service Commission (SSC) at this time.
“Members of the public are advised to disregard the advertisement, as it did not emanate from the Nigerian Army or any of its authorized channels.
“The Nigerian Army emphasizes that official recruitment announcements will be made through their website, social media, and national newspapers.
“The public is cautioned to be vigilant and avoid falling victim to fraudsters using fake recruitment notices to deceive and defraud unsuspecting individuals. The Nigerian Army does not charge fees for recruitment.
“Anyone with information regarding such fraudulent activities or individuals involved is encouraged to promptly report to the nearest security agency or appropriate authorities for necessary action.”
NIGERIA NEWS
ISIS Terrorists: Muslim Man Shares Why Trump’s Bombing Isn’t an Attack on Islam, Sparks Debate
- A Muslim man addressed his fellow faithful on Trump’s bombing against ISIS terrorists in Sokoto state in Nigeria
- He mentioned why the US president’s action was not an attack on Islam, sparking reactions from netizens online
- What he said in his X post caught people’s attention and sparked a debate about the reasons behind Trump’s airstrikes
A Nigerian man shared why the bombing of ISIS terrorists by the United States President Donald Trump was not an attack on Islam.
The attack, allegedly carried out on Trump’s orders, was recently confirmed in a news report published by Legit.ng.
A Muslim man reacts to Trump’s bombing in Sokoto. Photo: MasterMaliq
Source: Twitter
Before this, Trump had issued a deadly warning to the terrorists over alleged attacks against Christians, promising to unleash severe consequences if the attacks did not stop.
Just weeks later, an attack was reportedly carried out against terrorists in Sokoto.
Muslim man reacts to Trump’s bombing
Read also
ISIS terrorists: Man places bet on Trump’s military action in Nigeria, shares screenshot
Identified on X as @MasterMaliq, the muslim shared why his fellow faithful should not be troubled by Trump’s bombing in Sokoto.
He said in his X post:
“As a northern Muslim, if you truly reject ISWAP, then a bomb hitting their camp should not trouble you. A strike ordered under President Trump through the United States of America is not an attack on Islam. It is pressure on extremists who have murdered Muslims across the North. “What we are seeing now are tears from ISWAP supporters. They cry for terrorists, not for the Muslims buried by them. That says everything you need to know.”
See the tweet below:
Reactions trail’s man’s opinion about Trump’s bombing
@YeyeOba001 said:
“Thank you for saying it as it is. Only a terrorist sponsor, supporter, or sympathizer will be angry when terrorists are being destroyed. As they should.”
@dradekunleik said:
“Where were they when Muslims were getting killed everyday, they never cried, but now they are?… The hypocrisy of our ppl…it the airstrikes will end terrorism, full support.”
Read also
Journalist urges Trump to expand war on ISIS beyond Sokoto, names 5 locations: “Attack them”
@Yoab001 said:
“You are correct on the money and the beauty of this now is that the real terrorist sympathizers will all fall out for all to see and Nigerians will all know why BH, Bandits, ISWAP etc… couldnt be defeated for decades, pay very close attention to those condemning this strike.”
@fuadabbdull said:
“The worst part is that, they will be like if you’re a muslim and you support trump then you’re not a real Muslim. If you sympathize with killers, and people that carry out this evil act of killing nigerians then you’re one of them.”
A man’s opinion on Trump’s bombing in Sokoto sparks reactions. Photo: Getty
Source: Twitter
In a related story, a Catholic priest has shared why he was happy with Trump’s military action in Nigeria and what it signified.
Lawyer explains why Trump started bombing in Sokoto
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a Nigerian lawyer mentioned three reasons Trump first bombed terrorists in Sokoto before any other state.
His post went viral and sparked reactions from netizens, as the lawyer intelligently analysed the ongoing situation and praised Trump for his decision.
Source: Legit.ng
NIGERIA NEWS
Drama as Ghanaian Prophet Noah who predicted end of the world ‘spotted’ at Sarkodie’s concert
A Ghanaian prophet who earlier claimed that God planned to destroy the world with a massive flood, similar to the biblical days of Noah, has stirred another round of reactions after being spotted at rapper Sarkodie’s concerts.
Doom Prophecy
Prophet Noah recently trended after announcing that God had revealed to him that a great global destruction was coming, similar to the flood story recorded in the Bible.
His message spread widely across Ghana and beyond, drawing reactions, arguments, and curiosity.
He announced that he was already building arks to rescue people ahead of the supposed disaster.
Prophet Says God ‘Postponed’ Destruction
After the panic his prophecy created, the prophet later returned with another message: the destruction had been delayed.
According to him, God granted mercy following his prayers and pleas.
He said the postponement was to give more people a chance to prepare and to allow him to complete additional arks.
Fans Shocked Seeing Him at Entertainment Event
Seeing the same prophet at a music concert shortly after predicting worldwide disaster shocked many people at the event.
Attendees expressed disbelief that someone who warned of an approaching global tragedy would appear relaxed at a major entertainment show.
Netizens Reactions
Videos and photos of his presence at Sarkodie’s concert quickly surfaced online, triggering mixed reactions.
See below;
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared that the United States Africa Command airstrike in Sokoto state highlights what it described as the incompetence of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement on Thursday by its spokesman, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said while it supports lawful efforts to protect Nigerians, the strike underscored a failure of governance that allowed a foreign military to carry out direct operations on Nigerian soil.
The ADC warned that permitting external forces to conduct military actions in the country is unsustainable and could undermine Nigeria’s long-term strategic and sovereign interests.
The party questioned Nigeria’s role in the operation, saying the Federal Government appeared to have been reduced to “mere informants” in an exercise it should have led.
It demanded clarification on the terms of engagement, operational control, and the number and identity of terrorists allegedly killed during the strike.
The ADC cautioned against what it called confusing “collaboration” with “myopic surrender”, adding that the handling of information surrounding the operation was troubling.
The party said it was concerning that Nigerians first learned of the airstrike through a social media post by the American president, rather than a direct communication from Nigeria’s leadership.
It added that statements by the Federal Government suggested Nigeria only provided intelligence while the United States conducted the operation.
The ADC asked why Nigeria, despite spending trillions of naira on security, was unable to lead the mission if it possessed actionable intelligence.
The party also expressed concern over what it described as the framing of Nigeria’s security challenges in religious terms by the United States, warning that such narratives could threaten national unity.
“There is a difference between strategic collaboration and myopic surrender that is ultimately counter-productive to national security and inimical to the long-term sovereign interests of Nigeria,” the party said.
NIGERIA NEWS
Nick Donnelly Demands Arrest, Prosecution of Sheikh Gumi Over Comments on US Airstrikes
A prominent Catholic author, Deacon Nick Donnelly, has called for the immediate arrest of controversial Nigerian Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, following his comments on the United States’ Christmas Day airstrikes targeting insurgents in parts of Sokoto State.
The call came after Gumi criticised the airstrikes, urging the Federal Government to suspend any collaboration with the United States aimed at eliminating those he described as perpetrators of alleged genocide against Christians.
Reacting to Gumi’s remarks, Donnelly took to X to demand that the cleric be arrested and prosecuted.
In his post, Donnelly accused Gumi of opposing the military action against Islamist insurgents and allegedly referring to those responsible for attacks on Christians as “our warriors”.
He further stated that Gumi should be arrested and tried for crimes against humanity, adding that President Bola Tinubu must publicly condemn the cleric or risk being seen as complicit in his actions.
The Big Tent Coalition, headed by Professor Pat Utomi, has sharply criticised the Nigerian Federal Government for what it described as hypocrisy, incoherence, and a lack of strategic clarity in handling the recent U.S. airstrikes against ISIS-linked terrorists in North-West Nigeria.
The strikes, carried out by the Nigerian Armed Forces in collaboration with the United States, targeted identified ISIS-linked elements in Sokoto State. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the operation nearly 24 hours after it took place.
Government’s Contradictions Highlighted
The coalition noted a glaring contradiction in government actions. Just last month, the Presidency, through Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, condemned Peter Obi for suggesting he would welcome U.S. military assistance if it improved national security.
Mr. Onanuga had warned that Nigerians would “never forget nor forgive” Mr. Obi for such statements.
Today, the same administration has endorsed and confirmed actual foreign military action on Nigerian soil.
Call for Apology to Peter Obi
Charles Odibo, Director of Media and Communication for the Big Tent Coalition, said: “The Tinubu administration owes Peter Obi an immediate and unreserved apology.
“You cannot vilify a prominent citizen for expressing a conditional policy opinion, only to turn around and implement that very option in practice. This flip-flop exposes a government that lacks clarity, coordination, and credibility in its approach to national security.”
Concerns Over Communication and Transparency
The coalition expressed concern over the Federal Government’s delayed and fragmented communication regarding the airstrikes.
While U.S. President Donald Trump publicly announced the operation, Nigerians had to wait nearly a full day to receive confirmation from multiple government sources.
Odibo questioned why, if Nigeria engaged in “structured security cooperation” with the U.S., the Presidency chose silence. He also criticised the inconsistent messaging from government officials and the politicisation of patriotic commentary.
Demand for Leadership and Clarity
The Big Tent Coalition urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure a formal apology is issued to Peter Obi, enforce discipline and coherence in government communications on national security, and personally brief Nigerians on foreign security partnerships.
“The security of Nigeria is too serious for propaganda, knee-jerk attacks, and posturing. Leadership demands consistency, humility, and honesty with the Nigerian people,” Odibo added.
NIGERIA NEWS
DHQ Confirms Collabiration With US Military, Says Attacks on Terror Camps Based on Credible Intelligence – THISDAYLIVE
By Linus Aleke in Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, working in collaboration with the United States of America, have carried out precision airstrike operations against identified foreign ISIS-linked elements operating in parts of North-West Nigeria.
According to the military, the operation was conducted with the approval of the appropriate Federal Government authorities and forms part of ongoing, coordinated efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and other criminal groups threatening national security.
In a statement issued on the development, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, disclosed that the strikes were based on credible intelligence and meticulous operational planning.
He explained that the objective of the operation was to significantly degrade the operational capabilities of the targeted elements while ensuring that collateral damage was kept to the barest minimum.
Major General Uba noted that the joint operation reflects the determination of the Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with strategic international allies, to confront transnational terrorism and prevent foreign fighters from establishing or expanding their presence within the country’s borders.
He further reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the protection of lives and property, stressing that the military remains resolute in supporting joint and inter-agency initiatives aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across all parts of the country.
- …issues 7-day ultimatum
Stakeholders under the aegis of the Niger Delta Rights Advocates (NDRA) have called for the prosecution of individuals allegedly blackmailing the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The group issued a seven-day ultimatum, demanding that those making allegations against the minister substantiate their claims with credible evidence or face legal action.
Speaking on behalf of the group, NDRA spokesperson, Mr. Darlington Nwauju, described the allegations as malicious, defamatory and politically motivated, warning that unproven accusations pose a serious threat to democratic accountability and individual reputations.
Nwauju challenged the accusers to publicly present verifiable proof of the forgery allegations, stressing that claims made without evidence amount to defamation under the law.
“He that alleges must show proof,” he said, adding that the continued circulation of unsubstantiated claims was a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and damage the image of the Interior Minister.
According to Nwauju, a Mr. Isaiah Davies Ijele from Kogi State is at the centre of what he described as a coordinated smear campaign against Dr. Tunji-Ojo.
He alleged that Ijele operates through multiple unregistered organisations purportedly created solely to target the minister. Among the groups listed were Accountability Front for Justice and Good Governance, National Youth Reform Coalition, Civil Action Network for Transparency, Police Integrity Movement, Nigeria Integrity Movement, Integrity and Transparency Alliance, and Centre for Leadership Legacy.
Nwauju claimed the organisations lack verifiable track records, identifiable trustees or evidence of sustained civil society engagement, describing them as “briefcase organisations” allegedly formed to give credibility to repeated petitions against public officials.
He further referenced a petition dated October 17, 2025, with reference number AFJGG/CC/001, reportedly submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau and the Presidency, alleging that investigations showed the organisations behind the petition were linked to the same individual and had no history of advocacy work.
“We want to confirm to the press today that the arrowhead of these malicious and defamatory allegations against Dr. Tunji-Ojo is one individual who is the president, founder and proprietor of these unregistered groups,” Nwauju stated.
Addressing the substance of the allegations, Nwauju said independent investigations showed that Dr. Tunji-Ojo was duly remobilised for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 2019.
He, however, said his discharge certificate was reportedly omitted due to an administrative lapse during processing.
Nwauju said that the minister formally requested the issuance of his discharge certificate from NYSC management on October 18, 2022, and subsequently received it on February 28, 2023.
He said the facts were corroborated by investigative reports published by Premium Times using information obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, which, according to him, clarified the circumstances surrounding the certificate.
Describing the continued allegations as extortionate and politically motivated, the he issued a seven-day ultimatum, effective from December 25, 2025, for the accusers to publish credible evidence supporting their claims.
Nwauju said his organisation would be compelled to petition relevant authorities to investigate and prosecute those involved for defamation and attempted extortion.
He strongly defended Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s performance in office, describing him as one of the most effective ministers in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
According to Nwauju, the Ministry of Interior under Tunji-Ojo’s leadership has recorded significant improvements in service delivery, personnel welfare, and job creation across paramilitary agencies.
He claimed that more than 75,000 personnel had been promoted within two years, while about 30,000 young Nigerians had secured pensionable employment — a development he said marked a clear departure from past recruitment practices.
Nwauju referenced previous mass recruitment exercises in agencies such as the Nigeria Immigration Service, which he said were poorly managed and allegedly led to tragic loss of lives across the country.
“This minister has changed that very ugly narrative. We cannot afford to sacrifice one of our best on the altar of sponsored media campaigns or abandon him to the ferocious attacks of enemies of excellence and sterling performance.”