Wale Igbintade

Four suspected oil thieves have been arrested in Delta State following the interception of a vessel, MT Thor, allegedly involved in the illegal handling of crude oil, authorities have confirmed.

The suspects were handed over alongside the seized vessel at Koko Port by Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSNL), a Federal Government contractor for pipeline surveillance, to the Inter-Agency Task Force on Petroleum Product Theft.

Speaking during the handover, Tantita’s Executive Director of Operations, Captain Warredi Enisouh, said the suspects were apprehended aboard MT Thor with petroleum products believed to have been illegally sourced.

A situation report issued by the Head of Investigation of the Task Force’s Special Prosecution Team, CSP Omar Sini, disclosed that the vessel was intercepted on 15 December 2025 along the Kokpo–Excravos axis of Delta State following intelligence provided by Tantita.

According to investigators, MT Thor was allegedly escorted by personnel of the Police Marine Unit, Delta State, who claimed they were acting on directives from the Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja—an assertion now under investigation.

Preliminary findings linked the vessel to a jetty operated by Ebenco Global Services Limited. Authorities said relevant documents, including court orders submitted by the jetty’s owner, identified as Mr. Ebenezer, are currently being reviewed.

CSP Sini said a joint investigation team comprising officers of the Task Force, Tantita, and the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) conducted inspections and obtained product samples at the jetty between 16 and 17 December 2025 for laboratory analysis.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to dismantle crude oil theft syndicates in the Niger Delta, noting that sustained enforcement had contributed to an increase in Nigeria’s crude oil output from about 1.4 million to 1.8 million barrels per day.

However, he expressed concern that weak judicial sanctions in some oil theft cases undermine deterrence, despite statutory provisions allowing for life imprisonment.

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Former Bayelsa Senator, Ben Murray-Bruce, says the fight against terrorism should be a shared international responsibility.

This was as he commended the collaborative effort between the United States and Nigeria in the recent airstrikes against ISIS targets

The public commentator said this via his verified X handle on Friday, stressing that ISIS remains a grave threat to global peace and security.

According to the former lawmaker, confronting such a menace should never be Nigeria’s burden alone, especially given its limited resources.

He further stated that it is far more effective, and responsible, when the international community acts collectively.

“I therefore believe the decision by the United States to act, with Nigeria collaborating and providing critical intelligence, was the right one.

I commend President Donald Trump and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their leadership, and I fully support the strikes. They were necessary, justified, and ultimately the right course of action,” he said.

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Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has assured Nigerians of improved security, stating that President Bola Tinubu has put up robust strategies in collaboration with relevant security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property across the country.

Naija News reports that the Chief Press Secretary to Okpehbolo, Ebojele Akhere Patrick, in a statement on Friday, disclosed that the governor gave the assurance while delivering a speech at an interdenominational prayer service held at his residence in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State.

Describing insecurity, kidnappings, cultism and cult-related activities as ‘Egyptians’, Okpebholo assured that Nigerians, “shall see them no more.”

According to him, Nigerians should continue to pray for President Tinubu and his administration, noting that sustained prayers are crucial to the successful delivery of the government’s electioneering promises.

Okpehbolo emphasised that consistent prayers and effective collaboration with security agencies have continued to improve security in Edo State, noting a sharp decline in kidnapping, cultism, and other criminal activities.

He said, “I want to assure you that our administration and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are doing everything possible to ensure the safety of lives and property of Nigerians and to make Edo State safer. The Egyptians we see today in Edo State and Nigeria, we shall see them no more. The kidnappings we saw yesterday, we shall see them no more.

“The cultism and cult-related activities we saw yesterday, we shall see them no more. I request prayers for Mr President Tinubu. This is a time he truly needs our prayers because he is doing so much for Nigeria, despite several criticisms against his government”

“The President is implementing far-reaching policies and economic reforms that will develop the nation.

“As we are working to develop Edo State, some people are trying to divert our attention and set the state on the path of retrogression. I appeal for your prayers, asking God to frustrate the enemies of the state.

“We need prayers for our land because without prayers, development will be difficult. Businesses will not thrive, and economic activities will suffer.”

Also speaking at the prayer service, Reverend Francis Okhale, in his sermon titled “Crossing Over with Gratitude,” urged the congregation always to give thanks to God, stressing that gratitude opens the door to the fulfilment of expectations.

He encouraged the people to continue praying for Governor Okpebholo, who he said had gathered the congregation to give thanks to God for the achievements recorded by his administration in the past year.

He said, “We are here to honour God Almighty for what He is using Senator Monday Okpebholo to do for the Edo people. We can see the impact of his administration, especially in infrastructural development such as flyovers, schools, hospitals, and other critical projects.”

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Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has called for calm and law-abiding conduct following reports of an airstrike carried out as part of ongoing counterterrorism cooperation between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the United States.

In a statement on Thursday, Tambuwal said he had taken note of the reports surrounding the operation and urged communities to remain peaceful as relevant authorities work to clarify the circumstances of the strike.

The former governor assured residents of Sokoto South that he is actively engaging with security authorities to obtain full details of the operation and to ensure that all necessary safeguards are observed.

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He stressed that the protection of civilian lives remains paramount in all legitimate security efforts.

Tambuwal emphasised that counterterrorism operations are directed at criminal and terrorist elements who threaten national security, not at innocent civilians who are themselves victims of insecurity.

According to him, safeguarding the lives and wellbeing of citizens must remain central to any security intervention.

He commended the courage and professionalism of Nigerian military and security personnel, noting that they continue to work under extremely challenging conditions to confront terrorism and banditry, often in collaboration with international partners.

Tambuwal said their sacrifices and commitment to restoring peace and stability deserve the support and cooperation of all Nigerians.

The senator also called on community leaders, traditional institutions and residents to work closely with security agencies by sharing credible intelligence and resisting misinformation that could fuel fear or tension within communities.

He expressed confidence that through unity, vigilance and support for lawful security operations, Nigeria would overcome terrorism and achieve lasting peace, particularly in Sokoto State and the wider country.

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Communities in Tangaza and Tambuwal Local Government Areas of Sokoto State have confirmed separate drone attacks on their communities, which they claim were carried out by the United States military.

Findings by our correspondent indicate that one of the attacks occurred in Jabo District of Tambuwal Local Government Area, a community previously not affected by insecurity.

Locals confirmed that the incident caused widespread panic among residents. One resident recounted that they were seated when they noticed an object resembling a small aircraft approaching the community.

They claimed the attack created a very large hole, and fire was still burning, they said the object did not fall on their houses and nobody was injured.

Residents clai d to have recovered some metal fragments and plan to hand them over to the local authorities for investigation.

In Tangaza Local Government Area, residents also confirmed attacks on locations believed to be hideouts of the Lakurawa group.

A local government official, who requested anonymity, said the strikes occurred between 10 p.m. and midnight at Warriya and Alkasim villages.

He said they are yet to ascertain the full impact of the attack, including whether there were civilian casualties. Saying Security operatives are expected to visit the affected areas in the morning to verify what happened,” the official said.

However, multiple sources, including local authorities, said no airstrikes were recorded in the eastern part of Sokoto State, which has experienced banditry for over a decade.

Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

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Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested eight suspects for allegedly breaching public peace, setting bonfires and disrupting the free flow of traffic, in Sango-Ota, axis of the state.

The suspects, four male adults and four females were reportedly agitating under the aegis of “Democratic Republic of the Yoruba” on Thursday.

They include 52-year-0ld Olurotimi Ademola, Adewale Sosanya, aged 48; Adewale Adebomojo, Toyin Gabriel, aged 40, Yusuf Tanimowo, 40, Opeyemi Oladotun, 31, Zara Gabriel, aged 22 and 19-year old Ajoke Gabriel.

Confirming the arrest to DAILY POST on Friday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the suspects also attacked the police officers deployed to the scene to maintain law and order.

He said, “On 25th December 2025, Christmas Day, at Temidire Junction and Under-Bridge, Sango-Ota, a group agitating under the aegis of “Democratic Republic of the Yoruba” unlawfully barricaded roads, set bonfires, disrupted the free flow of traffic, and attacked police officers deployed to maintain law and order.

“Upon receiving the report, police operatives swiftly mobilized to the affected locations, successfully dispersed the group, and arrested the following suspects: Adewale Sosanya, ‘M’ aged 48; Opeyemi Oladotun, ‘M’ aged 31; Zara Gabriel, ‘F’ aged 22; Ajoke Gabriel, ‘F’ aged 19; Adewale Adebomojo, ‘F’ aged 48; Yusuf Tanimowo, ‘M’ aged 40; Olurotimi Ademola, ‘M’ aged 52; and Toyin Gabriel, ‘F’ aged 40.”

According to the Babaseyi, items recovered include a Toyota Dyna vehicle used to convey the suspects, two broadcast speakers, a carton containing flags, shirts bearing inscriptions of their agitation, and banners displaying their messages and manifesto.

The PPRO added that investigation is ongoing and on completion the suspects will be charged to court.

Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, reassured residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, warning that it will not tolerate any act capable of breaching public peace.

Ogunlowo added that any assault on police officers will be met with decisive action, urging members of the public to remain law-abiding and report any suspicious activities to the command’s emergency lines.

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A wave of controversy has erupted across social media after a viral post by an X (formerly Twitter) user, Atikun Sokoto, strongly criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The netizen alleged that, for the first time in Nigeria’s history, foreign airstrikes are being carried out on Nigerian soil, describing the situation as evidence of a “failing administration.”

According to him, the development exposes what he termed gross incompetence in the handling of national security.

In his words, he wrote:

“First time in our history that airstrikes are happening on Nigerian soil because of a failing administration. This Tinubu government has exposed its incompetence, unable to protect citizens and now relying on foreign forces to fight terrorists.”

According to him, foreign military intervention within Nigeria’s undermines the country’s sovereignty and highlights what the critic sees as the government’s inability to independently manage internal security challenges.

While some social media users agreed with Sokoto’s frustration, expressing concern over the state of national security, others argued that international cooperation is sometimes necessary in the global fight against terrorism.

The viral post reflects growing public impatience with Nigeria’s current security framework and an increasing demand for effective, locally driven solutions to the country’s long-standing insurgency challenges.

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The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has accused the state government of imposing restrictions on the use of billboards by the opposition ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

The party, in a statement by the chairman, Tajudeen Lawal on Friday, alleged that the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke had created an uneven playing field for political activities by directing the state’s signage regulatory agency to halt approval for APC campaign billboards in parts of the capital, Osogbo.

Lawal said the directive was targeted at the party and its governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.

According to the statement, “the state government allegedly instructed O’ Signage Agency not to approve the erection or pasting of APC billboards within Osogbo, particularly along the Akoda axis to the Osogbo City Stadium corridor, for a specified period leading to the election.”

The Osun APC chairman, while claiming that the decision amounted to a misuse of incumbency power, added that it was intended to restrict the campaign visibility of the APC candidate.

“The directive is oppressive, unlawful and aimed at stifling opposition activities,” he said.

The APC alleged that the state government had ordered the signage agency to identify owners of existing billboards across Osogbo and compensate them for up to three years per billboard, a move the party described as unusual and politically motivated.

Describing the development as undemocratic, the APC chairman said the party would resist the directive through lawful means.

He stated that the party believed the action was inconsistent with democratic principles and the right of political parties to campaign freely.

Referencing the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, ARCON, formerly known as APCON, the APC noted that the alleged directive was not in line with national advertising regulations governing political communication.

“We want to put all statutory security agencies on notice, including the Police, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to be aware of this development,” Lawal said in the statement.

The APC leadership called on the Adeleke administration to reconsider the alleged policy, urging the government to allow all political parties to operate on equal terms ahead of the election.

The party maintained that its governorship candidate would continue preparations for the poll, insisting that no administrative action would prevent participation in lawful campaign activities across the state.

Efforts to get the spokesperson of the Osun State Governor, Olawale Rasheed, to react to the allegation proved abortive as he was not responding to calls made to his phone number.

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Senator representing Sokoto south senatorial district, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has urged community leaders and residents to resist misinformation capable of fuelling tension following reports of a counterterrorism airstrike involving cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.

In a statement issued on Friday, the former governor of Sokoto state said he had taken note of the reports and was engaging relevant security authorities to obtain full details surrounding the operation.

“I wish to assure the people of Sokoto South that I am in active talks with relevant security authorities to obtain full details and ensure that all necessary safeguards are upheld,” he said.

Tambuwal urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, noting that counterterrorism operations are targeted strictly at criminal and terrorist elements who pose a threat to public safety.

He stressed that innocent civilians, who are often the primary victims of insecurity, must be protected and that the preservation of civilian lives remains paramount in all legitimate security efforts.

The senator commended the courage and professionalism of Nigeria’s military and security forces, saying they continue to work tirelessly, often with international partners, under extremely challenging conditions to combat terrorism and banditry.

“Their sacrifice and commitment to restoring peace and stability deserve our full support and cooperation,” he said.

Tambuwal appealed to community leaders, traditional institutions, and residents to work closely with security agencies by sharing credible information and avoiding rumours capable of heightening fear within communities.

He said unity, vigilance, and support for lawful security operations are essential to overcoming terrorism and securing lasting peace in Sokoto state and across the country.

The lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to keeping constituents informed as more details emerge.

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Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has faulted the Federal Government over what it described as a failure in communication following reports of a United States military strike on terrorists’ assets linked to Nigeria.

This is according to a press statement signed by the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, and dated December 26, 2025.

The party expressed concern that Nigerians first learned of the operation through verified social media accounts of U.S. President Donald Trump and other American officials, before Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued what it called a vague and delayed response.

The PDP said the development raises serious questions about transparency, sovereignty, and the coordination framework governing Nigeria’s security cooperation with foreign partners.

What they are saying 

According to the PDP, the Federal Government only offered a passive confirmation of its awareness and cooperation in the reported U.S. operation several hours after the information had already gone viral globally.

The party argued that this “inverted communication approach,” where foreign governments announce security operations on Nigerian soil before Nigerian authorities do, does not serve the interest of the country or its citizens.

“The Federal Government should have been the first to report the news in order to properly sensitize the Nigerian populace, instead of waiting to confirm news already in public circulation, unless they were taken unawares like the rest of the citizens,” the Party stated.

The PDP added that the situation creates the impression that the government may have been caught unawares, alongside the general public.

Concerns over sovereignty and past operations 

The opposition party also referenced previous reports that the U.S. military had entered and conducted operations in Nigeria without the knowledge or approval of Nigerian authorities.

According to the PDP, this historical context makes the recent communication lapse even more troubling.

The party warned that such patterns could undermine public confidence in the government’s control over national security operations and weaken perceptions of Nigeria’s sovereignty.

• The PDP urged the Federal Government to review and strengthen its defence agreements with the United States to prioritise joint operations.
• According to the statement, such collaboration would promote intelligence sharing, capacity building, and experiential learning for Nigeria’s security forces.
• The party cautioned against reliance on what it described as fully externally led “precision attacks,” arguing that sustainable solutions to insecurity require deeper local involvement and institutional learning.

Backstory 

The Federal Government of Nigeria had on Friday confirmed that it engaged and cooperated with the United States following its military airstrikes against terrorist targets in the country’s North West region.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, titled “Nigeria–United States Security Cooperation and Intelligence Collaboration Hits at Terrorist Targets in Nigeria.” 

This confirmation, however, came hours after President Donald Trump had announced he authorized a “powerful and deadly strike” against an ISIS terrorist base in Northwest Nigeria.

The announcement was made via his Truth Social account, where he stated that the U.S. Department of War executed “numerous perfect strikes” targeting the extremists.

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United States Congressman Riley Moore has said President Donald Trump is determined to bring an end to the killing of Christians in Nigeria, warning that further action could follow if the violence continues.

Moore made the statement on Friday via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, following recent developments in U.S.–Nigeria counterterrorism efforts.

Congressman Riley Moore.

US Nigeria airstrikes

It would be recalled that the United States government had carried out an airstrike in Nigeria on terrorists in Northwest Nigeria.

The reports have stirred mixed views from individuals who have continued to react to it.

Congressman Riley Moore speaks

According to the lawmaker, the recent strike represents an initial step in addressing what he described as the ongoing slaughter of Christians, as well as the wider security crisis affecting Nigerians across religious and ethnic lines.

He cautioned that the resolve of the Trump administration on the issue should not be underestimated, stressing that the operation signals a tougher stance by the United States in support of Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and violent extremism.

Riley Moore warns of further actions

Moore added that additional measures may be taken if the security situation fails to improve.

He said …

“President Trump has been clear that the killing of Christians in Nigeria must end.

As I stated at the outset: Do not test President Trump‘s resolved in this matter. Tonight’s strike in coordination with the Nigerian government is just the first step to ending the slaughter of Christians and the security crisis affecting all Nigerians.”

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Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Following the recent public commentary on the legislative process relating to the passage of Tax law, the presidential assent, and publication in the Official Gazette of the Federal Government, the leadership of the National Assembly has directed the Clerk to re-gazette the Tax Acts and issue Certified True Copies of the versions duly passed by both Chambers.

The Spokesperson of the House, Hon. Akin Rotimi in a statement issued Friday said the recent commentary has raised issues concerning the harmonisation of Bills passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives, the documentation transmitted for Presidential assent, and the versions of the Acts subsequently published in the Official Gazette.

He assured the public that these matters are being addressed strictly within the constitutional and statutory remit of the National Assembly. Rotimi recalled that last week, the House constituted a seven-man Ad Hoc Committee on the matter after an Honourable Member raised it under a Point of Order (Privileges).

The Spokesperson explained that the Ad Hoc Committee, alongside other relevant Committees of the National Assembly, working in collaboration with the Management of the National Assembly, is undertaking an institutional review to establish the sequence of events and to identify any factors that may have contributed to the circumstances surrounding the legislative and administrative handling of the Acts.

Rotimi added that this included a careful examination of any lapses, irregularities, or external interferences, should any be established.

He stressed that the review was being conducted in full conformity with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Acts Authentication Act, Cap. A4, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, the Standing Orders of both Chambers, and established parliamentary practice.

“In the course of this review, and in the interest of clarity, accuracy, and the integrity of the legislative record, the leadership of the National Assembly, under the President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, has directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to re-gazette the Acts and issue Certified True Copies of the versions duly passed by both Chambers of the National Assembly.

“This administrative step is intended solely to authenticate and accurately reflect the legislative decisions of the National Assembly.

“This review is strictly confined to institutional processes and procedures. It does not constitute, imply, or concede any defect in the exercise of legislative authority by the House of Representatives or the Senate.

“It is undertaken without prejudice to the powers, functions, or actions of any other arm or agency of government, and without prejudice to any rights, obligations, or legal processes arising under the Constitution or any other applicable law”

Rotimi emphasised that the National Assembly remained firmly committed to the principles of constitutionalism, separation of powers, due process, and the supremacy of the rule of law.

“Where procedural or administrative refinements are identified, appropriate corrective measures will be taken in accordance with the law and established parliamentary conventions.”

He called on members of the public to respectfully allow the National Assembly’s institutional processes to proceed without speculation or conjecture.

Rotimi maintained that the leadership of the House remained committed to transparency, accountability, and the faithful discharge of its constitutional responsibility as custodian of the legislative authority of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has boosted morale of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) frontline troops by celebrating Christmas and sharing luncheons across operational theatres.

The Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

Ejodame said the Christmas Day engagement was aimed at boosting morale and recognising the sacrifices of officers, airmen and airwomen who remained on duty during the festive season.

According to him, the CAS personally interacted with frontline personnel, commending their courage, professionalism and unwavering commitment to national security.

“In a coordinated demonstration of inclusive leadership, similar engagements were simultaneously held across all operational locations, including Kainji, Katsina, Maiduguri, Port Harcourt, Makurdi, Kaduna and Enugu.

“At each location, the CAS’s Christmas goodwill message was delivered while luncheons were hosted for troops deployed within the respective areas of responsibility,” he said.

In his remarks, Aneke described the troops as the pride of the nation, saying that while others celebrated with their families, troops remained steadfast at their posts, ensuring that Nigerians could celebrate in peace and safety.

He said that celebrating Christmas at the frontlines was a powerful symbol of patriotism, duty and selfless service, noting that the sacrifices of NAF personnel continued to inspire national confidence.

Aneke reaffirmed the operational importance of their vigilance during the festive period.

“Your vigilance during this season sends a clear message that the Nigerian Air Force remains alert, resolute and fully committed to denying criminal elements any respite, regardless of the time or season,” he said.

The CAS added that the dedication of frontline troops continued to reassure Nigerians and strengthen confidence in ongoing security efforts nationwide.

He reiterated his command philosophy and emphasised that troop welfare remained central to mission success, assuring personnel of sustained support.

According to him, operational effectiveness is sustained by motivated and well-supported personnel, pledging continued improvement in living conditions, logistics support, medical care and welfare initiatives to enhance morale and combat readiness.

According to Ejodame, the Christmas Day engagements were met with positive responses from the troops, who expressed appreciation for the CAS’s gesture, describing it as a morale booster and a reminder that their sacrifices were recognised at the highest levels of command.

(NAN)

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By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The leadership of the tribal groups in Benue State has commended President Donald Trump for commencing air strikes in the North West of Nigeria to eliminate the terrorists groups operating in that part of the country.

They lauded the American President for keeping to his words and appealed to him to extend the action to the North East and North Central to ensure complete elimination of the terrorist groups attacking and killing Nigerians Christians as well as Muslims.

The Chairman of the tribal leaders and President General of Mzough U Tiv, MUT, worldwide, Chief Iorbee Ihagh who was reacting to the development said he had already written a letter to the American Presidnet to commend him for taking the bold step to end the genocide of Christians in the country.

Chief Ihagh recalled that he had in the past appealed to the American President to step in and help put an end to the killings in the country.

“So it is a welcome development. All we are urging the American Presidnet is that the strikes should be sustained and it should be decisive.

“We also urge that it should be extended to the North East and the North Central or Middle Belt where we have suffered unimaginable attacks and killings by these terrorist groups.

“Benue State in particular has suffered unimaginable level of killings forcing hundreds of thousands of our people into Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, camps,” he said.

Beyond military action, Chief Ihagh also appealed to the American government to take the action a step further by looking into the humanitarian crisis in Benue state and provide support that would help the displaced persons return back to their ancestral land some of which he said had been taken over by terrorist herdsmen.

According to him, “We have a huge humanitarian crisis in Benue as we speak and this was occasioned by the relentless attacks of our communities by these terrorist groups who masquerade as herdsmen.

“We appeal to the American government to take their action a little further by coming in to help and assist our people gain access to their ancestral homes that have been taken over by the terrorists.

“As I speak with you, my home, Moon in Kwande Local Government Area, LGA, was sacked by the terrorists who are currently occupying the entire Council Ward. So I am speaking as a victim and I know and feel the pain with my people.

“I personally thank American for coming in to do this. I have already written the American President to commended him and we hope and pray that this intervention will finally give us peace in Nigeria and Benue State in particular so that our people can return to their farms in their ancestral land.”

The post Benue leaders praise Trump’s air strikes, urge expansion to North-East, North-Central appeared first on Vanguard News.

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The Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, has said foreign military intervention, including possible United States airstrikes, could be justified in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism only if the correct criminal targets were identified and eliminated.

Speaking at the ARISE News television on Friday, Rafsanjani blamed Nigeria’s worsening insecurity on long-standing failure to implement genuine security sector reforms and deep-rooted corruption within the security architecture.

“It is worth it if you are actually getting the right target. If you are getting the right criminal, eliminate them, destroy them. It is the right decision,” Rafsanjani said, when asked whether foreign military support was acceptable.
Rafsanjani argued that the United States does not necessarily need Nigeria’s consent before taking security actions it deems necessary, describing claims to the contrary as unrealistic.

“America, the way it is, they don’t need approval of Nigeria to do what they want to do,” he said. “When Trump was issuing his tweet, what facts are you looking for before issuing it?”

The CISLAC executive director maintained that Nigeria’s insecurity is largely self-inflicted, accusing successive administrations from Goodluck Jonathan to Muhammadu Buhari and now Bola Tinubu of failing to prioritise reforms.

“They have not actually prioritised security sector reforms in this country to deal decisively with insecurity,” he said.

“We have provided evidence that security sector corruption is a major reason why we are where we are today.”

He cited the continued deployment of police officers to protect political elites despite presidential directives to withdraw them from VIP duties.

“Even when the president gives a directive, nothing happens. Go to Kano today, you will still see about 20 policemen guarding an emir,” he said. “That shows we are not serious.”

Rafsanjani alleged that insecurity in Nigeria is sometimes deliberately sustained for political gain, calling for accountability across security agencies.

“Artificial insecurity is being created to serve political interests,” he said. “People who commit atrocities must be arrested, prosecuted and convicted, no matter how highly placed they are.”

He also criticised international figures who comment on Nigeria’s security challenges, singling out Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “This is somebody who has been killing and bombing Christians in Gaza, churches inclusive, yet he now has the courage to talk about killings in Nigeria,” Rafsanjani said. “If we had the right leadership, they would have responded to him.”

Rejecting claims that decisive military action could spark ethnic or religious backlash, Rafsanjani insisted Nigerians across faiths are victims of terrorism.

“Muslims are being killed and harassed every day by the same criminals,” he said. “This conversation should be about human life, not religion or geography.”

He urged President Tinubu to act decisively without fear of political narratives. “The constitution mandates the president to act irrespective of identity,” he said. “We should join hands to defeat criminals.”

Rafsanjani reaffirmed that any intervention, local or foreign must prioritise accuracy, accountability and protection of innocent lives, as Nigeria prepares to confront insecurity heading into 2026.

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