NIGERIA NEWS
FG Raises Alarm, Reveals What’s Funding Terrorism in Nigeria
The Federal Government has raised serious concern over the growing link between kidnapping and terrorist financing across the country.
Officials say kidnapping, which many once viewed as a random criminal act, has now grown into a major financial engine for violent groups operating in Nigeria.
This warning was issued on Wednesday in Abuja during a Stakeholders Workshop organised for the Multi-Agency Kidnap Fusion Cell.
The National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, explained that kidnapping has now become one of the most reliable revenue channels for criminal and extremist groups.
He stated that ransom payments have empowered these networks to purchase arms, strengthen their logistics, and sustain coordinated attacks across several regions.
According to him, “As we are all aware, Nigeria continues to grapple with a broad spectrum of security challenges driven by terrorism, banditry, separatist violence, and farmer-herder clashes. A common trend across these threats is the pervasive use of kidnapping.”
Maj. Gen. Laka noted that what used to be a crime of opportunity has now transformed into a sophisticated and lucrative enterprise.
He added that this shift has allowed criminal groups to deepen their influence in rural and semi-urban areas, with some gaining enough resources to challenge state authority.
“What was once an opportunistic crime has become a persistent and destabilising enterprise, enabling these groups to procure logistics, perpetuate terror, and, in some cases, exert territorial control,” he said.
Laka explained that concerns over worsening kidnapping cases prompted Nigeria and the United Kingdom to jointly establish the Multi-Agency Kidnap Fusion Cell housed at the NCTC.
The centre, inaugurated by the National Security Adviser on 19 December 2024, was created to improve intelligence sharing, operational coordination, and rapid response across security agencies.
He highlighted that since it began operations, the Cell has brought together the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, and law enforcement units to track syndicates, disrupt planned abductions, and rescue victims.
He said analysts working within the Cell have successfully produced intelligence that led to arrests, dismantling of kidnap networks, and recovery of hostages in multiple states.
To improve its reach, the NCTC also conducted a nationwide expansion programme in July 2025, involving Anti-Kidnap Commanders of the Nigeria Police Force and operatives of the Department of State Services from all 36 states and the FCT.
However, despite the recorded gains, Laka stressed that the current security environment requires wider collaboration.
He said the anti-kidnap framework can only be fully effective when supported by media organisations, telecom operators, and social media platforms.
Laka urged participants at the workshop to develop practical solutions that can boost rescues, weaken kidnapping rings, and enhance early-warning systems for communities.
He also emphasised the need for constant synergy with the Fusion Cell to support ongoing operations across the country.
Also speaking, the Acting High Commissioner of the British High Commission, Gill Lever, commended the progress recorded by the centre.
She said the UK government is impressed with the impact of the Fusion Cell and remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and kidnapping.
Head of the UK’s National Crime Agency, Chris Gibson, also stressed the need for strong cooperation among all agencies.
He advised Nigerians to continue backing the government’s counter-kidnap initiatives, reminding citizens that “anti-kidnapping is a responsibility of every citizen.”
Kidnapping remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing security threats, with criminal groups increasingly relying on ransom payments to sustain their operations.
The government is banking on stronger intelligence fusion, international partnerships, and a multi-layered response system to curb the menace.
Journalists in Taraba State have been urged to intensify efforts in countering misinformation and myths that could undermine the forthcoming Subnational Immunization Plus Days (SIPDs), scheduled to take place from December 13 to 16, 2025.
The exercise, which will be carried out across all 19 northern states, as well as Lagos and Oyo, targets children aged 0 to 59 months in an effort to strengthen immunity against polio.
During a one-day mobilization dialogue held Thursday for journalists, reporters, and social media influencers, in Jalingo, the state capital, the Taraba State Primary Health Care Development Agency, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, called for strong media engagement to ensure widespread public awareness.
Officials from UNICEF and the agency stated that all necessary arrangements had been finalized to ensure a smooth and successful campaign.
They further revealed that additional routine immunizations would be administered alongside the polio vaccine.
The organizers confirmed that sufficient vaccine supplies have been secured and that the exercise will cover every ward, village, and community across the 16 local government areas and the two Special Development Areas in the state.
Parents and caregivers were encouraged to make their eligible children available for vaccination. However, officials clarified that children who are ill would not be vaccinated until they fully recover.
A two-day mop-up exercise, as announced by them, will as well take place after the main campaign to reach children who were not vaccinated initially and to address any cases of non-compliance.
NIGERIA NEWS
‘People Don’t Have Ideology In Nigeria Politics, Just After Their Stomach Infrastructure’ – Modibbo
A Political affairs analyst, Ibrahim Modibbo, has said that politics in Nigeria today is focused on stomach infrastructure and not ideology.
Naija News reports that Modibbo made this statement on Thursday during an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ Programme.
He lamented that Nigeria is moving from the sublime to mediocrity and iniquity, stressing that citizens have to open the corridors of political inclusion.
Modibbo added that the country is in a state of despondency, with a rash display of political rascality.
He said, “Nigeria is under no illusion as to mirror the problems confronting this country politically. As a scholar of development communication, I can tell you free of charge that Nigeria today is moving from sublime to being run by mediocrity and iniquity rule within our political system.
“There’s a need for us to open the spectrum to broaden the corridors of political inclusion and the virtues associated with opposition.
“Nigeria’s politics today is that of stomach infrastructure and not of ideology unlike the ones we had in 1979. We saw people of character and characterisation. People that knew politics and the onions of political permutations in this country.
“But sadly today, we are in the state of despondency, where we see ravish display of political rascality, where people don’t have ideology but are just after their stomach infrastructure. It’s so sad.”
© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]
The immediate past Minister of Labour and former Governor of Anambra State, Chris Ngige, will on Friday be arraigned at the FCT High Court in Gwarimpa, Abuja.
New Telegraph reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed eight-count charges against the former Minister on Thursday.
In the charge dated Oct 31st and filed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Sylvanus Tahir and five other lawyers on behalf of the EFCC, the anti-graft agency alleged that Ngige used his position as a former minister to confer undue advantage by awarding different contracts to his associates and different companies believed to be owned by him.
In count 1, the former minister, between September 2015 and May 2023, while being the supervising Minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), used his position to confer an unfair advantage upon Cezimo Nigeria Limited, a company whose MD/CEO and alter ego, Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, is believed to be his associate.
He allegedly awarded seven different contracts for consultancy, training and supply by the NSITF to the said company to the tune of ₦366,470,920.68 (Three Hundred and Sixty Six Million, Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand, Nine Hundred and Twenty Naira and Sixty Eight Kobo) and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Other companies mentioned in the charge are Zitacom Nigeria Limited, a company whose MD/CEO and alter ego, Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles was awarded of eight different contracts for supply, training and consultancy, with the NSITF to the tune of ₦583,682,686.00 (Five Hundred and Eighty Three Million, Six Hundred and Eighty Two Thousand, Six Hundred and Eighty Six Naira and Jeff & Xris Limited, a company whose MD/CEO and alter ego, Nwosu Jideofor Chukwunwike also got eight different contracts to the tune of ₦362,043,163.16 (Three Hundred and Sixty Two Million, Forty Three Thousand, One Hundred and Sixty Three Naira and Sixteen Kobo).
Others are Olde English Consolidated Limited, a company whose MD/CEO, Uzoma Igbonwa got the award of four different contracts for consultancy, training and construction by the NSITF to the tune of ₦668,138,141.00 (Six Hundred and Sixty Eight Million, One Hundred and Thirty Eight Thousand, One Hundred and Forty One Naira) and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, a company whose MD/CEO and alter ego, Uzoma Igbonwa got the award of four different contracts to the tune of ₦161,604,625.00 (One Hundred and Sixty One Million, Six Hundred and Four Thousand, Six Hundred and Twenty Five Naira.
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Nigeria and Benin have stressed the need to overhaul the ECOWAS Standby Force to safeguard democratic transition in the sub-region.
Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, and his Beninese counterpart, Olushegun Bakari, made this known at a ministerial briefing in Abuja.
The briefing was held on the sidelines of the 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, which runs from 10 to 12 December.
Both ministers spoke against the backdrop of the recent thwarted coup in Benin, urging sustained regional cooperation to protect democracy across ECOWAS states.
Mr Tuggar said, “Democratic institutions survive when neighbouring states maintain open channels of communication. We all saw what happened in Benin and the swift reaction.
“The coordination that ensured democracy remained intact in Benin is an example of what should occur whenever democracy is threatened in our region.”
He said the response succeeded due to early communication, rapid action and the involvement of colleagues who helped avert an unconstitutional change of government.
Mr Tuggar added, “The speed of officials like Minister Bakari, and the quick involvement of both presidents, made the decisive difference.”
He emphasised the need for ECOWAS members to pay dues regularly to strengthen the standby force and support regional stability.
Mr Bakari thanked President Bola Tinubu and the presidents of Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone and Ghana for their prompt support during the crisis.
READ ALSO: West Africa is in a state of emergency – ECOWAS President
He said normalcy returned to Benin due to swift intervention, which allowed the government to defend its democracy and deepen cooperation with neighbours.
“Beninese loyalist forces repelled the initial assault, but the situation required careful handling to avoid needless civilian casualties.
“We sought support not because our army was incapable, but because President Patrice Talon wanted to prevent heavy loss of life,” he said.
Mr Bakari said the Benin army repelled the coup attempt, but the risk of major casualties required a coordinated regional response.
(NAN)
The President of women in politics forum, Ebere Ifendu, has described as very embarrassing the gale of defections of Nigerian governors into the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television monitored by DAILY POST on Thursday, Ifendu raised the alarm that Nigeria’s democracy is under threat.
She was reacting to the gale of defections by some state governors from their own political parties into the APC.
DAILY POST reports that the governors of Enugu, Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers and Akwa-Ibom states have all defected to the ruling party.
Reacting, Ifendu said, “It’s an embarrassing situation if I must be honest with you. In politics, we expect that political parties have different ideologies. It’s either you’re a socialist political party like you find in the Labour Party or you are a conservative political party. There must be an ideology.
“And so when you see these people move from one party to the other, you begin to wonder, is it that political parties in Nigeria are not built with ideology? Because when we vote for a political party, we vote based on those things that we believe that the political party is presenting before us.
“And I think that democracy in Nigeria is threatened because people no longer believe in the people they have voted for.
“Let me also say here that a candidate of a political party is carrying the mandate of the party, and not the person’s personal mandate, and so you get elected based on what your party presented, and then you just dump that party to go to another political party. Are we turning to a one party state in Nigeria?
“If there is no opposition, then there is no democracy. So I think it’s very wrong seeing what is happening in Nigeria today.”
Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, says he is deeply shaken by the death of Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, deputy governor of Bayelsa state.
Saraki said Ewhrudjakpo’s career in public service showed a man committed to the development of his state.
He said the late deputy governor was widely regarded as a workaholic and a technocrat who brought intellectual rigour to governance.
Saraki described Ewhrudjakpo as “a stabiliser and loyal ally” to Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa.
His words: “To lose such a capable hand—a stabiliser and loyal ally — is a devastating blow to my brother, Governor Duoye Diri, and the entire Bayelsa State Government.
“As we mourn his passing, I extend my most heartfelt condolences to Governor Diri, the Ewhrudjakpo family, and the good people of Bayelsa State. I pray that the Almighty grants them the fortitude to bear this painful and irreparable loss.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo, who reportedly collapsed and passed away earlier today.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, MNIPR, the party described Senator Ewhrudjakpo as a “trusted and faithful party man” and a “hero of political integrity.”
The statement noted that the news of his passing has thrown the PDP National Working Committee, led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, as well as the party’s members—particularly those in Bayelsa State, into deep shock and mourning.
“Senator Ewhrudjakpo was an honest and consistent politician who believed in and practised politics with principle,” the statement read. “He was a man of conviction rather than convenience; a leader whose life was defined by belief, integrity, and strength of character, virtues he upheld until his final moments.”
The PDP extended its heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Bayelsa State, describing the loss as “painful and irreparable,” and prayed for the repose of his soul.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo’s passing is regarded as a major loss to both the party and the state, given his reputation for principled leadership and dedicated public service.
NIGERIA NEWS
Traveler expresses shock after landing to complete darkness at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos
A Nigerian traveller sparked conversation online after sharing his harrowing experience landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, only to find the facility plunged into total darkness.
Total darkness at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The post, which quickly went viral, captured the moment of surprise and frustration as the passenger struggled to navigate the airport without any power.
In his social media post, he recounted the unexpected blackout and expressed disbelief at the lack of preparedness, highlighting how even in a major African hub, basic amenities like lighting and backup systems could fail.
Reactions poured in from social media users, with some offering humorous takes while others criticised the airport’s management.
Social media reactions
@Wove…: “Everything is possible in Nigeria”
@Engrvirus1: “Na Lunar energy na why”
@Manchi_De_Great: “You should be grateful to God you’re not in the middle of nowhere.”
@Softaesthetics6: “Nigeria the best country in Africa”
@DjLucianovibe: “Nigeria”
@018Salama: “Not even a backup generator?”
Travel experts and frequent flyers have weighed in, calling on airport authorities to prioritise reliable power solutions and contingency planning.
While Murtala Muhammed International Airport remains one of Africa’s busiest aviation hubs, travellers say such incidents highlight the need for consistent maintenance, emergency preparedness, and better communication to ensure passenger safety and convenience.
Watch the video below…
Traveler expresses sh0ck after landing to complete darkness at Murtala Muhammed International Airport pic.twitter.com/I75mOlfWeO
— TENIOLA (@Teeniiola) December 11, 2025
The national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Tanimu Turaki, has said the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister Nyesom Wike is still his friend regardless of the fact that he and his loyalists have been expelled from the party.
Turaki, in an interview on the Nigeria Right Now Show hosted by Dickson Iregbu, said he does not deny his friends.
The PDP chairman also said the party has set up a legal team to reclaim the 16 state assembly seats in Rivers State.
He added that as much as the Rivers and Osun governors have an inalienable right to defect from PDP, they should have considered the moral implications, adding that those they are going to meet in the new party would be mindful of their character.
Commenting on the activities of the Wike-led camp, Turaki said, “For me, I honestly don’t like speaking about personalities. But the situation that we have found ourselves in now and relative to the question is such that I would have to take exceptions to that. Now, my friend and very good friend Barr Nyesom Wike…. He is my friend. I don’t deny my friends. He has been my colleague, he has been a very good friend but he is no longer a member of the PDP.”
He added that their expulsion from the party can only be overturned by God, adding that the highest organ of the party, national convention, took the decision to expel them from the party.
He said it’s unfortunate that the expelled persons choose to hallucinate and deceive others over their expulsion.
You can’t break the rules of the union and you continue to say you must be a member. Things are not done that way in a decent society. And PDP is a decent organisation,” he said.
On the defection of Rivers and Osun State governors, he said they have the inalienable right to leave the party but that there should be moral considerations.
He said the PDP has done so much for them, adding that leaving the party with ignominy and impunity and that the people they are going to meet will be mindful of the character.
He however said the exit of governors won’t affect the party, adding that it draws its strength from the people.
Reacting specifically to Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, the PDP chairman said the APC instigated the crisis in the state, using an APC serving minister to create problems for PDP.
He however expressed regret that the governor eventually ran to the same party that caused the crisis.
Noting that the party will reclaim the legislative seats in Rivers, Turaki, “We have raised a legal team to challenge the seat of the 16 members who defected last week in Rivers State.”
The party chairman admitted that the party made mistakes in the past and said, “We have learnt our lessons. We have made mistakes. I have said this right from the Ibadan convention. This is a new sheriff in town. We will take the party back to the people.”
He said the party has gone to court to seek the reopening of the party’s sealed national secretariat.
The party chairman, who recounted the events that led to sealing of the secretariat, said he expected the police to have done better.
Reacting to speculations of former President Goodluck Jonathan and former presidential candidate Peter Obi’s return to get the PDP presidential ticket in 2027, Turaki maintained that the people will decide.
He however said he has been in touch with Jonathan and Obi, adding that the party has an array of qualified aspirants who can do the job.
Transport fares from Lagos to the South-Eastern states have begun rising ahead of the annual Christmas migration, with operators warning that prices will continue to increase sharply from December 18 as demand peaks.
A Nairametrics market survey across major Lagos parks shows current fares ranging from N25,500 to N73,500, depending on destination and vehicle type, with projections indicating a 20%–30% increase during the peak travel period.
The South-East—covering Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Abia—remains one of the busiest outbound corridors from Lagos during the festive season as travellers return home for family visits, social events, and cultural ceremonies.
Current fares across major parks
A pricing review conducted in Jibowu, Mile 2, Iyana Ipaja, and Ikorodu Garage, complemented by online checks, shows the following fares for 15-seater and 7-seater buses as of December 11, 2025:
Notes:
- Lower fare ranges are generally offered by smaller transport companies without AC or extensive branch networks.
- Higher fare ranges are provided by leading operators offering AC, bus TV, padded and well-spaced seats, and scheduled departures.
What to expect during the peak period
Fares from Lagos to the South-East are expected to rise as the peak festive period approaches, typically starting around December 18. A ticketing clerk at Peace Mass Transit, Ikorodu Garage Terminal, explained that price increases are gradual, usually by N1,000 to N1,500 at a time, until they reach the peak range.
For example, in December 2024, the average fare for a 15-seater bus from Lagos to the South-Eastern states, which normally charged about N32,000, settled around N41,500, according to the experience of a ticketing clerk for a transport company operating out of Mile 2.
Based on historical trends and insights from transport operators, fares during the peak period from around December 18 onwards are expected to increase by 20% to 30% and would remain at these levels until the second or third week of January.
For 15-seater buses, the lower end of fares could rise to around N30,600, while the upper end could reach N67,600. For 7-seater buses, the lower end could be about N55,000, with the upper end reaching around N93,600 for larger, more comfortable vehicles where departures run on schedule. For top 15-seater companies, fares are expected to range between N54,000 and N67,600.
Factors driving fare increases
The sharp rise in fares during the festive season is driven primarily by the economics of demand and supply. With many people competing for a limited number of seats, transport companies adjust prices to balance high demand with the available capacity of vehicles, ensuring operations remain profitable.
Return trips to Lagos from the South-East often operate under capacity during this period. A park manager of a mid-level transportation company at Iyana Ipaja told Nairametrics,
“When buses return from the East, they often carry very few passengers. The high fares during this period help offset the cost of running nearly empty trips.”
Operators across several parks confirmed this trend.
Operational costs further contribute to fare increases. The hot weather during December accelerates wear and tear on vehicles, particularly tyres, which cost around N40,000 each for second-hand replacements. A staff member of a transport company at Ojota who chose to remain anonymous said, “We often have to replace multiple tyres in December because of the harsh conditions, and this adds to our expenses.”
Fuel is another significant factor. A 7-seater bus cannot complete a Lagos–South-East trip on a single full tank of 130 litres and must refuel after leaving Lagos. Prices in towns east of Lagos often exceed N1,000 per litre, compared with N880–N900 per litre in Lagos, adding to operational costs.
Chibuike Amadi, a manager of a Jibowu-based transportation company with a fleet of 7-seater vehicles, told Nairametrics, “Refuelling after Lagos is unavoidable, and the higher fuel prices in the East add to our costs, which is one of the factors contributing to higher fares during December.”
Alternatives to road transport to the South-East
Options beyond road travel are limited. There are currently no rail services connecting Lagos to the five South-Eastern states — Imo, Anambra, Ebonyi, Abia, and Enugu — leaving air travel as the main alternative.
Meanwhile, airfares this December have surged by 200% to over 300%, with tickets from Lagos to cities like Enugu, Owerri, and Aba exceeding N350,000. This spike, which occurs every festive season, is driven by late bookings and high demand. Airlines also use a “bucket” pricing system, where early buyers pay less while prices rise as flights fill.
Structural factors add to costs. With only 0.02% of the population flying, Nigerian airlines cannot achieve economies of scale. Limited aircraft, a weak naira, high fuel costs, and multiple aviation charges further push fares up.
Given this, road transport remains the most accessible and practical option. Buses and smaller vehicles provide affordable, flexible travel with scheduled departures and varied comfort levels, making them the backbone of inter-state journeys from Lagos to the South-East.
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