The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested three masquerades for allegedly inflicting life-threatening injuries on several persons during a cultural celebration in the state.
The suspects, whose identities were withheld, were paraded on Monday at the Command’s headquarters in Uyo by the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammad Azare.
CP Azare said the arrests were made in Eket Local Government Area during the Ekid Day celebration held on Saturday.
He disclosed that victims injured by the masquerades are currently receiving medical treatment at undisclosed hospitals across the state.
According to the police commissioner, the actions of the suspects violated a recent executive order issued by Governor Umo Eno, which prohibits masquerades from operating on public streets without prior approval and police supervision.
“The Command is fully complying with the Executive Order of the Akwa Ibom State Government restricting masquerade activities to approved locations with mandatory police permission and security coverage,” CP Azare said. “This measure has significantly reduced violence and disorder.”
While giving an overview of the Command’s performance in 2025, the police boss revealed that officers recovered 179 assorted arms and 323 rounds of ammunition within the year.
He added that 563 suspects were arrested for various offences and subsequently charged to court, while 14 stolen vehicles were recovered and returned to their rightful owners.
CP Azare further disclosed that 74 victims of human trafficking were rescued and reunited with their families, while 10 kidnapped victims were successfully freed.
According to him, the Command also secured 33 convictions in 2025, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of residents across Akwa Ibom State.
…state to review the minimum age limit for boarding schools
…Church, School to address errors in figures – Bago
The remaining 130 abducted children and teachers of St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, have been handed over to the Niger State Government, bringing relief to families and the wider community ahead of the Christmas season.
Speaking to journalists after the handover, Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed, said discrepancies surrounding the initial figures reported would be clarified by the school authorities and the Catholic Church.
He explained that security agencies had earlier worked with a total figure of about 230 abductees, including teachers.
“The information available to the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Department of State Services was that there were about 230 persons involved, including teachers. Now we have been able to get them back,” the governor said. “I don’t want us to dwell on the numbers. I’m sure the church and the school understand where the errors came from. Panic at the initial stage could have contributed to the confusion.”
The governor said the successful release of the remaining abductees would allow parents to reunite with their children and celebrate Christmas in joy. “We are hopeful that we will reunite these people with their families immediately, by the grace of God, so they can celebrate Christmas together,” he said.
When asked whether ransom was paid to secure the release of the children, the governor declined to comment, insisting that such details were not for public discussion.
“I don’t think it is fair to the system or to the government to ask whether money was paid or not. The most important thing is that these children were recovered unharmed. How it was done is for us to know,” he stated.
Governor Mohammed also expressed concern over what he described as irresponsible parenting, particularly the practice of sending very young children to boarding schools.
He said the state would no longer condone the boarding of underage children and would review the operations of schools engaged in such practices.
“It is very irresponsible for parents to put children of two or three years old in boarding facilities,” he said. “What we have seen here is deeply touching. Seeing children as young as two years old in captivity is unbearable. These issues will be reviewed, not just in this school but across others operating in this manner.”
The governor said the sight of the children underscored the trauma they endured in captivity, but expressed gratitude that they were rescued alive. He thanked God for their safe return, noting that the ordeal was “scary and heartbreaking.”
He added that arrangements were already underway to reunite the children with their parents, stating that they would first undergo medical examinations. According to him, the handover process to families is expected to be completed by the following day.
He appreciated the President, the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Service, the Nigerian Army, and everybody for their support, saying that this would not have been possible without everybody’s hands on deck.
The Governor said that the rescue of the children is unprecedented in the history of Nigeria, as it is rarely possible that a large number of people were abducted and rescued unhurt, “it has never happened like this in Nigeria, for you to get everybody back unhurt.”
The representative of the National Security Adviser (NSA) who is the Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Center, Adamu Garba Laka said that the rescue was due to the sustained efforts of the Department of State Services and the General Officer Commanding two Division, the Nigerian Army, with the guidance of the Chief of Army Staff, played a significant role in ensuring the success of this operation.
“It is with profound humility and a deep sense of duty that I am here on behalf of the National Security Advisor to formally announce the rescue and formally handover the remaining 130 victims, both teachers and students of St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, Aguara Local Government Area, who were abducted on the 21st of November 2025.
“This rescue was a result of the directive of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and intense and coordinated operations by the National Security Advisor in conjunction with the Department of State Services, the Armed Forces, the Nigerian Police, other security agencies and international partners, which has yielded another landmark achievement of rescuing the victims unhurt.
He then reaffirmed the commitment of the Office of the National Security Advisor to the security of every Nigerian, adding that they will continue to lead and coordinate measures to protect communities and institutions across the country.
“We are implementing immediate short-term protective measures in high-risk areas while concurrently working with state governments, traditional and religious leaders to develop lasting community-based security solutions. For education, it must not be a casualty of violence. We will continue to pursue policies and operations to restore confidence, reopen schools safely, and ensure that the right of every Nigerian child to learn in safety is upheld.”
The children arrived at the Niger state Government at about 3.35 pm amid tight security. They arrived in six white buses with security armoured vehicles at the back and the front. They were received by the state Governor before they were moved into the hall for the handover ceremony.
The released students and teachers were under tight security by the officials of the DSS, as they were not allowed to speak to anyone apart from the security personnel. Moves made by journalists to speak to the children and teachers were rebuffed by the security agents.
No parents of the released abducted children were on the ground to see the children, despite information about their rescue had gone out since Sunday night.
The Proprietor of St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, who is also the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Reverend Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, was also not on ground to receive the children; he was represented by the state CAN Vice Chairman.
Former presidential candidate and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential hopeful, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has intensified consultations ahead of the 2027 general election, holding separate high-level meetings with former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd.).
The closed-door meetings, held on Monday, are part of Dr. Hashim’s ongoing nationwide engagements with elder statesmen and key national figures to discuss the future direction of Nigeria.
Sources familiar with the consultations said Dr. Hashim assured both former leaders of his capacity to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges, rebuild national unity, stabilise the polity, and restore economic prosperity. He reportedly stressed that Nigeria urgently needs purposeful, inclusive, and unifying leadership to avert deeper national fractures.
Both Obasanjo and Babangida, though non-partisan, are widely regarded as influential elder statesmen who remain deeply invested in Nigeria’s unity and stability, having played defining roles in the country’s political and military history.
Dr. Hashim arrived at President Obasanjo’s residence in Abeokuta at about 11:00 a.m. and departed roughly an hour later. He subsequently travelled to Minna, where he met with General Babangida aboard a Hawker 800 jet with registration number 5N-BZP.
During the Minna meeting, Dr. Hashim reportedly appealed to Babangida’s historic role in preserving Nigeria’s unity, referencing the sacrifices made during the civil war.
“General, you still carry in your body the wounds of the war fought to keep Nigeria one. Many of your colleagues were not fortunate to survive that struggle. If Nigeria is allowed to disintegrate today through incompetent leadership, then the sacrifices of patriots like you would have been wasted,” Hashim was quoted as saying.
He emphasised that the 2027 election must be centred on national rescue, warning that continued leadership failure could further endanger the country’s cohesion and stability.
Dr. Hashim was accompanied on the visits by the Chairman of the North Central Renaissance Movement, Professor Nghargbu K’tsɔ, as well as other aides.
Political observers view the consultations as a strategic move by Dr. Hashim to position himself as a national consensus-building figure ahead of what is expected to be a highly consequential 2027 presidential election.
…Petrochemical plant, modular refinery sited at Sunshine FTZ
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has approved the establishment of a College of Nursing Sciences at Kofawe in Ilaje Local Government Area, one of the state’s coastal communities.
The approval was granted by the State Executive Council, marking a significant boost to healthcare training and educational infrastructure in the riverine axis of the state.
Governor Aiyedatiwa disclosed this at the weekend during his thank-you tour of Ilaje, where he was warmly received by residents.
He said the construction of the college would commence next year at its permanent site, adding that land had already been acquired by the state government for the project.
The governor assured residents that more developmental initiatives were in the pipeline, announcing that the operating licence for the Ondo Deep Sea Port had just been revalidated, describing it as a major economic milestone for the state.
He listed several ongoing and planned projects in Ilaje LGA, describing the coastal council as a uniquely endowed part of Nigeria with vast economic opportunities.
Aiyedatiwa said the deep-sea port was only one of several transformative projects lined up for the area, disclosing that a fertiliser and petrochemical plant was also underway, with the state government having signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the promoters.
He further revealed plans for a 500,000-barrel-per-day modular refinery, expressing optimism that the project would significantly stimulate the local economy.
According to him, the deep-sea port, petrochemical plant, and modular refinery would all be sited along the same axis within the Sunshine Free Trade Zone in Ilaje Kingdom.
The governor also announced that the contract for the development of the Araromi seaside corridor for tourism had been signed, describing the project as part of efforts to unlock the tourism potential of the coastal belt.
“All these projects I have mentioned, aside from other interventions, have been started in Ilaje Local Government,” he said, adding that more contracts would be awarded in the coming year, including the Agerige–Zion Pepe road.
He urged residents to visit various project sites to see ongoing developments, citing road construction along the corridor and the concrete walkways being built in riverine communities.
On federal interventions, Aiyedatiwa spoke on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway being executed under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that construction of the Ondo State section linking the state to Ogun had commenced.
He said work had started from Ebute-Pare towards Ogun State, explaining that the highway would connect Ondo State through Ilaje to Lagos, Nigeria’s largest market.
According to him, the project would reduce travel time from the area to Lagos to about 35 minutes upon completion.
The governor lauded the residents and supporters for their contributions to the success of his administration and urged them to take a greater interest in governance.
He encouraged the people to voice concerns in areas requiring attention, assuring them that the government would listen and intervene where necessary.
Earlier, the APC Chairman in Ilaje Local Government, Hon. Raphael Adegboye, commended the governor, saying the pace of development in the state deserved commendation.
Northern Stakeholders Consultative Initiative (NSCI) has commended the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, for their strategic collaboration, which led to the arrest of notorious bandit kingpin and arms dealer, Bako Wurgi.
In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by its Convener, Yerima Shettima, the group described the capture of Wurgi as a breakthrough in Nigeria’s fight against banditry and terrorism, particularly in the North West region.
NSCI noted that the successful operation reflects the growing effectiveness of intelligence-led and coordinated security efforts under the current defence leadership, stressing that the development has renewed public confidence in the capacity of the armed forces to restore peace and stability
According to the statement, General Musa’s leadership has strengthened military operations through improved intelligence gathering, inter-agency cooperation, and community engagement, which have collectively weakened criminal networks operating across affected states.
The group also acknowledged the role of Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, noting that his approach to security goes beyond military action to include socio-economic interventions aimed at addressing the root causes of banditry.
“Matawalle’s emphasis on dialogue, alternative livelihoods, and community inclusion has complemented kinetic operations, helping to reduce local support for criminal elements,” the statement said.
NSCI described Bako Wurgi as a central figure in the banditry ecosystem, whose arrest is expected to disrupt arms supply chains and criminal coordination in the region.
The group further noted that Wurgi’s reported links to other notorious bandit leaders underscore the importance of sustained pressure on criminal networks.
The organisation called on the federal and state governments to continue providing adequate support, logistics, and intelligence to security agencies to consolidate recent gains. It also urged citizens to cooperate with authorities by reporting suspicious activities.
While celebrating the success, NSCI cautioned that the fight against insecurity remains ongoing, stressing the need for long-term strategies focused on education, economic empowerment, and social cohesion to prevent the recruitment of vulnerable youths into criminal groups.
“The capture of Bako Wurgi is a significant milestone, but it must be followed by sustained action and development-driven policies to achieve lasting peace,” the statement added.
NSCI reaffirmed its commitment to supporting government efforts aimed at ending banditry and terrorism, expressing optimism that continued collaboration among security agencies, political leaders, and communities would lead Nigeria towards greater peace and stability.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs Kemi Nanna Nandap, on Monday decorated 39 newly promoted Comptrollers of Immigration (DCI) with their new ranks. The Officers were promoted from Deputy Comptrollers of Immigration (DCI) to Comptrollers of Immigration (CI)
The decoration which took place at NIS Technology Building was attended by the spouses of the Officers who assisted the Comptroller-General in the exercise.
In all, 46 Officers were promoted, one passed away before the decoration ceremony, while six others retired from Service and could not be decorated.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Comptroller-General of the NIS, Mrs Nandap, said the promotion was a result of the commitment of the Officers to excellent services and values that distinguished the Service and positioned it alongside other global institutions.
Mrs Nandap, who praised President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for keeping to their words regarding the promotion of officers and men of the NIS, also praised the families of the beneficiaries for supporting the Officers through thick and thin.
Nandap said promotion by all standards was not automatic or solely a function of years of service, but was earned through dedication, loyalty, and a high sense of responsibility. She stressed that those promoted have, by their records, displayed sound leadership judgment and upheld institutional standards and foresight.
She noted that regarding the current security challenges facing the country, the Officers must be vigilant, while their actions must set the tone on how the challenges could be tackled effectively.
The Immigration boss urged those who missed the promotion to remain focused, resilient, and work harder, assuring that their time of promotion would surely come.
She urged them to strive for excellence and support institutional reforms in the Service, stating that the NIS would not tolerate acts of indiscipline and indolence.
“The NIS is going through reforms right now. I value your teamwork and support. Our focus is that our NIS should be comparable to any other anywhere in the world. The administration is focused on reforms and transformation. Our eyes must be on the ball…and we must not drop it.
“We must embrace 2026 with renewed vigour and fashion. The fashion must be tailored towards transformation with the deployment of cutting-edge technologies. The Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP) that will come on stream next year must be delivered seamlessly. The biometric-based STEP would add impetus to e-Visa, e-Passport, and other technology solutions we have already deployed for a seamless experience,” Mrs Nandap said.
The Deputy Comptroller-General in Charge of Human Resources Management in the NIS, DCG Afolayan Ayeni, said the promotion exercise was made possible by the commitment of President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to the welfare of officers and men of the Service.
He urged personnel to show appreciation by rededicating themselves to the mandate of the NIS, saying promotion confers more responsibilities on the heads of the beneficiaries.
Amongst those promoted are Farouk Audu Umar, Olubu Kalu Ibe, Omoniwa David Adedeji, Abang O Mary, Oladele G Olubunmi, Mamman A Richard, Ofeimum Osameke, Ige A Rasak, and Olaniyan I Adebayo.
Award-winning actress and producer Funke Akindele’s latest film, “Behind The Scenes,” has made history as the highest-grossing Nollywood movie of 2025, crossing the N500 million mark in one week.
The feat further solidified Akindele’s position as a box office powerhouse.
The film’s distributor, FilmOne Entertainment, had earlier revealed that “Behind The Scenes” broke five opening-weekend records, becoming the first Nollywood film this year to achieve such an impressive feat.
The caption reads: “And yet, another history has been made. Thank you, West Africa, for showing up, filling cinemas, and carrying this story with love. ₦512M at the box office. Highest-grossing Nollywood film of 2025. Fastest Nollywood movie to hit ₦500M. Number one film of the weekend. This is what belief looks like. Behind the scenes of a historic run.”
The film’s advanced screening on December 10 and 11 generated significant buzz among audiences, paving the way for its nationwide release on December 12.
The film boasts an all-star cast, including Scarlet Gomez, Iyabo Ojo, Destiny Etiko, Tobi Bakre, and Uche Montana, among others.
Her previous film, “Everybody Loves Jenifa,” became Nollywood’s biggest opening weekend of all time, surpassing her earlier record set by “A Tribe Called Judah,” which opened with N113 million.
“Everybody Loves Jenifa” went on to become the highest-grossing Nollywood film ever, earning over N1.8 billion in Nigeria and additional revenue from international markets.
…assures residents of traffic relief, early completion
Residents, traders, and motorists in Effurun and Warri trooped out en masse in jubilation and to pour encomiums on Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as he drove through the ongoing construction of DSC Roundabout and Enerhen Junction flyovers and the reconstruction of a section of the Warri/Sapele/Benin Road.
Showering praises on the Governor who walked through Enerhen Junction, they described him as the people’s Governor who is doing wonders in the Warri/Effurun metropolis and other parts of the state.
While assuring Governor Oborevwori of their massive support and votes in 2027, they wished him God’s protection and guidance as he moves Delta State forward.
Fielding questions from journalists after the walk-through at Enerhen Junction, an obviously elated Governor expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on the ongoing flyovers and road dualisation projects within the Warri and Effurun metropolis.
He said the interventions would significantly ease traffic congestion and improve the quality of life of residents.
Governor Oborevwori said he had appealed to the construction firm, Julius Berger, to ensure the temporary use of key sections of the flyovers during the Christmas and New Year festivities to reduce traffic congestion.
“I appealed to Julius Berger that, because of Christmas and New Year, they should make sure that the flyovers are temporarily opened for use, because these areas are very important to the people,” the Governor said.
He acknowledged the difficulties residents had endured for over a year due to the construction works, but said that the temporary opening of sections of the flyovers had already brought noticeable relief.
“I know what the people have gone through, and I feel their pain. But when there is pain, there will be enjoyment at the end of the project. The Warri and Effurun people are very happy as you can see,” he said.
Governor Oborevwori noted that one side of the Enerhen flyover was almost completed and put to temporary use, while both sides of the DSC flyover were also opened to traffic for the festive period, this is to ease the usual gridlock experienced in the area.
“Before now, Enerhen had become something else, but what we are seeing today is different. This is what we want to do for the people of Warri and Effurun,” he added.
Responding to questions on the overall progress of the flyover projects, the Governor expressed optimism that the three flyovers and the ongoing road dualisation would be completed during the dry season.
“You can see the work going on. By this dry season, they should be able to complete the three flyovers and the dualisation. Everything is going on well; there is nothing to worry about,” he said.
He commended Julius Berger for the quality of work, noting that only a few states in the country could engage the construction giant for such projects.
In his Christmas message to Deltans, Oborevwori said, “There is peace everywhere. I wish everyone a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. God bless you all.”
The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) has explained why the administration of President Bola Tinubu is more favourably disposed to having combat helicopters deployed for the war against insurgency and banditry than the Super Tucano.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr Omoniyi Akinsiju, the organisation explained that facts at its disposal showed that the President favoured the combat helicopters because of their easy adaptability to the task of neutralising terrorists without putting the unarmed populace at risk in the theatre of war.
The statement said, “Compared to the Tucano which is a fixed-wing plane earlier inducted into the NAF fleet, combat helicopters excel in forest warfare by providing rapid, low-level fire support, reconnaissance, and troop transport, overcoming terrain barriers with nap-of-the-earth flying, spotting hidden enemies, and delivering precision strikes with missiles and rockets, making them crucial for close air support (CAS) in dense woodlands where ground access is difficult.
“Some of the other advantages inherent in combat helicopters include enabling attacks on enemy positions, vehicles, or troops hidden in tree lines, and providing immediate firepower to ground forces. They also use advanced sensors to spot enemy movements, fortifications, and ambushes from above the canopy, providing critical intelligence in the same vein.
“They can identify and mark targets for other air assets or artillery. In addition, because they can fly low (nap-of-the-earth), they can avoid detection and reach areas inaccessible to fixed-wing aircraft like the Tucano or ground vehicles. Also, excellent agility allows them to navigate tight spaces, even flying between trees and buildings; as such, they can be deployed quickly from forward fuelling points, offering immediate response.
“In essence, combat helicopters act as “flying cavalry,” providing unmatched tactical flexibility and firepower for operations deep within dense, forested terrain, adapting quickly to the dynamic challenges of woodland combat.”
The organisation noted that, having considered the variables, it was convinced that the Federal Government’s decision to prioritise combat helicopters was a well-taken one.
The statement added: “Aggregating the potential impact of the platforms when eventually delivered, we can assert that the new accuracy and precision capabilities that will come with these platforms have the potential to move the needle away from extensive collateral damage that had limited engagements with insurgents and bandits to pinpointed exploits, something which may ultimately recover the confidence of the people in the operational capacity of the military.
“There is a greater likelihood that operational gains can be sustained when they are not exposed to a population feeling threatened, but rather are there to protect them.
“For example, the APKWS II laser-guided rockets and programmable fuses add a new level of accuracy to the Nigerian arsenal. In contrast to unguided munitions, they can enable more surgical airstrikes, such as in densely populated areas or where the insurgents purposefully mix with the civilian population.
“Through the combination of surveillance drones, intelligence squads and ground forces, precision-guided weapons have a remarkable chance of enhancing coordinated attacks, especially in inaccessible areas or deeply forested insurgent hideouts.”
The organisation said that coordinated assault using combat helicopters and drones may also be useful against the criminal elements.
“Military-grade drone manufacturing is gradually becoming entrenched in Nigeria, thereby increasing the prospects of coordinating combat helicopters and drones in attack situations.
“The coordination of combat helicopters and drones, primarily through Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T), offers significant and growing potential in attack scenarios by enhancing situational awareness, reducing human risk, and increasing operational efficiency,” the statement added.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has warned that rising temperatures, desertification, flooding, pollution, and ecosystem degradation are already undermining livelihoods across Nigeria, as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to address the challenges.
Lawal gave the warning at the 18th National Council on Environment (NCE) meeting held in Katsina State, themed “Tackling the Triple Planetary Crisis of Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, and Pollution for Sustainable Development in Nigeria.”
He noted that the crises are deeply interconnected and demand an integrated, science-driven, and multi-sectoral response.
According to the minister, the Federal Government has rolled out several national initiatives to confront the challenges, including the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan, the Great Green Wall Programme, and the National Policy on Plastic Waste Management. He added that renewable energy and clean cooking policies are also key components of the country’s environmental response framework.
“There should be innovative financing mechanisms such as public-private partnerships, green bonds, climate funds, and carbon markets, as well as stronger private sector engagement,” Lawal said. “Corporate actors such as the Dangote Group and the Nigeria Bottling Company, as potential partners in environmental restoration and sustainability efforts, should be included.”
The minister commended Katsina State for what he described as exemplary leadership in climate governance, noting that the state ranked second in the 2025 Subnational Climate Governance Performance Ranking.
He highlighted Katsina’s Green Economy Roadmap, which prioritises renewable energy, dryland agriculture, eco-tourism, waste-to-energy solutions, and climate-smart development.
Lawal also pointed to the state’s plans to establish a Green Investment Fund and implement a 2025–2030 Climate Action Plan, urging other states to emulate Katsina’s model by transforming environmental challenges such as desertification and soil degradation into opportunities for economic growth and job creation.
In his remarks, Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, represented by his deputy, Farouk Lawal Jobe, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to environmental sustainability. He said the governor’s early approval of funding and sustained support ensured the successful hosting of the council meeting.
Jobe described the National Council on Environment as a critical platform for policy harmonisation, collaboration, and coordinated action in addressing Nigeria’s pressing environmental challenges.
