Aeesha's Blog

Author: Aeesha Zannah

  • 46 Confirmed Dead in Spain High-Speed Train Collision

    The death toll from a devastating high-speed train collision in southern Spain has risen to 46, authorities confirmed on Friday, following the death of a passenger who had been receiving intensive medical care.

    Spanish emergency services said the latest fatality occurred after days of treatment, bringing the number of confirmed deaths from the accident to 46, while dozens of other passengers remain hospitalised with varying degrees of injuries.

    The collision involved two passenger trains operating on the same rail corridor, triggering a large-scale emergency response and plunging the country into mourning. Rescue teams, including firefighters, paramedics and civil protection officers, were deployed to the scene shortly after the incident to evacuate survivors trapped inside damaged coaches.

    Regional health officials disclosed that several of the injured are still in critical condition, raising fears that the death toll could increase further.

    In a statement, Spanish authorities described the incident as one of the most tragic railway accidents in recent years, prompting renewed concerns over rail safety and infrastructure maintenance across the country.

    The Spanish government has expressed condolences to the families of the victims, while national and regional leaders observed moments of silence in honour of those who lost their lives.

    An official investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the collision. Transport safety experts are examining track conditions, signalling systems and operational procedures to establish whether technical failure or human error played a role in the disaster.

    Rail services along the affected route were temporarily suspended as investigators secured the area and carried out preliminary assessments.

    Spain operates one of Europe’s largest high-speed rail networks, and the tragedy has sparked public debate over safety standards, maintenance practices and oversight within the rail transport system.

    Authorities have assured the public that all findings from the investigation will be made public and that appropriate measures will be taken to prevent a recurrence.

  • FG Borrowing Spike Reduces Private Sector Access to Credit

    The Federal Government of Nigeria’s (FG’s) domestic borrowings surged sharply in 2025, crowding out private sector access to credit and weakening businesses’ ability to secure loans, according to data obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    An analysis of money and credit statistics revealed that credit extended to the Federal Government outpaced that of the private sector by ₦9.19 trillion in 2025 — a significant shift compared with previous years. This represented a 695.6 per cent swing, highlighting intensified fiscal pressures and a growing reliance on local funding sources.

    In contrast, net credit to the private sector declined by ₦1.543 trillion over the same period, underscoring the challenges faced by businesses amid tight monetary conditions and elevated interest rates.

    Crowding‑Out Effect on Credit Allocation

    The trend points to a classic crowding‑out effect, where rising government demand for funds reduces the pool of credit available for the productive sector. As a result, commercial banks and financial institutions are allocating more resources to government securities such as Treasury bills, bonds and other debt instruments, given their perceived lower risk and attractive yields.

    Credit to the Federal Government — consisting of funds extended via direct loans and the purchase of government securities — is primarily used to finance budget deficits, refinance maturing obligations, support capital and recurrent expenditure, and manage cash‑flow shortfalls. Meanwhile, private sector credit represents loans granted to businesses, households and non‑government entities for working capital, expansion, investment and trade activities.

    Experts say that when government borrowing accelerates sharply — especially in a high interest rate environment — it reduces the funds available for private sector lending, making loans more expensive and harder to obtain for businesses.

    Statistical Breakdown and Trends

    CBN data showed that credit to the public sector climbed from ₦25.03 trillion in January 2025 to ₦34.22 trillion in December, translating to a ₦9.19 trillion increase within the year. This also reflected a near 154 per cent rise compared with the government credit recorded in 2024.

    In contrast, private sector credit experienced a net contraction, falling from ₦77.38 trillion in January to ₦75.83 trillion by December 2025. Although there were modest monthly fluctuations, this overall decline illustrates tight liquidity conditions and the impact of high borrowing costs on businesses.

    Private Sector Implications

    The slowdown in private sector credit has raised concerns among industry stakeholders, especially as businesses increasingly prioritise debt servicing over new investment. Some firms are repaying existing obligations rather than taking on fresh loans in a high‑cost borrowing environment.

    Manufacturers, in particular, are feeling the strain. Recent statistics indicate a sharp decline in bank lending to the manufacturing sector, driven by elevated interest rates and rising operating costs, forcing many firms to cut back on debt or seek alternative funding sources.

    Policy and Economic Outlook

    Economic analysts argue that the current dynamic — where government borrowing absorbs a large share of domestic liquidity — could slow private sector growth, weaken investment, and dampen job creation. As Nigeria navigates ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms, the widening gulf between public and private sector access to credit is regarded as a key indicator of the financial system’s health and economic vitality.

    Policymakers will need to balance government financing needs with strategies that ensure adequate credit flows to businesses, enhancing productivity, and supporting broader economic growth.

  • Lagos Couple Arrested for Staging Self‑Kidnap, Extorting ₦10 Million Ransom

    A Lagos‑based couple, identified simply as Fred and Goodness, have been arrested for allegedly orchestrating their own kidnapping and collecting approximately ₦10 million in ransom from unsuspecting relatives and friends, The Punch reported.

    According to the report, the couple faked their abduction on January 7, 2026, with the intention of raising funds for the husband’s planned return to the United States — following alleged financial difficulties.

    A police source told that the suspects contacted family members on both sides, claiming they had been kidnapped and demanding ransom for their release.

    Within three days, their families and friends reportedly raised ₦10 million, believing it was necessary to secure the couple’s freedom.

    How the Scheme Was Uncovered

    Law enforcement became suspicious after monitoring communications and tracking the couple’s movements. The suspects had arranged a meeting point at a school in Cappa, Mushin — Lagos State — where the ransom delivery was to take place.

    Police operatives observed the woman entering the school premises alone, followed shortly by the husband. Moments later, both emerged together carrying a bag, prompting authorities to intervene. A search revealed the ransom money inside the bag, leading to their arrest.

    During initial questioning, the woman reportedly admitted that she had encouraged her husband to stage the kidnapping to raise funds.

    Police Response and Legal Proceedings

    The suspects were taken into custody, and investigations by the Lagos State Police Command confirmed the incident as a self‑kidnap case. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Addebisi, confirmed their arrest and stated that the couple would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

    Growing Trend of Self‑Orchestrated Abductions

    This latest case adds to a growing number of self‑kidnapping incidents uncovered by Nigerian law enforcement. In December 2025, police arrested a 26‑year‑old Lagos woman, identified simply as Misturah, for allegedly staging her own abduction and extorting ₦2.5 million from her husband under the guise of a kidnap for ransom.

    Such incidents have raised concerns among security experts, as staged kidnappings can divert critical police resources, create unnecessary fear among the public, and undermine trust in genuine security threats.

    Conclusion

    The arrest of the Lagos couple highlights not only the extreme lengths some individuals may go to for financial gain, but also the challenges facing security agencies in distinguishing between real kidnappings and staged schemes. As investigations proceed, authorities are expected to prosecute the suspects according to the law, reinforcing the message that fraudulent abduction schemes will not be tolerated.

  • Naira Breaks ₦1,400/$1 Barrier, Strengthening to ₦1,396.99 on Official Market

    Nigeria’s national currency, the naira, has strengthened below the ₦1,400 to US dollar mark in the official foreign exchange market — a milestone last seen over a year ago. On Thursday, the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) recorded the naira at ₦1,396.99 per US$1, signaling improved currency stability and positive market sentiment.

    Key Exchange Rate Movements

    • The naira moved from ₦1,400.48/$1 on Wednesday to ₦1,396.99/$1 on Thursday in official trading — marking a return below the critical ₦1,400 threshold.

    • Intraday activity saw the currency hit a high of ₦1,400/$1 and a low of ₦1,367/$1 before closing the session at ₦1,385/$1.

    • Earlier in the week, the official rate had been weaker: around ₦1,422/$1 (22 January) and ₦1,421/$1 (23 January), before gradually strengthening.

    Parallel Market Trends

    The naira also appreciated in the informal (parallel) foreign exchange market, where data from Cowry Asset Management Limited showed it strengthening by 1.06% to about ₦1,454 per US$1 — reflecting improved confidence across both official and informal FX segments.

    Market Analyst Insights

    Tilewa Adebajo, Chief Executive Officer of CFG Advisory, noted that the spread between official and parallel market rates has significantly narrowed, a positive development compared with the wide premium seen in earlier years.

    Outlook

    Analysts say that the naira’s recent performance reflects improved liquidity conditions and better foreign exchange supply dynamics in Nigeria’s forex markets. Continued gains depend on sustained FX inflows, macroeconomic stability, and ongoing financial reforms.

  • Tensions Escalate as Iran Threatens US Bases, Aircraft Carriers

    Iran on Thursday warned it would deliver an immediate and decisive military response against United States forces, saying American military bases and aircraft carriers in the Middle East were within range of its missiles and could be legitimate targets if Washington launched an attack.

    Brigadier-General Mohammad Akraminia, a spokesman for the Iranian army, told state television that Tehran’s retaliation to any US military action would be “not limited” and would be delivered “instantly,” dismissing the notion of a brief or superficial conflict. He said US aircraft carriers had “serious vulnerabilities” and that numerous American bases across the Gulf region were within the range of Iran’s medium-range missiles.

    The stark warning came as Washington stepped up its military presence in the region. A US carrier strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln has entered Middle Eastern waters, underscoring rising tensions with Tehran after months of political and military posturing by both sides.

    CONTEXT OF HEIGHTENED RIVALRY

    The latest threat from Tehran follows repeated warnings from US President Donald Trump that time was running out for negotiations with Iran, especially amid growing international concerns over Tehran’s nuclear programme and its crackdown on domestic protests. Mr. Trump has publicly refused to rule out military action if Iran does not reach a deal.

    The European Union recently designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a “terrorist organisation” in response to its violent crackdown on mass protests, prompting Tehran to condemn the decision as irresponsible and driven by external influence.

    UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged both sides to return to negotiations to “avoid a crisis that could have devastating consequences in the region.”

    REGIONAL AND GLOBAL IMPLICATIONS

    Officials across the Gulf, where several US military facilities are located, have expressed deep concern about the threat of confrontation. One unnamed Gulf official told AFP that a strike on Iran could plunge the region into chaos, disrupt global oil markets, and trigger sharp increases in energy prices worldwide.

    Iran’s domestic situation remains fraught, with continuing public anger over economic hardship and political repression. Rights groups suggest thousands have died in protests, a figure Tehran disputes.

    Meanwhile, foreign ministers and military leaders on both sides have reiterated their positions, with Tehran rejecting negotiations “in an atmosphere of threats” and the United States maintaining its readiness to act to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons capabilities.

    OUTLOOK

    With tensions sharply elevated and diplomatic channels strained, analysts warn the risk of miscalculation remains high. The situation places extraordinary pressure on global markets, regional alliances, and international diplomatic efforts aimed at defusing one of the world’s most volatile flashpoints.

  • FG Announces Deployment of Military Retirees to Secure Ungoverned Spaces Across Nigeria

    The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled a strategic national security initiative to deploy retired military personnel to secure ungoverned areas in the country, aiming to strengthen state authority, reduce criminality and stimulate economic activities in regions affected by insecurity.

    The announcement followed the inauguration of an 18-member high-level committee by the Honourable Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday. The committee’s mandate is to develop a comprehensive framework for reclaiming ungoverned spaces for economic viability and repositioning the Nigerian Legion Corps of Commissionaires and Veterans.

    Represented at the occasion by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Richard Pheelangwa, Gen. Musa explained that the planned deployment of military retirees is intended to complement ongoing security operations by integrating the vast experience, discipline, and operational knowledge of seasoned veterans into frontline security and development efforts, especially in areas where government presence remains weak.

    Strategic Shift in Security Approach

    According to a statement by the Ministry of Defence, the initiative marks a strategic shift from reliance solely on conventional military offensives toward a more inclusive strategy that addresses underlying socio-economic drivers of insecurity. The plan seeks to align national security priorities with community development and local ownership of peace-building processes.

    Gen. Musa highlighted that the committee will focus on three core terms of reference:

    • Repositioning the veteran community to support national economic development.

    • Deploying military retirees to secure ungoverned spaces and ensure these areas are brought under effective oversight and sustainable development.

    • Repositioning the Nigerian Legion Corps of Commissionaires and Veterans to strengthen operational effectiveness, enhance reintegration, and bolster veterans’ contribution to national security.

    The Defence Minister stressed that deliberately integrating veterans into security and development initiatives would not only boost intelligence gathering at grassroots levels but also foster trust between communities and the state, thereby enhancing overall stability.

    Supporting Veterans’ Welfare and National Interests

    Officials noted that the policy is part of a broader effort to strengthen veterans’ welfare, empower retired service members who have served the nation with honour, and ensure they remain active contributors to national stability post-retirement. The initiative also responds to increasing calls from security experts and stakeholders for greater utilisation of veterans in Nigeria’s security architecture, given that serving personnel are stretched across multiple internal operations nationwide.

    Security analysts believe that effective implementation of the programme could significantly reduce criminal activities in previously ungoverned territories, ease the operational burden on frontline troops, and open new avenues for economic recovery in conflict-affected zones.

    Committee Composition and Expectations

    Committee members hail from key strategic bodies including the Joint Services Department of the Ministry of Defence, Nigerian Legion, Defence Headquarters, Defence Intelligence Agency, Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as offices of the Ministers of Defence and State for Defence.

    The Minister urged the panel to adopt innovative, practical, and forward-looking approaches capable of producing actionable recommendations that can drive a holistic national strategy for reclaiming ungoverned spaces, promoting inclusive growth, and sustaining peace in affected communities.

  • Dangote Refinery Increases Petrol Price by ₦100 per Litre, Forcing Marketers to Revise Pump Prices Nationwide

    Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Africa’s largest single-train refinery, has announced a significant adjustment in its petrol pricing structure, compelling marketers across Nigeria to pay an additional ₦100 per litre for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. The sudden upward review at the gantry level has triggered immediate ripple effects across the downstream petroleum market, leading to sharp increases in retail prices at filling stations nationwide.

    In a notice to customers issued by the refinery’s Group Commercial Operations Department, previously agreed deals at ₦699 per litre were invalidated, and marketers were instructed to “top up” payments to ₦799 per litre before loading products at the refinery’s gantry. This revision came after the company withdrew a temporary festive-period price support intervention, citing unsustainability of the earlier rate.

    Industry insiders described the development as a major price realignment, noting that dozens of petrol tankers were left stranded at the refinery’s gantry as loading operations were temporarily halted to reconcile outstanding volumes and payments under the new pricing regime.

    Immediate Impact on Retail Prices
    The increase at the refinery level has swiftly filtered through to filling stations, with retail prices rising sharply in major cities. In Abuja, for example, petrol prices climbed to as high as ₦910 per litre barely hours after the refinery announced the revised ex-depot price.

    Market checks by reporters showed notable variations in retail pricing:

    • Optima Energy outlets at key junctions sold petrol around ₦910 per litre, up from approximately ₦815 previously.

    • AP stations near the airport recorded prices near ₦899 per litre.

    • Other retail outlets listed pump prices within the ₦800–₦850 per litre range, reflecting different supply costs and logistics considerations.

    Analysts say this sharp retail response underlines the downstream market’s sensitivity to changes in ex-depot pricing, especially given Dangote Refinery’s dominant role in local fuel supply since it began nationwide distribution.

    Industry and Market Reactions
    The price revision has reignited tensions within the downstream petroleum sector, as marketers adjust to higher procurement costs while also managing inventory bought under earlier pricing terms.

    Some marketers argued that the unexpected adjustment places additional financial strain on operations already grappling with logistics and cash-flow challenges.
    Meanwhile, earlier reports had indicated that Dangote’s sharp price reductions late last year encouraged competition and even led some marketers to slash pump prices by around ₦100 per litre in attempts to attract motorists.

    Despite these competitive efforts, industry stakeholders previously warned that the Dangote refinery, despite its capacity to produce up to 650,000 barrels per day, may not fully meet Nigeria’s total petrol demand, leading to structural challenges in the supply chain.

    Broader Context

    This development comes against the backdrop of volatile fuel pricing dynamics in Nigeria, where deregulation, foreign exchange pressures, and adjustments by both local refiners and importers continually influence pump prices for consumers. Recent reports have noted that pump prices in some regions had climbed to record levels even before the latest adjustment.

    Energy economists say that while the Dangote Refinery has significantly reduced Nigeria’s reliance on imported petrol, downstream pricing remains tightly linked to market forces, including global crude prices, logistics costs, and internal refinery cost structures.

  • Three Arrested in Connection with Deadly Football Pitch Attack in Mexico

    Mexican authorities have apprehended three suspects believed to be involved in a brazen armed assault on a local football match that left at least 11 people dead and more than a dozen injured, officials said on Wednesday.

    The incident occurred on Sunday at an amateur football pitch near Salamanca, a city in Guanajuato state in central Mexico, when the afternoon game — attended largely by families and local residents — was drawing to a close. Armed assailants reportedly stormed the ground and opened fire without warning.

    In a statement, Guanajuato’s Security Secretariat confirmed that the three arrests followed “various coordinated and targeted operations” conducted by security forces. The identities of the suspects, as well as specific charges, were not disclosed due to the confidential nature of the ongoing investigation.

    Among those killed were five unarmed security guards employed at the football pitch. Preliminary investigations suggest that the guards may have been specifically targeted because they were working for a company allegedly linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico’s most powerful organised crime groups.

    Authorities believe the suspected attackers were affiliated with the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel, an organised crime faction based in Guanajuato that has been engaged in a violent turf dispute with the CJNG.

    Guanajuato, a state known for its industrial significance and tourist destinations, has in recent years earned the unfortunate reputation as one of the deadliest regions in Mexico due to the persistent activities of rival drug cartels and escalating gun violence.

    Federal and state law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the attack as they seek to determine the motive behind the deadly assault and to prevent further violence in the region.

  • Senate Defers Public Debate on US Air Strikes, Opts for Closed Session

    The Nigerian Senate has deferred its public debate on the recent United States air strikes carried out in Sokoto State, opting instead for a closed-door session to address the matter, citing national security concerns.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the decision during plenary, explaining that the issue touches on sensitive security information and should not be discussed openly. Akpabio stressed that the Senate’s privileges have not been breached and that open debate on matters affecting national security is not customary.

    “Security is not something we discuss in the open market,” the Senate President remarked, urging restraint and discretion from members and the public.

    Concerns Raised by Lawmakers

    The call for scrutiny was led by Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), who invoked a Point of Order on matters of privilege to raise constitutional questions about the strikes. Ningi argued that the National Assembly, under Nigeria’s Constitution and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, has authority over matters of peace, security and governance — and that foreign military action on Nigerian soil should involve comprehensive legislative oversight.

    Ningi contended that the reported air strikes could constitute a violation of Nigeria’s sovereignty and potentially conflict with international law, pointing to provisions of the United Nations Charter. He further emphasised that, while the President is Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, foreign military operations require proper constitutional coordination and transparency with the legislature.

    Senate President’s Ruling

    Responding to Ningi’s concerns, Senator Akpabio clarified that senators had already received a confidential briefing indicating that the December 25 operation involved collaboration with Nigerian security agencies. However, due to the sensitive nature of the details, Akpabio said a comprehensive closed-door briefing by relevant security officials would follow to properly inform members.

    The Senate, therefore, paused further public discussion on the air strikes until that closed session is conducted.

    Background: The US Air Strikes

    According to media reporting, the United States military carried out air strikes in Sokoto State on December 25, 2025, targeting suspected camps linked to ISIS and other terrorist elements. While the Federal Government affirmed its support for the action, there were questions about the extent of legislative involvement and oversight.

    Some reports indicate that the strikes were conducted with intelligence shared by Nigerian authorities, but uncertainty over reporting and public communication spurred debate over sovereignty, constitutional process and foreign military involvement.

    Next Steps

    The Senate’s leadership has scheduled a closed-door session where security chiefs and relevant officials will provide detailed briefings to lawmakers. This briefing is intended to clarify:

    • The scope of the operation;

    • Nigeria’s role and level of involvement;

    • Any constitutional or legislative concerns arising from foreign military action on Nigerian territory.

    Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have stressed the need for constitutional compliance, protection of national sovereignty and clarity around military cooperation with foreign partners.

  • Man in Police Custody over Alleged Murder of Brother in Adamawa

    The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested a 40-year-old man in connection with the murder of his elder brother in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State, the force said on Wednesday.

    This development was disclosed in a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje, who said police operatives acted on credible intelligence to apprehend the suspect.

    The suspect, Abubakar Sadiq of Boga Village in Gombi LGA, was arrested for the killing of his elder brother, Alhaji Sadiq Boga, an incident that occurred on January 20, 2026.

    “The Adamawa State Police Command has recorded another major operational breakthrough in its sustained fight against violent crimes, particularly culpable homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping and illegal possession of firearms,” the statement read.

    According to the police, Sadiq confessed during interrogation that he committed the offence alongside five others and led investigators to recover weapons used in the crime.

    Among the exhibits recovered was an AK-47 rifle and twenty-four rounds of live ammunition, believed to have been used in the killing.

    The statement also identified two other suspects, named as Jalo Hamiyu, 35, and Umar Baba, 41, both residents of Fotta Village, Gombi LGA.

    A joint operation involving police personnel, professional hunters and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force later moved to the suspected hideouts. According to the police, when the suspects sighted the operatives, they opened fire, leading to a gun duel that resulted in the neutralisation of Hamiyu and Baba.

    Additional weapons recovered at the scene included a locally made single-barrel rifle and a Dane gun.

    The police command said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal network.

    Commissioner of Police Dankombo Morris commended the operatives for their professionalism and reiterated the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Adamawa State.

    The suspect will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation, the statement added.

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