Aeesha's Blog

Author: Aeesha Zannah

  • 80-Year-Old Ex-Convict Arrested As NDLEA Recovers Tramadol Pills Hidden In Mannequins

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested an 80-years-old ex-convict following the discovery of a large consignment of tramadol pills ingeniously concealed inside mannequins, the agency said on Monday.

    According to a statement issued by the NDLEA’s Director, Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi, the suspect was apprehended during a coordinated intelligence-led operation by operatives of the agency, who intercepted the illicit consignment while it was being transported to its intended destination.

    Babafemi said preliminary investigations revealed that the tramadol pills were carefully hidden inside life-size plastic mannequins in an attempt to evade detection by security agencies.

    He noted that the unusual concealment method underscored the desperation and evolving tactics of drug trafficking networks in the country.

    “The suspect, an octogenarian and an ex-convict, was arrested in connection with the seizure of the drug exhibits, which were found expertly concealed in mannequins.

    This method was clearly intended to beat security checks,” Babafemi said.

    He added that the recovered tramadol, a controlled opioid often abused by youths and criminals, posed a serious threat to public health and national security if allowed to circulate freely in communities.

    NDLEA officials disclosed that the suspect had previously served a jail term for drug-related offences and was believed to be working with a wider syndicate involved in the importation and distribution of pharmaceutical opioids across several states.

    The agency said the exhibits had been documented, while the suspect was undergoing further interrogation to unravel the full extent of the drug trafficking network and identify other accomplices.

    Babafemi reiterated the commitment of the NDLEA, under the leadership of its Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.), to sustain aggressive actions against drug abuse and trafficking, regardless of the age, status or background of those involved.

    He warned that the agency would not relent in deploying intelligence, technology and inter-agency collaboration to dismantle drug cartels and protect Nigerians from the dangers associated with illicit drugs.

    The NDLEA urged members of the public to support its operations by providing timely and credible information on suspicious drug-related activities in their communities.

  • Intel Region Launches Twitter (X) Program To Enable Users Earn ₦10,000 Monthly

    Intel Region, a digital news and information platform, has announced the launch of a Twitter (X) engagement programme aimed at enabling active users of the social media platform to earn a monthly stipend of ₦10,000.

    The initiative, tagged Intel Region Twitter (X) Programme, is open to individuals who are active on Twitter (now known as X) and willing to participate in online engagement activities coordinated by the platform.

    According to a statement issued by the Intel Region administration on Monday, interested participants are required to complete an online application form to be considered for the programme.

    “To apply and start earning, interested persons are expected to fill out the official application form provided by Intel Region,” the statement said.

    The organisation further clarified that applicants who may have previously filled the form are required to refill and resubmit their details to ensure eligibility under the current phase of the programme.

    Intel Region explained that the programme is part of its broader strategy to expand digital engagement, promote information sharing, and empower social media users with legitimate online income opportunities.

    The application form can be accessed via the official link provided by the platform.

    Intel Region also advised applicants to ensure that the information submitted is accurate, as only qualified and active Twitter (X) users will be selected for participation.

    For further enquiries, the organisation directed interested members of the public to contact its administration through its official email channel.

    The programme is expected to attract a wide range of participants, particularly youths and digital content consumers, as part of ongoing efforts to leverage social media for information dissemination and economic empowerment.

  • BREAKING: Trump Declares National Emergency To Secure Venezuelan Oil Assets

    United States President Donald J. Trump has declared a national emergency to protect Venezuelan oil revenues held in U.S. financial institutions, signing an executive order designed to prevent courts and private creditors from seizing the funds.

    The White House described the move as a critical step in safeguarding U.S. foreign policy and national security interests, amid ongoing instability in Venezuela and rising tensions over its political and economic crisis.

    At the signing ceremony, President Trump emphasized that protecting the funds is essential to maintaining progress in regional stability and supporting the Venezuelan people.

    He urged American and international companies to invest in rebuilding Venezuela’s oil sector while assuring them of legal safeguards and long-term protections.

    Key Highlights:

    • Trump invokes National Emergencies Act and International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

    • Venezuelan oil revenues in U.S. accounts declared sovereign assets, immune from private claims.

    • Executive order blocks judicial attachment, liens, garnishments, or other legal actions against the funds.

    • Administration links move to U.S. efforts to stabilize Venezuela and protect energy resources.

    • Encourages $100 billion investment in Venezuelan oil infrastructure, but industry leaders remain cautious.

    • Analysts warn of potential diplomatic tensions and international scrutiny.

    Background:

    The declaration follows years of political turmoil in Venezuela under President Nicolás Maduro, and rising U.S. involvement in the country’s energy and financial affairs.

    The executive order is intended to prevent legal challenges from undermining oil revenues that are pivotal to both U.S. strategic interests and Venezuelan economic recovery.

    Observers say the move underscores Washington’s intent to assert greater control over Latin America’s energy resources, while balancing geopolitical considerations and regional stability efforts.

  • FG, ASUU Set To Sign Long-awaited Agreement On January 14

    The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) are scheduled to formalise a landmark agreement on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, in Abuja, signalling a major breakthrough in efforts to resolve a prolonged impasse that has affected public universities nationwide.

    The agreement-signing ceremony will take place at 11:00 a.m. in the Conference Hall of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), according to an official circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Education.

    The document, dated January 5, 2026 and referenced FME/IS/UNI/ASUU/C.11/Vol.V/82, was signed by Rakiya Ilyasu, Director of University Education, on behalf of the Minister of Education.

    The circular invited vice-chancellors and registrars of all federal universities to witness the ceremony, underscoring the significance attached to the agreement and its implementation.

    According to the invitation, the signing represents a critical milestone in promoting industrial harmony and improving teaching and learning conditions in Nigeria’s university system.

    It also reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment to the sustainable development of the education sector, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The agreement comes after weeks of intensive negotiations and follows the union’s acceptance of a 40 per cent salary increase for academic staff, a key demand that had stalled talks for months.

    Under the new terms, the salary adjustment will take effect from January 1, 2026, and is subject to review after three years.

    Additional provisions are expected to include improved pension benefits — with professors eligible to retire at age 70 receiving pensions equivalent to their final annual salary — and the establishment of a National Research Council mandated to fund research with at least one per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    Other key components of the agreement reportedly include enhanced funding for libraries, laboratories, equipment, and staff development, strengthened university autonomy, and academic leadership reforms.

    The deal marks the culmination of efforts to end more than 16 years of renegotiation and recurrent industrial actions tied to the 2009 FG–ASUU Agreement, which has remained a source of friction between the government and the union.

    The forthcoming signing has generated high expectations among stakeholders, with many Nigerians hopeful that it will usher in lasting peace in the tertiary education sector and prevent further disruptions to academic calendars.

  • Tax Reform Panel Counters KPMG Report

    The Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms has dismissed a recent report by global consulting firm, KPMG, describing it as misleading and not reflective of the objectives and contents of Nigeria’s proposed tax reform measures.

    In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, the committee said the KPMG report contained several assumptions and interpretations that could misinform the public and investors about the scope, intent and potential impact of the ongoing tax reforms being undertaken by the Federal Government.

    The committee, chaired by Mr Taiwo Oyedele, explained that the tax reform initiatives were designed to simplify Nigeria’s tax system, reduce the burden on low-income earners and small businesses, and improve revenue mobilisation without stifling economic growth.

    According to the panel, contrary to claims in the KPMG report, the proposed reforms are not aimed at introducing excessive taxes or increasing hardship for businesses and individuals.

    “The report does not fully consider the reliefs, exemptions and transitional arrangements embedded in the proposed reforms. Our objective is to make taxation fairer, simpler and more growth-oriented,” the committee stated.

    It clarified that one of the key goals of the reforms is to harmonise multiple taxes, eliminate duplication across federal, state and local governments, and enhance compliance through technology-driven administration.

    The committee also stressed that extensive consultations were carried out with stakeholders, including the private sector, professional bodies and subnational governments, before recommendations were finalised.

    “These reforms are the product of broad engagement and data-driven analysis. Any assessment that ignores this process risks presenting an incomplete picture,” the panel noted.

    The tax reform committee urged the public and business community to rely on official documents and communications from the Federal Government for accurate information on the reforms.

    It reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and assured Nigerians that the proposed changes would be implemented gradually, with safeguards to protect vulnerable groups and promote investor confidence.

    The committee further welcomed constructive criticism and pledged to continue engaging stakeholders to ensure that the tax reforms support Nigeria’s long-term economic stability and development.

  • North Korea Accuses South Of Another Drone Incursion

    North Korea on Friday accused South Korea of carrying out another drone incursion into its airspace, heightening tensions on the Korean Peninsula amid already strained inter-Korean relations.

    The accusation was made by the Korean People’s Army (KPA), which claimed that unmanned aerial vehicles originating from the South crossed into North Korean territory earlier this week.

    According to a statement carried by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the alleged drone intrusion occurred over areas close to the heavily fortified border between the two countries.

    The KPA described the incident as a “grave provocation” and warned that such actions could trigger “serious military consequences.” It alleged that the drones were deployed for espionage purposes, accusing South Korea of attempting to gather intelligence on sensitive military installations.

    “The repeated dispatch of drones into our sovereign airspace is a blatant violation of our territorial integrity and an open act of hostility,” the KPA said, adding that North Korea reserves the right to take “strong and resolute countermeasures” to defend its security.

    South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense, however, denied the allegation, describing it as “unfounded and misleading.

    ” In a brief statement, the ministry said the South Korean military did not conduct any drone operations in North Korean airspace and urged Pyongyang to refrain from making “irresponsible claims that only serve to escalate tensions.”

    This is not the first time Pyongyang has accused Seoul of drone incursions. In recent months, North Korea has repeatedly alleged that South Korean drones have violated its airspace, particularly around Pyongyang and border regions. Seoul has consistently rejected such claims.

    Security analysts say the latest accusation comes amid a sharp deterioration in inter-Korean ties, marked by North Korea’s recent missile tests and the South’s continued joint military exercises with the United States. Pyongyang has often cited these drills as evidence of hostile intent against it.

    Observers warn that persistent accusations and counter-accusations could further destabilise the region, especially at a time when diplomatic channels between the two Koreas remain largely frozen.

    Efforts by the international community to ease tensions on the peninsula have so far yielded limited results, with both sides maintaining hardline positions on security and defence matters.

  • Nigerian Air Force Bombs Terrorist Camps In Borno State

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has carried out a precision air interdiction operation against terrorist positions in Borno State, as part of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts under Operation HADIN KAI.

    According to an official statement by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, aircraft of the Air Force executed the operation on 8 January 2026 at AbbagaJiri, located within the Timbuktu Triangle of Borno State.

    The mission followed credible, multi-source intelligence identifying active terrorist hideouts, fortified structures, and concealed logistics facilities in the area.

    Ejodame said the NAF’s air assets were deployed in a coordinated integrated surveillance and precision strike role, engaging and destroying the identified targets with minimal collateral risk.

    “The operation was deliberately designed to degrade terrorist capability, deny sanctuary, and shape the battlespace for ground forces,” he stated, adding that actions were taken in strict adherence to established rules of engagement and the protection of non-combatants.

    Subsequent to the air strikes, advancing ground troops confirmed the destruction of hostile structures and the neutralisation of armed elements observed converging on those locations. The success of the mission was described as a significant contribution to joint air-land operations in the region.

    The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, affirmed that the outcomes of the operation reflect the NAF’s resolve to dominate the air domain in support of coordinated service efforts and to continue applying pressure on terrorist networks threatening national security.

    He reiterated that the Air Force would sustain aggressive, intelligence-driven air operations until insurgent networks are effectively dismantled.

    Borno State continues to be a key theatre in Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) factions.

    The recent air interdiction builds on previous precision strikes in the region aimed at weakening insurgent infrastructure and logistics.

  • We Don’t Want To Be Americans, Say Greenland’s Political Parties

    Political parties in Greenland have firmly rejected any notion of becoming part of the United States, declaring that the Arctic island is not for sale and that its future lies in self-determination and respect for international law.

    Leaders across Greenland’s political spectrum made the position clear following renewed international attention on the strategic and economic importance of the semi-autonomous Danish territory.

    The parties stressed that Greenlanders identify as Greenlandic and are determined to decide their own political destiny, free from external pressure.

    Speaking collectively through public statements and interviews, party representatives said Greenland’s relationship with Denmark is governed by existing self-rule arrangements, while any future constitutional changes would only come through democratic processes involving the Greenlandic people.

    “We are not Americans and we do not wish to become Americans,” one senior political figure said. “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders, and only Greenlanders can decide its future.”

    Greenland currently operates under a self-rule system within the Kingdom of Denmark, controlling most domestic affairs, including natural resources, education and health, while Denmark retains authority over foreign policy, defence and monetary matters.

    The political parties noted that while Greenland cooperates closely with international partners, including the United States, such cooperation does not equate to sovereignty transfer.

    The parties acknowledged Greenland’s growing geopolitical relevance, particularly due to climate change opening new Arctic shipping routes and increasing interest in its mineral resources.

    However, they warned that strategic interest must not undermine the rights and wishes of the local population.

    They also reaffirmed Greenland’s long-term aspiration for greater autonomy and, potentially, full independence, but emphasised that such a process would be gradual and based on economic readiness and popular consent.

    Observers say the united stance by Greenland’s political parties sends a strong message to the international community that the island’s leadership is determined to safeguard its identity, culture and political autonomy amid rising global competition in the Arctic region.

    Greenland’s government called on foreign governments to engage with the island through respectful dialogue and cooperation, rather than speculative proposals that disregard the will of its people.

  • Court Orders Arrest Of DSS Officer For Allegedly Converting 16-Year-Old Muslim Girl To Christianity

    A High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the arrest of a Department of State Services (DSS) officer over allegations of unlawfully converting a 16-years-old Muslim girl to Christianity without the consent of her parents.

    The order was issued on Tuesday by Justice (Name withheld) following an application filed by the parents of the minor, who accused the DSS operative of abduction, unlawful custody and religious coercion.

    According to court documents, the minor was allegedly taken from her family residence and kept incommunicado before being converted to Christianity, an action the parents described as a gross violation of their child’s constitutional rights and religious freedom.

    Counsel to the applicants told the court that the girl, who is legally a minor under Nigerian law, could not make such a decision without the express consent of her parents or guardians, stressing that any religious conversion carried out under such circumstances was null and void.

    The lawyer further argued that the alleged actions of the DSS officer amounted to child abuse, unlawful detention and breach of fundamental human rights, contrary to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Child Rights Act.

    In a ruling, the court ordered the immediate arrest and production of the DSS officer before the court to answer the allegations.

    The judge also directed relevant security agencies to ensure the safety and welfare of the minor, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

    Additionally, the court granted an interim order restraining the DSS officer or any other person from further interfering with the child’s custody or religious upbringing, until the matter is fully resolved.

    The case has drawn public attention, reigniting debates around religious freedom, child rights and the role of security agencies in private and family matters.

    Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the Department of State Services were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report, as calls and messages sent to its spokesperson were not returned.

    The matter was adjourned to a later date for further hearing.

  • Tinubu, Shettima To Spend ₦9.3bn On Travels, Food

    President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima are to spend a combined ₦9.3 billion on travels, meals and related logistics in the 2025 fiscal year, according to details contained in the approved federal budget.

    A breakdown of the budgetary allocations shows that the Presidency earmarked substantial sums for local and foreign travels, duty tour allowances, feeding, refreshments and welfare packages for the President, Vice-President and their aides.

    Specifically, President Tinubu’s office is allocated billions of naira for foreign travels and international engagements, reflecting Nigeria’s expanding diplomatic, economic and multilateral commitments, while a separate provision covers local travels across the six geopolitical zones.

    Similarly, the Vice-President’s office is also assigned significant funds for domestic and overseas trips, as well as hospitality, feeding and official entertainment, in line with constitutional and administrative responsibilities.

    Officials familiar with the budget said the allocations were in line with standard operational costs of the Presidency, noting that the figures cover not only the President and Vice-President but also security personnel, protocol officers, technical advisers and support staff attached to their offices.

    They explained that the costs include air charter services, fuel, accommodation, estacodes, feeding during official duties, state banquets and meetings with local and international stakeholders.

    However, the allocation has continued to generate public debate amid Nigeria’s current economic challenges, including rising inflation, subsidy removal impacts and cost-of-living pressures faced by citizens.

    Some civil society groups and fiscal responsibility advocates have urged the Federal Government to cut down on recurrent expenditure, particularly at the top levels of government, and redirect more funds towards healthcare, education, infrastructure and social welfare programmes.

    In response to similar concerns in the past, government officials have maintained that presidential travels are essential for governance, investment promotion and national security, adding that the allocations are subject to oversight by the National Assembly.

    The 2025 budget, which prioritises economic reforms, security and infrastructure development, was passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Tinubu, with assurances that public funds would be utilised transparently and efficiently.

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