Aeesha's Blog

Author: Aeesha Zannah

  • Nigeria Rejects Israel’s Recognition Of Somaliland, Warns Against Undermining Somalia

    The Federal Government of Nigeria has rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, describing the move as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and a potential trigger for heightened instability in the Horn of Africa.

    In a statement issued on Saturday by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the government said Nigeria remained firmly committed to the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of states, as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and the Constitutive Act of the African Union (AU).

    Ebienfa said Nigeria gives its “firm and unequivocal support for the sovereignty, unity and statehood of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” stressing that the Federal Government in Mogadishu remains the only legitimate authority representing the Somali people.

    According to the statement, Nigeria condemned any actions, statements or recognition capable of undermining Somalia’s constitutional order, warning that recognising any part of the country as an independent entity would only escalate tensions and worsen the already fragile security and political situation in the region.

    “The stability of Somalia is integral to the peace and security of the entire Horn of Africa and the African continent at large,” the statement said.

    It added that Nigeria would continue to support Somalia through multilateral engagement, diplomatic efforts and international cooperation aimed at rebuilding a stable, united and resilient Somali state.

    The government urged Israel, as well as other regional and international actors, to strictly respect Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to support its institutions in their ongoing nation-building efforts.

    Nigeria also issued a clear warning that any move to recognise Somaliland or any other secessionist entity would undermine peace initiatives, derail reconciliation processes and deepen instability in the region.

    Israel had, on Friday, announced its recognition of Somaliland, a self-declared breakaway region of Somalia, as an “independent and sovereign state.”

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), said the recognition followed the signing of a joint declaration with Somaliland’s President, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, and Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar.

    Netanyahu said the declaration was in the spirit of the Abraham Accords and announced Israel’s intention to pursue immediate cooperation with Somaliland in areas such as agriculture, health, technology and the economy.

    Somaliland authorities welcomed the recognition, describing it as a milestone toward regional and global peace, and expressed readiness to join the Abraham Accords.

    Meanwhile, Israel’s move has drawn widespread condemnation across Africa and the Middle East.

    The African Union, in a statement issued on Friday, reiterated its unwavering support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

    The Chairperson of the AU Commission, Mr Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, said the bloc
    “unequivocally rejects” any initiative aimed at recognising Somaliland as an independent entity, noting that the region remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

    “Any attempt to undermine the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia runs counter to the fundamental principles of the African Union and risks setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent,” Youssouf said.

    Similarly, Somalia’s government condemned Israel’s action as unlawful and a deliberate attack on its sovereignty.

    Egypt and the Arab League also denounced the recognition, describing it as provocative and a serious threat to regional security, as well as a breach of international law and the principles of territorial integrity upheld by the United Nations.

    Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has since sought international recognition, but until Israel’s announcement, no country had formally recognised it as a sovereign state.

  • Deadline Extended For West Africa Oil Undergraduate Scholarship Application

    The management of the West Africa Oil Scholarship Scheme has announced an extension of the application deadline for its undergraduate scholarship programme to Jan. 19, 2026.

    According to information obtained by our source, the scholarship is strictly open to undergraduate students of universities, while applicants from polytechnics, colleges of education (NCE), and nursing schools are not eligible.

    The scholarship scheme is targeted at university undergraduates from 100 to 400 level who are currently enrolled in accredited Nigerian universities.

    *Application Requirements
    Prospective applicants are required to provide the following details during registration:
    •A Recent Passport Photograph With A White Background
    •Full Name Of Applicant
    •An Active And Accessible Email Address
    •Name of University
    •University Undergraduate Status (100–400 level)
    •University or UTME Identification Number
    State of Origin
    •Local Government Area Of Origin
    •Residential Address
    •Date Of Birth
    •Mode of Identification (National Identification Number, International Passport, Driver’s Licence, •Permanent Voter’s Card, or Institutional/Departmental ID card)
    •Identification Number
    •Upload Of Any Of The Listed Means Of Identification.
    •preferred Interview Or Screening Location.

    Scholarship Benefits;

    Successful applicants will receive an annual scholarship grant of ₦250,000, in addition to a free laptop to support their academic activities.

    Application Process

    Applicants who are able to complete the registration independently are advised to apply via the official scholarship portal at:
    https://scholarship.westafricaoil.com/account/

    However, applicants who require assistance with the registration process are informed that a service fee of ₦2,500 applies. Such applicants are directed to contact 07068104984 for support.
    Deadline Extension

    Source reports that while the initial deadline for submission was Dec. 23, 2025, the organisers have now extended the deadline to Jan. 19, 2026, to allow more eligible candidates to participate.

    For additional updates and official announcements, applicants are encouraged to follow the scholarship’s WhatsApp channel at:
    https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6v0fr7DAX4HAKLhe3E

  • Govs Bank On FAAC, Loans To Fund 2026 Budgets

    State governments across Nigeria are entering the 2026 fiscal year with expansive spending plans amid weak internally generated revenue (IGR), forcing many to rely heavily on allocations from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), loans, grants and other non-recurring revenue sources to finance their budgets.

    An analysis of appropriation bills and approved estimates of several states indicates that only a few can fund a significant portion of their expenditure from IGR, raising concerns about the sustainability of capital projects and long-term fiscal health.

    Findings show that most states remain fiscally dependent on the Federal Government, with FAAC allocations emerging as the largest and most predictable revenue source, complemented by value-added tax (VAT) distributions and, in oil-producing states, derivation proceeds.

    Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial hub, has proposed a N4.237 trillion budget for 2026, the largest subnational budget to date.

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the budget, anchored on the administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S.+ development agenda, would be funded through N3.12 trillion in IGR and federal transfers, with the balance sourced from bonds and loans. Despite its strong revenue base, Lagos still depends on debt instruments to close funding gaps.

    Abia State faces tighter fiscal constraints. Governor Alex Otti presented a N1.016 trillion budget, with N811.8 billion, representing 80 per cent, earmarked for capital expenditure, and N204.4 billion, or 20 per cent, allocated to recurrent spending.

    Projected revenues include N83.2 billion from FAAC, N67.1 billion from VAT, N26.5 billion from grants and aid, and N168 billion from other federal revenue channels, amounting to N607.2 billion. This leaves a deficit of about N409 billion, equivalent to roughly 40 per cent of the budget, to be covered through federal inflows and borrowing.

    In Ogun State, the N1.669 trillion “Budget of Sustainable Legacy” projects N509.88 billion from IGR, N554.81 billion from federal transfers, and N518.9 billion from capital receipts, including internal and external loans and grants.

    Although the budget appears balanced on paper, more than 30 per cent of the funding is derived from non-recurring sources.

    Enugu State approved a N1.62 trillion budget for 2026, representing a 66.5 per cent increase over the 2025 figure. Capital expenditure stands at N1.296 trillion, while recurrent spending is N321.3 billion.

    Revenue projections include N870 billion from IGR, N387 billion from federal allocations, and N329 billion from capital receipts, indicating continued reliance on external financing.

    Osun State’s N723.45 billion budget comprises projected recurrent revenue of N421.25 billion, capital receipts of N286.01 billion, and an opening balance of N16.19 billion. Analysts note that a substantial share of the funding is uncertain, as it depends largely on capital receipts.

    Oil-producing Delta State plans to implement a N1.664 trillion budget, allocating N1.165 trillion to capital projects and N499 billion to recurrent expenditure. Expected revenue includes N720 billion from statutory allocations and derivation funds, as well as N250 billion from IGR. Despite anticipated gains from fuel subsidy removal, the state remains heavily dependent on oil-linked federal inflows.

    Sokoto State’s N758.7 billion “Budget of Socio-Economic Expansion” is projected to draw N389.3 billion from FAAC, N74.5 billion from IGR, and N233.8 billion from grants and development funds, leaving the state largely dependent on federal transfers and donor support.

    Edo State’s N939.85 billion budget relies on multiple funding sources, including N160 billion from IGR, N480 billion from FAAC, N153 billion from grants and capital receipts, and N146 billion from public-private partnerships. Observers warn that delays in external funding could affect implementation timelines.

    Bayelsa State approved a N1.01 trillion budget, with projected revenues including statutory allocations, VAT, 13 per cent derivation, other FAAC inflows, IGR, grants and domestic loans. Less than 10 per cent of the state’s revenue is expected from IGR, underscoring heavy dependence on oil revenue and borrowing.

    Gombe State’s N535.7 billion “Budget of Consolidation” allocates N371.44 billion to capital expenditure and N164.25 billion to recurrent spending, relying significantly on capital receipts and carryover balances.

    Kwara State’s N644.004 billion “Consolidation and Sustained Growth” budget is based on macroeconomic assumptions, including an oil price benchmark of 64.85 dollars per barrel, daily production of 1.84 million barrels, an exchange rate of N1,400 to the dollar and GDP growth of 4.68 per cent, making execution sensitive to national economic performance.

    Commenting on the trend, the Managing Director of Optimus by Afrinvest, Dr Ayodeji Ebo, warned that heavy reliance on federal transfers, borrowing and volatile revenue sources exposes states to fiscal risks.

    “These revenues are largely outside the control of states and make budgets vulnerable to oil price shocks. Sustainable growth requires building productive local economies and broadening tax bases,” Ebo said.

    Fiscal expert Aliyu Ilias also expressed concern over the management of FAAC allocations, urging the Federal Government to consider incentive-based frameworks that reward states for improving IGR performance.

    According to him, while FAAC allocations are at record levels, they have not consistently translated into improved living standards, stressing the need for fiscal discipline and efficient project execution at subnational levels.

    Analysts note that of the 36 states, 34 governors have presented their 2026 budget proposals to their respective Houses of Assembly, while Borno and Rivers states are yet to submit their appropriation bills.

    They cautioned that revenue shortfalls could primarily affect capital expenditure, as recurrent obligations such as salaries and debt servicing take priority, emphasising the need for strict adherence to budget cycles and prudent financial management.

  • Many Feared Dead As Explosion Hits Zamfara Highway

    Many travellers are feared dead following a suspected bomb explosion along the Yar’Tasha–Dansadau road in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, on Saturday.

    The incident, which reportedly occurred earlier in the day, involved a blast believed to have targeted commuters plying the busy highway linking several communities in the area.

    Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Zamfara State Command, DSP Yazid Abubakar, told journalists in a telephone interview that an explosion had indeed taken place, but said details were still sketchy.

    “I can confirm that there was a blast in that area, but the incident just happened. I can’t tell you details yet. I will update you later,” Abubakar said.

    Meanwhile, videos circulating on social media platforms showed scenes of panic, with travellers fleeing the area following the blast, amid fears of further explosions or attacks.

    Reacting to the incident, an X (formerly Twitter) user, Mr Nuhu Sada, who was the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate for the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Zaria Kewaye Constituency, in the 2025 bye-election, described the incident as tragic.

    “Another tragic attack on innocent travellers in Zamfara. Families are grieving, lives are lost, and property destroyed. Security agencies must act quickly to prevent further harm and bring those responsible to justice,” he wrote.

    Another social media user, identified as #DanKatsina50, alleged that the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) suspected to have been planted by bandits.

    “BREAKING NEWS: Moments ago, an explosion struck travellers on the Yar’Tasha–Dansadau way in Maru LGA, Zamfara State. The blast, suspected to be an IED planted by bandits, caused deaths and loss of property. Casualties remain unconfirmed,” the post read.

    Zamfara State has remained one of the states most affected by banditry in Nigeria’s North-West zone, with persistent attacks on highways, rural communities and villages, often resulting in deaths, abductions and large-scale destruction of property.

    On Dec. 12, several passengers were reportedly killed when a commercial vehicle ran over an improvised explosive device allegedly planted by bandits in the state.

    According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-terrorism publication, the explosion involved a Toyota “Eagle Eye” vehicle conveying passengers from Gwashi, leaving many casualties.

    Similarly, on Dec. 10, a truck conveying onions from Baga to Maiduguri struck an explosive device in Lingir Village, Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State, injuring the driver and three passengers.

    Just four days earlier, another explosion occurred in Bama Local Government Area, where four children were reportedly killed and one injured after an IED detonated behind the Banki motor park.

    Security agencies are yet to issue a comprehensive statement on the latest Zamfara incident as investigations continue.

  • US Resumes Surveillance Flights Over Sambisa Forest After Sokoto Airstrikes

    The United States has resumed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations over Nigeria’s Sambisa Forest following recent airstrikes on Islamic State (ISIS) targets in Sokoto State.

    A Sahel-focused terrorism tracker, Mr Brant Philip, disclosed that flight tracking data indicated renewed aerial surveillance over Borno State, particularly the Sambisa axis, a known stronghold of insurgent groups.

    According to the data, the aircraft involved is a Gulfstream V, a long-range business jet commonly modified for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

    Philip explained that Saturday’s operations were directed at the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), the ISIS affiliate operating mainly in Nigeria’s North-East and the Lake Chad Basin.

    “The United States resumed ISR operations today on ISWAP in the Sambisa Forest, Borno State, in northeast Nigeria, after a pause of one day following the strikes in Sokoto State,” he said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

    Further analysis of flight tracking records showed that the U.S. began intelligence operations in Nigeria on Nov. 24, after the aircraft departed from Ghana, which serves as a major hub for American military logistics in Africa.

    Since the commencement of the mission, the aircraft has reportedly flown over Nigerian territory almost daily.

    The flight data also linked the aircraft operator to Tenax Aerospace, a special mission aircraft provider known to work closely with the U.S. military.

    At the onset of the surveillance operations, a former U.S. official had stated that the missions included efforts to track an American pilot kidnapped in neighbouring Niger Republic, as well as the gathering of intelligence on militant groups operating within Nigeria.

    The intelligence flights reportedly began shortly after Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, met with the U.S. Defence Secretary, Mr Pete Hegseth, in Washington, following comments by President Donald Trump on possible U.S. military intervention.

    After the meeting, Hegseth said the U.S. Department of Defence would work “aggressively” with Nigeria to end what he described as the “persecution of Christians by jihadist terrorists”.

    Thursday night’s airstrikes were described as the first practical step following those statements, with Trump indicating that further strikes could follow.

    Before the Christmas Day operation, the United States had conducted similar missions over Sokoto, Yobe and parts of the Lake Chad region.

    Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, later confirmed in an interview with the BBC that the airstrikes were a joint Nigeria–United States operation, adding that additional actions could still be taken.

    Security analysts say the renewed surveillance activities suggest the likelihood of fresh airstrikes, possibly concentrated in the North-East.

    Observers note that the increased U.S. aerial presence over Borno State underscores heightened international involvement in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, particularly against ISWAP.

    They, however, caution that while enhanced Nigeria–U.S. cooperation could weaken insurgent groups, it may also heighten regional tensions if not carefully managed.

  • Tinubu Says Four Attack Helicopters From U.S. To Arrive Soon

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced that four attack helicopters ordered from the United States will arrive in Nigeria in the coming months as part of efforts to strengthen the nation’s security architecture.

    Tinubu disclosed this during a meeting with leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), where he reassured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to addressing insecurity across the country.

    The President said the helicopters were part of ongoing initiatives aimed at upgrading the operational capacity of the Armed Forces and enhancing rapid response to security threats.

    “Our orders for four attack helicopters from the United States of America will take some time to arrive. We have also approached Turkey for assistance,” Tinubu said.

    He explained that the procurement of advanced military hardware often takes time, noting that such equipment is expensive and not readily available off the shelf.

    Despite the delays, the President emphasised that the Federal Government remained resolute in equipping the military with modern tools required to combat terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality.

    He called on CAN and other faith-based organisations to collaborate with his administration in achieving national stability, stressing that some of the policies being implemented would take time to yield visible results.

    “The mood of the nation is peaceful, although our ungoverned spaces are large. The challenge is real, but we will surmount it. We are a very religious people. We are prayer warriors. We need your focus, vigilance and cooperation,” he said.

    Tinubu also reiterated his administration’s commitment to the establishment of state police, saying it would become a reality once the National Assembly completes the necessary legislative processes.

    According to him, replacing military hardware is not only costly but also difficult due to limited global supply.

    The President’s remarks come amid renewed security challenges and insurgency in parts of the country, which have attracted international attention and increased cooperation between Nigeria and its allies.

    Recently, United States President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that U.S. forces had carried out air strikes in Sokoto State, targeting militants allegedly responsible for the killing of innocent Christians.

    The Nigerian Government later confirmed that the operation was conducted in collaboration with Nigerian security agencies.

    Reacting to the development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nigeria remained engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States, to address terrorism and violent extremism.

    “Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America, in addressing the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism.

    “This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North-West,” the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said in a statement.

  • Unfair Tax Reforms Could Deepen Public Distrust — MSSN

    The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) has warned that unfair or poorly implemented tax reforms by the Federal Government could further deepen public distrust and disengagement from governance if issues of equity, justice and inclusivity are not adequately addressed.

    The National President of the society, Mallam Tajudeen Mustapha, made the remark on Saturday at the opening ceremony of the MSSN B-Zone Islamic Vacation Course (IVC), held at the proposed permanent site of Al-Ummah University along the Ibadan–Lagos Expressway, Onigari, Ogun State.

    Mustapha said Nigeria was currently grappling with multiple challenges, including economic hardship, insecurity, moral decline and leadership deficits, stressing that policies perceived as unjust tend to worsen citizens’ loss of confidence in government.

    “Taxation in itself is not the real problem. The major issue is the growing lack of trust in how public resources are managed,” he said.

    He expressed concern that reforms and agreements, particularly those bordering on taxation and sovereignty, raise questions of equity and fairness, thereby making citizens sceptical and disengaged from governance.

    The MSSN national leadership emphasised that responsibility in governance was not optional, urging authorities to ensure that policies were anchored on justice, transparency and accountability in order to regain public confidence.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Amir of MSSN, B-Zone, Mallam Moshood Kolawole, described the Islamic Vacation Course as the flagship programme of the society.

    Kolawole said the programme provided a platform for self-reflection, spiritual renewal and collective responsibility, adding that participants drawn from across southern Nigeria were brought together to confront challenges such as moral decline, economic pressure, insecurity and erosion of values.

    According to him, the challenges facing the country require sincere collective action from individuals and institutions.

    Delivering a lecture titled “We Are All Responsible,” Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, Imam of the Muslim Community, Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, and Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State, said responsibility in society applies to all persons without exception.

    Abdul-Hameed said social injustice, corruption, insecurity and moral decay persist when individuals and leaders fail to act responsibly, noting that silence in the face of wrongdoing amounts to complicity.

    He explained that accountability in Islam covers actions, words and inactions, adding that parents, leaders, youths and professionals all bear responsibility for societal outcomes.

    Also speaking, the Chief Registrar of the organisation, Mr Abdulrazak Yusuf, disclosed that a total of 10,158 delegates registered for the programme across the Edo, Delta and Rivers axis.

    Yusuf attributed the high turnout to improvements in the online registration system introduced during the previous edition of the programme.

    He, however, acknowledged challenges in sensitisation, noting that limited awareness of the online registration process led some members to attempt physical registration.

    He urged area units of the society to intensify enlightenment efforts ahead of future programmes.

    Source reports that the Islamic Vacation Course, now in its 115th edition, runs annually from Dec. 23 to Jan. 1 and serves as a major platform for spiritual development, leadership training and civic engagement among Muslim students across southern Nigeria.

    Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu had in June signed into law a comprehensive package of tax reform legislation, marking what the Federal Government described as the most far-reaching overhaul of Nigeria’s fiscal framework in decades.

    The new tax regime, scheduled to take effect in January 2026, has continued to generate anxiety and debate among Nigerians.

    Despite assurances by the Federal Government that the reforms would strengthen fiscal policy and yield long-term benefits, critics argue that the measures could worsen the financial hardship currently faced by many citizens.

  • JUST IN: Seven Abducted, Others Injured As Bandits Attack Kwara Community

    No fewer than seven persons have been abducted while several others sustained injuries following a fresh bandit attack on Adanla community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

    The incident occurred on Friday evening, Dec. 26, at about 7:00 p.m., barely a day after the Christmas celebration, throwing the community into mourning.

    A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attackers invaded Adanla, located in Igbaja Ward 2, in large numbers, firing sporadically as they forcefully entered homes and abducted residents.

    “Today, Dec. 26, 2025, at about 7:30 p.m., Adanla community in Igbaja Ward 2, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, was invaded by bandits. Our peaceful community is now in deep sorrow, grief and agony,” the source said.

    According to the source, seven residents were kidnapped during the raid, while several others suffered gunshot injuries. A young girl was said to have been critically wounded and is currently battling for her life.

    “They invaded our homes during this festive season and forcibly kidnapped seven people, injuring several others. They fired several gunshots, and seven of our family members are now in the den of these heartless criminals,” the source added.

    The latest attack has heightened concerns over the worsening security situation in Kwara State and the wider North-Central region, where communities continue to experience banditry, kidnapping and violent attacks, including during festive periods.

    When contacted, the spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said she was yet to receive a detailed briefing on the incident.

    “I am yet to be properly briefed about the incident. I received the information last night, but once I have full details, I will get back to you,” she said.

    Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force recently announced the arrest of two suspected notorious bandits and kidnapping kingpins linked to violent crimes across Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kwara states.

    The Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT), attached to Kwara State, carried out the arrest in a covert operation on Dec. 19, in collaboration with operatives of the Kwara State Police Command.

    The suspects were intercepted and arrested along the Komen–Masallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area of the state.

    Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, identified the suspects as Abubakar Usman, alias Siddi, aged 26, and Shehu Mohammadu, alias Gide, aged 30.

    Hundeyin said the suspects were arrested in Komen–Masallaci village, Kaiama Local Government Area.

    Items recovered from them included one brand new Honda Ace 125 motorcycle valued at ₦1.85 million, which investigations revealed was purchased with proceeds of ransom payments; ₦500,000 unspent ransom money; and one AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing 20 rounds of live ammunition.

    The police said investigations were ongoing to dismantle the gang’s network and bring other accomplices to justice.

  • FG Confirms U.S. Airstrikes On ISIS Targets In North-West Nigeria

    The Federal Government has confirmed ongoing security and intelligence cooperation between Nigeria and the United States following airstrikes that hit terrorist targets in Nigeria’s North-West.

    The confirmation is contained in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by the Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Kimiebi Ebienfa.

    Ebienfa said the collaboration had resulted in “precision airstrikes on terrorist targets in the North-West,” adding that the cooperation was part of Nigeria’s broader counter-terrorism strategy.

    According to him, Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States, to address terrorism and violent extremism across the country.

    He explained that the collaboration involved intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and other forms of operational support, all conducted in line with international law and with full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.

    “The Government of Nigeria reiterates that all counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the primacy of protecting civilian lives, safeguarding national unity, and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity,” the statement read.

    The spokesman stressed that terrorist violence, whether targeted at Christians, Muslims or other communities, remained an affront to Nigeria’s core values and a threat to international peace and security.

    The confirmation followed a social media post by United States President, Mr Donald Trump, who announced that U.S. forces had carried out what he described as “powerful and deadly strikes” against Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists operating in North-Western Nigeria.

    “Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

    He added that the U.S. Department of War had executed “numerous perfect strikes,” warning that further attacks would follow if the killings continued.

    In a related development, the United States Defence Secretary, Mr Pete Hegseth, said Washington acted with the cooperation and support of the Nigerian Government.

    “Grateful for Nigerian government support and cooperation,” Hegseth said in a separate social media post, adding that the U.S. Department of War was “always ready.”

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nigeria would continue to work with its partners through established diplomatic and security channels to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats.

    The ministry also assured Nigerians that the government would keep the public informed through appropriate official channels on developments related to national security.

    Source reports that the U.S. airstrikes came a day after a bomb attack on a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, which killed five persons and injured several others, in what security authorities suspect was a suicide bombing.

    The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to intensifying counter-terrorism efforts in collaboration with regional and international partners to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians.

  • N’Assembly Orders Issuance Of Certified Copies Of Tax Laws

    The National Assembly has directed the issuance of Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the recently enacted Tax Reform Acts to stakeholders and members of the public upon request.

    The directive is contained in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by the Director of Information, Senate, Mr Bullah Audu Bi-Allah.

    According to the statement, the leadership of the National Assembly has also commenced an investigation into allegations that some provisions of the tax laws were altered after being approved by lawmakers and assented to by the President.

    The affected laws are;
    •The Nigeria Tax Act, 2025;
    Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025;
    •Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025; and
    •Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025.

    It explained that concerns had been raised over the harmonisation of the bills passed by both chambers, the presidential assent, and the versions of the Acts subsequently published in the Official Gazette.

    “The leadership and management of the National Assembly are addressing these matters strictly within their constitutional and statutory mandate,” the statement said.

    It added that the relevant committees of the National Assembly, working with its management, had commenced an internal review to clarify the issues raised.

    The Senate noted that the exercise was being carried out in line with the 1999 Constitution, the Acts Authentication Act, Cap. A4, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004, the Standing Orders of both chambers, and established parliamentary practice.

    “In the course of this review, the leadership has directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to facilitate, in collaboration with relevant agencies, the publication of the Acts in the Official Gazette and to issue certified true copies of the assented Acts on demand to any stakeholder or the general public,” it stated.

    The National Assembly stressed that the action was purely administrative and intended to authenticate and formally reflect legislative decisions already taken.

    It clarified that the review did not imply any defect in the exercise of legislative powers by either chamber, nor did it encroach on the responsibilities of other arms of government.

    The leadership reaffirmed its commitment to constitutionalism, separation of powers and due process, assuring that any procedural or administrative lapses discovered would be addressed in accordance with the law.

    Members of the public were urged to allow the internal processes of the legislature to run their course without speculation or interference.

    The development comes amid calls by opposition politicians and civil society organisations, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), for the suspension of the implementation of the Tax Reform Acts, scheduled to take effect in January.

    Former Senate Leader, Sen. Ali Ndume, had earlier urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend the implementation of the laws pending clarification of the controversy surrounding their content.

    Similarly, NBA President, Mr Afam Osigwe, warned that the dispute could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s legislative process and called for a transparent investigation.

    The controversy was heightened following allegations by a member of the House of Representatives, Mr Abdussamad Dasuki, that the versions of the tax laws published in the Official Gazette differed from those passed by the National Assembly and transmitted to the President for assent.

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