Aeesha's Blog

Category: Breaking News

  • Mass Abduction Attempt Foiled In Zamfara Community – Police

    The Zamfara State Police Command has foiled an attempted invasion of Maru metropolis by suspected armed bandits who allegedly planned a mass abduction in the area.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, DSP Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Sunday in Gusau.

    Abubakar said the attempted attack was thwarted following timely and credible intelligence received by security agencies in the state.

    According to him, a joint security team comprising personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian military, community protection guards and local vigilante groups swiftly mobilised to confront the attackers.

    “Acting on credible and timely intelligence, a joint security team comprising the police, the military, community protection guards and vigilante groups engaged the armed bandits.

    “The attackers were forced to retreat with suspected gunshot injuries. No casualty or abduction was recorded during the operation,” the police spokesman said.

    He added that security had been reinforced in Maru metropolis and surrounding communities to forestall further attacks and ensure the safety of residents.

    Abubakar quoted the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ibrahim Maikaba, as commending the professionalism, courage and prompt response of the operatives involved in the operation.

    The commissioner, he said, reassured residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Zamfara State.

    “He urged members of the public to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and actionable intelligence to aid security operations,” the statement added.

    Meanwhile, the police command disclosed that it had similarly foiled another criminal operation by suspected bandits in the state last week.

    According to the statement, on Dec. 21, 2025, at about 4:55 p.m., operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the command, led by ASP Aliyu Bilyaminu Koko, while on routine patrol along the Tsafe–Yankuzo axis, received intelligence that armed bandits carrying sophisticated weapons had blocked the Tsafe–Yanwarin Daji road.

    “Upon arrival at the scene, the bandits opened fire on the police team, leading to a fierce gun duel.

    “During the exchange, some of the suspects fled into the bush with possible gunshot injuries, while others jumped into a nearby river and escaped,” the statement said.

    It added that one of the suspects, identified as Umar Alhaji Buhari, also known as ‘Bingil,’ surrendered and was arrested by the operatives.

    The command disclosed that the suspect was currently in police custody and would be subjected to a thorough investigation before being charged to court.

    The commissioner of police further commended residents of Zamfara State for their cooperation and support, assuring them of sustained efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.

    “Members of the public are encouraged to continue supporting the police with credible and actionable intelligence to enhance security operations across the state,” the statement said.

  • Housewarming Party Turns Deadly As Man Allegedly Kills Childhood Friend In Edo

    The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 43-year-old man, Amadin Williams, over the alleged killing of his childhood friend, Eghosa Osas, during a housewarming party at Oben Community in the state.

    The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident to our source on Sunday in Benin, saying the suspect was currently in police custody.

    According to the police spokesperson, the tragic incident occurred while the deceased was hosting a housewarming party after returning from abroad with his family to celebrate the Christmas festivities.

    Ikoedem said the matter was reported to the police by the elder brother of the deceased, who raised the alarm following the attack.

    She explained that preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased had stepped out during the event to relieve himself when the suspect allegedly cornered him and inflicted a fatal machete cut on his neck.

    “The report of the murder of Eghosa Osas is true. He was allegedly attacked and killed by his childhood friend, Amadin Williams, at Oben Community during a housewarming party,” the police spokesperson said.

    She added that the victim, who had recently returned from abroad to spend the Christmas season with his family, died on the spot as a result of the injuries sustained.

    A source within the community also confirmed the incident, noting that the motive behind the attack was yet to be ascertained.

    “I can confirm that Eghosa Osas, aged 43, was killed by his childhood friend, Amadin Williams, for reasons that are still unknown,” the source said.

    The police spokesperson further stated that investigations into the matter were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the killing.

    “The suspect is currently in custody, and he will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded,” Ikoedem said.

    She urged members of the public to remain calm and allow the police to carry out a thorough investigation, assuring that justice would be served.

  • JUST IN: 470-Kilogram WWII Bomb Safely Removed from Belgrade Construction Site

    A 470-kilogram (1,000-pound) World War II aerial bomb was safely removed on Sunday from a construction site in a central district of Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, the police confirmed.

    The US-made AN-M44 bomb was originally deployed during Allied air raids on German positions in 1944, during the liberation of Belgrade from Nazi occupation. Authorities described the removal operation as meticulous and carefully coordinated to ensure the safety of residents in the area.

    According to the Belgrade Police, detailed reconnaissance of the site, which is located near a residential neighborhood and a shopping mall, was conducted ahead of the operation. Residents were advised to move their vehicles and temporarily vacate their homes to prevent accidents.

    “The bomb was safely transported to an army arms training ground approximately 180 kilometers (110 miles) from Belgrade, where it is scheduled for controlled destruction in the coming days,” the police said.

    EThis incident is part of a recurring pattern of unexploded ordnance discoveries in Serbia. In September 2024, a nearly 300-kilogram (660-pound) century-old artillery shell was cleared near the Serbian parliament in Belgrade. Earlier that year, a large bomb from the 1999 NATO bombing campaign was discovered in Nis, southern Serbia.

    In 2021, a 242-kilogram (530-pound) World War II bomb was removed from a Belgrade suburb without incident.

    Police have reassured the public that all recent discoveries have been safely neutralized, emphasizing the continued vigilance of bomb disposal units in the country.

  • SERAP Drags Governors, Wike To Court Over Alleged N14trn Fuel Subsidy Savings

    The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has instituted a lawsuit against the 35 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, over their alleged failure to account for about ₦14 trillion realised as savings from the removal of fuel subsidy.

    Also joined as a respondent in the suit is the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.

    SERAP alleged that the governors and the FCT minister had received trillions of naira as increased allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) following the removal of fuel subsidy in May 2023, but said the funds had not translated into improved access to quality healthcare, education and other basic services for poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

    The suit, marked FHC/L/MSC/1424/2025, was filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Lagos, according to a statement signed on Sunday by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Mr Kolawole Oluwadare.

    In the application, SERAP is urging the court to direct and compel the respondents to disclose full details of how the increased FAAC allocations, described as fuel subsidy savings, have been utilised since mid-2023.

    Specifically, the organisation is seeking an order mandating the governors and Mr Wike to reveal details of the spending of the increased FAAC allocations accruing from the removal of fuel subsidy, as well as the nature and locations of projects, if any, executed with the funds.

    In arguments contained in court processes filed by SERAP’s counsel, Mrs Oluwakemi Agunbiade and Ms Valentina Adegoke, the organisation stated that FAAC distributed about ₦28.78 trillion in 2024 to the three tiers of government from proceeds of fuel subsidy removal, representing a 79 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

    It noted that allocations to state governments reportedly rose by 45.5 per cent to ₦5.22 trillion, while monthly FAAC distributions in 2025 had exceeded ₦1.6 trillion.

    SERAP, however, argued that despite the sharp increase in public funds accruing to states and the FCT, millions of poor and socio-economically vulnerable Nigerians had not benefited from the subsidy savings.

    The organisation alleged that many states were still owing civil servants’ salaries and pensions, while several others continued to borrow to meet salary obligations.

    It further claimed that residents of many states and the FCT were being denied access to basic public services, adding that persistent allegations of corruption, mismanagement of public funds and entrenched impunity had eroded public trust in government at all levels.

    SERAP contended that Nigerians have a constitutional and legal right to know how public funds, including fuel subsidy savings, are spent by state governments and the FCT administration.

    According to the group, the savings from the removal of fuel subsidy should be deployed exclusively for the benefit of poor and vulnerable Nigerians, who are most affected by the policy.

    “Directing and compelling the states and the FCT to disclose details of the spending of fuel subsidy savings would enable Nigerians to scrutinise the expenditures and hold public officials accountable,” the organisation said.

    SERAP cited relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), including Sections 13, 15(5) and 16(2), as well as Nigeria’s obligations under the United Nations Convention against Corruption, to support its call for transparency and accountability.

    It also relied on a Supreme Court judgment which affirmed that the Freedom of Information Act applies to public records across the federation, including records relating to the spending of subsidy savings by states and the FCT.

    No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

  • NDLEA Arrests Ex-Convict, Three Cargo Agents Over UK-Bound Cocaine At Lagos Airport

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a convicted drug trafficker, Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, and three cargo agents following the seizure of cocaine concealed in factory-sealed sachets of liquid starch and bound for the United Kingdom.

    The agency said 75 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.50 kilogrammes were recovered at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.

    NDLEA’s Director, Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos.

    According to him, three cargo agents — Jubrin Firdausi Hassana, Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun and Igwe Chioma Jane — were arrested on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in connection with the attempted exportation of the illicit drugs.

    Babafemi said further investigation linked the consignment to Nwobodo, 37, who was arrested the following day at a relaxation centre in Ikeja during a follow-up operation.

    “The suspect, a notorious drug trafficker previously convicted in 2023 for trafficking 30.10kg of methamphetamine, has again been arrested following the seizure of 75 parcels of cocaine concealed in factory-sealed sachets of cold-water starch heading to the UK,” he said.

    He added that records showed Nwobodo was earlier arrested in May 2023 over a methamphetamine consignment concealed in powdered custard containers destined for London.

    Babafemi said the suspect was arraigned before a Federal High Court, Lagos, in Charge No: FHC/L/337C/2023, convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment with an option of a ₦7 million fine and one-month community service, with effect from Dec. 4, 2023.

    “He paid the fine and shortly after returned to the same criminal activity,” Babafemi said.

    In related operations, the NDLEA also arrested a 65-year-old driver, Sada’u Mohammed, in Gombe State while transporting 300 ampoules of pentazocine injection and 27,900 tablets of tramadol and other opioids along the Gombe–Biu highway, en route to Biu, Borno State.

    The agency further said a 47-year-old businessman, Ignatius Egbochie (alias Brown), was arrested in Lagos over an earlier seizure of 26kg of “Loud” cannabis at the Tincan Island Port.

    Babafemi explained that the cannabis consignment, made up of 56 parcels, was seized on Dec. 10, 2025, during a joint container examination involving NDLEA, the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies.

    “A follow-up operation by NDLEA operatives on Dec. 19 led to the arrest of Egbochie in Apapa, Lagos,” he said.

    The NDLEA spokesman also disclosed that the agency intensified its nationwide offensive against drug trafficking between Dec. 21 and 25, 2025, leading to the destruction of cannabis warehouses and seizure of large quantities of illicit drugs in Ekiti, Edo, Cross River, Abuja, Lagos and Taraba States.

    He said NDLEA operatives on Dec. 22 set ablaze cannabis warehouses in Ara Forest, Ara-Ekiti, where 638 kilogrammes of skunk were recovered.

    Similarly, 1,205 blocks of compressed cannabis sativa, weighing 883.1kg, were recovered from three Toyota Camry vehicles intercepted along the Igara–Auchi Road in Edo State.

    In Cross River State, Babafemi said raid operations at Agoi-Ibami community, Yakurr Local Government Area, led to the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of various quantities of skunk.

    The suspects were identified as Freedom Jonah Akpama (27) with 671kg, David Itam David (30) with 89kg, and Nelson Arikpo Osam (26) with 148kg.

    Babafemi reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustaining pressure on drug trafficking networks across the country and preventing Nigeria from being used as a transit hub for illicit drugs.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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