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  • Troops Recover Ammunition, Others From Borno Drainage

    Troops of the Nigerian Army have recovered assorted ammunition and other dangerous items from a drainage channel in Borno State, following credible intelligence and sustained clearance operations in the area.

    A statement issued on Friday in Maiduguri by the Army said the recovery was made during a routine search and cordon-and-sweep operation conducted by troops in collaboration with other security agencies.

    According to the statement, the items were discovered concealed inside a drainage system suspected to have been used by terrorists and other criminal elements to hide weapons and logistics.

    Items recovered include assorted rounds of ammunition, locally fabricated devices, metal fragments, and other materials believed to be used in the production of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

    The Army said preliminary findings indicated that the recovered items were likely intended for use in planned attacks on security personnel and civilians within Maiduguri metropolis and its environs.

    It noted that the successful operation was part of ongoing efforts under Operation Hadin Kai to deny insurgents freedom of movement, degrade their logistics networks, and ensure the safety of residents.

    “The troops acted on actionable intelligence and conducted a thorough search of the drainage, leading to the recovery of the dangerous items without any casualties,” the statement said.

    The Army added that the recovered ammunition and materials had been safely evacuated and handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation and disposal.

    It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive patrols, intelligence-led operations, and cooperation with local communities to flush out remnants of terrorist elements in the North-East.

    The military also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information on suspicious movements or objects to security agencies, assuring them of confidentiality and prompt response.

    Borno has remained the epicentre of counter-insurgency operations in the North-East, with security forces intensifying clearance operations to prevent a resurgence of terrorist activities and restore lasting peace to the region.

  • JUST IN: Nigerian Army Arrests Key Coordinator Of Bomb Attacks In Borno, 13 Others

    Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a key coordinator of recent bomb attacks in Borno State along with 13 other suspects, the military announced on Saturday.

    The principal suspect, Shariff Umar, also known as “Yusuf”, was identified as the main coordinator of a suicide bombing network responsible for several attacks and attempted attacks in the North-East, including the deadly blast at Gamboru Market Mosque in Maiduguri on December 24, 2025.

    In a statement issued by Lieutenant-Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-East (Operation HADIN KAI), the development followed intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations conducted in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on December 31, 2025.

    The operation resulted in the arrest of 14 suspects linked to suicide bombing activities, with subsequent investigations establishing the structure, roles and operational linkages of the terror cell.

    According to the Army, a suspected suicide bomber currently in custody, Ibrahim Muhammad, provided detailed information during interrogation, unequivocally identifying Umar as the mastermind behind the attacks.

    Umar is said to have been responsible for recruiting, preparing and dispatching suicide bombers, as well as coordinating logistics and the delivery of improvised explosive device (IED) components to operatives.

    The military further disclosed that Umar directly coordinated the bombing of the Gamboru Market Mosque, in which his accomplice, identified as Adamu, detonated a suicide vest killing himself and injuring worshippers.

    Umar was also linked to a foiled bombing attempt in Damaturu, Yobe State, where he is alleged to have personally handed over IED parts to a would-be attacker.

    In addition to Umar, the investigation reportedly uncovered involvement by members of his immediate household.

    The Army noted that Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, and his step-daughter, Amina, provided corroborated testimonies that strengthened the evidential trail used to dismantle the terror cell.

    All suspects remain in military custody and are undergoing intensive multi-layered investigations aimed at fully dismantling the terror network, identifying additional collaborators, and recovering any remaining explosives or logistical assets, the statement added.

    The Army emphasised that the breakthrough underscored the importance of intelligence-driven operations and cooperation with local communities.

    Citizens were urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons, movements or activities to security agencies to help prevent future attacks and protect innocent lives.

    This development comes amid heightened military efforts by the Nigerian Army to degrade terrorist networks in the North-East, following a series of suicide bombings and other violent incidents that have claimed numerous lives and heightened insecurity in the region.

  • JUST IN: Bandits Kill Seven In Plateau, Abduct Passengers And Burn Vehicles In Zamfara

    No fewer than seven persons have been killed in separate bandit attacks in Plateau State, while several passengers were abducted and vehicles set ablaze along major highways in Zamfara State.

    In Plateau, residents said the attack occurred in the early hours of Friday when suspected armed bandits invaded affected communities, shooting sporadically and causing residents to flee for safety.

    Eyewitnesses told sources that the assailants moved from house to house, killing seven persons on the spot, while many others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

    A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the victims included women and youths, adding that several houses were also destroyed during the attack.

    “We woke up to gunshots and people shouting. Before help could come, seven people had already been killed. Many residents have fled the community out of fear,” the source said.

    Meanwhile, in Zamfara State, bandits reportedly blocked a major highway linking some communities, abducted passengers from commercial vehicles and set several vehicles on fire.

    Sources gathered that the attackers operated for several hours without resistance, forcing motorists to abandon their vehicles while passengers were marched into the bush.

    A resident of the area said the bandits later burned some of the vehicles after abducting the passengers, leaving travellers stranded.

    “The road has become very dangerous. They stopped vehicles, took passengers away and burned the remaining vehicles,” the resident said.

    Security operatives are yet to issue official statements on both incidents as of the time of filing this report.

    However, efforts by source to reach police and security authorities in Plateau and Zamfara states were ongoing.

    The latest attacks come amid renewed concerns over rising insecurity in parts of the North-Central and North-West regions, despite ongoing military and security operations to curb banditry and other criminal activities.

  • BREAKING: Trump Announces Capture Of Venezuelan President Maduro, Wife

    United States President, Donald Trump, has announced what he described as the capture of Venezuelan President, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores.

    Trump made the claim on Friday in a statement circulated via his media platform, asserting that Maduro and his wife were taken into custody following what he called a “successful international security operation.”

    According to Trump, the operation was allegedly carried out with the cooperation of unnamed international partners, adding that the development marked “a major turning point” in efforts to address the political and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela.

    “Maduro and his wife have been captured,” Trump said, without providing details on the location, timing, or the authority under which the arrest was made.

    As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official confirmation from the United States government, Venezuelan authorities, or international law enforcement agencies regarding the claim.

    The Venezuelan government has also not issued any statement responding to Trump’s announcement. Attempts to reach officials of the Venezuelan presidency for comments were unsuccessful.

    Political analysts described the claim as extraordinary and unprecedented, noting that the capture of a sitting foreign president would require formal acknowledgment by recognised state or international institutions.

    Observers further cautioned that Trump, who is no longer in office, does not possess executive authority to order or announce such actions on behalf of the U.S. government.

    Venezuela has been gripped by prolonged political tension, economic hardship and international sanctions, with President Maduro facing longstanding accusations of human rights abuses and electoral manipulation, allegations his administration has consistently denied.

    The situation remains fluid, and source will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.

  • Inec Denies Releasing Timetable For 2027 General Election

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has categorically refuted reports circulating in some quarters claiming that the Commission has released the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general election.

    Independent Newspaper Nigeria+1 In a statement issued on Friday, January 2, 2026, and signed by Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, the electoral body described the information that has been widely shared online and in parts of the media as false and misleading.

    Independent Newspaper Nigeria
    INEC reiterated that it has not published any timetable or schedule of activities for the 2027 general polls, dismissing as unauthorised any material that purports to be an election calendar released by the Commission.

    The Commission emphasised that it operates strictly within the legal framework governing elections in Nigeria, particularly Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates that a Notice of Election be published not later than 360 days before the appointed date for a general election.

    “It is important to stress that *any timetable or schedule issued outside this statutory framework cannot emanate from INEC,” the statement read in part.

    Independent Newspaper Nigeria
    INEC assured Nigerians that the official timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general election will be released in due course in full compliance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2022.

    Once ready, the Commission said the information will be communicated through its established and verified channels.

    The Commission also urged the public and the media to disregard the fake reports and to rely solely on information from INEC’s official platforms for accurate and authoritative updates regarding electoral processes.

  • How To Make Baking Soda Cream

    Ingredients:

    • 1 teaspoon baking soda

    • 2 tablespoons coconut oil or olive oil

    • 2 tablespoons honey or aloe vera gel (optional)

    • A few drops of essential oil of your choice (optional)

    Instructions:

    1.  In a clean bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil or olive oil. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and even.

    2.  If you wish, add 2 tablespoons of honey or aloe vera gel to the mixture. Blend well until fully incorporated.

    3.  For fragrance, add a few drops of your preferred essential oil and stir gently.

    4.  Transfer the cream into an airtight container for storage. Keep in a cool, dry place.

    Precautions:

    • Always conduct a patch test on a small area of skin before applying the cream to your face.

    • Baking soda can be abrasive, so use with caution, especially on sensitive skin.

    Optional Tips:

    • Use the cream 1–2 times a week to avoid irritation.

    • Suitable as a gentle exfoliant or moisturizing treatment when mixed with oils.

  • Urgent Recruitment: Organisation Seeks Technical Support Officers Across Eight States

    An organisation has announced an urgent recruitment exercise for the engagement of Technical Support Officers to strengthen technical service delivery for health workers across selected states in the country.

    The recruitment drive targets qualified candidates residing in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Kaduna, Kwara, Niger and Yobe States, as part of efforts to enhance support for users of the ImmuNigeria system.

    According to information released by the organisation, successful applicants will be engaged on a one-month renewable contract, subject to satisfactory performance and operational requirements, with a monthly remuneration of N300,000.

    Role and Responsibilities
    The Technical Support Officers will be required to travel within their states of residence to provide on-site and remote technical assistance to teams of health workers using the ImmuNigeria digital platform.

    Their responsibilities will include;
    system support,troubleshooting of mobile and web-based applications, user guidance, and routine reporting on technical issues encountered in the field.

    Required Educational Qualifications

    Applicants are expected to possess a Bachelor’s degree in any of the following disciplines:
    • Information Technology

    • Computer Science

    • Healthcare Informatics

    • Any other related field

    Experience Requirements

    The organisation stated that candidates with previous experience in technical support or customer service would have an advantage, particularly those with exposure to healthcare-related projects or digital health systems.

    Applicants must also demonstrate familiarity with:

    • Android operating systems

    • Mobile application troubleshooting

    • Web-based management and reporting portals

    Required Skills and Competencies

    Prospective candidates are expected to demonstrate:

    • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills

    • Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities

    • Capacity to explain technical concepts to non-technical users, especially frontline health workers

    •Proficiency in documentation and technical reporting

    • Ability to work independently and meet deadlines under field conditions

    Application Process
    Interested and qualified candidates are required to submit their applications via email.

    Application Email:
    📧 recruitment.ng@itmafrica.com

    Email Subject Format:
    Application for Technical Support – [State of Residence]

    Applicants are advised to attach a current CV and include a brief cover note highlighting relevant experience and state of residence.

    Important Notice

    The organisation issued a strict warning that only applicants who currently reside in the listed states should apply, stressing that applications from individuals outside the specified locations will not be considered.

  • TAX: Nigeria Introduces 4 New Income Tax Rules, Eases Burden On Low- And Middle-Income Workers

    Nigeria’s new tax rules took effect from January 1, 2026, as the Federal Government unveiled measures aimed at easing the financial burden on low- and middle-income earners.

    Officials say the reforms are intended to make the tax system fairer, encourage compliance, and protect vulnerable households.

    Under the revised Personal Income Tax (PAYE) framework, four categories of taxpayers are set to benefit from exemptions or special relief:

    • Workers earning the national minimum wage or below

    • Employees whose salaries are at or under the minimum wage are fully exempt from personal income tax.

    • Low-income earners with gross yearly income up to ₦1,200,000 – Nigerians in this bracket will not pay personal income tax. Reports indicate that this roughly corresponds to a taxable income of about ₦800,000 after allowable deductions.

    • Middle-income earners up to ₦20 million yearly – Individuals earning up to ₦20 million per year will enjoy reduced PAYE rates. While not fully exempt, this group will pay lower effective taxes compared to the previous system.

    Gifts – The new rules classify gifts as non-taxable, ensuring that receiving genuine gifts will not attract personal income tax.
    Rationale for the Reforms

    Government officials explained that the changes are designed to protect low-income Nigerians and reduce financial pressure on households struggling with high living costs.

    They noted that the reforms would also encourage broader compliance with tax regulations while maintaining sufficient revenue to fund public services.

    Economic analysts have welcomed the changes, suggesting that lighter tax obligations could increase disposable income and improve the financial wellbeing of both low- and middle-income earners.

    Source: Federal Ministry of Finance / Reports from tax experts.

  • Terrorists kill 14 in Adamawa, As Council Boss Calls For Military Deployment

    No fewer than 14 persons have been killed following an attack by suspected terrorists on several communities in Adamawa State, source reports.

    The attack, which occurred late on Wednesday night, affected remote villages in a border area of the state, leaving residents in shock and forcing many to flee their homes for safety.

    Eyewitnesses told source that the assailants, who were heavily armed, stormed the communities on motorcycles, shooting sporadically and setting houses ablaze before escaping into nearby bush paths.

    Confirming the incident on Thursday, the Chairman of the affected Local Government Area, Mr. Musa Ibrahim, described the attack as “barbaric and unacceptable,” saying that 14 bodies had so far been recovered, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

    “We have confirmed the death of 14 innocent people, including women and youths. Many residents are still missing, and we fear the casualty figure may rise as search efforts continue,” Ibrahim said.

    He explained that the communities had been experiencing repeated threats from armed groups, adding that the latest attack had overwhelmed local vigilantes and security volunteers.

    The council boss called on the Federal Government to urgently deploy more military personnel to the area to prevent further attacks and restore confidence among residents.

    “Our people can no longer sleep with both eyes closed. We urgently need a strong military presence here. The current security arrangement is not enough to deter these terrorists,” he said.

    Ibrahim also appealed for humanitarian assistance for displaced residents, noting that many families had lost their homes, food supplies and means of livelihood as a result of the attacks.

    Reacting to the incident, the Adamawa State Police Command said it had deployed operatives to the affected areas and commenced a manhunt for the perpetrators.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, DSP Suleiman Nguroje, told our source that security agencies were working in collaboration with other stakeholders to ensure the safety of lives and property.

    “We have deployed tactical teams to the area, and investigation is ongoing. We urge residents to remain calm and provide useful information that can help security agencies apprehend the criminals,” Nguroje said.

    Meanwhile, residents have continued to express fear over the recurring attacks, calling on authorities to strengthen security, particularly in rural and border communities.

    Source reports that Adamawa State has witnessed sporadic attacks in recent years, especially in hard-to-reach areas, raising concerns about the safety of rural dwellers and the need for sustained security operations.

  • Trump Warns Iran Over Deadly Unrest, Says U.S. “Locked And Loaded” To Aid Protesters

    U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to the Islamic Republic of Iran on Friday, following days of violent unrest that have erupted across the country over soaring living costs and a collapsingTrump Warns Iran Over Deadly Unrest, Says U.S. “Locked And Loaded” To Aid Protesters national currency.

    The protests — which began as demonstrations against inflation and currency instability — have turned deadly and drawn sharp international attention.

    In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said that if Iranian security forces “shoot and violently kill peaceful protesters,” the United States would “come to their rescue” and that Washington was “locked and loaded and ready to go.”

    Trump’s comments marked one of the most direct U.S. threats toward Tehran since the unrest began late last month, as protests spread from Tehran to other cities including Isfahan, Lorestan and the western provinces.

    The wave of popular demonstrations has been fuelled by a sharp depreciation of the Iranian rial, record inflation and severe pressure on household incomes.

    According to analysts and rights groups, the currency has crashed to historic lows against the U.S. dollar, exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis that triggered mass anger among bazaar merchants, shopkeepers and students.

    At least several people have been reported killed in clashes between protesters and security forces in multiple provinces — the deadliest unrest in Iran in years and the most serious since the widespread demonstrations of 2022–2023.

    Iranian security officials have vowed to suppress unrest, warning that any illegal gatherings will be met with decisive force. Meanwhile, Iranian authorities have acknowledged only limited deaths, attributing one fatality to a member of the Basij paramilitary, though rights organisations dispute this account.

    In response to Trump’s remarks, senior Iranian officials condemned the threat as unwarranted interference in domestic affairs. Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, wrote on social media that U.S. involvement would amount to regional destabilisation and jeopardise American interests.

    Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has sought to take a more conciliatory tone at home, acknowledging that economic mismanagement played a role in sparking the crisis and calling for internal dialogue to address the grievances of citizens.

    The situation remains fluid, with protesters continuing to call for economic reforms and broader political change amid mounting frustration over the country’s economic trajectory and governmental policies.

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