Author: Gbenga Olaleye

Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sharply criticised the Federal Government’s response to the release of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State, arguing that their return should not be paraded as an achievement but viewed as further proof of Nigeria’s deepening security crisis. In a statement issued by his media office on Wednesday, Atiku described the girls’ release as “not a trophy moment” but “a damning reminder that terrorists now operate freely, negotiate openly, and dictate terms while this administration issues press statements to save face.” His comments were a direct response to remarks made by Bayo Onanuga, Presidential Special…

It is a massive night in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) as Chelsea welcome Barcelona to Stamford Bridge, while Manchester City host Bayer Leverkusen at the Etihad Stadium — two heavyweight clashes that could define the direction of Group Stage qualification for all teams involved. Chelsea return to European competition under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, who has urged his players to embrace an aggressive style to unsettle a Barcelona side brimming with attacking threat. The Catalan giants arrive in London boasting the experience of Robert Lewandowski, alongside the youthful brilliance of Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, and the always influential…

Prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has reiterated his call for a non-kinetic, dialogue-driven approach to tackling Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, insisting that some armed groups are willing to put down their weapons if the government adopts the right strategy. Speaking on The Morning Brief, a Channels Television programme aired on Tuesday, Gumi argued that Nigeria’s security challenges cannot be resolved solely through military force. He maintained that sustained engagement, negotiations, and rehabilitation were necessary to complement ongoing security operations. “We have people who are ready to put down their arms, so why do you always decide it has to be…

The Special Protection Unit (SPU) of the Nigeria Police Force has directed all officers attached to VIPs and specialised beats across the country to return to their respective bases, following a presidential order mandating the immediate withdrawal of police personnel from VIP security assignments. The directive, issued on 23 November by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is part of a broader reform aimed at strengthening community policing and reallocating the workforce to areas most affected by insecurity. A memo confirming the SPU order was signed by the Commanding Officer of SPU Base 16 in Lagos, Neji Veronica, and circulated on Tuesday…

As the world commemorates the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 2025, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for intensified efforts to combat both offline and online violence targeting women and girls. The annual observance also marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign led by the United Nations that runs from 25 November to 10 December, linking the day with Human Rights Day. In a statement posted on her official X account on Tuesday, the First Lady expressed deep concern about the rise of online abuse, describing…

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has issued a stern warning to political actors allegedly plotting to manipulate the 2027 governorship election, declaring that anyone attempting to rig the polls “will be met with madness.” In a video that went viral on social media on Monday, the governor cautioned those hoping to interfere with the electoral process, insisting that Oyo State residents were now more politically informed and would not allow themselves to be deceived or manipulated. Makinde, who is currently serving his second and final term, reiterated that he has already begun preparing for a smooth transition of power. He…

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigerian public to disregard the purported congresses announced by the Kwankwasiyya Movement, led by former presidential candidate Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The party described the move as unconstitutional and ineffective. In a statement issued on Monday, the NNPP National Secretary, Mr Ogini Olaposi, said the party’s authentic, court-ordered congresses had already been held and concluded in line with legal directives. His reaction came after the Kwankwaso-led faction wrote to INEC notifying the commission of its intention to conduct fresh congresses and a national convention…

A terrorist group has released a new video claiming responsibility for the recent abductions of students in Kebbi and Niger states, while issuing fresh threats against members of the military and political office holders. The video, which surfaced on Monday and has been widely shared on social media, features an armed spokesman speaking in Hausa. Surrounded by several other gunmen, he boasts that the group will soon begin targeting soldiers and government officials, declaring that the authorities “cannot stop” their operations. The footage has sparked widespread debate online, with many Nigerians expressing shock at what they describe as the increasing…

The Osun State chapter of the African Action Congress (AAC) has denounced as fake and unauthorised a list circulating online claiming to represent the party’s State Working Committee (SWC). The party has urged members of the public to disregard the publication, insisting it did not originate from any legitimate party process. In a statement issued on Sunday by the AAC Publicity Secretary in the state, Oyefusi Adedamola, the party clarified that the purported list had no basis in its recognised structures. According to Adedamola, the document “did not emanate from any recognised congress, party organ, or legitimate democratic process,” and…

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State have concluded a four-day strategic meeting aimed at strengthening the party’s structure and cohesion as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections. The meeting, convened by former governor and immediate past National Chairman of the APC, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, was held at his Kano residence and drew participation from party leaders across all 44 local government areas. The final day focused on stakeholders from the Kano North Senatorial District, including local government chairpersons, caucus members, and other influential party figures. Speaking during the closing session, Ganduje said the extended…