Tinubu orders manhunt as terrorists bloodbath dozens in Niger
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Employees, the service chiefs, the Inspector-Common of Police, and the Director-Common of the Division of State Companies to trace down and apprehend the perpetrators of the Kasuwan Daji assault in Niger State.
President Tinubu ordered the safety businesses to make sure that the terrorists have been swiftly delivered to justice.
“These terrorists have examined the resolve of our nation and its individuals. They have to, due to this fact, face the total penalties of their legal actions.
“Regardless of who they’re or what their intent is, they have to be hunted down. They, and all those that help, abet, or allow them in any type, shall be caught and delivered to justice,” the President declared in an announcement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday.
He additionally directed safety businesses to rescue all of the kidnapped victims urgently.
Tinubu issued the directives in response to the latest killings of villagers in Niger State by terrorists suspected to be fleeing from Sokoto and Zamfara states following america’ air strike on Christmas Eve.
The President strongly condemned the assault on the Kasuwan Daji Neighborhood and the kidnapping of girls and youngsters.
He additionally despatched his condolences to the households of the victims, in addition to to the federal government and other people of Niger State.
President Tinubu assured the individuals of Niger State that safety businesses had been mandated to accentuate operations round susceptible communities, notably these close to the forests which have served as hideouts for legal parts.
He urged Nigerians to stay united and resolute within the face of this tragedy and cautioned in opposition to divisive rhetoric that would undermine nationwide safety and cohesion throughout this difficult interval.
“These occasions demand our humanity. We should stand collectively as one individuals and confront these monsters in unison.
“United, we are able to and should defeat them, deny them any sanctuary. We should reclaim the peace and safety of those attacked communities,” he added.
Over 30 individuals have been killed in a lethal assault by suspected terrorists on the Kasuwan-Daji market within the Demo group, situated within the Borgu Native Authorities Space of Niger State.
The assault which occurred on Saturday additionally led to the kidnapping of many individuals.
It was gathered that the gun-wielding attackers additionally carted away foodstuffs and different valuables value hundreds of thousands of naira earlier than setting the market ablaze.
The terrorists have been mentioned to have invaded the group on Saturday night and operated till the early hours of Sunday.
A resident of the realm mentioned about 42 individuals have been tied and killed by the terrorists, who operated with out resistance.
The terrorists have been mentioned to have emerged from the Nationwide Park in Borgu LGA and launched the assault in broad daylight.
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the assault on Sunday.
Niger State has skilled a surge in terrorist assaults in latest months, together with the killing of 38 kidnapped villagers by bandits, regardless of the cost of over ₦50 million as ransom in July 2025.
In November, 2025, bandits kidnapped over 300 pupils and college students from St. Mary’s Non-public Catholic Major and Secondary College in Papiri, Agwara Native Authorities Space of the state.
Arriving round 2:00 a.m. on motorbikes, the gunmen stormed the varsity dormitories over a three-hour interval, abducting 315 individuals—303 college students and 12 lecturers.
Safety forces and group hunters have been deployed to comb close by forests for the abductees.
Within the quick aftermath, 50 pupils escaped throughout the first day and have been reunited with their households.
Subsequently, the Federal Authorities secured the discharge of 100 schoolchildren.
Afterward December 21, the Minister of Data and Nationwide Orientation, Mohammed Idris, mentioned that each one the kidnapped pupils of the St. Mary’s Major and Secondary College, Papiri, Niger State, “numbering 230, have been freed”.
A number of different states, particularly within the northern area, have additionally come below assault by terrorists, a scenario that prompted President Tinubu to order the withdrawal of law enforcement officials from VIP duties for deployment to distressed areas.
……………………………………………………………
‘I’ve been marked for elimination as Boko Haram determine,’ Sheikh Gumi cries out
TIMOTHY AGBOR, OSOGBO
Controversial northern Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has claimed that he was secretly knowledgeable by safety sources in Abuja that his identify had been listed amongst people marked for elimination with Boko Haram terror group.
Talking whereas addressing his congregation, Gumi mentioned he obtained an early-morning cellphone name from a supply he declined to establish, informing him that his identify had been talked about throughout nationwide safety discussions.
“They known as me from Abuja, that there was a safety assembly,” Gumi mentioned. “They mentioned I’ve been marked; that I shall be eradicated. And who’re Boko Haram?”
In keeping with the cleric, the caller advised him his identify was amongst these allegedly listed for assassination.
“Even American, they mentioned they got here to combat terrorists, so who’re the terrorists? They’re those.”
He blamed america for the emergence of Boko Haram insurgents.
“They’re those doing it – Boko Haram. You’ll hear one thing. Right here gained’t they put bomb? he mentioned.
Gumi alleged that Nigeria’s deepening insecurity and social divisions have been worsened by lies, destruction and insurance policies he attributed to United States President, Donald Trump, claiming that Nigerian leaders and clerics retreated into silence because the nation slid into disaster.
The cleric mentioned Nigeria turned extra fractured because of what he described as foreign-backed cash and narratives that oppressed residents and falsely portrayed Christians as the only real victims of insecurity.
In keeping with the cleric, such framing intentionally sowed division amongst Nigerians and pushed communities into mutual suspicion, whereas these anticipated to offer management didn’t act.
“Due to lies, you introduced violence, however the place are the leaders, what did they do?” Gumi requested. “What in regards to the students? The place are they? Everybody has gone to cover of their corners.”
Gumi argued that no sovereign nation would settle for exterior interference designed to divide its individuals alongside spiritual or social strains.
“Which nation would comply with carry one thing in simply to divide its individuals? There is no such thing as a nation that might settle for that,” he mentioned. “It might say both you carry all of us collectively, otherwise you maintain us and hand us over to them.”
He accused political and spiritual elites of abandoning significant dialogue, saying Nigerians have been left with “noise” somewhat than options, whereas hardship, oppression and denial of rights intensified throughout the nation.
“You introduced us hardship, you broke us. You oppressed us, you denied us our rights,” the cleric mentioned, lamenting what he described because the labeling of elements of Nigeria alongside spiritual strains.
Gumi warned that the present scenario, marked by concern, silence and division, was dragging the nation downward, stressing that continued avoidance by leaders and clerics would solely deepen Nigeria’s crises.
“That is the type of scenario we’re in,” he mentioned. “It’s dragging the nation down.”
……………………………………………………….
NCoS faults report alleging tuberculosis disaster in custodial centres
The Nigerian Correctional Service has disputed a media report describing the nation’s custodial centres as “tuberculosis hotbeds,” saying the publication was deceptive and didn’t mirror the true scenario within the amenities.
A media report had alleged that tuberculosis is widespread and poorly managed in Nigerian custodial centres.
The report examined well being situations in prisons and prompt that inmates confronted heightened dangers of an infection.
The Service, in an announcement on Sunday by its spokesperson, Chief Superintendent of Corrections J.N. Osuji, mentioned the January 3, 2026 report contained sweeping generalisations and inaccurate conclusions regardless of the availability of official data to the reporter forward of publication.
In keeping with the assertion, the reporter had contacted the NCoS for particulars on tuberculosis remedy and management mechanisms in custodial centres, and the Service had provided what it described as factual and verifiable information on TB prevention, screening, analysis and remedy in keeping with nationwide and worldwide tips.
The NCoS maintained that whereas TB stays a world public well being concern affecting each jail and non-prison populations, it’s a part of Nigeria’s coordinated nationwide response below the Federal Ministry of Well being’s Nationwide Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Management Programme, through which the Service is an energetic participant.
The assertion partly learn, “Whereas the Service recognises and welcomes accountable media engagement on issues of public well being and inmate welfare, it’s compelled to answer the deceptive narrative, sweeping generalisations, and inaccurate conclusions introduced within the report, which don’t mirror the true scenario inside Nigerian custodial centres.
“It is very important place on document that the reporter in query contacted the Nigerian Correctional Service with enquiries on tuberculosis remedy regimens and management measures in custodial centres.
“The Service offered detailed, factual, and verifiable data, outlining present TB prevention, screening, analysis, and remedy frameworks in keeping with nationwide and worldwide requirements.
“Regrettably, the report adopted a sensational tone by portraying custodial centres as unchecked “hotbeds” for tuberculosis. This method is deceptive, unfair, and provides the inaccurate impression of systemic neglect the place none exists.”
The Service additionally mentioned the names and particular instances cited within the report didn’t exist in its information, including that accountable reporting ought to depend on verified, facility-specific information.
“The report’s broad claims and narratives portraying custodial centres as tuberculosis “hotbeds” aren’t supported by verified NCoS information. Notably, names and instances cited within the report don’t exist within the information of any custodial centre recognized to the Service.
“Accountable journalism calls for accuracy, steadiness, and reliance on verified, facility-specific information somewhat than conjecture, selective testimonies, or sensational headlines designed to misinform the general public and malign public establishments,” the service mentioned.
On well being procedures, the service famous that inmates bear medical screening on admission, periodic assessments, isolation the place vital, and referrals to exterior hospitals.
These methods, it mentioned, have been strengthened throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, when measures comparable to screening and isolation helped stop the unfold of the virus into custodial centres.
The NCoS acknowledged congestion in some city amenities however mentioned this didn’t quantity to neglect of inmate welfare.
It cited ongoing decongestion efforts, together with judicial collaboration and growth of non-custodial measures, in addition to the recruitment of extra well being personnel accepted by the Federal Authorities.
The Service reaffirmed its dedication to inmate well being and human rights, saying it stays open to constructive engagement however rejects what it described as deceptive or alarmist reporting.
“The Nigerian Correctional Service stays dedicated to safeguarding the well being, dignity, and human rights of all individuals in custody, recognising that custodial well being is inseparable from public well being.
“Whereas the Service stays open to constructive criticism and knowledgeable public discourse, it strongly rejects studies which might be deceptive, intentionally alarmist, and designed to misinform the general public or painting the Service in an unjustifiably unfavourable gentle”, the assertion mentioned.
…………………………………………………………….
Bandits kidnap Police Inspector, two others in Kano as abductees beg for ransom
Suspected bandits have kidnapped a serving police officer connected to the Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State, alongside two different males, subjecting them to brutal beatings whereas forcing them to plead publicly for ransom.
The victims have been recognized as Inspector Kabiru Bello Adamu, a serving officer on the Police Academy, Wudil, Muntari, and Musa Rabiu (often known as Danladi), all from Tofa Native Authorities Space of Kano State.
In a disturbing video sighted on Sunday, the three abductees have been seen in seen misery as armed terrorists pointed weapons at their heads, assaulted them with sticks and repeatedly struck them with AK-47 rifles.
Their cries for mercy punctuated the footage as they appealed to the general public and their households to lift ransom for his or her launch.
A supply mentioned that the victims have been kidnapped whereas travelling from Rijiya Zaki Motor Park in Kano State to Kebbi State.
“They have been reportedly kidnapped on the best way to Kebbi. The officer, Inspector Kabiru Bello, is a serving policeman with the Police Academy, Wudil,” the supply mentioned.
Within the video, Inspector Kabiru Bello recognized himself and narrated in Hausa how the incident occurred.
“My identify is Kabiru Bello Adamu. I’m a police officer working on the Police Academy, Wudil. Yesterday afternoon, I used to be travelling to Kebbi to go to my kinfolk and former colleagues I labored with years in the past, to maintain household ties,” he mentioned.
“On the best way, we encountered a calamity. We met armed bandits within the bush, and as of now, we’re of their palms.”
The inspector, talking below duress, appealed for mercy whereas invoking spiritual sentiments.
“We’re asking Allah, Subhanahu wa Ta’ala, to carry understanding between us and them. We now have households and kinfolk. Let no matter occurs be resolved peacefully,” he pleaded.
One other sufferer, Muntari, additionally appealed desperately for assist.
“I’m Muntari, from Kano, Tofa Native Authorities Space. Please, brothers and pals, assist us within the scenario we’re in. For the sake of the Prophet, now we have been troubled. We’re asking for mercy,” he mentioned.
The third abductee, Musa Rabiu (Danladi), mentioned they have been travelling from Kano to Birnin Kebbi after they bumped into the bandits.
“We got here from the brand new motor park heading to Birnin Kebbi, and on our method Allah induced us to come across a calamity; we met forest bandits,” he mentioned.
At one level, Rabiu said that the abductors have been treating them “kindly,” prompting an offended response from one of many terrorists who questioned him sarcastically. Instantly after, the victims have been crushed once more with sticks and gun butts.
Amid the assault, the three males screamed repeatedly: “Forgive us! Forgive us, by Allah, please forgive us! Assist us, for Allah’s sake, please assist us.”
………………………………………………………..
Insecurity: Don’t let Trump promote spiritual battle in Nigeria, Falana warns FG
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has mentioned that members of the Nigerian armed forces, if correctly funded and motivated, are able to successful the battle in opposition to terrorism and banditry within the nation with out international intervention.
He additionally known as on Federal Authorities to not let US President Donald Trump to advertise spiritual battle in Nigeria.
Falana, who expressed remorse that terrorists, as seen of their movies, appeared higher outfitted than members of the nation’s armed forces, charged the Federal Authorities to adequately equip the navy for victory within the battle.
The senior advocate, who spoke in a chat with journalists in his Ilawe Ekiti hometown on Saturday, bemoaned how some recognized figures within the nation stole funds meant for the acquisition of arms and ammunition.
He urged the Federal Authorities to place in place a mechanism for the restoration of such funds and guarantee they’re used for his or her unique function.
Falana mentioned, “If the members of the armed forces are properly outfitted and motivated, they’ll cope with terrorism and banditry.
“However because of the neglect of important safety establishments over time, the ragtag armies of legal parts are successful the battle on terror. It’s a disgrace.”
The senior advocate, who lamented the position of corruption within the combat in opposition to insecurity, queried, “How do you combat terrorism in an atmosphere the place the cash budgeted for the procurement of arms and ammunition is stolen by well-known legal parts in society?
“Once in a while, I defend navy officers and troopers who’re charged with battle crimes and different offences below the Armed Forces Act. I do know that they’re ready to prosecute the counter-insurgency operation, however they lack very important gear.
“The cash earmarked for the procurement of arms and ammunition was stolen by a coterie of navy officers and their civilian collaborators. The courts aren’t serving to, as they conceal below doubtful technicalities to free indicted criminals who stole billions of naira in procurement funds.