Daily Gist & Guide

  Few criminal cases in Nigeria have attracted as much public attention as that of Chidinma Ojukwu , a young woman whose name became a national headline following the death of Michael Usifo Ataga in 2021. Years later, as Nigeria approaches the end of 2025, one critical question remains unanswered: why has this high-profile case still not reached a conclusion? Beyond the headlines, the Chidinma Ojukwu case raises serious concerns about justice, due process, and the protection of fundamental human rights . Chidinma Ojukwu was widely described as a young, beautiful, and promising lady , admired by many and envied by some for what appeared to be a luxurious lifestyle at a young age. Social media narratives portrayed her as someone associated with affluent older men — often labeled “sugar daddies” — a portrayal that fueled public judgment long before the courts weighed in. However, lifestyle speculation is not evidence , and public perception does not replace legal proof. The Allegati...

  Social media in Nigeria has been buzzing with claims that a United States soldier issued a direct warning to Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi , allegedly telling him that his “days are numbered.” The statement, which quickly went viral, has raised concerns and confusion, with many Nigerians asking whether it represents an official U.S. military threat or merely an online reaction. The controversy traces back to a viral social media post shared by a man who identified himself as a Nigerian serving in the United States Army . In the post, he reacted strongly to Sheikh Gumi’s past comments on insecurity and militant groups, writing words to the effect of: “Sheikh Gumi, your days are numbered.” Screenshots of the message circulated widely on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and WhatsApp, fueling speculation and fear. Is This an Official US Military Threat? No. There is no evidence that the United States government or military issued any official threat again...

  A fresh wave of controversy has hit Nigeria’s political and economic space following viral statements attributed to Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Abubakar Alkali Zaria , who reportedly vowed that northerners will not pay President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposed tax reforms when they take effect on January 1, 2026 . The remarks, captured in a circulating video, have triggered heated reactions across social media and raised serious questions about public compliance, governance, and national unity. According to multiple Nigerian news reports, Sheikh Abubakar Alkali criticized the federal government’s tax reforms, describing them as unacceptable to northerners . In the viral clip, the cleric was quoted as saying northerners were “waiting to see who would come and force them to pay the taxes.” He also reportedly warned that northern lawmakers who supported the tax reforms would face consequences when they returned to their constituencies — a statement that has drawn sharp cri...

Since assuming office in May 2023 , Senator Uba Sani , the Executive Governor of Kaduna State , has steadily positioned himself as one of Nigeria’s most impactful and pragmatic state leaders. His administration has focused on people-centred governance, rolling out ambitious reforms and projects that cut across infrastructure, education, agriculture, healthcare, security, and economic empowerment . Less than two years into his tenure, Kaduna State is witnessing visible transformation driven by policies designed to improve livelihoods, reduce inequality, and foster long-term development. Governor Uba Sani’s administration has made infrastructure development a cornerstone of governance, with a clear focus on connectivity and economic growth. Over 785 kilometres of road projects initiated across the state, with many already completedStrong emphasis on township and rural roads , linking remote communities to markets Strategic execution of projects without piling up unsustainable public ...

 Recently, rumors have been circulating online claiming that Nigeria has officially banned all US nationals from entering the country . This claim has caused confusion and concern among travelers and businesses alike. But what is the truth? Social media users have shared messages suggesting that: Nigeria has imposed a blanket ban on US citizens No US nationals will be allowed entry into Nigerian airports or borders Travelers should cancel trips immediately These claims spread quickly, fueling panic among US travelers and the Nigerian diaspora. The Nigerian Presidency has clarified that: There is no official ban on US nationals entering Nigeria Visa issuance, including multi-year visas, continues as normal for US citizens Standard immigration rules still apply for all foreign travelers thisdaylive.com Officials emphasized that viral claims of a blanket ban are false and misleading . While Nigeria has not banned US citizens , there are changes happening on the US side of the trave...

  Tragedy struck in southwestern Niger Republic after armed gunmen attacked a church during a late-night service , killing a married couple and forcing worshippers to flee for safety. The attack has heightened fears over worsening insecurity in the Sahel region, where religious gatherings have increasingly become targets of violent assaults. According to reports, the attack occurred in Mailo village, located in the Dosso region of Niger Republic , while Christians were gathered for a church service late at night. Eyewitness accounts revealed that: Armed men stormed the church during the service Gunshots rang out, throwing worshippers into panic Congregants fled in different directions to escape A husband and wife , who attempted to flee and hide in their nearby home, were reportedly chased down by the attackers and killed . The incident happened at around 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday night , and details of the attack became public on December 26, 2025 . Residents described the nigh...

Former spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed , has publicly criticized the recent US bombing of terrorist targets in Sokoto State , sparking fresh debate over Nigeria’s security strategy and foreign military involvement. His remarks come amid mixed reactions across the country following US-backed airstrikes on ISIS-linked camps in northern Nigeria. Reacting to the airstrikes, Baba-Ahmed described the US military action as troubling and potentially damaging to Nigeria’s sovereignty . According to him: Foreign bombing on Nigerian soil raises serious questions about national independence Such actions could undermine the morale and credibility of the Nigerian military Nigeria should not appear incapable of handling its own security challenges He warned that relying on foreign powers to conduct direct military operations could send the wrong message internationally and domestically . The controversy follows confirmation that US-backed airstrikes hit two ...

Social media has been awash with claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu secretly traveled to Turkey to seek security assistance following advice from Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi . But how accurate is this report? Daily Gist & Guide separates fact from rumor and explains what is really happening behind the scenes. Where the Claim Came From The claim gained traction after Sheikh Ahmad Gumi publicly urged the Nigerian government to: Reduce military cooperation with the United States Seek help from countries like Turkey, China, and Pakistan , which he described as more “neutral” Soon after, reports emerged that Nigeria had approached Turkey for security assistance , leading many online users to assume that President Tinubu personally traveled to Turkey on Gumi’s advice. What Is Confirmed President Tinubu has confirmed that Nigeria has approached Turkey for assistance in tackling insecurity, including terrorism and banditry. Speaking during a meeting with religious lea...

Nigeria’s fight against terrorism has taken a significant turn following confirmation that US-backed airstrikes have successfully targeted and destroyed two ISIS-linked terrorist camps in northern Nigeria , according to government officials. The development has sparked widespread reactions both locally and internationally, as it signals deeper security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in the ongoing war against extremist groups. Government sources confirmed that the airstrikes were carried out after credible intelligence identified two camps linked to the Islamic State (ISIS) operating in remote areas of north-western Nigeria. The strikes reportedly: Targeted terrorist hideouts used for planning attacks Neutralized key militant infrastructure Disrupted operations of ISIS-affiliated fighters While exact casualty figures were not immediately released, officials described the operation as “successful and strategic.” Nigeria–US Security Cooperation The airstrikes w...

  What Really Happened: The Nigeria Airstrikes Explained In late December 2025, ISIS-linked militant camps in north-west Nigeria were struck in a coordinated military operation involving intelligence cooperation between Nigeria and the United States. The strikes targeted extremist hideouts responsible for deadly attacks in the region. This development marked one of the strongest international actions against ISIS-affiliated groups operating in Nigeria in recent times. The Viral ‘US Soldier Prediction’ Story Shortly before news of the airstrikes broke, a social media account claiming to belong to a U.S. soldier posted cryptic messages suggesting that terrorists in northern Nigeria were “about to be hit.” After the strikes occurred, screenshots of the post spread rapidly online, with many users claiming the soldier had accurately predicted Trump’s move. Days later, new posts allegedly from the same account surfaced, hinting at another impending attack , triggering panic, spe...

 United States Congressman Riley Moore has publicly stated that the recent US airstrikes against ISIS-linked militants in northwest Nigeria represent “just the first step” toward ending the killings in Nigeria . His remarks highlight growing US political attention on the ongoing security crisis, particularly attacks targeting Christians and civilians in the region. LeadeFollowing the strikes, Moore posted on social media that: The airstrikes are a necessary initial action to curb extremist violence. They are aimed at protecting vulnerable communities , including Christian populations affected by repeated terrorist attacks. Moore framed the airstrikes as the beginning of broader efforts needed to tackle terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria. ( Western Post NG ) Context of the Airstrikes The United States conducted airstrikes in coordination with the Nigerian government against Islamic State (ISIS) militants in Sokoto State and other northwest regions. ( Reuters ) The strikes follo...

  A tragic suicide bombing occurred at a mosque in the Gamboru Market area of Maiduguri, Borno State , Nigeria, during evening prayers. Preliminary reports confirm that at least five worshippers were killed , while over 30 others were injured . Authorities say fragments of a suicide vest were recovered at the scene, confirming the attack as a suicide bombing. This incident is one of several recent attacks targeting civilians in northeast Nigeria. Reuters The United Nations quickly condemned the attack , describing it as a reprehensible act against innocent civilians and freedom of worship . The UN also called on Nigerian authorities to: Strengthen security around places of worship , especially during festive or prayer periods Ensure protection for civilians in vulnerable regions Work with local and international partners to prevent future attacks Punch Nigerian authorities and leaders have also strongly condemned the attack: Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum called the bombi...

 Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi has publicly condemned the recent US military airstrike targeting ISIS-linked militants in Sokoto State , Nigeria. The strike, which took place on Christmas Day, was part of international counter-terrorism efforts coordinated with the Nigerian government. Gumi, however, criticized the operation, arguing that foreign intervention lacks the moral authority to fight terrorism effectively in Nigeria. According to reports: Gumi called the strike a mistake and insisted that counter-terrorism operations should be carried out by those with “clean hands,” rather than foreign powers like the United States. The Whistler He raised concerns that foreign military action could turn Nigeria into a theater of war and worsen insecurity. Channel TV While acknowledging the necessity of combating terrorism, he stressed that such actions must come from morally legitimate and locally accountable forces. Global Upfront The US airstrike targeted ISIS-linked c...

 Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar , has confirmed that the recent US military airstrikes targeting terrorist camps in northwest Nigeria were conducted with the full knowledge and approval of the Nigerian government . This statement clarifies public debates and rumors that questioned Nigeria’s involvement or consent. In a public briefing, Minister Tuggar stated: Nigeria provided intelligence used in planning the US airstrikes The federal government gave formal approval prior to the operation The strikes were coordinated efforts , not unilateral actions by the US He emphasized that these actions were part of ongoing counter-terrorism cooperation between Nigeria and the United States. TVC News The clarification comes amid public debate and speculation , particularly after civil society figures suggested that the US may have acted independently. Tuggar’s confirmation ensures that: Nigeria’s sovereignty was respected Collaboration with foreign partners is coordinated and app...