Daily Gist & Guide

  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 ...

  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...

Controversy Trails US Airstrikes on Terrorist Targets in Nigeria A fresh controversy has erupted following recent United States airstrikes on terrorist camps in north-western Nigeria , after civil society leader Auwalu Rafsanjani claimed that the US did not seek Nigeria’s approval before carrying out the military operation. The statement has sparked intense debate across Nigeria, raising serious questions about national sovereignty, security cooperation, and transparency in counter-terrorism operations. But what is the truth behind the claim? Rafsanjani, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), stated during a television interview that there was no public indication that the airstrikes were jointly planned with the Nigerian government. According to him: Nigerians were informed about the strikes first through US announcements , not Nigerian authorities This raised concerns that the operation may not have followed proper diplomatic or constit...

  Residents of Benue State have been thrown into shock and mourning following the discovery of the body of a woman who was earlier declared missing. Her remains were recovered from the River Benue , sparking concern, grief, and calls for justice from the public. According to confirmed reports, the deceased woman, identified as Janet Usange , had been missing for days before her body was found floating in the river. The tragic discovery has now prompted the Benue State Police Command to launch a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. What Happened? Sources revealed that Janet Usange was reported missing by family members after she failed to return home and could not be reached. A search was reportedly underway when her lifeless body was later discovered in the River Benue, raising fears of foul play. Upon recovery, security operatives were alerted, and the body was evacuated for further examination as investigators moved in to gather evidence. P...

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has ordered the immediate redeployment of police officers attached to Aso Rock , Nigeria’s Presidential Villa, back to regular policing duties across the country. The development has sparked widespread reactions and discussions about security restructuring and police reforms under the current administration. What the IGP’s Order Means According to official police signals and verified reports, officers serving under the Presidential Escort and Mobile Police units stationed at Aso Rock have been withdrawn and reassigned to their respective state commands and operational zones nationwide. The directive is aimed at strengthening frontline policing and improving security presence in communities experiencing rising insecurity. Why the Redeployment Was Ordered The redeployment follows a broader federal directive to reduce the number of police officers assigned to VIP protection and escort duties . Authorities believe that excessive deployment to elite p...

President Bola Tinubu has once again emphasised the need for the Nigerian Army to remain non-partisan and stay clear of political affairs. While addressing senior military officers and troops, the President reminded them that their primary duty is the protection of the constitution, national security, and citizens , not involvement in political matters. The Message to the Military In his remarks, President Tinubu praised the military for their professionalism in handling security challenges and safeguarding elections in past years. He stressed that, to maintain the nation’s democratic stability, the military must not engage in partisan politics or support any political party. “Your duty is to the nation and its people, not to political ambitions or agendas,” Tinubu reportedly said. This directive aligns with longstanding democratic principles in Nigeria , where the military is constitutionally required to remain neutral in politics. Since the return to democracy in 1999, Nigeria...

 A Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá , has publicly criticised the Federal Government over reports that members of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association were allegedly supplied with rifles during security operations in Kwara and Kogi States . The group expressed alarm that arming non-indigenous herders could exacerbate insecurity in local communities. According to the union, while the nation faces escalating attacks in the region, giving weapons to herders instead of empowering local vigilantes or community security groups could heighten tensions and deepen mistrust. The organisation has called on President Bola Tinubu , National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu , and the Kwara State Government to clarify the situation and provide transparency regarding any security arrangements involving civilian groups. Government Response and Clarifications The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) , through the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NC...

  A recent report alleging the discovery of so-called “killer herdsmen camps” in parts of Enugu State has sparked fear, debate, and renewed calls for government action across Nigeria. The report, published by SaharaReporters , cited findings by the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) , a civil rights organization known for monitoring security and human rights issues in Nigeria. According to Intersociety, over 20 suspected armed camps were allegedly discovered in forest areas across communities in Ezeagu Local Government Area , including: The group described the camps as well-organized and linked them to violent attacks, kidnappings, and intimidation of local farmers. It warned that the presence of such camps poses serious threats to lives, agriculture, and regional security, especially around the Ajali River Valley . Following these claims, Intersociety called on the Federal Government and security agencies to urgently investigate and secure...

 Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung , has weighed in strongly on Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, stating that armed bandits terrorising communities are not freedom fighters but terrorists . His remarks come amid growing public debate and confusion over how violent attacks across parts of Nigeria should be described and addressed. Dalung made it clear that the systematic killings, kidnappings, and destruction of villages witnessed in states such as Plateau, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Niger cannot be justified under any political, ethnic, or ideological excuse. According to him, groups that attack civilians, displace communities, and spread fear are engaging in terrorism , not a struggle for freedom. Why Dalung’s Statement Matters In recent years, some narratives on social media have attempted to frame banditry as a form of resistance or “freedom fighting.” Dalung rejected this narrative outright, arguing that true freedom struggles target oppressive syste...

A viral statement circulating on social media alleges that former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi said: “The chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum was aborted. Tinubu cannot try this when I was the chairman.” The statement has sparked debates online, with many interpreting it as a direct attack on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and a claim that Amaechi’s leadership of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) was forcefully ended. The Verified Facts Rotimi Amaechi spoke at a public event in Abuja where he reflected on his time as NGF chairman . He stated that if he and former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido were still serving as governors , they would have openly confronted President Tinubu’s government over certain national and governance issues. His comments were about political courage, accountability, and governors standing up to federal power , not about his chairmanship being forcefully ended. These remarks were widely reported by credible platforms such as TheCable...