In a series of breaking news from Nigeria, the Federal Government has vowed to thoroughly investigate the deadly bombing that claimed the lives of 10 people in Gidan Bisa and Runtuwa villages of Sokoto State. This announcement came just days after the tragic event, with Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mutawalle, assuring that justice will prevail during his visit to Sokoto’s Governor Ahmed Aliyu.
Meanwhile, Nigeria has secured a renewed currency swap agreement with China, valued at 15 billion Yuan ($2 billion), reinforcing its commitment to bolstering bilateral trade and investment with one of the world’s largest economies. The deal, confirmed by the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), is set to strengthen ties for the next three years, a move that could boost Nigeria’s financial positioning on the global stage.
In other political news, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has raised concerns over proposed tax reforms currently before the National Assembly, arguing that they disproportionately benefit only one section of the country. Speaking during a meeting with the Christian community in the state, Governor Mohammed urged President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the reforms, warning of potential unrest.
The Defence Headquarters also clarified the circumstances surrounding the death of 10 villagers in Sokoto, asserting that it was not a result of an airstrike but a secondary explosion linked to a terrorist logistics base. Major-General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, explained that a precision-guided operation had targeted the terrorist hideout.
In Cross River, the Anti-Cultism Squad of the Nigeria Police Force successfully apprehended two suspected drug dealers after a carefully coordinated raid in Ugep town, Yakurr Local Government Area. The Commissioner of Police, Gyogon Grimah, confirmed the operation was part of ongoing efforts to tackle crime in the region.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force foiled kidnapping attempts across eight states on Christmas Day, arresting 23 suspects and recovering dangerous weapons, including a fabricated AK-47 rifle. The coordinated effort spanned Lagos, Kaduna, Delta, Ogun, Katsina, Benue, Imo, and the Federal Capital Territory, marking a significant security success.
Tragedy struck the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi in Anambra State with the heartbreaking killing of Rev. Fr. Tobias Okonkwo. The priest was shot and killed on Thursday by unknown assailants along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway. Authorities are yet to identify the gunmen behind this brutal attack.
National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu has fiercely rejected claims from Niger Republic’s leader, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, who alleged that Nigeria was trying to destabilize the country. Ribadu dismissed the accusations as unfounded, emphasizing that Nigeria’s intentions were rooted in stability and peace.
In Plateau State, police efforts led to the arrest of 859 suspects in 2024, the recovery of 27 firearms, and the rescue of 46 kidnapped victims. The state’s Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, shared these developments, underscoring the effectiveness of the security operations in the region.
Lastly, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has dismissed allegations from Niger Republic accusing Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states of colluding with France to sponsor terrorism. ECOWAS spokesperson Joël Ahofodji called the claims unfounded, reaffirming the community’s commitment to regional peace and stability.
This snapshot of the latest headlines highlights Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges, diplomatic efforts, and economic partnerships, as the nation navigates a complex landscape in both domestic and international arenas.