The Federal Government has announced the graduation of more than 7,000 newly recruited forest guards drawn from seven frontline states after completing a three-month training programme under the Presidential Forest Guards Initiative. The graduation ceremonies were held on December 27, 2025, in Borno, Sokoto, Yobe, Adamawa, Niger, Kwara and Kebbi states. The forest guards during their graduation. Photo credit: ONSA The initiative, launched in May 2025 by President Bola Tinubu, is aimed at improving internal security by denying terrorists, bandits and kidnappers access to forest areas. He directed each state to recruit between 2,000 and 5,000 forest guards. The graduation of the recruits shows the kickoff of the forest guards after it had been delayed for seven months. According to a statement by the Office National Security Adviser on Saturday, the training programme focused on physical conditioning, patrol operations and tactical movement, alongside modules on ethics, legality and human rights. Arms handling and use-of-force procedures were conducted in line with an agreed Arms Management Manual. The statement said a total of 98.2 per cent of trainees completed the programme, adding that 81 were disqualified on disciplinary grounds, while two died as a result of pre-existing medical conditions. “The training programme recorded a 98.2 per cent completion rate. A total of 81 trainees were disqualified on disciplinary grounds, while two trainees passed away due to pre-existing medical conditions. All successful participants have been fully certified and cleared for operational service. “The graduating Forest Guards are indigenous to their respective local government areas, enabling them to leverage terrain familiarity and community trust in countering banditry, kidnapping, and the illegal exploitation of forest resources, ” the statement partly read. National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, said the guards would be deployed immediately. He said the new personnel would support other security agencies, gather intelligence and help protect communities vulnerable to attacks. “These Forest Guards are not just uniformed personnel. They are first responders, community protectors, and a critical layer of Nigeria’s security architecture. They will hold ground, gather intelligence, and support security agencies in reclaiming territories previously overtaken by criminal elements. “There will be no delay between graduation and deployment. Salaries and allowances will commence immediately, and every certified guard will proceed directly to assigned duty posts. “By protecting our forests, we are securing our territory. And by securing our territory, we are protecting our people. The Federal Government will not relent. This initiative will expand nationwide as part of our sustained effort to build a safer and more secure Nigeria,” he stated.

Amid Nigeria’s security challenges, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume, has married a new wife. The SGF’s new bride is Queen Zaynab Ngohemba-George Akume Dajoh, ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. Abraham Double-d Dajoh shared the announcement in a Facebook post on Friday. The post read: “We, the entire Dajoh family, happily join our daddy, uncle, and brother, His Excellency, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume Jugu Dajoh, in welcoming his new and uncommon wife, Queen Zaynab Ngohemba-George Akume Dajoh, into the Dajoh family. “We appreciate and thank the fans and supporters of Sen. Akume for always standing by him. We enjoin every one of you to continue to support his Excellency even in this beautiful union with Queen Zaynab. We wish you all a happy Christmas celebration and a prosperous New Year.” In the post, the family welcomed the new bride to “Benue State, the Food Basket of the Nation,” to “Mbakor, the seat of leadership of the Tiv nation,” and to “the Dajoh family, the home of your darling husband”. Previously, Queen Zaynab Otiti Obanor was married to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. She tied the knot with the Ooni in a traditional ceremony held on March 12, 2016, in Benin City, Edo State, followed by a thanksgiving and reception on March 13, 2016, at the Royal Court of Ife in Osun State. But the marriage crashed in August 2017. The SGF’s marriage is coming at a time Nigeria is grappling with the security challenges, with terrorists and bandits unleashing violence on innocent citizens. In a bid to address the situation, especially perceived Christian genocide in the country, United States President Donald Trump ordered airstrikes against terrorist enclaves in North-West Nigeria. Hours later, residents of Kwara State were thrown into panic after an explosion in the Offa area of the state.

Ladan Salihu, former Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, has criticized the United States, US, airstrike carried out on Christmas night in Jabo village, Sokoto State, saying it failed to hit its target and was not accurate. On December 25, the US carried out several airstrikes aimed at ISIS fighters in Sokoto, located in north-west Nigeria. The US Africa Command, AFRICOM, later explained on X that the operation was carried out with the collaboration of the Nigerian government. AFRICOM said the attack showed the strength of the US military and its determination to stop terrorist threats both within the US and in other countries. However, Salihu shared a different account in a post on X, saying he personally spoke with Bashar Isah Jabo, a member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, who visited the affected area shortly after the strike. According to the lawmaker, the missiles fell on an open field about 300 meters away from a local hospital. No one was injured or killed in the incident. Salihu added that Jabo village had not experienced any terrorist activity or ISWAP presence throughout 2025. He said there were also no records of farmer-herder conflicts in the area. He explained that villagers only found missile fragments near a large crater, with no damage to homes or loss of life. Salihu questioned the purpose of the strike and wondered if it was meant to make headlines rather than eliminate real threats. While supporting cooperation to fight terrorism, he said attacks should focus on known terrorist leaders and strongholds. He called on Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters to investigate the incident and provide a clear report to the public. Salihu also expressed relief that the missiles did not hit the hospital or harm innocent residents of Jabo village. “I just spoke with Hon Sarkin Yaki Jabo Member Sokoto State Assembly who visited Jabo after the strike at 10:30pm last night. The US strike in Jabo near Tambuwal wasn’t a precision strike. No casualties. Missiles landed in a plain field 300metres away from a Local Hospital,” he said.

Security agencies have commenced investigation into the collapse of buildings in Offa community of Kwara State allegedly caused by objects suspected to be military drones which fell from the sky at three different locations in the community. Though the incident is yet to be linked to the United States airstrikes on bandits enclaves in Sokoto State, speculations indicate that it coincides with the airstrikes on Christmas day. The incident caused palpable tension and widespread fear in the community as explosions rocked three parts of the town late Thursday night, destroying properties. Reports said several buildings were affected around the Eid praying ground area of the community, while a second explosion was recorded near Solid Worth Hotel, about a five-minute walk from the first location. Findings revealed that an undetonated explosive device was later discovered at the second location, prompting security agencies to cordon off the affected areas. The source and nature of the explosions could not be officially confirmed at the time of this report. The Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman of Offa Local Government, Abiola Azeez Babatunde, who confirmed the incident, said “the council is aware of reports circulating about a suspected ordnance-related incident around the Offa Yidi praying ground.” In a statement, the local government said security agencies have secured the scene and commenced investigations. The statement revealed that the Executive Chairman of Offa Local Government Area, Suleiman Olatunji Omituntun, visited the affected areas shortly after the incident to assess the situation. The council chairman, however, urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, advising the public to rely on credible and official sources for information in order to avoid panic. The local government assured residents of its commitment to their safety, asserting that it will continue to work closely with relevant authorities until investigations are concluded. The explosions occurred barely hours after the United States President, Donald Trump, announced U.S. airstrikes against ISIS targets in parts of northwest Nigeria, including Sokoto State, on Christmas Day. Authorities, however, are yet to establish any link between the Offa incident and the U.S. strikes. As of this morning, no casualty has been reported, while investigations by security agencies continue.

Former Vice President? Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately enforce the Supreme Court ruling granting financial autonomy to local governments, warning that continued delay undermines the Constitution. The apex court, in a unanimous judgment delivered in July 2024, held that it is unconstitutional for state governments to retain or manage funds allocated to local government areas. The court also ruled that the use of caretaker committees places local councils under state control, in violation of the 1999 Constitution. Speaking at the weekend during the 15th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, President Tinubu had urged governors to comply with the ruling, warning that failure to do so could compel him to issue an Executive Order to ensure direct allocations from the Federation Account to local governments. Reacting via social media, Atiku accused the President of politicising the judgment and failing to take decisive action to enforce it. “At this point, there is no need for threats of Executive Orders,” Atiku said. “All the President needs to do is instruct the Attorney-General of the Federation to enforce the judgment immediately. Anything short of this is a failure of leadership.” The former vice president, an African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, alleged that Tinubu’s inaction was deliberate and politically motivated. “Your refusal to act is a calculated political move—using obedience to the law as a bargaining chip to force opposition governors into the APC and to keep governors within your party firmly under your control,” Atiku wrote. He further stated that, “In doing so, you have reduced the Constitution to a tool of convenience and governance to partisan bargaining. Supreme Court judgments are final, not optional.” Atiku warned that continued refusal to enforce the ruling amounts to a breach of constitutional duty. “Persistently refusing to enforce one is a direct breach of the Constitution and a violation of the oath you swore to Nigerians,” he said. Concluding, the former vice president cautioned that history would judge the present administration harshly over the matter. “Your continued inaction sends a clear message that political control matters more than constitutional duty. History will not forget this moment. Nigerians will not either,” he added.

Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has called on the Federal Government to immediately halt all military cooperation with the United States following reported US airstrikes. Gumi warned that American involvement could worsen Nigeria’s security challenges and undermine national sovereignty. Gumi made the call in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Friday. He said while Islam permits the fight against terrorism, such actions should only be carried out by what he described as “clean hands,” arguing that the United States lacks the moral authority to lead such efforts because of its global military record. According to the cleric, Nigeria made a mistake by allowing foreign powers to play a role in its counterterrorism operations, insisting that “terrorists do not truly fight terrorists” and that such interventions often result in civilian casualties and hidden political motives. Gumi warned that allowing Nigeria to become a theatre of war would attract anti-US forces into the country, further destabilising it. He also cautioned that US involvement, particularly under claims of protecting Christians, could polarise the country along religious lines. The cleric further argued that airstrikes alone cannot defeat terrorism, stressing that effective counterterrorism requires strong ground operations, which he said Nigeria has enough personnel to carry out if properly organised. “This is the mistake Nigeria has made. Terrorists don’t fight terrorists in truth; they may only kill innocent people and have ulterior motives behind the drama of fighting ‘terror’. “As a principle, no nation should allow its land to be a theater of war. And no nation should allow its neighbors to be their enemies. “If Nigeria wants military assistance, China, Turkey, and Pakistan can do the job effectively,” part of his statement read.

President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, has announced US military strikes in Nigeria. Trump, who made the announcement on Christmas day, said that was the beginning of more of such attacks. He said the powerful and deadly air strikes on terrorists hideouts located in Sokoto, a north western state in Nigeria, was against ISIS-affiliated terrorists. Recall that sometime in November 2025, Trump cried out over the killing of Christians in the north west and north central regions of Nigeria. The US leader warned that his administration would not allow this to continue, vowing to strike the terrorists at their hideout. After several deliberations with Nigerian authorities following the threat, both side announced that agreements have been reached on the way forward. Suddenly, the US government announced that it struck terrorists in Sokoto forest on Thursday night. “In my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria,” Trump wrote on his Trust Social. Trump said there will no place for radical Islamic terrorism under his leadership.

The Presidency has denied a widely circulating report that President Bola Tinubu has replaced his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila with his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola. It described the report as false, urging Nigerians to disregard such claims. A statement by Tinubu’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said Gbajabiamila and Okunola still retainsl their positions. The statement read: “The attention of the Presidency has been drawn to a viral falsehood circulating on social media suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has replaced his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, with his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola. “There is absolutely no truth to this story. We advise Nigerians to disregard it entirely. “The Chief of Staff remains in his position. The Principal Private Secretary likewise remains in his role. Hakeem Muri-Okunola has not replaced Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff. “The viral claim is a fabrication by mischievous purveyors of fake news whose sole aim is to create disharmony within the government. “We reiterate that news media should always verify their information before publishing or sharing on social media.”

An 18-year-old boy, Akeem Lukman, has left his younger brother hospitalised after headbutting him during an argument over food at their family home on Christmas day at Alafaara, Ayedade, Elenushoso in Ibadan The incident occurred in their neighbourhood when a neighbour presented the family of seven with five plates of rice as part of the Christmas celebrations. What began as a gesture of goodwill and relief reportedly turned sour when a disagreement broke out over how the food should be shared among family members. According to witnesses account, Akeem became involved in a heated argument with his younger brother, Kareem, during the sharing of the food. In the course of the dispute, Akeem allegedly headbutted Kareem, causing him to collapse and lose consciousness. Kareem was immediately rushed to a nearby medical facility, where he later regained consciousness as medical sources confirmed to Vanguard that he is still receiving treatment for swelling on his forehead and remains under observation. The boys’ parents were left traumatised by the incident, describing it as completely unexpected. Speaking in shock, their father Raji, said, “We are still trying to understand how something like this could happen in our home. The children were very hungry before the food arrived, but we never imagined it would lead to violence.” Their mother, Modinat, added, “It was meant to be a moment of joy for the family. Instead, it turned into a nightmare.” Akeem, who was visibly shaken after the incident, struggled to explain his actions. The only explanation he offered was brief and remorseful, saying, “Hunger pushed me. I didn’t know what came over me.” Meanwhile, the incident sparked concern among residents in the area, with some calling for greater emphasis on conflict resolution within families, especially during periods of economic hardship. Kareem’s condition is reported to be stable as he continues to receive medical attention, while the family appealed for calm and prayers as they work to recover from the ordeal.

The Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, has reminded the government of Nigeria that citizens’ welfare must remain paramount in all government policies and actions IPAC stated this in its Christmas message signed by Comrade Egbeola Wale Martins, its National Publicity Secretary. The Council noted that the season provides an opportunity for sober reflection on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, his message of salvation, love, peace, tolerance and goodwill toward humanity. IPAC urged Christians to use this sacred period to renew their faith in God and recommit themselves to selfless service to the nation. “Nigeria is currently passing through a challenging phase in its national life and this moment calls for collective prayers by all citizens for divine intervention, wisdom and guidance as we strive to build a strong, united, equitable, prosperous and just democratic society,” the statement said. The Council further called on the Federal Government to heed the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians and take urgent steps to alleviate the prevailing hardships confronting citizens, in line with Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. “At this critical time, Nigerians desire and deserve tangible dividends of democracy. The welfare of citizens must therefore remain paramount in all government policies and actions, as sovereignty ultimately resides with the people.” IPAC also urged the Federal Government “to urgently resolve the observed discrepancies between the gazetted new tax law and the version passed by the National Assembly before its implementation.” The Council asked the government to promptly find a resolution to these issues and help douse tension in the polity and enhance public confidence. “The credibility, clarity and acceptance of any law by citizens are essential to its effectiveness and contribution to national development,” the statement said. Despite current challenges, IPAC said it remains optimistic about the future of Nigeria, adding “Together, with unity of purpose and patriotism, we can build the nation of our collective aspirations.”