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BREAKING: Bandits kidnap students, staff in overnight attack on Niger State Catholic school
BREAKING: Bandits kidnap students, staff in overnight attack on Niger State Catholic school
A fresh wave of insecurity has hit Niger State as bandits kidnapped several students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, during a late-night raid on Thursday.
Although the full details are still being compiled, early reports indicate that a significant number of students were abducted after armed attackers invaded the school between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m.
A source within the Catholic community in Niger State confirmed the incident, noting that the church is still verifying the exact number of victims. “Yes, it is true, but I am not in a position to give details for now. The church will issue an official statement later,” he said.
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Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the Niger State Police Command are ongoing, with spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun stating he would provide updates later.
However, the Head of Disaster and Relief in Agwara Local Government, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, confirmed the attack via phone, adding that authorities are working to determine the precise number of abducted students and staff.
This latest school attack comes on the heels of the Kebbi school abduction, where 25 students were kidnapped earlier in the week, heightening concerns over the rising spate of school kidnappings across northern Nigeria.
Just a day earlier, more than 50 schools were shut down in Kwara State due to escalating bandit activities.
President Bola Tinubu has already cancelled scheduled trips to South Africa and Angola to coordinate the federal government’s response to the deteriorating security situation.
BREAKING: Bandits kidnap students, staff in overnight attack on Niger State Catholic school
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Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism
Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism
Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has strongly denied allegations linking him to terrorism financing in Nigeria, describing the claims as “mischievous and malicious.”
In a statement released on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Emefiele said the reports were “entirely fabricated, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to malign my name, mislead the public, and sow confusion for motives best known only to the publishers and their sponsors.”
He emphasized that the fight against terrorism is too important to be trivialized by irresponsible reporting, warning that Nigerians deserve accurate information rather than “reckless misinformation.”
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“Throughout my service to the nation and in my private life, at no time have I been involved in any activity remotely connected to terrorism, terrorist financing, or any action that threatens the peace and security of our nation,” Emefiele stated. He added that he has never been invited, questioned, or investigated regarding such allegations and has no connection to the individual cited in the media reports.
“There is no scintilla of truth in the allegation,” he said, urging the public to disregard the claims entirely and calling on media organizations to verify facts before publishing sensational stories.
Emefiele’s statement seeks to reaffirm his reputation and distances him from any activities undermining national security.
Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism
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Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel
Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed multi-million-naira Juma’at Mosque located within the Emir of Gumel’s Palace in Jigawa State.
According to a statement by Zainab Rabo, Senior Special Assistant on Media Affairs to Governor Umar Namadi, the event drew high-level dignitaries, including top politicians, first-class emirs, captains of industry, and prominent Islamic scholars from across the country.
Rabo disclosed that the mosque was built by the Kashim Shettima Foundation, adding that Governor Umar A. Namadi and the Sultan of Sokoto graced the ceremony.
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During the occasion, the Vice President congratulated the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Sani, on marking 45 years on the throne, describing the milestone as a blessing and testament to exemplary leadership.
Shettima also reaffirmed his commitment—through his foundation—to initiatives that would improve the lives of Nigerians.
The Vice President further commended Governor Namadi for his notable strides in modern agriculture, noting that Jigawa’s progress under his leadership had positioned the state competitively within Nigeria and beyond.
“Governor Namadi is equal to the task, looking at his two-year achievements and the way he transformed Jigawa in modern agriculture,” Shettima stated.
Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel
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Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts
Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has deployed a Special Enforcement Team in Lagos to enforce President Bola Tinubu’s directive ending the use of police officers as escorts and guards for Very Important Persons (VIPs).
The operation, according to a statement posted on the Force’s official X account on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, commenced at about 10:00 a.m. on December 6, 2025, across key locations in Lagos State.
Hundeyin confirmed that the team carried out compliance checks at major points, including the Lekki–Ikoyi Link Bridge, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport domestic terminal, and other strategic hotspots within the state.
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He disclosed that officers found “satisfactory and commendable” compliance with the presidential directive, with no incidents of unauthorised police escort and no arrests recorded.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reiterates the Force’s commitment to the full implementation of the presidential directive,” the statement said. “The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in redeploying its personnel to core policing duties aimed at enhancing general security, crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property nationwide.”
Hundeyin added that enforcement would continue across the country “without fear or favour,” urging Nigerians to support the push for a more professional and citizen-focused policing system.
President Tinubu had, on November 23, ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection, directing that they be reassigned to frontline policing roles. According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIP protection will now be handled by armed operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The policy aims to free up police manpower for critical security operations, particularly in underserved communities, and enhance overall national security efficiency.
Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts
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