metro
Terrorists kill DPO, soldier, one other; abduct housewife in Katsina
***Suspected militias kill 4, raze Southern Kaduna community
A Divisional Police Officer, Abdulkadir Rano, was yesterday, killed alongside a soldier and one other by bandits in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The terrorists were also said to have robbed one Haliru of N2 million and abducted his wife in the course of the operation.
He said: “The incident happened at my doorstep. My neighbour notified me of the development about 2:10 of Wednesday. After a while, I could also hear gunshots. Then a little later, we kept hearing sounds of cars and motorcycles roaming the streets. “We realised that they were using the vehicles to plant their men all over the area in case of a reprisal from security agents manning the area.
“The terrorists knocked at my door a few times and left, did the same at my next-door neighbour but God saved us as they left without forcing themselves into our residents.
“However, they broke into Haliru’s home (aka ‘Mai Baki Mai’) and went away with his wife, Asiya, and N2 million when they could not find him.“I notified the police and they arrived immediately, unfortunately, on sighting DPO Abdulkadiri Rano, the hoodlums opened fire on him while trying to alight from his vehicle and killed him in the process.
READ ALSO:
- Land grabbers impersonate judgment creditors, demolish property, victims tackle Lagos task force
- Sylva: Govt will unravel how toxic petrol was imported
- Convict’s mother weeps as court sentences two to death for killing sex worker
“They also killed one soldier and injured Lieutenant Masoyi, who is currently receiving treatment at the Katsina Federal Medical Centre. One visiting Almajiri, who just arrived in the village recently was also killed in the attack.”
However, the village head said the community is calm as the situation has been brought under control by the security agents.
Efforts to speak with the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Gambo Isah, failed but he confirmed the attack on his official WhatsApp page, sharing the photo of the late Jibia DPO, DSP Rano, praying for his soul to rest in peace.
Similarly, the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Katsina, 17 Brigade, Lieutenant Sinivie Tamuno, could not be reached to confirm the identity of the affected soldiers in the attack at press time.
Suspected militias kill 4, raze community in S-KadunaIn a related development, four people were reportedly killed Tuesday night when suspected militias razed down Sabon Kaura village in Atyap chiefdom, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
A local said: “Virtually, all the houses in the village were completely burnt by the attackers.
“The suspected militias came in their hundreds and carried out their plan. For now, four persons have been confirmed killed while many are missing. I cannot confirm those injured.
“The entire village is in total confusion of what happened. There was only five security personnel present when the attackers invaded the area and they could not contain them.”
Efforts to reach the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Mohammed Jalige, for confirmation, proved abortive.
Vanguard
metro
Rivers Assembly Returns ₦100,000 Christmas Bonus, Accuses Fubara of Illegal Spending
Rivers Assembly Returns ₦100,000 Christmas Bonus, Accuses Fubara of Illegal Spending
Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have returned the ₦100,000 Christmas bonus paid into their personal bank accounts by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing the payment as unsolicited, unapproved, and a violation of constitutional provisions on public expenditure.
The lawmakers made their position known in a statement issued on Tuesday night and signed by the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi Alabo George.
According to the statement, members of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly received bank alerts of ₦100,000 each on December 30, 2025, following a directive from the governor. However, the Assembly said the funds were transferred without legislative approval and were therefore rejected.
George explained that upon discovering the transfers, lawmakers immediately took steps to refund the money to the Rivers State Government, stressing that the Assembly would not participate in any action that falls short of the law.
READ ALSO:
- Align With Wike or Lose Gokana, APC Chieftain Warns Gov Fubara
- ICPC Secures Court Order to Freeze N1.1bn Diverted from Kano Federation Account
- [BREAKING] AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Finish Group Stage Perfect After 3–1 Victory Over Uganda
The House recalled that Governor Fubara had approved the payment of ₦100,000 as a festive bonus for civil servants and some public office holders, but insisted that such expenditure must comply with due process and receive legislative backing.
The lawmakers further accused the governor of persistently withdrawing funds from the Consolidated Revenue Account of Rivers State without the approval of the legislature since assuming office in 2023, despite repeated warnings, court judgments, and constitutional provisions.
“As an institution established by law and guided strictly by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Rivers State House of Assembly maintains that all public expenditures must follow due process, including legislative approval,” the statement read.
The Assembly also warned civil servants and government officials alleged to be collaborating in what it described as unlawful withdrawals to desist, noting that the House is aware of actions that contravene the Constitution and the principle of separation of powers.
Rivers Assembly Returns ₦100,000 Christmas Bonus, Accuses Fubara of Illegal Spending
metro
Borno: Troops Foil Suicide Attack, Arrest Bomber, Seize IED Materials
Borno: Troops Foil Suicide Attack, Arrest Bomber, Seize IED Materials
Barely days after a deadly suicide bomb attack at Gamboru Market Mosque in Maiduguri, which claimed the lives of several worshippers, troops of the Joint Task Force North East (JTF NE), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have recorded another major operational breakthrough with the arrest of a suspected suicide bomber and the interception of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) materials in Borno State.
The successful operation followed sustained intelligence-led security operations aimed at securing Banki town in Bama Local Government Area, carried out by troops of the 152 Task Force Battalion, in collaboration with other security agencies.
In a statement issued Tuesday night by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters JTF North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, it was revealed that the suspect was apprehended at the Banki Central Mosque.
“At about 1740 hours on Monday, December 29, 2025, troops deployed at Banki Central Mosque arrested a suspected suicide bomber identified as Abubakar Mustapha,” the statement said.
READ ALSO:
- VIDEO: Oshodi Traders Count Losses as Fire Ravages Army Arena Market in Lagos
- Align With Wike or Lose Gokana, APC Chieftain Warns Gov Fubara
- ICPC Secures Court Order to Freeze N1.1bn Diverted from Kano Federation Account
According to the military, the suspect was found in possession of primed IED components, suggesting an imminent terror attack. Preliminary investigations revealed that Mustapha hails from Bama Local Government Area and was further discovered to be in possession of other incriminating items linked to terrorist activities.
“He is currently undergoing detailed interrogation to establish his sponsors, collaborators, and possible links with JAS/ISWAP terrorist networks operating in the area,” Uba added.
In a related development, troops deployed at the Cameroon–Nigeria border gate intercepted a Peugeot vehicle conveying six bags of urea fertiliser, a critical IED precursor material. The vehicle and the fertiliser were immediately taken into military custody.
Further intelligence exploitation led to the arrest of the fertiliser dealer and the recovery of an additional six bags of urea, bringing the total seized to 12 bags. All suspects and recovered items are currently in custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Lt. Col. Uba said troops of JTF NE OPHK continue to dominate their areas of responsibility through aggressive patrols, sustained presence, and intelligence-driven operations to deny terrorists freedom of action and prevent attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure.
He assured the public that the morale and fighting efficiency of troops remain high, reaffirming the military’s commitment to restoring lasting peace and security in North East Nigeria.
The military also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies in support of ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
Borno: Troops Foil Suicide Attack, Arrest Bomber, Seize IED Materials
metro
VIDEO: Oshodi Traders Count Losses as Fire Ravages Army Arena Market in Lagos
VIDEO: Oshodi Traders Count Losses as Fire Ravages Army Arena Market in Lagos
Traders at the Army Arena Market in Oshodi, Lagos State, were thrown into panic on Tuesday evening following a fire outbreak that engulfed sections of the busy commercial hub, destroying several shops and goods.
The incident was confirmed by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) through its official X (formerly Twitter) handle. LASTMA disclosed that emergency responders were immediately deployed to the scene to contain the inferno.
“There’s a fire outbreak inside Arena Shopping Mall along Agege Motor Road, Oshodi. Men of @LagosRescue are on ground to extinguish the inferno,” the agency stated.
READ ALSO:
- Align With Wike or Lose Gokana, APC Chieftain Warns Gov Fubara
- ICPC Secures Court Order to Freeze N1.1bn Diverted from Kano Federation Account
- [BREAKING] AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Finish Group Stage Perfect After 3–1 Victory Over Uganda
Eyewitnesses said the fire spread rapidly through parts of the market, forcing traders and customers to flee for safety as thick smoke billowed into the sky. Several container shops were reportedly razed, with traders lamenting the loss of valuable merchandise, including textiles, electronics, and household goods.
Officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, alongside other emergency agencies, worked to prevent the fire from spreading to adjoining sections of the market and nearby buildings. As of the time of filing this report, no casualties had been officially confirmed, while the cause of the fire was yet to be determined.
The latest incident has renewed concerns over frequent fire outbreaks in Lagos markets, particularly in densely populated commercial centres such as Oshodi, where traders have repeatedly called for improved fire safety measures, better electrical standards, and faster emergency response.
Oshodi Traders Count Losses as Fire Ravages Army Arena Market in Lagos
Wike | Sina Ghami | #NIGUGA | Accident | Diogo Jota | #โดมปกรณ์ลัม | Anthony Joshua pic.twitter.com/UrFd9MZnt1
— Newstrends.Ng (@Newstrends_ng) December 30, 2025
VIDEO: Oshodi Traders Count Losses as Fire Ravages Army Arena Market in Lagos
-
metro2 days agoIbadan Explosion: Fayose Releases Documents, Claims Makinde Got ₦50bn from FG
-
metro1 day agoNiger Delta Crackdown: Army Seizes ₦150m Stolen Oil, Arrests 19 Suspects
-
metro2 days agoPlateau Kidnappers Demand ₦1.5m Each as 28 Muslim Travellers Remain in Captivity
-
Sports2 days agoCristiano Ronaldo Wins Best Middle East Player at 2025 Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai
-
Sports2 days agoAnthony Joshua injured as two die in fatal Lagos-Ibadan Expressway crash (plus photos)
-
Opinion3 days agoHow a Misleading Channels TV Headline Reignited Nigeria’s Religious Tensions
-
metro3 days agoNigerian Army Kills 438 Boko Haram, ISWAP Terrorists in Seven Months
-
metro16 hours agoOgun Man Arrested After ₦4,000 Debt Dispute Claims Stepbrother’s Life

