Television Nigerian

Mohammed Bago, the governor of Niger State, has retracted his previous assertion that no pupils were kidnapped from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.

Speaking on Thursday at an eight-day conference for newly elected local government chairmen and commissioners, Bago acknowledged the event and voiced profound sorrow about the kidnapping of more than 250 students and their teachers.

The governor, speaking through his deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba, called the act “heartbreaking” and “unacceptable.”

“I must speak from the heart on a matter that concerns us all, the unfortunate abduction of schoolchildren and teachers at St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government,” Bago stated before delving further into the next sessions.

“This is extremely unacceptable and has caused much concern in our state. As a parent and the state’s chief security officer, I understand the suffering of every parent who is waiting impatiently for their kids to come home.

He reassured the public that efforts are being made by the administration to improve security throughout the state and to guarantee the victims’ safe return.

According to Bago, the retreat was intended to train senior officials for the duties of governing under the “New Niger” vision of his administration.

“This Executive Retreat is not just another event on the government calendar,” he declared. It is a time for introspection, preparation, and strategic alignment with renewed vigor for our common goal of realizing the New Niger vision.

“Servant-leadership, which is defined by competence, responsibility, honesty, teamwork, and above all, results-oriented leadership, is required by our mandate.”

Abubakar Usman, Secretary to the State Government, stated in his own words that the retreat’s objectives are to improve cooperation and promote a common goal among government appointees.

He asked all officials to serve as the “engine room” for the administration’s success and reminded the recently elected chairmen of their duty to promote growth at the local level.

Due to serious staffing shortages, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has been compelled to reject at least five serving senators in response to an enormous increase in demand for private protection services.

This disclosure was made two weeks after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered on November 26 that 11,566 police officers be removed from private guard assignments in order to reallocate security personnel to address the growing level of national insecurity.

The agency has been overburdened, according to an anonymous NSCDC officer, with demands for private protection having more than doubled since the presidential directive.

“We are under strain because of the increase in VIP demands for protection. The volume of demands has forced us to reject five senators. The officer told THE WHISTLER, “We just do not have the manpower to satisfy everyone, and the situation is overwhelming.”

According to its Act, the NSCDC’s primary responsibilities include community safety and disaster management, as well as the security of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI), which includes telecommunications sites, power plants, and oil pipelines.

“Every day, new applications come in from politicians, businessmen, and even community leaders,” the officer emphasized, emphasizing that the Corps cannot neglect this fundamental responsibility. However, we continue to prioritize important assets and national infrastructure. Our fundamental mandate cannot be abandoned.

In order to address increased insecurity, particularly recent high-profile attacks and kidnappings of kids, President Tinubu declared a national security emergency, which included the removal of police escorts.

According to Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), 11,566 police officers were relieved of their VIP responsibilities.

In order to improve frontline policing, it is anticipated that these withdrew officers will receive crash retraining before being deployed right away to unstable areas.

The President also commanded the use of NYSC camps as training facilities and ordered the huge recruitment of an extra 20,000 police officers, bringing the total to 50,000.

In essence, the NSCDC and authorized private security companies now bear the responsibility for private protection. Even though the NSCDC has a dedicated VIP Protection Unit, there appears to be a serious manpower shortage, which could cause a delay in the full rollout of services to satisfy the increased demand.

Nigeria’s national security adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has cautioned that since Nigeria is still the only democracy in the Sahel, it must fiercely defend its democratic system.

Ribadu issued the warning on Thursday during a workshop in Abuja on averting violence and strife in northern Nigeria. The Kukah Center, the National Peace Committee, and the Office of the National Security Adviser coordinated the event.

In light of military takeovers in nations like Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Chad, Ribadu pointed out that Nigeria is the region’s last shining example of constitutional rule.

“This phase will pass, but we are going through painful times,” he stated. Our region’s nations—from the Sahel to East Africa and South Asia—face comparable or even longer-lasting difficulties. In the entire Sahel, Nigeria is still the sole democracy in operation, and we must preserve this accomplishment.

Ribadu promised that individuals endangering the peace and unity of the country will face severe consequences from the Nigerian government.

“Let me be clear: the Nigerian state remains fully committed to law, order, and the protection of citizens,” he said.

“In accordance with our obligations to protect human rights and safeguard lives, any individual or group that exploits communities, spreads terror, or attempts to undermine national unity will face coordinated and decisive action.”

Nigeria had obtained 775 convictions related to terrorism, according to the NSA, highlighting advancements in counterterrorism operations through cooperation between security agencies, communities, and the judiciary.

Ribadu emphasized that the majority of security issues start locally and advocated for increased participation in peacebuilding from subnational governments, religious leaders, communities, and traditional rulers.

“There is much less need for the use of armed forces when communities are empowered to settle their own conflicts and prevent violence,” he stated.

In order to restore confidence and strengthen resilience throughout northern Nigeria, he called for the translation of discussions into action.

False Security Is Offered by Arms: Kukah
Prior to this, Bishop Matthew Kukah, Convener of the National Peace Committee, emphasized that every Nigerian was either directly or indirectly impacted by insecurity.

He said that arming communities would merely provide a “false sense of security,” warning against the notion that doing so would address the issue.

According to Kukah, “there is a growing belief that communities can arm themselves to defend themselves.” However, using weapons won’t solve our issues. They provide a deceptive feeling of safety. And where are those weapons going to end up when peace returns?

Kukah continued, citing scripture, saying, “Jesus asked Peter to put back his sword; this was not an accident.” The truth never changes, even though circumstances might.

He urged women and young people to be involved in crafting peace initiatives and called on civil society to accept its purpose.

The Edo State House of Assembly ad hoc committee that is looking into the ownership and funding of the Radisson Hotel and the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) has issued a warning, citing its constitutional authority to issue an arrest warrant for former governor Godwin Obaseki for his refusal to appear before the committee.

According to reports, Governor Monday Okpebholo asked the House to look into the state’s ₦3.8 billion investment in MOWAA and ₦28 billion investment in the Radisson Hotel project, which led to the committee’s formation.

On Thursday, the committee voiced its unhappiness after Obaseki and a number of others declined invitations, sending legal representatives who justified their absence by claiming ongoing legal proceedings.

Addeh Isibor, the committee’s chairman, asserted that lawsuits could not halt the committee’s operations and that the panel had the legal right to require participation.

During the committee’s next meeting, Isibor stated, “These gentlemen have unilaterally chosen to absent themselves, citing court cases regarding our sitting or issues under consideration.”

We are intelligent individuals, not idiots. Investigations are required by the Constitution. A stay of proceedings cannot be obtained by simply filing a lawsuit in court.

Isibor said that none of the attorneys included legitimate court procedures in their correspondence, denouncing what he called attempts to impede the committee’s work.

The fact that none of the SANs included court procedures to the letters is even more disrespectful. These are blank letters. They wish to prevent this committee from addressing the core of the issue.

“We consider the letters to be unworthy. He stated, “The Edo Assembly is not a party to the suit, but the committee retains the right to involve law enforcement to ensure compliance.”

Former Commissioner for Finance Joseph Eboigbe, former Attorney General Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, and important stakeholders from businesses connected to the projects, such as Tilbury House Nigeria Ltd., Hospitality Investment and Management Company, Afrinvest Capital Ltd., Meristem Trustees Ltd., and Emerging Africa Trustees Ltd., were among those invited alongside Obaseki.

The investigation comes after demonstrators attacked MOWAA on November 9, alleging the museum belonged to the Oba of Benin, causing a high-profile exhibition there to devolve into turmoil.

Security personnel hurried to evacuate dignitaries as the preview, which was intended for international diplomats, businesspeople, and artists, came to a premature stop.

Later, footage of scared visitors—including German and European Union ambassadors—being led out under strict security went viral.

A serving magistrate named Mohammed Suleiman Kumo was charged with three counts of bribery and extortion by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in front of Gombe State High Court Judge H.H. Kereng.

On December 3, 2025, the EFCC’s Gombe Zonal Directorate filed charges against Kumo, a magistrate at the Chief Magistrate Court in Pantami.

According to the charges, Magistrate Kumo received ₦1.4 million in financial advantages through the bank account of Adamu Ahmed, the court registrar.

Section 10(a)(i)(ii) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 is violated by the accused offences.

In particular, there are two alleged instances of accepting money:

The Registrar’s Zenith Bank Account (number 2273938871) received ₦1,000,000.

₦400,000 was received via the same Registrar’s Zenith Bank Account on or around November 11, 2024.

The anti-graft Act’s referenced clause makes it illegal for anybody to request, accept, or obtain property or benefits for themselves or any other person as a result of whatever they have done or will do in the course of performing their official duties.

Violating this clause carries a seven-year jail sentence.

According to reports, Magistrate Kumo entered a not guilty plea to each of the three allegations.

Abubakar Aliyu, the prosecuting attorney, sought the court to send the defendant to the Gombe State Correctional Center and to set a trial date.

However, the prosecution opposed a bail motion made by defense attorney Adamu Bawa.

The defendant was granted temporary bail by Justice Kereng.

The judge used Kumo’s prior administrative bail grant from the EFCC and his voluntary appearance in court from home as justification for the ruling.

In order to make a decision regarding the official bail application and to begin the hearing, the court has postponed the case to January 13 and 14, 2026.

According to Dennis Amachree, a former director of the Department of State Services (DSS), President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a national security emergency will be unsuccessful unless individuals who are funding or undermining national security initiatives are apprehended and prosecuted.

Amachree made the comments on Politics Today, a Channels Television program, in response to worries over the military’s internal sabotage and the nation’s growing insecurity.

“I believe that arrests are necessary for this state of emergency to be more effective,” he stated.

“Let’s not simply state that these individuals have been identified as financiers and that no arrests have been made.”

He emphasized the need for urgent action to rebuild public trust, arguing that pronouncements alone are insufficient.

“There should be arrests, and of course we should instill fear in their hearts to ensure that they can’t just do anything and get away with it,” he declared.

In response to allegations of a military withdrawal before schoolgirls were abducted in Kebbi and Major General Musa Uba was killed, Amachree issued a warning that saboteurs within the military and political class needed to be exposed.

“I believe there are saboteurs, and we should be aware that they are prevalent in both politics and the military,” he stated.

However, he added he had faith in Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), the new Minister of Defense, who had already stated his commitment to pursue individuals undermining security efforts.

Recall that in reaction to a recent spike in banditry, terrorism, and mass kidnappings, President Tinubu proclaimed a national security emergency on November 26.

The President ordered the use of certain NYSC camps as training facilities for security personnel and authorized the increase in police and military recruitment.

As part of the plan to strengthen internal security, he added, police training facilities have been upgraded nationwide.

Next week, the Senate will scrutinize President Bola Tinubu’s 65 ambassadorial nominees closely as lawmakers pledge a stringent confirmation procedure to guarantee that only competent and patriotic people are assigned to represent Nigeria overseas.

The screening will not be “business as usual,” according to three opposition senators who spoke to Punch under condition of anonymity. They emphasized the necessity for qualified envoys given Nigeria’s present difficulties on the international scene.

According to a ranking senator, the nature of diplomatic postings necessitates people who are competent, honest, and focused on the national interest rather than just politics.

“We need seasoned and knowledgeable men and women who can represent and defend Nigeria’s interests before the international community,” the congressman stated.

“We would make sure that those who would represent Nigeria at the foreign missions are patriotic individuals with integrity because the ambassadorial position is not just about political patronage or a job for the boys.”

Each nominee will be “properly grilled” to make sure they are qualified for the position, according to another lawmaker.

President Tinubu asked the Senate to confirm the nominations during its plenary session on Thursday.

Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, read the President’s letter, which contained 31 non-career candidates and 34 career ambassadors and high commissioners.

The request came after the Senate had already begun screening a previous batch of three nominees.

Tinubu asked the upper house to “consider and confirm expeditiously” the nominees, citing Sections 171 (1), (2), and (4) of the 1999 Constitution.

Among the notable career diplomats on the list are Ambassadors Maimuna Ibrahim (Adamawa), Ahmed Mohammed Monguno (Borno), and Sulu-Gambari Olatunji Ahmed (Kwara). Prominent non-career nominees include former presidential aide and senator Ita Enang (Akwa Ibom), former Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd.) from Kano, and former Chief of Naval Staff and former Rivers State military administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) from Cross River.

The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs was given the list by Akpabio, who also gave them a week to finish the screening and turn in their findings.

The Senate President said, “The committee is to report back to us in one week.”

*Vows to report incident to CJN FCT CJ

Human Rights lawyer, Barrister Victor Giwa has said a judge, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Apo, brought in about 20armed policemen to court to intimidated him during his trial.

He vowed to report the incident to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN and the Chief Judge of the FCT high court, through a letter.

He said, “The judge brought 20 armed policemen to the court today because of me. Ten of those policemen were inside the courtroom. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, had to ask the judge, ” My Lord, what is happening, why do we have policemen in the court”?

“There were armed men inside the courtroom. When I saw the policemen, I was thinking they came to arrest me, so, I hid inside my car. It was Justice Jude and Asabe Waziri, a staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, that made that arrangement.

“The judge is intimidating me in the court, I cannot get justice. I am writing a letter to the CJ and the CJN that I am not even safe in the court of Justice Jude because he has taken the case personal against me.”

Giwa while attempting to make submission before the court urged the court to give him audience.

The police had accused Giwa of forging letterhead paper of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Awa Kalu.

But Awa Kalu, in a letter to the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode. Egebtolun, put a lie to the allegation of the police against Ibitade and Giwa.

Despite the letter of Prof. Awa Kalu to the Inspector-General of Police, formally distancing himself from the allegation of forgery and impersonation against Giwa and Ibitade, the police have gone ahead to press charge against Giwa.

Chief Kalu, in a letter to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, had said his letterhead was never forged and that he had not at anytime lodged any complaint to the police about forgery of his document.

Professor Kalu, in a letter dated May 30, 2025, addressed to the Inspector General of Police, clarified that he neither filed a complaint nor reported Mr. Giwa for allegedly forging his firm’s letterhead.

During the proceedings, Thursday, Giwa broughta medical report that he was indisposed and would not be able to proceed with the matter.

He also added that he had e gaged a new lawyer who is supposed to argue his case for him before the court.

But the judge insisted that he must go on with the case.

Giwa had filed an application urging the judge to recuse himself from the matter.

The court was ready to begin hearing of the motion when Giwa told the court that he had a medical report from the hospital amd would not be able to proceed on the ground if ill-health.

But the judge insisted that he must proceed and move his application.

He later told the court that he was just served with the amended coubter-motion of the Police and had not had the opportunity to go through it.

It was at that point that the court adjourned the case to December 10, 2025.

In the application, Barrister Giwa asked the judge to recuse himself from the matter on the ground of bias and partisanship.

He said that he has no chance of getting justice before the court.