Author: Naija Daily News

By Deborah Nnamdi The Katsina State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the illegal possession of a large cache of highly explosive materials in the state. The items were intercepted in a Volkswagen Golf vehicle at Koza village in Daura Local Government Area following intelligence-led patrols along major highways. According to a statement on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Sadiq, the arrest was in line with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on heightened vigilance and proactive policing. Sadiq said police operatives, while conducting a stop-and-search operation on January 7,…

By Deborah Nnamdi The Ondo State Police Command has arrested three suspected human traffickers and fraudsters and rescued three victims during an operation in Akure, the state capital. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, the prime suspect, a 30-year-old Togolese national identified as John Apiah, allegedly used two women, Blessing Assiah and Laro Larisa, to lure unsuspecting victims with false promises of securing international passports and American visas. The suspects were said to have fraudulently collected a total of 1.6 million CFA francs from the victims, who were initially accommodated in a hotel before being moved to a rented…

By Deborah Nnamdi The United States has delivered critical military supplies to Nigerian security agencies to support ongoing operations across the country, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced on Tuesday via X. “U.S. forces delivered critical military supplies to our Nigerian partners in Abuja. This delivery supports Nigeria’s ongoing operations and emphasizes our shared security partnership,” the post read. The delivery aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to deepen security cooperation with the US, including enhanced intelligence sharing, defence equipment provision, and other support against terrorists and violent extremist groups. In November, a Nigerian delegation led by National Security…

By Deborah Nnamdi Five people, including former House of Assembly candidate Igbabe Ochi, have been killed in a fresh attack on Otobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State. The attack occurred at around 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday, following a foiled kidnapping attempt in the same area on Sunday night. Local sources said the attackers, suspected to be herdsmen, stormed the community after patrols by volunteers and youths had temporarily withdrawn. The gunmen reportedly shot the victims near the transformer junction and looted food and other valuables. Otobi has previously suffered multiple attacks, including the killing of 13…

By Deborah Nnamdi Nigeria has been ranked 72nd out of 188 countries in the 2025 Government AI Readiness Index, placing it among the top-performing nations in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to Oxford Insights. The annual index assesses governments’ preparedness to implement artificial intelligence in public service using 69 indicators across six pillars, including policy capacity, governance, AI infrastructure, public sector adoption, development and diffusion, and resilience. Within Africa, Nigeria ranked fourth, behind Kenya (65th), South Africa (67th), and Mauritius (71st). Ten African countries made the global top 100, reflecting uneven but growing AI adoption across the continent. The report described Nigeria…

The Kaduna State Police Command says it has successfully repelled an attempted attack by armed bandits in Giwa Local Government Area of the state, killing two suspects and recovering firearms. The operation followed credible intelligence indicating an impending attack on Idisu village in Idisu Ward of Bayan Kogi. According to the police, the bandits were mobilising to invade the community after residents allegedly failed to pay an illegal levy imposed on them. Spokesman of the command, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the criminals were led by a notorious kingpin identified as Kachalla Sanusi Bajira. Acting on the intelligence, the Commissioner of…

Troops of the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, have arrested two suspected gun runners during a coordinated, intelligence-led operation in Taraba State. The arrests were carried out under Operation Peace Shield by troops of the 6 Brigade in collaboration with operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA). A statement from the military said the operation led to the apprehension of a 48-year-old suspect, Christopher Adamu, also known as “Suffer,” at Sebos Joint in the Mayo Dasa general area of Jalingo Local Government Area. Preliminary investigations revealed that Adamu was actively involved in illegal…

A self-proclaimed marabout, or traditional folk healer, has been arrested in Mali for alleged fraud after reportedly collecting €33,500 in donations by promising victory for the national team at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The man, identified only as Mr Sinayogo, was taken into custody in the Malian capital, Bamako, on Saturday, a day after Mali were eliminated from the tournament. The Eagles lost 1–0 to Senegal in Friday’s quarter-final clash. According to an associate, Sinayogo allegedly amassed more than 22 million CFA francs from football fans after assuring them he could spiritually secure Mali’s triumph at the tournament.…

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday dismissed claims by the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, that President Bola Tinubu has been absent from his official duties, insisting that the president remains fully engaged in governance. In a statement signed by the APC Lagos State Spokesman, Seye Oladejo, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the party said President Tinubu continues to discharge his constitutional responsibilities both within and outside the country. Oladejo urged political actors to focus on substantive national issues rather than what he described as superficial assessments of leadership…

… Ibadan monarch snubs Oyo king’s handshake Fresh tension has erupted within the Oyo State Traditional Council following an awkward scene involving the Alaafin of Oyo and the Olubadan of Ibadanland at a public function in Ibadan. The incident occurred at the 2026 Interfaith Gathering held at the Secretariat, Grand Space, behind the Oyo State House of Assembly, where traditional rulers, government officials and other dignitaries were in attendance. Eyewitnesses said drama ensued when the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, extended his hand in what appeared to be a courteous gesture toward the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Abdulrashidi Adewolu…