Author: Naija Daily News

The Federal Government has formally classified kidnappers and violent armed groups as terrorists, marking a major escalation in Nigeria’s response to abductions, attacks on farmers, and violence against local communities. The designation was announced on Monday by the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, during the federal government’s end-of-year press briefing in Abuja. Under the new policy, mass kidnappings and rural attacks will no longer be treated as conventional crimes but will fall squarely within the framework of counterterrorism operations. “Henceforth, any armed group or individual that kidnaps our children, attacks our farmers, and terrorizes our communities is officially classified and…

By Deborah Nnamdi The Federal Government has approved mandatory drug testing as a prerequisite for employment in the federal public service, in a renewed effort to curb the growing problem of substance abuse in the country. The directive was conveyed to permanent secretaries, heads of extra-ministerial departments and parastatals, according to a statement issued on Monday by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF). The statement, signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the OSGF, Segun Imohiosen, said the policy is aimed at addressing the rising incidence of illicit drug use and…

By Deborah Nnamdi One person has been killed and a residential building has been razed following a clash between Itsekiri youths from Ugborodo and neighbouring Ogidigben riverine communities in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State. The deceased, identified as Emiko Onuwaje, was reportedly attacked and killed along a road in Ogidigben at the weekend, an incident that triggered outrage and heightened tension across the Ugborodo axis of the area. In the aftermath of the killing, angry youths allegedly set ablaze the residence of Captain John Deja Okpeyor, who had earlier that same day been installed as a chief…

By Deborah Nnamdi The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has commended Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for what he described as responsible leadership, saying President Bola Tinubu is pleased with the governor’s performance. Ribadu said Rivers State ranks among the most peaceful states in the country, attributing the calm to Fubara’s leadership style and commitment to dialogue. He spoke on Monday while leading a presidential delegation on a courtesy visit to the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt. The delegation included the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, and top…

Award-winning Nigerian singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has staked $25,000 on goals ahead of Nigeria’s opening match against Tanzania at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The singer shared a screenshot of his bet slip on Sunday via his X page, showing a wager on both teams to score in the Group C encounter involving the Super Eagles. He accompanied the post with the caption, “Let’s get this W Nigeria,” a message that quickly drew reactions from fans online. The bet, which carries potential winnings of more than $96,000, sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many…

By Deborah Nnamdi The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has issued a public alert on the recall of Indomie Vegetable Flavour noodles due to the presence of undeclared allergens that could pose serious health risks to consumers. In a statement released on Sunday, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, said the affected product is not currently available for sale in Nigeria. She, however, disclosed that the agency has intensified nationwide surveillance to prevent the product from entering the country or circulating in any market. “In light of this development, NAFDAC has undertaken some proactive measures as a responsive…

By Deborah Nnamdi The Federal Government has secured the release of 130 schoolchildren abducted by gunmen from St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Niger State. The development was confirmed on Sunday by presidential spokesman, Sunday Dare, in a post on his official X handle. Dare announced that all the pupils taken during the attack had regained their freedom. “Another 130 abducted Niger State pupils released, none left in captivity,” he wrote. The post was accompanied by a photograph showing several of the rescued children smiling alongside a woman, suggesting their safe return after days in captivity.

By Deborah Nnamdi The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has invited Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, to appear before a panel of investigators on Monday in Abuja over a petition he submitted against the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Ahmed Farouk. A source close to the commission confirmed on Sunday that the ICPC had constituted a panel of crack investigators to handle the probe, following the petition written by Dangote alleging corruption and abuse of office by Farouk. According to the source, the ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu…

By Deborah Nnamdi The ancient city of Oyo came alive on Sunday as the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, conferred prestigious chieftaincy titles on Seyi Tinubu and Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari in a colourful ceremony at the monarch’s palace. Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, was installed as the “Okanlomo of Yorubaland,” a title loosely translated as “the beloved child” or “one dear to the hearts of the Yoruba people.” The title is said to symbolise the promotion of Yoruba values, unity and cultural heritage. Tinubu, a lawyer and entrepreneur, arrived at the palace with his wife, Layal, to…

By Deborah Nnamdi The Anambra State Police Command has arrested five suspected fake armed vigilante operatives allegedly involved in criminal conspiracy and armed robbery in Awka and its environs, as part of efforts to maintain public safety during the Yuletide season. The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, at Ring Road, Nibo, Awka, following ongoing investigations into reported cases of armed robbery and related crimes in the area. Confirming the arrest in a statement on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, said the operation led to the recovery…