Category Nigeria News

Following their arrest at Jeddah’s King Abdul Aziz International Airport in August 2025, the Federal Government has confirmed the release of three Nigerian nationals.

The disclosure was made on Thursday in a statement that was posted on the X handle of the Nigerian Presidency.

Mr. Abdulhamid Sadie, Mrs. Maryam Hussein Abdullahi, and Mrs. Bahijah Aminu Abdullahi were given the names of the three released Nigerians.

Read more about Tinubu’s request for Senate confirmation of Ibas and the nomination of 64 other ambassadors.

The arrests came after illegal items were discovered in travelers’ luggage at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) without the passengers’ knowledge, according to the statement.

Ambassador Muazam I. J. Nayaya, the Consul General of Nigeria in Jeddah, called Saudi authorities after learning of the situation, requested their support, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) responded.

The Nigerian Mission helped the detainees navigate prison visits, maintained regular contact with Saudi authorities, and provided legal counsel.

Following thorough examinations, Saudi authorities arrested the three Nigerians and found them innocent.

The travel ban on Abdulhamid Sadie was lifted on November 2, 2025, and arrangements for his return are currently being worked out, according to the statement, “Mrs. Maryam Husseini Abdullahi and Mrs. Bahijah Aminu Abdullahi returned to Nigeria on November 5, 2025.”

The NDLEA and the Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah played significant roles in ensuring a just outcome, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Dauda Lawal, the governor of Samfara State, said the proposed $861 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year is a step-by-step plan for transformation and a declaration that the state will rise stronger.

The Assembly of the Zamfara State in Gusau received the budget proposal.

INCLUDE   Members of the Zamfara State Assembly resign from the APC.

According to a statement from the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the budget proposal for 2026 has a capital expenditure of 714 billion, or 83% of it.

Additionally, the statement stated that the proposal has a 147,279,945,000 recurring expenditure. 00, which makes up 17% of the budget.

According to the Zamfara budget proposal, N65 billion is allocated for education, 87 billion for health, 86 billion for agriculture, 45 billion for public safety, 22 billion for environmental protection, and 17 billion for social protection, according to a partially read excerpt.

Governor Lawal stated during the presentation that his administration had worked tirelessly to resurrect critical sectors, lay a solid foundation for long-term progress, and was elected with the promise of reform, revival, and rescue.

People of Zamfara State, who once suffered from neglect, now see progress, accountability, and renewed direction. The next step in this journey is the Budget of Stability and Growth from 2026.

It is not just a financial plan, it says. It is a political commitment to promote stability in governance and promote the growth our citizens long for, he said, adding that it strengthens the security architecture, modernizes agriculture for food security and prosperity, improves healthcare for every community, expands access to quality education, accelerates infrastructure renewal, and empowers our youth, women, and vulnerable populations.

‘Inclusive Development ‘

According to Lawal, the budget prioritizes inclusive development so that no neighborhood, village, or community is left behind.

“Mr. The proposed 2026 Budget of Stability and Growth proposal, as usual, coincides with the administration’s rescue strategy under my leadership. Our 2026 recurrent expenditure proposal of ₦147,279,945,000. 00 makes up 17% of the budget’s proposed budget.

It shows fiscal discipline and responsible behavior in terms of public spending, according to the article. According to him, it has made sure that our broader development agenda is met while meeting personnel costs and other operational obligations.

Zamfara falls well within the acceptable limits when compared to the international public finance standard, which advises that subnational governments’ recurrent spending accounts for at or below 60% of total expenditure. This provides evidence that our financial management is improving in line with international standards for responsible governance.

Our Capital Expenditure Plan is, honorable Members, at the heart of this budget and, in fact, the heart of the rescue mission. The budget proposal for 2026, which is 83% of the budget, represents a historic commitment to restoring infrastructure, boosting security, revitalizing agriculture, and expanding opportunities for our youth, he continued.

Legislative Partnership

Without political will, the government’s unwavering commitment, and the patriotic cooperation of this state assembly, Governor Lawal further explained that none of these goals, including those for security, education, agriculture, infrastructure, civil service reform, and economic revitalization, could be realized.

He claimed that the rescue mission’s progress had been greatly aided by the organization’s ongoing support, understanding, and legislative partnership.

We have together laid the groundwork for a prosperous, secure, and progressive Zamfara State, the governor continued.

The 2026 Budget Proposal amounts to $ 861,337,000,000, which I humbly submit to this Honorable House in the spirit of shared responsibility and collective resolve, is only for your thoughtful consideration and approval.

The governor’s visit to President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday focused solely on issues involving Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, and the state government in Abuja.

Ferdinand Ekeoma, the governor’s special adviser to the governor on media and publicity, clarified the details in a statement on Thursday.

A former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftainship Affairs, Charles Ogbonnaya, claimed Otti and the President discussed a potential departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections, and that the statement was a response to those claims.

The governor’s adviser claimed that Otti’s conversation with Tinubu was merely a result of ongoing efforts to free Kanu, and that it had no bearing on political reversals.

Read more about Abia Governor Otti’s visit to Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.

The Governor met with the President after visiting the IPOB leader at the Sokoto Correctional Centre on Sunday, November 30th, 2025, to discuss further with Governor Otti’s efforts to secure Kanu’s release. This follows previous discussions the Governor had with the FG on this subject in the previous two years.

The meeting was both positive and productive because the President was so gracious and generous, according to Ekeoma, and the Kanu issue was the only subject matter that brought Governor Otti to Aso Rock and the Glory of God.

The governor’s aide explained that Nnamdi Kanu’s release is a sensitive and significant issue, making it crucial to dispel misinformation in response to Ogbonnaya’s allegations.

He added that Otti’s repeated criticisms of the former commissioner stemmed from Otti’s resumption of his political career after his party split with Ogbonnaya’s in the 2023 general election.

Governor Otti and President Tinubu were reportedly in Abuja on Tuesday evening for a meeting.

Governor Otti had recently visited Kanu at the IPOB leader’s prison in Sokoto, where he is currently serving his sentence. Ikechukwu Uwanna (SAN), Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu, and Ferdinand Ekeoma, his special adviser on media and public policy, were with him.

For the 2025 Imo Economic Summit, Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived at the Imo State Capital’s Sam Mbakwe Airport.

Read more: VP Kashim Shettima’s article, Digital Innovation Is Nigeria’s Fastest Way to Prosperity.

At exactly 10:43 a.m., the Vice President’s plane touched down at Sam Mbakwe International Airport.

The governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, some ministers, lawmakers, the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, and other top state government officials, among others, were present for him.

Prior to The Experience 2025, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (LAMATA) announced that the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue Line would now have extended train services.

Every December, Lagos, Nigeria hosts an annual all-night gospel music concert known as The Experience Lagos.

The event, which was founded in 2006 by Pastor Paul Adefarasin of House on the Rock Church, has grown into the largest gospel concert in Africa, drawing both local and international gospel artists.

The LRMT Blue Line will continue to operate after its regular closing on Friday, according to the agency.

According to a statement signed by its Head of Corporate Communication, Kolawole Ojelabi, the extension was approved to manage the anticipated rise in commuter traffic both before and after the event.

The LRMT Blue Line will operate longer hours on Friday, December 5, 2025, until 11:43 p.m. after the station’s scheduled 9 p.m. closing time.

The statement further stated that work would start much earlier on Saturday to accommodate early-morning travel and post-event return trips.

“Operation will begin at 4:00 am on Saturday, December 6, 2025, and will continue until 9:00 pm,” it stated.

LAMATA also confirmed that commuters can use the LRMT Red Line on Friday and follow its usual route.

The LRMT Red Line will also be operational on Friday, December 5, with the exception of Saturdays, when it runs on Saturdays, keeping its exact schedule of (6:00 am to 10:00 am) and PM Peak (5:20 pm to 8:40 pm), according to the statement.

CLICK HERE for a LATEST VERSION OF A WRONG AWARD TO DATESTORS ABOUT ILLEGAL ESTATES.

The organization made it clear that both lines’ operations would resume on Sunday, December 7, 2025.

LAMATA emphasized to locals that the Red and Blue Line lines’ services are still accessible.

“Communicators are advised to plan, follow station instructions, and cooperate with officials to ensure a smooth and safe travel experience throughout the event weekend,” it said.

Following a coordinated operation by the Rivers State Police Command, sister security organizations, and critical support from local community leaders, five abducted students from the Rivers State University (RSU) have been saved from harm.

On December 3 at around 1 a.m., Prince London, Azubuike Kelechukwu, Elizabeth Aniete, Onyebuchi Precious, and London Sampson were abducted from their remote homes in Rumuche/Rumuohia, Emohua Local Government Area.

The suspects had taken the victims, and the Rivers State Police Command claimed that the rescue operation had taken place in Rumuodogo 2 nearby.

According to preliminary investigations, the abduction was carried out by alleged cultists, a finding that community leaders concur with.

Read more about the five students who were kidnapped as gunmen attacked the Rivers community.

The Youth President of Rumuohia, the country’s youth leader, disclosed that Rumuohia’s youth leaders, Rumuodogo 1 and 2, were allegedly working alongside a Rumuohia member who had already been turned over to the police, and that information that had been gathered within hours of the incident pointed to the involvement of youths from their neighboring communities.

He claimed that the community issued a 3 p.m. release deadline for the abducted students, which many residents claim helped expedite the rescue efforts.

According to security analysts, the attack’s pattern is in line with regionally known cult group dynamics. Insider collaboration is a crucial investigative tool because ritual organizations frequently cross borders in territorial and supremacy battles.

There is a dominant cult in every field, according to a community source. Without their knowledge, there is nothing significant going on. A battle for control is typically triggered by an opposing group trying anything.

The suspects fled before officers arrived at the hideout, but the suspects left behind important leads, including the collaborator who is already imprisoned, which investigators claim will aid in the search of the rest of the gang.

The swift synergy between security forces and the community, according to CP Olugbenga Adepoju, the police commissioner, cautioning the fugitive suspects that the command “will not rest until all those responsible are arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.”
He urged people to keep their calm and to continue providing reliable information to authorities.

As police make more and more arrests of the abductors, the rescued students have since been taken to a hospital for medical examination.