Category Nigeria News

A pro-Northern group under the aegis of the Northern Elders’ Political Forum has condemned a call by former Zamfara lawmaker, Senator Kabiru Marafa, urging the United States to invade Nigeria over security concerns.

In a communiqué issued to journalists on Sunday after its annual meeting in Birnin Kebbi, the group described Marafa’s statement as “ridiculous, unpatriotic, and a call for anarchy.”

They asked the Department of State Services (DSS) to arrest Marafa, faulting his remarks as reckless.

According to the National Coordinator of the Forum, Yusuf Abubakar, any Nigerian, regardless of status, who makes such a statement should undergo a psychiatric evaluation to determine their mental health.

READ ALSO: ‘I Strongly Support,’ Senator Marafa Backs Trump’s Military Threat To Nigeria

“We view the statement as a demonstration of unpatriotism, which can be likened to mental instability,” Abubakar stated.

The group also urged political leaders and Northern governors to work together to tackle insecurity and poverty in the region rather than politicize the challenges.

They further called on security agencies to investigate certain politicians in Zamfara and Katsina states for allegedly using the media to spread fake news capable of heightening tension in the country.

Abubakar commended the Federal Government for its commitment to the fight against insecurity, particularly through Operation Fasan Yamma.

A former director of media operations at the Defence Headquarters, Major General John Enenche (retd.), has commended the Federal Government for securing the release of 100 of the remaining abducted Niger State schoolchildren.

He also lauded security agencies for the rescue efforts, which he said were not easy.

READ ALSO: FG Secures Release Of 100 Schoolchildren Abducted In Niger State

“My take is that the government and the security agencies have done a lot, and I believe that Nigerians will be happy for this.

“I can tell you that it is not easy, whichever way or means were used to get these children out,” Enenche said on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.

He described the release as a good signal.

Of course, it’s not good to be reactive, of course, it’s not good to be reactive, but what do we do? They are being reactive, reacting to issues of insecurity, kidnapping, and all that has taken place,” the retired senior military officer said.

The Federal Government reportedly secured the release of 100 schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State, on Sunday.

Bandits stormed the school on motorbikes, abducting 315 people—303 students and 12 teachers, on 21 November 2025.

Security forces and community hunters were deployed to comb nearby forests for the abductees.

In the immediate aftermath, 50 pupils escaped within the first day and were reunited with their families.

However, 265 individuals—including 253 children and all 12 teachers—remained in captivity.

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, on Sunday said both the Federal Government and northern leaders are doing everything possible to tackle insecurity in the region.

He stated this during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, amid the abductions and other security threats that have plagued the north.

“The Northern leaders are doing their best, the Federal Government is doing their best, and now we are saying we can even do more than what we have been doing,” he said while lamenting the spate of attacks by non-state actors.

The governor applauded the Federal Government and security agencies for securing the release of 100 abducted pupils of St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in Niger State.

He described the development as “cheering news” and praised the coordinated efforts that led to the breakthrough.

The governor stated that anyone who claims leaders do not care or are not doing enough to end insecurity is being mischievous.

“This also shall come to pass, because it was mostly, if you look at it, mostly in the North East, you know, where Boko Haram was doing this, was doing that.

“This also shall come to pass, because it was mostly, if you look at it, mostly in the North East, you know, where Boko Haram was doing this, was doing that.

“Sometimes, they will just kidnap children to use them as shields against attacks and things like that. So now it has moved to the North West and to the North Central.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, for the inauguration of Cote d’Ivore President, Alassane Ouattara.

83-year-old incumbent was declared winner of the presidential election on October 2. He won a fourth term with 89.77 percent of the ballots cast.

His swearing in ceremony would hold at Presidential Palace in Abidjan on December 8, and Shettima is representing President Bola Tinubu.

“He was received on arrival at the airport by Côte d’Ivoire’s Prime Minister, Mr. Robert Mambe; the Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire, Mrs. Item Akpama; and other senior government officials,” Shettima’s spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, said in a Sunday statement.

READ ALSO: Shettima To Represent Tinubu At Alassane Ouattara’s Inauguration In Cote d’Ivore

He said Shettima will join other African leaders and international dignitaries at Monday’s inauguration ceremony

According to the statement, Nigeria has maintained a longstanding commitment to supporting sister nations in West Africa and upholding the principles of constitutional governance.

“At this inauguration, VP Shettima will again reaffirm Nigeria’s dedication to promoting democratic values, respecting the will of the people, and ensuring that constitutional processes remain the foundation of leadership transitions across the region.

“Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire work closely together on multiple fronts. The two countries partner through ECOWAS and the African Union on issues ranging from security to trade and development.

Their cooperation is backed by a Bi-National Commission and several agreements covering everything from fighting human trafficking to boosting agriculture and growing the digital economy. A large Nigerian community living in Côte d’Ivoire has also helped strengthen business ties and social connections between both nations.”

Security operatives drawn from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Military have rescued seven abducted persons in Kaduna State.

Disclosing this in a statement on Sunday, the spokesperson of the FCT Police Command, Josephine Adeh, said operatives dislodged a criminal camp in a high-risk, cross-border security raid in the Ushafa area, Bwari Area Council of Abuja.

She said the Command received a distress report on December 5, indicating that armed men had invaded a community in Ushafa and abducted several residents. In a swift reaction, a combined team comprising operatives of the FCT Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Nigerian Army, and the Department of State Services (DSS) mobilised to the area on 6th December 2025 to begin a coordinated search operation.

READ ALSO: Police Uncover ‘Illegal’ Mortuary Linked To Alleged Organ Harvesting In Imo

“Following a distress call received by the Police on December 5, 2025, reporting that heavily armed kidnappers had invaded a community in Ushafa, Abuja, and whisked away several residents under the cover of darkness, a joint security task force made up of operatives from the FCT Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services (DSS) swung into action on December 6, launching a coordinated manhunt for the abductors,” the statement read.

“Guided by credible intelligence, the security team traced the suspects’ movements through the outskirts of the Mpape community and onward into settlements linking the Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

“On sighting the advancing operatives, the kidnappers opened fire in a desperate attempt to escape, leading to a fierce gun battle. The security forces responded with overwhelming firepower, forcing the criminals to abandon one of the kidnapped victims during their retreat.”

Adeh, a Superintendent of Police, said, “displaying uncommon courage and endurance, the joint security team continued the chase for more than seven gruelling hours across treacherous mountains and dense forest paths, determined to dismantle the criminal network completely.

“The pursuit eventually led the operatives to the kidnappers’ main hideout deep inside Kweri Forest in Kaduna State, where another heavy exchange of gunfire took place, breaking the gang’s resistance and forcing them to flee in disarray.

“A thorough sweep of the forest camp resulted in the rescue of six additional victims, bringing the total number of freed captives to seven.

“The victims were immediately evacuated to a hospital, where they are presently receiving medical attention and are reported to be in stable condition.”

Governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the aegis of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) have praised the economic reforms undertaken by Bola Tinubu’s administration, and have resolved to strengthen local security architecture in all the states under their control.

The Governors made the resolve during their meeting in Lagos State on Friday, 5th and Saturday, 6th December 2025, convened by the Chairman of the Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State, and hosted by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State.

The engagement provided an opportunity to review the nation’s current trajectory, deepen coordination among the governors, and reaffirm the Forum’s unwavering support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

Their commitment to security followed a rise in reported abductions and violence across the country, especially in the northern region.

During the meeting, the Forum reviewed the security situation across the country and expressed appreciation for the improved coordination between federal, state, and local security structures, as well as the courage and sacrifices of security agencies and community volunteers.

“The Forum commended Mr President for the ongoing re-engineering in the security architecture of the country. “Governors reiterated that safety of lives and property remains a non-negotiable obligation of government.

“The PGF resolved to continue strengthening community-based security initiatives, intelligence gathering, conflict-prevention mechanisms, and support for victims of violence and disaster.

“The Forum underscored the importance of social cohesion, inter-faith harmony and inter-ethnic understanding, and urged all leaders to use their voices and platforms to promote unity, moderation and respect, while isolating criminality and hate speech in all its forms”, the communiqué issued at the end of the meeting read in part.

The Forum reiterated that effective local governance is central to delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda at the grassroots.

They resolved to deepen reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and service delivery in local government administration, within the framework of the Constitution and in partnership with relevant stakeholders.

“The PGF agreed to expand platforms for citizen engagement, including town hall meetings, consultation with traditional and religious leaders, civil society, labour, professional bodies, youth, and women’s groups.

“The Forum affirmed that listening to the people, explaining government policies clearly, and adjusting implementation strategies based on feedback are essential to building trust and sustaining democratic legitimacy.”

On party cohesion and support for the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Forum reiterated its unwavering loyalty to the APC, and commended the leadership of the Party for ongoing efforts to strengthen internal democracy, discipline, reconciliation, and inclusiveness.

They pledged to continue playing a stabilising role within the Party, ensuring that the APC remains a broad, open, and performance-driven platform for national transformation.

The PGF then reaffirmed its full support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the policies of APC governments at all levels.

The Forum emphasised that they see themselves as trustees of the people’s mandate and as a committee of leaders jointly responsible for translating the aspirations of Nigerians into tangible social and economic outcomes across the federation.

On outlook, the governors expressed renewed confidence in the future of Nigeria as a united, peaceful, and prosperous country.

“The Progressive Governors pledged to strengthen policy coordination, deepen inter-state cooperation, and remain focused on practical solutions that place the people at the centre of governance.”

They urge all Nigerians to go about their businesses without fear, while wishing all a peaceful Christmas and a happy New Year in advance.

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People-Centred Governance And National Outlook

The Forum undertook a broad review of the political, economic, and social environment in the country. Governors reaffirmed that the ultimate purpose of every reform must be to improve the daily lives of Nigerians, protect their dignity, and expand opportunities for all: rural and urban, youth and elderly, women and men, workers, entrepreneurs, and vulnerable groups alike.

The PGF commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast commitment to stabilizing the economy, strengthening national security, and laying the foundations of sustainable growth through the Renewed Hope Agenda. The Forum noted ongoing efforts at food security, power sector improvement, transport and infrastructure upgrades, social investment, and support for productive enterprises, and pledged to align state policies to maximize the benefits of these reforms for citizens in every ward and community.

Economic Reforms, Cost of Living And Social Protection

Recognising the temporary burdens that accompany necessary macroeconomic reforms, the Forum reviewed the state of the economy and the cost-of-living pressures being experienced by citizens. Governors acknowledged the resilience and patience of Nigerians and expressed deep appreciation for the sacrifices being made in the collective interest of a stronger and more inclusive economy.

The PGF resolved to intensify state-level interventions in areas such as food production and distribution, support to small and medium-scale enterprises, youth employment, social protection for the poorest and most vulnerable, and targeted relief for workers and low-income households.

We, the Progressive Governors, are committed to working closely with Federal institutions. The National Economic Council and Local Governments to ensure that things keep improving, that no group is left behind, and that the gains of reforms continue to translate into visible improvements in the quality of life of the people.

Infrastructure, Urban Renewal And Liveable Communities

The Forum noted the critical importance of infrastructure, urban renewal, and rural development in driving productivity, attracting investment, and improving living standards. Governors commended Lagos State for its pioneering role in transport reforms, urban regeneration, and innovative financing models, and agreed to deepen peer-learning and inter-state collaboration in these areas.

The PGF resolved to scale up investments in roads, housing, public transport, water and sanitation, digital connectivity, and climate-resilient infrastructure, with a focus on inclusion and access for all communities.