Troops Arrest Three Suspected Arsonists In Taraba

Three suspects have been detained in Karim Town, Taraba State, by members of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) for their alleged involvement in the alleged burning of a Wurkun resident’s home on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.

Shortly after the house was set on fire, troops detained the suspects, Bitrus Ishaya and Mamman Ibrahim from the Wudumpi neighborhood, and Emmanuel Adi from Step 2.

According to a statement from Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the Public Relations Officer of the 6 Brigade Nigeria Army, preliminary investigations determined that Bitrus and Mamman’s claims that they were members of the Taraba Marshal were false because both men failed to provide official identification.

Emmanuel Adi, who made the pretense of being a vigilante agent, also made inconsistent and questioning statements.

READ ALSO: Police Arrest Suspect Kidnapper in Taraba

Their conflicting accounts were immediately identified when they were present at the scene of the arson attack.

The incident, which involved local communities, has recently raised security concerns, and is thought to be a deliberate attempt to exploit the already fragile tensions in some Karim Lamido LGA areas.

The troops’ swift and effective response prevented the incident from evoking itself on a larger-scale communal conflict.

As investigations look into the suspects’ true identities, motivations, and any potential connections to criminal organizations operating under the guise of vigilante or community security gear gain strength, the suspects are currently being held by the military.

Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, the commander of the 6 Brigade, commended the soldiers for their diligence and professionalism. He reaffirmed the Brigade’s unwavering commitment to preserving state peace and stability.

Uwa cautioned against violating the law by anyone who attempts to incite violence, incite community division, or escalate tensions.

Alleged $4.5bn Fraud: Emefiele’s Co-Defendant Omoile Not Forced To Make Statements – EFCC

The former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele’s co-defendant, Henry Omoile, voluntarily made his statements during the $4.5 billion fraud trial of the duo, according to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Omoile is charged with unlawful acceptance of gifts, while Emefiele is on trial for a 19-count charge that resembles gratification and corrupt demands. Both defendants entered not guilty pleas.

Alvan Gurumnaan, an EFCC operative, who took the witness box, claimed no officer of the Commission coerced the defendant into making any statements in a trial-within-trial to determine the voluntariness of Omoile’s statements.

Under duress, the second defendant did not make any statements. He told the court that our officers don’t use intimidation or force statements.

The defendant is now responsible for providing proof when an allegation of duress is made, he added.

On October 9, 2025, the prosecutor’s office, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), requested that Omoile’s extrajudicial statements be presented in evidence at the court’s final sitting.

Adeyinka Kotoye, the defense attorney, objected, arguing that the statements were not made on a voluntary basis. A trial-within-trial was later ordered by Justice Rahman Oshodi.

In Block A of the Lagos Directorate, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Gurumnaan, a former member of the Special Operations Unit of the EFCC Lagos Zonal Command, narrated how Omoile delivered the statements.

He referred to the space as a sizable, open conference room that the Special Operations Team frequently uses.

The defendant was accompanied by the Acting Managing Director of NIBSS and his attorney, Mr. E. N. Offiong, on February 26, 2024, and the witness claimed he found Omoile’s objection surprising.

“The statements were made in full confidence. He said, “There is no way we could have done that without being threatened.”

Exhibits 1 to 4 include four statements, three of which were dated February 26, 2024, and one that was dated February 27, 2024.

Gurumnaan made sure Omoile was present when he made them.

He claimed that Mr. Azeez Ajigbotosho, a different team member, gave the defendant a proper warning before making his statements.

The second defendant also signed the statements. He even said, “I am making this statement in Offiong’s presence,” he continued.

The witness insisted that Offiong was present both days and that the EFCC visitors’ register was presented as supporting evidence even though one of the statements did not specifically mention the lawyer’s presence.

No video recording of the statement taking was made, and the lawyer’s signature was not included in the statement, despite it being a part of the EFCC’s standard practice, according to Gurumnaan, who was cross-examined by the defense counsel, Olalekan Ojo and Kotoye.

He explained that some operational circumstances occasionally prevent video recording.

Senate Passes Bill To Establish Nationwide Emergency Reporting System

The Senate’s establishment bill 2025 for national emergency toll service (NETS) was passed in second reading.

Through a dedicated three-digit, toll-free number that is accessible to everyone in the country, the bill sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua (Katsina Central) aims to establish a uniform, accessible, and quick emergency response system.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) will also be able to act as the agency under the proposed legislation, which has received strong support, in order to improve coordination in national emergency response.

The upper chamber has announced a significant change in several standing committees in response to renewed challenges posed by national security and intelligence, fulfilling its earlier pledge to reorganize the committee on national security and intelligence.

The Senate Selection Committee, which is led by Godswill Akpabio, the senate’s president, made the announcement in plenary.

Senator Yahaya Abdullahi of Kebbi State has been appointed chairman of the Senate committee on national security and intelligence as a result of the new arrangement. Prior to that, he oversaw the committee on national planning.

The committee on livestock and animal husbandry was also reorganized by the parliament, naming Bauchi State senator Shehu Buba as its new chairman. Sen. Buba was removed from the position of committee chairman for national security and intelligence last week.

In a related change, Yobe State Senator Mustafa Musa has been appointed as the committee’s chairman.

With the appointment of Osita Ngwu of Enugu as acting chairman as Senate minority whip, the Air Force committee has also been modified. Before Senator Akwashiki, the committee’s former chairman, became indisposed, Ngwu had previously served as the committee’s deputy chairman.

Abductions: Military Presence In Eruku Not Making Much Difference – Community Leader

Shola Daniel, a leader in the Eruku community in Kwara State, claims that the military’s presence in the area has not had much of an impact.

In recent weeks, Eruku has been the target of a number of attacks, including the abduction of about 38 worshipers at the Christ Apostolic Church.

Despite the presence of the military, Daniel claimed that the majority of the community still lives in fear after the other attacks took place since then.

Farmers still have to go to their farms every day, according to Daniel, who must be honest with you that the presence of the military in the community at this time has not had much of an impact.

He continued, “The fear of the unknown continues to make things very difficult for the farmers in a situation like this.” How many farmers could the military personnel accompany to their farms, according to the reports they gave us? How well-armed could they be in the presence of bandits who are self-massively armed?

Read more about Abduct 11 Residents, Bandits Strike Kwara Community, and Read More.

The community leader expressed concern about the continued attacks, including those involving farmers’ kidnapping and threats against traditional rulers, following the church incident.

“Some farmers were reported to have been attacked on their farms just three or four days ago. Some escaped, but I believe one person is still missing, he said.

Following the recent community attacks, there have been some government interventions. These efforts, in Daniel’s opinion, have so far changed a lot.

Because by January, farmers will begin bringing in cashew, which are grown on very large farms in our area, to call it palliative, he said.

He added that some of these farms are closer to the community by about three kilometers.

Northern Govs Seek Six-Month Mining Ban, Launch N228bn Security Fund

The Northern Governors’ Forum and the Traditional Rulers’ Council have demanded that all mining activities in the area be suspended for six months, citing illegal mining as a major cause of the region’s worsening insecurity.

In order to address the region’s security crises, the leaders of the North also agreed to establish a regional security trust fund.

Each state and its local governments will contribute N1 billion each month, which will be deducted at source under a contract.

The governors stated in a communiqué released following the joint meeting with traditional rulers in Kaduna on Monday that the security trust fund would support coordinated security responses, intelligence-driven interventions, and sustained funding for joint operations.

Read more about Nigeria’s centralized policing model: it can no longer meet demands – Northern Leaders.

The Forum noted that Northern Nigeria’s security crises have largely been brought on by illegal mining. Therefore, the Forum firmly advised the President to direct the Hon. To allow for a proper audit, the Minister of Solid Minerals has requested that all mining licenses be revalidated for six months in active consultation with the various state governors, and to help in the process, reduce the threat of artisanal illegal mining.

The Forum decided to establish a regional Security Trust Fund in order to combat the security crises in the North, which would be funded by a one billion naira contribution from each state and local government, and would be deducted at source under a formula that would be agreed upon.

Following the recent murders and kidnappings of schoolchildren and other innocent citizens, as well as the victims of the Boko Haram attacks in Borno and Yobe States, The Forum extends its deepest condolences and solidarity to the governments and the good people of Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Jigawa, and Kano States.

The Forum praises the Federal Government for making no mistake about ensuring the immediate release of some of the kidnapped children and dealing with other security issues under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Our uniformed service members who continue to fight various forms of violent insurgencies throughout the nation deserve praise as well.

2026 Appropriation Bill Scales Second Reading At Lagos Assembly

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, presented the Y2026 Budget to the Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday, November 25th, 2025, for a thorough analysis.

The “Budget of Shared Prosperity” budget aims to end poverty and create a safer, more prosperous Lagos. It is based on four key strategic pillars: improved infrastructure, human-centered approach, and effective governance.

Hon. House Committee on Economic Planning and Budget, Chairman, provides insights into the proposed spending plan. The Y2026 Budget is intended to consolidate the progress made since Governor Sanwo-Olu took office in 2019, according to Sa’ad Olumoh.

He emphasized that “the budget will manage all ongoing projects so that no one moves them to the upcoming administration.”

Additionally, Olumoh urged members to carefully examine the recommendations of all MDAs before submitting them to the Committee on Economic Planning and Budget.

Greeting the House leadership, the Majority Leader, and Hon. Noheem Adams noted that Lagos State’s expanding competence and capacity are reflected in the budget.

He continued, stating that responsible and long-term planning are demonstrated by governments that prioritize capital expenditure. Once approved, he claims that the state’s economy will benefit significantly from the Y2026 Budget.

Hon., you are contributing. In light of the State’s recent increase in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to 70%, Ajomale Oladipo expressed concern about the new tax reforms and their potential impact on budget performance.

Hon. The “Shared Prosperity” budget, according to Desmond Elliot, will be able to meet the needs of Lagosians. He urged the House to prioritize infrastructure development, particularly state-wide inner roads. Additionally, he demanded better environmental sanitation.

Hon . In response to emerging security issues facing both the State and the country as a whole, Oscar Foluke pleaded for more funding for the security sector.

Hon. Deputy Majority Leader made his remarks. The appropriation details must be thoroughly examined to ensure they are in line with the budget’s intended objectives, according to Adamola Richard Kasunmu. Additionally, he urged increased funding for the education sector to ensure the state’s youth had a better future.

Hon . Bonu Solomon emphasized the value of supporting the State’s internal revenue growth by investing in tourism and infrastructure development.