Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has issued a detailed clarification regarding reports about the diversion and landing of one of its C-130 Hercules aircraft in Burkina Faso, stressing that the decision was a precautionary safety measure fully aligned with standard aviation procedures and international protocols. According to NAF, the aircraft—on a scheduled ferry mission to Portugal—was compelled to divert to the nearest suitable airfield after its crew detected a technical concern shortly after takeoff from Lagos on 8 December 2025. In a statement released on Tuesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Air…

In a tense escalation in West Africa, the Government of Burkina Faso announced on Monday, December 8, 2025, that a Nigerian Air Force aircraft carrying 11 soldiers was forced to land in the country after reportedly violating its airspace. The development was reported by the Agence d’Information du Burkina, the state-run news agency, which published a statement from the Confederation of Sahel States (AES). The statement, translated from French, read: “The Confederation of Sahel States informs the public that a C130 aircraft belonging to the Air Force of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was forced to land today, December 8,…

The United States and Rwanda have formalised a new five-year, $228 million health cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening Rwanda’s health system, combating infectious diseases, and advancing the America First Global Health Strategy. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), was signed in Washington by Jeremy Lewin, Senior Official and Under Secretary for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian Affairs, and Religious Freedom, and Olivier Nduhungirehe, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. According to the State Department, the agreement represents its second bilateral health cooperation pact and outlines a strategy intended to “save lives, strengthen Rwanda’s health system, and make America safer, stronger, and…

The United States government and the European Commission issued a joint statement last week Thursday reaffirming their commitment to strengthening peace, stability, and economic development in Africa’s Great Lakes region, with a major focus on advancing the ambitious Lobito Corridor infrastructure project. The declaration underscores growing transatlantic alignment on boosting investment in Central Africa, where both Washington and Brussels see economic growth as essential to long-term regional stability. Central to that vision is the Lobito Corridor—a strategic rail and infrastructure network designed to connect the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), to Angola’s Atlantic port of Lobito. Officials said the…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has granted final operating licences to 82 Bureau‑De‑Change (BDC), operators under its updated regulatory framework. The new licences became effective on November 27, 2025. CBN has warned the public to only transact with BDCs whose names appear on its official website, reminding that dealing with unlicensed operators is risky and unlawful. This move aligns with the bank’s 2024 overhaul of the BDC regulatory framework — part of efforts to clean up the foreign‑exchange (FX) market, stamp out illicit or unregulated forex trading, and restore trust in legitimate currency trading channels. Understanding the new BDC…

Tension and uncertainty continue to shroud the fate of scores of pupils abducted in a mass kidnapping at St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara LGA, Niger State. Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the release of some of the victims, raising questions about the accuracy of early announcements. This incident emphasizes the need for urgent action, as the situation CAN escalate further if not addressed promptly. The community CAN remain vigilant during this critical time. On 21 November 2025, armed bandits attacked the boarding school, abducting 315 persons — 303 students and 12 staff — in…

The Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Lamurde Local Government Area following a renewed outbreak of communal violence that erupted late Sunday evening. The curfew, which takes immediate effect, was announced in a statement signed on Monday by Hussaini Hammangabdo, Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor. The government said the decision became necessary to prevent further breakdown of law and order as tensions escalated across communities in the area. Swift Security Deployment Ordered According to the statement, Governor Fintiri has directed security agencies to rapidly deploy to all communities affected or threatened by…

The Nigerian Army has suspended all statutory and voluntary retirements for several categories of officers, following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. The extraordinary measure—unprecedented in recent years—comes amid a surge in mass abductions and escalating violence across multiple states. A Month of Alarming Abductions The recent weeks has recorded over 600 cases of mass abductions in November alone. Among the most disturbing incidents were: The kidnapping of over 300 students in Niger State The abduction of 38 worshippers in Kwara State The kidnapping of 25 students in Kebbi State Several other coordinated attacks across the North-West…

In early December 2025, U.S. Congressman Riley M. Moore, representing Virginia’s Second District in the House of Representatives, arrived in Nigeria on what he described as a mission “in the name of the Lord and on behalf of the American people.” Moore shared his visit on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, saying, “Just ending a very productive visit to Nigeria and rounds of meetings. More details to come. Happy Sunday. God is Great!” Although Moore did not disclose all the specifics of his trip, analysts believe it is closely linked to ongoing investigations into alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria…

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has officially released the registration guidelines for the 2026 UTME, providing prospective candidates with detailed instructions on how to register, what to check, and common pitfalls to avoid. The announcement — made on Sunday via the Board’s official X (formerly Twitter), handle — aims to help hopefuls smoothly navigate the upcoming registration cycle. Registration Window & Sale of Forms The 2026 UTME forms will be on sale from Friday, 31 January 2026 to Saturday, 8 March 2026. Prospective candidates are urged to complete their registration within this window to avoid missing the deadline.…

The Federal Government of Nigeria has secured the release of 100 pupils abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in the Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State — a major development in one of the most alarming school abductions in recent years. The breakthrough, reported on Sunday by TVC News and Channels Television, comes more than two weeks after armed men invaded the remote community and whisked hundreds of children and teachers into the bush. As of press time, federal authorities had yet to issue an official statement confirming the release, though multiple security sources…

French President, Emmanuel Macron has confirmed that he recently spoke with Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with their conversation focusing squarely on the escalating terrorist threat in Northern Nigeria. The disclosure, made in a statement posted on his official X account, underscores France’s growing concern about the deteriorating security situation in West Africa’s most populous nation. Macron said he used the call to express France’s solidarity with Nigeria at a time when the country faces intensifying attacks from terrorist groups, bandit networks, and armed criminal gangs. According to him, the French people “stand in solidarity” with Nigerians confronting insecurity on…