JUST IN: Bandits Kidnap Ojibara Of Bayagan Oba Kamilu Salami In Kwara State

The Ojibara of Bayagan, Oba Kamilu Salami, a traditional ruler in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, has been kidnapped by bandits. The abduction, which occurred on Saturday morning while the monarch was on his farm, has intensified concerns over the rising insecurity in communities across the state. Residents described the attack as sudden, leaving the community shaken and fearful. As of now, the Kwara State Police Command has not officially confirmed the incident.

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BREAKING: Tinubu Appoints 32 New Ambassadors

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has submitted a new batch of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation, just days after sending an initial three nominees. The development was announced on Saturday by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga. According to Onanuga, Tinubu wrote two separate letters to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, requesting expedited confirmation of 15 career diplomats and 17 non-career nominees. Four women feature among the career nominees, while six women are included in the non-career list. The non-career nominees include Barrister Ogbonnaya Kalu from Abia, former presidential aide Reno Omokri of Delta, former INEC chairman Mahmud Yakubu, former Ekiti First Lady Erelu Angela Adebayo, and former Enugu governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. Other names include former Katsina House of Assembly Speaker Tasiu Musa Maigari, ex-Plateau commissioner and former UBEC deputy executive secretary Yakubu N. Gambo, Professor Nora Ladi Daduut, Otunba Femi Pedro, former aviation minister Femi Fani-Kayode, and Barrister Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu. The list also features former Oyo First Lady Fatima Florence Ajimobi, former Lagos commissioner Lola Akande, ex-Adamawa senator Grace Bent, former Abia governor Victor Okezie Ikpeazu, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim of Ondo, and former Nigerian ambassador to the Holy See, Paul Oga Adikwu from Benue. Career ambassador and high commissioner nominees include Enebechi Monica Okwuchukwu (Abia), Yakubu Nyaku Danladi (Taraba), Miamuna Ibrahim Besto (Adamawa), Musa Musa Abubakar (Kebbi), Syndoph Paebi Endoni (Bayelsa), Chima Geoffrey Lioma David (Ebonyi), Mopelola Adeola-Ibrahim (Ogun), Abimbola Samuel Reuben (Ondo), Yvonne Ehinosen Odumah (Edo), Hamza Mohammed Salau (Niger), Ambassador Shehu Barde (Katsina), Ambassador Ahmed Mohammed Monguno (Borno), Ambassador Muhammad Saidu Dahiru (Kaduna), Ambassador Olatunji Ahmed Sulu Gambari (Kwara), and Ambassador Wahab Adekola Akande (Osun). Onanuga stated that once confirmed, the nominees will be posted to countries where Nigeria maintains strategic relations, including China, India, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, UAE, Qatar, South Africa, and Kenya, as well as to multilateral missions like the UN, UNESCO, and the African Union. Last week, Tinubu had sent three ambassadorial nominees—Ambassador Ayodele Oke (Oyo), Ambassador Amin Mohammed Dalhatu (Jigawa), and Retired Colonel Lateef Kayode Are (Ogun)—for screening, who are expected to be posted to the UK, USA, or France. Tinubu confirmed that more ambassadorial appointments will be announced in the near future.

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Trump Declares Venezuelan Airspace Completely Off-Limits Amid Escalating Tensions

US President Donald Trump has intensified Washington’s confrontation with Venezuela by announcing that the airspace around the country should now be treated as fully restricted. In a message he directed at “all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers,” he warned on Saturday that the airspace above and near Venezuela is “closed in its entirety.” Venezuelan officials have not yet issued a reaction. The declaration follows months of expanded US operations targeting what Washington describes as Venezuela-linked drug networks. American forces have carried out several deadly strikes on vessels accused of transporting narcotics, leaving many people dead. UN experts have condemned the attacks as extrajudicial killings. The fallout even led the United Kingdom to freeze intelligence cooperation with the US, with British officials saying they did not want to be involved in actions they believe fall outside the limits of their intelligence-sharing agreement. Trump also signaled on Thursday that the US might soon begin pursuing suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers on land. President Nicolas Maduro dismissed the warnings, insisting the country would not be bullied. Analysts say the pattern of US actions suggests more than a drug-control mission, arguing it could be part of a broader attempt to weaken or remove Maduro’s government. Trump has maintained a long-running campaign against the Venezuelan leader. In August, his administration increased the bounty for information leading to Maduro’s arrest, describing him as “one of the largest narco-traffickers in the world.” The reward, previously $25 million, has been raised to $50 million.

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Malami Says EFCC Meeting Was Successful, Scheduled For Further Engagement

Former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has described his meeting with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as “successful.” Malami shared the update on his X account on Saturday, noting that he was released after the session and has been scheduled for a follow-up engagement. “In line with my commitment to keep Nigerians informed about my EFCC invitation, I give glory to Allah for His divine intervention. The engagement was successful, and I have been released, with a further appointment set, as the truth regarding the fabricated allegations against me continues to emerge,” he wrote. The EFCC had invited Malami over claims connected to his tenure in office, though the commission has not revealed specifics of the investigation. Malami had earlier confirmed he would honour the invitation, emphasizing his dedication to accountability and transparency.

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FCT Administration Under Wike Restates Ban on Smartphones, Allows Only ‘Torchlight Phones’ During Work Hours

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reaffirmed its prohibition on the use of smartphones and other smart devices by staff on Grade Level 14 and below during official working hours, SaharaReporters has learnt. The directive, issued through a circular dated November 28, 2025, applies to all personnel of the Department of Land Administration and the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS). Signed by Amaka Ezike, Assistant Director (Administration), on behalf of the Acting Director of Administration, the memo states that full enforcement of the policy will begin on Monday, December 1, 2025. According to the circular, the ban covers smartphones, smartwatches, and all internet-enabled devices, which staff are no longer permitted to use or possess within office premises while on duty. To ensure compliance, secured storage cabinets have been provided where affected staff must deposit their devices upon arrival. Access to these gadgets will only be permitted during designated break periods. The memo also referenced a staff general meeting held on November 18, 2025, where workers reportedly agreed that only basic “torchlight phones” without internet capability would be allowed for essential communication. “Affected officers are hereby reminded of our collective resolution that only torchlight phones without any internet facilities will be allowed for communication during office hours,” the circular read. It further warned that any violation of the policy would attract appropriate disciplinary action. Management staff have also been directed to ensure strict compliance among their subordinates. Earlier this month, SaharaReporters reported that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike ordered a sweeping ban on mobile phone use among AGIS and Land Administration staff. The initial directive, issued by AGIS Director Chijioke Nwankwoeze, prohibited officers on Grade Level 14 and below from entering office premises with their phones beginning November 12, 2025. The policy, which has generated significant debate, is being justified by authorities as a measure to improve productivity and reduce data leaks within critical land administration units.

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Anthony Joshua Losing to Jake Paul Would Be “The End for Boxing,” Says Eddie Hearn

Promoter Eddie Hearn has issued a dramatic warning ahead of Anthony Joshua’s upcoming heavyweight showdown with Jake Paul, insisting that a loss for the former world champion would be catastrophic for the sport. Joshua and Paul are set to meet on December 19 in Miami, in a fight that has generated massive global attention. While Paul has transitioned from YouTuber to professional boxer with 13 fights under his belt, he now faces an Olympic gold medallist and two-time heavyweight world champion in Joshua. Speaking to Sky Sports, Hearn said he cannot imagine a scenario in which Joshua loses — and suggested that such an upset would force the entire sport into embarrassment. “If I’m wrong, I think my time’s up. Not just AJ and me retire — I think we should all retire,” Hearn declared. “So AJ, the weight of boxing is on your shoulders, my man.” “This Would Be a Straightforward Obliteration” — Hearn Despite acknowledging Paul as a “top 50 cruiserweight,” Hearn was blunt about the skill gap between the fighters. “I don’t think any non-world-class cruiserweight can step up to heavyweight and beat Anthony Joshua,” Hearn said. “I really believe this is going to be a straightforward obliteration.” Hearn also emphasized that the bout is a legitimate, fully sanctioned contest. “Fair play to Jake Paul — he’s signed up for a real fight. But within less than a minute, he’s going to be thinking: ‘What on earth have I done?’” Jake Paul Eyes Fury Next Paul has remained defiant in the face of widespread skepticism. During the press conference, he boldly predicted: “I’m knocking AJ out… and then fighting Tyson Fury in 2026.” The American entertainer-turned-boxer has been gradually building his résumé, but many analysts believe he is now entering completely unfamiliar territory by facing a top-level heavyweight. Joshua Expected to Finish Fight Early Hearn said Joshua has no intention of dragging the fight out. “AJ’s not capable of hanging around. The minute he smells weakness or blood, he’s letting his hands go… and that’s a major problem for Jake Paul.” He suggested that Joshua should finish the fight inside two rounds. “Two rounds is fair. I’d be disappointed if AJ didn’t get him out of there in two.” The bout is one of the most talked-about matchups of the year, blending star power, controversy, and high stakes — with Hearn insisting that Joshua’s victory is essential to protect the reputation of the sport itself.

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Gunmen Kill Three Immigration Officers in Fresh Kebbi Border Attack

Gunmen suspected to be members of the Lakurawa terrorist group have attacked a Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) checkpoint in Bakin Ruwa, along the Maje border in Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi State, killing three officers. The attack, which occurred around midnight on Wednesday, has intensified fear and tension among residents of border communities already grappling with insecurity. Multiple local sources told Channels Television that the assailants stormed the immigration checkpoint unexpectedly and opened fire on officers on duty, killing three instantly. A security source revealed that the attackers escaped through nearby bushes, making it difficult for security agencies to track them. The spokesperson for the Kebbi State Police Command, Nafiu Abubakar, confirmed the incident but said details were still sketchy. Efforts to obtain an official response from the Nigeria Immigration Service in the state were unsuccessful, as officers were not reachable at the time of filing this report. However, residents and security personnel in Bagudo, who spoke anonymously, confirmed the deadly raid. This latest assault comes barely three weeks after gunmen killed a Nigeria Customs Service officer in a separate attack along the same border axis. “The terrorists came in large numbers and started shooting sporadically. Everyone ran for safety,” a local resident recounted. The attackers reportedly set the Customs camp ablaze during that earlier incident, leaving several official vehicles destroyed. The repeated assaults have raised serious concerns over mounting insecurity along the Nigeria–Benin border corridor in Bagudo. The Lakurawa gang is believed to be responsible for multiple violent attacks across Kebbi State, targeting both security personnel and civilians. While the motive behind the latest attack remains unclear, security authorities say investigations are ongoing.

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Obasanjo: Nigerians Have the Right to Seek International Help if Government Fails to Protect Them

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared that Nigerians are justified in seeking assistance from the international community if the government fails in its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property. Obasanjo made the statement during the 2025 Plateau Unity Christmas Carol held at the Ten Commandments Altar in Jos, where he served as a special guest at the invitation of the Plateau State Government. Speaking on the rising insecurity across the country, the former president said Nigerians should not feel compelled to apologise for seeking external support when internal mechanisms fail. “If our government cannot do it, we have the right to call on the international community to do for us what our government cannot do, and we should have no apology for that,” he said. Highlighting the capabilities of modern surveillance technology such as satellites and drones, Obasanjo questioned why criminals continue to operate freely and evade accountability. “Why are we apologising? Why are we negotiating? The government must stop the killing of Nigerians. We are being killed, we are tired, and we want the killing to stop,” he added. Obasanjo further expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and urged authorities to take decisive action to restore peace and stability across Nigeria.

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