BREAKING: 24 Kebbi Schoolgirls Regain Freedom Following Terrorist Abduction

Twenty-four schoolgirls kidnapped from Government Girls Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, have reportedly been rescued, according to security sources who spoke with TheCable on Tuesday. Details of the operation that led to their recovery are still unclear, but officials are expected to release a formal statement soon. The abduction, which drew nationwide condemnation, renewed fears about the safety of students in northern Nigeria amid recurring school attacks. On November 17, terrorists stormed the Maga school in the early hours, abducting an unspecified number of girls and killing a staff member. A school guard was also injured. The gunmen reportedly struck around 5:52 a.m., opening fire as the students prepared for morning activities. Witness accounts indicated that the attackers seized several girls and triggered widespread panic across the community.

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JUST IN: Federal Government Bans Open Grazing Nationwide, Declares It A Capital Offense

The Federal Government has formally declared a nationwide ban on open grazing, introducing one of its strongest measures yet to curb the persistent clashes between herders and farming communities. The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Maiha, during the inauguration of the first National Council on Livestock Development in Yola, Adamawa State. Maiha said the decades-long conflict has left a trail of deaths, displacement and economic destruction, with many rural communities struggling to recover. He noted that both farmers and herders have suffered massive losses due to unchecked movement of cattle across farmlands. According to him, the government has now classified open grazing as a capital offense, insisting that herders must transition to ranching if the cycle of violence is to end. He argued that ranching not only prevents clashes but produces healthier cattle and better commercial returns. The minister also highlighted the financial potential of Nigeria’s livestock sector, saying the government aims to grow it into the country’s second-largest revenue generator after oil. He projected $74 billion in revenue within five years and disclosed that existing programmes have already generated more than $14 billion. Declaring the council open, Adamawa Deputy Governor, Professor Kaleptawa Farauta, described the state as one of Nigeria’s most significant livestock hubs and a suitable host for the event. The newly established National Council on Livestock Development, made up of livestock directors from all 36 states and the FCT, will coordinate reforms, track policy implementation and steer the transformation of the country’s livestock industry.

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Tinubu Orders 24-Hour Security Sweep of Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger Forests Amid Surge in Terror Attacks

President Bola Tinubu has directed a comprehensive security operation across the forests of Kwara State, extending the measure to Kebbi and Niger States in response to a recent spike in terrorist attacks and mass abductions. The President instructed the Air Force to intensify aerial surveillance over remote forest areas suspected of harboring terrorists, as part of a broader effort to curb kidnappings and violent incidents. According to a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Sunday Dare, the operation will include 24-hour monitoring and close coordination with ground security units. “This directive also covers the Kebbi and Niger states axis, where many victims are expected to be rescued,” the statement noted. Local communities have been called upon to promptly report any unusual movements or activities to support the work of security forces.

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Fayose Reveals He Almost Hit Obasanjo with Microphone Over Birthday Remarks

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has recounted a tense encounter with former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his 65th birthday, revealing he was so angered by the remarks that he briefly felt like hitting him with the microphone. During the Lagos celebration, Obasanjo addressed their long-standing political feud, calling Fayose “not the best” of his protégés while acknowledging his political accomplishments. In an interview with AF24 News posted on YouTube, Fayose said, “I was enraged. I felt like taking the mic from Obasanjo’s hand and hitting it on his head. This is being sincere.” Fayose explained that he had made efforts to reconcile with political rivals ahead of the event. “Whatever differences we have had in the past, let’s put them behind us. If I have offended you, if you have offended me, let us put it behind us,” he said. He reached out to Obasanjo through mutual friend Osita Chidoka, but stressed that the call was not an apology. “I never called to apologise to Baba. I did not offend him. He was the one who removed me from office. If anybody should apologise, it is he,” Fayose said. Obasanjo reportedly welcomed Fayose warmly before the celebration and confirmed his attendance despite another engagement in Rwanda. Fayose also arranged $20,000 for the former president’s travel logistics, questioning how someone could accept help and then make disparaging comments. The tension peaked when Obasanjo insisted on speaking last at the event, after the Vice President, and requested that Fayose and his wife stand beside him during a speech that lasted one hour and 14 minutes, which Fayose described as filled with subtle jabs. “How do you say such things to a man on his 65th birthday?” he asked, adding that he restrained himself out of respect for the Vice President’s presence. Fayose said his attempts at reconciliation were sincere, but Obasanjo’s actions showed no interest in peace. “If I knew this was how it would end, what do I need Obasanjo for? Am I contesting the election? Do I need his validation? No,” he concluded.

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Amotekun Raises Security in Ondo Boarding Schools, Parades 16 Suspects for Kidnapping and Crime

The Ondo State Security Network, Amotekun, has stepped up security measures at boarding schools across the state following intelligence suggesting potential bandit threats. Corps Commander Adetunji Adeleye said on Tuesday that the corps has heightened patrols and surveillance to ensure the safety of students, particularly in schools located in border towns and outskirts. “In light of recent security concerns and reports of kidnappings, we have launched enhanced patrols at all boarding schools in the state,” Adeleye said. “Over the past week, our teams have visited numerous schools and intensified 24/7 security patrols. Our ember month operations at the borders have also been strengthened to protect residents.” During the exercise, Amotekun paraded three suspected kidnappers—Olamiju (35), Udofia, and Miracle—who were arrested at Agbaje camp in Ala-Dada, Akure North LGA while allegedly planning an abduction. In addition, 13 other suspects were presented for various offences, including theft, armed robbery, and violations of the state’s anti-grazing law. Adeleye highlighted the ongoing Operation Le Won Jade, which covers all 18 local government areas of Ondo State. “This operation has significantly disrupted the activities of bandits, kidnappers, and other criminals in the state’s forests,” he said. Among the 34 people arrested in the past week, 16 were paraded, including: Abubakar, 24, for anti-grazing in Ogbese Usman, for stealing a drilling machine Ibuba, for anti-grazing violations Uche, for defrauding POS users Samson, 32, for stealing farm produce Tosin, for robbery and attempted murder Abiola, 25, for attempted murder Samuel, for armed robbery Sunday, 28, Tope, 25, and Dayo, 29, for phone theft Mohamed, for anti-grazing offences Subuloye, for vandalising government property The corps commander reiterated that Amotekun remains committed to protecting residents, securing schools, and maintaining law and order across Ondo State.

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Zamfara State Hosts Mass Wedding for 200 Widows, Orphans, and Underprivileged Women

The Zamfara State Government has organised a mass wedding for 200 widows, orphans, and underprivileged women as part of its 2025 social intervention programmes under the Zakat and Endowment Board. The event, held on Monday, November 24, also marked the conclusion of the board’s yearly activities, which included business grants, debt relief, poultry production training, and computer literacy programmes for vulnerable households. First Lady Huriyya Dauda Lawal said the mass wedding reflects the government’s commitment to empowering widows, orphans, and disadvantaged women. She added that her office provided support items to help the newly married couples start their homes with dignity. “For the fourth quarter of 2025, the Zakat Board has successfully implemented life-changing interventions, including support for 200 female orphans with essential household items like furniture, bedding, and a ₦200,000 dowry to help them begin their marital lives with respect and comfort,” she said. The First Lady further highlighted initiatives such as the settlement of debt cases in Shari’ah courts and correctional centres, giving deserving individuals “a second chance to regain freedom and rebuild their lives honourably.” She noted that 200 small-scale traders, many of them widows, caregivers, and orphans, received ₦50,000 business grants to strengthen their livelihoods. In addition, 100 beneficiaries were trained in poultry production and given starter packs, while 10 orphans and children from disadvantaged homes completed computer literacy courses and received mini-computers. “These efforts demonstrate our vision for a more empowered, self-reliant, and prosperous Zamfara State,” the First Lady said. Habib Balarabe, Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Zakat and Endowment Board, explained that the mass wedding and related empowerment programmes are designed to support families lacking resources to establish stable homes. “We organise this event specifically for the less-privileged in Zamfara State. Beyond the weddings, we provide programmes to empower them at home, such as business start-up support,” he said, adding that the initiatives aim to reduce poverty and curb street begging. One of the brides, 17-year-old Zainab Mohammed, expressed gratitude to the state government. Though not an orphan, she said she chose marriage over continuing school. “Honestly, I thank Almighty God and Prophet Mohammed, may the peace of God be with him. I am very happy. I am not an orphan. Honestly, I prefer marriage to going to school,” she said. Each newly married couple received furniture and a cash gift of ₦30,000, while poultry training participants were given starter packs to launch small-scale ventures.

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CBN Proposes Five-Year Ban for Serial Dud Cheque Issuers

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is proposing a policy that would impose a five-year ban on individuals identified as “serial dud cheque issuers.” Under the draft guidelines, a person becomes a serial dud cheque issuer if they issue cheques three times that are returned due to insufficient funds. The CBN outlined the proposed measure in an exposure draft of its ‘Guidelines on the Treatment of Dud Cheques’, released yesterday, which would allow banks and other financial institutions to blacklist such offenders. According to the draft, individuals on the blacklist would be denied access to the cheque clearing system, barred from obtaining credit from any bank, and restricted from opening current accounts during the five-year sanction period. Banks would also be required to impose returned-cheque charges in line with the national Guide to Charges. All commercial, merchant, non-interest, mortgage, and microfinance banks are mandated to enforce the sanctions, retrieve unused cheque leaves, and report offenders’ details to the Credit Risk Management System (CRMS) and at least two private credit bureaux. The guidelines include stricter penalties for repeat offenders. Any person who issues another dud cheque after completing a five-year ban would face an additional five-year sanction for each recurrence. Lifting the ban would only be possible once the sanction period expires or if a financial institution verifies that a report was made in error. Banks are required to update the customer’s status with the credit bureaux and provide formal notification when the sanction ends. The CBN also proposed heavy penalties for non-compliant banks, including a minimum N5 million fine for failing to enforce restrictions and a minimum N3 million fine for opening a current account without checking the customer’s CRMS status.

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HerGame Girls Football Championship 2025 Makes Return in Abuja

The HerGame Girls Football Championship 2025 returns for its second edition, now featuring 20 teams from across the North Central region – up from 16 in the inaugural edition, organizers announced on Tuesday. Scheduled from November 29 to December 6, 2025, the championship continues its mission of empowering the girl child through football, providing a platform for grassroots teams and emerging talents to gain competitive exposure, build confidence, enhance visibility, and access structured pathways for long-term player development. Haruna Ilerika, Chairman of the Organising Committee and Secretary of the FCT Football Association, stressed the importance of the tournament’s expansion, reflecting the growing credibility and impact of the HerGame initiative. “Increasing participation from 16 to 20 teams reflects the growing credibility and impact of the HerGame initiative. This second edition will elevate the standards, giving more girls the opportunity to showcase their abilities in a supportive and inspiring environment,” said, the FCT FA scribe. HerGame Foundation’s Founder, Dr. Pat Ajuma Ayegba, member of the FCT FA Board and Head of the FCT FA Women’s Football Committee, reaffirmed that the championship aligns with the Foundation’s broader vision of using sport as a tool for inclusion and empowerment. “HerGame Foundation was founded to unlock opportunities for young and underprivileged girls, giving them the visibility, confidence, and platform they need to pursue football at higher levels. The rapid growth of this championship demonstrates that, when given equal opportunities, girls rise and excel,” she said. The HerGame Girls Football Championship remains committed to strengthening grassroots football, promoting girl-child empowerment, and contributing to the long-term growth of women’s football in Northern Nigeria. Last year’s maiden edition showcased outstanding performances, with FOSLA Academy lifting the inaugural trophy. Queen Joseph, who won the Highest Goal Scorer and MVP Awards in that tournament, later became Nigeria’s top scorer at the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. The defending champions FOSLA Academy will return to compete in what promises to be a stronger and more diverse field of 20 teams. Detailed match schedules, and programme activities will be released ahead of kickoff. The week-long competition will take place at two venues – Area 3 pitch and Moshood Abiola Stadium training pitch.

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