Kebbi State Reopens Girls’ School After Three-Month Closure Following Abduction

The Kebbi State Government has announced the reopening of Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, nearly three months after 24 female students were abducted and later rescued. The November 2025 abduction highlighted the vulnerability of rural boarding schools in North-West Nigeria and renewed concerns about the impact of banditry on education, especially for girls. After the rescue, the school was temporarily closed to allow for security reassessment and psychosocial support for the students. On Tuesday, the state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Halima Bande, told journalists in Birnin Kebbi that security measures have been strengthened and parents and school administrators are confident about reopening. “We must not allow our collective sense of peace to be taken away by bandits. Confidence has been restored through counselling and the full deployment of security personnel. The school is ready to resume normal academic activities,” Bande said. She added that Governor Nasir Idris initiated security awareness programs for principals and staff across the state, including in Zuru, Yauri, Jega, Bunza, Argungu, and Birnin Kebbi. The programs focused on early warning systems, emergency response, community engagement, and collaboration with security agencies. “Principals, vice principals, staff, and students all have important roles to play in maintaining school security,” Bande said, noting that host communities are critical stakeholders in protecting schools. Education analysts say rural communities often act as first responders during attacks, underscoring the importance of community-based intelligence in areas with limited security coverage. Security officials emphasized preventive measures during the programs. ACP Yakubu Lawal Gumi, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations), urged school managers to remain vigilant, ensure proper lighting, and watch for suspicious activity. Wale Henry, Deputy Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, highlighted the importance of proper fencing, vigilant personnel at school gates, and monitoring internal threats. Colonel Danladi Ribah (retd.), Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, said that directives from the governor following the Maga incident have been implemented across the state to secure boarding schools and assess vulnerabilities. He also mentioned that a committee report on de-boarding policy has been submitted and is awaiting the governor’s final decision. The reopening of Maga comes as northern state governments continue to face challenges in securing schools against armed groups targeting students for ransom. UNICEF and education advocates have warned that prolonged closures worsen learning gaps and discourage girl-child education, particularly in rural areas. The Kebbi State Government says the school is now ready to resume full academic activities under enhanced security supervision.

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Trump Threatens 25% Tariff On Countries Trading With Iran Amid Widespread Protests

United States President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 25 percent tariff on any country that does business with Iran, increasing pressure on the Iranian government as the nation faces its largest protests in decades. Years of Western sanctions have severely weakened Iran’s economy, driving high inflation, rising unemployment, and the collapse of the rial. The current wave of protests stems largely from these economic difficulties, which the government has struggled to address due to international isolation. Iran’s economy relies heavily on exports to countries such as China, Turkey, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and India, with China purchasing roughly 80 percent of its oil. Trump’s announcement raises questions about how major trade partners will respond to the threat. “Effective immediately, any country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a Tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States of America,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “This Order is final and conclusive.” No formal documentation of the policy has been released by the White House, and the legal authority for implementing the tariffs was not specified. This move adds to a growing list of pressures from Trump on Iran, which have included economic sanctions and threats of military action, aimed at influencing the country’s political and economic decisions.

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US Mission Introduces Visa Navigator To Guide Nigerians Through Visa Applications

The United States Mission in Nigeria has launched the Mission Nigeria Visa Navigator, a new online platform designed to assist visa applicants by providing answers to frequently asked questions about U.S. visas. The Mission announced on its official X account on Tuesday that the tool offers guidance on various visa types, application procedures, required documents, interview steps, and common challenges faced by applicants. The platform aims to reduce misinformation and make the visa application process clearer and more accessible for Nigerians. “The Visa Navigator is part of ongoing efforts to improve transparency and provide accurate, accessible information to Nigerians seeking to travel to the United States for study, work, tourism, or other purposes,” the U.S. Mission said. Applicants are encouraged to consult the Visa Navigator as a first point of reference before submitting applications or contacting consular offices. The Mission emphasized that the tool is designed to make the visa process more efficient and user-friendly.

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Regina Daniels Reacts After Friend Ann’s Arrest, Calls Out Ex-Husband Ned Nwoko

Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has spoken out after her close friend, Ann, was reportedly arrested, linking the incident to ongoing disputes with her estranged husband, Senator Ned Nwoko. On social media, Regina expressed concern for her friend, writing: “My dearest best friend was arrested yesterday. Which makes me wonder: what exactly is the problem with my ex? I hate to believe or further promote the idea of the Nigerian police force’s lack of credibility. I fear for Ann’s safety as all of these are not being done legally.” She questioned how a domestic violence issue escalated into accusations of drug use and now theft, recalling that Ned had previously called Ann “tiny devilish Ann” and accused her of being a drug supplier. Regina suggested the latest allegation was retaliatory after she publicly defended Ann. “How did a case of domestic violence get overshadowed by drug addiction and now theft? Now that I took a bold step to clear that without confronting him, he comes up with theft? You have lived the best part of your life—why do you want mine to revolve around chaos? Sen Ned Nwoko, after eventually beating your theft allegations, what else do you have up your sleeve or your red cap? Does this give you climax?” she wrote. Regina also hinted at her ex-husband’s apparent enjoyment of social media attention, adding: “I can literally write a whole book of his countless frustrations privately and publicly without repeating the same detail because I love writing, but that might just be me playing into his game. It is now clear that he enjoys this social media banter—or should I say entertainment? But to what end, Ned?” Ann’s arrest comes amid a series of public disputes between Regina Daniels and Ned Nwoko, including prior allegations of theft and ongoing legal battles that have played out online.

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EFCC Hands Over Recovered N802.4m to First Bank

The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Monday, January 12, 2026 handed over the sum of N802,420,000 ( Eight Hundred and Two Million, Four Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira only) to First Bank Nigeria Plc. The money was recovered from a suspect, Ojo Eghosa Kingsley who took unlawful possession of over N1.3 billion belonging to the bank. The bank, in its petition to the EFCC, had alleged that system glitches led it to erroneously credit the account of Kingsley, a customer of the bank with the said amount. The Commission in its investigation discovered that the suspect, upon the receipt of the money, transferred a good measure of it to the bank accounts of his mother, Itohan Ojo and that of his sister, Edith Okoro Osaretin, and committed part of the money to completion of his building project and the funding of a new flamboyant lifestyle. With the recovery of the money from the identified bank accounts, the EFCC handed it over in drafts to First Bank. The Acting Director, Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, DCE Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad, while handing over the money, stated that the EFCC will continue to discharge its mandate effectively in the overall interests of the society. “The EFCC Establishment Act empowers us to trace and recover proceeds of crime and restitute the victim. In this case, First Bank was the victim and that is exactly what we have done. We will continue to discharge our duties to ensure that fraudsters do not benefit from fraud and that economic and financial crimes are nipped in the bud,” he said. In his response, Olalere Sunday Ajayi, Business Manager, First Bank, Benin, who received the drafts on behalf of the bank, commended the EFCC for the swiftness and the professionalism it brought to bear in the handling of the matter and expressed the bank’s gratitude to the Commission. He described the EFCC as one of Nigeria’s most effective and reliable institutions. Kingsley and all other suspects in the matter have been charged to court for stealing by the EFCC.

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Edo State Government Says Ekpoma Unrest Was Coordinated Riot, Not Student Protest

The Edo State Government on Tuesday rejected claims that the recent unrest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, was a protest. In a statement signed by Patrick Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, the government described the incident as a “coordinated riot” aimed at destabilising the state. It added that the violence was “well-organised” and allegedly sponsored by a Nigerian resident in Russia and other locations abroad. According to the statement, security agencies have identified the suspected masterminds, who reportedly contacted individuals in Ekpoma and coordinated riots across Ekpoma, Auchi, Irrua, and even the Government House in Benin City, with funding traced to sources in the diaspora. The government also dismissed claims that those arrested in connection with the unrest were students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU) or that arrests were made inside student hostels. It clarified that the university is currently closed and students had vacated the hostels before the incident. “The government firmly refuted claims that those arrested and facing prosecution in connection with the violence were students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, or that their arrests were made inside student hostels,” the statement read. Authorities said the suspects were intercepted while allegedly heading to vandalise property on the university campus, while others were identified from viral videos showing acts of arson and destruction. “The suspects arrested are rioters, not peaceful protesters,” the statement added, noting that most arrests were based on clear evidence, including video footage linking the individuals to the violence. The government emphasised that the incident had no connection with AAU students or the National Association of Nigerian Students. The unrest follows the January 9 kidnapping and killing of a young man in Ekpoma, which had sparked fear and outrage among residents, particularly AAU students.

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US Sends Critical Military Supplies To Nigeria To Boost Fight Against Terrorism And Banditry

The United States has provided “critical military supplies” to Nigeria to support the country’s efforts against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. US Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the delivery on X, stating that American forces supplied essential military equipment to Nigerian security partners in Abuja. The move is intended to reinforce ongoing operations and strengthen bilateral security cooperation. The statement read: “U.S. forces delivered critical military supplies to our Nigerian partners in Abuja. This delivery supports Nigeria’s ongoing operations and emphasizes our shared security partnership. @USinNigeria.” The delivery comes amid renewed diplomatic engagement between Washington and Abuja over security concerns, particularly the threat posed by jihadist groups in some parts of Nigeria. US War Secretary Pete Hegseth recently met with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and his team to discuss rising violence and reported attacks on Christian communities. Hegseth emphasized that, under President Donald Trump, the United States is increasing collaboration with Nigeria to tackle extremist groups and remains committed to working with Nigerian authorities to restore security. The move follows remarks by President Trump, who criticized the Nigerian government for not adequately addressing attacks on Christians and warned of serious consequences if the violence continues.

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Davido Reacts To Bodyguard Ricky’s “Keep Ya Circle Small” Post About Loyalty

Davido has reacted to another reflective post shared by his bodyguard, Ricky, about loyalty and close relationships. In the post, Ricky urged people to keep their circle tight, writing: “Keep ya circle small 100 percent. Roll with ya brothers who will pick the phone up in the middle of the nite if you ever needed help. Anyone else……get rid.” Davido showed his agreement by commenting under the post: “Facts Ricky I need to be like you.” Ricky replied in a playful manner, telling the singer: “@davido u no boss.” Their brief exchange quickly drew attention online, with fans enjoying the humour and the message about loyalty and trust.

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