Tinubu Orders Security Agencies To Hunt Kasuwan Daji Attackers, Urges Rescue Of Kidnapped Victims

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday directed the military, police, and State Security Service (SSS) to locate and apprehend those responsible for the deadly attack on Kasuwan Daji market in Niger State, which left at least 30 villagers dead and saw scores of women and children abducted. The President also called on security agencies to immediately rescue all kidnapped victims, warning that the perpetrators “must face the full consequences of their criminal actions.” In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu linked the Saturday attack to terrorists fleeing Sokoto and Zamfara states following a United States airstrike on Christmas Eve. The bandits struck Kasuwan Daji market in Demo community, Borgu Local Government Area, on January 3, 2026. They killed 30 people, abducted many others, and set the market on fire. Niger State Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun confirmed that suspected bandits from the National Park forest along Kabe District carried out the attack, looting shops and taking food items. “These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people. They must, therefore, face the full consequences of their criminal actions. No matter who they are or what their intent is, they must be hunted down,” the President said. He added that anyone aiding or abetting the attackers “will be caught and brought to justice.” Tinubu extended condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Niger State, assuring that security agencies have been instructed to strengthen operations in vulnerable areas. The directive follows US airstrikes in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State between December 25 and 26, 2025, which targeted terrorist bases in the Bauni axis. The operation, using 16 MQ-9 Reaper drone munitions, struck two Islamic State sites where fighters were attempting to infiltrate Nigeria from the Sahel. The Lakurawa group, active in remote areas of Sokoto, northwest Zamfara, and Kebbi states, has been designated a terrorist organization by the Federal Government. Analysts say that the US strikes displaced terrorists from Sokoto and Zamfara, pushing them to seek new bases in Niger State. Residents reported seeing armed men moving through surrounding communities for nearly a week before the attack. The assault occurred near Papiri community, where over 300 schoolchildren and teachers were kidnapped from a Catholic school in November 2025. Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain united against security threats, warning against divisive rhetoric that could undermine national cohesion. “These times demand our humanity. We must stand together as one people and confront these monsters in unison. United, we can and must defeat them, deny them any sanctuary. We must reclaim the peace and security of these attacked communities,” he said. In 2025, Nigeria was ranked the sixth most terrorized country globally, up two positions from the previous year. Non-state armed groups killed at least 2,266 people in the first half of 2025, nearly double the 1,083 fatalities during the same period in 2024, and surpassing the 2,194 deaths recorded for all of 2024. To strengthen the nation’s security, Tinubu proposed a N5.41 trillion allocation for the sector in the 2026 budget—the largest ever for a single sector—aimed at equipping the military, boosting joint operations among security agencies, and supporting community-based peacebuilding initiatives to counter violent extremism.

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Tinubu Holds Private Lunch With Rwandan President Kagame In Paris To Discuss Africa’s Development

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday met privately with Rwandan President Paul Kagame for a lunch in Paris, France, where the two leaders discussed global affairs and strategies to advance Africa’s interests. The Presidency shared photos showing the leaders seated at a table in an upscale Parisian restaurant, engaged in conversation over a meal. “President Bola Tinubu at a private lunch in Paris with the President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, discussing world affairs and advancing Africa. Sunday, January 4, 2026,” the statement read. The meeting comes a week after Tinubu left Lagos on December 28, 2025, for his end-of-year break in Europe. His Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had confirmed the trip, noting that it preceded the President’s official engagement at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit in early January 2026. Tinubu had been invited by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to participate in the weeklong summit, which brings together leaders from government, business, and civil society to discuss sustainable development. While the Presidency did not specify all the European countries Tinubu would visit, he has historically spent parts of his annual leave in France and the United Kingdom. Sunday’s lunch continues a series of engagements between Nigeria and Rwanda. Since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu has maintained a close working relationship with Kagame, who attended his inauguration in Abuja. The two leaders also met in Abu Dhabi on January 13, 2025, ahead of that year’s Sustainability Week Summit, with Tinubu describing their discussions as “meaningful conversations” aimed at boosting intra-African trade and collaboration. Nigeria and Rwanda have enjoyed cordial relations since Rwanda’s independence in 1962, supporting one another in forums such as the United Nations, African Union, and Commonwealth of Nations. Bilateral agreements, including a Bilateral Air Service Agreement enabling multiple RwandAir flights weekly to Abuja and Lagos, as well as the Technical Aids Corps program, have strengthened the partnership. Tinubu’s European trip has drawn criticism from opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress and Labour Party, who condemned the President for leaving Nigeria while the country faces rising insecurity, including foreign military interventions in the North. According to tallies by PUNCH Online, Tinubu made 10 foreign trips in 2025 alone, spanning Africa, Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, and South America, with focus on economic diplomacy, climate discussions, regional cooperation, and bilateral engagements. Since taking office on May 29, 2023, he has undertaken at least 46 foreign trips, spending approximately 192 days abroad as of October 2025.

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FULL TEXT: President Bola Tinubu Delivers New Year Message

President Bola Tinubu has said 2026 marks the beginning of a more robust phase of economic growth for Nigeria, building on the reforms and gains achieved in 2025. In his New Year’s message to Nigerians on Thursday, the President reflected on the progress made last year, highlighting achievements in the economy, security, and governance, and outlining his administration’s priorities for the new year. Tinubu stressed that 2025 saw steady GDP growth, trade surpluses, exchange rate stability, declining inflation, strong stock market performance, and increased foreign direct investment, reflecting renewed investor confidence in Nigeria. He also highlighted the importance of fiscal discipline, infrastructure development, and inclusive economic policies in sustaining growth. The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, including terrorism and banditry, through national and international partnerships. He also emphasised the need for a decentralised policing system, strengthened fiscal policies, and tax harmonisation to ease the burden on citizens. On social and economic development, Tinubu outlined plans for the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme to empower at least 10 million Nigerians through agriculture, trade, food processing, and mining across all 8,809 wards. Investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and agriculture will continue to strengthen food security and improve quality of life. He urged all Nigerians to contribute to nation-building by upholding unity, patriotism, and integrity. The President’s full New Year message reads: Fellow Compatriots, I welcome you all to 2026, with gratitude to God and confidence in our collective resolve that this new year will be a more prosperous one for our nation, our citizens, and all who call Nigeria home. During 2025, we sustained the momentum on our major reforms. We had a fiscal reset and also recorded steady economic progress. Despite persistent global economic headwinds, we recorded tangible and measurable gains, particularly in the economy. These achievements reaffirm our belief that the difficult but necessary reforms we embarked upon are moving us in the right direction with more concrete results on the horizon for the ordinary Nigerian. As we enter 2026, our focus is on consolidating these gains and continuing to build a resilient, sustainable, inclusive, and growth-oriented economy. We closed 2025 on a strong note. Despite the policies to fight inflation, Nigeria recorded a robust GDP growth each quarter, with annualised growth expected to exceed 4 per cent for the year. We maintained trade surpluses and achieved greater exchange rate stability. Inflation declined steadily and reached below 15 per cent, in line with our target. In 2026, we are determined to reduce inflation further and ensure that the benefits of reform reach every Nigerian household. In 2025, the Nigerian Stock Exchange outperformed its peers, posting a robust 48.12 per cent gain and consolidating its bullish run that began in the second half of 2023. Supported by sound monetary policy management, our foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, providing a substantial buffer against external shocks for the Naira. We expect this position to strengthen further in the new year. Foreign direct investment is also responding positively. In the third quarter of 2025, FDI rose to $720 million, up from $90 million in the preceding quarter, reflecting renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction, which global credit rating agencies, including Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s, have consistently affirmed and applauded. A few days ago, I presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly. In that address, I emphasised that our administration has implemented critical reforms that are laying a solid foundation for long-term stability and prosperity. With patience, fiscal discipline, and unity of purpose, Nigeria will emerge in 2026 stronger and better positioned for sustained growth. As inflation and interest rates moderate, we expect increased fiscal space for productive investment in infrastructure and human capital development. We are also confronting the challenge of multiple taxation across all tiers of government. I commend states that have aligned with the national tax harmonisation agenda by adopting harmonised tax laws to reduce the excessive burden of taxes, levies, and fees on our people and on basic consumption. The new year marks a critical phase in implementing our tax reforms, designed to build a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation for Nigeria. By harmonising our tax system, we aim to raise revenue sustainably, address fiscal distortions and strengthen our capacity to finance infrastructure and social investments that will deliver shared prosperity. My fellow Nigerians, the path of reform is never easy, but it is necessary. We remain mindful that economic progress must be accompanied by security and peace. Our nation continues to confront security threats from criminal and terrorist elements determined to disrupt our way of life. In collaboration with international partners, including the United States, decisive actions were taken against terrorist targets in parts of the Northwest on December 24. Our Armed Forces have since sustained operations against terror networks and criminal strongholds across the Northwest and Northeast. In 2026, our security and intelligence agencies will deepen cooperation with regional and global partners to eliminate all threats to national security. We remain committed to protecting lives, property, and the territorial integrity of our country. I continue to believe that a decentralised policing system with appropriate safeguards, complemented by properly regulated forest guards, all anchored on accountability, is critical to effectively addressing terrorism, banditry, and related security challenges. The new year marks the beginning of a more robust phase of economic growth, with tangible improvements in the lives of our people. We will accelerate the implementation of the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, aiming to bring at least 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity by empowering at least 1,000 people in each of the 8,809 wards across the country. Through agriculture, trade, food processing, and mining, we will stimulate local economies and expand grassroots opportunities. We will also continue to invest in modernising Nigeria’s infrastructure – roads, power, ports, railways, airports, pipelines, healthcare, education, and agriculture to strengthen food security and improve quality of life. All ongoing projects will continue without interruption. To achieve…

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Wike Claims Rivers Governor Fubara Broke Presidential Agreement, Vows to Reveal Details

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has accused Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara of reneging on an agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu to resolve the state’s political crisis. Wike made the claim on Wednesday during a thank-you visit to residents of Tai Local Government Area, saying he would soon make the details of the deal public. The agreement followed a closed-door meeting convened by President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja in June 2025, which involved both Wike and Fubara. The meeting aimed to end the prolonged power struggle in Rivers State that led to a state of emergency and the suspension of the governor and members of the State House of Assembly. While both leaders had pledged to work together for peace, the terms of the deal were not publicly disclosed. “After agreeing on something, you renege. And you think you are a smart politician? You are clever by half. Very soon, we will let Rivers people know what we agreed before Mr President. If you can renege on what we agreed before Mr President, then who are we?” Wike said. The minister also reiterated his warning about Fubara’s political future, asserting that his supporters were ready to “correct the mistake” of the 2023 election. “We are battle-ready. We were the original ‘mandate’ people. Don’t deal with people who cannot keep to agreements. If they like, let them keep all the money, whether they have N600bn or not. We have defeated people with money before. We will still defeat people with money. What matters is the people, it’s not money,” he added. Wike also thanked the people of Tai for supporting President Tinubu during the 2023 election, noting that their loyalty had resulted in federal appointments, infrastructure development, and the establishment of the Federal University of Environment in the area.

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Tinubu Confirms New Tax Laws Will Take Effect January 1, Urges Public Support

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s determination to implement the newly signed tax laws, rejecting calls to halt the reforms amid public debates over certain provisions. In a statement released on Tuesday, Tinubu confirmed that the rollout will continue as planned, with some provisions effective from June 26, 2025, and others set to take effect on January 1, 2026. He described the reforms as a historic opportunity to build a fairer, more efficient, and sustainable tax system for Nigeria. Tinubu stressed that the changes are not intended to increase the tax burden on citizens, but to reform the system, improve administration, uphold the dignity of taxpayers, and strengthen trust between the government and the people. “The new tax laws are not intended to raise taxes. They are designed to reset the system structurally, promote harmonisation, protect dignity and strengthen the social contract,” he said. While acknowledging ongoing public discussions and concerns about specific sections of the laws, Tinubu stated that no critical issues had been identified that would justify suspending or reversing the reforms. He cautioned against reactionary decisions, noting that public confidence is built through steady and well-considered policies. The President urged all stakeholders to support the implementation phase, noting that the reform programme has moved decisively into the delivery stage. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to due process and respect for laws duly passed and assented to. Tinubu also assured Nigerians that the Presidency will work closely with the National Assembly to promptly address any challenges that may arise during implementation. “I want to assure Nigerians that the Federal Government will always act in the overall public interest to deliver a tax system that promotes prosperity, fairness and shared responsibility,” he said. The statement was issued in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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Tinubu Offers Condolences to Anthony Joshua After Ogun Road Accident Kills Two Associates

President Bola Tinubu has reached out to Nigerian-British heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua following a devastating road accident in Ogun State that left the boxer injured and resulted in the death of two of his associates. A statement issued on Monday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that Tinubu personally called Joshua to express his sympathy and offer prayers after the incident. “I spoke with AJ on the phone to personally convey my condolences over the death of his two associates. I wished him well and prayed for him. He assured me that he is receiving the best care in the hospital”. The President also extended his concern to Joshua’s family, disclosing that he contacted the boxer’s mother to offer comfort and prayers during the difficult period. “I also spoke with AJ’s mother and prayed for her. She was very appreciative of my call.” Tinubu further assured that the Federal Government was closely monitoring the situation, noting that he had spoken with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was at the hospital where Joshua was receiving treatment. “Additionally, I spoke to Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was in the hospital with them. The Governor assured me that he will do everything possible to ensure AJ receives the best possible attention.” PUNCH Online reports that the President, who is currently abroad, had earlier taken to his official X account to mourn the tragic loss and express solidarity with Joshua and his family following the accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. “I sympathise with you and your family as you bear the emotional weight of this unfortunate incident. As a sportsman, you have always shown courage, discipline, and unwavering love for our country. These are qualities that have made you a source of national pride.” Calling for unity in times of sorrow, Tinubu added, “In moments like this, we must encourage one another as brothers and sisters with a shared destiny.” He concluded by offering prayers for Joshua’s recovery and the deceased associates. “I pray for strength, wisdom, and grace for you during this painful period. May God grant you a speedy recovery and repose to the souls of the departed.”

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Tinubu Departs Lagos For Europe Ahead Of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday left Lagos for Europe as part of his end-of-year vacation, ahead of an official engagement in the United Arab Emirates. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, it was disclosed that the President will travel from Europe to Abu Dhabi to attend the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2026), slated for early January. The global summit is scheduled to take place from January 11 to January 17 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Tinubu’s participation followed an invitation from the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. According to the statement, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week serves as a major international platform that brings together leaders from government, the private sector, and civil society to drive dialogue and action on sustainable development. The President is expected to return to Nigeria after the conclusion of the event.

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Jandor Praises Tinubu’s Economic Policies for Easing Local Government Access to Funds

Abdulazeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for implementing economic measures that have streamlined funding for local governments in Lagos State. The former PDP governorship candidate met with Tinubu at the president’s Lagos residence, where he discussed ways to align federal and state visions. “I had the privilege of conferring with Mr. President during his Christmas holiday in Lagos, and our discussion was highly insightful,” Adediran said. “He emphasized the need for continued alignment between the Centre and the states.” Now a member of the APC, Jandor briefed Tinubu on the 100-day achievements of Lagos State local government administrations and how federal allocations are being utilised. “During the 100-day celebrations of some local governments, I highlighted to Mr. President how these administrations are efficiently using the resources released from the federation account,” he explained. “Local governments are now completing roads, health centres, customary courts, and other developmental projects within just 100 days. I expressed my appreciation for the president’s bold economic policies and accountability measures that have made it easier for grassroots governments to access funds.”

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