Nigeria’s defence minister, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned his appointment, with immediate effect.
In a letter dated December 1, sent to President Bola Tinubu, Abubakar said he was quitting on health grounds.
According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, (Information and Strategy), President Tinubu has accepted the resignation and thanked Abubakar for his services to the nation.
President Tinubu will likely inform the Senate of Badaru’s successor later this week.
Badaru Abubakar, 63, was a two-term governor of Jigawa state from 2015 to 2023.
He was appointed as a minister on August 21, 2023, by President Tinubu. His resignation comes amid President Tinubu’s declaration of a national security emergency, with plans to elaborate on its scope in due course. (Vanguard)
A retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Abutu Yaro, has advised that President Bola Tinubu’s directive for the police to withdraw personnel from VIPs be implemented with serious caution.
Yaro, who was a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, warned that if not handled carefully, the withdrawal of police officers from VIPs could trigger regrettable fallouts.
“We must emphasise strongly that we implement it (withdrawal of police from VIPs) with serious caution,” Yaro said. “If not, the fallout of a hasty implementation of this directive will be regrettable in many respects and we have historical antecedents to these mindsets.”
To emphasise his point, the retired AIG listed the late Bola Ige, Funsho Williams, and General Mohammad Shuwa as VIPs who lost their lives after being left vulnerable to attacks due to the absence of security attachment.
Tinubu had on Sunday ordered the withdrawal of police officers at a security meeting in Abuja attended by Service Chiefs and the Director-General of the Department of State Services.
The President directed the police authorities to deploy the officers to concentrate on their core policing duties, a situation that mandated the Special Protection Unit of the Nigeria Police Force to order all officers attached to VIPs and beats nationwide to return to their bases.
Under the new arrangement, Tinubu said VIPs requiring security protection will now need to request armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), rather than relying on police officers.
The Presidency explained that the move aims to boost police presence in communities, especially in remote areas where police stations are often understaffed and citizens remain vulnerable to attacks.
However, Yaro argued that the Civil Defence Corps is not designed to protect VIPs or act as an alternative security outfit to the police.
“The fact that they said civil defence should come in does not really work in that way. Civil defence all over the world are designed to take care of civilians in terms of national emergencies.
“Civil defence all over the world, not only in Nigeria, are not designed to protect the VIP and act as an alternative security platform to the police.”
He likened it to asking a nurse to perform the duties of a doctor, reiterating that things must be done with caution.
Asked if he would have done something different from what the President directed, the retired AIG replied in the affirmative.
“I wouldn’t have ordered that the police should leave the VIPs because the VIPs are a very important segment of our nationhood,” he said.
Yaro stated that he would have preferred to increase the number of police officers in the country and give them more quality training.
“My advice is that we could have increased the number of police. Our mobile police, we have about 80 squadrons as we speak; we should have upgraded them to semi-military format as they were with the concept when they were introduced into our security system in 1962,” he added. (Channels)
President Bola Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency in response to escalating insecurity across the country, directing the military and police to immediately recruit additional personnel.
Under the new directive, the Nigeria Police Force is to recruit 20,000 additional officers, raising the total approved recruitment figure to 50,000. The president also authorised the temporary use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as police training depots, complementing the ongoing upgrade of police training facilities nationwide.
Tinubu further ordered that officers withdrawn from VIP security duties undergo accelerated retraining before deployment to security-challenged areas.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has also been instructed to deploy all trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits operating from forested areas. The agency is to recruit additional personnel to strengthen security across these locations.
The President commended security agencies for their coordinated efforts that led to the rescue of 24 abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers in Kwara State.
He urged them to sustain momentum in rescuing the remaining abducted students of a catholic school in Niger State and other citizens still in captivity.
Tinubu warned that there must be “no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence,” promising full federal support to ensure operational success.
Tinubu called on the National Assembly to commence legislative reviews enabling states that seek to establish state police to do so.
On education and religious gatherings, the President advised states to reconsider operating boarding schools in remote, unsecured areas and urged mosques and churches in vulnerable locations to prioritise security and work with law enforcement.
Addressing herder farmer conflicts, Tinubu emphasised that the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development aims to end recurring clashes.
He urged herder associations to embrace ranching, discontinue open grazing, and surrender illegal weapons, noting that the federal and state governments will collaborate to implement lasting solutions.
The President expressed condolences to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe and Kwara states. He also paid tribute to fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
He urged Nigerians to remain resilient, avoid fear and despair, and stand united to defend the nation’s freedom and values, assuring that his administration remains committed to national unity and peaceful coexistence. (RadioNigeria)
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of police officers attached to Very Important Persons across the country, directing that they be redeployed to core policing duties.
The directive was issued during a security meeting the president held on Sunday in Abuja with service chiefs and the director-general of the Department of State Services.
According to a statement released by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIPs requiring protection will now be assigned armed operatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps instead of the police.
“Many parts of Nigeria, especially remote areas, have few policemen at the stations, thus making the task of protecting and defending the people difficult.
“In view of the current security challenges facing the country, President Tinubu is desirous of boosting police presence in all communities,” the statement read.
Onanuga also disclosed that the President has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police personnel and that the Federal Government is working with states to upgrade police training facilities nationwide.
Those in attendance at Sunday’s meeting included the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and Director-General of the DSS, Tosin Adeola Ajayi.
The withdrawal of police escorts from VIPs comes amid long-standing concerns over the overstretching of Nigeria’s police force.
Several reports have highlighted that more than 100,000 police officers are assigned to politicians, businessmen, and other VIPs. (Punch)
The Nigerian Army has confirmed that a soldier on duty in the Imota area of Ikorodu, Lagos State, died after being attacked by a mentally unstable individual.
The incident occurred on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at around 4:00 pm while the soldier was deployed for internal security duties.
Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 81 Division Nigerian Army, Musa Yahaya in a statement on Tuesday, disclosed that the soldier was attempting to de-escalate a chaotic situation when the attacker struck him on the head with a heavy log, causing severe injuries.
“On November 16, 2025, at about 4:00 pm, one of the soldiers deployed for internal security duty in the Imota area of Ikorodu while attempting to de-escalate a chaotic situation was attacked by a mentally unstable individual.
“The attacker struck the soldier on the head with a heavy log, causing severe injury,”
It was stated that other soldiers at the scene quickly brought the situation under control, neutralising the attacker and recovering the soldier’s weapon.
The injured soldier was said to be rushed to Ikorodu General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
“The situation was swiftly brought under control by other soldiers at the scene, who neutralised the attacker and recovered the soldiers’ weapon.
“The injured soldier was evacuated to Ikorodu General Hospital where he was pronounced dead,” the statement added.
The army said the deceased soldier was later buried according to Islamic rites in a ceremony attended by the Acting Commanding Officer and other officers of the unit.
The army has expressed condolences to the family and friends of the late soldier. It was stated that an investigation into the incident has been instituted, and the army urged the public to exercise caution and report suspicious activities. “
“The 81 Division Nigerian Army has conveyed condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the deceased soldier.
“We pray for the repose of his soul and appreciate his service to the nation,” the statement concluded. (Punch)
The Kwara State Government, on Wednesday, directed the closure of schools across four local government areas amid escalating insecurity in the affected communities.
The government’s decision was disclosed by the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Kwara State Wing, on Wednesday. In a circular issued on Wednesday and obtained by The PUNCH, the NUT Chairman, Yusuf Agboola, announced the shutdown of schools in Isin, Irepodun, Ifelodun, and Ekiti LGAs.
Agboola explained that the union was acting strictly on instructions from the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development after the government raised concerns over fresh security threats in Kwara South.
“Comrade chairmen, this is to inform you and through you, all schools in the above local governments of the instruction to close down all schools with immediate effect until further notice,” the circular read.
“This decision was occasioned by the security challenges ravaging the area and the efforts of the government to control the situation. Treat this information as important and with the urgency it deserves, as it emanated from the ministry.”
He assured school heads and teachers that further directives would be communicated as the situation evolves.
On Wednesday, Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq also announced plans to seek the establishment of a Forward Operating Base of the Nigerian Army and a Mobile Police Squadron in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area, following Tuesday night’s deadly bandit attack on a church in the community, which left three worshippers dead and over 35 abducted.
The governor, who visited Eruku for an on-the-spot assessment, disclosed that he had spoken with the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on the urgent security upgrade needed in the crisis-hit area.
“We will speak with the GOC to see that we have a Forward Operating Base in Eruku to enhance security here and also talk to the Inspector General of Police about establishing a mobile squadron here,” Abdulrazaq said.
“It is indeed unfortunate what happened yesterday despite all the effort we have been making. Our main purpose here is to commiserate with the people of the community. All the security agencies are on this. The President had to cancel his trip to the G-20 because of this incident and that of Kebbi State. So the President is aware and we are on top of the situation,” he added.
For many residents, the governor’s visit came after a harrowing night of fear, bloodshed, and unanswered pleas for help.
One of the victims, Adesuyi Joshua, whose wife and granddaughter were among those abducted, recounted the horror.
“They took my wife and our granddaughter, who were in the church, along with about 30 other people. At first, we thought the gunshots were knockouts, but the sound changed. By the time we mobilised ourselves to confront the attackers, it was too late,” he said.
He accused security agents, especially the police, of worsening the situation instead of assisting the community.
“We have soldiers around this place. We also have a police station, but nothing was done throughout the attack.
“When we were pursuing the bandits, the police started shooting from their gate. We thought it was the bandits again. When we got to the station, they tear-gassed us and allowed the attackers to escape,” he alleged.
Another youth leader, Shola Peters, also accused the police of failing the community despite benefitting from local support.
“These are the same police officers the town supported. We built houses for the DPO and the men. When we needed them most, they failed us.
“Instead of joining us to pursue the bandits, they stopped us. The Inspector General needs to probe the Eruku division. All they do here is harass young boys and tag them as Yahoo boys or cultists.
“We need the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector General to come and probe the police. We don’t want them again. Let the government give us guns; we can protect ourselves.”
He added that despite having only “a Dane gun and one pump-action,” the youths confronted the armed attackers.
“Their firepower was too much. They came with AK-49 rifles and machine guns.”
Speaking earlier with The PUNCH, the President Pastor of the attacked church, Pastor Lawrence Abiodun Bamidele, said the congregation was holding a thanksgiving service for 18 kidnapped residents freed last week when the bandits struck.
“We are doing Thanksgiving service for the 18 people who were kidnapped three weeks ago, and all of them were rescued. We were thanking God for their safe return, not knowing that danger was lurking around.
“The incident happened unexpectedly and so fast. They came in and surrounded the church, shooting sporadically. Some who ran outside were shot from a tree, which one of the bandits climbed.
“In the pandemonium, three people died on the spot, and about 35 church members were kidnapped. We need government assistance. This attack is the first of its kind in Kwara State in a church.”
The Ekiti LGA Christian Association of Nigeria Coordinator, Pastor Kenneth Adigoke, expressed deep concern, warning that the attack could be interpreted as an assault on the Christian community.
“This attack is just like a direct assault on the Christian community and the body of Christ.
“Look at the situation that happened yesterday, they entered the church and killed three people on the spot, and kidnapped about 35. If they said there is genocide against the church or the Christian community, it can be justified.
“People are not happy. We want the government to handle this insecurity issue dispassionately, and we believe that with prayers, the issue will be tackled.” (Punch)
FIFA said on Wednesday it hoped all 16 host cities would be “ready” to stage games at the 2026 World Cup finals after US President Donald Trump suggested matches could be moved for security reasons.
“We hope every one of our 16 host cities will be ready to successfully host and fulfil all requirements,” a FIFA spokesperson said.
“Safety and security are the top priorities at all FIFA events worldwide.”
The spokesperson, however, added that, “Safety and security are obviously the government’s responsibility, and they decide what is in the best interest for public safety.”
Trump said Tuesday that FIFA president Gianni Infantino would support moving World Cup games from US cities if necessary.
In September, Trump raised the possibility of moving matches amid his crackdown on Democratic-run cities.
“If somebody is doing a bad job and if I feel there’s unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni, the head of FIFA, who’s phenomenal, and I would say, let’s move it to another location. And he would do that,” Trump told reporters at the White House when asked if games could be moved from Boston, one of the host cities.
“Very easily he would do it,” Trump added.
The US president suggested that, if necessary, events for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics could also be moved.
Republican Trump’s administration has deployed national guard troops to Democratic-run US cities this year over the objections of local and state leaders, saying they are needed to counter crime and left-wing activism.
Boston is scheduled to host seven games at next year’s World Cup. San Francisco and Seattle are both hosting six matches each at the tournament while Los Angeles is hosting eight.
The United States is staging the World Cup jointly with Mexico and Canada, but will be hosting the bulk of the games in the tournament, which has been expanded to include 48 teams.
Eleven of the 16 host cities are in the United States for the June 11 to July 19 tournament.
Trump earlier this year appointed himself as chairman of a White House task force for the World Cup. (Punch)
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has welcomed the judgment of the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland, which on Monday sentenced Simon Ekpa to six years’ imprisonment for terrorism-related offences.
General Musa described the ruling as a landmark victory in the global fight against terrorism and violent extremism, stressing that it demonstrates that those who incite violence or fund terrorism will be held accountable, irrespective of their location.
In a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the CDS said:
“This judgment sends a strong message that there is no safe haven for individuals or groups who sponsor or encourage acts of terror against Nigeria or any other sovereign state. The Armed Forces of Nigeria commend the Finnish authorities for their diligence in ensuring justice is served.”
The CDS also expressed appreciation to Nigerian security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies, as well as the country’s diplomats, for their collaboration in providing actionable evidence that contributed to Ekpa’s conviction.
He noted that the outcome underscores the importance of international cooperation in tackling transnational threats.
General Musa reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ resolve to continue working with global partners to dismantle terrorist networks, while assuring Nigerians of sustained efforts to secure peace across the country.
He further urged citizens to remain vigilant and support security agencies in the ongoing fight against insurgency and violent separatist movements. (Vanguard)
The ongoing offensive against criminal elements in Kwara State has resulted in another mass arrest of several outlaws who were involved in recent security breaches in Edu and Patigi Local Government Areas of the state.
A government House statement released on Thursday said that more than 15 criminals, including an outlaw criminal named Tambaya, have been arrested in the new security clampdown in the area.
“Tambaya was the major mastermind of the recent attack on security forces and vigilantes in Gada, Lafiagi. Tambaya and eight others were arrested in one encounter with the security forces, while several of his gang members were eliminated.
“During the operation, we rescued two victims of their criminality and recovered N11m, which is apparently proceeds of the crime,” the official said.
The crackdowns on the criminals were at the instance of the state government in partnership with the Office of the National Security Adviser, state security commanders, and local vigilante.
It would be recalled that the state commissioner of Police Mr Adekimi Ojo while addressing journalists in Ilorin on Friday, July 11, 2025 or so said the Command’s renewed focus on intelligence-led operations and tactical fieldwork is yielding results in curbing insecurity across the state.
In another twist, three women were arrested on June 25 at Babanla Motor Park in connection with arms smuggling. The police recovered an AK-47 rifle with 31 rounds of ammunition hidden in a passenger’s bag.
Interrogations revealed links to a kidnapping syndicate operating out of the Baba-Sango forest. One of the women admitted she was on her way to join her husband, a known kidnapper hiding in the forest. A fourth female suspect fled and is currently at large.
Also alarming was the arrest of Suleiman Jamiu and Mumini Mohammed on July 6 in Share. The duo were found in possession of ₦11.3 million during a late-night stop-and-search. The CP revealed that Jamiu was linked to a February 2025 kidnapping case where ₦20 million ransom was demanded. Investigators believe the cash may be proceeds from ransom payments.
On May 30 and June 1, suspected kidnappers launched deadly attacks in Oro, abducting six people and killing one during raids on a cashew factory and a residential community. Three men, including Mohammed Olaiya Dende and Mohammed Dende, have been arrested and charged with conspiracy, kidnapping, and culpable homicide.
Six other suspects were arrested in connection with the kidnapping of Alhaji Abbass and Abubakar Issa in Lafiagi. Acting on intelligence, police and local vigilantes stormed Gbugbu and apprehended the men, recovering two firearms. The suspects confessed to being part of a syndicate operating between Kwara and Niger States and working under a wanted ringleader known as Tambaya.
In another case, one Buba Lawal was caught in Oko, Ifelodun LGA, with an AK-47 magazine loaded with eight rounds. Police say the suspect is linked to multiple kidnapping attempts and is being profiled for further investigation.
Ojo assured that operations would intensify until all criminal hideouts are uncovered. “These arrests and recoveries are proof that no part of Kwara is safe for criminals,” he said. “We will continue to disrupt their networks and bring every last accomplice to justice.”
In Amoyo on July 4, officers uncovered a locally-made double-barrel pistol after three young men fled from an uncompleted building during a patrol. One of the suspects, known as Olamide alias “Bold”, a notorious drug dealer in the area, is now being sought.
Perhaps the most daring encounter occurred in Okuta, Baruten LGA, where a reported case of kidnapping on June 22 sparked a counter-operation by the police and local security groups.
According to the CP, “One of the suspects was neutralised, another arrested, and the victim found abandoned in the bush.”
An AK-47 rifle and 13 rounds of ammunition were recovered, alongside a red Golf car believed to be used by the kidnappers. One suspect, Idirisu Sariki, is in custody and has confessed to multiple kidnappings in the border region.
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