NAF Airstrikes Hit Terrorist Strongholds in North-East, North-West
The
Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed the successful execution of multiple
precision air operations against terrorist strongholds in both the North-East
and North-West regions of the country.
These operations, carried out between January 1 and 3, 2026, were conducted under the joint task forces of Operations HADIN KAI and FASAN YAMMA Sector 2, targeting key threat corridors identified through intelligence assessments.
Nigeria’s 2026 Economic Outlook: A Year of Cautious Optimism
Nigeria
enters 2026 with a sense of guarded confidence, as both government and
financial institutions project stronger growth amid ongoing reforms.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) forecasts GDP expansion of 4.49%, up from an estimated 3.89% in 2025, signaling that the country’s economy is consolidating after years of turbulence.
 |
| Symbolic Photo of Peter Obi |
The Impact of Peter Obi’s Defection Ahead of 2027
Peter
Obi’s dramatic defection from the Labour Party to the African Democratic
Congress (ADC) at the close of 2025 has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s
political landscape.
More than
a mere change of party affiliation, the move represents a recalibration of
opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi, who emerged as a formidable force in 2023 with his “Obidient” movement, has now positioned himself within a coalition-backed platform, signaling both opportunity and uncertainty for Nigeria’s democratic trajectory.
ISWAP to Christians - “Convert or Die”
Summary: The Islamic
State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has escalated its campaign of terror against
Christian communities in northeastern Nigeria, issuing ultimatums that
residents must either convert to Islam, pay a religious tax, or face death.
These threats, accompanied by violent attacks such as the burning of villages,
have sparked widespread condemnation and renewed concerns about religious
persecution in the region.
The Attacks in Adamawa
In early January 2026, ISWAP militants set ablaze a Christian village in Adamawa State. The group released images of the destruction alongside a chilling statement declaring that all Christians in Nigeria are “legitimate targets.” According to security analyst Brant Philip, ISWAP insisted that Christians could “spare their blood” only by converting to Islam or paying the jizyah tax, a levy historically imposed on non-Muslims under extremist interpretations of Islamic law.
ISWAP Burns Christian Village in Adamawa
Summary: The Islamic State of West Africa
Province (ISWAP) has carried out a devastating attack on Christian communities
in Adamawa State, Nigeria, burning villages, killing residents, and issuing a
chilling ultimatum to convert to Islam or face death.
The Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), an affiliate of ISIS, struck Christian villages in Adamawa State on December 31, 2025, leaving destruction and fear in its wake. The attack targeted communities in Hong Local Government Area, including Zah, Mubang Yadul, and Kijing. Reports confirm that more than fourteen people were killed, while numerous homes, churches, and businesses were vandalized or set ablaze.
Israel’s Support for Nigerian Christians and Its Geopolitical Ripples
Israel’s
pledge to stand with Nigerian Christians carries profound geopolitical
implications for Nigeria, Africa, and the broader international community.
At its core, this commitment introduces a new dimension to Nigeria’s already complex religious and political landscape. Nigeria, a nation deeply divided along religious lines, has long struggled with extremist violence targeting Christian communities, particularly in the Middle Belt and northern regions.
Israel Pledges Support for Nigerian Christians
Israel has formally announced its
commitment to supporting persecuted Christian communities in Nigeria,
positioning itself as a global defender of Christian rights and freedoms.
In recent weeks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made a series of statements highlighting Israel’s intention to stand firmly with Nigerian Christians who face ongoing persecution from extremist groups.
Nigeria - Nine Killed in Plateau on Crossover Night
On the
night of Wednesday, December 31, 2025, tragedy struck in Plateau State,
Nigeria, as gunmen launched a deadly attack on Chigwi village in Vwang
District, Jos South Local Government Area.
The assault occurred during the crossover night celebrations, a period when communities traditionally gather to usher in the New Year with prayers and festivities. Instead of joy, the village was plunged into mourning as nine lives were lost in the violence.
The
phrase “I was paid N100,000.00 to Bomb” is a chilling statement that has
surfaced in Nigeria in connection with terrorism, insurgency, and criminal
violence. It reflects the disturbing reality of how extremist groups and
criminal networks recruit vulnerable individuals with financial incentives to
carry out acts of destruction.
This
statement has been reported in various contexts, often linked to confessions by
suspects arrested by security agencies.
In Nigeria, particularly in the northeast and north-central regions, insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and bandit networks have historically exploited poverty, unemployment, and desperation to lure recruits.
SUMMARY
The
background story of “I Was Paid N100,000 to Bomb” comes from the confession of
a suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber, Ibrahim Mohammed, who admitted he was
recruited and paid ₦100,000 to carry out a bombing attack on worshippers in
Maiduguri, Borno State. He was arrested by Nigerian troops working with local
hunters in Yobe State in late December 2025.
Background Story: “Terrorist - I Was Paid
N100,000 to Bomb”
The
phrase originates from the confession of Ibrahim Mohammed, a suspected
Boko Haram operative from Michika in Adamawa State.
He was captured by troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with local hunters, during a raid in Yobe State. His arrest followed suspicions raised by his unusual presence among a group of Almajirai in Damaturu.
 |
| Symbolic Photo of Nigeria's 2026 First Baby |
Nigeria’s First Baby of 2026 in Global Context
The birth
of Baby Enekole Zion Adakole, welcomed by Nigeria’s First Lady Senator Oluremi
Tinubu, is not just a family milestone but a cultural emblem of renewal.
In
Nigeria, the First Baby of the Year is celebrated as a national symbol of hope,
prosperity, and continuity. This tradition elevates childbirth into a
collective ritual, binding private joy with public optimism.
The First Lady’s presence and advocacy for maternal healthcare amplify the meaning, transforming the event into a platform for national reflection and policy emphasis.
 |
| Symbolic Photo |
The First Baby of 2026 and Nigeria’s Symbol of Renewal
The
arrival of Nigeria’s first baby of 2026, welcomed by the First Lady Senator
Oluremi Tinubu at the Federal Medical Centre in Abuja, is more than a
ceremonial event. It is a cultural moment steeped in symbolism, one that
resonates deeply with the Nigerian people.
In many communities across the country, the birth of a child on New Year’s Day is regarded as a divine sign of continuity, hope, and blessings. Such births are often seen as heralding a year of abundance, with families and communities interpreting them as omens of prosperity and peace. The First Baby of the Year becomes a living metaphor for renewal, embodying the collective aspirations of a nation stepping into a fresh chapter.
Nigeria’s First Lady Welcomes First Baby of 2026
On the
dawn of January 1, 2026, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, marked
the beginning of the new year with a symbolic and heartfelt gesture at the
Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, Abuja.
At exactly midnight, the nation’s first baby of 2026 was delivered, a girl named Enekole Zion Adakole, born to 26-year-old first-time mother Patience Omeyi Adakole and her husband, Celestine Adakole.
Police Suspend Tinted Glass Permit Enforcement After Court Order
The
Nigeria Police Force has announced the suspension of its nationwide enforcement
of the tinted glass permit policy following an interim court order.
This development comes after the Force had earlier declared on December 15, 2025, that enforcement would commence on January 2, 2026, citing its responsibility to safeguard public safety and internal security.
Obidient Movement Will Remain in ADC Despite Outcome of Presidential Primary - Tanko Yunusa
The
National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Tanko Yunusa, has
reaffirmed the group’s commitment to the African Democratic Congress (ADC),
declaring that the movement will remain within the party regardless of the
outcome of its presidential primary.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Yunusa emphasized that the Obidient Movement, known for its support of former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, is firmly anchored in democratic principles and will abide by the party’s internal processes even if former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerges as the ADC’s candidate.
Political forgiveness in context - Akpabio’s move alongside Nigeria and global democracies
Senate
President Godswill Akpabio’s withdrawal of defamation suits is part of a wider
tradition of political gestures that privilege reconciliation over retribution.
To understand its implications, it helps to situate the decision within Nigeria’s own history of high-profile clemency and peacebuilding, and then compare it with how other democracies have deployed forgiveness to reset political trajectories, restore legitimacy, and de-escalate conflict.
The Political Implications of Akpabio’s Withdrawal of Defamation Suits
Senate
President Godswill Akpabio’s decision to withdraw nearly nine defamation
lawsuits against individuals who had allegedly maligned him is more than a
personal act of forgiveness, it is a political gesture with far-reaching
implications for Nigeria’s democratic culture.
Announced during a New Year’s Mass in Uyo, the move was inspired by a priest’s sermon on peace and reconciliation. Yet beyond its spiritual undertones, the decision carries significant weight in the political arena.
Akpabio Withdraws All Defamation Suits After Priest’s New Year Sermon
On
January 1, 2026, Senate President Godswill Akpabio made a striking announcement
that has reverberated across Nigeria’s political and social landscape.
Speaking during a New Year’s Mass at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akpabio revealed that he had directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits he had filed against several individuals. The decision, he explained, was inspired by the counsel of a priest whose homily emphasized peace, forgiveness, and the importance of letting go of past hurts.
“I Will Leave Peter Obi’s Corner If He Accepts To Be Someone’s VP - Pat Utomi”
On
January 1, 2026, political economist Professor Pat Utomi made a strong
declaration during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
Utomi stated unequivocally that his support for Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, would end immediately if Obi ever agreed to serve as someone’s vice-presidential candidate.
Rivers Won’t Return to ‘Political War’ in 2026-Governor Siminalayi Fubara
In his
New Year message delivered at the Government House Chapel of Everlasting Grace
in Port Harcourt, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara firmly dismissed
fears of renewed political conflict in the state.
Fubara assured residents that Rivers would not descend into another round of political turmoil in 2026, emphasizing that his administration is committed to peace, stability, and development.
NASS roll out new tax laws
Overview of the rollout
Nigeria’s
National Assembly has commenced the rollout of newly enacted tax laws, framing
the move as part of a broader push for openness and public confidence in the
legislative process. The rollout follows the passage of harmonised tax bills by
lawmakers and their subsequent assent by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marking a
formal transition from debate to implementation.
Transparency measures and public access
To address public interest and concerns, the National Assembly has ordered the release of Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the harmonised tax bills, including the transmitted versions bearing the President’s signature. The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, stated that the directive is intended to give Nigerians unrestricted access to authentic legislative documents and dispel doubts about the credibility of the new Tax Acts. Members of the public can obtain these documents for personal and independent verification through the Office of the Clerk after paying statutory fees.
 |
| Symbolic Photo |
Echoes from the Highway:
Voices of Zamfara’s Survivors
The blast on the Magami–Dansadau highway was more than an explosion, it was a rupture in the lives of ordinary people.
Survivors speak of the moment as if time itself split in two: before the deafening roar, and after, when silence was filled with screams and dust.
A Tragic Afternoon on Zamfara’s Highway
On
December 27, 2025, the usually busy Magami–Dansadau highway in Maru Local
Government Area of Zamfara State became the stage of a devastating tragedy.
Around the Yar-gada community, an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated, shattering the calm of the afternoon and leaving behind scenes of chaos and grief. Witnesses described the sudden blast as deafening, followed by clouds of dust and cries of panic as travelers scrambled for safety.
 |
| Symbolic photo |
The Legend of the White-Robed Spirits: A Rekindling of Culture
Long ago,
in the bustling land by the lagoon, the people of Lagos carried within them a
sacred tradition, the Eyo Festival, known as the Adamu Orisha Play.
It was
said that when the white-robed spirits, the Eyo masqueraders, marched
through the streets with their staffs called opambata, the city itself
breathed with ancestral power.
Their presence was not mere pageantry; it was a living bond between the past and the present, a reminder that the Yoruba heritage was eternal.
A Great Rekindling of Our Culture: Tinubu Celebrates Eyo Festival
In the
heart of Lagos, beneath the grandeur of Tafawa Balewa Square, a sea of
white-robed figures carrying long staffs known as opambata filled the
streets with chants, dances, and timeless Yoruba rhythms.
It was the grand return of the Eyo Festival, a cultural spectacle that had been absent for eight years, now revived in 2025 with a flourish that echoed both history and heritage.
