How troops pressure is changing war against insurgency in North-West Nigeria
The start of 2026 has highlighted a new reality in Nigeria’s North-West security landscape: the fight against banditry is increasingly intelligence-driven, coordinated across multiple states, and reliant on both air and ground operations. From Katsina to Niger, Kano, and Zamfara, recent incidents show the growing effectiveness of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and joint ground operations, even as armed criminal...
US working with Venezuelan Vice President following Maduro’s capture
President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the United States is now working with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez after President Nicolás Maduro was reportedly captured. Speaking at a press conference in Florida, Trump said Rodríguez had been sworn in as president, but emphasized that she was “picked by Maduro.” When asked about cooperation with her, Trump said the US had...
We will survive Kano despite Gov Yusuf’s defection — NNPP
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) says it will withstand its internal crisis in Kano State, despite dissolving all party structures and speculation over a possible defection by its only sitting governor, Abba Yusuf. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, spoke on ARISE News on Saturday, stressing that the dissolution of the Kano State Executive, local government, and ward...
AFCON 2025: Mali beat Tunisia to set up quarter-final clash with Senegal
Mali secured a quarter-final place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after edging Tunisia 3–2 on penalties following a tense 1–1 draw on Saturday. The Round of 16 contest was decided by spot kicks after Lassine Sinayoko’s stoppage-time penalty cancelled Firat Chaouat’s late opener. Tunisia struck first in the 88th minute when Chaouat powered home a header from Elias...
Wike: Why I won’t support Fubara’s second term bid
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that backing Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for a second term would spell political disaster for him and his supporters. Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State on Saturday, January 3, 2025, Wike said a clear political decision had already been reached ahead...
Nigerians withdrew N264.48bn in cash from banks in November 2025
Nigerians pulled a net total of N264.48 billion in cash from the country’s banking system in November 2025, according to the latest Money and Credit Statistics released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). This surge raised the amount of currency held outside banks to N4.91 trillion. The figure marked a noticeable increase from N4.65 trillion in October 2025, underscoring a...
Actress Kiitan Bukola opens up about overcoming fear of marriage
Nollywood actress and filmmaker Kiitan Bukola has revealed that she is now open to marriage, having overcome her earlier fears about it. The Yoruba star spoke about her journey in the film industry, personal growth and how her perspective on marriage has changed. Bukola described herself as selfless, determined and spiritually grounded — traits she believes help her both on and...
Nigeria, others face historic $8.9trn debt burden — World Bank
Developing nations, Nigeria among them, are grappling with a record external debt of $8.9 trillion in 2024, the World Bank said in its most recent International Debt Report. This marks an unprecedented debt load and highlights growing financial strain on public finances in low- and middle-income economies. The report noted that between 2022 and 2024, these countries paid $741 billion more...
Natasha: Yahaya Bello’s Senate bid isn’t a threat
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has downplayed concerns that former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello’s intention to run for the same Senate seat in the 2027 elections could undermine her political standing. Through her media aide, Mike Idoko, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she welcomed Bello’s declaration and does not feel threatened by his decision. She said his entry into the race...
Why banks close 229 branches in Nigeria
Nigeria’s banking sector closed 229 physical branches in the past year as customers increasingly prefer electronic payment channels, especially Point of Sale (POS) terminals, over visiting bank halls, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) 2024 financial sector statistical bulletin shows. According to the report, the total number of Deposit Money Bank branches nationwide dropped from 5,373 in 2023 to 5,144...
