The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has announced that the National Identification Number (NIN) issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) will automatically serve as a Tax ID for individual Nigerians.
While speaking in a public awareness campaign on the new tax laws posted on X on Monday, the FIRS announced that for registered businesses, the RC number issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) automatically becomes their tax ID under the new tax system.
Moreover, this development is part of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), which comes into effect in January 2026, and aims to simplify tax administration and improve compliance.
“The Tax ID unifies all TINS previously issued by FIRS and states IRS into a single identifier.
“For individuals, your NIN automatically serves as your Tax ID, while for registered companies, your CAC RC number is used.
“You do not need a physical card; the Tax ID is a unique number linked directly to your identity,” the FIRS shared.
The FIRS stressed that this requirement has been in place since the Finance Act 2019 and has been strengthened under the NTAA.
South East Governors (left to right) — Charles Chukwuma Soludo, Alex Otti, Hope Uzodimma, Peter Mbah and Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru
ANIM State is a proposed state in Nigeria, designed to address the imbalance in the country’s geopolitical structure.
The State, Diaspora Digital Media understand, would be carved out of Anambra and Imo states, comprising communities with deep cultural, linguistic, and historical ties.
Over time, the proposal has gained momentum, with the National Assembly advancing the bill for its creation.
Also, the South East Governors and lawmakers have recommended ANIM State, along with Adada State, for consideration.
However, below are the areas expected to make up the proposed new State.
From Imo State, the following local governments are part of the proposal:
Orlu Zone: Orlu, Orsu, Oru East, Ideato North, Ideato South, Nkwerre, Nwangele, Isu, Njaba, Oru West, Oguta, and Ohaji Egbema
While from Anambra State, the following local governments are included:
Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Igboho has raised alarm over the killing of three farmers in Igboho, Oyo State, by gunmen.
The victims, Aderoju Mukaila, Olawuwo Saka, and Ojeniyi Ojebayo, were attacked on Sunday and died from their injuries at a hospital.
Igboho has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently address the worsening insecurity in rural Oyo State communities.
In a statement, Igboho lamented the government’s failure to respond to repeated warnings about rising insecurity, saying the latest killings validate his concerns.
He urged the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to protect lives and property in the Oke-Ogun axis of Oyo State, stressing that insecurity has become a daily reality for residents.
Igboho alleged that armed criminals have infiltrated rural settlements and forests in the South-West, including parts of Kwara and Kogi states.
He warned that continued attacks could push residents to resort to self-help if urgent action isn’t taken, calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
The Federal Government has approved a comprehensive End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) Programme aimed at reforming Nigeria’s automotive sector, boosting revenue, and protecting the environment.
Government estimates indicate the programme could generate over ₦150 billion annually by formalising vehicle recycling and disposal across the country.
A recycling fee will be introduced to support the environmentally safe disposal and recycling of vehicles that are no longer roadworthy, reducing pollution and public health risks.
The initiative is modelled after international best practices, aligning Nigeria’s auto industry with global environmental and safety standards.
Despite rising costs and heavy reliance on imports, fairly used vehicles continue to drive Nigeria’s automobile market.
From 2026, all used vehicles destined for Nigeria must undergo pre-export certification to prevent the importation of end-of-life or unsafe vehicles into the country.
The government plans to convert the National Automotive Industry Development Plan into an Act of Parliament, strengthening regulation and long-term industry growth.
Authorities have described 2026 as a pivotal year for the reform and modernisation of Nigeria’s automotive industry.
Nollywood actress Anita Joseph has officially confirmed the end of her marriage to her husband, MC Fish, in a heartfelt post shared on her Instagram page on Monday.
In her post, Anita Joseph reflected on the trials and complexities of marriage, describing it as a journey that often tests strength in ways people may not anticipate.
The revelation has generated significant attention on social media, with fans and colleagues expressing their support and empathy for the actress during this challenging period of her life.
She shared that she has been going through a season of deep reflection, pain, and healing, emphasizing that, despite not having all the answers, she is consciously choosing grace, growth, and faith as guiding principles during this difficult time.
“Life has a way of testing our strength in ways we never expect, especially in marriage,” she wrote. “Lately, I’ve been walking through a season of deep reflection, pain, and healing. I may not have all the answers, but I’m choosing grace, growth, and faith — one step at a time.”
Confirming the conclusion of her marriage, Anita Joseph wrote with finality,
“Calling a spade a spade, my marriage is over 🙏 ogbugianyi! Omere ka Anyi Mara ihe! Shallom!!”
Anita Joseph and MC Fish tied the knot in 2020, and since then, their relationship often attracted public attention due to their presence on social media and involvement in the entertainment scene. While the couple’s union was celebrated by fans at the time, the actress has not disclosed the specific reasons behind their separation, choosing instead to focus on personal growth, healing, and maintaining dignity amid the challenges of marital breakdown.
Fans and colleagues have taken to social media to offer support, sending messages of encouragement and prayers for Anita Joseph as she navigates this new chapter in her life. The actress’s candid acknowledgment of her struggles resonates with many, highlighting the reality that marriage, while often idealized, comes with complex emotional challenges that require reflection, resilience, and sometimes, the difficult decision to move on.
This announcement places Anita Joseph among a growing number of Nigerian celebrities who have openly shared personal experiences of relationship struggles, contributing to broader conversations about mental health, self-care, and emotional well-being in the public eye.
As she embarks on this journey of healing, fans are hopeful that her story will inspire others to approach life’s challenges with grace, strength, and faith.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved mandatory pre-employment drug testing for all applicants seeking entry into the federal public service.
The policy applies to recruitment across all federal Ministries, Departments, Agencies, extra-ministerial departments, and parastatals, ensuring that only candidates who meet the drug-free requirement are considered for employment.
The announcement was made by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information & Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the House of Representatives for rejecting a proposal to criminalise vote buying during party primaries.
Obi described the decision as a setback to Nigeria’s democratic reform efforts, arguing that credible elections cannot emerge from corrupt foundations. He warned that allowing inducement and bribery at the primaries perpetuates a “criminal marketplace” rather than a true democracy.
The rejected provision in the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 would have imposed two years’ imprisonment without an option of fine on anyone financially inducing a delegate to influence party primaries. The House voted overwhelmingly against it during clause-by-clause consideration, removing criminal sanctions for inducement at the foundational stage of the electoral process.
Obi stressed that tackling vote buying must begin at the primaries and called for urgent reforms to restore integrity in Nigeria’s electoral system.
Pressure is intensifying on the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of Nigeria’s newly signed tax laws amid allegations that the versions gazetted differ from those passed by the National Assembly.
Lawmakers, opposition parties, civil society organisations, lawyers and youth groups have raised concerns that the tax laws, scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, may have been altered after legislative approval, a development they warn could undermine constitutional order and public trust.
A member of the House of Representatives, Abdussamad Dasuki (PDP, Sokoto), first raised the alarm during plenary, alleging discrepancies between the bills passed by lawmakers and the versions later gazetted. Another lawmaker, Mansur Manu Soro (Bauchi), said his review confirmed what he described as “material discrepancies,” including the removal of oversight provisions and the insertion of new coercive powers for the executive.
Soro called for the immediate suspension of the tax laws, insisting that any post-passage alterations must be identified and corrected by the National Assembly before implementation.
The four laws at the centre of the controversy are the National Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act and the Nigeria Tax Act. They were passed in March, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June, and gazetted later that month.
Daily Trust investigations revealed notable differences between the versions passed by lawmakers and the gazetted copies, prompting lawmakers across party lines to voice concern. Some warned that the alleged changes appear to transfer powers from the legislature and judiciary to the executive, threatening the constitutional principle of checks and balances.
Civil society groups, including SERAP, CISLAC and CHRICED, have also demanded suspension of the laws and called for an independent investigation, warning that any unlawful alteration would amount to legislative forgery and a violation of the Constitution.
Legal experts argue that if the allegations are proven, the National Assembly has the authority to halt implementation, while some have called for the withdrawal of presidential assent pending clarification.
Northern youth groups have rejected the laws outright, describing the situation as a “constitutional crisis,” while opposition party ADC alleged that key accountability provisions were deleted and replaced with clauses granting excessive powers to tax authorities.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has constituted a seven-member ad-hoc committee to probe the allegations. The panel is expected to submit its report within one week, though uncertainty remains as lawmakers prepare for the Christmas recess.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Attorney-General of the Federation nor the Senate had issued an official response, further fuelling public pressure for transparency and urgent resolution.
Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ini Edo has apologised to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) after her controversial movie title ”A Very Dirty Christmas” generated backlash from the association and the Christian community.
The actress apologised in an emotional Instagram Live session with her fans and followers.
Ini said she and her team are all Christians, adding that the choice of the title was a sheer act of creativity and was never meant to demean Christmas.
“If I had known the title ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ would cause a problem, I would have changed it.
“CAN, I am sorry. I never meant to insult or disgrace Christians. I am a Christian too. We are all Christians on the team. We prayed and reverenced God”.
“I can’t believe the movie title is hurting people this much. This is me saying, I am sorry,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that the title of the family drama, released in cinemas on December 16, has attracted public backlash and a complaint from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
CAN, in a press statement, said the title is “offensive and a mockery” of the Christian faith, adding that it associates a sacred season with the term “dirty” and diminishes its spiritual meaning.
The Christian body therefore, called on the producers and promoters of the film to reconsider the title and issue a public apology.
CAN also expressed concerns that the film passed through the official scrutiny and approval of the NFVCB, the regulatory body of the nation’s motion picture industry, for public exhibition.
However, Dr Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director/ CEO of NFVCB, confirmed that the board actually received, approved and classified the film based on the fact that it is an act of “fictional and creative expression”.
According to him, NFVCB also recognise and appreciates that public perception and reception are critical elements of effective regulation.
He said the board has reached out to the producers for title modification, adding that NFVCB holds religious sensitivity, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence as core considerations in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities.
The United States has been carrying out intelligence-gathering flights over large parts of Nigeria since late November, according to a Reuters report citing flight tracking data and current and former US officials.
The surveillance missions involve a contractor-operated aircraft that typically departs from Ghana, flies over Nigerian territory, and returns to Accra.
The purpose of the flights has not been officially disclosed.
A former US official told Reuters that the aircraft is one of several intelligence assets relocated to Ghana in November under the administration of President Donald Trump.
Ghana serves as a key hub for the US military’s logistics network in Africa.
It remains unclear how many such aircraft are currently operating from the country.
Flight tracking data identified the operator as Tenax Aerospace, a special mission aircraft provider that works closely with the US military.
According to the former official, the missions include efforts to track a US pilot kidnapped in neighbouring Niger Republic, as well as to gather intelligence on militant groups operating within Nigeria.
A serving US official also confirmed that surveillance flights have been conducted over Nigeria but declined to provide further details, citing diplomatic sensitivity.
Data showed that the Tenax Aerospace aircraft arrived in Ghana on November 24 and has flown over Nigeria almost daily since the start of the operation.
The aircraft used is a Gulfstream V, a long-range business jet commonly modified for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
The development follows heightened tensions after President Trump, on November 1, directed the US Department of Defense to prepare for possible military action against Islamist militant groups in Nigeria.
The directive came a day after Nigeria was redesignated a “country of particular concern” by the US over allegations of widespread persecution of Christians.
Trump accused radical Islamist groups of orchestrating mass killings of Christians and warned that the US could take decisive military action against the perpetrators.
On November 21, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, met with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to discuss the situation.
Following the meeting, Hegseth said the US would work “aggressively” with Nigeria to address alleged persecution by jihadist groups.
The meeting coincided with a US congressional hearing on allegations of religious violence in Nigeria.
Weeks later, US Congressman Riley Moore said Nigeria and the United States were close to reaching a “strategic security framework” aimed at tackling terrorism, following his fact-finding visit to the country.
Details of the proposed security framework have not been made public
The United States has announced a partial suspension of visa issuance to Nigerian nationals, effective January 1, 2026, as part of a broader security policy affecting 19 countries.
The announcement was made on Monday by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria in a statement published on its official X (formerly Twitter) account. The measure is being implemented under Presidential Proclamation 10998, titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.”
According to the statement, the suspension will affect B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F, M, and J student and exchange visitor visas, as well as most immigrant visas.
Other countries impacted by the policy include Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
However, the U.S. Mission clarified that several categories are exempt from the suspension. These include:
Immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran
Dual nationals applying with passports from non-affected countries
Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applicants who are U.S. government employees
Participants in major international sporting events
Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) of the United States
The proclamation applies only to foreign nationals who are outside the United States on the effective date and do not hold a valid U.S. visa as of January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. EST.
“Foreign nationals who already possess valid visas as of the effective date are not subject to the proclamation,” the U.S. Mission stated, adding that no visas issued before the deadline will be revoked.
While affected applicants may still submit visa applications and attend scheduled interviews, the mission noted that they may ultimately be deemed ineligible for visa issuance or entry under the new rules.
The policy, issued on December 16, 2025, is described as a security-focused measure aimed at restricting entry from countries assessed as posing higher risks, without cancelling existing visas.
Meanwhile, reactions from Nigerians on social media have reflected frustration and concern over potential financial losses from visa application fees, as well as uncertainty surrounding travel, education, and migration plans.
In what many political observers are already describing as one of the most consequential realignments in Northern Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Katsina State has suffered a sweeping collapse of its structures, with members defecting en masse to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The defection, which reportedly spans from polling unit levels through wards, local government areas, and up to the state structure, marks a dramatic turning point for opposition politics in Katsina and underscores a broader national shift ahead of the 2027 general elections.
DDM NEWS reports that the development was first publicly disclosed by Austin Okai, a prominent PDP chieftain, who took to his Facebook page on Monday to announce what he described as a total collapse of the party’s operational framework in the state. According to Okai, the defection was not limited to isolated individuals or disgruntled politicians, but involved a wholesale movement of party structures into the ADC coalition.
“Katsina PDP collapsed structures from polling units, ward, LGA and State to ADC Coalition,” Okai wrote, a statement that has since reverberated across political circles and ignited intense debate about the future of party politics in the state and beyond.
A Political Earthquake in Buhari’s Home State
Katsina State, the home state of former President Muhammadu Buhari, has long been regarded as a strategic political stronghold, especially within the northern political bloc. For years, the state has been dominated by the All Progressives Congress (APC), while the PDP struggled to gain traction, often hampered by internal divisions, weak grassroots coordination, and the lingering influence of incumbency politics.
However, the reported collapse of PDP structures into ADC represents more than just another episode of political defection. Analysts say it reflects a deeper crisis within the PDP and a growing appetite among politicians and voters alike for alternative platforms that promise reform, internal democracy, and a break from what many perceive as recycled political elites.
DDM NEWS gathered that the movement from PDP to ADC in Katsina was neither spontaneous nor accidental. Rather, it followed weeks—if not months—of consultations, quiet negotiations, and strategic calculations by party leaders and grassroots mobilizers who had grown increasingly disillusioned with the PDP’s prospects.
Several defectors reportedly cited persistent internal wrangling, lack of direction from the national leadership, and the party’s inability to effectively challenge the APC as key reasons for abandoning the PDP. Others pointed to what they described as a widening disconnect between party elites and grassroots supporters, a problem they say has plagued the PDP in Katsina for years.
ADC’s Rising Profile and Strategic Calculations
The African Democratic Congress, once considered a fringe political party, has in recent months emerged as a central player in Nigeria’s shifting opposition landscape. DDM NEWS reports that the party has benefited from a wave of defections cutting across political divides, with politicians from both the PDP and the APC finding common ground under the ADC banner.
This momentum appears to be driven in part by the ADC’s positioning as a coalition-friendly platform, offering space for diverse political interests to converge ahead of 2027. Unlike the traditional behemoths of Nigerian politics, the ADC has marketed itself as a reform-oriented party, emphasizing internal democracy, youth inclusion, and ideological clarity.
In Katsina, sources familiar with the defection process told DDM NEWS that ADC’s appeal lay in its willingness to accommodate existing political structures rather than dismantle them. By allowing defectors to migrate with their grassroots networks intact, the party has been able to rapidly expand its footprint without the prolonged internal conflicts that often accompany mergers or alliances.
One political analyst based in the North-West told DDM NEWS that the collapse of PDP structures into ADC could significantly alter the balance of power in Katsina. “What we are seeing is not just a change of party label,” he said. “It is the migration of political capital—people, structures, and legitimacy—from one platform to another. That is far more consequential than individual defections.”
A National Trend Gains Momentum
The Katsina development does not exist in isolation. Across the country, political realignments are accelerating as parties reposition themselves for the 2027 elections. DDM NEWS reports that the ADC has become a major beneficiary of this trend, attracting defectors from both major parties and positioning itself as a rallying point for opposition forces seeking a fresh start.
In a related development that underscores the scale of the movement, about 100,000 supporters of the APC in Lega Local Government Area of Kebbi State recently defected to the ADC. The mass defection, which took place amid growing dissatisfaction with the APC’s governance record, sent shockwaves through Kebbi’s political establishment and further cemented ADC’s reputation as a rising force.
Political observers note that the convergence of defectors from PDP strongholds like Katsina and APC-dominated areas like Kebbi suggests a broader realignment that transcends traditional party loyalties. Instead, the emerging pattern appears to be driven by shared grievances over governance, economic hardship, and the perceived failure of established parties to deliver tangible dividends of democracy.
The PDP’s Deepening Crisis
For the PDP, the Katsina defection represents another chapter in what many describe as an ongoing existential crisis. Once Nigeria’s dominant ruling party, the PDP has in recent years struggled to maintain cohesion, often losing members to internal disputes and external pressure.
In Katsina, party insiders reportedly warned for months that the PDP’s grassroots structures were weakening, but those warnings went largely unheeded. By the time the defection became public, the damage had already been done.
DDM NEWS understands that efforts by the PDP’s national leadership to stem the tide came too late, with many members feeling that the party had lost its relevance at both the state and national levels. Some defectors reportedly accused the party of failing to articulate a compelling alternative vision for governance, while others lamented what they described as the dominance of entrenched interests unwilling to make room for new ideas or leaders.
A former PDP ward chairman who defected to ADC told DDM NEWS that the decision was painful but necessary. “We stayed as long as we could,” he said. “But politics is about viability. If a party cannot win elections or inspire confidence, people will naturally look elsewhere.”
Implications for 2027 and Beyond
The collapse of PDP structures in Katsina and the parallel surge in ADC membership elsewhere raise important questions about the shape of Nigeria’s political contest in 2027. While it remains too early to predict electoral outcomes, analysts agree that the ADC’s growing influence could complicate calculations for both the APC and the PDP.
In Katsina, where the APC has long enjoyed dominance, the emergence of a revitalized opposition platform could force a recalibration of strategies. If the ADC succeeds in consolidating defectors and building a coherent campaign machinery, it could pose a credible challenge in future elections, particularly if economic conditions and public sentiment continue to deteriorate.
Nationally, the ADC’s ability to attract large-scale defections suggests that Nigerian voters and politicians alike may be increasingly open to alternatives outside the traditional two-party framework. This shift could reshape coalition-building, candidate selection, and campaign dynamics in ways not seen since the formation of the APC in 2013.
Cautious Optimism and Lingering Questions
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the defections, some analysts urge caution. Nigerian political history is replete with examples of mass defections that failed to translate into electoral success. Sustaining momentum, they argue, will require more than symbolic victories; it will demand effective organization, clear messaging, and a credible leadership structure.
For the ADC, the challenge will be to integrate diverse political actors without replicating the very problems—factionalism, elite dominance, and ideological confusion—that have plagued other parties. Whether the party can maintain unity while expanding rapidly remains an open question.
Nonetheless, DDM NEWS reports that the mood among ADC supporters in Katsina is one of cautious optimism. Rallies and meetings held in the wake of the defection have reportedly drawn large crowds, signaling a hunger for political change that transcends party labels.
A Defining Moment in Nigeria’s Political Evolution
As Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 general elections, developments like the Katsina PDP collapse into ADC underscore the fluidity of the country’s political landscape. What once seemed like rigid party loyalties are increasingly giving way to pragmatic calculations shaped by performance, perception, and the promise of reform.
Whether the ADC can convert this moment into lasting political influence remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the defection in Katsina represents a significant inflection point—one that reflects broader currents of discontent, realignment, and renewed political imagination across Nigeria.
For now, all eyes remain on how the major parties respond to this shifting terrain. As DDM NEWS continues to monitor developments nationwide, one thing is certain: the road to 2027 has begun in earnest, and the old certainties of Nigerian politics are being steadily rewritten.
The Federal Government has announced plans to introduce a Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP) in 2026 to replace the current Single Travel Emergency Certificate (STEC).
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja during the decoration ceremony of 46 newly promoted Assistant Comptrollers of Immigration to Comptrollers.
Nandap said the initiative is part of broader reforms aimed at modernising immigration services and enhancing operational efficiency through technology-driven solutions.
“We are looking forward to 2026 as a year of reforms to optimise our services—ranging from visa processing and passport production to contactless solutions,” she said.
According to her, the proposed Single Travel Emergency Passport will be biometric-based and designed to provide a more secure and seamless alternative for Nigerians requiring emergency travel documentation.
She also highlighted other ongoing innovations, including the recently launched ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC), noting that the NIS is focused on ensuring seamless processes across all service platforms.
Addressing the newly promoted officers, the NIS boss charged them to demonstrate heightened vigilance, professionalism and leadership, particularly amid Nigeria’s prevailing security challenges.
Nandap emphasised that promotion within the Service is earned through dedication, integrity and competence, not merely years of service.
She commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what she described as his commitment to institutional reforms and national security, and acknowledged the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for providing strategic oversight and strengthening the operational capacity of the Service.
The Comptroller-General warned that the NIS would not tolerate indiscipline or unprofessional conduct, urging officers to embrace innovation, adapt to emerging challenges and prioritise the interest of the Service.
She also appreciated the support of officers’ families and encouraged personnel who were not promoted to remain steadfast, assuring them that diligence and commitment would be rewarded in due course.
The United States government has announced a temporary incentive programme offering $3,000 to undocumented migrants who voluntarily leave the country before the end of the year.
In a statement released on Monday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said migrants who register through the CBP Home app by December 31 will receive a free flight to their home country and a $3,000 stipend.
Any civil fines or penalties related to failure to depart the United States will also be waived for participants.
According to DHS data, about 1.9 million undocumented migrants have voluntarily left the United States since January 2025, with tens of thousands using the CBP Home self-deportation programme.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the incentive was temporarily increased during the Christmas season.
“During the Christmas season, the US taxpayer is so generously tripling the incentive to leave voluntarily for those in this country illegally offering a $3,000 exit bonus, but just until the end of the year,” Noem said.
She issued a warning to migrants who refuse to participate, stating that those who remain illegally would face arrest, deportation, and permanent bans from returning to the United States.
The initiative, known as Project Homecoming, was launched in May 2025 following a presidential proclamation by Donald Trump.
The programme initially offered a $1,000 incentive alongside free travel but was expanded during the holiday period.
To fund the flights and exit bonuses, the US State Department reallocated $250 million originally designated for refugee resettlement.
DHS described the CBP Home app as a fast and free process that allows migrants to submit their information while the government arranges and covers travel costs.
Officials stressed that migrants who ignore the offer risk enforcement actions, including detention and long-term immigration restrictions.
No fewer than 28 travellers, including men, women and children, were abducted by gunmen on Sunday night in Zak community, Bashar District, located in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
A youth leader in Wase, Sapi’i Sambo, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview, stating that the victims were travelling from Zak village to Sabon Layi community to attend a Maulud religious event.
Another resident of Bashar town, Ibrahim Musa, also confirmed the abduction, noting that the whereabouts of the victims remain unknown as of the time of reporting.
According to Sambo, the attack occurred at about 8:00 pm when gunmen ambushed the travellers’ vehicle at the outskirts of the community. The assailants reportedly abducted all occupants, including children, and abandoned the vehicle at the scene.
He disclosed that two princes and a religious leader who were leading the journey were among those kidnapped.
“The incident happened around 8pm while they were heading to Sabon Layi for the Maulud event. The gunmen stopped the vehicle, took away everyone inside, including the children, and left the vehicle behind,” Sambo said.
He explained that the abandoned vehicle—belonging to the Zak community leader—was discovered on Monday morning by passers-by, prompting investigations that revealed the travellers had been abducted.
Sambo added that efforts by the community to trace the victims had so far proved unsuccessful, but security agencies had been formally notified of the incident.
When contacted, the Spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command, SP Alabo Alfred, confirmed that the police were investigating the report.
Kidnapping, banditry and cattle rustling have remained persistent security challenges in Wase LGA, with residents repeatedly calling on security agencies to intensify operations against criminal elements terrorising the area.
(DDM) – The Nigerian government has disbursed more than ₦150 billion through the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to support 788,000 students across the country.
The announcement was made by government officials, highlighting the initiative as part of ongoing efforts to improve access to higher education in Nigeria.
The disbursements, which are interest-free, are intended to assist students in covering tuition fees, accommodation, and other study-related expenses.
Eligible beneficiaries can apply for loans under the program and benefit from flexible repayment terms following graduation.
The program was designed to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent youths from pursuing higher education, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds.
Officials emphasized that the initiative forms a key component of the federal government’s broader strategy for youth empowerment and human capital development.
By providing these loans, the government aims to nurture the next generation of professionals and leaders, while promoting equitable access to education nationwide.
NELFUND has already facilitated thousands of students in continuing their studies without interruption, with plans to expand the program in coming years to reach even more young Nigerians.
The initiative has been lauded by education experts as a significant step toward addressing the challenges of affordability in higher education.
Beneficiaries have praised the program for easing the financial burden associated with university education.
Many students have highlighted how the loan allows them to focus on academics and skill acquisition without the constant worry of tuition fees or living costs.
The federal government also noted that continuous monitoring and evaluation of NELFUND disbursements will ensure transparency, efficiency, and proper allocation of resources.
This oversight aims to guarantee that the funds reach the intended recipients and are used effectively to improve educational outcomes.
The NELFUND initiative reflects Nigeria’s commitment to investing in its youth and underscores the importance of education as a catalyst for national development.
As the program continues, the government expects to empower more students, ultimately contributing to the country’s socioeconomic growth and global competitiveness in education.
(DDM) – Arsenal Football Club have decided against pursuing a transfer for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo during the upcoming January 2026 winter transfer window.
The decision was confirmed by club sources following internal discussions aimed at balancing squad needs with financial prudence.
The news comes amid growing speculation in football circles, as the 25-year-old Ghanaian forward has been linked with a move to north London since last year.
Arsenal first monitored Semenyo closely during the 2024/2025 season, considering him as a potential addition to bolster their attacking options.
However, the Gunners ultimately opted to strengthen their squad by signing Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace during the previous summer window, temporarily shelving their interest in Semenyo.
Despite the renewed attention on the winger, Arsenal have made it clear that a mid-season acquisition is not part of their immediate plans.
Sources within the club explained that the financial outlay from last summer’s rebuild, investments made across multiple positions, has necessitated caution in further spending.
Any potential winter recruitment would likely hinge on generating revenue through a significant outgoing transfer, which has not yet been secured.
Semenyo, who reportedly holds a release clause of £65 million active only between January 1 and January 10, has expressed a desire to leave Bournemouth at the start of 2026. Other top Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Manchester City, are closely monitoring the situation and evaluating whether to trigger the release clause to secure the forward’s services.
Semenyo’s versatility, physical presence, and attacking capabilities have made him an attractive option for multiple suitors.
Football analysts suggest that while Arsenal are sitting out the January window for Semenyo, the club could revisit the option later in the year if circumstances change.
The Gunners remain focused on managing their squad and finances efficiently, avoiding rushed decisions that could impact their long-term strategy.
With intense competition and limited transfer windows, the coming weeks will be crucial for Semenyo’s future.
Arsenal, however, have signaled that patience and strategic planning will guide their approach, prioritizing fiscal responsibility while monitoring developments across the league.
This stance underscores the club’s commitment to measured recruitment and emphasizes the importance of balancing squad ambition with financial sustainability, even as top talents attract attention across Europe.
(DDM) – The United States has commenced daily surveillance flights over Nigeria, a development that underscores rising security concerns and deepening intelligence cooperation between the two nations.
These operations began in late November 2025, with Gulfstream V intelligence aircraft, operated by a U.S. contractor, conducting monitoring missions across Nigerian airspace, usually taking off from Accra, Ghana.
The flights come after President Donald Trump made controversial remarks threatening U.S. intervention if Nigeria failed to curb violence against religious communities, a claim strongly denied by Nigerian authorities.
The diplomatic exchanges between Washington and Abuja have been ongoing as Nigeria seeks to clarify the nation’s complex security situation.
According to U.S. officials, the surveillance missions are not intended to target specific communities but are designed to enhance intelligence gathering on extremist organizations, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The objective is to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation and provide Nigerian security agencies with actionable insights to curb violent insurgencies in the country’s northeast and other affected regions.
Experts note that the operations are part of a wider U.S. strategy to expand its strategic footprint in West Africa amid escalating regional instability.
Observers have also highlighted the timing of the flights, which coincide with heightened attacks by violent groups in Nigeria, raising concerns about potential escalation in local security measures.
The U.S. missions follow a series of high-profile security incidents across Nigeria, including attacks on civilians, schools, and religious institutions, which have drawn both national and international attention.
Nigerian authorities have emphasized that these flights are conducted with Abuja’s knowledge and that coordination with local security agencies remains a priority.
While some local analysts express caution, fearing sovereignty concerns, government officials maintain that the partnership is essential to bolster intelligence and respond effectively to ongoing threats.
The collaboration represents a continuation of U.S.-Nigeria security relations, previously focused on training, equipment provision, and information sharing to counter terrorism in the region.
The surveillance flights are expected to continue daily, providing both nations with critical data on insurgent movement, safe havens, and operational patterns.
Nigerian security experts believe the intelligence will play a key role in improving response times to attacks and enhancing the overall security architecture in the country.
As the missions progress, observers will be monitoring their impact on Nigeria’s internal security and the diplomatic relationship between Abuja and Washington, particularly in managing the delicate balance between national sovereignty and international cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts.
(DDM) – Senate President Godswill Akpabio has approached the Supreme Court to challenge a ruling by the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal in the ongoing legal dispute surrounding the suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The Court of Appeal had, on 28 November 2025 in Abuja, struck out Mr Akpabio’s appellant brief, citing that it exceeded the prescribed page limit, and proceeded to hear the appeal filed by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
This development follows a complex legal battle that began at the Federal High Court in Abuja earlier this year.
The dispute originates from the suspension of Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan on 6 March 2025 after a disagreement with Mr Akpabio during a Senate proceeding on 20 February over her seating position.
The Senate adopted the report of its Ethics Committee and suspended the senator for six months, citing alleged misconduct and violation of Standing Orders.
Her office was sealed, and her salaries and allowances withheld. The suspension could be lifted earlier only if she tendered a written apology, which she refused.
Following the suspension, Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan challenged the action at the Federal High Court. On 4 July 2025, the court declared her suspension excessive but did not directly order its reversal.
Additionally, the court fined her N5 million for contempt over a “satirical apology” posted on her Facebook page on 27 April and ordered her to issue unreserved apologies in two national dailies and on social media.
The judgment described the act as civil contempt, not criminal.
After the Federal High Court ruling, both parties filed appeals. The Court of Appeal heard the case on 28 November and reserved judgment.
Mr Akpabio contended that the appellate court’s strict enforcement of page limits and rejection of his revised brief denied him a fair hearing as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.
He argued that the complexity of the case and the volume of issues required a longer submission.
Mr Akpabio stated that he formally requested permission to exceed the limit in early November, which the court declined.
On 18 December 2025, Mr Akpabio filed his appeal at the Supreme Court, naming the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Nigerian Senate, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, Neda Imasuem, as respondents.
He seeks to rely on his full brief or to file a complaint brief for proper consideration, asserting that the Appeal Court prioritized speed over fairness and treated parties unequally.
The legal feud highlights the broader tension between the two politicians, with Mr Akpabio asserting that by the time the appeal was heard, Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan had been reinstated to the Senate on 6 September 2025 and had resumed her duties with all privileges.
The Supreme Court’s ruling is expected to clarify procedural compliance and ensure that constitutional rights to fair hearing are upheld in politically sensitive cases.
This ongoing case has drawn national attention, reflecting both the legal intricacies and political undertones of legislative discipline in Nigeria.
As Nigeria inches toward January 1, 2026 — the scheduled commencement date for the most ambitious overhaul of its tax system in decades — a fierce national debate has erupted, pitting reform advocates against political heavyweights, labour-aligned critics, and civil society groups calling for a pause. At the centre of this unfolding controversy is a sobering warning from Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee: failure to implement the new tax laws on schedule will leave Nigeria’s bottom 98 per cent of workers trapped in an unjust and punishing tax regime.
Speaking during a widely watched appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, December 22, Oyedele did not mince words. According to him, delaying the reforms would not protect ordinary Nigerians, as some critics have argued, but would instead perpetuate a deeply flawed system that disproportionately burdens low- and middle-income earners while allowing inefficiencies, loopholes, and inequities to fester.
“The implication of not implementing the new tax laws by January 1, 2026, is that the bottom 98 per cent of workers remain overtaxed,” Oyedele said, a statement that has since reverberated across policy circles and reignited questions about who truly benefits from the status quo.
DDM NEWS reports that Oyedele’s remarks came amid mounting pressure from prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, both of whom have publicly called for the suspension of the tax reforms. Several civil society organisations have echoed these demands, citing concerns over transparency, alleged discrepancies between what lawmakers passed and what was eventually gazetted, and fears that the reforms could worsen the cost-of-living crisis.
Yet, according to Oyedele, the narrative that halting the reforms would protect Nigerians is not only misleading but dangerous.
A Tax System That Punishes the Many to Protect the Few
For decades, Nigeria’s tax structure has been criticised for being regressive, complex, and inefficient. While tax compliance remains low among the wealthy and in the informal economy, salaried workers — particularly those in the lower and middle income brackets — have borne the brunt of deductions through Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) and consumption taxes embedded in everyday goods and services.
Oyedele argued that the current system effectively punishes honesty and formal employment while rewarding opacity and avoidance. Under the existing framework, millions of workers earning modest incomes are taxed at rates that leave them with shrinking disposable income, especially in an economy battered by inflation, currency volatility, and rising living costs.
“If you do not implement the reforms,” Oyedele explained, “you are effectively choosing to maintain a system where people who earn the least continue to pay proportionally more than they should, while inefficiencies and leakages continue unchecked.”
DDM NEWS gathered that one of the central aims of the new tax laws is to recalibrate this imbalance by expanding the tax base rather than squeezing those already compliant. The reforms seek to exempt low-income earners from certain taxes, streamline rates, and eliminate overlapping levies that have long frustrated both individuals and businesses.
Businesses Trapped in a Web of Multiple Taxation
Beyond workers, Oyedele warned that Nigerian businesses — particularly small and medium-sized enterprises — stand to suffer significantly if the reforms are delayed.
According to him, the current tax environment is characterised by multiple taxation across federal, state, and local government levels, often with little coordination or clarity. Businesses face overlapping levies, arbitrary enforcement, and minimum taxes even when they are unprofitable.
“If we don’t implement these laws, businesses will continue to face multiple taxation and will miss out on exemptions that are meant to support growth,” Oyedele said. “Minimum taxes will continue to apply to small businesses, even those making losses. That discourages entrepreneurship and stifles innovation.”
DDM NEWS investigations reveal that many small business owners already operate on razor-thin margins, with some paying more in taxes and levies than they earn in profit. For such enterprises, the promise of a simplified and harmonised tax regime is not an abstract policy goal but a matter of survival.
The Hidden Tax Nigerians Pay Every Day
One of the most insidious aspects of Nigeria’s current tax system, Oyedele noted, is what he described as “hidden VAT” — indirect taxes embedded in the prices of goods and services, often without consumers realising it.
From food items to healthcare services and education-related expenses, Nigerians pay taxes not only directly through deductions but indirectly through inflated prices driven by inefficiencies in the tax system.
“If you don’t implement the reforms, hidden VAT will continue to drive up the cost of essentials like food, healthcare, and education,” Oyedele warned.
DDM NEWS analysis suggests that this hidden burden disproportionately affects the poor, who spend a larger share of their income on basic necessities. In this context, delaying reforms that aim to reduce distortions and improve transparency could exacerbate inequality rather than alleviate it.
Suspension or Surgical Fix? Oyedele’s Middle Ground
Despite his firm stance on implementation, Oyedele did not dismiss concerns raised by critics. Instead, he advocated a more nuanced approach: identify specific problematic provisions, correct them, and proceed with implementation rather than halting the entire reform package.
“So, we need to be clear about what we are asking for,” he said during the interview. “Even if it is established that there have been substantial alterations to what the National Assembly passed, my view will be to identify those provisions and go ahead to implement the law as passed by the NASS, while you address the issues as to how they got in there in the first place.”
This position reflects a pragmatic recognition that no major reform is perfect at birth. According to Oyedele, even the version of the bills passed by the National Assembly contains sections that require further refinement.
“I will say to you that regarding the one passed by NASS, even my committee and I have noted areas where we need to go back through Mr President to request amendments,” he disclosed. “There were issues with referencing and definition.”
DDM NEWS understands that such post-enactment amendments are not unusual in complex legislative reforms, particularly those touching on fiscal policy and revenue administration.
The Gazette Controversy: What Was Passed Versus What Was Published
Fueling the calls for suspension is a growing controversy over alleged discrepancies between the tax bills debated and passed by lawmakers and the versions later gazetted and made available to the public.
A member of the House of Representatives, Abdulsamad Dasuki, recently raised a point of privilege, alleging that the gazetted laws did not reflect what legislators approved on the floor of the House. He argued that this discrepancy constituted a breach of legislative process and undermined the integrity of the reforms.
Addressing this issue, Oyedele urged caution, noting that it is difficult to establish discrepancies without access to the officially harmonised bills certified by the clerk of the National Assembly.
“Before you can say there is a difference between what was gazetted and what was passed, we have what has not been gazetted. We don’t have what was passed,” he said. “The official harmonised bills certified by the clerk — only the lawmakers can say authoritatively what they sent.”
He pointed to a particularly controversial provision — Section 41(8), which appeared to require a 20 per cent deposit — as an example of how confusion may have arisen. According to Oyedele, that provision appeared in a draft gazette but was not included in the final version.
“I know that particular provision is not in the final gazette,” he said. “It was in the draft. Some people decided to write the report of the committee before the committee had met, and it circulated everywhere.”
“What is out there in the media did not come from the committee set up by the House of Representatives,” Oyedele added, calling for patience while the legislature conducts its own investigation.
Tinubu’s Gamble: A Defining Reform Moment
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has already signed the four tax reform bills into law, describing them as the most significant overhaul of Nigeria’s tax system in decades. The laws — the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act — are designed to operate under a single authority, the Nigeria Revenue Service.
According to the Federal Government, the reforms aim to simplify tax compliance, expand the tax base, eliminate overlapping taxes, and modernise revenue collection across federal, state, and local governments.
For Tinubu’s administration, the reforms represent both a bold gamble and a defining legacy project. Success could strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal position, reduce dependence on borrowing, and create a fairer economic environment. Failure, however, could deepen public mistrust and entrench resistance to future reforms.
The Bigger Picture: Reform or Regression
As January 1, 2026 draws closer, Nigeria faces a stark choice. Implement the reforms — imperfect as they may be — and commit to refining them through transparent, inclusive processes. Or delay once again, preserving a system that, according to its own architects, punishes the many while shielding inefficiency and inequality.
For Oyedele, the stakes could not be clearer. Delaying implementation, he insists, is not a neutral act but a decision with real consequences for millions of Nigerians.
At a time when workers are struggling, businesses are under pressure, and public trust in institutions is fragile, the question is no longer whether the tax system needs reform, but whether Nigeria has the political will to follow through.
As DDM NEWS will continue to monitor developments, one thing is certain: the battle over Nigeria’s tax future is not just about laws and timelines. It is about who bears the cost of governance — and who gets relief.
In the grey dawn of a Moscow morning, as commuters prepared for another workday and the sprawling Russian capital stirred to life, a violent explosion shattered the calm of a middle-class residential neighbourhood. Within seconds, twisted metal, shattered glass, and smoke filled a quiet parking area in southern Moscow. When emergency responders arrived, it became clear that the blast was not an accident, nor a random act of violence. It was a targeted assassination.
Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov, one of Russia’s most senior military officers and the long-serving head of the Armed Forces’ Operational Training Department, was dead.
Russian authorities quickly confirmed that the 56-year-old general was killed when an explosive device planted beneath his vehicle detonated as he approached or entered the car early Monday morning. Within hours, Moscow’s powerful Investigative Committee issued a statement that sent shockwaves through Russia’s political and security establishment: among the leading theories being pursued was the involvement of Ukrainian special services.
The killing marks yet another dramatic escalation in what analysts increasingly describe as a covert war being fought far beyond the front lines of eastern Ukraine — a shadow conflict of assassinations, sabotage, and psychological warfare carried into the heart of Russia itself.
A Precision Killing in the Heart of the Capital
According to investigators, the bomb was carefully concealed under the chassis of Sarvarov’s car, suggesting detailed surveillance, technical expertise, and precise timing. This was not a crude attack. It bore the hallmarks of a professional operation designed to eliminate a high-value target while sending a clear message.
State media footage released shortly after the blast showed the charred remains of a vehicle parked among others in a residential lot. The force of the explosion had ripped through the underside of the car, leaving debris scattered across the asphalt. Windows in nearby buildings were damaged, and residents described hearing a deafening bang that echoed across the area.
Within minutes, the scene was sealed off by security forces. Bomb disposal units, forensic teams, and counter-intelligence officers combed the area for evidence. Residents were questioned. Surveillance cameras in the vicinity were seized. Mobile phone signals in the area were reportedly monitored as part of a sweeping investigation.
The Kremlin confirmed that President Vladimir Putin was “immediately informed” of Sarvarov’s death through special security channels, underscoring the gravity of the incident. The assassination of a lieutenant general inside Moscow is not merely a criminal act; it is a national security crisis.
Who Was Fanil Sarvarov?
While not a household name internationally, Fanil Sarvarov occupied a critical position within Russia’s military hierarchy. As head of the Armed Forces Operational Training Department for nine years, he was responsible for shaping how Russian troops prepared for combat, coordinated large-scale exercises, and implemented strategic doctrines.
According to Russia’s state news agency TASS, Sarvarov had previously played a key role in organizing and conducting military operations in Syria, where Russian forces intervened to support President Bashar al-Assad’s government. That experience placed him among a cadre of senior officers deeply involved in Russia’s modern expeditionary warfare — the same group that later formed the backbone of military planning during the invasion of Ukraine.
Though he did not command troops at the front, Sarvarov’s role was foundational. He helped design the systems, training regimens, and operational concepts that shaped Russia’s armed forces during one of the most consequential periods in their recent history.
For Ukraine, analysts say, such figures are not peripheral. They are seen as enablers of Russia’s war machine.
Moscow Points the Finger at Kyiv
In its official statement, Russia’s Investigative Committee said it was exploring “various motives” for the killing, but notably added that one of the key theories was that the crime had been “organized by Ukrainian special services.”
While no evidence was immediately presented publicly, the allegation fits a growing pattern in Moscow’s narrative. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, a string of assassinations, bombings, and targeted killings inside Russia have been blamed on Ukrainian intelligence agencies.
From Moscow’s perspective, these attacks represent a deliberate strategy by Kyiv to weaken Russia’s leadership, sow fear among elites, and demonstrate that no one is beyond reach — not even in the capital.
Ukrainian officials have often responded to such accusations with silence, ambiguity, or carefully worded denials. In some cases, however, Kyiv has openly acknowledged responsibility.
That ambiguity has become part of the psychological dimension of the conflict.
A Pattern of Targeted Killings
Sarvarov’s death is not an isolated incident. Over the past three years, Moscow and other Russian cities have witnessed a series of high-profile killings targeting military officers, nationalist figures, and outspoken supporters of the war in Ukraine.
In April, Lieutenant General Yaroslav Moskalik, deputy head of the General Staff’s main operational department, was killed in a car bomb attack near Moscow. His death, like Sarvarov’s, stunned the military establishment and raised questions about the effectiveness of Russia’s internal security apparatus.
A year earlier, General Igor Kirillov, who headed Russia’s nuclear and chemical weapons protection forces, was killed when an explosive device planted on a scooter detonated near a residential building. In that case, Ukrainian officials swiftly claimed responsibility, marking one of the rare moments of overt acknowledgment.
Beyond the military, other prominent figures have also been targeted. Armen Sarkisyan, the founder of a pro-Russian militia group described by Ukraine as a “criminal mastermind,” died after a bombing in central Moscow earlier this year.
Political and ideological figures have not been spared either. In 2022, Darya Dugina, daughter of nationalist ideologue Alexander Dugin, was killed when her car exploded outside Moscow. While Russian authorities blamed Ukrainian operatives, Kyiv denied direct involvement, though some Ukrainian figures praised the killing as a blow against Kremlin propaganda.
In April 2023, pro-war blogger Vladlen Tatarsky was killed in a café bombing in St. Petersburg, an attack that highlighted how the conflict has seeped into Russia’s cultural and information spheres.
Taken together, these incidents paint a picture of a sustained campaign that has gradually shifted from the battlefield to the streets of Russia’s major cities.
The Shadow War Intensifies
Security analysts describe the current phase of the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a hybrid war, combining conventional military operations with cyberattacks, economic pressure, disinformation, and targeted assassinations.
For Ukraine, faced with a larger and better-resourced adversary, asymmetric tactics have become an essential part of its strategy. Targeted killings, if indeed conducted by Ukrainian services, serve multiple purposes: disrupting command structures, deterring senior officials, and demonstrating operational reach.
For Russia, these attacks strike at the heart of state authority. Moscow has long prided itself on tight internal security, particularly in the capital. Each successful assassination raises uncomfortable questions about intelligence failures, insider leaks, or systemic vulnerabilities.
The fact that Sarvarov’s car could be rigged with an explosive device in a residential area suggests prolonged surveillance and access — conditions that should, in theory, be difficult to achieve in Moscow.
Public Shock and Elite Anxiety
While Russian state media have reported Sarvarov’s death in restrained tones, the impact among military and political elites is profound. Behind closed doors, analysts say, anxiety is growing.
Senior officials are reportedly tightening personal security, altering routines, and limiting public appearances. The once-routine act of driving to work has become fraught with risk for those involved in the war effort.
For ordinary Russians, the assassination reinforces a sense that the war is no longer distant. It is no longer confined to television screens or far-off regions. It has arrived at home, uninvited and unpredictable.
Residents near the blast site told local media they were frightened by the realization that such violence could erupt in their neighbourhood without warning. Some expressed anger that the conflict was spilling into civilian spaces; others blamed Ukraine outright.
Kyiv’s Calculated Silence
As of the time of filing this report, Ukrainian officials had not formally commented on Sarvarov’s killing. This silence is consistent with Kyiv’s approach to many such incidents.
By neither confirming nor denying involvement, Ukraine maintains plausible deniability while allowing the psychological impact of the attack to resonate. The uncertainty itself becomes a weapon, forcing Russian authorities to expend resources on security and investigations while breeding mistrust within elite circles.
When Ukraine has claimed responsibility in the past, it has often framed such actions as legitimate acts of war against those directing or enabling aggression. That framing resonates with many Ukrainians, particularly after years of missile strikes, civilian casualties, and infrastructure destruction.
Implications for the War
The assassination of Fanil Sarvarov comes at a critical moment in the broader conflict. The war in Ukraine has settled into a grinding, attritional phase, with neither side achieving decisive breakthroughs. In such conditions, symbolic victories and psychological operations gain heightened importance.
For Ukraine, demonstrating the ability to strike senior Russian figures inside Moscow may bolster domestic morale and signal resolve to international partners.
For Russia, the killing underscores the challenge of maintaining internal stability while prosecuting a prolonged external war. It may prompt harsher security measures, expanded surveillance, and increased repression — steps that could further strain relations between the state and society.
There is also the risk of escalation. Each assassination raises the stakes, increasing the possibility of retaliatory actions, whether overt or covert. The shadow war, once ignited, is difficult to contain.
An Unanswered Question
Who exactly planned and executed the killing of Fanil Sarvarov? Was it a meticulously planned operation by Ukrainian intelligence, a rogue act by internal actors, or something else entirely?
For now, the truth remains obscured by competing narratives, classified investigations, and geopolitical posturing. What is clear, however, is that the assassination marks another turning point in a conflict that has repeatedly defied expectations.
The war between Russia and Ukraine is no longer defined solely by trenches, drones, and artillery. It is increasingly shaped by covert strikes, targeted killings, and a battle for psychological dominance — a war within a war.
As Moscow mourns yet another fallen general and Kyiv watches closely from across the border, one reality stands out with chilling clarity: in this conflict, no battlefield is fixed, and no city is truly safe.
Fernando Dias da Costa, the candidate who claimed victory in Guinea-Bissau’s November 23rd presidential election, has accused the Gen. Horta Inta-A-led military junta of preparing the ground for the return to power of President Umaro Sissoco Embalo.
Embalo is believed to have masterminded the 26th November coup, a day before the National Electoral Commission, CNE, was to announce the election results, in an attempt to prevent an electoral defeat.
In his latest statement at the weekend, Dias, who has taken refuge in the Nigerian embassy in Bissau, said the “…mission of Gen. Horta Inta-A and his acolytes is to deliberately, and premeditatedly prepare for the return of dictator Umaro Sissoco Embalo to power through artificially manipulated and controlled electoral processes that lack any democratic credibility.
Embalo has left Guinea-Bissau, and to consolidate power, Gen. Inta-A has assumed the position of Transitional President and announced a 28-member cabinet and a 12-month transition programme.
The regional bloc, ECOWAS, has suspended Guinea-Bissau’s membership, threatened more sanctions and ordered a “short transition programme led by an inclusive government,” rejecting the one-year transition announced by the military.
The junta is made up mainly of Embalo’s loyalists, including the Prime Minster Ilídio Vieira Té, his Campaign Director during the 23rd November elections.
Dias said in his statement that the “…absurd, illegitimate and unacceptable revision of the constitution and electoral laws have been conceived (by the junta), not to strengthen the rule of law, but to institutionalize the coup, normalize the usurpation of power and perpetuate the capture of the state against the sovereign will of the people.”
The statement demanded the “immediate and unconditional release of citizens who have been illegally and abusively detained,” adding that Dias’ Campaign Directorate “…clearly distinguishes between the true officers and soldiers of the armed forces, who remain loyal to the Republic and distanced themselves from (the coup).
Dias claimed that the reported “destruction of computer equipment…,” the arrest of electoral magistrates and opposition leaders, and the “maintenance of Embalo’s official photograph in government offices constitute irrefutable evidence of the fraudulent nature of the alleged coup.”
“These facts clearly demonstrate that Gen. Horta Inta-A and other officers acted exclusively at the behest of Embalo to prevent the disclosure of the election results,” the statement said, and rejected the assertion by Gen. Inta-A, claiming that a civil society activist Fode Caramba Sanha, had told him that “if the election results were released (Guinea-Bissau) would plunge into civil war.”
IT and election experts believe that the election results are available, even though CNE officials said after they were released from military detention that they could not proceed with the electoral process because the Commission’s secretariat was invaded by uniformed men who removed and destroyed vital documents and equipment on the day of the coup.
The statement by Dias further demanded “clarification” from the junta on “the origin of the five million euros seized in Portugal on a private jet from Guinea-Bissau, involving Embalo’s wife and people close to him.”
Guinea-Bissau is described as a “narco-state” because of its endemic hard drugs problem.
Dias, in his statement, accused “…the Embalo government of having …” systematically participated in, promoted and protected the expansion of organized crime, particularly drug and arms trafficking, and money laundering.”
“Since coming to power, the Embalo regime has turned Guinea-Bissau into a veritable paradise for drug traffickers,” the statement said. “All (those) convicted in major drug seizure cases have been acquitted, released and/or had their legally confiscated assets returned to them.”
Dias thanked the European Parliament for its Resolution “condemning the self-coup and demanding the immediate disclosure of the election results.”
He alerted the international community “to the unpredictable consequences of its inaction in the face of the seizure of power in Guinea-Bissau.”
ECOWAS has been criticized by analysts for trying to “reward Embalo, who planned and executed a fake military coup” against himself, warning that allowing the self-coup to stand could set a dangerous precedent in a coup-prone region dogged by insecurity and political instability. Five of the 15 ECOWAS member States – Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea and Guinea-Bissau – are now ruled by soldiers after military coups.
Guinea plans a transition election at the end of this month.
The juntas in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have pulled their countries out of ECOWAS to form the Alliance of Sahel States, AES, while Nigeria, the regional power house, helped to foil a recent coup attempt in neighbouring Benin.
The regional leaders are divided on the best approach towards the Guinea-Bissau situation, hence the timid call for a short transition programme instead of a more drastic and effective option, such as exerting consequential pressure on the junta to release the election results.
The leaders of Senegal, the Gambia and Sierra Leone, the current ECOWAS Authority chairman, are said to be close friends/sympathetic to Embalo.
While ECOWAS is still planning dialogue missions to Guinea-Bissau, a Senegalese ministerial delegation is reported to have visited the Bissau junta leaders for talks at the weekend.
Analysts warn that the mismanagement of the Guinea-Bissau crisis could be very costly to the legitimacy and credibility of ECOWAS as a regional organization, once applauded for its achievements in the domain of peace and security, including ending the civil wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Paul Ejime is a Media/Communications Specialist and Global Affairs Analyst.
Federal Capital Territory authorities have intensified security operations across Abuja with coordinated raids on major motor parks and informal settlements as part of efforts to ensure a peaceful and crime-free Yuletide season for residents and visitors.
The operation, carried out by the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s joint task force known as Operation Sweep, targeted locations identified by security agencies as potential hideouts for criminal elements exploiting the festive rush.
DDM notes that the raids were conducted simultaneously across strategic areas of the city, including busy transport hubs, roadside shanties, and makeshift settlements where intelligence reports indicated rising criminal activities ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Officials involved in the exercise explained that the operation was preventive rather than reactive, aimed at flushing out suspected criminals, illegal occupants, and miscreants who often take advantage of increased movement of people and cash during the festive period.
Security operatives reportedly screened occupants, conducted searches, and dismantled illegal structures found to pose security risks or obstruct public spaces.
Authorities said the exercise was part of a broader security strategy to reassure residents and visitors of their safety as Abuja prepares for increased social, religious, and commercial activities during the holidays.
Residents in affected areas described heavy security presence, with personnel from the police, civil defence, and other security outfits cordoning off locations while checks were carried out.
Some commuters at motor parks welcomed the move, saying criminal activities such as theft, drug abuse, and harassment often spike during festive seasons, especially in overcrowded transport hubs.
Others, however, called on the authorities to ensure that the exercise respects human rights and does not unfairly target vulnerable populations living in informal settlements due to economic hardship.
FCTA officials maintained that the operation was intelligence-driven and focused strictly on security threats, adding that law-abiding residents had nothing to fear.
They stressed that Abuja, as the nation’s capital, must maintain a high security standard, especially during periods that traditionally attract large gatherings and interstate travel.
Background checks by security agencies have shown that criminal networks often use motor parks and unregulated shanties to plan robberies, kidnapping, and other illicit activities, making them priority targets for surveillance and enforcement.
The Yuletide period in Nigeria is historically associated with increased road travel, nightlife, religious events, and social gatherings, all of which heighten the need for proactive policing.
In previous years, similar operations have been credited with reducing street crimes and boosting public confidence, although concerns about displacement and welfare of affected individuals have persisted.
The FCTA has assured residents that complementary social interventions are being considered to address the humanitarian aspects of clearing illegal settlements, including engagement with relevant agencies.
DDM reports that the task force will continue the raids and patrols throughout the festive season, with authorities warning that any area identified as a security risk will be swiftly addressed.
Security agencies also urged residents to cooperate with operatives, report suspicious movements, and avoid obstructing law enforcement efforts.
As Abuja enters the holiday season, the FCTA says its priority remains the protection of lives and property, emphasizing that sustained vigilance is necessary to keep the city safe during and beyond the Yuletide celebrations.
The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has publicly commended Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for what he described as responsible, mature, and stabilising leadership, assuring him that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is pleased with his conduct in office.
The reassurance was given during an official engagement where Ribadu spoke on national security, governance, and the importance of political restraint in safeguarding democratic stability, particularly in politically sensitive states like Rivers.
DDM gathered that Ribadu’s remarks come against the backdrop of prolonged political tension in Rivers State, which has drawn national attention and raised concerns about governance, security, and institutional stability in the oil-rich state.
According to the NSA, Governor Fubara’s handling of the situation has demonstrated restraint, respect for democratic processes, and an understanding of the wider implications of political crises on national security.
Ribadu reportedly told the governor that President Tinubu had been closely following developments in Rivers State and was satisfied with Fubara’s calm approach and refusal to allow political disagreements to degenerate into violence or chaos.
He stressed that leadership at sub-national levels plays a critical role in maintaining peace, noting that political instability in any state has ripple effects on the nation’s economy, security architecture, and democratic credibility.
The NSA emphasized that Rivers State, given its strategic importance to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, cannot afford prolonged instability, adding that responsible governance is essential to protecting national assets and investor confidence.
Observers note that Ribadu’s comments appear to signal federal approval of Fubara’s conduct amid ongoing political disputes involving key power blocs within the state.
Political analysts say the statement also serves as a subtle message to other political actors in Rivers to prioritise dialogue, constitutional means, and restraint over confrontation.
Governor Fubara, since assuming office, has faced intense political pressure, including divisions within the state legislature and tensions linked to his predecessor’s political structure.
Despite these challenges, the governor has consistently reiterated his commitment to peace, rule of law, and the continued functioning of government institutions.
Sources close to the state government say Fubara views governance as a responsibility to the people rather than a battleground for political supremacy.
Ribadu, in his remarks, further urged political leaders across the country to recognise that security agencies are overstretched by insecurity challenges such as banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping, and should not be burdened with avoidable political conflicts.
He warned that political instability often creates security vacuums that criminal elements exploit, thereby worsening existing security challenges.
The NSA reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting states that demonstrate responsible leadership and a willingness to work within constitutional frameworks.
Residents and civil society groups in Rivers State have welcomed Ribadu’s comments, interpreting them as encouragement for continued calm and governance focused on development rather than political rivalry.
Some stakeholders believe the endorsement could help ease tensions and open pathways for reconciliation among rival political camps within the state.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the development may also strengthen Governor Fubara’s standing nationally, as signals of presidential approval often carry significant political weight.
As Rivers State navigates its political challenges, many residents are hopeful that sustained dialogue, federal backing for stability, and a focus on governance will prevent further escalation and keep the state on a path of peace and development.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced that plans are underway to ensure the completion of at least 70 per cent of ongoing public school renovation projects across the FCT by early 2026, under the supervision of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The disclosure was made by officials of the FCTA while providing an update on the administration’s education infrastructure renewal programme, which targets deteriorating primary and secondary schools in Abuja and its satellite towns.
According to the FCTA, the intervention is part of a broader strategy to address years of neglect, overcrowding, and unsafe learning environments in public schools within the nation’s capital.
DDM gathered that dozens of schools across the six area councils have already undergone varying stages of renovation, including classroom reconstruction, roofing, provision of desks, improved sanitation facilities, and perimeter fencing.
Officials explained that the projects were deliberately spread across rural and urban communities to ensure balanced development and reduce the infrastructure gap between Abuja city schools and those in satellite areas.
They noted that many public schools in the FCT had fallen into severe disrepair, forcing students to learn in overcrowded classrooms, leaking roofs, and unsafe structures before the intervention began.
The FCTA said the target of completing 70 per cent of the projects by early 2026 was realistic, given the pace of work currently observed at multiple construction sites.
Contractors handling the renovations have reportedly been placed under strict timelines, with clear performance benchmarks and monitoring mechanisms put in place to prevent delays and abandonment.
The administration emphasized that the education sector remains a critical pillar of human capital development, especially in a city that hosts children from diverse social and economic backgrounds.
Education officials stressed that improving learning infrastructure is essential to boosting student performance, teacher morale, and overall public confidence in government-owned schools.
They added that the renovation programme aligns with national goals of improving access to quality education and meeting minimum standards for safe and conducive learning environments.
Parents and community leaders in several area councils have welcomed the initiative, describing it as long overdue and necessary to reverse the decline in public education facilities.
Some parents noted that the poor state of many schools had previously forced families to turn to expensive private alternatives, putting pressure on household incomes.
Teachers have also expressed cautious optimism, saying improved classrooms and facilities would enhance teaching effectiveness and student engagement.
Education advocates, however, have urged the FCTA to ensure that renovation efforts are complemented by teacher recruitment, training, and adequate provision of learning materials.
They warned that infrastructure upgrades alone may not fully address systemic challenges such as teacher shortages, large class sizes, and outdated curricula.
The FCTA acknowledged these concerns, stating that discussions are ongoing on broader reforms, including staff welfare, capacity building, and digital learning support.
The administration also assured residents that transparency and accountability would guide project execution, with regular inspections and public updates.
Observers say the successful completion of the renovation projects could significantly reshape public education in the FCT and set a benchmark for other states.
DDM reports that if delivered as promised, the initiative could ease pressure on private schools, improve enrolment in public institutions, and restore confidence in government-run education by early 2026.
For many families in the Federal Capital Territory, the outcome of the programme will be judged not by announcements, but by the visible transformation of classrooms where children learn every day.
