APC NWC, Governors Hold Closed-Door Meeting Ahead of Congresses
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and governors elected on the party’s platform held a crucial closed-door meeting on Wednesday ahead of the commencement of the party’s congresses and national convention. The meeting took place at the Imo State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja. Details of the deliberations were not disclosed, but the engagement is believed to be part of efforts to align positions and manage internal party affairs ahead of key political activities.
Senate to Hold Executive Briefing on U.S. Airstrikes in Sokoto
The Senate on Wednesday resolved to hold an executive, closed-door briefing on the United States airstrikes carried out on December 25 against terrorist targets in Sokoto State. The decision followed concerns raised by Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) over Nigeria’s sovereignty and the alleged exclusion of the National Assembly from prior briefings on the operation. The Senate said the session would provide lawmakers with detailed information on the circumstances surrounding the airstrikes.
Akpabio Dismisses Claims of Altered Tax Laws After Passage
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed allegations that the newly implemented tax laws were altered after their passage by the National Assembly. Speaking during plenary on Wednesday, Akpabio maintained that the versions gazetted and signed into law accurately reflect the decisions taken by lawmakers in both chambers. He described claims to the contrary, including those raised by a member of the House of Representatives, as unfounded, insisting that only documents certified by the National Assembly and the Clerk should be regarded as authentic.
Army Major Killed in ISWAP Attack on Patrol in Borno
A major in the Nigerian Army has been killed following an attack by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on a military patrol in Damasak, headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State. Sources said the officer, who commanded the Damasak military base, was leading a foot patrol of about 30 soldiers early Friday when the team came under explosives and gunfire from the insurgents.
Police Arrest Two Suspected Armed Robbers, Recover Vehicles in Ibadan
The Oyo State Police Command on Wednesday arrested two suspected armed robbers and recovered several stolen vehicles during an intelligence-led operation in Ibadan. The suspects, identified as David Okhaie and Balogun Afolabi, were apprehended by operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit following credible intelligence that triggered a manhunt across the metropolis.
Tension in Onitsha as Traders Protest Continued Market Closure
Tension gripped Onitsha, the commercial hub of Anambra State, on Wednesday as traders protested the continued closure of the Onitsha Main Market and adjoining markets. The protests followed the enforcement of a directive by Governor Chukwuma Soludo. A heavy security presence, comprising soldiers and police officers, was deployed to all entry and exit points of the market to maintain order.
FCTA Workers’ Union Officials Move to Appeal Court Over NIC Ruling
Two officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration Workers’ Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) have approached the Court of Appeal in Abuja, seeking leave to challenge an interlocutory ruling of the National Industrial Court delivered on Tuesday. The applicants, JUAC President Rifkatu Iortyer and Secretary-General Abdullahi Saleh, filed a Notice of Motion before the Abuja Judicial Division of the appellate court on Wednesday.
FG Plans Deployment of Military Veterans to Secure Ungoverned Spaces
The Federal Government has unveiled plans to deploy military veterans to help secure Nigeria’s ungoverned spaces as part of efforts to strengthen national security and boost economic activities in conflict-affected areas. The plan followed the inauguration of an 18-member committee by the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, tasked with reclaiming ungoverned spaces for economic viability.
Police Intercept Vehicle Conveying 954 Explosives in Zamfara
The Zamfara State Police Command has intercepted a vehicle conveying 954 explosive materials suspected to be intended for use by bandits in the state. The command’s spokesperson, Yazid Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, adding that the driver, identified as Mustapha Mohammad, had been arrested in connection with the seizure.
Delta Police Dismantle Suspected Cult Killing Network in Ughelli
Operatives of the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team in Delta State have dismantled a suspected cult killing network linked to recent violent clashes in Ughelli town. Eleven suspects were arrested during the operation, while weapons and other incriminating items were recovered. Police said the action followed renewed cult-related violence in Ughelli and other parts of the state.
Peter Obi Urges Tinubu to Focus on Governance, Not Foreign Trips
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to concentrate on addressing Nigeria’s challenges rather than embarking on frequent foreign trips. In a statement on Wednesday via his X account, Obi recalled Tinubu’s campaign promise on stable electricity, lamenting the continued collapse of the national grid. He urged the President to prioritise governance over political considerations ahead of the 2027 elections.
Wike’s Aide Says Fubara Weak if Minister Controls Rivers Assembly
A Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Lere Olayinka, has criticised Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, saying it would signal weakness if Minister Nyesom Wike controls the state’s political structure, including the House of Assembly. Olayinka made the remarks on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Wednesday, dismissing claims of Wike’s dominance as unflattering to the governor.
Presidency Slams Atiku Over Dictatorship Claims
The Presidency has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of displaying senile dementia following his claim that Nigeria is sliding into dictatorship under President Bola Tinubu. The Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, dismissed the allegation on Wednesday, describing Atiku as unable to distinguish between democratic governance and military rule and urging him to stop delegitimising democracy after electoral losses.
NNPC Raises Petrol Price to ₦835 in Lagos, ₦839 in Abuja
The pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) has increased to ₦835 per litre in Lagos and ₦839 per litre in Abuja following a fresh adjustment by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited. The increase was observed on Wednesday across several NNPC retail outlets and comes days after the Dangote Petroleum Refinery raised its gantry price, citing a return to normal market conditions.
Makoko Residents Protest Demolitions, Forced Evictions in Lagos
Residents and community leaders from Makoko and other waterfront communities in Lagos on Wednesday staged a protest at the Ikeja Under-Bridge, condemning ongoing demolitions and alleged forced evictions. The protesters accused the Lagos State Government of carrying out demolitions without adequate notice, compensation or resettlement, temporarily disrupting movement along the busy axis.
Jide Kosoko Emerges Oloja of Lagos Elect
Veteran Nollywood actor Jide Kosoko has been selected as the Oloja of Lagos elect by the King Kosoko Royal Family. The announcement was made on Monday at the King Kosoko Palace in Ereko, Lagos Island, during a formal unveiling attended by family members, who said the selection followed established customs and laws.
Angela Okorie Arrested Over Alleged Cybercrime Case
Nollywood actress Angela Okorie has reportedly been arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Cybercrime Centre over an alleged cybercrime case involving fellow actress Mercy Johnson. Reports indicate that Okorie was picked up at her Lagos residence and later transferred to Abuja, where she is expected to appear in court.
FIFA Reports Record Global Transfer Spending in 2025
FIFA has announced that 2025 was a record-breaking year for the global football transfer market, with clubs spending a combined $13.08 billion on international deals. According to FIFA’s global transfer report released on January 28, a total of 24,558 international transfers took place, with English clubs emerging as the biggest spenders and Liverpool’s $172 million signing of Isak standing out as the most expensive move.
Raheem Sterling Leaves Chelsea After Contract Termination
Chelsea and England forward Raheem Sterling has left the club after both parties agreed to terminate his contract 18 months early. The club confirmed the decision in a statement, thanking Sterling for his contributions. The 31-year-old departs after making 81 appearances and scoring 19 goals since joining Chelsea from Manchester City in 2022.