Explosion rocks Sokoto’s Jabo community
A loud explosion suspected to have been caused by an explosive device has been reported at Jabo village in the Tambuwal Local Government Area (LGA) of Sokoto State. Sources said the unidentified object allegedly landed in the community and detonated with a loud bang. Trump further said the United States would not allow radical Islamic terrorism to thrive under his leadership, ending the post with a Christmas message. “The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end. U.S. Africa Command also confirmed the operation, stating in an X post that multiple ISIS terrorists were killed in Sokoto State.
Source:The Guardian
December 26, 2025 14:23 UTC
PMAN national executive suspends Pretty Okafor, appoints acting president
The National Executive Council of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria has announced the appointment of Mr Sydney Sparrow as the association’s Acting National President following the suspension of its substantive President, Mr Pretty Okafor. The development was disclosed in a statement issued by PMAN’s National Treasurer, Mr Baba Ojonugwa, and made available to journalists in Owerri on Friday. He added that the NEC also took several far-reaching resolutions aimed at restoring order and transparency within the association. According to him, the council resolved to void all unilateral appointments, reinstate the National Treasurer, commence a forensic audit of PMAN accounts and joint venture agreements, and appoint an Acting National President in accordance with the association’s constitution. He stated: “In the meantime, Sydney Sparrow, PMAN Governor, FCT, has been nominated as the Acting National President of PMAN National.”Ojonugwa reassured PMAN members across the country that the NEC’s actions were corrective rather than punitive, stressing the council’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of the collective interests of Nigerian musicians.
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 14:13 UTC
Nigeria’s Yakubu sets Guinness record for longest programming lesson
Abel Yakubu, a Nigerian-born cloud engineer with NexEdge Technologies in Germany, has been officially recognised by Guinness World Records for leading the longest computer programming lesson. Yakubu was supported by 30 participants and observed by 20 independent witnesses during the marathon lesson. “I, Abel Yakubu of NexEdge Technologies, with the support of 30 committed participants and 20 independent witnesses, have been approved as the Guinness World Record title holder for the Longest Computer Programming Lesson,” Yakubu said. “I undertook this challenge to inspire young tech enthusiasts to develop strong tech skills, especially as AI adoption continues to rise globally,” he said. Guinness World Records’ confirmation of the feat underscores the importance of strategic planning, perseverance and collective effort, while spotlighting Nigeria’s growing role in global technology education.
Source:The Guardian
December 26, 2025 14:10 UTC
Nigeria signals more strikes likely in ‘joint’ US operations
Nigeria on Friday signalled more strikes against jihadist groups were expected after a Christmas Day bombardment by US forces against militants in the north of the country, which it said was a joint operation with its military. Nigeria’s military said in a statement that its forces, in conjunction with the United States “conducted precision strike operations against identified foreign ISIS-linked elements” in northwest Nigeria. Residents in the far-flung villages of Sokoto state which borders junta-ruled Niger, said they were shocked by the blasts. “We initially thought it was attack by Lakurawa (an armed group linked to ISIS in the Sahel),” he said. Nigeria’s jihadist groups are mostly concentrated in the northeast, but have made inroads into the northwest.
Source:The Guardian
December 26, 2025 14:07 UTC
Nigerian cloud engineer sets Guinness programming record
Nigerian-born cloud engineer, Abel Yakubu of NexEdge Technologies, based in Germany, has been officially confirmed by Guinness World Records as the holder of the Longest Computer Programming Lesson. “I, Abel Yakubu of NexEdge Technologies, with the support of 30 committed participants and 20 independent witnesses, have been approved as the Guinness World Record title holder for the Longest Computer Programming Lesson,” Yakubu announced in the statement. The three-day programming lesson, which was streamed live across major social media platforms, brought together 60 students and more than 25 official witnesses. With over 10 years of experience in cloud engineering, Yakubu focused the lesson on major cloud computing platforms, including Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure. The Guinness World Records confirmation underscores the impact of strategic planning, collective effort and perseverance, while highlighting Nigeria’s growing potential in global technology education.
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 14:06 UTC
Serie A: Atalanta look to keep momentum against league leaders Inter
Atalanta are on the comeback trail ahead of Sunday night’s visit of Serie A leaders Inter Milan, with coach Raffaele Palladino leading the charge for the revitalised Bergamo club. Since Palladino replaced Ivan Juric last month Atalanta have rediscovered their groove, as witnessed by the way they dealt with Eintracht Frankfurt and Chelsea in the Champions League. Atalanta sit fifth in the Champions League, level on points with mega-bucks Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, and now they’re heading back up the Serie A table. 3 – Atalanta have already won one more league match under Palladino than the two won with Ivan Juric. Fixtures (times GMT)SaturdayParma v Fiorentina (1130), Lecce v Como, Torino v Cagliari (1400), Udinese v Lazio (1700), Pisa v Juventus (1945)SundayAC Milan v Verona (1130), Cremonese v Napoli (1400), Bologna v Sassuolo (1700), Atalanta v Inter (1945)MondayRoma v Genoa (1945)
Source:The Guardian
December 26, 2025 14:05 UTC
Tinubu mourns two Kano lawmakers who died hours apart
President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of two members of the Kano State House of Assembly. “I offer my condolences to their families and constituents as well as the government and people of Kano State. Tinubu prayed for the repose of the souls of the late lawmakers and asked God to grant comfort to their families. “The President prayed for the repose of the souls of the late lawmakers and divine comfort to their families,” the statement said. The Kano State House of Assembly was thrown into grief following the incident, with tributes pouring in for the late lawmakers, who were described as active representatives of their constituencies.
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 14:03 UTC
Opay debunks viral cash giveaway claim, warns users of scammers
Opay has debunked a viral message circulating on social media claiming that the financial service provider is giving out money to users during the festive season. Opay stressed that it is not running any cash giveaway or money distribution programme during the festive period. The company advised users not to transfer money to strangers under any circumstances and warned against sharing sensitive personal information such as Bank Verification Numbers (BVN). The statement read, “Opay is not giving money to anyone during this festive season. Beware of scammers, do not transfer money to strangers, never share your BVN to anyone.”
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 13:43 UTC
PDP slams FG over US disclosure of terror strikes before Nigeria
The Peoples Democratic Party has criticised the Federal Government for allowing the United States to disclose details of terror strikes carried out on Nigerian soil before Nigerian authorities addressed the nation, describing the development as a disturbing failure of security communication and national leadership. In a statement issued on Friday, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, observed that the Federal Government’s delayed reaction forced Nigerians to depend on foreign sources for updates on critical security operations taking place within their own territory. PDP said the FG ought to have led in announcing the development to properly inform Nigerians, rather than belatedly confirming reports already in the public domain. “While international cooperation in the fight against high crimes like terrorism is very much appreciated, the Peoples Democratic Party is deeply concerned about a communication structure where foreign powers break the news of security operations in our country before our government does. “We urge the Federal Government to ensure that the defence agreement with the United States of America includes joint operations, which will ultimately result in knowledge sharing and experiential learning to help Nigeria sustainably combat insecurity, rather than full externally-led ‘precision attacks’.”
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 13:43 UTC
Offa LG confirms suspected ‘ordnance incident’, assures residents of safety
The Offa Local Government Council has confirmed reports of a suspected ordnance-related incident that took place at the Offa Yidi Praying Ground on December 25, 2025. Related NewsHe said the Executive Chairman, Hon. ”The Offa Local Government has taken note of reports circulating regarding a suspected ordnance-related incident that occurred in the precinct of Offa Yidi Praying Ground on December 25, 2025. The Executive Chairman, Hon. ”The Executive Chairman urges all residents of Offa to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding.
Source:The Guardian
December 26, 2025 13:41 UTC
Lagos police recover illegal fireman during stop-and-search in Ishashi
The Lagos State Police Command has said the recovery of a locally made firearm in the Ishashi area underscores its continued reliance on stop-and-search operations as part of broader efforts to prevent crime across the state. The police said the recovery was made in the course of a routine stop-and-search operation carried out within the division’s jurisdiction, adding that the operation was led by the Divisional Police Officer. In Edo State, Hundeyin said four suspects were arrested for unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and alleged violent attacks on a community. He added that in Lagos and Ogun states, two suspects linked to a car-snatching syndicate were also apprehended. The police said investigations into the various cases were ongoing, while efforts were being intensified to dismantle criminal networks operating across the country.
Source:The Guardian
December 26, 2025 13:03 UTC
Yuletide: Catholic priest calls for love, sees Nigeria’s future as pregnant
Fr Emmanuel Obimma, has preached love among Nigerians, which he said is the essence of God’s decision for Christ’s birth. Fr Obimma, who is popularly called Fr Ebube Muonso, also encouraged the art and act of charity to the less privileged members of society. Therefore, they must do everything possible to show love and put smiles on the faces of the citizens. “Nigeria is pregnant. Ebube Muonso said.
Source:The Guardian
December 26, 2025 12:35 UTC
$1.26b deal signals rising investor confidence in Nigeria’s infrastructure – Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has said the successful closure of a $1.26 billion financing deal for Phase 1, Section 2 of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway reflects growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector and the country’s reform-driven investment climate. Closing this transaction ensures that work on the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway will continue without interruption. The deal follows the earlier $747 million financing secured for Phase 1, Section 1, underscoring the project’s scalability and bankability. The structure signals renewed international confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to deliver large-scale infrastructure. Describing the transaction as “a defining moment in Nigeria’s infrastructure journey,” the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, said the funds would be deployed responsibly to ensure timely delivery.
Source:The Guardian
December 26, 2025 12:29 UTC
Shehu Sani backs US airstrikes on terrorists in Nigeria
Former Senator, who represented Kaduna Central at the defunct 8th National Assembly, Shehu SaniFormer Senator, who represented Kaduna Central at the defunct 8th National Assembly, Shehu SaniFormer Kaduna Central senator Shehu Sani has welcomed recent airstrikes against terrorist targets in Northwest Nigeria, describing them as a “conscionable action”, while cautioning against excessive reliance on foreign military intervention. He described terrorist groups operating in Nigeria as “cancerous cells” and emphasised that their attacks do not target a single religious group. While acknowledging the contribution of US forces, Sani stressed that lasting security must ultimately come from within Nigeria. Director ofDefence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, said the precision strikes targeted foreign ISIS-linked elements while minimising collateral damage. The airstrikes come amid continued security incidents across Nigeria, including a deadly bombing at a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Source:The Guardian
December 26, 2025 12:21 UTC
Sheikh Gumi criticises US airstrikes in Nigeria, calls for alternative partners
Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has criticised the United States’ recent airstrikes on terrorist camps in north-western Nigeria. This comes after US President Donald Trump’s announcement that US forces carried out “numerous deadly strikes” in north-western Nigeria. Gumi urged the Federal Government to halt military cooperation with the US and instead seek assistance from “neutral countries” such as China, Turkey, and Pakistan. If Nigeria wants military assistance, China, Turkey, and Pakistan can do the job effectively. “The US involvement in Nigeria will attract the real anti-US forces, making our land the theater of war.
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 12:07 UTC