
News
N’Assembly leaders fret, rally security chiefs for protection
The National Assembly has expressed fears over the worsening insecurity in the country, particularly the recent attacks on the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, by terrorists.
Following the worsening insecurity, the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, on Wednesday, summoned the security chiefs to a marathon meeting where he described the situation as the “most frightening.”
Also at the meeting, the senators advised the security chiefs on how better to protect the FCT and the country in general.
The various House of Representatives Committees on Security had similarly met with the security chiefs last Friday over the developments in the country.
Also, the House said the terrorists were daring to have attacked the seat of power, warning the security agencies to go after the militants.

In the last few weeks, the FCT had faced grave security threats with terrorists launching separate attacks on troops and the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre.
Last Thursday, suspected terrorists launched a vicious attack on soldiers at a checkpoint at Zuma rock, a few kilometres from the nation’s capital.
Also on July 24, terrorists attacked the Presidential Guards Brigade troops at Bwari-Kubwa road, Abuja, during which a captain, lieutenant and six soldiers were killed and others wounded.
An attack by Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists on the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre, Abuja, resulted in the release of 69 Boko Haram commanders and hundreds of felons on July 5.
A memo from the NSCDC had also suggested that Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists were amassing dangerous weapons for massive attacks on Katsina, Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory, Kaduna, and Zamfara States.
Speaking before the security meeting went into a closed-door session, the Senate President said the upper chambers had hoped the security situation would have been better by now.
Lawan admonished the law enforcement agencies to perform better and protect the rural populace.
He stated, “This session is to look into where we are today and this current position where we are is most frightening. This is like there is nowhere to go. We have to review what more we have to do and what differently we have to do.
‘Insecurity frightening’
“Insecurity is everywhere and especially if it is coming to the point of dislocating the security situation where the government is quartered. We will really review and see what more we have to do and how differently we have to do.’’
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff said that issues of national security must be seen from a collective perspective.
While noting that quite a lot had happened and quite a lot had been done, Irabor assured Nigerians that the military would do more to improve the security setting across the country.
Aside from Irabor, those who attended the meeting include the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.- Gen. Faruk Yahaya; Chief of Naval Staff; Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo, and Chief Air Staff; Air Marshal Oladayo Amao.
Others are the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Usman Baba; the Director-General of Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi; the Commandant General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr Ahmed Audi and the Director General National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Abubakar. The meeting started at 2pm and ended at 7.30pm.
Although the National Assembly began its annual recess on Wednesday, members of the security committees of both chambers stayed back in Abuja because of the rising insecurity in the country.
In a chat with The PUNCH on Wednesday, the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Benjamin Kalu, decried that the terrorists were not afraid of attacking the FCT despite hosting the Presidential Villa and headquarters of the military and paramilitary agencies.
Kalu said, “On security, a lot needs to be done there. I agree that we have always emphasised that intelligence sharing among the Armed Forces should be better than it is.
“I don’t see a reason why the Federal Capital Territory that houses the headquarters of the Armed Forces would be here and insurgents would be approaching the Federal Capital Territory, the symbol of our national unity.
“There is no reason why this place should not be protected. There is no reason why the insurgents or terrorists should not be afraid of coming to this place. It is a call for them to all wake up and begin to share intelligence and see how they can synergise to work together, and not wait until it is too late.”
He added, “What is happening to the resolution that we passed for (Closed Circuit) Cameras to be mounted all around the streets of Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory? What is happening to the use of technology to survey the perimeters of the FCT? What happened to the new technologies like drones? Why can’t we use drones to monitor the activities around the FCT?
“I think the Office of the NSA also needs to step up in its work as well as the NIA, DSS, DIA and the Armed Forces need to step up their games and begin to see a way of securing this particular place; not only the FCT but the entire country. The Nigerian Armed Forces have the capacity to protect this nation.”
The House’ spokesman, however, dismissed the ongoing move by the opposition members of the National Assembly to impeach the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), over the growing insecurity in the country and failing economy as belated.
Members of the opposition in the Senate and the House had last week issued a six-week ultimatum to Buhari to address the security and economic issues, failing which they would commence impeachment process against him.
Waiving off the impeachment threat, Kalu noted that the regime would have been over by the time the process was concluded, arguing that section 143 of the 1999 prescribes various timeframes of each of the processes.
Kalu noted, “The issue is that if you are talking about impeachment, you cannot talk about it without making reference to Section 143 of the Constitution. The question is, ‘Does Section 143, in view of the procedural timeline, support any move to this effect?’ The answer is no.
“All the seven days, 14 days, seven days, three months and other timeframes; by the time you add them together, in view of the nine months that this administration has left, it will be an exercise in futility.”
IG meets CPs
Earlier before the senate meeting with the security chiefs, the IGP held a conference with state commissioners of police and other senior officers to review the security in the country.
Baba ordered the CPs to begin a special visibility policing operation across their commands.
He explained that the operation should include crime mapping, identification of flash points , raids on criminal enclaves in their areas of jurisdiction among others.
He said, “As part of a major operational initiative to stabilise the internal security order, you are all directed to immediately commence a special visibility policing operation across your Commands.
“This initiative will encompass the crime mapping of your areas of jurisdiction, identification of vulnerable points and massive deployment of personnel on motorized and foot patrols of the cities. The initiative also involves the utilization of intelligence to undertake targeted raids on criminal cells. “
He, however, stated that the level of compliance to his directives that the CPs should liaise with the Nigerian Correctional Service Authorities in their areas of responsibility to jointly review the existing security architecture would be reviewed at the meeting.
The IGP added that the National Security Council’s resolution on the documentation and streamlining of the operations of commercial motorcycle and tricycle riders across the country as part of the initiatives to address national security threats would be discussed.
Meanwhile, suspected terrorists have attacked the convoy of the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 12 with Headquarters in Bauchi, Audu Madaki injuring him and killing one of his police guards.
The AIG was on his way to Abuja to attend the IGP conference when some gunmen who had laid ambush, shot at his vehicle.
The incident was said to have happened between Barde and Jagindi area in Kaduna State on Tuesday at about 2.30pm.
The PUNCH learnt that the Madaki had been transferred to a hospital in Abuja for treatment.
The Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Umar Sanda, confirmed the incident to journalists.
A source said, ‘’The bandits trailed him from Bauch and Jos; they overtook him twice before they were able to engage him. He didn’t travel with his convoy, he was in a vehicle with his guards. We have advised him to travel with his convoy but he didn’t listen.’’
Sequel to the rising insecurity in the country, the Chief of Defence Staff said the military was implementing new strategies that would bring an end to the insecurity in the country.
The CDS also said the military was working on upgrading the intelligence management procedures of the defence and security sector to strengthen the overall security architecture in the country.
Irabor stated these while delivering a lecture at the National Defence College on the topic, ‘National Security and Development: Strategic Options for Nigeria,’ in Abuja on Wednesday.
Air chief
The Chief of the Air Staff, Amao, said he has directed Nigerian Air Force operational Commanders in the various theatres of operation across the country to show no mercy to terrorists.
He also ordered them to ensure they employ maximum firepower against terrorists, urging them to effectively allocate and utilise all NAF platforms deployed for operations in the North-West and North-Central for enhanced operational effectiveness.
These, according to him would deny the terrorists freedom of movement while boosting the confidence of the populace in the service.
The Air Chief was quoted to have stated these in a statement on Wednesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet during a visit to Air Officers Commanding and Air Component Commanders at the NAF Base in Kaduna on Tuesday.
The statement partly read, “I urge you to show no mercy against any terrorist and their accomplices while also denying them the freedom of movement and ease to cause mayhem against innocent Nigerians.”
Amao, however, said efforts were at an advanced stage to procure more combat platforms for the service to meet the ever-increasing demands of air assets in various theatres of operations across the nation.
He assured that training of more combat pilots, imagery analysts and other specialties in the service would continue to be his priority to address the manpower challenges within the operation areas.
In a move to curb insecurity, the Benue State Government on Wednesday restricted the activities of motorcyclists from 6:00am to 8:00pm across the state.
It also sustained the order banning the use of motorcycles in the Sankera axis of the state.
This is part of the resolution of the State Security Council meeting held at the new banquet hall of the Government House, Makurdi.
The steps, according to the State Governor, Samuel Samuel Ortom, was sequel to the alarm raised by his Nasarawa counterpart, Abdullahi Sule of the movement of suspected bandits fleeing from Kaduna, Zamfara, and Kebbi to his state. (PUNCH)
News
Tinubu Booed At Abuja Mosque As Worshippers Chant ‘Tinubu Must Go’ After Friday Prayers
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was on Friday reportedly booed by some worshippers and other Nigerians shortly after observing Juma’at prayers at the Shehu Shagari Central Mosque in Abuja.
Several video clips circulating on social media showed groups of youths chanting slogans against the President as his convoy departed the mosque.
A witness who attended the prayers told PREMIUM TIMES that the protest may have been triggered by restrictions imposed on worshippers ahead of the President’s visit.
The witness, who requested anonymity, said Tinubu arrived at the mosque at about 1:49 p.m., by which time access to the premises had reportedly been restricted.
According to the source, security operatives prevented people from entering the mosque after the President’s arrival. Roads leading to the facility were also blocked, while some security personnel reportedly mounted the perimeter fences as part of the security arrangements.

The restrictions allegedly continued after the prayers, with some worshippers prevented from leaving until the President’s departure.
The witness said the situation angered some of those affected, prompting them to express their frustration through chants directed at the President.
Some were heard chanting, “Ba mayi, ba ma so,” a Hausa expression loosely translated as “We do not support you,” while others shouted, “Tinubu Must Go,” a slogan associated with opposition to the President’s re-election bid.
Another source at the mosque also attributed the incident partly to the security arrangements, which were described as excessive and inconvenient to worshippers.
“People were stopped from entering the mosque after the President had entered. Several people were stuck outside,” the source said.
The source added that some worshippers were also prevented from leaving until Tinubu departed, alleging that the booing started from the area where people had been barricaded.
The incident comes amid growing political activities and opposition mobilisation ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Presidency were unsuccessful, as Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, did not respond to calls seeking his reaction as of the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, during the Friday service, the Chief Imam of the Shehu Shagari Central Mosque, Area 1, Garki, Rabiu Suleiman, delivered a sermon focusing on lessons from Surah Al-Fatihah, the opening chapter of the Quran.
The Imam urged Muslims to uphold the oneness of Allah and seek steadfastness in their faith.
He also prayed for peace, the President’s good health and greater wisdom, asking Allah to guide Tinubu in leading Nigeria towards prosperity.
Suleiman further acknowledged the President’s contributions to the renovation of the mosque.
Tinubu was accompanied by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Ibrahim Masari; Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; and former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje.
The presidential election is scheduled for January 2027, with Tinubu expected to face significant opposition from prominent political figures, including Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
It would be recalled that on the eve of the 2023 general elections, Tinubu, who was then the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), observed Friday prayers at several mosques, including Berger Mosque, the Shehu Shagari Central Mosque in Area 1, and the National Mosque in Abuja.
However, no similar incident of public booing was reported during those visits.
News
Archbishop Ibezim Withdraws Lawsuit Against Primate Ndukuba, Dean Enyindah, Signals Move Towards Reconciliation
The Archbishop of Awka Diocese discontinues legal action against two top Anglican leaders, raising hopes of an amicable settlement and restoration of unity within the Church of Nigeria.
The Archbishop of the Anglican Diocese of Awka, Most Rev. Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, has withdrawn his lawsuit against the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry C. Ndukuba, and the Dean of the Church, Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah, in a development that could pave the way for an amicable resolution of the dispute.
The withdrawal is seen as a significant step towards resolving the disagreement through dialogue and reconciliation rather than prolonged legal confrontation.
The development was conveyed in a Notice of Discontinuance/Withdrawal of Suit filed at the High Court of Anambra State, Awka Judicial Division, in Suit No. A/371/2026.
In the notice dated Friday, November 13, 2026, and signed by the plaintiff’s counsel, Chief B.E.I. Nwofor, SAN, Archbishop Ibezim formally notified the court of his decision to discontinue and withdraw the suit to allow room for an amicable resolution of the dispute.

The suit was instituted against Ndukuba, who is the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, and Enyindah, who serves as the Dean of the Church of Nigeria and chairman of the visitation team to the Diocese of Awka.
The legal dispute arose from the constitution of a visitation team by the Primate, which Archbishop Ibezim had challenged on grounds of its legality.
Specifically, the Awka diocesan bishop questioned the constitution of the team by the first defendant in a letter dated June 17, 2026.
However, his decision to withdraw the case signals a possible shift towards dialogue and mutual understanding among the senior Church leaders.
The development is expected to create an opportunity for the parties to address their differences through the established structures of the Church and work towards restoring cordial relationships.
It could also help ease tensions within the Anglican Communion, particularly at a time when unity, institutional stability and confidence in the Church’s leadership remain important considerations.
Disagreements involving senior clerics can have wider implications for the Church, its clergy and congregation. Consequently, an amicable resolution would be significant in preserving the unity and spiritual integrity of the institution.
Nevertheless, the Notice of Discontinuance does not disclose the specific terms of any proposed settlement or indicate whether the parties have already reached an agreement.
It also remains unclear whether a formal reconciliation process has commenced or what arrangements may be adopted to resolve the substantive issues that led to the litigation.
The withdrawal, however, marks an important development in the dispute, with attention now shifting to whether the parties can translate the decision into a lasting and mutually acceptable settlement.
News
UNN Party Horror: ‘I Woke Up At 9pm To Find My Friends Lying Lifeless’ – Survivor
• ‘I Thought I Was Going To Die’ – 24-Year-Old Student Narrates How He Survived Mysterious Party Incident That Claimed Four Lives In Nsukka
A 24-year-old student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has recounted his terrifying experience at an off-campus party where four students reportedly died after participants suddenly became unconscious.
The survivor, an Art Education student, said he lost consciousness during the gathering and only regained awareness several hours later, when he discovered his friends lying motionless on the floor.
Recounting the incident in an interview with Vanguard, the student disclosed that the gathering was organised by his friend, identified as David, to celebrate the completion of his final examinations.
According to him, the host purchased two bottles of alcoholic drinks, Magic Moment and Best, which they took to his residence in the Hilltop area of Nsukka, where approximately 10 people gathered for the celebration.
He said the party commenced at about 11:30am, with participants sharing the drinks and engaging in a game of Truth or Dare.

Narrating how the incident unfolded, the survivor said one of the participants suddenly started vomiting, prompting him to assist the individual to the toilet.
He explained that after helping his friend, he returned to clean the vomit on the floor before suddenly losing consciousness.
“During the party, one of the participants started vomiting. I took him to the toilet and asked him to clean himself up. I then came out to clean the vomit on the floor.
“After that, I suddenly lost consciousness. However, I noticed that my legs had become stiff, and I could no longer walk,” he narrated.
The student said he regained consciousness at approximately 9pm, several hours after the incident began.
He recalled hearing someone making a strange remark before managing to look into the parlour, where he saw the host and other participants lying motionless.
“When I regained consciousness at about 9pm, I heard someone saying that a ghost was shaking. I woke up and managed to look into the parlour, where I saw the host and other participants lying on the floor,” he said.
The survivor disclosed that he immediately contacted a friend, who arrived at the residence, observed the situation and subsequently left.
He expressed disappointment that another individual who reportedly came to the scene allegedly chose to record the victims instead of making efforts to secure emergency assistance.
He said another friend later arrived and helped convey the affected students to Bishop Shanahan Hospital and other medical facilities in Nsukka for treatment.
Generator Was Operating Outside Room
Providing further details about the circumstances surrounding the incident, the survivor said the participants were inside the parlour with the doors and windows shut, while a generator was operating outside in the corridor.
He added that the room’s fan was switched on during the gathering.
The student also dismissed suggestions that the participants might have consumed illicit drugs, insisting that alcohol was the only substance taken at the party.
“We didn’t smoke, and there was no drug there. We took only alcohol. We had just two bottles for about 10 people, so the quantity each person drank was very little, not even up to a quarter of a party cup,” he said.
Police Question Poisoning Allegations
The survivor disclosed that police officers had visited him and questioned him about the possibility of poisoning or deliberate interference with the drinks.
He said investigators asked whether the participants had disagreements with anyone or suspected that somebody might have tampered with the alcoholic beverages.
However, he maintained that he had no reason to suspect the host, whom he described as someone who did not harbour grudges against others.
He added that he also saw the host lying on the floor when he regained consciousness, while the host’s brother later confirmed that he was receiving treatment at Bishop Shanahan Hospital.
The student further disclosed that the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Otuanya, had visited him to assess his condition.
He said representatives of the local government, friends and police officers had also visited him.
Survivor Still Experiencing Leg Stiffness
Despite surviving the incident, the 24-year-old said he was still experiencing stiffness in his legs, although his condition was gradually improving.
Reflecting on the frightening experience, he said the incident had completely changed his attitude towards alcohol consumption.
“This was the first time I took alcohol and experienced such a condition. I think this will be the last time I will ever take alcohol,” he said.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain a subject of investigation, with questions about the possible role of the generator, the conditions inside the room and the possibility of drink contamination yet to be conclusively established.
Authorities are expected to determine what led to the sudden loss of consciousness among the participants and establish the precise cause of the deaths.
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