Residents of Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State have confirmed aerial attacks on locations believed to be hideouts of the Lakurawa armed group in the area.

A local government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told our correspondent that the strikes occurred late at night in parts of Tangaza.

“The attacks happened between 10 p.m. and midnight at Warriya and Alkasim villages,” the official said.

Residents told Zagazola, the targeted locations were suspected to be camps used by members of the Lakurawa group, which has been linked to repeated security incidents in the area.

The official said authorities were still assessing the impact of the strikes and had yet to determine whether there were civilian casualties.

“As of now, we are yet to ascertain the full extent of the attack, including possible casualties. Security operatives are expected to visit the affected areas in the morning to verify what happened,” he said.

Residents said the strikes caused fear and tension in surrounding communities, with many people staying indoors throughout the night.

There has been no official statement from security agencies regarding the operation or the identity of those who carried out the strikes.

Tangaza Local Government Area has in recent times experienced security challenges linked to armed groups operating in remote parts of the area.

Former Vice President? Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately enforce the Supreme Court ruling granting financial autonomy to local governments, warning that continued delay undermines the Constitution.

The apex court, in a unanimous judgment delivered in July 2024, held that it is unconstitutional for state governments to retain or manage funds allocated to local government areas. The court also ruled that the use of caretaker committees places local councils under state control, in violation of the 1999 Constitution.

Speaking at the weekend during the 15th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, President Tinubu had urged governors to comply with the ruling, warning that failure to do so could compel him to issue an Executive Order to ensure direct allocations from the Federation Account to local governments.

Reacting via social media, Atiku accused the President of politicising the judgment and failing to take decisive action to enforce it.

“At this point, there is no need for threats of Executive Orders,” Atiku said.

“All the President needs to do is instruct the Attorney-General of the Federation to enforce the judgment immediately. Anything short of this is a failure of leadership.”

The former vice president, an African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, alleged that Tinubu’s inaction was deliberate and politically motivated.

“Your refusal to act is a calculated political move—using obedience to the law as a bargaining chip to force opposition governors into the APC and to keep governors within your party firmly under your control,” Atiku wrote.

He further stated that, “In doing so, you have reduced the Constitution to a tool of convenience and governance to partisan bargaining. Supreme Court judgments are final, not optional.”

Atiku warned that continued refusal to enforce the ruling amounts to a breach of constitutional duty.

“Persistently refusing to enforce one is a direct breach of the Constitution and a violation of the oath you swore to Nigerians,” he said.

Concluding, the former vice president cautioned that history would judge the present administration harshly over the matter.

“Your continued inaction sends a clear message that political control matters more than constitutional duty. History will not forget this moment. Nigerians will not either,” he added.

Six members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing deep internal crises within the PDP and what they described as poor governance in the state.

The lawmakers announced their decision on Thursday through separate letters addressed to the Speaker of the House.

Those who defected are Bashar Aliyu Gummi (Gummi I), Nasiru Abdullahi Maru (Maru North), Bashir Abubakar Masama (Bukkuyum North), Bashir Bello (Bungudu West), Amiru Ahmad Keta (Tsafe West), and Muktar Nasir Kaura (Kaura North).

In their letters, titled “Notice of Resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC)”, the lawmakers said persistent crises within the PDP forced their decision.

They said the crises had resulted in factional leadership within the party.

One of the letters read: “I write to formally inform the Honourable Speaker and Honourable Members of this Honourable House of my decision to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) due to lingering and unresolved crises in my party, which have resulted in factional leadership.”

The lawmakers said their defection was in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.

They cited Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which allows a lawmaker to defect if there is a division within their political party.

They also accused the PDP-led government in Zamfara State, under Governor Dauda Lawal, of poor leadership.

According to them, the administration has failed to adequately address insecurity in the state and has not fulfilled its campaign promises.

Another part of the letters read: “My decision is in line with Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), and is also based on the poor leadership of Governor Dauda Lawal, particularly his failure to address security challenges and fulfil campaign promises.”

Former lawmaker, senator Shehu Sani, has reacted to reports of United States military strikes on terrorist targets in Nigeria’s North-West, saying foreign powers cannot permanently handle the country’s security challenges.

Sani made the remarks on Friday via his X handle while responding to a post by the United States Africa Command, AFRICOM, which indicated that the strikes were carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities.

According to him, if the reported strikes were indeed a joint operation with Nigerian security agencies, then such action was justifiable, given the threat posed by terrorist groups in the region.

He described terrorists operating in parts of northern Nigeria as “cancerous cells,” stressing that they survive through violence and should be confronted decisively.

Sani also dismissed narratives suggesting that terrorist attacks target only one religious group, describing such claims as false and misleading.

He said: “If actually, the military strikes against the terrorists targets in the North Western part of Nigeria were a joint operation with the ‘Nigerian Authorities’ as posted by the US AFRICOM on their verified X handle, then it’s a conscionable action.

“Terrorists have become cancerous cells in our part of the country.They live by the sword.The narrative that the evil terrorists only targets one faith, remains absolutely false and misleading.

“Again, the ultimate security and peace in our country lies with ourselves and not with the US or any foreign power. They can complimentarily or unilaterally strike, but they can’t eternally fight our battles.”

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and rancour-free transfer of power at the end of his tenure in 2027.

The governor gave the assurance on Thursday while addressing worshippers during the Christmas service at St James’ Anglican Church in Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of the state.

Abiodun said his government is determined to set a new standard in the state’s political history by handing over to a successor peacefully, without disputes or tension.

According to him, his administration intends to conclude its tenure on a strong note and oversee what he described as a landmark transition in Ogun State.

“As we approach 2027, we will finish well and finish strong, and by God’s grace, hand over successfully to a successor.

“It will be the first peaceful transition in Ogun’s 50-year history. I will attend my send-forth and also the swearing-in of my successor,” he said.

The governor attributed his confidence to what he described as the steady growth of the state’s economy and the people-centred policies implemented by his administration.

He noted that Ogun State’s economy has expanded significantly since he assumed office, largely driven by increased industrial activities and investment inflows.

“Our economy has grown almost five times from what we met. New factories and industries are springing up across the state,” Abiodun stated.

The governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as focused leadership under the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying the federal government’s policies are already yielding positive results.

Reflecting on the significance of the Christmas season, Abiodun said the celebration goes beyond festivity, urging residents to embrace love, peace and compassion, particularly towards the less privileged.

“Christmas is about loving your neighbour as yourself. There is no greater gift than God giving us Jesus,” he said.

He further advised residents to celebrate responsibly, cautioning against excessive alcohol consumption and encouraging moderation.

A team of Nigerian Immigration Service personnel in Jigawa State has intercepted six suspected trafficking victims at the Babura Plantation Border Patrol Base, foiling an attempt to smuggle them to Europe via Libya and Niger Republic.

Arewa PUNCH recalls that only recently, the Jigawa NAPTIP Command warned residents to be cautious of criminals exploiting innocent and unsuspecting individuals who, during the festive period, disguise their travel gesture as opportunities abroad, but which often leads to human trafficking.

Our correspondent gathered that the suspects were attempting to cross the border undetected, but the vigilant NIS officers thwarted their plans.

According to NAPTIP Jigawa State Commander, Mr Abdulkadir Turajo, who, while receiving the intercepted individuals from NIS on Tuesday in Dutse, the state capital, disclosed that the suspects, comprising four females aged 18-23 and two males aged 32-36, hail from Ogun, Ondo, Imo, Lagos, and Enugu states.

According to him, “The victims were intercepted by NIS officers while attempting to cross the border, and we’re working to identify the traffickers involved,” Turajo said, pledging thorough investigation and prosecution of culprits.

Mr Turajo assured the media of a diligent prosecution and rehabilitation of victims, saying, “We’ll ensure that the victims receive all the necessary support and care, and those responsible will face justice.”

However, the NAPTIP commander warned the public to be vigilant, as traffickers exploit festive season travels to lure victims.

“Verify offers and stay safe, don’t fall prey to false promises,” he advised.

“The festive season must not become a trafficking season,” Turajo emphasised, urging citizens to be cautious.

Moreso, the NAPTIP Jigawa boss applauded the efforts of the NIS, Jigawa State Command under the leadership of its State Commandant, CIS T. A. Musa, in combating trafficking.

“The collaboration between NIS and NAPTIP has strengthened our efforts to combat human trafficking,” Turajo said.

He also thanked NIS for its relentless efforts, saying, “I commend the NIS Jigawa State Command under CIS Musa’s leadership for their dedication to fighting human trafficking.”

“This is a significant breakthrough, and we’ll build on it,” Turajo said, promising continued vigilance and cooperation with other agencies.

While detailing more on the suspects, Mr Turajo stated that “the victims will be receiving support and care from NAPTIP, with plans for rehabilitation and reintegration,” adding that “We’re working to restore their dignity and confidence.”

Accordingly, the NAPTIP boss in Jigawa state highlighted that “Traffickers target vulnerable individuals with false promises, often exploiting their desperation. These victims were lured with promises of better lives, but faced uncertainty and danger.”

The NAPTIP commander, therefore, urges citizens to report suspicious activities, saying, “Your vigilance can save lives.”

Earlier, the NIS boss in Jigawa State, T. A. Musa, said, “We are committed to securing our borders and protecting Nigerians from human trafficking. I’m pleased to hand over these suspects to NAPTIP for further investigation and prosecution.”

The NIS boss further stated, “The suspects were attempting to exploit the festive season to smuggle these individuals to Europe. We won’t let them succeed.”

CIS T.A. Musa also said, “I commend our officers for their vigilance and dedication. We’ll continue to work with NAPTIP to combat human trafficking in Jigawa State.”

Efforts by Arewa PUNCH Correspondent to interview the suspected trafficked persons were unsuccessful as they are currently undergoing security interrogation by NAPTIP officials, who are handling the case and preparing for their eventual reintegration into their families.

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Tanimu Turaki, has urged Nigerians to embrace love, sacrifice and humility during the Christmas celebration.

Turaki, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, extended warm felicitations to Christian members of the party and the wider Nigerian Christian community.

He said the values exemplified by Jesus Christ were “timeless principles” capable of transforming Nigeria’s national life and stimulating economic prosperity.

According to him, Christmas remains a reminder of collective resilience and shared responsibility in building a stronger and more united nation.

“These are not merely seasonal virtues but timeless principles that can transform our country and usher in economic prosperity,” Turaki said.

He assured Nigerians of the party’s commitment to promoting such values in politics, saying they held the key to the nation’s collective aspirations.

Reflecting on current socio-economic challenges, Turaki urged citizens to remain hopeful, noting that determined people often emerge stronger from adversity.

He prayed for peace and prosperity in Nigerian homes, expressing optimism for a new year filled with “God’s abundant blessings.”

 

Many Nigerians across the country are celebrating this year’s Christmas in darkness following a nationwide drop in power supply.

The Nigerian Independent System Operator, NISO, which oversees the national grid, had earlier blamed the explosion that occurred at the Escravos-Lagos Gas Pipeline in Delta State, owned by the Nigerian Gas Processing and Transportation Company, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, for the drop in power supply nationwide.

In an update on Wednesday night, NISO noted that the power supply would return to normalcy ‘soon’ as the gas pipeline repair work by NGPTC is ‘near completion’.

However, DAILY POST reports that the power outage has persisted for the majority of Nigerians on Christmas Day.

The situation further worsened the persistent challenge in the country’s power sector despite its privatization in November 2013.

Data released by NISO on Wednesday showed that the eleven electricity distribution companies in Nigeria received 3,272 megawatts of electricity from the National Grid for onward distribution to over 250 million Nigerians.

This means Discos resort to load shedding and outright outages in parts of their area of coverage.

DAILY POST reports that Nigeria’s available electricity supply capacity has remained stagnated around 3000 to 5000 megawatts in the past 12 years.

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, had in 2024 promised that the country would achieve a target of 6000MW of electricity by the end of December 2025.

Speaking on the development in an interview, the National President of the Nigeria Consumer Protection Network, Kunle Olubiyo, said the Nigerian government cannot build something on nothing.

“You can’t build something on nothing.

“If you don’t get it right with the process and systems, the fallout is what we are expressing.