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Insecurity in Nigeria: Kidnapped Anglican Cleric, Achi dies in terrorist captivity 

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The Priest-in-Charge of Ebenezer Anglican Church, Ungwan Maijero, Kaduna, Venerable Edwin Achi, has died while in the custody of his abductors.

Nigerian Newssphere gathered that Achi, his wife, and their daughter were kidnapped on October 28, 2025, when armed bandits stormed their residence in the Nissi community of Chikun Local Government Area, barely weeks after the family relocated to the area.

Following the abduction, the kidnappers reportedly contacted the family and demanded a ransom of N600 million.

Achi and his family had recently moved to Kaduna from Umuaja in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State.

In a statement confirming his death, the Diocese of Kaduna, Anglican Communion, expressed deep sorrow over the loss and prayed for the safe return of his wife and daughter, who remain in captivity.

“With heavy hearts and deep sorrow, the Diocese of Kaduna, Anglican Communion, announces the passing unto glory of The Venerable Edwin Achi, Priest-in-Charge of Ebenezer Anglican Church, Ungwan Maijero,” the statement read.

“Ven. Edwin Achi, who was kidnapped alongside his wife on 28th October 2025, has been confirmed dead.”

The church described his death as a devastating blow to the Diocese and to all who had been touched by his ministry and service.

Meanwhile, his wife and daughter are still being held by the abductors, who have reportedly refused to revise their ransom demand despite his death.

Nigeria continues to grapple with escalating insecurity, particularly in the northern regions, where attacks on communities, clergy, and other vulnerable groups have intensified in recent years.

Coup: Former Nigerian president Jonathan trapped in Guinea-Bissau  

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Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly stranded in Guinea-Bissau after a military takeover on Wednesday led to the abrupt closure of the country’s borders.

Jonathan, who had travelled to Bissau as part of an international team of election observers, is unable to leave along with hundreds of other foreign delegates. Although the West African nation held its legislative and presidential elections, the official results have yet to be announced.

Chaos unfolded shortly after the coup announcement, with many observers and foreign nationals racing to the airport in an attempt to depart. They are now stuck as the military has sealed all exit routes.

The development comes just one day after both incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias declared victory. In a televised statement, military officers identifying themselves as the “High Military Command for the Restoration of Order” proclaimed they had assumed “total control” of the country.

The junta has suspended the electoral process “until further notice,” closed all land, air and sea borders, and imposed a nationwide nighttime curfew.

UCL Roundup: Arsenal outclass Bayern as Liverpool stumble massively against PSV

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English Premier  League side, Arsenal surged to the top of their Champions League group on Wednesday night with a commanding 3-1 win over Bayern Munich.

Both sides entered the Matchday 5 clash unbeaten, but it was the Premier League club that seized control. Jurrien Timber opened the scoring with a well-placed header from Bukayo Saka’s corner, despite Bayern’s bright start.

Lennart Karl briefly restored parity for the German champions, but Arsenal dominated after the break. Noni Madueke put the Gunners back in front before Gabriel Martinelli wrapped up the victory with a composed finish.

Liverpool’s struggles deepened as they fell 4-1 to PSV at Anfield, continuing a disappointing run of form.

This has heightened anxiety over possible sack of the Reds manager Slot.

Elsewhere, Kylian Mbappé delivered a stunning four-goal performance in Real Madrid’s 5-2 win over Olympiacos in Greece. Atalanta eased past Frankfurt with a 3-0 victory, while Atletico Madrid edged Inter Milan 2-1 at the Wanda Metropolitano.

‘Like Nelson Mandela, he’s enduring Sokoto prison’ – Ejimakor gives update on Nnamdi Kanu

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Nnamdi Kanu

Aloy Ejimakor, special counsel and consultant to Nnamdi Kanu, has shared an update on the condition of the detained IPOB leader, who is currently being held at the Sokoto Custodial Centre.

Ejimakor likened Kanu’s experience in detention to Nelson Mandela’s years on Robben Island, describing him as resilient despite the circumstances.

In a post on X after a visit to Kanu, the lawyer wrote: “I just exited from meeting Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in #SokotoPrison. He remains indomitable and expressed his profound gratitude to all who have stood by him. Like Nelson Mandela endured ‘Robben Island’ and triumphed, #MNK is enduring Sokoto with resilience and strength.”

Ejimakor had earlier visited the separatist leader alongside Kanu’s wife, Uchechi, and his brother, Prince.

Kanu was transferred to the Sokoto prison following a ruling by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which convicted him on terrorism-related charges and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

Tinubu declares emergency on security as bandits, terrorists go berserk 

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President Tinbu

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency, directing Nigeria’s security agencies to embark on an accelerated recruitment drive in response to escalating insecurity across the country.

A statement issued from presidency announced that the President has authorised the Nigeria Police Force to recruit an additional 20,000 officers, raising the total number of new intakes to 50,000.

Tinubu also approved the use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary training centres to fast-track the process.

He warned criminal elements that government restraint should not be mistaken for weakness, vowing that the new measures would be accompanied by decisive action.

 

Tinubu further ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy its already-trained forest guards to track down terrorists and bandits hiding in the nation’s forests. He said the agency has been directed to recruit even more personnel dedicated to securing forested areas, stressing that “there will be no hiding place for agents of evil.”

 

“Today, in view of the emerging security situation, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency and order additional recruitment into the Armed Forces,” the statement quoted the President as saying. “By this declaration, the police and the army are authorised to recruit more personnel.”

 

He added that police officers previously withdrawn from VIP protection duties will undergo expedited retraining before being reassigned to high-risk zones.

 

Addressing Nigerians, Tinubu called for unity, vigilance, and collaboration with security agencies, noting that “this is a national emergency” and that “the times require all hands on deck.”

 

The President also commended security agencies for their recent successful operations, including the rescue of 24 abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 worshippers in Kwara State. He assured that efforts would continue to secure the remaining students of Catholic School in Niger State and others still held captive.

 

“Tinubu urged the Armed Forces to remain steadfast, disciplined, and professional in restoring peace nationwide. “There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence,” he said. “The Nigerian people are counting on you, and this administration will provide the support you need to succeed.”

BREAKING: Tension in Guinea-Bissau as military announces takeover, suspends electoral process, shuts borders

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Military authorities in Guinea-Bissau announced on Wednesday that they have taken full control of the country, ordering an immediate suspension of all electoral activities and the closure of national borders.

The move comes just three days after the nation held legislative and presidential elections.

The declaration followed reports of intense gunfire near the presidential palace in Bissau earlier in the day. Witnesses said armed soldiers blocked the main access road to the palace, escalating fears in the politically fragile West African nation.

Senior military officers delivered the announcement from army headquarters in the capital, confirming the takeover and outlining initial measures under their authority.

BREAKING: Tinubu snubs south-east, sends names of ambassadorial nominees to Nigerian Senate

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President Tinbu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has submitted three names to the Senate for confirmation as non-career ambassadors.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the nominees during Wednesday’s plenary, noting that more names are expected later.

The nominees are:

Kayode Are (Ogun State)

Aminu Dalhatu (Jigawa State)

Ayodele Oke

“The list contains three names for now; I am sure others will follow,” Akpabio said after reading the president’s letter.

However, Nigerian Newssphere reports that no south-east nominees was named in the current list before the 10th National Assembly.

Ex–Nigerian Air Force Captain speaks on  ‘Tinubu’s deal with Terrorists’

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President Tinbu

Retired Group Captain Sadeeq Shehu has dismissed allegations by Rev. Ladi Thompson that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu entered into secret agreements with terrorists prior to his election.

Thompson — a former Special Adviser to the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and ex–African Union official — recently claimed during an interview with Adeola Fayehun that Tinubu signed undisclosed deals with terrorist groups to secure the presidency. He also alleged that the president is currently “surrounded by terrorists” and suggested a longstanding plot by Al-Qaeda to take over Nigeria and the African continent.

 

Responding in a post on X, Shehu criticised the claims as dangerous conspiracy theories lacking credibility or evidence.

 

“Once the foundation is false, the conclusions cannot be trusted,” he wrote, questioning Thompson’s credentials and insisting that the accusations were unsupported by documents, intelligence reports or even basic logic.

 

He warned that such sensational statements risk distracting the country from real security challenges, including terrorism, banditry and widespread abductions.

“They are simply wild theories dressed up in fake authority,” Shehu said. “Nigeria does not have the luxury of allowing unserious people to pollute national discourse.”

He urged Nigerians to verify sources before sharing videos or narratives capable of inciting public distrust, adding that disinformation has become a major threat to national security.

Calling on those circulating the interview clip to provide its original source, Shehu said understanding its origins is vital for public awareness.

“Disinformation is a national security threat,” he added.

BREAKING: Nigerian Senate eyes death penalty for kidnappers 

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The Nigerian Senate has resolved to classify kidnapping as an act of terrorism and is seeking amendments to the Terrorism Act to impose the harshest possible punishment on offenders.

At Wednesday’s plenary, lawmakers agreed that once the law is updated, anyone convicted of kidnapping should automatically face the death penalty.

The decision comes amid rising nationwide concerns over escalating abductions and the need for stronger deterrence.

According to the Senate, the resolution “mandates that, upon conviction for kidnapping, the death penalty must be enforced.”

Lawmakers stressed that the measure is intended to combat the growing threat and deliver a clear warning to those involved in the crime.

Kebbi school: Who’s responsible- Senator Abaribe questions Tinubu over silence on withdrawal of soldiers before Bandits attacked

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Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Aba South, has urged President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action by holding accountable the military commander alleged to have ordered the withdrawal of troops from a Kebbi school shortly before students were abducted.

Nigerian Newssphere reported that Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, claimed soldiers assigned to Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, were pulled out around 3:00 a.m. — barely 45 minutes before bandits launched the attack.

Security expert, retired Group Captain Sadeeq Shehu, also described the governor’s allegation as “too serious to ignore,” stressing the need for a thorough investigation. Speaking on ARISE News, Shehu said the incident exposed a critical failure in Nigeria’s Safe School initiative and insisted that the claim that troops were redeployed shortly before the attack “cannot be dismissed with a press statement.”

Addressing the Senate on Wednesday, Abaribe echoed similar concerns, saying:

“The governor of Kebbi said that somebody ordered the troops out, and people were kidnapped. Till today, nobody in Nigeria knows what happened. No questions have been asked, and we are sitting down as parliament, talking and talking, yet somebody is responsible.”

He called on the presidency to lead by example by ensuring transparency and accountability in the matter.

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