Senate Opposes Talks With Kidnappers – Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has reaffirmed that the Nigerian Senate strongly rejects any form of negotiation with kidnappers, terrorists, or criminal groups responsible for unrest across the country. Speaking on Wednesday, Akpabio stressed that engaging in ransom deals or peace bargains with violent offenders only fuels further insecurity. According to him, allowing such negotiations encourages criminals to continue abducting innocent citizens, knowing they can profit from the crime. Akpabio emphasized that security agencies must intensify efforts to track down those behind kidnapping operations. He insisted that anyone arrested for involvement in abduction cases must face capital punishment, noting that strict penalties are necessary to deter the rampant trend of kidnapping nationwide. The Senate President further highlighted that Nigeria cannot overcome terrorism and abduction-related violence if criminals believe negotiation is an option. He urged security operatives to adopt stronger intelligence strategies, rapid response systems, and coordinated operations to secure communities affected by kidnappers. He also stated that upholding justice with firm legal consequences is vital for maintaining national stability. The Senate’s position reflects the increasing concern over rising insecurity and the need to protect citizens from violent criminal networks.

Gunmen Abduct Three Varsity Students in Edo, Community in Panic

Residents of the Ihunmudumu axis of Ekpoma, located in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, have been gripped with fear after armed men reportedly kidnapped three young males from a student lodge on Monday evening. According to information obtained by LMSINT MEDIA, two of the abducted individuals are students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, heightening concerns among parents and the academic community. Witnesses disclosed that the incident happened around 6 p.m. on Monday, December 1, 2025, when the armed men invaded the residence and forcefully whisked the victims away into a nearby forest. A community source explained that the attack has created serious tension within the area, as residents fear a possible rise in similar incidents if urgent security actions are not taken. The source added that the victims were taken directly from their hostel before being marched into the bush by the kidnappers. Authorities are yet to issue an official statement, but locals have called for increased patrols to prevent further abductions.

Community Resilience as the Key Solution to Curbing Kidnappings in Nigeria — Musa

General Christopher Musa (retd), the former Chief of Defence Staff, has emphasized that strengthening community resilience remains the most effective strategy for confronting the rising cases of kidnappings across Nigeria. He explained that empowering local communities is central to preventing the increasing threats posed by criminal groups, especially those responsible for mass abductions. General Musa delivered this position on Wednesday during his ministerial screening at the Nigerian Senate, where he appeared following his nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the role of Minister of Defence. While addressing the lawmakers, the retired military chief noted with deep concern the repeated incidents of school kidnappings and community-targeted attacks occurring in multiple regions of the country. Responding to questions raised by senators regarding national security, General Musa described the surge in mass school abductions as heartbreaking and extremely troubling. He stressed that Nigeria must adopt a more comprehensive and unified security approach if the country intends to halt the persistent wave of criminal activities. According to him, most criminal operations take place within communities, making it crucial to strengthen the structures, awareness, and cooperation at the local level. He explained that community resilience involves empowering residents with the right information, improving communication channels, fostering trust between citizens and security agencies, and enhancing the capacity of rural and urban communities to detect early threats before they escalate. General Musa further highlighted that boosting community involvement makes it easier for security agencies to gather accurate intelligence, respond faster to emergencies, and weaken the networks used by kidnappers to operate undetected. He added that building resilience must involve collaboration between traditional leaders, youth groups, security formations, and local governments to create a coordinated, people-centered security system. The retired defence chief also stressed that preventing kidnappings requires both a strategic national plan and strong grassroots participation. He pointed out that empowering communities not only reduces the vulnerability of schools and public areas but also helps security agencies adopt proactive rather than reactive solutions.

Badaru Addresses Publicly the Real Reason Behind His Resignation, Dismisses Viral Rumours

Former Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has firmly debunked a widely circulated online claim suggesting that he resigned because he “could not watch the United States and the Tinubu administration bomb his brothers hiding inside the forest.” Badaru described the allegation as completely false, misleading, and deliberately crafted to tarnish his name. According to him, the message trending across social media platforms neither originated from him nor from anyone officially permitted to speak on his behalf. In a personally signed statement released on Tuesday, the former minister condemned the report as malicious propaganda aimed at stirring tension and creating the false impression that he had a disagreement with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He stressed that the publication was a calculated attempt to destroy his credibility, sow distrust, and mislead the public into believing that he was at odds with the current administration. Badaru maintained that he remains committed to national unity and clarified that there was no conflict whatsoever between him and President Tinubu. The former minister urged Nigerians to disregard the fabricated story and rely only on verified information, warning against the dangers of consuming unverified viral claims on digital platforms.

Nkechi Blessing Confirms Arrest of Woman Behind Her Viral Gym Photo | Full Details & Reactions

Nollywood star Nkechi Blessing has revealed that the woman behind her widely circulated gym photograph has been apprehended. The actress confirmed the development after the picture, captured during one of her workout sessions, sparked widespread reactions across social media. LMSINT MEDIA earlier reported that the image of the actress exercising at the gym went viral, attracting a wave of online conversations. While some users expressed support, many others resorted to body-shaming, criticizing her physical appearance and making derogatory remarks. Addressing the situation, Nkechi Blessing clarified that her decision to visit the gym is driven by her desire to remain healthy, active, and physically balanced. She emphasized that her fitness journey has nothing to do with glamour, posing, or trying to impress anyone. According to her, a gym is a place dedicated to personal wellness—not a fashion parade or a runway show. The actress further expressed disappointment that a harmless workout session became a target for insensitive comments. She maintained that everyone has the right to work on their bodies without being mocked or shamed, stressing the importance of respecting people’s private moments, even in public places like gyms. With the arrest of the lady who secretly snapped and shared the photo without consent, Nkechi Blessing hopes the incident serves as a warning and fosters better awareness about digital privacy, personal boundaries, and online ethics.

PDP: Damagum Officially Transfers Leadership to Turaki-Led NWC

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) experienced a significant leadership transition as the outgoing Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, formally transferred authority to the newly constituted National Working Committee (NWC) under the direction of Tanimu Turaki. This official handover marks the conclusion of Damagum’s stewardship of the party’s top administrative structure. Damagum’s term as the head of the NWC reached its end on December 8, 2025, after months of internal disputes involving a rival faction within the party. The leadership dispute notably included a group aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, whose camp reportedly opposed Damagum’s continuation in office. Despite the turbulence, the party has now moved into a fresh administrative phase under Turaki’s leadership. The handover ceremony took place at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, where Damagum officially relinquished control. During the transition event, senior party figures emphasized the importance of unity, stability, and strategic reorganization ahead of future elections. The Turaki-led NWC is expected to focus on repositioning the party, resolving internal frictions, and strengthening grassroots structures nationwide. As the PDP enters this new era, stakeholders anticipate renewed direction, improved internal harmony, and leadership capable of restoring the party’s influence across the country’s political landscape.

Tolulope Moore: How Abiodun Confronted Physical and AI-Driven Security Threats in Ogun

As Nigeria continues to grapple with nationwide insecurity — from banditry to terrorism, cross-border infiltration, and the growing influence of digital manipulation — Ogun State has grown into a model of balance, decisiveness, and strategic governance. In moments when fear seemed to overshadow facts and misinformation surged across online platforms, Governor Dapo Abiodun once again demonstrated why he remains one of the most deliberate and steady leaders at the subnational level. With growing national concerns and intensified security anxieties, many states struggled to match physical threats with modern intelligence. But in Ogun, Governor Abiodun adopted a unique blend of calm leadership, measured reactions, and proactive interventions. His approach did not only strengthen physical protections across communities, but it also countered the rising wave of artificial intelligence-driven falsehoods designed to distort public perception. During a period when emotional narratives spread faster than verified reports, the Governor’s coordinated response reassured residents that Ogun State’s stability was anchored on solid strategy rather than chance. His decisions reflected an understanding of both traditional security complexities and the new era of AI-powered misinformation capable of escalating tension in minutes. This balanced handling of intelligence reports, community alerts, and digital misinformation helped Ogun maintain its long-standing reputation as a relatively peaceful state, even while surrounding regions faced heightened crises. Instead of reacting impulsively, Governor Abiodun emphasized clarity, accountability, and collaboration with security agencies to ensure that both physical and digital threats were tackled with precision. The result was a more informed and confident public, reduced panic, and a firmer shield around the state’s territorial integrity. Ogun’s ability to remain steady in turbulent times continues to reflect the impact of leadership that prioritizes calm over chaos, truth over trending fear, and strategy over sentiment.

No Negotiation With Criminals, We Are Fully Prepared to Handle Them – Kogi Government

The Kogi State Government has firmly reiterated that it will not enter any form of negotiation with criminal elements operating within the state. According to the government, the security architecture in the region remains strong, coordinated, and capable of confronting the rising wave of attacks without conceding to criminal demands. LMSINT MEDIA reports that Kogi State, like several parts of the North-Central region, has recently witnessed heightened criminal activities, with communities experiencing increased threats and multiple abductions across vulnerable areas. These persistent incidents have raised concerns among residents, yet the government insists that its ongoing security strategies are robust enough to restore safety and deter further violence. The latest series of attacks occurred last week when heavily armed bandits executed two separate kidnapping operations in Yagba East Local Government Area. Despite the intensity of the assault, security operatives responded swiftly. After coordinated rescue efforts, five abducted individuals were successfully freed a few days after the unfortunate events, reinforcing the state’s message of resilience and readiness. The government emphasized that its position remains unchanged: criminal groups will not be given room to exploit negotiations for personal advantage. Instead, security agencies are being strengthened through improved intelligence gathering, community engagement, and rapid-response operations aimed at addressing the deteriorating security situation in real time. As insecurity challenges continue to evolve across the region, authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies. The government reassured citizens that it is working tirelessly to restore peace, protect affected communities, and ensure that criminal networks are dismantled without compromise.

Kogi: Pastor, Wife, and Several Worshippers Kidnapped as Bandits Raid Church in Yagba West

A disturbing incident unfolded in Kogi State on Sunday when armed bandits invaded a worship gathering in Ejiba, a community within the Yagba West Local Government Area. The attackers stormed a newly established Cherubim and Seraphim Church during a service, causing widespread panic among the congregation. Eyewitness accounts revealed that the worship session was abruptly interrupted as the armed men advanced toward the church premises. Terrified church members fled in different directions to escape the violent intrusion. Despite the chaos, the pastor, widely known in the community as Orlando, along with his wife and several other worshippers, could not escape and were forcefully taken by the attackers. Local residents described the incident as deeply traumatic, emphasizing that the community has long appealed for improved security measures as kidnapping activities continue to rise within the region. The abduction has left families distressed, prompting renewed calls for urgent intervention from security agencies. Security analysts link the growing rate of such attacks to broader insecurity challenges affecting rural communities across Nigeria. Many locals now fear attending gatherings or engaging in everyday activities without apprehension. As the community awaits updates, efforts by law enforcement agencies to rescue the victims and restore normalcy are ongoing. The Ejiba incident serves as another reminder of the urgent need for stronger community protection and sustained nationwide security reforms.

Governor Alex Otti Visits Nnamdi Kanu in Sokoto Prison

The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, paid a significant visit on Sunday to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently serving his sentence at the Sokoto Correctional Centre. Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), received the governor in what many observers consider a bold political step and a gesture of solidarity. The update was first revealed by Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu’s special legal counsel, and Prince Emmanuel Kanu, who both shared the news in separate posts on their official Facebook pages. Ejimakor expressed appreciation toward Governor Otti, noting that the governor kept his earlier commitment to visit Kanu. In his message, he praised Otti for being a leader whose words align with his actions, describing him as a man of courage and integrity for standing by his promise to check on “your brother, MAZI NNAMDI KANU.” This visit has generated wide reactions across political, legal, and public circles, with many interpreting it as a strong humanitarian and leadership-driven move. Supporters of Nnamdi Kanu also view the gesture as a reassuring sign of concern from a prominent figure within the South-East. Governor Alex Otti’s decision to visit the correctional facility underscores ongoing discussions surrounding Kanu’s detention and broader calls for constitutional and legal attention on the matter. While details of their private conversation were not disclosed, the visit alone has sparked renewed interest in the situation of the IPOB leader and potential implications for regional peace, justice, and national dialogue. As reactions continue to spread across Nigeria and social platforms, many await further updates from legal representatives, government officials, and relevant stakeholders concerning Kanu’s current status and future developments.

Ganduje: IPSS Cautions Against Creating a Rival Hisbah Organization in Kano

The International Peace and Secure Society (IPSS) has issued a strong caution to stakeholders in Kano State, warning against the establishment of a separate Hisbah organization alongside the existing one. According to the group, introducing another enforcement structure with similar functions could destabilize public order and trigger unnecessary conflict across the state. This warning follows a recent statement by former Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who revealed his intention to create a new, independent Hisbah body. The plan, according to him, is aimed at reinstating about 12,000 former Hisbah personnel who were previously dismissed. These individuals would resume their religious and moral enforcement roles once the new agency is established. Ganduje made this known while receiving the findings of a committee tasked with examining the conditions and challenges surrounding the affected Hisbah officers. He emphasized that the proposed structure would help restore their duties and strengthen community moral values. However, the IPSS insists that forming a parallel religious enforcement unit may escalate tension, undermine security institutions, and trigger rivalry between groups performing similar functions. The organization urged leaders to prioritize stability, avoid actions that may weaken social harmony, and explore peaceful, structured solutions to reintegrate the dismissed employees. For Kano State residents, experts, and policymakers, the debate continues as stakeholders weigh the potential implications for governance, security, and religious administration in the region.

Abia Government Introduces Electric Buses to Combat Air Pollution and Reduce Transportation Expenses

The Abia State Government has announced the rollout of newly acquired electric buses as part of a strategic effort to lower transportation costs, improve passenger safety, and drastically cut down harmful emissions across the state. This bold initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to creating a cleaner, smarter, and more efficient transportation system for residents. Speaking at the Abia–Türkiye Investment Summit and Product Exhibition held in Umuahia, the Commissioner for Transport, Chimezie Ukaegbu, emphasized that these electric-powered buses were introduced to give citizens a safer and more affordable commuting experience. According to him, the government aims to transition from traditional fuel-dependent vehicles to eco-friendly alternatives that guarantee zero smoke emissions and long-term cost-effective mobility. Ukaegbu noted that the adoption of electric mobility is not just an environmental project but also an economic step designed to reduce transportation expenses for everyday commuters. By integrating fully electric buses into the state’s transportation system, Abia hopes to ease the financial burden on residents who rely heavily on public transport. In addition to launching electric buses, the Commissioner highlighted the government’s plan to enhance urban transportation efficiency through the implementation of AI-powered traffic light systems across major intersections in Umuahia. He explained that these automated traffic technologies will help reduce congestion, improve travel time, and restore order within the busiest parts of the state. Furthermore, he disclosed that the construction of modern, well-planned bus terminals in Umuahia is underway. These new terminals are expected to improve passenger movement, ensure organized boarding procedures, and give residents access to reliable, clean, and structured transportation services. With these reforms, the Abia State Government continues to position itself as a forward-thinking administration dedicated to technological innovation, environmental sustainability, economic relief, and improved mobility solutions for all citizens.