Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba said troops

of Operation HADIN KAI in the North-East of the country, conducted clearance operations to renowned terrorists’ stronghold and enclave known as Timbuktu Triangle.

He said the ongoing operations aimed at dismantling terrorists’ presence within the triangle commenced on January 16, 25.

“Troops recorded several encounters with terrorists during the course of the clearance operations which result in over 70 terrorists combatants including three notable terrorist commanders neutralised,” Buba said.

He identified the neutralised terrorist commanders as the Terrorist Special Forces Commander, Mallam Umar; Terrorist Operations Commander, and Abu Yazeed, the Terrorist Brigade Commander.”

According to General Buba, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), suicide bombers as well as suicide bombers in explosive vehicles were deployed by the hoodlums to ward off troops’ advances and attacks during the operations.

“Troops already familiar with the terrorists’ tactics thwarted the several attempts, including shooting down the amateur drones used by the terrorists,” he said.

The director however expressed sadness, that 22 soldiers lost their lives in action during the encounters.

“Overall, during the course of the operations, troops sadly recorded 22 killed in action casualties with several others wounded in action,” he disclosed.

He enjoined the media to refrain from publishing the names of the troop casualties to allow formal notification of their next of kins.

Nigerian music legend, Tuface Idibia, better known as 2Baba, has disowned a social media post announcing his separation from his wife, Annie Idibia Macauley.

2Baba, in the Instagram post, announced the breakup of 13 years of marriage with Annie.

The ‘African Queen’ crooner also revealed plans to address the situation in an upcoming press release, in which he vowed to clarify the events leading to their separation.

The earlier post read, “Hello to my beautiful people of all federations. Well, this thing I have to say is short but also long…I and Annie Macaulay have been separated for a while now, and currently filed for divorce.

“I would grant a press release soon to say my story. Not because it is anyone’s right to know about my personal life but because I love my people and I need them to know my innocence or offense. Stay blessed my people. I love you all.”

However, in his latest post on his page, 2Baba announced that his Instagram account had been hacked and stressed that efforts were underway to recover it.

The post reads, “My Instagram account has been hacked, efforts are being carried out to take back control. #onelove!”

But in a surprising twist, the award wining singer posted a video disclosing that his account was never hacked.

Annie and 2Face tied the knot in May 2012 and share two beautiful daughters, Isabella and Olivia.

Their lavish and star-studded wedding in Dubai in March 2013 was the talk of the town.

However, their marriage has faced turbulent times, with Annie publicly accusing 2Baba of infidelity involving his babymama, Pero.

This led to conflicts with his family members, although they later reconciled, lived in peace and harmony until now.

Palpable tension has been ignited in Oba community, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State since the state’s newly unveiled security outfit uncovered over 30 graves and shrine in a popular hotel located in the area.

The property, officially registered as Udoka Golden Point Hotel and Suites, but popularly known as La Cruise Hotel, located along the Onitsha-Owerri Road was demolished on Saturday after the security operatives discovered its sinister operations.

According to the authorities, the building operating under the guise of a hotel was busted after a tip-off by a whistleblower and due intelligence gathered.

During the demolition, security operatives and local authorities said they made a horrifying discovery of over 30 well-partitioned graves downstairs of the structure, alongside a shrine as well as military camouflage, including arms and cartridges.

However, it could not be officially ascertained if any corpse was found from the grave or if any arrest was made at the said hotel, as the authorities had remained silent on it.

When contacted on the development, the Special Adviser to the state governor on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, declined to comment, while directing our correspondent to confirm from the Press Secretary to the governor.

But the statement shared on the Anambra State New Media X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, indicated that the hotel, known as Udoka Golden Point Hotel and Suites, also referred to as “La Cruise Hotel”, was reportedly a hub for kidnappers and other criminal elements.

The statement, which added that the hotel had over 30 well-partitioned graves, read, “Oba, Idemili South LGA! Demolition of kidnappers’ den disguised as Udoka Golden Point Hotel and Suites AKA “La Cruise Hotel” along Onitsha-Owerri Road.

“The hotel has well-partitioned graves of over 30 on the last floor with a shrine!!”

When also contacted, Christian Aburime, the Press Secretary to the Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, said investigations were still ongoing and would be communicated in due course.

Aburime said, “Yes, the hotel was demolished as part of Anambra State Homeland Security Law that says any structure or building found to be housing criminals or linked to the issue of kidnapping should be pulled down.

“The raid followed credible information from concerned members of the public about the suspicious activities going on there.

“During the raid by the security operatives, graves were found on the ground floor of the hotel and some military camouflage and some arms cartridges of guns and so on were also found. Quite a number of incriminating items were also found there.”

He said it was the law that had been passed by the state, and no matter who the owner of the structure was, if it was linked to any issue of kidnapping or any criminality, it had to be pulled down.

“As regards if corpses were found at the discovered graves or if any arrest was made, that I cannot say for now. Investigations are still ongoing and further development shall be made known as they unfold,” he said.

Our correspondent who visited the community on Sunday, observed mixed feelings from residents as some who spoke in different interviews raised serious concerns about the prevalence of similar establishments in the state, while others said a thorough investigation should have been carried out before the demolition.

Residents expressed their outrage and called for swift action from the government to investigate other suspicious buildings.

A resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, said, “I witnessed the demolition. This is beyond comprehension. God forbid such evil in our land!”

Another resident said, “Those things they called graves were constructed partitioning for fish ponds.”

When contacted on the development, the spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said, “We don’t have a brief on it.”

In another development on Saturday, the Agunechemba Security Squad raided a kidnappers’ hideout in a brothel at Akwu-Ukwu Oba in the Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

During the operation, two suspected kidnappers were arrested along with five prostitutes in the area, following a tip-off from residents.

The one-storey building that housed the kidnappers and prostitutes was immediately demolished by the security operatives, by Anambra State’s Agunechemba Security Laws.

An operative of the outfit who craved anonymity, said, “We received information that some young men had been visiting the brothel regularly, arriving late in the evening and leaving early in the morning,

“We kept watch on them, and after confirming the information, our team moved in and apprehended them.”

The operative further confirmed that some members of the gang are still on the run and vowed to track them down.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the administration of President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) over the recent 50% hike in telecom tariffs.

SERAP argued that the increase, which raises call rates to ₦16.5 per minute (from ₦11), 1GB of data to ₦431.25 (from ₦287.5), and SMS charges to ₦6 (from ₦4), is “arbitrary, unconstitutional, unlawful, unfair, and unreasonable.”

Filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/111/2025, SERAP is challenging the NCC’s decision, describing it as a breach of citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and access to information under Nigerian and international laws.

Naija News reports that SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, emphasized that the tariff hike is a violation of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018, the Nigerian Constitution, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantee equal access to communication services.

SERAP’s Demands

SERAP is seeking the following reliefs from the court:

1. A Declaration that the NCC’s unilateral decision to approve the 50% telecom tariff hike is unconstitutional, arbitrary, and unfair, violating Nigerians’ rights to free expression and access to information.

2. An Order setting aside the NCC’s approval of the tariff hike announced on January 20, 2025.

3. An Injunction restraining the NCC and telecom companies from implementing or enforcing the tariff hike.

4. Further Orders as deemed necessary by the court.

Concerns Highlighted by SERAP

In its suit, SERAP outlined the economic challenges facing Nigerians, including:

High Poverty Levels: With 133 million Nigerians classified as multi-dimensionally poor, many lack access to basic services like clean energy.

Cost of Living Crisis: Rising inflation, fuel subsidy removal, and increasing food prices have exacerbated the financial burden on citizens.

Procedural Breaches: SERAP alleged that the NCC failed to consult key stakeholders, including the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, before implementing the hike.

SERAP argued that the tariff increase disproportionately affects economically vulnerable Nigerians and undermines equal access to communication services.

Naija News gathered that no date has been set for the hearing of the interim application and the substantive suit.

Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra, says he is not desperate to become president of Nigeria. 

Obi spoke at the fourth convocation ceremony of Nexford University, the US-based online school.

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election decried the state of leadership in the country, describing it as “an imposition on the people”.

Obi urged the graduating students to embrace the spirit of servitude so as to lead effectively and “ignite the needed change”.

He added that he is “desperate to see the country work”.

“All of these that we are saying is for you to use it and ignite that change and support. It is not for you to start saying ‘I want to be in charge. I want to do this. I want to do that’,” he said.

“When people say I am desperate I say ‘No’. I am not desperate to be Nigeria’s president’. I am desperate to see Nigeria work because it can work.”

He said Nigerian youths must help to reignite the “right leadership that the country requires for development”.

“James Robinson, one of the Nobel laureates in economics, last year said it openly that Nigeria is a country that knows what to do to prosper and refuses to do it,” Obi added.

“How can you allow drivers and people who are at their destinations to drive you? You will lose. They have passed their destinations. They have passed their time.

“That is what you should help to reignite. Use what you have henceforth to help us change the society. Do not go and be part of this. You are a victim of Nigeria. Because our age and the one before refused to do what is right and we are suffering for it.”

Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) picked Obi as his running mate in the 2019 presidential election.

Four years later, Obi contested for the presidential office under the LP but polled third behind Abubakar and Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Imported food prices in Nigeria have defied government interventions, increasing by 37.65 per cent between January and December 2024, according to the latest Consumer Price Index report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.

The report said the average price of imported food commodities to Nigeria rose to its highest level in December, recording an increase of 260.8 basis points from 692.6 per cent recorded in January 2024.

Our correspondent also observed that the price of imported food has been on a monthly upward trajectory since 2020.

The data highlighted a significant rise of 41.28 per cent per cent year-on-year increase in December 2024, marking a 278.6 percentage point.

 This price surge comes amid plans by the government to utilise food import as a succour to beat down the price of basic food items and ensure food security.

This sharp rise was been attributed to multiple factors, including currency devaluation, global supply chain disruptions, and inefficiencies in domestic policies.

In July 2024, the Federal Government announced a 150-day duty-free import window for food commodities as it stepped up efforts to tackle rising inflation, which had impoverished many Nigerians.

The commodities include maize, husked brown rice, wheat and cowpea. Under this arrangement, imported food commodities will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price. It was designed to reduce import costs and make staple foods more affordable.

However, after months of bureaucratic delays, a consignment of 32,000 tons arrived in Lagos earlier this month from Thailand.

Commenting, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale, said the Federal Government’s intervention in the middle of the year was necessary to address the prevailing food inflation in the country.

Adewale speaking at a briefing to announce its highest revenue collection of N6.1tn, noted that the implementation is still ongoing.

He said, “About six items were listed but people tend to look at only some three parts of it so let’s get it very clear, there are items like wheat, there are items like grain, there are some items that can be directly consumed, whereas some of those items are also inputs of other manufacturing and I think it’s only when we get that distinction very clear that we will understand that there are some other objectives behind it, beyond just granting zero percent concession.

“Of course, implementation has been ongoing, and yes, a particular importation, this importation that you’re talking about came in the middle of December, and that particular one was, of course, rice.

“The government, in its wisdom, decided that they were not going to allow polished rice because there are some interests, some local farmers and millers who are also in this business, and their interests will be compromised if we just allow some wholesale of importation of these items.”

Meanwhile, PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited has projected that the prevailing economic hardship, high inflation and violence in food-producing regions in northern Nigeria may push 33.1 million Nigerians into food insecurity in 2025.

Bauchi State governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has disclosed that many founding fathers and some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who are aggrieved with the system have concluded plans to dump the party.

The governor was concerned that such action would weaken the strength of the party and might, undoubtedly, affect its victory chances in coming elections.

Senator Mohammed who disclosed this in a BBC Hausa Service on Saturday said that members of the PDP said they have completely lost trust and hope in the party, making reference to the prolonged leadership challenge that seems not to have any solution.

He alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had either planted some persons at the leadership of the party or had contracted some moles to silently work against the peace and unity of the party.

He said: “You made reference to former Sokoto governor, Attahiru Bafarawa, that reportedly dumped the party, I can tell you that more people who are higher than him in rank and influence are on the verge of leaving the party.

“Few weeks ago, PDP youth leaders from the states visited me, and in the cause of the meeting, I asked them to appeal to the aggrieved founding members to exercise more patients with the party, because we are working on fixing the challenges within the shortest time possible. If that is not done, we will simply and cheaply play to the plans of the ruling APC, and that might result in the extinction of the PDP.

“Many of them are thinking of forming another political party, but that won’t have effect like the PDP. But the thing is that many founding members of the party said they are tired of the leadership and administrative instability in the party and might soon leave the party. I won’t disclose their identities because I don’t want them to leave.

“There’s a serious plan by some of these aggrieved persons to join another small political party as alternative, perhaps, in preparation for 2027 general election. Even with this plan ongoing, I appeal to them to have a change of thought and tarry a while as we fix the challenges in our party.”

He confirmed that PDP and its governors are working hard to restore the lost glory of the party, saying that would be achieved in the shortest time possible.

“But we need to come together and strengthen PDP, and once it’s done, we can develop a strategy for victory in the coming elections and form the government to serve our people better.

“Nigerians are waiting for us to put our house in order, present credible and competent individuals for elections in the next cycle. But being divided might or will affect our chances of winning elections in future,” he said.

The Bauchi governor admitted that the major problem with the PDP is leadership and the activities of “black sheep” who had penetrated the leadership system and are playing the cards in favour of the ruling APC.

“But we cannot throw away the baby with the bath water. We will continue to work with everybody to ensure we achieve the desired success,” he said.

He also blamed the judiciary for the prolonged leadership crisis in the PDP.

His words: “Judiciary is also not helping us in this country. They keep throwing up different pronouncements that are confusing and contrary to one another.

“But we have no option, but to obey the court orders, and it’s not because of convenience, but because we are law abiding. Our systems are losing credibility and people’s confidence because of the activities of the judiciary.

“However, we have no option, but to rely on them for justice to all persons irrespective of political, religious, or ethnic differences. But if that is not done, we would be forced to take political measures to get a solution.

“These measures might be unfriendly to some people and might also not be what is written in either the constitution or guidelines of operation. We have had enough of this ‘behind the scene’ operation by some individuals who were allegedly planted in our midst to destabilize us.

“PDP is the main opposition party in Nigeria for now, and we cannot afford to allow it die, thereby silencing the power of the opposition in Nigeria. That might threaten our democracy.”

He, again, called on the aggrieved founding fathers and other members to be more patient with the party and allow the wheel of the ongoing reconciliation to complete within the shortest time, promising that better and stronger PDP will emerge sooner than expected.

Auditions for the highly anticipated 10th season of Nigerian Idol started penultimate Friday, MultiChoice Nigeria announced.

It invited talented Nigerians to participate and showcase their talent on one of Africa’s biggest music stages. Submission of applications will close on Sunday, 2 February, 2025.

This season, themed “Your Voice, Your Victory,” encourages young Nigerians aged 16 to 30 to take a bold step towards realising their dreams.

To audition, participants must record a 30-second video of themselves singing a song of their choice and upload it to the Africa Magic website.

Speaking about the announcement, Executive Head of Content and Channels West Africa at MultiChoice, Dr Busola Tejumola said: “Nigerian Idol is not just about discovering talent; it’s about giving everyday Nigerians the chance to share their voice and inspire others.

Over the past decade, the show has touched lives, built careers, and entertained audiences across Africa. This year’s theme, ‘Your Voice, Your Victory,’ speaks directly to the heart of Nigerian Idol. It’s a reminder of the power of music in changing lives.”

The last season of Nigerian Idol delivered great entertainment, with Chima Udoye emerging as the winner. This season promises to be even more captivating, continuing its long-standing tradition of unearthing our rich musical talent.

MultiChoice further said that popular soft drink brand, Bigi, will once again be the main sponsor, highlighting the brands unwavering support for homegrown talent and creativity.

ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Nigeria Police Force Police Public Relations Officer, has stated that police personnel can break into any property without a warrant if they suspect that crime is going on there.

Adejobi said this on Saturday in reaction to a shocking video that has sparked outrage, showing masked armed policemen in improper attire, invading a property without a warrant.

The officers scaled the fence and fired shots to disperse people. This blatant disregard for protocol and human rights has raised concerns about police brutality and accountability.

In response, the Nigeria Police Force has condemned the actions of the officers involved, acknowledging that their behaviour was unacceptable. However, the police also emphasised their authority to enter properties where they reasonably suspect a crime is being committed.

In the video clip shared by @General_Somto and tagged, "What’s Going On Here???", two masked policemen, wearing improper attire and carrying AK-47 rifles, are seen ordering the occupants of a house, whose location has not been confirmed, to open their gate.

A young man in the video is seen telling the masked men that they cannot open the gate for them unless they show their faces and a search warrant.

The man, supposedly the owner of the house, said, "Imagine police people with facemasks come into my house to force our door, said that we are fraudsters."

The masked policemen are overheard saying, "You said you no go open the gate? Ok!" The occupants of the house replied, saying: "Yes, we are not going to open the gate to masked armed men. We don't know you."

Thereafter, the armed men cocked their guns and one released a shot, forcing the house occupants to run inside the house. One of them is overheard urging others to "get down".

The policeman who fired the shot is then seen scaling the fence of the house. After gaining access into the compound, he proceeded to open the gate for his colleague.

Reacting to it, Adejobi stated: "Let's clarify an issue here. The police have the power to break into any house or place where they are reasonably convinced an offence is being committed. That is understandable.

"But I am not too ok with their dressing and appearance. It is improper dressing. Policemen are not allowed to wear masks or tie head gear. These are 2 issues we need to iron out. What is the offence of the people to have warranted breaking in, and why this dressing?

"I wish I knew the location so that we could direct these questions to the men involved. However, I have shared the video with d PPROs to locate the men. We need to investigate the scene captured in the video. Thanks."

A tragic event unfolded on Tuesday in the Oke-Ijeun area of Abeokuta, Ogun State, where an elderly woman, Kehinde Ojo, was lynched by a mob following accusations of witchcraft.

Disturbing videos circulating on social media show Ojo, visibly frail and unable to speak, being subjected to inhumane treatment while lying in a pit.

The old woman was accused by the mob of transforming from a large bird into a human in broad daylight. According to a Saturday PUNCH report, a prophetess from a local white garment church raised the alarm, claiming that Ojo transformed from a bird into a human and fell onto her church’s roof while she was praying. In a video, the prophetess and other community members were seen interrogating the old woman. The prophetess's name could not be ascertained.

A video shows personnel from the state police command rescuing the woman. She was reportedly taken to the hospital but later died.

Narrating the incident to Saturday PUNCH, Kabir Kehinde, one of the deceased's children, accused the prophetess and her son of beating his mother to death. According to him, his mother lost her way while visiting his brother, who lived behind the church, on Monday evening and was attacked by the prophetess.

“My mother was not a witch; she was wrongly accused and beaten to death by the prophetess. My mother had gone to visit my brother on Monday evening and lost her way because she had sight problems.

“The prophetess and others beat her from Monday evening till Tuesday morning. They inflicted injuries on her because they were pestering her to confess to witchcraft.

“Despite her repeated pleas of innocence, they descended on her, beating and accusing her of witchcraft.

“My mother was still bleeding from the injuries even till the day we buried her. We have reported the case to the police and the prophetess has been arrested,” Kehinde said.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Omolola Odutola, on the phone for an update on the issue failed.

Meanwhile, Leo Igwe of the Advocacy for Alleged Witches has urged Nigerians to realize that no human being turns into a bird, snake, or cat as popularly believed.

He said the statement has become necessary following a viral video of the elderly woman in the Ago/Egun Isabo area in Ogun State.

Igwe said, “This video illustrates the grip of superstition on the minds of Nigerians. Modern education has not succeeded in weakening this grip. The misconception that a human being can turn into a bird remains a popular superstition.

“The notion that a human being could magically turn or transform into a bird or cat is counterintuitive. This claim contradicts the fundamentals of science and logic that Nigerians study in schools. Religions often preach, peddle, and reinforce this mistaken idea, and baseless nonsense, motivating Nigerians to show no compassion for persons believed to have the capacity to transform into animals.

“Nigerians often use this misconception to justify murder, torture and maltreatment of elderly persons, including those suffering from dementia and other mental health challenges.”

AfAW urged Nigerians to abandon such superstitions and embrace science and critical thinking.