GBI&I Media News Blog

  Nigerian security forces successfully repelled a bandit attack on Sifawa town in Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State , killing several assailants and restoring calm to the community.   According to local reports, heavily armed bandits attempted to storm Sifawa late Wednesday night, targeting homes and shops. Residents raised alarm, prompting swift intervention by combined forces of the Nigerian Army and Police.   Eyewitnesses said the attackers arrived on motorcycles, firing sporadically to instill fear. Security operatives engaged them in a fierce gun battle that lasted over an hour, forcing the bandits to retreat. Several were killed, while others escaped with injuries.   Sifawa town holds symbolic significance as the hometown of former Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya . Analysts believe the attack may have been intended to send a message, though authorities have not confirmed any targeted motive.   In response, the Sok...

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)  has successfully raised ₦700 billion  through the sale of Treasury Bills in its second auction for August 2026, underscoring its commitment to stabilizing liquidity and curbing inflationary pressures.   According to official figures, the bills were sold across three tenors:   - 91‑day bills attracted strong demand from short‑term investors.   - 182‑day bills  saw moderate uptake, reflecting cautious sentiment.   - 364‑day bills  accounted for the bulk of subscriptions, as institutional investors sought higher yields.   The auction was oversubscribed, with bids exceeding the offered amount, highlighting investor confidence in Nigeria’s debt instruments despite economic challenges.   The sale comes amid rising inflation and currency volatility. Analysts say the CBN is using Treasury Bills as a tool to mop up excess liquidity, stabilize the naira, and manage inflationary tren...

President Bola Tinubu  has issued a sweeping directive to Nigeria’s defence and intelligence chiefs, ordering them to produce a comprehensive national threat assessment and five‑year defence strategy within 90 days .  The move is part of efforts to overhaul Nigeria’s security architecture amid escalating violence across the country.   Speaking at a high‑level security council meeting in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria must transition from a reactive security posture  to a proactive and preventive strategy .  He tasked the military, police, DSS, and other agencies with identifying emerging threats, assessing vulnerabilities, and outlining a roadmap for long‑term stability.   “This administration will not tolerate piecemeal responses to insecurity. We must anticipate, prepare, and neutralize threats before they destabilize our nation,” Tinubu declared.   The ultimatum comes in the wake of renewed violence in Sokoto, Benue, and Platea...

 Today, Thursday, August 27, 2026: Tinubu gives security chiefs a 90‑day ultimatum to produce a five‑year defence strategy, Atiku says he is “ competing with thieves ” in the 2027 race, security forces foil a bandit attack in Sokoto, and the CBN sells ₦700bn in Treasury Bills.  Good morning 🇳🇬 Nigeria Headlines Security & Governance Tinubu’s Ultimatum President Bola Tinubu directed defence and intelligence chiefs to submit a national threat assessment and five‑year defence strategy within 90 days , aiming to shift Nigeria’s security posture from reactive to proactive.  READ MORE: FULL STORY Sokoto Attack Foiled Security forces killed several bandits while thwarting an assault on Sifawa town in Bodinga LGA , home of former Army Chief Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya.   Politics Atiku’s Claim Former VP Atiku Abubakar , ADC presidential candidate, declared he is “competing with thieves” who have stolen the election and economy. He reiterated his plan to restore fuel su...

  Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar , presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) , has sparked controversy with his latest remarks, declaring that he is “competing with thieves” in the 2027 election.   Speaking at a campaign rally in Abuja, Atiku accused his rivals of looting Nigeria’s economy and manipulating the electoral process. “I am not just running against politicians. I am competing with thieves who have stolen our future,” he said, drawing loud applause from supporters.   Atiku’s comments were widely interpreted as a direct attack on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)  and its candidate, President Bola Tinubu , though he did not mention names explicitly.   Atiku reiterated his pledge to restore a targeted fuel subsidy , arguing that Nigeria is wealthy enough to cushion citizens from economic hardship. He claimed that the removal of subsidies under Tinubu’s administration has worsened poverty and inflation....

Today, Wednesday, August 26, 2026: President Tinubu orders a rescue operation after a mass abduction in Niger State, NNPCL raises petrol prices to ₦1,270 per litre, Peter Obi challenges Tinubu to a public debate, Atiku unveils a targeted subsidy plan, and the U.S. hails Dangote Refinery for boosting Nigeria’s petroleum exports sevenfold. 🇳🇬 Nigeria Headlines Security & Governance Niger Mass Abduction President Bola Tinubu directed the Armed Forces, Police, DSS, and other agencies to launch a coordinated rescue operation after dozens were abducted in Niger State. He condemned the killings and assured families of government support.   Jonathan’s Call Former President Goodluck Jonathan  urged reforms to reduce governors’ influence in off‑cycle elections, warning of risks to democratic integrity.   Politics Peter Obi vs Tinubu Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC ), challenged Tinubu to stop “hiding in Aso Rock” and face N...

Good morning.  Here are today’s top stories:   National Security The controversy surrounding a Northern senator who distributed sticks as “weapons” for self‑defense continues to dominate public discourse. Civil society groups have called for disciplinary action, describing the gesture as “insensitive and dangerous.”   Economic Update The Central Bank of Nigeria has begun auditing the ₦500 billion SME intervention fund amid corruption allegations. Officials say the review will ensure transparency and restore public confidence.   Political Watch The Senate Committee on Works has postponed its hearing on the ₦20 billion Chagoury‑linked contracts to Wednesday, citing new evidence from the Ministry of Finance.   Delta State Focus Organizers of the Effurun–Warri cultural unity festival have unveiled the event’s theme — “One Delta, One Voice.” The festival aims to promote peace and tourism across the twin cities.   Security Ope...

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Nigeria’s security crisis deepened this week as at least 58 people were killed  in coordinated attacks across Sokoto, Benue, and Plateau States , sparking outrage and renewed calls for urgent government intervention.   Local reports indicate that armed groups launched simultaneous assaults on rural communities, burning homes, destroying farmland, and forcing residents to flee.  In Sokoto, attackers stormed villages in the eastern district, leaving dozens dead and many injured. Similar incidents were recorded in Benue and Plateau, where clashes between herders and farmers escalated into widespread violence.   Community leaders described the attacks as “systematic and devastating,” warning that insecurity is eroding trust in government protection.  Survivors recounted harrowing scenes of families trapped in burning houses and children separated from parents during the chaos.   The killings drew swift condemnation from political leaders persons ...

 Here are the breaking headlines that makes the rounds today. INEC 2027 Elections, Kebbi Governor Running Mate Change, Oby Ezekwesili Ports Deal, FCCPC Cement Probe, FAAC ₦3trn Allocation, Sokoto Benue Plateau Killings, NDLEA Cocaine Cartel Lagos, Boko Haram Adamawa Attack, Global Oil Prices, Bitcoin Ethereum Trends Good morning 🇳🇬 Nigeria Headlines Politics & Governance Campaign Trail Heats Up Presidential candidates Tinubu, Obi, and Sowore continue nationwide rallies after signing the Abuja peace accord. INEC confirmed preparations for over 100 million registered voters  and deployment of 1.4 million ad hoc staff  for the 2027 polls.   Kebbi Shake‑Up Governor Nasir Idris  dropped his deputy Umar Abubakar Tafida Arugungu as running mate for 2027, replacing him with Ibrahim Muhammad Augie, citing legal advice on eligibility.   Jonathan’s Warning Former President Goodluck Jonathan urged reforms to curb governors’ influence in off‑cycle electi...

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC)  has uncovered indications of possible price manipulation in Nigeria’s cement market , raising concerns about anti‑competitive practices in one of the country’s most strategic industries.   According to a 40‑page field report released after a three‑month cross‑border investigation, Nigeria has an installed cement production capacity of 60–65 million metric tons annually , while domestic consumption is estimated at just 25–30 million tons. Despite this surplus, cement prices have continued to rise sharply.   Market intelligence reviewed by the FCCPC showed that the price of a 50kg bag of cement, which sold for ₦9,300–₦9,700 in January 2026 , rose to ₦10,500–₦13,000 by mid‑year . By July, prices had climbed further to ₦13,000–₦15,000 per bag  in some parts of the country.    The Commission compared Nigeria’s cement prices with other African markets. In  Kenya  $5.40 per bag...

  Former Education Minister and public accountability advocate Oby Ezekwesili  has demanded the immediate termination of Nigeria’s £746 million ports financing agreement with the United Kingdom , describing the deal as “dodgy” and lacking transparency.   The agreement, signed earlier this year, involves financing for the redevelopment of the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports  in Lagos. The UK government pledged £746 million in support, with Nigerian authorities touting the project as a major step toward modernizing port infrastructure and boosting trade.   However, Ezekwesili raised concerns about the opaque nature of the contract, questioning whether due process was followed and whether the terms serve Nigeria’s long‑term interests. “This deal reeks of secrecy and potential exploitation. Nigerians deserve clarity on how such massive commitments are negotiated,” she said.   Civic technology group Budgit  echoed Ezekwesili’s concerns, callin...

Nigeria has officially entered the 2027 election campaign season , with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announcing the commencement of campaigns nationwide.  In a symbolic ceremony held in Abuja, leading presidential candidates including President Bola Tinubu, Peter Obi, and Omoyele Sowore  signed a peace accord , pledging to conduct issue‑based campaigns and avoid violence.   INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu emphasized the Commission’s neutrality and commitment to transparency.  He revealed that Nigeria is projected to have over 100 million registered voters  by 2027 and that more than 1.4 million ad hoc staff  will be deployed to manage the polls.   Yakubu urged political parties to focus on policies rather than divisive rhetoric, warning against the weaponization of ethnicity and religion.  “The credibility of the 2027 elections depends not only on INEC but also on the conduct of political actors,” he said....