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...

  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....

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 ...

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...

Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has announced a major shake‑up in his political team ahead of the 2027 elections, dropping his deputy, Umar Abubakar Tafida Arugungu , as running mate and replacing him with Ibrahim Muhammad Augie .  The decision, which has sparked intense debate in Kebbi’s political circles, was reportedly based on legal advice regarding Tafida’s eligibility.   Speaking at a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi, Governor Idris explained that the move was necessary to ensure compliance with electoral laws and to strengthen his ticket ahead of the polls. “This decision was not taken lightly.  It is guided by legal counsel and the need to present a credible, lawful, and united front to the people of Kebbi,” Idris stated.   Sources close to the governor revealed that Tafida’s eligibility had been questioned due to unresolved legal issues, though details remain unclear.  Political analysts suggest that the governor acted preemptively to avoid...

  Former Nigerian military ruler General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB ) has revisited two of the most controversial episodes of his regime: the execution of his childhood friend Mamman Vatsa over the 1985 coup plot, and the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election , widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest poll.   In a rare interview, Babangida reflected on the events surrounding the 1985 coup attempt, which sought to overthrow his government just months after he seized power from General Muhammadu Buhari. Among those implicated was Major General Mamman Vatsa, a poet, soldier, and Babangida’s close friend since childhood.   Despite their personal bond, Babangida approved Vatsa’s execution after a military tribunal found him guilty of treason. “It was one of the most painful decisions of my life,” Babangida admitted. “But as Head of State, I had to put the survival of the nation above personal relationships.”   Historians note that...

  The United States has deported more than 3 million foreigners in just 15 months , a record-breaking figure that has reignited debates over immigration policy, border security, and humanitarian obligations.  The announcement, made by U.S. immigration authorities, underscores the scale of enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration and its impact on global migration patterns.   According to official data, the deportations include individuals from Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Europe.  The majority were undocumented migrants apprehended at the southern border, while others were removed following visa overstays or criminal convictions.  Immigration officials defended the policy, stating that it was necessary to uphold national security and protect American jobs.   “This administration is committed to enforcing immigration laws without compromise,” a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said. “Every nation has the right to de...

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s oil sector, recovering ₦115 billion  in levies owed to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by oil companies.  The recovery, hailed as a significant step toward fiscal accountability, underscores the EFCC’s renewed focus on tackling corruption and enforcing compliance in Nigeria’s most lucrative industry.   According to EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, the funds were retrieved after months of investigation into oil companies that had failed to remit statutory levies meant to support development projects in the Niger Delta region.  “This recovery is not just about numbers; it is about justice for communities that have long suffered neglect despite the wealth generated from their land,” Olukoyede said during a press briefing in Abuja.   Despite the recovery, the EFCC revealed that 24 oil firms still owe ₦76 billion and $81 million  in unpaid levi...

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has sounded the alarm over what it describes as a deliberate attempt to intimidate opposition voices ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.  According to the party, security agencies are allegedly plotting to arrest its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, a move it claims could destabilize campaign activities and undermine democratic participation. Party officials argue that such actions, if carried out, would not only silence dissent but also erode public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process. “We cannot allow democracy to be reduced to a game of intimidation,” an ADC spokesperson said during a press briefing in Osogbo.  The statement emphasized that the arrest of a senior party figure days before the polls would send a chilling message to voters and candidates alike. Observers note that Osun State has historically been a flashpoint during elections, with heightened security presence and allegations of vote manipulation....

In a week filled with significant developments, Nigeria has witnessed notable events across its political, entertainment, and educational landscapes. From political rallies to industry growth predictions, and from infrastructure challenges to technological advancements, here's a comprehensive look at the latest news updates. Politics: Youth Engagement and Democratic Concerns Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has called on Nigerian youths to be politically vigilant and ready to defend their votes. Speaking at a recent rally, Amaechi emphasized the importance of youth participation in politics, warning that President Bola Tinubu will not easily relinquish power to the younger generation. His rallying cry comes at a time when the political landscape is increasingly dominated by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), with opposition parties in disarray and key political leaders defecting to the APC. Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised concer...