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President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday night held a meeting with the leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) as part of last-minute efforts to stop plans by the Labour union to embark on a strike action over the growing insecurity across the country. Last week, the congress declared a nationwide protest for December 17 over the “degenerating security situation” across the country.   The meeting, which was held at the State House, Abuja, started at about 11:27pm and had Joe Ajaero, NLC president, Imo state governor Hope Uzodimma, Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi state, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo state and the Minister of Labour and EMployment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha in attendance.   The NLC had on Tuesday evening raised the alarm over an alleged plot by “unscrupulous agencies and desperate political hirelings” to infiltrate and violently disrupt its planned nationwide protest.     Speaking with State House correspondents after the meeting, the NLC president...

A Russian submarine was shadowed through UK waters by the Royal Navy during a powerful storm, in what officials described as a tightly coordinated three day tracking operation.   Dramatic images showed Vladimir Putin’s stealthy “black hole” submarine moving through the English Channel, closely monitored by British forces. The Soviet era vessel, Krasnodar, was followed by support ship RFA Tidesurge, which carried a Merlin helicopter for airborne surveillance.   The submarine and its accompanying tug, Altay, travelled from the North Sea, passed through the Strait of Dover, and then entered the English Channel under constant watch.   Captain James Allen, commanding officer of RFA Tidesurge, said: “There is nothing like a Russian submarine to focus the mind for any mariner.”   Lieutenant Commander David Emery, flight commander of 814 Naval Air Squadron’s Atlantic Flight, added: “Maintaining an overt presence and continued overwatch of Russian vessels in UK wa...

Israel has firmly stated that the Islamist militant group, Hamas "will be disarmed" as part of the US-sponsored peace initiative for Gaza, immediately rejecting a proposal from a top Hamas leader for a mere weapons "freeze."     On Thursday, an Israeli official told AFP that the dismantling of Hamas's military capability is non-negotiable within the framework of the peace proposal.     "There will be no future for Hamas under the 20-point plan. The terror group will be disarmed and Gaza will be demilitarised," the official stated.     This Israeli stance comes after Khaled Meshaal, a prominent leader of Hamas, suggested the militant group was open to a weapons "freeze" during an interview with the Qatari news channel Al Jazeera on Wednesday.     However, he explicitly rejected the demand for complete disarmament outlined in US President Donald Trump’s plan for Gaza.   The focus on disarmament highlights the central conflict over s...

The mother of a 24-year-old terrorist who carried out a terror attack during a Hanukkah event in Australia has said she didn’t believe her son could be involved in any violent or extremist activities, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.    Naveed Akram, an unemployed bricklayer, and his father, Sajid Akram, a fruiterer, opened fire on the crowd in Archer Park at Bondi Beach in Sydney, New Wales on Sunday, December 14, 2025, k!lling 16 people.   “Anyone would wish to have a son like my son … he’s a good boy,” Verena said on Monday morning as police surrounded the family home at Bonnyrigg.    Akram was looking for work after being laid off from his bricklaying job about two months ago when the company he worked for became insolvent.   “While he had many friends during his high school days at Cabramatta High School, he wasn’t particularly social,” Verena said.    She said he didn’t appear to spend a lot of time online. He l...

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has named his final list of 28 players for the upcoming 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco (AFCON 2025).   Chelle had released a provisional 54-man list last week, before cutting the squad down to the required final size.   Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made the final list despite earlier reports that he could miss the tournament due to hand and ankle injuries.  Francis Uzoho is also included alongside Amas Obasogie.   Nigeria’s frontline features Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen alongside Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Moses Simon. Paul Onuachu and Cyriel Dessers have been recalled to the team, with Sevilla pair Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke also making the list. Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has named his final list of 28 players for the upcoming 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco (AFCON 2025).   Chelle had released a provi...

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said its attack aircraft on Sunday, December 14, successfully conducted a precision Air Interdiction (AI) mission at Dabar Masara, a known terrorist location in the Southern Tumbuns, as part of ongoing operations to disrupt terrorist activities and logistics.   Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, said that during the strikes, several terrorists who had converged on a logistics base hidden under some trees were neutralized and their vehicles destroyed.   He said, “Acting on credible intelligence indicating the presence of a terrorist workshop and sustained movement of armed elements, the Air Component of Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai deployed an integrated force package to conduct coordinated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions with strike operations. Prior ISR missions had revealed repeated terrorist movement within the area, as well as a significant concentration o...

The Federal Government has revealed that discussions were still ongoing over the detention of a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft and 11 soldiers, noting they were yet to be released by the Burkinabe government.   Recall that the aircraft, crew, and soldiers onboard the plane were seized last week Monday, shortly after the crew made what it described as a precautionary landing in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, had said the aircraft on its way to Portugal for maintenance made the precautionary landing due to technical faults. However, the government of Burkina Faso and its counterpart in the Confederation of Sahel States, AES, accused the crew of entering into its airspace without clearance, explaining why the Hercules plane was forced to land. Speaking on the development on Sunday, December 14,, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the federal government was actively engaging the authorities of the countr...

Atalanta winger, Ademola Lookman, defenders Semi Ajayi and Bright Osayi-Samuel have arrived at the Super Eagles Renaissance Hotels base in Cairo ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.   Among the new arrivals in camp are goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, Tochukwu Nnadi, and Igoh Ogbu. They joined Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in camp.   More players are expected to join the team later on Monday (today). The Super Eagles opened camp for AFCON 2025 in Cairo on Sunday.   The three-time African champions will hold their first training session tonight. Eric Chelle’s side will face the Pharaohs of Egypt in a friendly at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday.

Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh has revealed that she started smoking at the age of 13 and struggled with the habit for 27 years.   She shared the testimony during a Sunday service at Streams of Joy International Church, led by Pastor Jerry Eze, where she spoke about what she described as her deliverance from smoking, alcohol addiction, masturbation and deep-rooted anger issues.   “I smoked since I was 13. God healed me from masturbation too,” she said, adding that these struggles followed her from childhood.   Tonto admitted she almost backed out of sharing her story because of her public image but chose honesty instead.   “The God that gave me the image is the same God that can take it away,” she said.   According to the actress, her turning point came after attending the Ghana Prayer Conference, where she noticed a major spiritual shift.   She also spoke about battling anger that affected her relationships.   “An anger that destroyed my li...

Box office movies, Titanic and Avatar, director and filmmaker,  James Cameron has been declared a dollar billionaire, with his net worth estimated at a staggering $1.1 billion. Sharing the news on X, Forbes hailed Cameron's illustrious production success, spanning more than four decades. “Beginning in the 1980s with The Terminator and Aliens and extending through Titanic and the first two Avatar movies, Cameron’s films have collectively earned nearly $9 billion at the global box office, and his share of those earnings form the bulk of a personal net worth Forbes now estimates to be $1.1 billion,” Forbes stated on X. Cameron has enjoyed years of box-office success, with his highly anticipated third Avatar film, Avatar: Fire and Ash, scheduled for a global theatrical release on December 19, 2025, and expected to gross more than $2 billion. The theatrical worldwide gross for the first two Avatar films alone totals over $5.26 billion:   Avatar (2009): $2,923,710,708 Av...

Cristiano Ronaldo is making another move toward life beyond football with a new business venture in Madrid.   The Al-Nassr star, 40, is set to open Vega Private Members Club later this year in the heart of the city’s Golden Mile.   Libertad Digital reports that Inigo Onieva and Mabel Hospitality – the firm of Manuel Campos Guallar and Ronaldo are ready to launch an exclusive Private Members club in the heart of Spain’s capital city.   It is claimed that the aim is to ‘create an elegant and inviting atmosphere where luxury is more of a feeling than a mere decoration’.   The report states that mornings will offer a quiet and sophisticated environment, while at night it will transform into a social hub with exclusive dinners and bars.   Sign-ups won’t come cheap, however, with the highest-end ‘Founders’ Membership’ only available by invite and costing a one-off fee of £13,000.   This comes with lifetime access and priority bookings.   Local me...

The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd), says that the operational capacity of terrorist groups, bandits, and other criminal elements is significantly degraded across multiple theatres. Musa said this at the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference 2025, which was held on Monday, December 15 at Nebo Hall, Abalti Barracks, Lagos State.   The minister said that the gains reflected the courage of troops, improved planning and execution, as well as the growing impact of coordinated operations conducted within a joint and multi-agency framework. “The reality remains that no single service, institution or individual can address today’s security challenges alone. Success can only be sustained through unity of effort, joint operations, intelligence sharing, coordinated planning and close collaboration among security agencies. As we pursue operational success, we must never lose sight of the human dimension of military service,” he said.   Musa said that th...

Saudi Arabia has broken its own record for executions carried out in a single year, according to a recent tally, after authorities said three people were put to death Monday. The kingdom has killed 340 people so far this year and has in recent years trailed only China and Iran among countries carrying out the death penalty.   The toll marks the second-straight year Saudi Arabia has broken its own record since rights groups first began documenting the number of executions in the 1990s. It executed 338 people in 2024. A statement by the interior ministry carried by the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said three individuals were executed in the Mecca region for murder convictions.   Since the start of 2025, Saudi Arabia has executed 232 people in drug-related cases, constituting the majority of the 340 executions carried out so far, according to the tally, which is based on ministry and SPA announcements. Analysts largely link the surge in executions to the kingdom’...

DonJazzy has responded to a male X-user who said the music executive and other men ‘encourage bad behaviour in women.’   It all started on Friday when a lady on X asked for a Christmas gift from the music producer. Whe je asked her what she wanted, she told him to pay her debt as well as help her with some money to start up an NGO that caters to people battling Kidney ailments.    Many Nigerians faulted her for making such a request. However th  lady went on to inform all who cared to listen that she is not poor but just needs to start up the NGO as it has always been her dream becaus she lost a loved one to the ailment.   Don Jazzy later gave the lady some money. An X user faulted his gesture, describing it as men encouraging bad behaviour in women. Don Jazzy spotted his comment and responded.

The Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, popularly known as Winners Chapel, David Oyedepo, has said no amount of money, including one billion dollars, could persuade him to venture into partisan politics.   Oyedepo made the statement while addressing worshippers during the impartation service at the church’s annual convocation, Shiloh 2025. The cleric used the occasion to urge church members to remain focused on their divine assignments rather than pursuing paths outside their calling.   Speaking on the subject, Oyedepo stressed that political involvement does not align with his life’s purpose. “Partisan politics is off my calling. If you give me $1 billion to join politics, I won’t, because it’s off my course,” he said.   Oyedepo also reflected on past warnings he had issued to the church. “In 2015, I warned the church that trouble was coming. Didn’t trouble come?” he asked.   Oyedepo stated that  the world is in need of divine sol...

The Kano State Government has formally outlawed a group operating under the name Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi, declaring its activities illegal and a threat to public order.   Governor Abba Yusuf signed an executive order proscribing the group on December 8, following intelligence reports that its operations violated existing state laws regulating religious enforcement bodies. According to the government, the group was allegedly recruiting, training and mobilising youths without legal authority, contrary to the Kano State Hisbah Board Law.   Addressing journalists, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, said the Kano State Hisbah Board remains the only institution legally empowered to coordinate Hisbah-related activities in the state. He warned that the existence of any parallel structure posed serious security risks.   “The emergence of a parallel group amounts to creating an unauthorised enforcement structure capable of und...

The Presidency on Sunday night, December 14, refuted the claims that the All Progressives Congress, APC, arm-twisted and pressurised members of the opposition political parties to defect to the ruling party, saying the decanpees were motivated by the alleged noticeable gains of President Bola Tinubu’s reform programme.   The Presidency also denied the allegation that the ruling APC is using the anti-graft agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to harass and intimidate the opposition.   In a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the presidency said President Tinubu does not issue directives to any anti-corruption agency on whom to investigate, arrest, or prosecute.   The presidency, in the statement titled: “A failed opposition engaging in subterfuge and the empty search for scapegoats,” said the fight against corruption is a collective responsibility and should not be triviali...

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled a coordinated attack by ISWAP terrorists on the Forward Operating Base at Mairari in Borno State, dealing what the military described as a major setback to the group’s operations in the area.   This was confirmed in a statement issued on Saturday, December 13, by the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt Col Sani Uba. He said the attack began late on Friday night and continued into the early hours of Saturday before it was contained through joint ground and air operations.   According to Uba, the attackers attempted to force their way into the base using two vehicle borne improvised explosive devices. Both VBIEDs were detected in time and neutralised by troops, preventing any breach of the facility.   “CCTV footage and field observations confirmed that several terrorists were killed, while others sustained serious injuries as surviving elements evacuated their dead and wounded,” he said. ...

Influencer and media personality Nons Miraj has stirred conversations online after sharing her view on what real love from a man should look like.   Speaking during a chat on the  TeaWithTay  podcast, Nons Miraj said love should go beyond sweet words and public gestures. According to her, a man who genuinely loves a woman should be willing to show it through responsibility and provision.   In her words, one clear way to prove love is by renting a place for the woman and her family if the situation calls for it.   She gave an example, saying if a woman is living abroad and her family back home is struggling with poor living conditions, especially something as serious as a leaking house, a man who truly cares would step in to help.   For her, supporting a partner’s family is not an unreasonable demand but a reflection of commitment, concern, and seriousness.

Two US Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed on Saturday, December 12, in central Syria after a suspected Islamic State (IS) attacker opened fire on a convoy involving American and Syrian forces, the US military has confirmed. The assailant was later shot dead.   The attack comes just weeks after Syria announced a political cooperation agreement with the US-led coalition fighting Islamic State, a move that coincided with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s visit to the White House.   According to Reuters, three local officials said the attacker was a member of the Syrian security forces. However, a spokesperson for Syria’s interior ministry, Noureddine el-Baba, said the individual did not hold a leadership position.   “On December 10, an evaluation was issued indicating that this attacker might hold extremist ideas, and a decision regarding him was due to be issued tomorrow, on Sunday,” el-Baba told state broadcaster Al-Ikhbariya.   US Presi...

Goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of France football legend Zinedine Zidane, has been included in Algeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to begin on December 21 in Morocco.   The 27-year-old, who plays for Spanish second-division side Granada, previously represented France at youth level before switching his international allegiance to Algeria. He made his senior debut for the North African side two months ago in a World Cup qualifier against Uganda.   Reacting after his first appearance, Zidane said: “It is an honour for me, and I will give 100% to make the Algerian people proud.”   Zidane is one of three goalkeepers named in the squad, alongside Oussama Benbot of USM Alger and Anthony Mandrea of French club Caen.   Announcing the team, Algeria head coach Vladimir Petkovic expressed confidence ahead of the tournament. “I’m sure the players will arrive highly motivated and ready to play in this AFCON,” he said. “The main objective is to...

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has ordered an autopsy to medically determine the cause of death of his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who died on Thursday, December 11, at the age of 60.   Governor Diri gave the directive while receiving former President Goodluck Jonathan, who paid a condolence visit to the Bayelsa State Government and the family of the late deputy governor at the Government House in Yenagoa.   The governor also warned against the politicisation of Ewhrudjakpo’s death, particularly on social media, urging the public to respect the period of mourning in the state. In a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesman, Mr Daniel Alabrah, Diri appealed to residents to avoid speculation and instead focus on celebrating the life and service of the late deputy governor, whom he described as a dedicated and committed public servant.   He added that the autopsy was necessary to put an end to speculation surrounding the circumstances of the death. ...

Cristiano Ronaldo may soon be trading football boots for fast cars and big screen action. Vin Diesel has confirmed that a role has been written specifically for the football icon in the next Fast & Furious movie, sparking excitement among both sports and film fans. The actor shared a photo with Ronaldo on Instagram, hinting that the Portuguese star could become part of the franchise’s final chapter. The post instantly went viral, with fans imagining Ronaldo in high-speed chases and dramatic action scenes. While no official casting announcement has been made, the buzz alone has already taken over social media. Vin Diesel shared the news on Instagram after meeting Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia. Posting a photo together, Diesel wrote that a role had been written for the football legend and praised him as “a real one.” Fans immediately picked up on the wording, especially since Diesel later edited the caption. Many now believe the role is meant for Fast and Furious 11, the planne...

Access Bank DettyFusion, Giwa Gardens partners to Deliver Unforgettable Detty December Experience ‎Access Bank’s lifestyle platform, DettyFusion, has announced an exciting partnership with Giwa Gardens Lagos, one of Lagos city’s fastest-rising leisure and entertainment destinations, to elevate the Detty December experience for Lagosians and visitors alike. ‎The partnership is set to transform Detty December into a vibrant fusion of music, leisure, culture, and premium lifestyle experiences within the lush and expansive ambience of Giwa Gardens. ‎ ‎Speaking on the colaboration, Chief Executive Officer, Giwa Gardens Lagos, Keji Giwa noted that “Detty December is a defining moment in Lagos’ entertainment calendar, and partnering with Access Bank DettyFusion allows us to curate experiences that combine fun, relaxation, and premium hospitality.  Giwa further noted that, “At Giwa Gardens, we prioritise seamless experiences for our partners and their customers. Tickets purchas...

Sophia has made her stance very clear when it comes to children’s events and the rules that come with them.   Sharing a short message on Snapchat, she noted that any kiddies’ party or playdate invite that boldly states “no nanny” or “no parents” will not be getting her attention.

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency has clarified that the Very Large Crude Carrier MV Skipper, intercepted by the United States Navy over alleged crude theft and other transnational crimes, is not registered in Nigeria.     According to the agency, the vessel, identified by IMO Number 9304667, does not appear on its registry, and the company said to own it, Thomarose Global Ventures Limited, is not recognised as a licensed shipping company under NIMASA.     In a statement issued by the agency’s Head of Public Relations, Edward Osagie, NIMASA said its attention was drawn to reports claiming the vessel was Nigerian-owned.     The statement emphasized that the vessel is not Nigerian-flagged and that an analysis of its movement from the agency’s C4i Centre showed it was last sighted in Nigerian waters on July 1, 2024.     After leaving Nigeria, the vessel reportedly continued on its usual international routes, operating...

Mohamed Salah is set to return to Liverpool’s matchday squad for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Brighton following what have been described as behind the scenes peace talks with head coach Arne Slot.   The development comes days after Salah sparked major controversy with a blunt public interview after Liverpool’s dramatic 3–3 draw with Leeds United, in which he said he had been “thrown under the bus” and claimed he had “no relationship” with Slot. The comments led to intense speculation about his future at Anfield and resulted in the Egypt international being completely left out of the squad for Tuesday’s 1–0 win over Inter Milan.   Despite the fallout, reports from The Guardian indicate that the 33 year old forward has now been recalled to the squad for the Brighton fixture. Salah is expected to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations immediately after the game, making his reintegration into the team particularly notable.   Salah has not started any of ...

Thailand’s leader vowed on Saturday, December 13, to keep fighting on the disputed border with Cambodia as fighter jets struck targets, hours after US President Donald Trump said he had brokered a new ceasefire. Caretaker Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the Southeast Asian nation would “continue to perform military actions until we feel no more harm and threats to our land and people.” Trump, who brokered a ceasefire in the long-running border dispute in October, spoke to Anutin and Cambodian premier Hun Manet on Friday and said they had agreed to “cease all shooting.” Neither premier mentioned an agreement in statements after their calls with Trump, and Anutin explicitly denied there was a ceasefire. "I want to make it clear. Our actions this morning already spoke,” Anutin posted on Facebook, and reports indicate that fighting, including air and rocket strikes, continued throughout Saturday. At least four Thai soldiers were reported killed on Saturday, ta...

The United States has accused Rwanda of fuelling instability and prolonging conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), warning that continued violence could derail efforts by President Donald Trump to broker peace in the region.   Addressing the UN Security Council on Friday, December 12, US ambassador Mike Waltz said Rwanda’s alleged backing of the M23 rebel group was pushing the region toward deeper conflict. “Rwanda is leading the region towards increased instability and war,” Waltz told the council. “We will use the tools at our disposal to hold to account spoilers to peace.”   The renewed fighting has heightened fears of a wider regional crisis, with clashes edging closer to Burundi’s border. Burundi has maintained troops in eastern DRC for years, and the escalation has raised concerns of spillover violence. Since January, the conflict has reportedly killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians.   Burundi issued a stern w...