By Ezinwanne Onwuka
Troops Arrest 2, Recover Ammunition in Bauchi
Nigerian Army troops dubbed “Operation Golden Peace” nabbed two men suspected of smuggling ammunition during a late-night operation in Bauchi State, Northeast Nigeria.
The arrests happened around 9:00 p.m. local time on Dec. 18 in Kwari Biba, a village within the Yankari Game Reserve, one of Nigeria’s top wildlife parks.
As reported by Zagazola Makama, the suspects, 62-year-old Maikudi Danweri and 26-year-old Abubakar Hamza, were caught with 204 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a motorcycle, and ₦10,000 ($6.42) in cash.
The suspects and the recovered items are now in custody, and investigators are digging deeper. There is no word yet on where the ammunition came from or who else might be involved, but officials are keeping a close eye on the case.
Nigerian Lawmakers to Donate $453,734 to Aid Vulnerable Citizens
The Nigerian House of Representatives will present ₦704.9 million (approximately $453,734) to President Bola Tinubu on December 31 to assist Nigerians affected by the economic impact of the petrol subsidy removal.
The donation stems from a July 18 resolution where the 360 lawmakers agreed to contribute 50 percent of their monthly salaries for six months. The motion was moved by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who urged his colleagues to make the sacrifice to address hunger and hardship in the country. Local media reports that the lawmakers earn ₦600,000 monthly.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas announced during Thursday’s plenary that the total contributions amount to ₦704,907,578.82 ($453,734). He stated he would lead a delegation to deliver the funds to the President. However, no plans have been disclosed yet on how the relief funds will be distributed among Nigerians.
Bomb Explosion in Niger State Leaves One Dead, 4 Injured
A bomb explosion rocked Bassa Community in Shiroro County of Niger State yesterday, leaving one person feared dead and four others injured. Three of the victims sustained severe leg injuries and are receiving treatment at a government hospital.
Ahmed Almustapha, a resident, described the situation as dire. “Residents are now living in fear due to this ugly incident. Some are contemplating staying, while others have already fled to avoid potential future attacks,” he told Vanguard. He added that this was the second explosion in Bassa this month.
The Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Mohammed Bello Abdullahi, confirmed the incident, linking it to the activities of dislodged bandits. “We urge residents to remain calm as security agencies are on top of the situation,” he said.
Super Eagles End 2024 Ranked 44th in FIFA World Rankings
The Super Eagles concluded 2024 in 44th place in the FIFA World Rankings, their lowest year-end position since 2018. The rankings, released yesterday as reported by Daily Trust, reflect a significant drop from their 28th-place start to the year, following their runner-up finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite nine wins, including an awarded victory against Libya, four draws, and five losses in 15 matches, inconsistency in World Cup qualifiers contributed to their decline. Nigeria currently sits fifth in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification group, complicating their path to the tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Morocco led Africa, ranking 13th globally, followed by Senegal (17th) and Algeria (33rd). Nigeria, previously ranked fourth in Africa, has dropped to fifth, capping a challenging year for the Super Eagles.
15 Boko Haram Fighters Killed in Clash with ISWAP
A deadly clash between Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Tumbum Kare, a remote area near Nigeria’s Lake Chad and a hotspot for insurgent activity, has left 15 Boko Haram fighters dead and five ISWAP members injured.
Report by Zagazola Makama say ISWAP fighters attacked Boko Haram members loyal to the Bakura Buduma faction in a bid to assert dominance. The assault resulted in heavy losses for Boko Haram, with ISWAP seizing an undisclosed number of weapons.
The incident is the latest in a series of violent confrontations between the rival groups, who are locked in a fierce battle for resources, territorial control, and influence in the Lake Chad region. Recent clashes have intensified, with Boko Haram reportedly gaining an upper hand against ISWAP in the area.
Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
