Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 25 August, 2026

Gbajabiamila Warns Against Unchecked Governor Control Over Police Under New Policing Bill

Chairman of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Monday warned against giving state governors unfettered operational control over police services when the new system takes effect. He said the proposed framework must answer not only the question of who would police communities but also “who polices the police.”

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30 Killed As Terrorists Attack Four Mosques In Niger State’s Borgu LGA

At least 30 people were killed following coordinated attacks on four mosques in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State last Friday. Terrorists struck the mosques simultaneously during Juma’at prayers in Dekara, Kpenya, Sabon-Gida and Gidan-Zana communities, abducting dozens of worshippers. The attackers reportedly assembled the worshippers and marched them into the forest.

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Fubara Urges Supporters To Move Past Rivers Political Crisis

Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has urged his supporters to focus on what lies ahead for the state, saying he has decided to put what happened in the recent past behind him. Referring to the past political crisis between him and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, Fubara, who spoke during the commissioning of the Omademe Internal Roads Project in Ikwerre Local Government Area on Monday, said he was no longer interested in going down that road.

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Peter Obi Says Subsidy Mismanagement Shouldn’t Justify Reversal Of Removal

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has weighed in on the fresh debate over the removal of fuel subsidy by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Speaking on Monday at a conference organised by the Nigerian Bar Association in Port Harcourt, Obi said the mismanagement of the gains from subsidy removal should not, on its own, be a reason to reverse the policy.

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IGP Disu Vows Officers Won’t Be Intimidated As Fallen Police Honoured In Abuja

There was a free flow of tears as family members and relatives of police officers who lost their lives during a fierce gun battle with bandits were honoured at a Memorial Parade in Abuja on Monday. Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, who attended the event, vowed that officers of the force would not be intimidated by any criminal and would not bow to terrorists wreaking havoc across the country.

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NFIU Uncovers Crowdfunding Network Financing Terrorist Operations

The Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit has uncovered an emerging crowdfunding network being exploited to raise and channel funds for terrorist operations. The agency also said terrorist financiers were opening bank accounts in women’s names and using phone numbers for mobile banking or account alerts that were not registered to the account holders or the true beneficiaries.

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US Forces Begin Training Nigerian Troops In Bauchi State

United States forces have commenced training for Nigerian troops in unmanned aircraft systems, combat casualty care and other military skills as part of efforts to strengthen security cooperation between the two countries. The training was conducted at an operating location in Bauchi State and formed part of a broader US-Nigeria security cooperation mission aimed at enhancing military capability, readiness and long-term partner capacity.

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Edo Assembly Formally Impeaches Suspended Speaker Agbebaku

The Edo State House of Assembly on Monday formally impeached the suspended Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku. The lawmaker, who represents Owan West Constituency I, had, on Monday, August 17, 2026, resigned his position as Speaker of the House. Yekini Idaiye, the lawmaker representing Akoko-Edo I, was then elected as his replacement.

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Troops Arrest Three Gunrunners, Rescue Six Kidnapped Victims In Zamfara

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have arrested three suspected gunrunners and rescued six kidnapped victims in separate operations in Zamfara State. The operations, conducted on Sunday, August 23, 2026, also led to the recovery of an AK-103-2 rifle, one magazine and 30 rounds of ammunition, according to the Joint Task Force.

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NDLEA Arrests Five, Destroys Cannabis Farm In Edo Raids

Officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Edo State Command, have arrested five suspects and destroyed a cannabis farm in raids carried out across the state. The Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, in a statement on Monday, said the operations underlined the agency’s unwavering commitment to combating drug abuse and ensuring a safer society for all citizens.

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2027: Why Opposition Coalition Has Been Unable To Produce A Single Candidate – Amaechi

The vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Rotimi Amaechi, has blamed personal ambition for the difficulty opposition leaders face in producing a united candidate for the 2027 presidential election. He said nobody is willing to give up amid calls for the opposition to present a united front to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Naija News reports that the former Minister of Transportation made the disclosure on Monday during a panel session at the Nigerian Bar Association 2026 Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Amaechi, however, defended his record in public office, saying the projects his administration completed in Rivers State during his tenure as Governor are still visible. Speaking ahead of the 2027 polls, he also charged Nigerians to shun ethnicity and assess candidates based on their track record.

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It’s Political Undertone – Oyo Govt Knocks FG Over Makinde’s Absence At Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road Flag-off

The Oyo State government has protested the exclusion of Governor Seyi Makinde from the flag-off of the dualisation of the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road in Oluyole Local Government Area of the state. Naija News reports that the federal government flagged off the project at Idi Ayunre on Monday.

While the flag-off was attended by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Minister of Works Dave Umahi, the APC governorship candidate in Oyo State, Sarafadeen Alli, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Governor Makinde was not invited to the occasion.

Reacting to the development, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said the governor’s exclusion has a political undertone linked to the forthcoming 2027 elections. He expressed displeasure over what he described as the deliberate exclusion of Makinde from an event concerning a major federal road project within the state.

Oyelade said excluding Makinde from the ceremony amounted to taking partisan politics beyond acceptable limits, given the importance of the road project to Oyo State and the wider South-West region. The commissioner also faulted the explanation that Makinde was not invited because he was on leave, arguing that the presence of an Acting Governor meant the state had adequate representation available for the event. He said Makinde’s absence from the state could therefore not reasonably have been used as justification for excluding the Oyo State Government from a major federal infrastructure event taking place within its territory.

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We Are Not Going To Sell Nigeria – Aisha Yesufu Reveals Why She Rejected House Of Reps Ticket

Human rights activist Aisha Yesufu has opened up on the reason she decided to decline the House of Representatives ticket offered to her under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress for the 2027 general elections, explaining that she refused because she is not ready to compromise her integrity.

Naija News reports that Yesufu disclosed this in an interview on Symfoni TV. According to her, accepting the offer was based on specific conditions which she refused to accept. She said that people do not seek power by force, noting that she is not ready to compromise her integrity over anything.

Yesufu argued that she does not intend to sell Nigeria, adding that she would not make promises she would never fulfil.

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Our Flyover Not Included In ‘White Elephant’ Projects Tinubu Complained About – Aiyedatiwa

The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has clarified that President Bola Tinubu did not give a blanket instruction for governors to stop constructing flyovers in their respective states. Speaking on Monday during the flag-off of the 2.38-kilometre flyover project at Oba Adesida Road in Akure, the state capital, Aiyedatiwa explained that the project is being undertaken for the good of the people.

He also warned people against misquoting the words of the President as touching projects being embarked upon by state governors. Naija News reports that Aiyedatiwa spoke against the backdrop of a recent submission by President Bola Tinubu during a meeting with the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, at the State House in Abuja, in which he warned governors against building flyovers that have no economic benefit to the people in areas with low traffic. He charged them to instead use the increased government funding to improve living standards and give security agencies better access to remote areas.

Speaking against this background, Aiyedatiwa said the 2.38-kilometre flyover project at Oba Adesida Road in Akure was necessary to ease traffic congestion in the heart of the city.

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Narrative Around Tinubu’s Certificate Distracting – Ndume

Former Senate Leader and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Ali Ndume, has described the controversy surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s academic qualifications as a distraction. Concerns have been raised over the president’s certificates following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s publication of the academic qualifications of 19 presidential candidates and their running mates.

Naija News reports that Ndume shared his thoughts on the situation in a press statement on Monday, stating that opposition figures should not focus on Tinubu’s credentials. He argued that Tinubu has met the eligibility requirements for the office and dismissed the insinuation that his secondary school certificate should have been attached.

According to Ndume, opposition parties should focus on Tinubu’s policies and performance as a sitting President rather than his eligibility for the office, which he noted had been settled by litigation arising from the 2023 presidential election.

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National Disgrace – Atiku Knocks Tinubu Over Fresh Killings In Niger State

Former Vice President of Nigeria and 2027 Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has described the reported killing and abduction of several persons in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State as a national disgrace. Speaking on Monday in a statement by his media office, Atiku said the reported killing of more than 40 Nigerians is another indictment on the country’s failed security architecture under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

He accused the government of deploying reactionary tactics after terrorists attack, kill innocent citizens and disappear before security forces appear. Atiku said the reported Borgu attack represents a familiar tragedy where terrorists attack, kill and disappear before security forces arrive.

Naija News reports that the former Vice President said enormous security spending means little if farmers cannot reach their farms, travellers fear the highways and terrorists can invade communities and abduct citizens almost at will.

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Tears As Ogogo Is Buried In Ilaro

Tears and grief enveloped Ilaro, Ogun State, on Monday as the remains of veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, were laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites. Naija News reports that family members, friends, colleagues and sympathisers gathered in the actor’s hometown to bid farewell to the 66-year-old film star, whose death has left the Yoruba movie industry mourning.

A video from the funeral proceedings showed mourners carrying Ogogo’s remains to the burial ground as the final rites got underway. Among those present was his longtime friend and colleague, Yinka Quadri, who was visibly overwhelmed with grief and broke down in tears, with those around him trying to console him.

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Poco Lee Remanded In UK Prison, Court Fixes Date For Hearing

Popular Nigerian dancer Iweh Odinaka, also known as Poco Lee, has been remanded in prison in the United Kingdom over an alleged assault offence. Naija News understands that the dancer is expected to appear before a London court in September over the offence, according to Benjamin Kuti, popularly known as the Oluomo of Derby, founder of the community of Nigerians in the United Kingdom.

Speaking to The PUNCH on Monday, Kuti said Poco Lee is currently in a UK prison and is scheduled to appear before the Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 15, 2026, at exactly 10am. According to him, he was informed of the case because he regularly attends court proceedings and supports Nigerians involved in legal matters in the UK. Kuti said a plea hearing would ordinarily involve the accused entering either a guilty or not-guilty plea.

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Terem Moffi Joins Hamburg In Permanent Move From OGC Nice

Super Eagles striker Terem Moffi has completed a permanent transfer to Bundesliga club Hamburg from Ligue 1 side OGC Nice. The Nigeria international joins Die Rothosen as their seventh signing of the summer transfer window as the German club continues to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season.

Moffi, 27, has been handed the number nine shirt and will look to hit the ground running in the Bundesliga after embarking on a new chapter in his career. The striker, who has played club football in six different countries, arrives at Hamburg with vast experience and an impressive scoring record of 88 goals and 13 assists in 228 competitive appearances. He said he looks forward to contributing more than goals to his new team.

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Diego Simeone Apologises To Lookman Over Striker Role At Atletico Madrid

Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has apologised to Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman for playing him as a makeshift central striker, admitting that the Nigerian has sacrificed his preferred position to help the team. Simeone explained that a shortage of fit forwards forced his tactical decision, with Alexander Sørloth sidelined by injury and Julián Álvarez pushing for an exit, leaving Lookman to lead the attack from a central position.

The Argentine coach revealed that he personally apologised to Lookman in the dressing room after recognising the sacrifice the winger had made for the team. Simeone praised the 28-year-old for his attitude and willingness to adapt despite playing in a position that does not suit his natural game.

“I apologised to Ademola Lookman, first, in the locker room, telling him: ‘I know it’s not your place, you were supposed to help us because right now Alexander Sørloth is injured, Julián Álvarez is recovering very well, and he’s the one helping us,'” Simeone said in comments reported by Futbol Fantasy.

The 56-year-old admitted that the central role has taken Lookman away from the areas where he poses the greatest threat, describing the Nigerian as a player who enjoys running at opponents, dribbling, scoring and taking defenders on in one-on-one situations.