FG Archives - Afinju FM

Ibadan Explosion: Oyo Says FG’s N30bn Fund Unused, N20bn Yet to Be Released

Boluwatife Ajayi — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 16:58:06 +0000

The Oyo State Government has disclosed that the N30 billion released by the Federal Government as part of the intervention fund for the Bodija explosion in Ibadan has remained untouched, despite the passage of two years since the tragic incident.

The state government also revealed that the Federal Government has yet to release the outstanding N20 billion balance from the N50 billion approved to support the reconstruction of Old Bodija and the surrounding communities affected by the explosion.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, the government clarified that the N30 billion is still intact in the state government’s infrastructure support account with FirstBank, stressing that the funds have not been accessed or utilised.

The statement partly reads, “Following the unfortunate explosion that occurred on January 16, 2024, in the Bodija area of Ibadan, and being aware that intervention funds exist at the federal level for states facing emergencies, His Excellency, the Governor of Oyo State, Engr ‘Seyi Makinde, formally wrote to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, requesting approval for financial support to assist the state in managing the disaster.

“In the letter dated January 19, 2024, Governor Makinde outlined the immediate steps already taken by the Oyo State Government to mitigate the impact of the explosion.

“These measures included the deployment of earth-moving equipment to aid search-and-rescue efforts; the hospitalisation of injured victims with all medical bills fully covered by the state government; the deployment of ambulances and medical personnel to the scene; and the provision of accommodation for displaced victims in hotels at the expense of the state government.

“The governor then highlighted additional areas where federal assistance was required. These included: clearing of rubble and debris as part of continued search and rescue operations; immediate integrity tests on buildings within the affected axis and demolition of unsafe structures; compensation for owners of affected properties; reconstruction of Old Bodija and its environs; expansion of the emergency response hub; environmental impact assessment; logistics support and reimbursement; and infrastructural development required to restore normalcy to Bodija and surrounding communities after the massive destruction.

“To address these needs, the Oyo State Government estimated the cost of intervention at N100 billion and requested the President’s approval for that amount. The president, however, approved N50 billion— half of the requested sum. The purpose of the approved fund was clearly stated by the Federal Government as ‘Support for the reconstruction of Old Bodija and environs after the Bodija explosion.” (See memo dated 29 August, 2024, from the Accountant General of the Federation to the Minister of Finance, released by the political agent of the Federal Government, Mr. Ayo Fayose).”

The statement added that the state government explained that it deliberately refrained from accessing the funds because the remaining N20 billion was being withheld by relevant federal agencies, without any official explanation.

“Following the approval, an Oyo State Government Infrastructure Support Account (No. 2045199879) was opened with FirstBank of Nigeria for the intervention fund. Out of the approved N50 billion, the Federal Government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria, released N30 billion to Oyo State on November 4, 2024.

“The Oyo State Government has deliberately refrained from utilising the N30 billion already released in recognition of the fact that the remaining N20 billion has remained withheld by the relevant federal agencies for reasons that have not been communicated to the state.

“Given the disgraceful drama of the last couple of days from the Federal Government on the approval, the government of Oyo State is convinced of the wisdom of its decision to ‘wait and see’ before deciding what to do with the money. Almost two years after the disaster, the Federal Government has yet to release the outstanding balance of N20 billion from the approved sum of N50 billion.

“The Oyo State Government remains committed to securing the balance of the approved funds to comprehensively address the damage caused by the explosion to both public and private properties. This is particularly important given the scale of the challenges faced by the state and the victims, many of whom have already been supported within the financial capacity of the state government”, the statement continued.

Concluding, the statement noted, “Following the explosion, Nigerians are aware of the swift and sustained efforts of the Oyo State government, which significantly mitigated the effects of the disaster. The state government did not wait for federal intervention, which came in November 2024, almost a year after the incident.

“As of today, January 1, 2026, the Oyo State government has spent N24.6 billion from its own resources on Bodija and its environs in direct response to the explosion and its consequences. This includes N20.141 billion spent on the reconstruction of infrastructure in Bodija and surrounding areas, as well as N4.085 billion paid as support and compensation to victims of the explosion. These expenditures were fully borne by the Oyo State Government.

“Documents released by the Federal Government through its agent, Mr Ayo Fayose, indicate that a total of N915.5 billion was approved as intervention funds for states across the country. The list of beneficiary states shows that one South-West state received N150 billion, while another received N50 billion. Oyo State, despite experiencing one of the most devastating incidents, received one of the lowest allocations among beneficiary states. Interested members of the public may consult the list for verification.

“Special intervention funds, when released, are received as capital grants. In line with standard practice and legal requirements, such funds are subjected to the budgeting process before expenditure and are duly reflected in the financial statements of the state. They do not require special public announcements upon receipt. This explains why other states that received significantly larger amounts did not publicly advertise the receipt of such funds.

“The Oyo State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Engr ‘Seyi Makinde, appreciates the continued support and understanding of the people of the state. The government particularly thanks the people for their discernment in seeing through attempts by desperate political actors to exploit the 2024 tragic events of Bodija to gain an undeserved foothold in our state for personal and political gains.

“The Oyo State Government has nothing to hide and will continue to engage the public transparently on all issues, including this one. Governor Makinde remains committed to serving the people of Oyo State faithfully, truthfully, and with utmost respect for the social contract that binds government to the governed. He has never denied anyone what is legally due to them and will not do so. The Governor and the Government of Oyo State wish the people a happy, peaceful, and prosperous 2026.”

Source: Punch

The post Ibadan Explosion: Oyo Says FG’s N30bn Fund Unused, N20bn Yet to Be Released appeared first on Afinju FM.

New Tax Laws Will Take Effect January 1, Tinubu Insists

Boluwatife Ajayi — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 08:59:04 +0000

President Bola Tinubu has dismissed calls made by opposition figures and pressure groups to delay the implementation of the newly enacted tax laws.

In a statement, Tinubu insisted that the tax laws will take effect on January 1, stressing that the reforms are not intended to impose additional tax burdens on citizens.

Instead, he explained that the measures are aimed at resetting the country’s tax structure, improving harmonisation across the system, safeguarding dignity, and reinforcing the social contract between the government and the people.

“The new tax laws, including those that took effect on June 26, 2025, and the remaining acts scheduled to commence on January 1, 2026, will continue as planned,” the president said on Tuesday.

“These reforms are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation for our country.”

He called for support from all Nigerians as the tax laws would take effect in a few days.

“Our administration is aware of the public discourse surrounding alleged changes to some provisions of the recently enacted tax laws.

“No substantial issue has been established that warrants a disruption of the reform process. Absolute trust is built over time through making the right decisions, not through premature, reactive measures.”

Controversy has continued to surround the newly enacted tax laws following allegations by a member of the House of Representatives, Abdussamad Dasuki, that there are inconsistencies between the bills passed by the National Assembly and the versions later gazetted and released to the public.

Dasuki maintained that his legislative rights were violated, insisting that the contents of the gazetted tax laws differ from what lawmakers debated and approved during plenary sessions in the House.

“Before you can say there is a difference between what was gazetted and what was passed, we have what has not been gazetted. We don’t have what was passed,” he said.

His remarks triggered renewed calls for the suspension of the tax laws. Opposition figures, including Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, as well as pressure groups such as the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), have condemned the alleged alterations and urged the Federal Government to pause the implementation of the legislation.

President Tinubu signed the four tax reform bills into law in June, in what the government has described as the most far-reaching overhaul of Nigeria’s tax system in decades.

The new laws comprise the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act. Together, they establish a unified framework under a single authority, the Nigeria Revenue Service.

Despite facing strong resistance from some lawmakers and influential stakeholders during the legislative process, the tax reform bills were eventually passed and are scheduled to come into force on January 1, 2026.

Source: TVC

The post New Tax Laws Will Take Effect January 1, Tinubu Insists appeared first on Afinju FM.

FG Denies Plans to Target Opposition, Emphasizes Rule of Law

Boluwatife Ajayi — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 16:34:50 +0000

The Federal Government has dismissed as false and misleading claims that it plans to unlawfully arrest, detain or prosecute opposition figures, reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law a

In a statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government reacted to a document circulating online that alleges the creation of a multi-agency task force aimed at targeting prominent opposition politicians.

The document claims that a programme tagged “ADP4VIP”, an acronym for Arrest, Detain, Prosecute for Very Important Persons, was set up to aggressively pursue opposition figures, particularly within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), through a task force allegedly involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), under the coordination of the Office of the National Security Adviser.

The Federal Government, however, categorically denied the existence of such a programme, describing the allegations as fabricated and a deliberate act of disinformation.

According to the statement, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains focused on its core priorities, including economic reforms, tackling insecurity, expanding trade opportunities and restoring investor confidence.

It warned that attempts to portray lawful accountability as political persecution were aimed at shielding individuals from legitimate scrutiny by law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies.

The statement reads: “The Federal Government of Nigeria categorically states that it harbours no plans to unlawfully arrest, detain, or prosecute opposition figures. This clarification is in response to a fabricated document in circulation alleging the establishment of a non-existent multi-agency task force for a purported programme tagged ‘ADP4VIP’ (Arrest, Detain, Prosecute for Very Important Persons).

“The baseless document falsely claims that a task force comprising the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser, aims to aggressively target prominent opposition figures without due process.

“The authors of this deliberate disinformation imprudently cite “multiple credible sources” to allege a planned “systematic weakening and neutralisation of opposition political activity,” particularly within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

“The Federal Government wishes to state emphatically:

“1. There is no such programme as “ADP4VIP.”

“2. The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is firmly and successfully focused on its core agenda: implementing measurable economic reforms, defeating insecurity, expanding trade opportunities, and restoring investor confidence.

“3. The attempt by some opposition elements to frame lawful accountability as political targeting is a dangerous red herring designed to shield so-called VIPs from answering to our national laws and anti-corruption agencies.

“The Government underscores its foundational principles. Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees every Nigerian the right to freely associate and assemble. President Tinubu swore an oath to uphold this Constitution and its protections, including the freedoms of association and religion. He is a democrat with considerable and positive footprints.

“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, the Federal Government remains unwavering in its commitment to the rule of law, due process, and the independence of institutions. Nigeria is a constitutional democracy where law enforcement and judicial agencies are obligated to perform their duties professionally, without interference, and in the nation’s best interest.

Reps Minority Caucus Calls For Suspension of Tax Reforms Implementation

Boluwatife Ajayi — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 10:41:40 +0000

The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has expressed deep concern over allegations that recently passed Tax Reform laws may have been unlawfully altered after being approved by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement issued on behalf of the caucus, the Minority Leader, Rep. O.K. Chinda, said the controversy surrounding the tax laws was troubling and could not be dismissed as routine political disagreement, given the seriousness of claims that the laws were fraudulently altered, gazetted, and circulated to the public.

The statement was jointly signed by Rep. O.K. Chinda, Minority Leader; Rt. Hon. Ali Isa J.C., PhD, Minority Whip; Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki, Deputy Minority Leader; and Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi, Deputy Minority Whip

The Minority Caucus pledged its full support for the investigation, vowing to work with the House leadership to ensure that the truth is uncovered and that anyone found culpable is held accountable.

The caucus emphasised that the National Assembly is the lawful custodian of all legislation passed by the legislature.

It explained that the established procedure for gazetting laws begins with the Clerk to the National Assembly transmitting the authentic copies of duly passed and signed laws to the appropriate federal agency for publication.

“The National Assembly remains the repository of the genuine versions of all laws of the federation,” the statement said, adding that the caucus would insist on transparency and accuracy in resolving the matter.

The Minority Caucus urged Nigerians to disregard any version of the tax laws in circulation that does not bear the signatures of the Clerk to the National Assembly and the President, stressing that such documents did not originate from the legislature and do not reflect the laws as passed.

It warned that any attempt to impose falsified laws on the public constitutes an attack on the independence and constitutional role of the National Assembly and, by extension, Nigeria’s democratic system.

The caucus reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of the legislature.

Consequently, the Minority Caucus called on the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the tax reform laws pending the conclusion of investigations and the establishment of clarity and certainty regarding the authentic versions of the laws to be enforced.

The caucus also noted that Nigerians and the business community are entitled to have access to the correct and duly authenticated copies of any laws they are expected to comply with.

Resident Doctors Raise Alarm Over Unfulfilled Agreements

Boluwatife Ajayi — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 10:28:10 +0000

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has hinted that it may soon go on another nationwide strike, following the Federal Government’s failure to honour a Memorandum of Understanding previously signed with the association.

In an urgent appeal to senior medical professionals and respected elders, posted on X and titled “Urgent Appeal to Avert a Looming Nationwide NARD Strike (TICS 2.0),” NARD Secretary-General Shuaibu Ibrahim cautioned that the nation was on the brink of a total and indefinite comprehensive strike.

The association said the strike would be the inevitable result of the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Government ignoring multiple deadlines for implementing the MoU signed with resident doctors.

NARD recalled that it suspended its indefinite strike after 29 days of industrial action, following the signing of an MoU with the government.

Under the agreement, the government committed to meeting NARD’s demands within four weeks.

The association, however, warned that it would resume a total, indefinite and comprehensive strike if the Federal Government failed to implement the agreed demands within the stipulated four weeks.

In a statement, the association said, “I write to you at a critical moment for Nigeria’s health sector and the medical profession. As revered elders, past and present leaders, and custodians of the values that have long sustained our noble calling, your voices carry unmatched moral authority and national weight.

“The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors stands on the brink of another nationwide industrial action — Total and Indefinite Comprehensive Strike (TICS 2.0) — triggered by the failure of the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Government to honour the Memorandum of Understanding freely entered into with NARD.

“This development is deeply distressing, not only because of its implications for healthcare delivery, but because it represents a breakdown of trust, sincerity, and good faith in government–professional relations.”

NARD emphasised that resident doctors form the backbone of service delivery in Nigeria’s tertiary hospitals, adding that they are overworked and increasingly demoralised.

The association called on senior medical elders to intervene, saying their influence could compel the government to act and avert another nationwide crisis in healthcare services.

“For clarity, the sequence of events over the past few months underscores NARD’s patience and restraint. Following the suspension of the warning strike, NARD issued a two-week ultimatum, which elapsed without any meaningful response from the Federal Ministry of Health or the Federal Government at the last AGM.

The post Resident Doctors Raise Alarm Over Unfulfilled Agreements appeared first on Afinju FM.

FG Cancels $1.42bn, N5.57tn NNPC debt

Boluwatife Ajayi — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 09:07:56 +0000

President Bola Tinubu has approved the cancellation of a substantial portion of the debts owed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to the Federation Account, wiping off about $1.42bn and N5.57tn after a reconciliation of records between both parties.

The report, titled “Report of October 2025 Revenue Collection Presented at the Federation Account Allocation Committee Meeting Held on 18th November 2025,” was contained in a document prepared by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and presented at the November meeting of the Federation Account Allocation Committee.

In the section headed “Recovery from NNPC Ltd Outstanding Obligations,” the commission said the debts earlier reported at the October 2025 FAAC meeting stood at “$1,480,610,652.58 and N6,332,884,316,237.13 for PSC, DSDP, RA & MCA Liftings and JV & PSC Royalty Receivables respectively.”

It disclosed that the Presidency had now approved that most of those balances be removed from the Federation’s books.

The document stated, “However, the commission recently received a Presidential Approval to nil off the outstanding obligations of NNPC Ltd as at 31st December 2024 as submitted by the Stakeholder Alignment Committee on the Reconciliation of Indebtedness between NNPC Ltd and the Federation.”

Providing a breakdown of the affected balances, the NUPRC added, “Consequently, out of $1,480,610,652.58 and N6,332,884,316,237.13, the affected outstanding obligations that have been nil off are $1,421,727,723.00 N5,573,895,769,388.45. The commission has passed the appropriate accounting entries as approved.”

An analysis of the figures shows that the presidential directive wiped out about 96 per cent of the dollar-denominated debt and about 88 per cent of the naira-denominated obligations previously reported as outstanding.

The document indicates that the approval followed the recommendations of the Stakeholder Alignment Committee on the Reconciliation of Indebtedness between NNPC Ltd and the Federation, which reviewed the company’s royalty and lifting-related liabilities up to December 31, 2024.

Despite the cancellation of the legacy balances, fresh debts built up in 2025 remain. In a separate section titled “NNPC Ltd Outstanding Obligations,” the regulator disclosed that statutory obligations arising between January and October 2025 still stood at “$56,808,752.32 and N1,021,550,672,578.87 for PSC & MCA Liftings and JV Royalty Receivables respectively.”

The commission added that part of the dollar component was recovered in the month under review, stating: “However, the commission received $55,003,997.00 in the month under review from the outstanding, leaving a balance of $1,804,755.32 and N1,021,550,672,578.87. The amount of $55,003,997.00 received is part of the total collection reported above for sharing by the Federation this month.”

The NUPRC confirmed that it had already implemented the directive in the Federation Account, noting that “the Commission has passed the appropriate accounting entries as approved.”

The approval effectively resolves long-running disputes over NNPC’s legacy indebtedness to the Federation, while current liabilities from ongoing operations continue to be tracked for future recovery.

However, the debt cancellation comes at a time when the commission is struggling to meet its revenue projections for the year. Data from the NUPRC document showed that against a 2025 approved monthly revenue target of N1.204tn, the commission recorded N660.04bn as actual collection for November 2025, leaving a shortfall of N544.76bn for the month.

The post FG Cancels $1.42bn, N5.57tn NNPC debt appeared first on Afinju FM.

FG Files 16-Count Charges Against Malami, Son

Boluwatife Ajayi — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 15:48:22 +0000

The federal government has brought a 16-count money laundering charge against Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

The charges were filed at the federal high court in Abuja.

Malami’s co-defendants are his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and Bashir Asabe, an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties.

In the charge sheet marked FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025, the federal government alleged that Malami and his son, between July 2022 and June 2025, procured Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to “conceal the unlawful origin of the total sum of N1, 014, 848, 500.00”.

The federal government also alleged that Malami procured Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to “conceal the unlawful origin of the total sum of N600, 013, 460.4 (Six Hundred Million, Thirteen Thousand, Four Hundred and Sixty Naira, Four Kobo) in the Sterling Bank Plc Account No. 0079182387 when you reasonably ought to have known that the said sum formed proceeds of unlawful activities”.

The federal government said the alleged offences contravened the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.

“That you ABUBAKAR MALAMI SAN whilst being the Attorney General of the Federation, ABUBAKAR ABDULAZIZ MALAMI, and HAJIA BASHIR ASABE an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd sometime in November, 2022 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did indirectly disguise the unlawful origin of the aggregate sum of N500, 000, 000.00 (Five Hundred Million Naira) paid to Efab Properties Ltd paid for purchase of property known as luxury duplex at Amazon street, Plot No. 3011 within Cadastral Zone A06 Maitama District, Abuja in favour of ABUBAKAR MALAMI SAN when you reasonably ought to have known that the said N500, 000, 000.00 (Five Hundred Million Naira) formed proceed of unlawful activity and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 18(2) (a) and punishable under section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022,” the charge sheet reads in part.

“That you ABUBAKAR MALAMI SAN, ABUBAKAR ABDULAZIZ MALAMI, and HAJIA BASHIR ASABE an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd sometimes in September 2024 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court conspired to disguise the unlawful origin of the aggregate sum of N1, 049, 173, 926. 13 (One Billion, Forty-Nine Million, One Hundred and Seventy-Three Thousand, Nine Hundred and Twenty-six Naira, Thirteen Kobo) paid through the Union Bank Plc account of Meethaq Hotels Ltd Jabi savings Account No. 0179011105 between November 2022 and September 2024 and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 21 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition Act) 2022 and punishable under section 18(2) (a) and (3) of the same Act.

“That you ABUBAKAR MALAMI SAN, and ABUBAKAR ABDULAZIZ MALAMI between November 2022 and October, 2025 indirectly took control of the aggregate sum of N1, 362, 887, 872.96 (One Billion, Three Hundred and Sixty Two Million, Eight Hundred and Eighty Seven Thousand, Eight Hundred and Seventy Two Naira, Ninety Six Kobo paid through the savings account of Meethaq Hotels Ltd in Union Bank Plc when you reasonably ought to have known that the said funds formed proceeds of unlawful activity and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 18(2) (d) and punishable under section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

“That you ABUBAKAR MALAMI SAN whilst being the Attorney General of the Federation and HAJIA BASHIR ASABE an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd sometimes between November and December, 2018 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court indirectly concealed the unlawful origin of the aggregate sum of N700, 000, 000.00 (Seven Hundred Million Naira) paid for the purchase of the property described as No. 3 Onitsha Crescent Area 11, Garki Abuja (Hamonia Hotels Ltd) in favour of ABUBAKAR MALAMI SAN when you reasonably ought to have known that the said sum of N700, 000,000.00 formed proceeds of unlawful activity and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 15(2) (d) and punishable under section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended.

“That you ABUBAKAR MALAMI SAN whilst being the Attorney General of the Federation, ABUBAKAR ABDULAZIZ MALAMI and HAJIA BASHIR ASABE an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd sometimes between September 2020 and December, 2020 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, indirectly concealed the aggregate sum of N850, 000, 000.00 (Eight Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) paid for the purchase of property described as Plot 683 Jabi District Cadastral Zone B04 (Meethaq Hotels Ltd, Jabi) when you reasonably ought to have known that the said sum of N850, 000, 000.00 represented proceeds of unlawful activity and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 15(2) (d) and punishable under section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended.”

The federal government has also identified properties worth billions of naira, allegedly linked to the former AGF.

Source cable

The post FG Files 16-Count Charges Against Malami, Son appeared first on Afinju FM.

FG Moves to Shut Down Terrorists’ Social Media Accounts

Boluwatife Ajayi — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 16:16:20 +0000

The Federal Government has announced that the Nigerian security agencies are collaborating with major social media companies to identify and ban accounts used by terrorist and criminal groups to promote their activities and raise funds.

The Director-General of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka disclosed this while speaking at an end-of-year briefing in Abuja, noting platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and X have been exploited by terrorists to publicise operations, display looted items, and communicate with supporters.

“The issue of social media platforms used by terrorist groups—if you knew how many accounts we took down. We have had several meetings with these social media platforms like: TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and X.

“They are businesses looking to grow their subscribers, but we engage them, explain the effects of certain posts on national security, and we take them down.

Laka noted that terrorist tactics are constantly evolving, including the use of aliases and unverified accounts, prompting security agencies to adapt continuously to counter emerging threats.

He also highlighted that ransom payments remain a major source of terror financing, with point-of-sale (POS) operators increasingly exploited to move funds. “You see a transfer made by terrorists, and when you investigate the account, it belongs to a POS operator. The kidnappers give out the POS operator’s number, the money is transferred, and they go to collect it,” he explained.

The counter-terrorism chief added that security agencies have intensified efforts to track ransom payments, apprehend those involved, and disrupt terror financing networks, while noting that operational details cannot be disclosed for security reasons.

According to Laka, several arrests and prosecutions related to ransom payments and terrorism financing have been carried out, with asset recoveries and seizures forming part of Nigeria’s compliance with international anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards.

He also noted that coordinated investigations by security agencies, financial intelligence units, and the judiciary contributed to the country’s progress in meeting Financial Action Task Force requirements.

Acknowledging the challenges posed by evolving terror tactics and porous borders in the Sahel region, Laka assured Nigerians that security agencies are committed to strengthening both physical and digital counter-terrorism measures.

“Towards the end of 2023, the security situation in Nigeria was improving. But after the coups in some Sahel countries, the situation worsened because these terrorist groups have connections across the region.

“So Nigeria has to play a leadership role in West Africa and the Sahel to address these threats. As long as those countries continue to face these challenges, Nigeria will also face them. We are doing our best, and we will not relent. In 2026, we are going to up our game,” he said.

The development underscores the increasing use of social media by criminal networks to spread propaganda, showcase illicit activities, and coordinate operations, reinforcing calls for platforms to remove content that promotes or supports terrorism.

Source: TVC

The post FG Moves to Shut Down Terrorists’ Social Media Accounts appeared first on Afinju FM.

FG Flags Off N47bn Road Construction in Kano

Boluwatife Ajayi — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 10:56:45 +0000

The Federal Government has kicked off the construction of the N47 billion Jakara–Wuju–Wuju road and sewage project in Kano metropolis.

The project, targeted at controlling erosion and enhancing economic activities, will traverse Gwale, Kano Municipal, Dala, and Fagge Local Government Areas upon completion.

Speaking on the development, the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata, said that the federal government took over the project at the request of the Kano State Government, noting that the state government had already completed 850 metres of the work, while the federal government would fund the remaining 6.7 kilometres.

According to Ata, the state government would bear the cost of compensating affected property owners.

He praised former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso for initiating the project in 2013 and thanked President Bola Tinubu for approving the funds.

“The initiative is a major intervention that underscores the federal government’s commitment to Kano State,” Ata said.

How I Lost My Sight in Secondary School – Lagos Visually Impaired Technician

0:00 / 0:00

Read PUNCH Anywhere

Unlock the full print replica on any device – every page, every day. Subscribe now for instant e-edition access.

Latest News

8 minutes ago

Yobe to use Muhammadu Buhari airport for 2026 Hajj
11 minutes ago

VIDEO: No mother can be at peace separated from her children – Regina Daniels
17 minutes ago

Tinted glass policy: NBA threatens contempt action against IG
40 minutes ago

FG begins construction of N47bn road in Kano
51 minutes ago

REA, NBS sign MoU to boost data-driven energy initiatives

The post FG Flags Off N47bn Road Construction in Kano appeared first on Afinju FM.

Nigeria, US Hold Talks to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation

Boluwatife Ajayi — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 09:44:44 +0000

The Federal Government and the United States have engaged in discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation as Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, met with Richard Mills, the United States (US) Ambassador to Nigeria.

In a post on X, the US Embassy noted that the United States looks forward to continued collaboration with Nigeria on matters of mutual interest, though specific details of the discussions were not disclosed.

“U.S. Ambassador Mills and Nigerian Foreign Minister Tuggar met today to discuss areas of cooperation between our two countries. The United States looks forward to continuing to work together with Nigeria on issues of mutual concern.”

The bilateral discussions follow recent remarks by US Congressman Riley Moore, he indicated that Nigeria and the United States are nearing an agreement on a “strategic security framework” to address terrorism and other security challenges in the West African nation.

Source: TVC

The post Nigeria, US Hold Talks to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation appeared first on Afinju FM.

FG Archives - Afinju FM

Ibadan Explosion: Oyo Says FG’s N30bn Fund Unused, N20bn Yet to Be Released

New Tax Laws Will Take Effect January 1, Tinubu Insists

FG Denies Plans to Target Opposition, Emphasizes Rule of Law

Reps Minority Caucus Calls For Suspension of Tax Reforms Implementation

Resident Doctors Raise Alarm Over Unfulfilled Agreements

FG Cancels $1.42bn, N5.57tn NNPC debt

FG Files 16-Count Charges Against Malami, Son

FG Moves to Shut Down Terrorists’ Social Media Accounts

FG Flags Off N47bn Road Construction in Kano

Read PUNCH Anywhere

Latest News

Yobe to use Muhammadu Buhari airport for 2026 Hajj

VIDEO: No mother can be at peace separated from her children – Regina Daniels

Tinted glass policy: NBA threatens contempt action against IG

FG begins construction of N47bn road in Kano

REA, NBS sign MoU to boost data-driven energy initiatives

Top News

Kano cleric killed while calling Muslims to prayer

Insecurity: Tinubu meets service chiefs as military pounds terrorists

One-party dominance threatens federal system, SANs warn

Awujale: Ogun steps in as 60 candidates express interest

Petrol battlefield: Dangote, importers locked in brutal price war

Ngige, EFCC clash over missing passport in London

Police to resume nationwide tinted glass permit enforcement January 2

S’Court affirms President’s power to declare state of emergency, suspend elected officials

I smoked for 27 years, started at 13 — Tonto Dikeh

Dangote names N739 as new petrol pump price

Nigeria, US Hold Talks to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation