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New Year: Governors Vow Tougher Security Measures Against Terrorists

Published

1 week ago

January 2, 2026

As Nigerians begin the year with high hopes and aspirations, some governors have vowed to implement stricter security measures against terrorists in the country.

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo assured Edo people of renewed hope, stronger security, and accelerated development as the state steps into 2026, describing the New Year as a defining phase of “Hope and Growth” for the state.

In his 2026 New Year’s message, Governor Okpebholo thanked God for sustaining Edo State through 2025, which marked his administration’s first year in office, noting that the journey so far has been one of steady progress despite the challenges inherited.

“We thank the Almighty God for keeping us through 2025 and bringing us safely into 2026. It has been a remarkable first year in office — with successes recorded, challenges encountered, and lessons learned,” the governor said.

On his part, the governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, also reiterated his commitment to providing adequate security for the lives and property of the state’s people, urging unity, hard work, and sustained patriotism.

He stated that his administration would intensify efforts to deliver people-oriented governance in the new year.

In his New Year’s message to the people, Governor Ododo thanked Almighty God for protection and guidance throughout the past year, noting that the period tested the resilience of the people but also strengthened their collective resolve.

The governor stated that, despite challenges, the state recorded modest but significant gains across key sectors, including security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, and youth and women’s empowerment, attributing the progress to discipline, unity of purpose, and the cooperation of citizens.

In Taraba State, Governor Agbu Kefas declared war against extremists, saying his administration would make the state unsafe for criminal elements.

The governor, who made the declaration on Thursday in Jalingo, in his New Year’s address to the people, assured residents of his renewed commitment to security, inclusive governance, and accelerated socio-economic development across the state.

He specifically declared 2026 a year of peace, progress, and prosperity for the people and government of Taraba State.

Dr Kefas reaffirmed his administration’s zero tolerance for violence, extremism, and criminality.

He stressed that no part of Taraba State would be left ungoverned or allowed to serve as a haven for criminals.

According to him, all security agencies had been empowered and properly coordinated to protect lives, property, and livelihoods throughout the state.

“Our government will continue to protect lives, property, and livelihoods with firmness, fairness, and professionalism.

Security agencies are fully empowered, coordinated, and supported to ensure that no inch of Taraba becomes a haven for criminals, bandits, terrorists, or illegal activities,” he said.

For his part, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago stated that the state has made steady and significant progress under his leadership, despite challenges of insecurity and natural disasters.

In a New Year’s message to provide an overview of the year 2025, he described it as a year with mixed feelings, considering the achievements and unfortunate incidents, such as the Mokwa flood and the Papiri school abduction.

Bago said his administration is working tirelessly to drive development and improve the quality of life of the people of the state by investing in all sectors.

According to him, remarkable progress was made in the state by his administration in 2025 across critical sectors, including infrastructure, education, agriculture, healthcare, the economy, and security, among others.

The governor stated that appreciable progress was made towards the realisation of the New Niger Agenda, adding that sustainable progress was made in the construction of both urban and rural roads as well as the constant monitoring and evaluation of the projects to ensure speedy execution of the numerous ongoing projects across the 25 local government areas.

In Bauchi State, Governor Bala Mohammed, while congratulating the people of the state and Nigerians at large on the occasion of the new year, expressed gratitude to God Almighty for seeing the state and the nation through the challenges of 2025.

The governor described the successful passage into 2026 as an act of divine grace, noting that despite prevailing economic, political and social difficulties, the people of Bauchi State remained resilient, steadfast and prayerful.

In a New Year’s goodwill message issued on Thursday by his media aide, Mukhtar Gidado, Governor Bala Mohammed commended citizens for their patience and perseverance in the face of economic hardship.

He assured residents that his administration would continue to provide palliative support while pursuing sustainable and long-term financial solutions.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the full implementation of the resolutions reached at the recently held Investment and Economic Summit, with the goal of accelerating economic growth and social development across the state.

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PHOTOS & VIDEO: Fire razes part of Ogun free trade zone, Igbesa

Published

4 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

A fire outbreak has occurred at the mattress section of the Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ), Igbesa, on Sunday.

It was gathered that the fire was triggered by a gas explosion from a foam-producing company in the industrial park.

The incident has reportedly caused chaos and fear among students living around the Obanla axis of the area.

In a video obtained by our correspondent, students were seen running out of their hostels as the thick smoke covered the sky.

An eyewitness, Kuwhede Vincent, a student of the Ogun State Institute of Technology, OGITECH, Igbesa, disclosed that there was a loud noise followed by smoke and fire.

Vincent said, “ It started around 8 am in the morning, we first saw smoke then fire coming from the company.

“The company is very close to my hostel but I don’t think any hostel was affected. We just carried our bag because we don’t know what can happen next”.

He noted that the fire service were on ground to curtail the fire.

Reacting to the incident, President of the Student Union Government in OGITECH, Ilo Fadilu Temitope, in a statement signed by its secretary, Moses Josephine and PRO Segbetin Sunday, and made available to called for calm among students, urging them to be vigilant, and adhere strictly to safety measures.

Part of the statement reads, “The attention of the Students’ Union Government has been drawn to information reaching us regarding a fire outbreak at the Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ), Igbesa, which is in close proximity to some student hostels around the Obanla axis.

“While relevant authorities are reportedly responding to the situation, the Students’ Union deems it necessary to prioritize the safety and well-being of all students.

“In view of this, students especially those residing around Obanla axis and its environs are hereby advised to remain calm but vigilant, and to strictly observe the following safety measures: Avoid unnecessary movement towards the affected area or fire scene, stay indoors where it is safe to do so and keep doors and windows closed if there is smoke in the environment, switch off electrical appliances and gas sources as a precaution.”

As of the time of filing this report, there has not been any official statement on the cause of the incident.

When contacted by our correspondent, the Commissioner of the State’s Ministry of Environment, Ola Oresanya said, “Thanks for the information, I will work on it immediately.”

Many houses affected as fire guts Ogun Free Trade Zone pic.twitter.com/pYIjbLwGhJ

— Temitope Hassan (@temihat) January 11, 2026

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Demolition notice: Ogun communities cry out, call for Gov Abiodun’s intervention

Published

4 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

About 15 communities in the Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State have called for the intervention of Governor Dapo Abiodun over alleged plot to demolish their villages and acquire their land.

The communities include Itori Mogan, Laaki, Jaguna, Ogunu, Paashi, Kumapayi, and Abule Odo of Ijemoland among others.

According to the villagers, the community which is over 300 years was excised by former governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s administration.

It was gathered that the state government, through the its Planning and Development Permit Authority, Abeokuta Metro Zonal Planning Office, served a demolition notice with service number 00047932 on the occupiers of Itori Mogan village on Friday, accusing them of contravening the Land Use Act of Ogun State for residing in Hillcrest Estate.

In the demolition notice dated January 9, 2026, the government gave the occupiers three days deadline to vacate the affected villages that fell within its acquisition.

Expressing their displeasure on Saturday, the Baale of Ogunro, Chief Olakunle Bodunde, speaking on behalf of the villages marked for demolition, lamented that the present administration is bent on taking the remaining part of the community for an estate development, while rendering members of the community homeless.

He noted that the matter was in court and despite several meetings with the government, a demolition notice was pasted on their buildings.

He said, “We have taken significant steps to address this issue. We had meetings with the government, and now the matter is in court.

“We have served them, and the government has been notified, but they are not showing up in court, and now they have come to paste demolition notices on our buildings.

“We want things to be done with due process. The court has not made a pronouncement yet.”

Also speaking, Chief Oludare Salako, the Baale of Itori Mogan, said the communities have different ancestral gods which according to him cannot be relocated, saying that forceful eviction could spell danger.

He appealed to the state governor to intervene, expressing the belief that he may not be aware of the incident.

“We want Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene, as we believe he may not be aware of these alleged land grabbers in his government. We want him to look critically into the matter and stop their actions,” Salako added.

The Aro of Egbaland and Oluwo of Ijemo, High Chief Oluyinka Kufile, urged the villagers to engage in dialogue with the government and be hopeful.

“If you have a right, no government will stop you from exercising your right. So my advice is to dialogue.

“We have signed pacts with the present government on some particular land and villages. Go there, visit the office, and make inquiries. Why again are they trying to take back the land,” he said.

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Full List Of Countries Nigerians Travel To Without Visa

Published

4 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Nigerian passport holders can now travel to 45 countries worldwide without obtaining a visa in advance, according to the latest update from Visaindex.

The development significantly eases international travel for Nigerians, providing broader options for tourism, business, education and family visits.

Of the 45 destinations, 27 countries allow visa-free entry for Nigerian citizens, while the remaining operate visa-on-arrival or Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) regimes. Entry conditions vary by country, but the update signals an expansion of global mobility opportunities for Nigerians.

Several African nations have adopted open-border policies aimed at boosting regional integration, trade and tourism.

The Gambia – Since 2019, the country has declared itself a visa-free zone for all African travellers, extending the policy to Commonwealth nations, the European Union, and select Baltic states.

Benin – Inspired by Rwanda, Benin lifted visa restrictions for all Africans in 2019, strengthening its position as a commercial and transit hub in West Africa.

Kenya – In October 2023, President William Ruto announced the removal of visa requirements for all African visitors to enhance trade, tourism and continental connectivity.

Rwanda – Since November 2023, Rwanda has granted visa-free entry to all Africans without fees, reinforcing its reputation as a leading tourism and conference destination.

Ghana – Ghana recently joined the visa-free league for Africans, a move expected to attract investors, tourists and business travellers as it positions itself as a regional hub.

Other Visa-Free Or Easy-Access Destinations

Nigerian passport holders can also access the following countries either visa-free, via visa-on-arrival, or through eTA arrangements:

Barbados

Burkina Faso

Cameroon

Cape Verde

Chad

Cook Islands

Côte d’Ivoire

Dominica

Fiji

Guinea