News
Kidnapping now major source of money for terrorists – Nigerian govt
The Federal Government says kidnapping has grown from a small-scale crime into a major source of funding for criminal and terror groups across Nigeria.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ workshop of the Multi-Agency Kidnap Fusion Cell in Abuja, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, explained that money from kidnappings is helping armed groups buy weapons, maintain operations, and even control territory in some areas.
According to him, the new initiative is aimed at improving coordination, intelligence sharing, and joint operations to curb kidnapping nationwide.
Laka said: “Nigeria continues to face serious security challenges driven by terrorism, banditry, separatist agitation, and clashes between farmers and herders. A common thread in all these is the widespread use of kidnapping.”
He added that kidnapping, once a minor criminal act, has now become a persistent and destabilising enterprise, enabling these groups to procure logistics, perpetuate terror, and in some cases, exert territorial control.
Laka explained that increasing concerns at home and abroad led to a partnership between the Nigerian and UK governments, resulting in the creation of the Multi-Agency Kidnap Fusion Cell.
The centre, launched on 19 December 2024, coordinates nationwide operations against kidnapping and supports Nigeria’s goal of becoming a regional hub for counterterrorism.
He said the Cell has been successful, generating intelligence that helped rescue hostages and disrupt kidnap gangs across the country.
To improve results at the state level, the NCTC also organized a training program in July 2025 for Anti-Kidnap Commanders of the police and DSS from all 36 states and the FCT.
Despite progress, Laka noted that more groups need to be involved, including the media, telecom companies, and social media platforms.
He called on participants to bring forward practical ideas to help rescue victims, break kidnap networks, and protect communities.
Acting British High Commissioner, Gill Lever said the UK government is impressed with the centre’s achievements and will keep supporting Nigeria’s counterterrorism and anti-kidnapping efforts.
Also speaking, Head of the UK’s National Crime Agency, Chris Gibson, said strong cooperation among key agencies is vital. He urged Nigerians to back government efforts, stressing that anti-kidnapping is a responsibility of every citizen.
News
FACT CHECK: Did Osisioma Flyover in Aba Collapse?
THIS DAWN — A viral report circulating on social media alleges that the Osisioma Flyover in Aba, Abia State collapsed after a heavily loaded cement truck passed over it, killing “at least 10 people,” mostly street vendors.
The posts further link the incident to alleged poor construction quality under the administration of former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
Verdict: FALSE
Summary:
There is no evidence, from official authorities or credible media outlets, that the Osisioma Flyover collapsed or that any fatalities occurred as a result of a structural failure.
The claim is based solely on unverified social media posts and has been directly contradicted by local sources in Abia State.
What the Viral Claims Said
The circulating posts—mainly on Facebook and Instagram—state that:
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The Osisioma Flyover “collapsed earlier today.”
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A cement truck triggered the collapse.
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At least 10 people died in the incident.
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The alleged collapse proves the flyover was poorly constructed under former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
These posts have been widely shared, often accompanied by political commentary calling for the former governor’s arrest or removal from ambassadorial consideration.
However, none of the posts include:
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Photos of the alleged collapse
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Videos from the scene
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Eyewitness accounts with verifiable identities
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Timestamps or locations
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Any confirmation from emergency responders, state authorities, or journalists
What Research Shows
1. No credible media outlet has reported a collapse.
A thorough scan of major Nigerian news organisations shows zero reports of collapsed Osisioma Flyover or mass casualties in Aba on the date claimed.
In Nigeria, an event of this scale—structural collapse with multiple fatalities—would generate immediate national coverage. That has not occurred.
2. No official statement acknowledges any collapse.
As of the time this report was prepared:
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The Abia State Government
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The Ministry of Works
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The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)
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The Nigerian Police Force (NPF)
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The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) have issued no alerts, warnings, or confirmations of any incident at the Osisioma Flyover.
3. Local confirmations contradict the claim.
Verified social-media posts from Aba residents and government-linked pages directly state that the flyover did not collapse.
Some even posted real-time videos of the structure standing intact to debunk the rumour.
4. The Osisioma Flyover was recently subject to maintenance—not collapse.
In 2024 and 2025, the Abia State Government announced reinforcement and repair work on the flyover due to concerns about its finishing quality.
This legitimate maintenance activity appears to have been misinterpreted—or exploited—to fuel the false collapse narrative.
Likely Motivation Behind the False Report
The political commentary appended to many versions of the Osisioma Flyover claim suggests the rumour may be part of:
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Political smear attempts against former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu
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Amplification of existing dissatisfaction with the flyover’s original construction
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Efforts to generate engagement through sensational, unverified news
The combination of political rivalry and public scrutiny of infrastructure quality in Abia State makes the region prone to such misinformation spikes.
Conclusion
There is no evidence that the Osisioma Flyover collapsed or that 10 people died in any accident related to the structure.
All available facts indicate that the claim is false, unverified, and politically charged.
Residents are advised to rely on credible news sources and official government channels for updates on infrastructure and public safety.
News
GOVERNOR OTTI NAMES DR. EMMANUEL MERIBOLE AS ACTING SECRETARY TO THE ABA STATE GOVERNMENT.
By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
12- DEC- 2025
The Government of Abia State has announced a key administrative adjustment following Governor Alex Otti’s approval for the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Kenneth Kalu (FCA), to embark on a leave of absence. In line with this development, the Governor has appointed Dr. Emmanuel Meribole as the Acting Secretary to the State Government, effective January 1, 2026.
Dr. Meribole, who currently serves as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Projects, will assume the responsibilities of the SSG in an acting capacity. The administration emphasized that a structured transition plan is in place to guarantee continuity. To this end, the official handover procedure will begin on Monday, December 15, 2025, allowing Professor Kalu and Dr. Meribole to work collaboratively to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted flow of government activities.
A medical doctor by training, Dr. Meribole brings a distinguished record of public service and administrative leadership to his new role. His extensive career includes serving as Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development before his retirement. Since joining the Abia State Government as Special Adviser on Projects, he has played a pivotal role in implementing transformative initiatives that align with the administration’s development objectives.
The decision to appoint him as Acting Secretary to the State Government underscores the confidence Governor Otti places in his expertise, work ethic, and capacity to further advance the government’s reform agenda.
Governor Otti also expressed his sincere appreciation to Professor Kenneth Kalu for his remarkable dedication and contributions to the progress of Abia State. The Governor commended Professor Kalu’s steadfast service and assured that his efforts will continue to reflect in the administration’s ongoing reforms.
The announcement was issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, on December 12, 2025.
News
“I Can Afford Any Bail Condition, Let Me Go Home, I Have Health Challenges” – Chris Ngige Cries Out In Court As Judge Remands The Former Minister To Kuje Prison
Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, broke down in court today, pleading with the judge to grant him bail due to his health challenges. “I can afford any bail condition, please let me go home, I have health issues,” he said, visibly shaken.
Ngige was remanded to Kuje Prison by Justice Mariam Hassan after pleading not guilty to an eight-count charge of alleged contract fraud and abuse of office, totaling over N2.2 billion. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) opposed his bail application, citing concerns he might flee.
The judge has adjourned the hearing on Ngige’s bail application to Monday, December 15, 2025. Until then, Ngige will remain in Kuje Correctional Centre, where he will have access to medical practitioners.
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GOVERNOR FUBARA APPOINTS COUNCIL MEMBERS FOR KEN SARO-WIWA POLYTECHNIC BORI
