NEWS

The Nigerian government has contracted U.S.-based lobbying and public affairs firm, DCI Group, for $9 million to engage with American officials on efforts to protect Christians in the country.According to filings with the U.S. Department of Justice, the six-month agreement, which began on December 17, 2025, includes strategic communication with U.S. lawmakers and officials regarding Nigeria’s actions against religious violence. The contract, signed through National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and legal firm Aster Legal, allows for an automatic six-month extension.The scope of the engagement covers maintaining U.S. support for Nigeria’s fight against jihadist and other destabilizing groups in West Africa. A pre-payment of $4.5 million was made on December 12, 2025, with a monthly r...

A truck laden with sharp sand crashed into a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) building, k!lling six worshippers in the Epe area of Lagos State. The incident occurred at about 8.30pm on Monday, January 12, 2026 along Hospital Road in the community.It was gathered that several worshippers also sustained injuries in the incident.An eyewitness, Tinu Oduwale, who spoke to punch on Tuesday, January 13, said the truck was descending the road towards a roundabout when its brakes suddenly failedShe added that the driver lost control of the vehicle and plunged into the church.“The truck was descending towards the roundabout when the driver suddenly discovered that the brake was no longer working. He was shouting and honking repeatedly. To avoid ramming into vehicles a...

States across Nigeria earmarked a combined N525.23bn for security votes and related operations between 2023 and 2025, according to an analysis of figures extracted from their approved budget documents.The states’ budgets are contained in Open States, a BudgIT-backed website that serves as a repository of government budget data.The massive vote, intended to bolster security nationwide, raises critical concerns about the efficacy of these measures, as citizens remain increasingly vulnerable to the tide of violence.Although the responsibility for ensuring the safety of lives and property lies with the Federal Government, the increasing wave of kidnapping, robbery, and other forms of violence has compelled many state governors to set up their own internal security strategies to com...

Veteran journalist and co-founder of Newswatch magazine, Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed, has died.His death comes less than two months after the passing of fellow Newswatch co-founder, Dan Agbese, who died on November 17, 2025. The development was confirmed by multiple sources, though the family was yet to issue an official statement at the time of filing this report.Mohammed, who had been ill for some time, recently launched his memoir titled Beyond Expectations on November 4, 2025. Born on April 4, 1950, in Ologba, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, he was a distinguished journalist with decades of experience in the media industry.Throughout his career, Mohammed held several key editorial positions, including roles at New Nigerian Newspapers, National Concord, and Newswatch ...