Ibadan – The Niger Police Command has confirmed the release of the remaining 130 abducted students and staff of St. Mary Catholic School, Papiri, in the Agwara Local Government Area of Niger.
NAN reports that the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Minna.
Abiodun said that the remaining batch of the victims was released on Sunday, bringing an end to the ordeal of the abducted students and staff of the school.
He explained that a total of 130 victims, including staff members of the school, were released in the latest development.
The police spokesman assured the public that further developments on the matter would be communicated as necessary.
Recall that the students were abducted on Nov. 21, while the first batch of about 100 students were released on Dec. 8, following sustained security operations.
Christmas: DHQ deploys troops to trouble spots
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has deployed troops to strategic locations and routes, while Special Forces units and air support elements have been placed on high alert to ensure rapid response capability during the festive season.
The deployment is aimed at preventing any attacks during the Christmas festivities and beyond.
The military high command revealed this in a statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, on a Sunday.
According to the statement, surveillance efforts—including aerial monitoring and intelligence gathering have been heightened to track the movement and communication patterns of suspected criminal groups.
Naira to remain stable, interest rates easing in 2026 – CBN survey
The naira is expected to remain largely stable over the next six months, while borrowing costs are projected to decline as inflation continues to moderate, according to the latest Business Expectations Survey (BES) released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The survey showed that respondents expect the naira to strengthen from an index of 28.8 points currently to 42.2 points by May 2026, extending the rare period of currency stability recorded in 2025.
Borrowing rates are also projected to ease over the same period, with the index declining from 15.4 points to 11.7 points, reflecting expectations of softer monetary conditions as inflation pressures abate.
New tax laws to boost investment, economic competitiveness — FIRS
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has said Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws are structured to enhance economic competitiveness, attract investment and ensure long-term fiscal stability, as stakeholders intensify efforts to deepen public understanding of ongoing tax reforms.
The clarification was made at a one-day dialogue organised by CATAI and ActionAid on Strengthening Understanding of Tax Reform for Inclusive Governance, themed ‘Youth, Tax Reform and Accountability: Building Informed Voices for Tax’.
The forum brought together youths, civil society actors and policy stakeholders to examine the implications of the reforms and the role of citizens in accountable tax administration.
FG to introduce mandatory vehicle recycling fee from 2026
The Federal Government has announced plans to tap into Nigeria’s largely informal vehicle recycling market, projecting annual revenues of over N150bn from 2026, as part of sweeping reforms to modernise the country’s automotive industry.
The National Automotive Design and Development Council disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, with the Director-General, Joseph Osanipin, saying the initiative would be driven by a comprehensive End-of-Life Vehicle programme already approved for implementation.
Osanipin explained that the policy would formalise the recycling of vehicles that have reached the end of their useful lives, turning what is currently an environmental and safety burden into a major economic opportunity.
FG restores traffic flow on Abuja-Lokoja expressway after truck drivers’ standoff
Normal traffic flow has been restored on the Abuja-Lokoja Expressway after a weekend disruption caused by a standoff between truck drivers and military personnel, the Federal Government has said.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the restoration following hours of gridlock that left thousands of road users stranded along the corridor during the festive travel period.
The disruption followed an incident in which a truck windscreen was reportedly smashed, prompting truck drivers to block a section of the highway in protest.
PENGASSAN President Osifo calls for 51% sale of NNPC refineries
The President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, Festus Osifo, has urged the Federal Government to sell only a 51 per cent stake in NNPC refineries.
Osifo made the call during an interview on Sunday Politics, a programme on Channels Television.
2027: Amaechi posters flood Kaduna, stir speculation over presidential ambition
Posters bearing the image of former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi have surfaced across major streets in Kaduna, fuelling speculation about early political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The posters, which prominently display Amaechi’s portrait, describe him as “the only person to be trusted” and “the only man for the job”, with accompanying messages centred on unity, equality, stability and development.
Amaechi, who holds the traditional title of Dan Amanan Kasar Hausa of Daura, has previously served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation.
I’m the only monarch with authority to install titles covering Yorubaland — Alaafin
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has stated that only the throne of Oyo has the authority to confer chieftaincy titles that carry the name “Yorubaland.”
The monarch made this declaration during the installation of Senator Abdul-Aziz Yari as Obaloyin of Yorubaland and Barrister Seyi Tinubu as Okanlomo of Yorubaland on Sunday at Aganju Forecourt, Aafin Oyo.
Oba Owoade emphasised that chieftaincy in Yoruba culture is not a matter of favour or decoration but a duty that comes with responsibility.
I have delivered across all sectors—Adeleke boasts
The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Sunday affirmed that his administration in three years has delivered good governance in all sectors of the state.
This is just as he challenged his critics to judge him by his records as a governor in the last three years, saying, “leadership is not and should not be a master–servant relationship.”
A statement by Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, disclosed that the governor made it known at Iwude Ijesha carnival at Ilesa on Sunday, who fired back at critics who questioned his style of governance asserted that governance is not about stern-looking leaders parading corridors of power.
