Author: Vardiafrica

Twenty-four schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls’ Day Secondary School, Maga, in Sokoto/Kebbi border axis, have regained their freedom following coordinated security operations. The students were kidnapped on November 17 when gunmen invaded their school community in Sakaba LGA of Kebbi State. Confirming their release on Tuesday, an official source said the girls were rescued in the early hours of the day through joint efforts of security agencies and local volunteers. Details of the operation were not immediately disclosed for security reasons. The source added that the girls are currently receiving medical evaluation before being reunited with their families. The rescue…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued new directives to the Nigerian Armed Forces, ordering a comprehensive security cordon around forests in Kwara, Kebbi, and parts of Niger State in response to the surge in kidnappings and terrorist activities in the affected areas. The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Chief Sunday Dare, announced the directive on Tuesday in a post on his verified X handle, @SundayDareSD. He stated that “the President had ordered the Nigerian Air Force to intensify and expand air surveillance across the innermost parts of the forests where criminal groups are believed to be…

Visitors from 85 countries that currently enjoy visa-free entry to the UK – including the US, Canada and France – will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) from Feb.25, 2026, the UK government announced on Monday. The move is described as a major step in the country’s plan to digitize its immigration system and introduce a contactless border in the future. Once implemented, all travelers will need digital permission to enter the UK, either through an ETA or an eVisa, and carriers will be required to check passengers before they travel. ETA was first launched in October…

The Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has retained the country’s monetary policy rate at 27 per cent. The CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, announced this at a press conference during the Committee’s 303rd meeting in Abuja. The MPR serves as the baseline interest rate in an economy; other interest rates used within the economy are built on it. The Monetary Policy Committee also committed to maintaining a tight monetary stance. The MPC pegged the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) at 45% for commercial banks, 16% for merchant banks, and 75% on non-TSA public sector deposits. It also…

The Special Protection Unit (SPU) in the police has ordered all officers attached to VIPs and beats nationwide to return “back to base”. On November 23, President Bola Tinubu ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers attached to VIPs across the country. In a memo signed by Neji Veronica, commanding officer of the SPU Base 16 in Lagos, and shared by the presidency on X, all affected officers were instructed to return before the close of business on November 24. The commanding officer said the order is effective immediately and must be strictly complied with. “Sequel to the directive of Mr President and…

Nigeria has intensified its diplomatic push for Africa to secure permanent, veto-wielding seats on the United Nations (UN) Security Council, insisting that global governance reform is long overdue. President Bola Tinubu made the call on Monday in Luanda, Angola, during the first plenary session on Peace, Security, Governance and Multilateralism at the 7th African Union–European Union (AU–EU) Summit. He was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima. President Tinubu urged the European Union (EU) to partner with Africa in designing peace and security solutions rooted in African-led frameworks, insisting that such cooperation is essential for sustainable stability. He said; “It is time…

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, Monday unveiled Nigeria’s Counter-Terrorism Strategic Plan 2025–2030, declaring it a decisive turning point in the country’s battle against terrorism and violent extremism. The document was produced by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). It outlines Nigeria’s new security vision for the next five years. Speaking at the launch, Akpabio, in a statement by his Media Office, described the plan as “a defining moment in our nation’s journey”, stressing that Nigeria must secure its people to unlock its full development potential. He said the plan represents a…

She Afrique, a pan-African movement dedicated to elevating the power, elegance, and unstoppable spirit of African women, convened a landmark G20 Sideline Dynamics Summit focused on “Harnessing Sustainable Women‑Led Growth in Africa Through the Digital Economy..” The event brought together influential leaders, policymakers, creatives, and digital innovators to spotlight the essential role of technology in empowering African women. The summit opened with remarks by Nikki Okedele, who celebrated the importance of meaningful and sustainable approaches to women’s empowerment. She noted the power of women in leadership and emphasized the responsibility of lifting others up rather than “folding the ladder,” a…

Governors of the South-west states have renewed their call for state police, insisting that the worsening insecurity across the region has made the reform an urgent necessity. Meeting in Ibadan the Oyo state capital under the auspices of the Southwest Governors’ Forum, (SGF), the leaders declared that the creation of state police can no longer be delayed, adding that the region must adopt new measures to protect its residents. The meeting, held at the Executive Chamber of the Oyo State Governor’s Office and hosted by Governor Seyi Makinde, examined security, agriculture, economic development and regional cooperation. The communiqué was read…

The Zamfara State Government says it is not considering closing schools despite rising insecurity and a wave of student abductions across parts of the country. Instead, the state government has introduced new security measures to protect learning centres and ensure pupils continue classes without fear of attacks. The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Wadatau Madawaki, disclosed this while addressing journalists at an event organised by the Federated Association of Zamfara State Students in Gusau, the state capital. Madawaki’s assurance comes amid the recent abduction of 25 students of Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area…