From military tradition and security warnings to political realignments and international fraud convictions, this afternoon’s headlines reflect key developments shaping Nigeria’s defence, politics and justice landscape.
The Nigerian Army celebrated 10 retired senior officers in Lagos, a US lawmaker cautioned against separatist agendas in Nigeria, and supporters of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso proposed a joint ticket with Peter Obi ahead of 2027.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima visited Kwara after a deadly attack, and a Nigerian man was sentenced to more than eight years by a US court for a $6 million inheritance scam.
Here’s your complete afternoon roundup of the top stories:
1. Army pulls out 10 retired generals in Lagos
Military tradition was on full display as the Nigerian Army Finance Corps held a valedictory parade to honour 10 retired senior officers in Lagos.
The retirees included Major Generals KI Yusuf, AA Fayemiwo, J Mohammed, RN Ochei, MO Ihanuwaze, M Galadima, SA Gumel, and Brigadier Generals EA Obona, AS Maikano, and MK Baba-Mallam.
Major General Kamal Ishola Yusuf (retd.), the Special Guest of Honour, described the ceremony as “one of the most colourful and dignified parades I have witnessed.”
He stressed that tradition remains central to the Army’s identity, adding, “The pulling-out parade is a clear testament that the Nigerian Army and the Finance Corps continue to flourish by preserving and honouring their noble heritage.”
The event drew serving and retired officers, former Chiefs of Army Staff, Corps Commanders, formation commanders, captains of industry, heads of financial institutions, and families of the retirees. Highlights included a ceremonial march-past, group photographs, and a reception.
2. Destabilising Nigeria will empower terrorists, says US lawmaker
Concerns over national security intensified as US lawmaker Riley Moore warned that attempts to encourage separatist agendas in Nigeria could worsen insecurity and increase risks for Christians across the country.
“A destabilised Nigeria would embolden terrorists and make Christians less safe in Nigeria and across the continent,” Moore said, reflecting on a fact-finding visit he made to Nigeria to assess the challenges facing vulnerable communities, particularly in the North and Middle Belt.
He added that the recent security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States represents “an important step in tackling the violence in Nigeria and deepening and strengthening the bilateral relationship between our great nations.”
Moore concluded by reaffirming his commitment to supporting Nigerians affected by terrorism, saying, “I remain committed to working to save the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ — and for that matter, all Nigerians — suffering from the instability wrought by terrorists throughout Nigeria. God bless you all.”
3. 2027: Kwankwaso supporters propose Obi-Kwankwaso ticket
Political manoeuvres intensified as the Kwankwaso Support Group 2027 proposed a joint presidential ticket pairing former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi with Senator Rabi’u Kwankwaso.
The group’s leader, Abba Gwale, described the alliance as a chance to rescue Nigeria from insecurity, hunger, and other national challenges.
“As Kwankwaso supporters, we have thrown our weight behind this joint presidential ticket. If the duo gets a mandate in the upcoming election, Nigeria will be a better place,” he said.
Gwale noted that combining Obi’s strong Southern support with Kwankwaso’s Northern base could form a powerful coalition capable of challenging the ruling party.
He added that the partnership represents “a shared ambition to wrestle power from the ruling APC and bring about meaningful change,” reflecting the frustrations of ordinary Nigerians living from hand to mouth.
4. Shettima visits Kwara after deadly attack
Fresh federal action followed a deadly attack in Woro village, Kaiama Local Government Area, Kwara State, which left at least 75 residents dead.
Vice President Kashim Shettima visited the community to assess the situation and convey condolences to the grieving families.
The federal government assured that it would not relent until those responsible are tracked, apprehended, and brought to justice.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who received the vice president, described the victims as local Muslims “massacred for refusing to submit to extremists preaching a strange doctrine.”
President Bola Tinubu earlier condemned the attacks and confirmed the deployment of an Army battalion under Operation Savannah Shield to protect vulnerable communities and apprehend the perpetrators.
5. Nigerian man jailed eight years for $6m inheritance scam in US
Justice was delivered in a major international fraud case as Tochukwu Albert Nnebocha, a 44-year-old Nigerian national, was sentenced to 97 months’ imprisonment in the United States for participating in a $6 million inheritance scam targeting elderly Americans.
“In total, the defendant and his co-conspirators defrauded over 400 victims of more than $6 million,” the US Department of Justice said. Court documents showed that the scheme involved sending personalised letters falsely claiming recipients were entitled to multimillion-dollar inheritances, then demanding payments for fictitious delivery fees and taxes.
Nnebocha was arrested in Poland in April 2025, extradited to the United States in September 2025, and pleaded guilty in November 2025. In addition to imprisonment, the court ordered three years of supervised release and restitution exceeding $6.8 million.
