The United States has been conducting intelligence-gathering flights over large parts of Nigeria since late November, according to Reuters, citing flight-tracking data and current and former U.S. officials. The surveillance activity underscores a renewed phase of security cooperation between Washington and Abuja amid escalating violence and diplomatic tensions.
Nigerians have been reassured by the Defense Headquarters (DHQ) that there will be increased security measures throughout the country during the Christmas season. The DHQ has announced the deployment of additional troops, special forces, and aviation assets to deter attacks and ensure a peaceful celebration. In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, Michael Onoja, Director of Defense Media Operations, provided the guarantee.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, on his recognition as a champion of press freedom by the Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI). At the IPI's Annual Conference, which took place in Abuja on December 2, 2025, Ajayi was given a commendation award for his "unmistakable commitment to press freedom and respect for journalists and media organisations" since his appointment in late August 2024.
The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during his speech at the joint session of the National Assembly on Friday, disclosed that the new security design will transform the nation’s strategy for tackling terrorism and other violent crimes. He further stated that non-state actors armed with deadly weapons, as well as their accomplices, would be classified and dealt with as terrorists.
Believe justice will be served
Following the recent arraignment by the Department of State Security (DSS) of Abdulmalik Abdulazeez Obadaki, the suspected mastermind of the 2012 gun attack on a Deeper Life Bible Church, Otite, near Okene, in Kogi State, which killed over 19 worshippers, families of victims and survivors have thanked the secret police for re-arresting and speeding up Obadaki's trial.
The Nigeria Customs Services (NCS) has seized over N2.28bn in undeclared foreign currencies at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. This seizure was disclosed by the Customs Area Controller of the MMIA Command, Comptroller Chidi Nwokorie, during a briefing on 16th December 2025. Nwokorie stated that the funds comprised €651,505 and $800,575.
