Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup in Gossip News Now of the major newspaper headlines across the country for today, Tuesday, December 2, 2025.
1. NSA Nuhu Ribadu Visits Niger, Reaffirms Commitment to Rescuing Abducted Schoolchildren
National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has renewed assurances that the children kidnapped from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwarra LGA of Niger State, will be rescued and reunited with their families.
Ribadu made the promise on Monday during a visit to Niger State, where he met with the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, as well as relatives of the victims at St. Michael’s Catholic Cathedral in Kontagora.
The NSA was accompanied by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Bernard Doro, and the Director-General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Ajayi.
He revealed that President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to intensify efforts to ensure the children’s safe return.
Ribadu emphasized that the victims “are located and will be brought back safely,” noting that the President has suspended other engagements to focus on the rescue operation.
He urged Nigerians to stand united against what he described as a “common enemy,” adding that evil will not triumph.
2. Police Order Immediate Arrest of Officers Escorting VIPs in Violation of New Directive
The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has issued a strict nationwide order mandating the immediate arrest of any officer found providing security escort services to Very Important Persons (VIPs) outside approved assignments, in compliance with a recent presidential directive.
A confidential wireless signal dated November 30, 2025, and signed by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, was dispatched to senior officers across all commands, stressing the urgency of enforcing the new policy.
According to Sahara Reporters, the memo—circulated to units including the Mobile Police Force, VIP Protection Unit, Counter-Terrorism Unit, and all state and area commands—clearly instructed that any officer caught escorting a VIP should be arrested on the spot.
The directive also issued stern warnings to supervisors and commanding officers expected to enforce strict compliance.
3. Defence Headquarters Clarifies Reported ‘Invasion’ by Nigerien Army Convoy
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has provided clarification regarding the November 29, 2025 incident in Mazanya community, Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State, where local vigilantes opened fire on a Nigerien military convoy.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said Monday night that the explanation was necessary to curb misinformation and reassure Nigerians of the country’s commitment to maintaining peaceful relations with neighbouring nations.
According to the DHQ, the incident began when a Nigerien military convoy entered Mazanya to fetch water.
However, the unusually large size of the convoy raised concern among local vigilantes, who mistakenly interpreted the movement as a potential threat and opened fire.
Major General Onoja noted that Nigerian security authorities intervened immediately, engaging in dialogue with the Nigerien commander to prevent further escalation and restore calm.
4. Temi Ajibade Says She’s Comfortable With Husband Mr Eazi Being Friendly With His Exes
Actress and billionaire heiress Temi Ajibade has opened up about her stance on her husband Mr Eazi’s interactions with his former partners.
Speaking on her show How Far, the fashion entrepreneur said she has no problem with her husband maintaining friendly relations with his ex-girlfriends—provided the boundaries are clear.
Ajibade emphasized that polite gestures, such as sending birthday messages, are acceptable. However, she noted that actions like keeping tabs on their social media activities or liking their photos cross a line that makes her uncomfortable.
5. Maduka Okoye Opens Up on Difficult Watford Spell as Udinese Revival Draws Premier League Attention
Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has reflected on his challenging stint at Watford, describing it as one of the toughest periods of his career before rekindling his form at Udinese in Serie A.
Okoye joined Watford shortly after the club’s relegation from the Premier League, arriving while still recovering from shoulder surgery—complications that made settling in even more difficult.
“My time at Watford was challenging… not only on the pitch but off it. I was young, dealing with many things at once, including recovering from shoulder surgery. It was a tough period,” he told Footy-Africa.
The 26-year-old said the experience taught him valuable lessons:
“Maybe I didn’t handle some situations the best way, but I learned from them and I’ve grown. I got another chance at Udinese, and I took it. I’ve become a better player and a better man.”
Okoye did not make a league appearance for Watford before being loaned to Sparta Rotterdam, but his resurgence in Italy has been impressive. Now Udinese’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, he continues to earn plaudits for his performances.
His strong displays have attracted interest from Premier League clubs, including Bournemouth, which were linked with him in the last transfer window. Okoye welcomed the attention but emphasized his commitment to Udinese.
6. Referees’ Chief Dismisses Claims Nigeria Was Deliberately Excluded From AFCON 2025 Officiating List
Nigeria’s refereeing authorities have rejected claims that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) intentionally omitted the country from its officiating team for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
CAF recently released a list of 73 officials—including referees, assistant referees and VAR specialists—for the tournament, sparking concerns among fans over Nigeria’s absence despite its strong football reputation.
President of the Nigeria Referees Association, Sani Zubairu, has now addressed the speculation.
Zubairu, a retired FIFA referee, described the insinuation that CAF deliberately snubbed Nigeria as inaccurate and unfair, stressing that the situation has been misunderstood.
7. ‘Shut The Fk Up’ – 2Baba, Wife Natasha Osawaru In Heated Exchange During Live Broadcast**
A tense moment unfolded on Monday evening when Afrobeats icon Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, got into a verbal altercation with his wife and lawmaker, Natasha Osawaru, during a live Facebook session hosted by media personality Daddy Freeze.
Gossip News Now gathered that 2Baba had just joined the livestream when background audio from his end captured the argument.
In a visibly strained tone, the singer was heard saying, “Shut the f* up, you need to shut the f* up.”
Osawaru quickly responded off-camera, saying, “Innocent, bring that phone, let him see us together,” and asked, “Is that Daddy Freeze’s?” before demanding that the device be pointed at them.
As both appeared to struggle over the phone, 2Baba could be heard warning, “See what you are doing,” moments before his audio suddenly went offline.
With viewers confused, Daddy Freeze stepped in to calm the situation, telling the audience, “Guys, calm down. Let’s hope there will be stability so that we will know what is going on,” before ending the livestream.
8. PDP Urges Tinubu to Restrain Cabinet Members From Interfering in Opposition Parties
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to rein in cabinet members and supporters allegedly fueling crises within opposition parties.
In a statement issued on Monday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, accused some of the President’s loyalists of deliberately sponsoring internal conflicts aimed at destabilizing rival political groups.
The statement was released in response to the Tinubu administration’s decision to grant asylum and protection to Fernando Dia Da Costa, the opposition presidential candidate in the recently concluded Guinea-Bissau election.
While acknowledging that the move was taken to safeguard Da Costa and promote stability in Guinea-Bissau and the wider West African region, the PDP criticized the government for failing to uphold the same democratic principles within Nigeria’s domestic politics.
The party urged President Tinubu to demonstrate equal commitment to protecting democratic institutions at home and to refrain from actions that could undermine Nigeria’s political stability.
9. Key Resolutions Emerge From Northern Governors’ Security Meeting
Fresh details have emerged from the December 1 security meeting involving the nineteen Northern Governors alongside first-class emirs and chiefs under the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, held at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House in Kaduna.
According to Gossip News Now , discussions centered on the escalating security challenges confronting the region.
Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Gombe State governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, warned that insecurity in the North has escalated from a regional concern to a national threat.
Yahaya stressed the urgent need for structural reforms within Nigeria’s security framework, insisting that the creation of state police is now one of the most viable and effective solutions to the worsening crisis.
He maintained that centralized policing no longer adequately addresses the multitude of threats facing the North, including banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, farmer-herder clashes, communal violence and other crimes that have displaced communities and crippled economic activities.
10. Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar Resigns From Tinubu’s Cabinet
Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has stepped down from his position in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
According to information obtained by Gossip News Now , the resignation takes immediate effect.
In his resignation letter dated December 1, 2025, the former Jigawa State governor attributed his decision to health challenges.
A statement issued by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed that President Tinubu has accepted Badaru’s resignation, expressed gratitude for his service, and will forward a replacement nominee to the Senate later this week.
Badaru had been serving as Defence Minister since August 21, 2023.
His departure comes at a time when President Tinubu has declared a national security emergency, with further details expected soon.
That’s all for today’s Foreign And Naija News roundup on Gossip News Now from top Nigerian newspaper headlines. For more updates, stay connected to Naija News. Join us again tomorrow for the latest developments.
