Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to your Gossip News Now roundup of the major newspaper headlines making the front pages today, Wednesday, 26th November, 2025.
1. Tinubu Orders Intensified Security Operations in Kwara, Kebbi and Niger
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued new directives aimed at curbing the rising wave of insecurity in parts of Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger states.
According to a statement shared on 𝕏 by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive security cordon around forested areas in Kwara State, which have recently witnessed renewed kidnapping and terrorist activity.
Dare revealed that the President has instructed the Nigerian Air Force to escalate aerial surveillance across the deepest sections of Kwara’s forests, identified as potential hideouts for criminal groups. The directive, he noted, also extends to adjoining border regions of Kebbi and Niger states, where rescue operations for remaining kidnap victims are still underway.
He urged residents of the affected communities to cooperate with security forces by promptly reporting suspicious movements or activities that may aid ongoing operations.
2. CBN Keeps Interest Rate at 27% as MPC Votes Unanimously
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has maintained the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 27 percent after all 12 members of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted in favour of retaining the benchmark rate.
CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, announced the decision on Tuesday while addressing journalists at the conclusion of the MPC’s 303rd meeting in Abuja.
Cardoso explained that the committee opted to keep all key monetary parameters unchanged as part of efforts to consolidate the recent gains in economic stability.
He noted that the decision was influenced by the “low and stable inflation” observed in recent months, adding that the MPC considered the trend encouraging and chose policy continuity to maintain momentum.
The CBN governor reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to implementing measures that will uphold price stability and reinforce the country’s economic resilience.
3. ‘We Shall Never Forget And Forgive Peter Obi For Backing Trump’s Military Action’ – Tinubu’s Aide
The Presidency has strongly criticised former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, accusing him of effectively endorsing a foreign military intervention in Nigeria after his reaction to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to deploy forces against terrorists in the country.
In a post on 𝕏, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, condemned Obi’s remarks, describing them as unbecoming of a former presidential candidate.
“We shall never forget and forgive Peter Obi for supporting a foreign invasion of Nigeria,” Onanuga wrote.
He argued that Obi’s comments suggested support for a military operation by a foreign government on Nigerian soil.
4. ‘He Struggled For His Life’ – Actor Daddy Billy Details Odira Nwobu’s Final Moments in South Africa
Nollywood actor Daddy Billy has shared emotional details about the final moments of his colleague, Odira Nwobu, who passed away in South Africa.
Nwobu died in the early hours of Monday, November 24, according to reports by Naija News.
In a video posted on Instagram, Daddy Billy revealed that the actor had been battling health issues and was on medication for three days before his sudden death. He said Nwobu, who reportedly forgot to take his medication before heading to a club, experienced a frightening health episode that left those around him alarmed.
“We later got another call saying Odira’s heart was beating fast again. From beating fast again, he was gone,” Billy recounted.
5. Tension at Real Madrid as Six Players Reportedly Want Xabi Alonso Removed
Fresh unrest is said to be unfolding within Real Madrid’s dressing room, with at least six senior players reportedly pushing for the exit of manager Xabi Alonso.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Vinicius Junior is the most notable name among those opposed to Alonso’s leadership. The winger was reportedly furious after being substituted during last month’s El Clásico, and tensions have continued to simmer since then.
The report claims the squad is now split into two camps. Players such as Fede Valverde, Brahim Diaz, Rodrygo, Endrick and Ferland Mendy are also believed to be dissatisfied with the coach and favour a managerial change.
On the other side, several key figures are backing Alonso. New signings Dean Huijsen and Álvaro Carreras, along with Arda Guler, Thibaut Courtois and Kylian Mbappé, are reportedly in full support of the Spaniard.
Despite the internal friction, Real Madrid remain top of La Liga, holding a narrow one-point lead over Barcelona following their 2–2 draw with Elche on Sunday.
6. Cristiano Ronaldo Avoids 2026 World Cup Ban After Partial Suspension of FIFA Sanction
Cristiano Ronaldo will be eligible to play at the start of Portugal’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign after FIFA opted to partially suspend his disciplinary punishment stemming from his red card against the Republic of Ireland.
Gossip News Now reports that Ronaldo initially received a three-match ban from a FIFA disciplinary committee, but only the first game will be enforced. The remaining two matches have been placed on a one-year probation, meaning they will only take effect if he commits a similar offence within that period.
The Portuguese captain was sent off earlier this month for appearing to elbow Ireland defender Dara O’Shea during a World Cup qualifying match. He has already served the mandatory one-match suspension during Portugal’s final qualifier against Armenia.
If Ronaldo is found guilty of another offence of similar “nature and gravity,” the two suspended games will be activated immediately and applied to Portugal’s next official fixtures—likely the opening matches of the World Cup group stage.
7. ‘Olamide Will Regret Not Signing Me’ – Portable Claims
Controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has said that rapper Olamide will one day regret not signing him.
Portable made the claim in a lengthy Instagram Story post, insisting that he is destined for global recognition despite the challenges and professional disagreements he has faced along the way.
He described his journey from a “local rapper” to an internationally recognised artist as a product of resilience, divine favour, and support from foreign collaborators such as Skepta.
The singer added that he is “unstoppable,” maintaining that Olamide will realise the missed opportunity because Portable was simply standing up for his rights.
8. ‘I Will Kill You’ – Asari-Dokubo Warns Terrorists Against Entering Port Harcourt
Niger Delta activist and former militant leader, Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, has issued a stern warning to Boko Haram insurgents, declaring that he will not hesitate to kill any terrorist who attempts to operate within Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
In a viral video reacting to the surge in killings and kidnappings nationwide, Asari-Dokubo vowed to confront any group that tries to infiltrate the oil-rich state.
He stressed that even his identity as a Muslim would not deter him from defending himself and his territory if attacked.
9. FG Rejects Claims of Nationwide Open Grazing Ban, Reaffirms Gradual Shift to Ranching
The Federal Government has debunked reports alleging that it has declared a nationwide ban on open grazing, stating firmly that no such directive has been issued.
The clarification came on Tuesday through a statement by Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu, Head of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, following widespread media claims of a blanket prohibition.
According to the ministry, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, emphasized that the government is instead pursuing a phased and well-structured transition from open grazing to modern ranching systems.
Uchechukwu noted that Nigeria currently has 273 gazetted grazing reserves covering over 4.5 million hectares, which the government is revitalising in collaboration with state authorities.
The Federal Government explained that its strategy is focused on creating a conducive environment for pastoralists by providing modern facilities and strengthening livestock management structures. Minister Maiha reiterated the administration’s commitment to professionalising the livestock sector in accordance with global best practices.
10. Tinubu Hails Rescue of 24 Abducted Kebbi Schoolgirls
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed relief and satisfaction over the safe return of the 24 schoolgirls abducted last Monday from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State.
The students were seized at dawn on November 17, shortly after a military detachment reportedly left the area, creating an opening for terrorists to storm the school and abduct them. The incident also appeared to trigger similar kidnappings in Eruku, Kwara State, and Papiri, Niger State.
In the aftermath, all 38 victims kidnapped in Eruku were rescued on Sunday, while the Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) confirmed that 50 missing students of the Catholic School had safely returned home to their families.
Reacting through a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu commended the combined efforts of the nation’s security agencies, whose coordinated actions led to the successful rescue of the abducted students.
The President further urged security operatives to intensify efforts to secure the release of other students still in captivity across the affected states.
That wraps up today’s top Nigerian newspaper headlines. For more updates and breaking news, stay connected with Gossip News Now . Join us again tomorrow for another roundup.
