Compilations of top 10 key latest happenings that you might have missed this Thursday evening, 25th December, 2025
Presidency dismisses claim of Gbajabiamila’s replacement as Chief of Staff
The Presidency has dismissed reports suggesting that President Bola Tinubu had replaced his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, with his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola.
The denial comes after several social media posts began circulating the unverified claim of a change in the Chief of Staff position.Some of the posts claim to have gotten the information from “insider” sources.
However, in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Thursday, the government described the viral claim as false and urged Nigerians to disregard it.“
The attention of the Presidency has been drawn to a viral falsehood circulating on social media suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has replaced his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, with his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola.
There is absolutely no truth to this story. We advise Nigerians to disregard it entirely.
Boko Haram suicide bomber behind Borno mosque blast, army says
The headquarters of Operation Hadin Kai, Nigerian Army, has confirmed that the explosion at a mosque in Borno State on Wednesday December 24, 2025, was carried out by a suicide bombe
At least five people were confirmed dead, while 35 others sustained injuries following the blast at Al-Adum Jumaat Mosque in the Gamboru Market area of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Borno State.The explosion occurred during the evening Maghrib prayer session.
In an update on Thursday, Theatre Command spokesman Lt. Col. Sani Uba said investigations revealed that a Boko Haram terrorist was responsible.
Christmas messages: Tinubu, govs preach unity, NLC rejects unfair taxation
As the Christian faithful mark the birth of Jesus Christ today, President Bola Tinubu and state governors have admonished Nigerians to embrace peace.
The President reaffirmed his commitment to religious tolerance, declaring that no Nigerian would be made to suffer or die because of their religious beliefs, just as the Nigeria Labour Congress demanded tax justice.
In his Christmas message to Nigerians released on Wednesday, the President stressed that religious tolerance remains a core national value that binds the country together despite its diversity.
“No one, regardless of ethnicity or belief, should be made to suffer for professing and practising his faith,” Tinubu said.
“The love for God and the love for humanity are at the heart of all great faiths.
These shared values must continue to bind us together as one indivisible and resilient people of our blessed country,” he added in the message personally signed by him.
House begins tax law probe, Ndume pushes for suspension
The House of Representatives Committee investigating alleged discrepancies in Nigeria’s gazetted tax laws has pledged to submit its report as soon as its work is concluded.
The Chairman of the Committee, Muktar Betara, gave the assurance on Wednesday following the inaugural meeting of the panel, which was held in Abuja on Tuesday.
Betara chairs the seven-member committee constituted by the House after the adoption of a matter of privilege raised two weeks ago by a lawmaker from Sokoto State, Abdussamad Dasuki.
Dasuki had drawn the attention of the Green Chamber to what he described as troubling inconsistencies between tax laws passed by the National Assembly and versions subsequently gazetted and circulated, including copies within government offices.
He alleged that some provisions in the gazetted laws differed materially from what lawmakers approved, arguing that any such alterations, if established, would amount to a breach of legislative procedure and the rule of law. of law.
Why Lagos Island building fire took hours to contain — Fire service
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has explained why the fire outbreak at the Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, took several hours to contain.
The fire started in the 25-storey building around 5 p.m. on Wednesday and continued into Thursday despite the early deployment of firefighting crews.
What began as a blaze on the fifth floor around 5 pm on December 24 rapidly escalated, spreading to at least five adjoining structures, including the old Lagos Central Mosque, before emergency teams declared it under control on Christmas Day.
In a statement issued via X on Thursday, the Controller General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, said the distress call was received at 4:41 pm, with firefighters arriving at the scene at 4:53 pm.
Abejide declares war on bandits, launches ‘Operation No Mercy for Terrorists’ in Yagbaland
Member representing Yagba Federal Constituency at the House of Representative, Hon. Leke Abejide, has launched a special security initiative tagged “Operation No Mercy for Terrorists” to tackle terrorists and bandits operating in Yagba axis.
The initiative is designed to flush out criminal elements and restore peace across communities within the constituency, which has faced growing security challenges in recent times.
As part of the launch, the Reps member donated 30 operational motorcycles and three fully equipped security vans to enhance patrols, surveillance, and rapid response across Yagba East, Yagba West, and Mopamuro Local Government Areas.
The lawmaker also unveiled a dedicated security task force known as the Lion Squad, which will spearhead the implementation of the operation.
Yuletide gloom in Ibadan as hardship, insecurity dampen Christmas celebration
Christmas celebrations in many parts of Ibadan, Oyo State capital, were largely low-key this year as residents lamented economic hardship, rising cost of food items, insecurity and high transportation fares, which combined to dampen the festive mood in the state.
Vanguard correspondent who went round the metropolis, observed that churches recorded moderate attendance, while social gatherings, street parties and family outings were far fewer compared to previous years.
Markets that are usually bustling days to Christmas were relatively calm, with traders lamenting poor sales.
Popular recreation centres and hotels also witnessed low patronage, as many families chose to stay indoors.
Unlike previous years when streets were adorned with colourful decorations and filled with revellers, this year’s Christmas was marked by quiet neighbourhoods and limited movement
Christmas tragedy: Two killed in Lagos tanker explosion
Two persons were burnt to death in the early hours of Christmas Day, in a tanker explosion that occurred at Oto-Ijanikin axis of the Badagry Expressway, Lagos.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, confirmed that the incident involved a Mack truck loaded with diesel, near the Lagos State University of Education LASUED inward Agbara.
The tanker driver with an undisclosed identity reportedly lost control while attempting to overtake another vehicle at high speed.
It crashed and burst into flames, burning the driver and a female occupant trapped , to death.
LASTMA officials said their personnel, who were on traffic monitoring duty in the area, responded promptly by cordoning off the affected section of the expressway to prevent further incidents.
Emergency agencies, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Ojo Unit, the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, and the Ijanikin Police Division, were reportedly alerted.
Yuletide: Tuggar reaffirms commitment to religious harmony
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has sent Christmas greetings to Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to religious freedom, peaceful coexistence and national unity.
In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir, on Thursday, the Minister described Christmas as a season of reflection, compassion and renewal, noting that the values of the season align with Nigeria’s diverse religious and cultural heritage
Ambassador Tuggar said the government remains committed to strengthening institutions that protect all faith communities, promote social cohesion and ensure harmonious coexistence across the country.
Police nab 22 suspects, recover guns, others nationwide
Operatives of the Special Tactical Squad (STS) have arrested 22 suspects and recovered firearms, vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs and other incriminating items.
The arrest followed a series of intelligence-led operations carried out across several states in the country.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, on Thursday said the suspects were arrested for offences ranging from armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling and car snatching to economic sabotage, impersonation and drug trafficking.
Hundeyin said,
“Recovered during the operations were six firearms, comprising one LAR rifle, one pump-action gun, one AK-49 rifle, one AK-47 rifle and one SMG rifle, as well as two live rounds of ammunition.“
The police also recovered 45 other exhibits, including vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs and items suspected to have been used in criminal activities.
