1. Senate confirms General Christopher Musa as Defence Minister amid security overhaul
Retired General Christopher Gwabin Musa secured Senate confirmation on December 4 and was sworn in as Minister of Defence in a ceremony that signals a decisive shift in Nigeria’s security leadership. Musa, who left his post as Chief of Defence Staff in October after years at the forefront of counterinsurgency operations in the northeast, steps in for Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, whose sudden resignation earlier this week came as kidnapping cases spiked in Niger and Kebbi states. Lawmakers noted his experience as he pledged to expand surveillance tools and strengthen community-led patrols in rural corridors. Defence Headquarters later confirmed early troop movements under his direction, with fresh deployments ordered toward suspected camps in Zamfara.
Troops stationed from the Sambisa fringes to Maiduguri’s outskirts described Musa as a familiar figure who understands field realities. One veteran, speaking shortly after the oath, said his return “feels like reinforcement for the weary.” The transition coincides with the ongoing national emergency, raising expectations of tighter coordination between civilian authorities and the armed forces as operations widen across the northwest and northeast.
2. Tinubu nominates Rivers administrator Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as non-career ambassador
President Bola Tinubu has submitted the name of Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, former sole administrator of Rivers State and a retired naval officer, to the Senate as a non-career ambassador. The nomination, dispatched in a late-afternoon communication to the National Assembly, adds to the administration’s ongoing effort to fill vacant diplomatic roles after years of skeletal representation in key missions. Ekwe Ibas joins a list that includes former governors and public officials under consideration for postings to strategic regions such as the UAE and the United Nations.
For the Rivers politician, the move marks a shift from managing state affairs to representing Nigeria abroad. His background in maritime security and his brief oversight of ports during heightened oil theft incidents stand out among his credentials. Senate insiders indicated that screenings may begin sooner than expected, as the government looks to strengthen diplomatic channels tied to security, trade, and investment priorities.
3. US imposes visa bans on Nigerians linked to faith-based attacks
The United States has imposed visa restrictions on Nigerians alleged to have coordinated or supported attacks on Christian communities, a measure announced on December 4 that adds pressure to Abuja’s handling of recurring religious violence. According to US officials, the ban targets individuals “directing or supporting” abuses, referencing recent incidents including last month’s abduction of more than 300 pupils from a Catholic school in Niger State. Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar responded later in the day, stating that the government remains open to diplomatic engagement while stressing that violence in the north affects multiple faith groups.
In Kaduna communities where several church attacks occurred this year, residents said the announcement stirred mixed emotions. One parish leader noted ongoing collaborations between pastors and imams to prevent reprisals in volatile areas. Embassy communications later suggested that both countries may open talks on joint investigative support as part of broader efforts to address extremist activity.
4. Google’s 2025 Year in Search crowns Natasha Akpoti and Eberechi Eze as top queries
Google’s annual Year in Search report released on December 4 placed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Crystal Palace forward Eberechi Eze at the top of Nigeria’s most-searched personalities for 2025. Akpoti’s prominence in the rankings reflected the attention drawn by her Kogi senatorial victory and advocacy on governance and women’s rights. Eze’s rise followed a stellar Premier League season that sparked strong online engagement from Nigerian football fans. The data also highlighted nationwide spikes in searches related to “naira to dollar,” school abductions, and AFCON 2025 fixtures.
Young internet users across major cities reacted quickly to the list, noting how it mirrors the year’s mix of political shifts and sporting excitement. Tech communities also pointed out how the search patterns capture public concerns around the economy and security, alongside cultural moments that shaped online conversations.
5. Army rescues 12 Borno schoolgirls from Boko Haram in fresh operations
The Nigerian Army rescued 12 teenage girls abducted by Boko Haram and ISWAP militants in Borno’s Mussa District on December 4, rounding off a week in which dozens of insurgents were killed and 57 suspects arrested across northern theatres. Senator Ali Ndume commended the operation on Wednesday afternoon, crediting intelligence support from residents in the Askira/Uba axis. Defence reports later detailed weapons recovered during raids in the Sambisa corridor, adding that the rescue recorded no troop casualties.
Families welcomed the girls back to Maiduguri with quiet celebrations, offering prayers and relief after weeks of anxiety. Security teams continued combing nearby settlements through the night, following new leads tied to earlier abductions. The development comes shortly after the release of schoolgirls in Kebbi State, adding another chapter to the military’s ongoing offensives in the region.
6. First Lady Oluremi Tinubu launches N50 million empowerment fund for persons with disabilities
First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in her role as National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative, launched an economic empowerment scheme worth N50 million for persons with disabilities during an event in Uyo on December 4. More than 200 beneficiaries received grants, equipment, and training support in areas including tailoring, agriculture, and digital skills. Several recipients shared personal accounts of long-standing barriers and the impact the new resources could have on their livelihoods.
The launch, held at the state’s international conference center, drew officials, disability advocates, and community leaders who highlighted the importance of sustainable inclusion. Tinubu emphasized the role of skills development in expanding opportunity, noting that similar initiatives will continue rolling out across other regions.
