Did you know the government is legally obligated — through the NHF Act — to help you access housing if you qualify?
Many Nigerians are unaware of this. That lack of awareness is one reason so many remain lifelong tenants. There is a federal law, the NHF Act, which entitles Nigerian workers earning above a specified minimum (originally ₦3,000 per annum) to benefit from government-backed housing support. This law gives eligible contributors access to low-interest mortgage loans (around 6 % per annum — not the 18 % or 22 % common with commercial bank mortgage). The law remains valid in 2025. fmbn.gov.ng+2fmbn.gov.ng+2 Unfortunately, many Nigerians have never heard of it — so they never take advantage of their rights under the law. What the NHF Act provides Under NHF: Each contributor receives a lifetime NHF registration number, a passbook or account statement to track contributions. fmbn.gov.ng+2fmbn.gov.ng+2 Who qualifies How to access NHF benefits What is True — and What Is Not / What Is Unclear What is true / valid What is incorrect, exaggerated or unclear Bottom Line
Tinubu Orders Withdrawal of Police Escorts From VIPs — Officers Redeployed to Public Policing
In a sweeping security directive announced on Sunday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers assigned to guard Very Important Persons (VIPs) across Nigeria, redeploying them to core policing duties nationwide. State House Abuja+2Vanguard News+2 What the Order Means Why the Move The decision comes amid a surge in nationwide insecurity, with many rural and remote communities suffering from inadequate police presence. According to the presidency, reallocating officers from VIP-escort roles to core policing will strengthen security coverage, improve response times, and help curb rising crime, banditry, and kidnappings — especially in underserved areas. radionigeriakaduna.gov.ng+2Vanguard News+2 At a security meeting in Abuja attended by service chiefs — including heads of the Army, Air Force, Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) — the directive was agreed upon as part of broader efforts to restore public safety and community policing. The Telegraph Nigeria+2State House Abuja+2 Immediate Impact: Thousands Redeployed The country’s police leadership has confirmed the withdrawal of over 11,500 officers from VIP duties so far. TheCable+1 These officers are to be reassigned to areas with critical security needs, including rural regions and communities that previously lacked sufficient policing coverage. TheCable+2radionigeriakaduna.gov.ng+2 In addition to the mass redeployment, the approved recruitment of 30,000 new officers is expected to significantly expand the capacity of the force, while planned upgrades to training facilities aim to improve readiness and professionalism across the country. Independent Newspaper Nigeria+2Nairametrics+2 What It Means for Nigerians Proponents of the move say it could lead to: However, some observers warn of potential challenges — including whether the NSCDC (and other alternative security agencies) can adequately fill the protection role for VIPs, and whether the newly redeployed police officers will be properly supported and resourced to handle frontline duties. More on Tinubu’s Order State House Abuja PRESIDENT TINUBU ORDERS THE WITHDRAWAL OF POLICE OFFICERS GUARDING VIPS FOR CORE POLICE DUTIES – The State House, Abuja Premium Times Nigeria Tinubu orders withdrawal of police officers guarding VIPs for core police duties Vanguard News Breaking: Tinubu orders withdrawal of police officers guarding VIPs-
BREAKING: FCT Administration Under Nyesom Wike Restates Ban on Smartphones — Only “Torch-Light Phones” Allowed During Work Hours
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) under Minister Nyesom Wike has restated a sweeping ban on smartphones and other smart devices for certain civil servants, stipulating that only basic “torch-light” phones will be permitted during office hours. Sahara Reporters 📄 What the Directive Says The restriction — detailed in a circular bearing reference number FCT/DLA/259/III, dated November 28, 2025 — applies to all staff on Grade Level 14 and below within the FCTA’s Department of Land Administration (DLA) and the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS). Sahara Reporters Under the new rule: 📌 Background & Implementation This move reiterates an earlier directive from mid-November 2025, when Wike ordered that affected category staff should not bring mobile phones into office premises. Dockaysworld+1 The renewed circular signals a full enforcement push across DLA and AGIS offices. The reasoning behind the ban has not been publicly clarified in detail. Some sources suggest that the policy was prompted by concerns about leaks of sensitive land-administration documents and “unauthorised sharing” of internal communications — though no official statement has been issued to confirm this. Dockaysworld+1 ⚠️ What This Means for Staff Affected employees will no longer be able to carry or use smartphones — or other smart devices — during working hours. They’ll have to rely on basic phones if they must communicate during the workday, and retrieve their gadgets only during breaks. The circular warns that violations may attract disciplinary action. Sahara Reporters Management staff are reportedly instructed to enforce the ban strictly, and to ensure subordinates comply with the new regulation. Sahara Reporters 💡 Wider Context — What’s Behind the Move? The ban isn’t happening in isolation. In recent months, under Wike’s watch, the FCT government has initiated other reforms — including public-works projects, infrastructural upgrades, and security-related measures. Independent Newspaper Nigeria+2The Nation Newspaper+2 Some insiders argue the mobile-phone ban aims to curb internal leakages of sensitive land-management data or unauthorised disclosures, especially in agencies handling property registration, mapping, and land allocation. Others see it as a push for stricter discipline and accountability within lower-grade civil-service ranks.
Trump Goes After Big Insurance — Calls Them “R!ch, Fat Thieves” Draining Americans
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is shifting to a more populist health care stance, publicly placing blame for rising medical expenses on health insurance corporations — a move that appears aimed at countering Democratic criticism that Republicans have failed to keep health care affordable. Democrats are currently pushing Congress to vote on extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits, set to expire at the end of the year. Trump, however, is crafting his own alternative — a proposal that would extend the subsidies for two years, paired with Republican-leaning reforms. The announcement has been temporarily held back amid resistance within the GOP. In the midst of negotiations, Trump has chosen a clear target. “The only healthcare I will support or approve is sending the money directly back to the people, with nothing going to the big, fat, rich insurance companies, who have made $trillions, and ripped off America long enough,”— Trump, on Truth Social Polling Shows Americans Agree — Insurers Seen as Main Culprit Trump’s rhetoric aligns strongly with national sentiment. Recent polls show: Republican strategists say Trump’s new message could help reclaim ground traditionally dominated by Democrats. “He’s one of the best politicians at seizing the other party’s strong issues and making them his,” a GOP strategist told The Hill. Analysts Say Strategy Could Work — If Republicans Produce a Plan Robert Cahaly of Trafalgar Group believes blaming insurers could resonate across party lines — but warns Republicans must present a tangible alternative to the ACA. “The idea is popular because there’s a belief insurers got rich from Obamacare,” Cahaly said. Polls show the public largely favors extending the ACA tax credits. However, supporters say opinions shift when framed as COVID-era relief still being funded years later. Insurers Push Back — Point to Hospitals & Pharma Costs Insurance industry representatives defended their role, noting that their profit margins are tightly regulated — dropping to 0.8% last year. In contrast, pharmaceutical companies logged 23% average annual profit margins between 2017 and 2023. “Premiums reflect the underlying cost of care,” AHIP spokesman Chris Bond said, adding that 24 cents of every premium dollar goes to prescription drugs, while over 40 cents goes to hospital fees. Pharmaceutical manufacturers countered that they are investing billions in new R&D and U.S.-based drug production, insisting they are pushing toward lower costs while improving access. The Fight is Just Beginning Health care remains one of Democrats’ strongest campaign weapons. Trump appears ready to turn that strength against them — not by defending past Republican policy, but by attacking the most profitable players in the system. The question now is whether Republicans will deliver a replacement — or run on outrage alone.
BREAKING: Goodluck Jonathan Stranded in Guinea-Bissau as Military Coup Grips Country — Nigerian Reps Demand Diplomatic Rescue
Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is currently trapped in Guinea-Bissau, following a military coup that has thrown the country into chaos. Channels Television+2Businessday NG+2 Jonathan was in Guinea-Bissau as part of a high-profile observer mission from the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West African Elders Forum (WAEF), tasked with monitoring the presidential election held over the weekend. Businessday NG+2Peoples Gazette Nigeria+2 Late on Wednesday, senior army officers declared they had seized power, suspended the electoral process, closed all borders and shut down airports, effectively grounding all flights and stranding foreign observers. Vanguard News+2Al Jazeera+2 During Thursday’s plenary session, the House of Representatives of Nigeria called on the Federal Government to launch full diplomatic efforts to guarantee Jonathan’s safe return — and to also secure the safety of all Nigerians reportedly stranded in Guinea-Bissau. Politics Nigeria+1 The coup follows disputed election results: both leading presidential candidates claimed victory, but official outcomes remain undisclosed — a backdrop that observers say has worsened Guinea-Bissau’s long history of political instability. Wikipedia+1
BREAKING: U.S. Forces Launch Overnight Assault on ISIS-Somalia Strongholds in Baalade Valleyhello
In a powerful overnight offensive, U.S. special operations troops and Puntland Counter-Terrorism Forces executed a coordinated pre-dawn raid on ISIS-Somalia hideouts deep within the Baalade Valley. According to operational details available, more than 100 American special operators were inserted via MH-60 helicopters, with MQ-9 Reaper drones providing overwatch and precision strikes on fortified cave networks in the Bakuuje and Mareero sectors of the Cal Miskaad mountain range. The assault followed several days of U.S. airstrikes that had already neutralized multiple militants, paving the way for ground forces to move in. Hours-Long Cave Battle — No U.S. Casualties Reported The joint forces encountered fierce resistance, triggering 2–4 hours of close-quarters combat inside tunnel systems defended by an estimated 10–15 ISIS fighters, including foreign militants reportedly originating from Syria, Turkey, and Ethiopia. By dawn, U.S. and Puntland units had successfully disengaged without any reported American casualties. Early assessments indicate that a senior ISIS-Somalia commander and several aides were killed, in addition to 5–10 other fighters. Troops also destroyed weapons stockpiles and equipment linked to gold-mining operations believed to finance ISIS cells in the region. Operation Hilaac: Final Push Underway Puntland officials say Operation Hilaac has now secured most of the Cal Miskaad mountains and remains on track to completely dismantle ISIS-Somalia by December 2025 if momentum continues.
BREAKING: U.S. Forces Launch Overnight Assault on ISIS-Somalia Strongholds in Baalade Valley
In a powerful overnight offensive, U.S. special operations troops and Puntland Counter-Terrorism Forces executed a coordinated pre-dawn raid on ISIS-Somalia hideouts deep within the Baalade Valley. According to operational details available, more than 100 American special operators were inserted via MH-60 helicopters, with MQ-9 Reaper drones providing overwatch and precision strikes on fortified cave networks in the Bakuuje and Mareero sectors of the Cal Miskaad mountain range. The assault followed several days of U.S. airstrikes that had already neutralized multiple militants, paving the way for ground forces to move in. Hours-Long Cave Battle — No U.S. Casualties Reported The joint forces encountered fierce resistance, triggering 2–4 hours of close-quarters combat inside tunnel systems defended by an estimated 10–15 ISIS fighters, including foreign militants reportedly originating from Syria, Turkey, and Ethiopia. By dawn, U.S. and Puntland units had successfully disengaged without any reported American casualties. Early assessments indicate that a senior ISIS-Somalia commander and several aides were killed, in addition to 5–10 other fighters. Troops also destroyed weapons stockpiles and equipment linked to gold-mining operations believed to finance ISIS cells in the region. Operation Hilaac: Final Push Underway Puntland officials say Operation Hilaac has now secured most of the Cal Miskaad mountains and remains on track to completely dismantle ISIS-Somalia by December 2025 if momentum continues.
Bandits Storm Kogi School — What Happened Next Shocked Everyone
Kiri High School Attack: Students Rescued as Bandits Invade Kogi Community — Two Feared Dead Kiri High School in Aiyetoro Kiri, Kabba Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, came under attack in the early hours of Wednesday, November 26, 2025, when heavily armed bandits stormed the community. According to reports confirmed to newsmen, members of the Kiri Vigilante Group responded immediately, engaging the attackers in a fierce confrontation and successfully rescuing all students who were initially seized. Community sources disclosed that no student remains in captivity, crediting the swift mobilisation of local security personnel for preventing another mass abduction. However, the victory came with painful loss. One vigilante member was killed during the exchange, sacrificing his life to defend the community. Another resident, identified as a Hausa man, also lost his life in the attack. The community remains tense yet grateful, as residents mourn the fallen while celebrating the safe rescue of the children.
You never gave me money, only drugs” — Ned Nwoko’s fifth wife, Laila, accuses Regina Daniels
The ongoing marital tensions between actress-filmmaker Regina Daniels and her estranged husband, Senator Ned Nwoko of Delta North, have taken a dramatic turn, with Nwoko’s fifth wife, Laila Charani, making serious allegations against the 25-year-old actress. The controversy, which has already generated headlines over claims of domestic disputes, underage marriage, and the alleged detention of Regina’s brother, Samuel “Sammy West” Ojeogwu, escalated on Thursday when Laila publicly responded to accusations made by Regina. Laila Refutes Financial Claims Regina Daniels had earlier claimed she was responsible for several household expenses, including food and accommodation for Laila and her children. Responding via her Instagram page, Laila dismissed the allegations, asserting that her husband had always provided for her and their children. “How dare you say that you ever gave me money, for what exactly? I am very content with the provisions my husband makes for our family,” Laila wrote. “We should show Nigerians our bank accounts to see who is paying money into our accounts.” She added that Ned Nwoko has consistently opposed alcohol, smoking, and drug use, emphasizing that Regina’s alleged drug habits were the reason for marital friction. “The only reason you are fighting my husband is because he wants you to stop your drug and alcohol addiction,” Laila stated. Allegations of Drug Introduction Laila further accused Regina of introducing her and others in the household to drug use, claiming the actress negatively influenced staff and family members. “You know too well that I almost lost my marriage when you introduced me to drugs six years ago. You have been a bad influence since you married into this family, giving drugs to nannies and our workers, including your younger sister, Destiny,” Laila alleged. She urged Regina to seek help, continue rehabilitation, and avoid involving the other wives in the marital crisis. “I will not trust my daughters around you unsupervised,” she said, citing concern for the children’s safety and the spread of alleged unhealthy habits in the household. Strained Household Relations Though Laila and Regina appeared cordial at public family events and on social media between 2020 and 2021, their relationship reportedly deteriorated after Laila’s temporary separation from Nwoko in 2021. Her return in 2022 marked a shift in household dynamics, and observers noted a sharp decline in public interactions between the two co-wives. This latest development adds another layer of complexity to a saga that has captured national attention, raising questions about the dynamics within one of Nigeria’s most high-profile families.
EXCLUSIVE: Full list and profiles of 16 military officers arrested over suspected coup plot in Nigeria
As the Nigerian military deepens investigations into an alleged coup attempt against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, PREMIUM TIMES has exclusively obtained the names and background details of 16 senior officers currently in detention over their suspected involvement. Sources familiar with the ongoing probe revealed that 14 of the detained officers are from the Nigerian Army, while the remaining two are personnel of the Navy and Air Force respectively. Majority From Infantry Corps Further intelligence indicates that 12 of the 14 Army suspects are infantry officers — the country’s frontline combat branch responsible for ground operations. One officer is attached to the Signals Corps, while the other serves under the Ordnance Corps, which oversees military weapons and logistics. The breakdown of the ranks includes: Both the Nigerian government and Defence Headquarters have maintained silence on the alleged coup plot, only hinting that it was not behind the low-key Independence Day celebrations on October 1. Profiles of the Detained Officers Below are verified profiles of the officers as obtained: 1. Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq 2. Colonel M.A. Ma’aji 3. Lt. Colonel S. Bappah 4. Lt. Colonel A.A. Hayatu 5. Lt. Colonel P. Dangnap 6. Lt. Colonel M. Almakura 7. Major A.J. Ibrahim 8. Major M.M. Jiddah 9. Major M.A. Usman 10. Major D. Yusuf 11. Major I. Dauda Officers With Partial Records Available Name Rank Service Number Notes Ibrahim Bello Captain N/16266 DSSC 43 A.A. Yusuf Captain N/16724 Limited details available S.S. Felix Lieutenant N/18105 Limited details available D.B. Abdullahi Lieutenant Commander (Navy) NN/3289 Rank equivalent to Major S.B. Adamu Squadron Leader (Air Force) NAF/3481 Rank equivalent to Major More information may emerge as interrogation continues and the military determines whether to escalate charges, initiate court-martials, or release any of the suspects.
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