News
CDS Musa speaks on appointment of acting COAS
General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, has said appointment of Acting Chief of Army Staff is a new development in the history of the Nigerian military.
He, however, said since President Bola Tinubu who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria had done that in line with the laws that established the military, it should remain as such.
Musa stated this at Defence Headquarters, Abuja on Friday when the newly appointed acting Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, took over the leadership of the Nigerian Army in acting capacity.
Oluyede was appointed on Wednesday pending the return of the substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who is presently indisposed.
Speaking before presenting a handing over note to Oluyede, the CDS said, “I’m not sure where we are, but the event today is something that is new that has never happened in the history of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“The President and I met with the authorities. We have decided and directed and appointed an acting Chief of Army Staff with the full power to lead the Army until the President decides otherwise.”
Citing the laws that established the armed forces to corroborate the new development, he said the military, being a professional force will have to continue with their task ahead in the face of security challenges facing the country.
“No doubt, based on the challenges we have in the country, and the wisdom of the President, Commander-in-Chief, that today we present the authority to the Acting Chief of Army Staff for him to have full control and command of the Nigerian Army.
“By this appointment, the responsibilities of administering the Nigerian Army now rest on you. Your responsibilities are wide and varied, and cannot be covered in this administrative note. This note is only an administrative procedure
“To follow, all shall yield to your new responsibility and to begin to immediately continue administering the affairs of the Nigerian Army. It is expected that at the end of this formal event, you will be briefed extensively by the Chief of Policy and Plans Army and other Principal Staff Officers, Reserves of the Army according to the course of your duties.
“Accordingly, you have to note that your installation was based on your vast knowledge of military leadership at all levels, character and competence.
“You are a member of a larger team of professional soldiers who are satisfied with the responsibility of defending the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by land, sea, and air, as captured in our Constitution,” Musa said.
Speaking further, the Defence Chief cautioned all t officers to support the acting COAS to continue with the legacy laid by the substantive COAS, adding that Nigerian military cannot afford to relent now because the adversaries are also planning ahead of festive period.
“It is, therefore, expected of you to consolidate and improve, on the achievements of the substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General T.A. Lagbaja as well as past Chief of Army Staff, in order to sustain the high level of professionalism, discipline, resilience, and regimentation that the Nigerian Army is known for all over the world.
“Nigeria is going through several challenges, We need all hands on deck. This is one main reason why the President, commander in chief decided to appoint the acting chief of army staff.So that there will be continuity to avoid any gap.
“We cannot afford to lay back and allow insecurity to continue to prevail. Is important that we all understand this clearly and give the acting chief of army staff all the support to make sure he’s successful. General Lagbaja is somebody we all know. We all know him as a regimented fine officer.
“He (President) would not want any gap to occur in his absence and in that place that is why this event is taking place. So I want to count on all of us, whatever issues we have in mind, whatever thing, opinions, please put it that Nigeria must survive.
“The armed forces must survive. The services must survive. That is the paramount call. I would like everyone, so everybody should put his hands on deck and let us succeed.
“To all our commanders out in the field, the challenges are there. We want to commend them for all the efforts they are doing. We know they are performing magic. We want to urge them not to relent. The bandits, the terrorists, the criminals are not relenting. We must not relent.
“We are moving towards December, towards the festive period. We know the challenges that will come up. So we need to take all measures necessary to ensure that Nigeria remains peaceful. So I want to thank all of us for coming.
“I want to assure you that we are working as a team because that’s what makes the difference. We must continue to work as a team. We must make Nigeria safe. The commander in chief in clear terms. Has given us that mandate.
“And every time we meet, he reiterated that clearly, he does not want any rancour in between us. We must work together as a team. And so I want to count on.
“Every one of us that is here, individually and collectively, we must ensure our commanders out there in the field are doing what they are supposed to do and we give them the necessary support. So once again, thank you very much. For coming and God bless us all”.
In his acceptance remarks, Oluyede pledged to continue with the legacy of the substantive COAS, adding that the event was not the usual system but “because we have an unusual situation, we have to treat it as such”.
He assured the President of his loyalty and pledged to hold forth with his whole heart to allow the substantive chief receive proper medical care.
“My appointment as the Acting Chief of Army Staff is simply the right thing to do. I met with the Chief of Army Staff as a way to enable him to take sufficient time to get necessary medical attention and preparations.
“And that I intend to do with the whole of my heart and the heart of this position, as well as Mr. President,” the senior military officer.
News
Gov Alex Otti visits Nnamdi Kanu in Sokoto prison
Alex Otti, the Abia State Governor, on Sunday paid a visit to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, at the Sokoto Correctional Centre.
The governor was accompanied by officials of the Sokoto State Government during the closed-door visit.
Nnamdi Kanu was recently moved to Sokoto after he was convicted on terrorism-related charges and handed a life sentence by a Federal High Court in Abuja.
Governor Otti had earlier promised to pursue every lawful and political avenue to ensure that Kanu gets justice. Sunday’s visit is seen as part of ongoing efforts by the Abia State Government regarding his case.
Details of the meeting were not made public as of the time of this report.
News
Terrorists abduct bride, bridesmaids in Sokoto attack
Armed terrorists have abducted a bride-to-be, her bridesmaid, and eight other residents from Chacho village in Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State
The Sokoto abduction occurred around 1:30 a.m., according to residents, when the attackers stormed the village. Most of the victims were women, with only one man also taken.
One resident sustained injuries and is receiving medical treatment. Villagers told reporters that the bride was preparing for her wedding scheduled for later that morning when the raid struck, plunging the community into shock and mourning.
A community member described the attack as “tragic,” noting the delay in security response. “Security operatives were alerted immediately, but they only arrived about an hour after the bandits had fled,” he said, expressing frustration.
Business
Dangote Refinery to supply 1.5bn litres of petrol monthly
….Writes NMDPRA, Engages Marketers to Stabilise Fuel Market
Photo caption: L R: Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Fertiliser Limited, Vishwajit Sinha; Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Dangote Petroleum Refinery, David Bird; President and Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Ltd, Aliko Dangote; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, South South Development Commission, Usoro Akpabio, during the visit of SSDC members to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Plant in Lagos on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced plans to supply one billion five hundred million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) monthly to the Nigerian market in December 2025 and January 2026, a move aimed at ensuring uninterrupted nationwide fuel availability through the festive season and into the New Year.
President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, disclosed the plans at the weekend, noting that the refinery will make available 50 million litres of PMS daily beginning December 1.
“In line with our commitment to national wellbeing, and consistent with our track record of ensuring a holiday season free of fuel scarcity, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will supply 1.5 billion litres of PMS to the Nigerian market this month. This represents 50 million litres per day. We are formally notifying the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) of this commitment. We will supply another 1.5 billion litres in January and increase to 1.7 billion litres in February, which translates to about 60 million litres per day,” Dangote said.
Photo caption: L R: President and Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Ltd, Aliko Dangote; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, South South Development Commission, Usoro Akpabio, during the visit of SSDC members to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Plant in Lagos on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Speaking during a visit by the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) to the refinery and the Dangote Fertiliser complex, he stated that the facility currently has adequate stock and is producing between 40 and 45 million litres of PMS daily. He added that the daily supply of 50 million litres should dispel long-standing claims that domestic refineries lack the capacity to meet national demand.
Dangote also revealed ongoing engagement with petroleum marketers to strengthen distribution systems, including expanding the use of CNG-powered haulage.
“Our priority is to ensure Nigeria receives the products it needs. This is not driven by profit motives; it is about guaranteeing the availability of essential energy products. It is similar to the transformation we delivered in the cement sector,” he added.
He further noted that the refinery is progressing with its expansion plan to reach a capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day. More than 100,000 workers are expected to be involved in the expansion of both the refinery and the fertiliser complex. Dangote emphasised that the Group remains committed to its vision, driven by the strong public support for the company’s role in shaping Nigeria’s economic development.
During the visit, the Managing Director of SSDC, Usoro Offiong Akpabio, commended Dangote’s leadership and his continued contribution to strengthening Nigeria’s industrial capability, national energy security and long-term economic competitiveness.
She described the South-South region as Nigeria’s natural energy corridor, with vast crude oil reserves, gas infrastructure, maritime assets, agro-industrial activity and emerging industrial clusters. She noted that deeper collaboration between the region and the Dangote Group could unlock opportunities in product distribution, CNG infrastructure, petrochemicals, agriculture, and employment creation.
Akpabio added that such partnerships would advance the Federal Government’s energy stability agenda and position the South-South as a strategic growth hub for the Dangote Group.
“As the statutory development body for the South-South, SSDC is mandated to drive regional economic development, infrastructure integration, human capital advancement, and private-sector–led growth. In this regard, we stand prepared to support State-level policy and regulatory support for Ease-of-doing-business across our six states. Enabling environments for Dangote Group’s expansion into strategic sectors such as gas processing, agro-industrial value chains, renewable energy, logistics, and export-oriented manufacturing,” she said.
In a letter from the refinery’s Managing Director, David Bird, to the Authority Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, the company reaffirmed its readiness to host NMDPRA officials onsite at the refinery from December 1st to verify and publish its daily supply volumes. The refinery also sought the Authority’s support to ensure unhindered importation of crude, feedstocks and blending components, as well as smooth vessel loading for product evacuation.
“In the spirit of full transparency to the public we are willing to publish our daily production and stock volumes (online and print media),” Bird stated. “We seek the full support of NMDPRA to allow Dangote refinery to import our crude, feedstocks and blending components unhindered as well as support the lifting of our products by vessel. We continue to experience delays in vessel clearance which impacts not only the refinery operations but also our customers, adding unnecessary costs and inefficiencies”.
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