Headlines

Troops of the Nigerian Army engaged in a fierce gun battle with bandits led by notorious gang leader Bello Turji early Tuesday near Bakin Gulbi, close to Tungar Yakuba in Sokoto State.

According to counter-terrorism publication Zagazola Makama, the fighting began around 6:00 a.m., with residents of Gatawa joining forces with the soldiers to repel Turji’s forces. The publication reported that both sides continued to exchange heavy gunfire.

Sources indicate that, prior to the confrontation, Turji held a clandestine meeting in Dan Tasakko, a village near Gatawa, shortly after sunset on Monday. Local sources suggest the gathering included key figures in Turji’s network, raising concerns of potential security threats in the region.

Further updates on the situation are anticipated as the battle unfolds.

Bitcoin, the largest and most adopted cryptocurrency has surged to a record high of $89,385.84 early Tuesday, boosted by news of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s election victory and expectations for his pro-crypto administration.

Trump’s win in Arizona, completing a sweep of the seven key battleground states, has fueled optimism among cryptocurrency investors. The market responded positively to Trump’s crypto-friendly stance, with Bitcoin rising 6.1% on Sunday and continuing to climb, reaching $83,300 before hitting a new peak just after midnight on Tuesday.

The rally extended to other cryptocurrencies, including Dogecoin, which has gained popularity through support from Elon Musk, an outspoken Trump supporter.

“With the dust from Trump’s victory still settling, it was only a matter of time before a rally occurred, given Trump’s perceived crypto-friendliness,” said Le Shi, managing director at Hong Kong-based market-making firm Auros.

Trump’s campaign promises to prioritize the U.S. digital asset sector—including potential Bitcoin stockpiling and regulatory reforms—have further fueled investor optimism. Cryptocurrency advocates reportedly contributed over $100 million to support candidates with pro-crypto platforms, seeking progress on regulatory issues.

Broader financial markets also reacted positively to Trump’s agenda, which includes tax cuts, reduced regulations, and growth-driven economic reforms. The S&P 500 recently marked its 50th record high of the year, reflecting continued optimism as Trump’s transition team begins its work.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that his administration would continue the demolition of illegal shanties in Abuja, stating that no amount of protest will halt the exercise.

Wike made the statement during a visit to the Ruga community along the Wuye axis of the nation’s capital. He emphasized that, moving forward, his administration will engage in dialogue with occupants of unauthorized settlements to develop long-term solutions that discourage illegal encroachments.

Addressing the recent protest in which demonstrators accused the FCTA of land grabbing, Wike dismissed the protest as a “misplaced priority.”

Edo State Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has named Fred Itua as the Chief Press Secretary for his incoming administration.

The announcement was made by the governor-elect’s media team on Monday in Abuja and marks Okpebholo’s first official appointment ahead of his inauguration and the transition of power from Governor Godwin Obaseki, set for Tuesday.

Itua, a seasoned journalist with prior experience at Leadership and The Sun newspapers, will head the governor’s media team. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from Ambrose Alli University, a Master’s degree in Media Arts from the University of Abuja, and is finalizing his PhD in Development Communication at Veritas University, Abuja.

With extensive expertise in reporting on the National Assembly, migration, health, anti-corruption efforts, and environmental issues, Itua is well-versed in both national and international affairs. His background and dedication to cross-cultural engagement and lifelong learning equip him to lead the media team effectively in the new administration.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed workers in states yet to adopt the new ₦70,000 minimum wage to commence strike action on December 1, 2024. The decision was reached at the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, where union leaders voiced frustration over certain state governments’ delays or refusals to enforce the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.

In a statement, the NLC accused some governors of breaching trust by withholding fair wages amid rising economic challenges. “This betrayal by certain governors and government officials flies in the face of both legality and morality,” the NLC said, condemning what it described as “blatant disregard for the law and the welfare of Nigerian workers.”

As part of its response, the NLC announced the formation of a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee, which will oversee enforcement of the new wage, conduct compliance assessments, and lead mobilization campaigns to inform workers and citizens of their rights.

The NLC instructed that “all state councils where the National Minimum Wage has not been fully implemented by the last day of November 2024 are to strike from December 1, 2024,” emphasizing the union’s commitment to securing fair pay nationwide.