Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Tuesday, 9th December, 2025

Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Tuesday, 9th December, 2025

1. Presidency Confirms Release Of 100 Abducted Niger Students

President Bola Tinubu has commended Nigeria’s security agencies for securing the release of 100 abducted students from Papiri Catholic School in Niger State, while calling for intensified efforts to rescue the remaining captives.

In a statement released on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed joy over the development but maintained that all remaining abductees must be safely returned.

The President urged the security agencies to intensify operations to ensure the release of the remaining 115 students and teachers still being held hostage by their abductors.

He assured the parents and affected communities that the Federal Government was working in close coordination with the Niger State Government to secure the freedom of all victims.

President Tinubu also directed that proactive steps be taken to prevent further kidnappings, warning that schools must not continue to be soft targets for terrorists.

2. CBN Grants License To 82 BDCs

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has granted Final Licenses to 82 Bureau De Change (BDCs) to operate, effective from November 27, 2025, marking the conclusion of a major recapitalisation and re-licensing exercise in the foreign exchange market.

The CBN confirmed the development in a statement signed by Hakama Sidi Ali, the Acting Director of Corporate Communications, warning the public to deal only with the newly authorised operators.

The re-licensing was carried out under the powers conferred on the apex bank by the Bank and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020 and the Regulatory and Supervisory Guidelines for Bureaux De Change Operations in Nigeria 2024.

The move follows the CBN’s decision in May 2024 to withdraw all existing BDC licenses, directing operators to re-apply for fresh permits under a new tiered structure designed to strengthen the sector and boost liquidity.

Under the new guidelines, BDC operators were required to re-apply for either of two categories: Tier one’ or ‘Tier two’ with a minimum capital requirement of N2bn and N500m respectively.

Existing operators were given a six-month window from the effective date of the Guidelines to meet the minimum capital requirements for their chosen license category.

The CBN stressed that only the 82 Bureau De Change listed on its official website are authorised to operate from the effective date, November 27, 2025.

3. NLC To Stage Nationwide Protest Dec 17 Over Insecurity

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans to hold a nationwide protest on December 17 over the escalating insecurity in the country, particularly the recent spike in attacks on schools.

This decision was reached during the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Congress held in Lagos, with a communiqué jointly signed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah.

The NEC condemned the abduction of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the killing of a staff member during the incident, describing the withdrawal of security personnel from the affected school prior to the attack as gross negligence.

The statement reads, “The surge in attacks on schools is alarming. The Federal Government must act urgently to secure all educational institutions, especially those in vulnerable and remote areas.”

The NLC said it would mobilise all its affiliates and state councils for the planned protest, which it described as peaceful but resolute.

The Congress is also demanding an immediate investigation into the Kebbi incident and the prosecution of those responsible for the security lapses.

The NEC warned that failure by the Federal Government to address insecurity and other critical issues could trigger widespread industrial actions across key sectors, including health and education.

4. 2027: ‘Tinubu Govt Is Afraid Of Peter Obi, Not Atiku Or Amaechi’ – Peter Ameh

The National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), Peter Ameh, has alleged that the Bola Tinubu-led administration is increasingly worried about the growing political clout of Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ameh made the claim during an interview with Seun Okinbaloye on The Micon Podcast, where he said the federal government is allegedly taking deliberate steps to ensure Obi does not appear on the ballot.

According to him, the government’s focus on Obi stems from findings gathered through what he described as “data collection and behind-closed-doors engagements,” which indicate that the Labour Party candidate remains the most formidable challenger.

Ameh also accused presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga, of repeatedly targeting Obi in his social media commentary, which he claimed forms part of a broader strategy to diminish the former Anambra governor’s influence.

5. Court Rejects Nnamdi Kanu Transfer Request From Sokoto Prison, Orders Motion On Notice

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the request by the secessionist leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, for transfer from Sokoto Correctional Facility to a prison closer to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The court ordered that Kanu must convert the application into a motion on notice and serve it on all parties before the matter can be heard.

Naija News reports that Kanu, through the Legal Aid Council, filed an ex parte application, urging the court to move him from Sokoto prison to either Kuje Prison (FCT) or Keffi Custodial Centre in Nasarawa State.

He argued that a transfer was necessary “for the purpose of enabling the applicant to effectively prosecute his constitutionally guaranteed right of appeal.”

His pleadings sought a court order compelling the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and/or the Federal Government to “forthwith transfer him … to a custodial facility within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court.”

On Monday, December 8, Justice James Omotosho denied the ex parte application, stating that the interest of justice required the matter to be heard by all parties. Rather than grant the request, the judge ordered that Kanu re‑file the application as a motion on notice and serve it on the relevant authorities.

The judge subsequently scheduled January 27, 2026, for the hearing of the motion on notice.

6. EFCC Seals Ex-Minister’s Abuja House, Aide Reacts

The Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to former Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, Julius Bokoru, has condemned the sealing of Sylva’s Maitama residence in Abuja by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing it as “arbitrary, vindictive, and a violation of democratic principles.”

Bokoru made the remarks in a statement titled, “A Grave Breach of Decency: EFCC’s Attempted Raid and Defacement of Sylva’s Family Home”, released on Monday.

He accused the EFCC of operating outside the bounds of legality, alleging that the raid was conducted without prior notice, legal warrant, or subpoena.

According to Bokoru, EFCC operatives spray-painted the inscription “EFCC Keep Off” on the property walls, a move he said portrayed Sylva as a fugitive rather than a public servant and respected statesman.

7. Regina Daniels’ Mother, Rita Loses AGN Election

Rita Daniels, mother of Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, has lost her bid to lead the Actors Guild of Nigeria.

Naija News reports that she was one of the popular contenders in the election, which was held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, to choose a successor for the outgoing president, Emeka Rollas.

Her main opponent was the current National Secretary, Abubakar Yakubu, who eventually won the contest.

The outcome drew wide reactions online, as many viewers claimed they were not surprised by the final result.

8. This Is What My Father Liked – Seun Kuti Thanks Korra Obidi For Twerking On Fela’s Grave

Seun Kuti, the youngest son of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, has commended Korra Obidi for her recent dance at his father’s grave.

Naija News reports that over the weekend, Korra visited Fela Kuti’s burial site in Nigeria and performed a twerking tribute.

She described the dance as an offering inspired by Fela’s love for lively performances and expressive dance.

Seun Kuti welcomed the gesture, saying it reflected the bold and energetic spirit his father was known for.

He wrote: “You guys know what baba likes but you will never give him what he wants. E go better for you my sister”.

9. Stanley Nwabali Injury Leaves Super Eagles Facing Goalkeeping Crisis Ahead Of AFCON 2025

Nigeria’s build-up to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has suffered a major blow after first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was all but ruled out of the tournament through injury.

The development has deepened concerns within a Super Eagles squad already shaken by fitness problems and a rapidly changing defensive set-up.

Stanley Nwabali, 29, emerged as one of Nigeria’s standout performers at the last AFCON, guiding the team to the final and earning widespread praise for his calm presence in goal.

He has not played since Nigeria’s dramatic penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in Rabat during the World Cup qualifying playoffs.

Doubts about his recovery intensified after his club coach at Chippa United, Vusimuzi Vilakazi, gave the strongest indication yet that the goalkeeper may miss the competition.

10. Zidane Tipped For Return At Real Madrid As Alonso Faces Make-or-Break Man City Test

Spanish La Liga giants, Real Madrid are weighing up a sensational move to bring Zinedine Zidane back to the dugout as pressure mounts on Xabi Alonso.

Senior figures at the club are growing concerned over the team’s form, with Wednesday’s Champions League tie against Manchester City viewed as decisive for Alonso’s future.

Madrid’s 2-0 defeat at home to Celta Vigo on Sunday appears to have shaken confidence in the current project. The loss, Madrid’s first against Celta at the Bernabeu in over two decades, left supporters stunned and widened the gap to Barcelona to four points in La Liga.

Williot Swedberg scored twice for the visitors, while Madrid finished with nine players after Fran Garcia and Alvaro Carreras were sent off.

Reports in Spain suggest tensions in the dressing room have made the situation even more delicate. According to a Spanish radio outlet, Cadena Ser, Alonso did not address his players after the match and left without entering the locker room, raising fresh questions over communication with the squad.

That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.