VP Shettima Arrives In Guinea For President Doumbouya’s Inauguration

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Conakry, the capital of Guinea, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of President-elect Mamady Doumbouya.

The Vice President was received by senior Guinean government officials and members of the Nigerian diplomatic corps ahead of the official ceremony, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, January 17, at the GLC Stadium in Nongo.

The inauguration of President Doumbouya follows his victory in the December 2025 general elections, signalling the formal end of a four-year military transition.

The Vice President’s attendance at the inauguration affirms Nigeria’s leadership role within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and its commitment to the restoration of constitutional order across the sub-region.

Under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, Nigeria has continued to position itself as a stabilising force, advocating for democratic governance as a prerequisite for regional prosperity.

The visit also serves as a strategic mission to expand the economic corridor between the two West African nations.

VP Shettima Arrives In Guinea For President Doumbouya’s Inauguration

Bandits kill seven, abduct three in Sabon Birni border attack in Sokoto

By: Zagazola Makama

At least seven persons were killed and three others abducted when armed bandits attacked Kyara village, a remote border community in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, in the early hours of Thursday.

Sources said the attack occurred at about 4:00 a.m. in the village, which lies close to the Niger Republic border and has no mobile phone network coverage.

The bandits, who were said to be in large numbers and armed with sophisticated weapons, stormed the community, shooting sporadically and causing panic among residents.

During the attack, seven persons were shot dead, while two others sustained gunshot injuries. Three villagers were also kidnapped, and an unspecified number of domestic animals were rustled.

Joint security forces were immediately deployed to the area after the incident was reported. On arrival, they evacuated the corpses and the injured victims to a hospital for autopsy and medical treatment.

Troops have since launched a manhunt for the attackers with a view to rescuing the abducted victims, recovering the rustled livestock and arresting those responsible.

Confidence-building patrols are currently ongoing in and around Kyara village to reassure residents and prevent further attacks.

Bandits kill seven, abduct three in Sabon Birni border attack in Sokoto

Five injured in suspected IED blast on Bukuyum road in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Five persons have been seriously injured following a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) explosion along the Takalafiya–Gadar Zaima Road in Bukkuyum Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State.

Sources said the incident occurred at about 11:30 a.m. on Thursday when a motorcycle conveying five passengers ran into an explosive device believed to have been planted by armed bandits targeting security patrols in the area.

The device detonated on contact, causing a loud explosion that severely damaged the motorcycle and left all five occupants with serious injuries.

Following the incident, security operatives immediately closed the road to traffic and advised residents to stay away from the area pending a thorough safety assessment.

The injured victims were evacuated to the General Hospital, Gummi, where they are currently receiving medical treatment.

Movement along the Takalafiya–Gadar Zaima axis remains restricted as security agencies continue to monitor the situation and clear the area of any further threats.

Five injured in suspected IED blast on Bukuyum road in Zamfara