Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Monday, 16th June, 2025
1. Enough Is Enough: Security Chiefs Relocate To Benue After Fresh Directive From President Tinubu
Security chiefs, police, and the military have arrived in Benue State, following the directive of President Bola Tinubu, to put an end to the insecurity ravaging the state.
This development was made known in a statement on Sunday by the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Onanuga noted that the President directed the security chiefs to implement his earlier directive to bring lasting peace and security to Benue State.
Naija News reports that President Tinubu renewed his order in the wake of the latest round of reprisal attacks that led to the killing of about 200 people.
President Tinubu has equally charged the governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, with the task of convening reconciliation meetings and dialogue among the warring parties to end the incessant bloodshed and bring lasting peace and harmonious coexistence between farmers, herders, and communities.
Describing the killings and bloodletting as inhuman and anti-progress, President Tinubu called on political leaders and community leaders in conflict areas to stop fuelling the crisis through unguarded utterances and statements that could further inflame tensions.
Tinubu, who condemned the attacks, also charged the state government to rein in those who go out to cause provocations and ignite reprisal attacks.
2. APC Meeting Ends In Chaos As Ganduje, Others Endorse Tinubu Without Shettima
All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders meeting in the North-East, on Sunday, turned rowdy after the party’s National Vice Chairman (North-East), Mustapha Salihu, failed to mention Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, in his endorsement speech for President Bola Tinubu’s second term.
Naija News reports that the stakeholders’ meeting, held in Gombe State, was graced by ministers, lawmakers, governors, and top-ranking members of the APC. Also present was the party’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, who led a team of national officers to the event.
During his remarks, Salihu passionately urged the region to rally behind President Tinubu, calling for his unopposed candidacy in 2027. However, his failure to mention Shettima, a prominent son of the region, instantly sparked outrage.
Following Salihu’s speech, angry delegates hurled insults and threats at him, accusing him of deliberate sabotage and disrespect to the vice-president.
The tension escalated so rapidly that security operatives had to whisk Salihu out of the venue to prevent a physical assault.
In a swift move to quell the crisis, Deputy National Chairman (North), Bukar Dalori, stepped up and formally endorsed both Tinubu and Shettima, drawing cheers from some quarters.
Despite the attempt at damage control, the meeting ended abruptly after Ganduje, while giving his closing remarks, also failed to mention Shettima, reinforcing suspicions of a coordinated slight.
3. “Labour Party Is The Worst” – Sowore Slams Opposition Parties In Nigeria
The 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has alleged that most opposition parties in Nigeria are feeder parties to the ruling or larger political parties.
The news publisher added that most of the opposition parties in the country were created by the All Progressives Congress (APC) as Special Purpose Vehicles.
According to him, the Labour Party (LP) is the worst of all the opposition political parties in the country because most politicians who joined the party only used it to grab power and after that, defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or the APC.
Naija News reports Sowore made the submission on Sunday while speaking on Rubbin’ Minds, a talk show on Channels Television.
He submitted that AAC is the only opposition among the 18 registered political parties in the country.
4. I Am Not Aware Of Babangida’s Apology To My Family – MKO Abiola Son
Kola Abiola, the first son of the late MKO Abiola, has stated that the former military Head of State, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB), never apologised to his family for annulling the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
He said the Abiola family had not received any formal apology from Babangida after 32 years.
Naija News earlier reported that Lekan Abiola, one of MKO’s sons, stated that IBB had apologised to the family.
However, speaking on Arise News, Kola said the refusal to identify all those involved in the annulment was a disservice to Abiola’s legacy, who “paid the supreme sacrifice.”
Kola also dismissed claims by his brother, Lekan, that the former military ruler privately apologised to the family.
He challenged Babangida to emulate former President Muhammadu Buhari, who publicly apologized for the annulment.
5. Tinubu Govt Is Scared Of Coalition, Wike’s Words Are Influenced By 40-Year-Old Whiskey – Atiku’s Aide
The Media Adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, has stated that the 2027 coalition movement is gaining strength.
According to him, many politicians are joining the coalition, which has made the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu nervous.
Speaking in an interview with Vanguard in Abuja on Sunday, Ibe alleged that the APC and its supporters are resorting to baseless attacks on the coalition out of panic over its potential to end their reign.
Speaking further, Ibe said the Tinubu government has failed in its primary responsibility of protecting lives and ensuring the well-being of Nigerians.
According to him, the rising cases of killings in Benue and Plateau State is a testament to the government’s failure in handling of critical national issues, particularly insecurity and economic hardship.
Atiku’s aide added that the position of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, on the status of the coalition is not valid.
Responding to Wike’s recent comments describing the opposition coalition as ‘dead on arrival,’ Ibe said the remarks of the former Rivers State Governor are influenced by alcohol, hence can’t be taken seriously.
6. 53 Wraps Of Cocaine Found In Passenger’s Stomach At Port Harcourt Airport
The National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 44-year-old businessman, Ezemokwe Chukwuebuka Christian, at the Port Harcourt International Airport (PHIA).
Chukwuebuka, who was on his way to Tehran Khomeini, Islamic Republic of Iran, was apprehended for ingesting 53 wraps of cocaine.
This development comes barely two weeks after the Agency arrested one 60-year-old businessman, Chinedu Leonard Okigbo, heading to Iran with 65 pellets of cocaine in his stomach at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) Kano.
Speaking via a statement made available to Naija News on Sunday, the NDLEA revealed that Christian was arrested at the Port Harcourt airport on Saturday, 7th June, while trying to board Qatar Airways flight QR1434 flying to Tehran Khomeini in Iran via Doha after a body scan proved positive for congestion of illicit drug.
He was placed on excretion observation, during which he expelled 53 wraps of cocaine in six excretions with a total weight of 1.172kg. The suspect claimed to have gone into the criminal trade two years ago, moving between the West African sub-region and Iran.
7. Davido Withdraws From 50 Cent’s Concert, Cites ‘Matters Of Principle’
Nigerian superstar Davido has announced his withdrawal from 50 Cent’s upcoming concert in London, which also features R&B legend Mary J. Blige.
The concert, part of 50 Cent’s Legacy Tour, will take place on July 3 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the United Kingdom.
However, speaking via a post on Instagram stories on Saturday, the singer emphasised that his withdrawal was not due to poor ticket sales but rather “a matter of principle and respect for my craft.”
He continued, “As a result, I regret to inform you that I will no longer be performing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on July 3rd. Please note, the show still holds, but without Davido.”
The ‘Unavailable’ hitmaker stated that he and his team had made every effort to ensure the performance met the standards his fans expect.
8. I Can Never Be Defined By My Ex-Wife – Patrick Doyle
Veteran Nollywood actor, Patrick Doyle has claimed that his ex-wife retained his surname after their divorce because he is more popular than she is.
Dismissing claims that Ireti is more popular than he is, the thespian said that he became a star at the age of 16 long before his ex-wife became famous.
The veteran disclosed this in a recent interview with The Muvmnt Studio.
According to him, he has solid credentials and can never be defined by his ex-wife or anyone else.
9. 2025 Club World Cup: Bayern Munich Smash Auckland City 10–0
Bundesliga giants, Bayern Munich have set a new FIFA Club World Cup record after demolishing Auckland City 10–0 in Group C of the ongoing tournament, marking the biggest win in the competition’s history.
Bayern Munich, managed by Vincent Kompany, were in imperious form at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, overwhelming the New Zealanders with a relentless display of attacking football.
Kingsley Coman opened the floodgates with a header in the 6th minute and added a second in the 21st, while Sacha Boey (18′) and Michael Olise (20′, 45+3′) added to the early carnage.
Thomas Müller also bagged a brace (45′, 89′) in what is expected to be his farewell tournament with Bayern, making it 6–0 at halftime.
Olise was particularly dazzling, registering two goals and two assists in a standout performance that highlighted Bayern’s complete dominance.
10. Chiamaka Nnadozie Bids Emotional Farewell To Paris FC After Historic Five-Year Spell
Super Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, has officially announced her departure from Paris FC, bringing an end to a successful five-and-a-half-year stint with the French club.
Chiamaka Nnadozie joined Paris FC in 2020 from Nigerian Women’s Football League side Rivers Angels, and quickly established herself as a standout performer.
She leaves the club on a high after playing a pivotal role in their 2025 Coupe de France Féminine triumph, the first major title for the club in nearly 20 years.
In the final played at the Stade de l’Épopée in Calais, Nnadozie was instrumental, saving two penalties in a dramatic 5–4 shootout win over PSG after a goalless draw in regulation time.
Her heroics between the posts sealed a historic victory and capped off a stellar season.
That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.
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