Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Sunday, 15th June, 2025.
1. Notorious Bandit Leader Meets Police, Military, Reveals Condition For Peace
A notorious bandit leader, Ado Aleru, has issued a chilling warning to Nigerian authorities and society, stating that continued labelling of his group as “terrorists” will only sustain the violence ravaging communities in the North-West.
Aleru, who is wanted by security agencies, made the declaration during a peace dialogue session held in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State, where he spoke on behalf of his group.
“As long as we are still being called terrorists, then do not expect us to stop behaving like terrorists,” he warned bluntly.
Defending the actions of his armed group, Aleru claimed many young men were driven into banditry by years of neglect, injustice, and unresolved grievances.
He said their decision to take up arms was not born out of hatred but out of survival.
“Our parents are not happy with what we are doing, and even we do not truly want this life in our hearts,” he said.
“We would prefer a return to the way things were, where there was mutual respect between farmers and herders, and security personnel stuck to their duties without bias.”
He stressed that peace could only be achieved if government authorities and the public stop stigmatising them, adding that mutual respect and honest engagement were the keys to restoring trust.
Aleru called for genuine reconciliation and reintegration, insisting that derogatory labels only deepen mistrust and hostility.
The dialogue session in Danmusa is part of ongoing peace-building initiatives among security agencies, local authorities, and armed groups aimed at curbing persistent violence in the region.
2. Tinubu Govt Calls For Immediate End Of Iran-Israel ‘War’
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu‘s government of Nigeria has denounced Israel’s recent assault on Iran, characterising it as an action that has perilously heightened tensions between the two countries.
In a statement released on Saturday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the federal government conveyed profound concern regarding the escalating hostilities, which have included ongoing missile and aerial strikes exchanged by Iran and Israel.
The Nigerian government called for an immediate cessation of the violence and urged both nations to exercise utmost restraint.
As per the statement, ongoing retaliation endangers not only civilian lives but also poses a threat to the stability of the broader Middle East, with significant implications for international peace and economic stability.
“The government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria condemns Israel’s preemptive strike on Iran that has led to an escalation of hostilities between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the State of Israel, marked by sustained missile and aerial exchanges across both territories.
“Nigeria expresses its grave concern and calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urges both parties to exercise utmost restraint in the interest of regional and global peace.
“The continued cycle of retaliation not only endangers civilian lives but threatens to plunge the broader Middle East into further instability, with implications for international security and economic development,” Ebienfa stated.
3. FG Makes U-turn, Suspends 3-day Prayer For Food Security
In response to the criticism regarding its proposed prayer sessions aimed at achieving food security in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has retracted its previous directive for prayer and fasting sessions intended ‘for God’s guidance and success in supporting the government’s efforts to achieve food security.’
An internal circular that was leaked, dated June 11 and signed by the Ministry’s Director of Human Resource Management, Adedayo Modupe O., had called upon senior staff members, including directors, deputy directors, assistant directors, and value chain desk officers, to engage in a series of weekly spiritual gatherings at the ministry’s headquarters located in Abuja.
The prayer initiative, referred to as “Divine Intervention for Protection and National Development”, was planned to take place on June 16, 23, and 30, respectively.
The memo indicated that all staff members were expected to fast and participate in these sessions.
This is to invite all staff of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food to a solemn prayer session for God’s guidance and supporting the Government’s effort to achieve food security,” the circular had read.
However, in a follow-up communication, the same director announced that the spiritual exercise had been postponed until further notice.
No official reason was provided, however, for the reversal.
4. ‘Stand By The Oath You Have Taken’ – Army Chief, Oluyede Charges New Recruits
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has reminded the new recruits of the Nigerian Army Depot, Zaria, in Kaduna State, that the life of a soldier is one of sacrifice and patriotism.
Naija News reports that Oluyede made this known while speaking at the Passing Out Parade of the 6,195 of the 88 Regular Recruits Intake on Saturday.
Oluyede emphasised the importance of courage, professionalism, and resilience in the face of adversity, charging the recruits to remain prepared to fight terrorism and insurgency in the country.
The Chief of Army Staff also charged the recruits on the importance of upholding the Nigerian Army’s core values and striving for excellence in their duties.
5. Rivers Crisis: Our Victory Will Come – Fubara Assures Supporters
The suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has given fresh assurances that he would emerge victorious from the political situation rocking the state.
According to Fubara, he is not bothered about the current situation, adding that no king or authority lives forever and only the truth lasts forever.
Naija News reports he made the submission while speaking at a gathering in Bonny, where he noted that not everybody will appreciate his style.
Governor Fubara added that it is important to always do the right thing instead of bending to pressures to become what one is not.
The statement comes amidst the six-month state of emergency declared in March by President Bola Tinubu following the political turmoil in Rivers State.
The emergency rule and Fubara’s suspension were a fallout of the political crisis that followed a face-off between Fubara and his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The President has since appointed a former Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok-Ete Ibas, as the sole administrator to preside over affairs in Rivers State while the suspension of Fubara and members of the State House of Assembly remains in effect.
6. Soyinka Urges Tinubu To Order Fresh Investigation Into Killing Of Dele Giwa, Kudirat Abiola, Bola Ige
Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has called on President Bola Tinubu to launch a fresh probe into the killings of prominent Nigerians, including journalist Dele Giwa, former Attorney-General Bola Ige, and democracy activist Kudirat Abiola.
The playwright’s remarks came as part of his reflections on Nigeria’s Democracy Day, commemorated on June 12, during which Tinubu addressed the National Assembly and announced national honours for key figures in the country’s pro-democracy movement.
Naija News reports that Soyinka, while speaking to a select group of journalists in Lagos on Saturday, asserted there is a need for closure on these high-profile political assassinations.
He stressed that some Nigerians, both at home and abroad, may hold crucial information that could shed light on the circumstances surrounding these deaths.
While commending President Tinubu for recognising many heroes of the struggle, Soyinka noted several significant omissions.
Soyinka further stated that he would dedicate his national honour to the late Dr. Beko Ransom-Kuti, whom he described as a defender of human rights, a champion of good governance, and a campaigner for democracy, who was detained and jailed several times by the Nigerian military.
7. Release Nnamdi Kanu On Bail, Give Us Anim State – Senator Tells FG
The lawmaker representing Imo West in the upper chamber of the National Assembly, Senator Osita Izunaso, has called on the federal government to release the embattled leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on bail.
According to him, a political solution to the situation involving Kanu is the most ideal for all concerned.
He claimed that if Kanu is released on bail, it will reduce violence in the southeast and criminal elements who have hijacked his struggle will lose their legitimacy and can get arrested if they perpetrate any violent activities after that.
Naija News reports Senator Izunaso made the recommendation at a media parley in Abuja on Friday to mark his two years in the senate.
He said, “I have consistently advocated that the federal government give Nnamdi Kanu’s case political consideration.
“If granted bail, it could significantly reduce insecurity in the region. Criminal elements have hijacked the struggle. Once Kanu is released, they’ll lose any legitimacy they claim.”
Izunaso argued that the bail and dialogue may not solve the situation completely, but will de-escalate tensions in the region.
“I’m not saying it will stop the violence 100 per cent, but it will go a long way. Once the real struggle ends, any further violence becomes purely criminal,” he added.
8. Police Extends Deadline For Tinted Glass Permit
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has sanctioned an extension of the grace period for enforcing the Tinted Glass Permit requirement until the 12th of August, 2025.
Naija News reports that this extension follows numerous concerns and feedback from the public regarding the reactivation of the digital Tinted Glass Permit application process.
In a press release signed and made available to newsmen on Saturday, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said in alignment with the force’s dedication to providing transparent, inclusive, and citizen-centred policing, it wishes to emphasise that it has taken into account the opinions of Nigerians.
Indeed, these opinions have played a crucial role in shaping the ongoing reviews of the process to ensure it is user-friendly, secure, and accessible to everyone.
The extension of enforcement is also designed to allow for further enhancements and improvements to the application process, ensuring that no member of the public faces undue disadvantage.
Adejobi stressed that the NPF is diligently working to simplify and enhance both the physical and contactless application options, including improved verification mechanisms and streamlined procedures to minimise delays and eliminate unnecessary inconveniences.
9. PMAN Crisis: ‘There Was Never Any Financial Misconduct’ – Police Clear Pretty Okafor
President of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Pretty Okafor, has been cleared of wrongdoing in connection with accusations of financial misconduct.
Naija News recalls that the PMAN National Working Committee (NWC) suspended Okafor in 2024 over allegations of financial misconduct, appointing Sunny Neji as acting president.
In a swift reaction, the National Executive Committee (NEC) suspended Neji, Nigerian rapper, Michael Stephen, better known as Ruggedman, Zaaki Azzay, and JFO Baba Ojonorgua for undermining the association’s integrity.
During a press conference on Friday, Okafor said the police investigated the allegation and found no evidence of forgery against him.
Okafor claimed that some members of the NWC instigated the allegations as part of a plot to topple his leadership while he was overseas on official PMAN business.
10. Super Falcon Goalkeeper, Nnadozie Departs Paris FC
The French women’s football club, Paris FC, has officially announced the exit of Chiamaka Nnadozie from the team.
At the age of 24, she transitioned to Paris FC from the Rivers Angels, a club in the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL), in 2025.
During her tenure at the club, Nnadozie quickly became Nigeria’s primary goalkeeper.
She is presently acknowledged as the top goalkeeper in Africa.
Paris FC shared a touching message on social media to convey Nnadozie’s departure from the club.
“Merci, Chiamaka! From your first save to your last stand in Parisian colours, you’ve inspired a generation. You leave as a champion, a leader, and forever a part of the Paris FC family. Bonne chance for your next chapter,” The club announced.
Nnadozie assisted Paris FC in securing the Coupe de France Féminine last month, marking her sole significant trophy with the team.
Naija News reports that the Nigerian international was recognised as the top goalkeeper in the French Women’s League for the 2023/24 season.
Nnadozie has been associated with a potential transfer to the English club, Everton.
The goalkeeper is anticipated to take her position in goal for Nigeria during the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next month.
That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.
The post Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Sunday, 15th June, 2025 appeared first on Naija News.