Nigeria News Updates Today: Tinubu Orders Manhunt as Taraba Lawmakers Defect, Ogun Crash Injures 15

By Luchiinter News Desk

Nigeria woke up to a flurry of major events today, with updates cutting across national security, politics, transportation safety, and ongoing efforts to stabilize the country. From the president’s urgent response to the mass abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State to a significant wave of political defections in Taraba, the news landscape has been dominated by intense developments. Here is a detailed breakdown of the top stories shaping Nigeria today.

🔴 Tinubu Orders Immediate Manhunt After 25 Schoolgirls Are Abducted in Kebbi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all security agencies to immediately launch a full-scale manhunt and rescue operation after 25 schoolgirls were abducted from a boarding school in Maga, Kebbi State. The tragic attack occurred during a late-night invasion by heavily armed gunmen who stormed the school premises and forcefully took the girls away.

During the attack, the school's vice principal, Malam Hassan Yakubu Makaku, was reportedly shot dead while attempting to protect the students from the assailants. His death has been met with widespread sorrow, as he is being hailed as a hero who died in the line of duty.

In response, the president condemned the kidnapping and vowed that “no criminal will go unpunished.” The military, police, DSS, and local vigilantes have since begun sweeping operations across forests and remote communities surrounding the area. Helicopter surveillance, intelligence tracking, and coordinated ground patrols have also been deployed.

Security analysts believe this incident highlights yet again the lingering threat of banditry in northern Nigeria. Many Nigerians are calling for stronger community-based policing, improved surveillance systems, and stricter border control to curb the movement of armed groups.

The Kebbi State Government has expressed confidence that the girls will be rescued safely, but tensions remain high as parents and relatives anxiously await updates.

🔵 Massive Political Earthquake: 16 Taraba Lawmakers Dump PDP for APC

In a move that has shaken the Taraba State political landscape, 16 members of the Taraba State House of Assembly have officially defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This major defection represents one of the most significant political realignments in the state in recent years. The lawmakers cited several reasons for their exit, including:

• Lack of internal democracy within the PDP
• Leadership crises affecting the party’s structure
• Desire for “better alignment with national development goals”

The defection has shifted the balance of power in the Taraba Assembly, giving the APC a stronger foothold and potentially reshaping future political outcomes in the state.

Political analysts argue that Taraba, traditionally a PDP stronghold, may now be moving toward the APC ahead of the next election cycle. This shift is expected to influence gubernatorial strategies, federal appointments, and grassroots mobilization.

The APC leadership has already celebrated the move, calling it a “sign of the people’s confidence” in the ruling party at the national level. Meanwhile, PDP supporters have described the sudden shift as “politically motivated opportunism.”

🟠 Ogun State Multiple-Auto Crash Injures About 15 Persons

Tragedy struck earlier today in Ogun State as a multi-vehicle collision left about 15 people injured. The accident occurred along one of the state’s major highways and involved several private cars, a commercial bus, and a truck.

Emergency responders from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) arrived quickly at the scene, providing first aid and transporting injured victims to nearby hospitals for further treatment. Eyewitnesses reported that the crash may have been caused by:

• Excessive speeding
• Poor visibility due to early morning fog
• Possible brake failure involving one of the vehicles

FRSC officials have once again cautioned motorists to adhere strictly to speed limits and ensure that their vehicles are well-maintained before setting out on the road. The agency also advised Nigerians to avoid night and very early morning journeys, especially during harmattan periods when visibility is usually poor.

The accident has sparked renewed calls for stricter road safety enforcement and improved highway lighting to prevent future tragedies.

🟢 Economy: Nigeria Collaborates with US & UK on Major Cocaine Cartel Investigation

In economic and security news, the NDLEA announced that Nigeria will collaborate with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) to investigate a major cocaine cartel linked to a recent seizure at Tincan Port, Lagos.

Over 1,000 kilograms of cocaine were intercepted — one of the largest hauls in Nigeria’s history. NDLEA Chairman Buba Marwa stated that international collaboration has become essential due to the global nature of drug trafficking networks.

This development is expected to boost Nigeria’s anti-narcotics reputation internationally while also putting pressure on cartel operations across West Africa.🟣 National Outlook: Persistent Flooding Continues to Disturb Communities

Several states across Nigeria are still struggling with severe flooding that has displaced thousands of families, destroyed farmland, and cut off major roads. The 2025 flood season has been one of the most devastating in recent years, with climate experts blaming poor drainage management and heavy, unpredictable rainfall patterns.

Humanitarian groups have called for increased federal support, better relocation plans, and stronger disaster preparedness strategies.

🟡 Looking Ahead: Security, Economy, and Political Stability in Focus

Nigeria continues to navigate challenges while pushing forward with efforts to strengthen national security, improve economic resilience, and maintain political balance.

• The rescue operation for the Kebbi schoolgirls remains a top priority for the government.
• Political analysts will be watching Taraba closely after the mass defection.
• Road safety campaigns are expected to intensify following the Ogun crash.
• International partnerships with the US and UK may signal new opportunities in crime-fighting reforms.

As events unfold, Nigerians remain hopeful that reforms in governance, security, and infrastructure will bring more stability in the coming months.