A fire broke out at the Federal Institute of Industrial Research office located in Oshodi, near Cappa Bus Stop, Lagos State, causing significant damage to the facility.

Responding to the emergency, officials from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, along with the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA), have been on-site working to contain the blaze.

LASEMA officials have stated that investigations are still underway to determine the exact cause of the fire.

While no casualties have been reported, the fire has caused substantial damage, with property losses amounting to millions of naira.

At the time of reporting, rescue operations are ongoing, and the cause of the fire remains undetermined.

In a disturbing escalation, suspected terrorists have launched a drone strike on a Nigerian military base in Yobe State.

The attack took place on Wednesday, targeting the 27 Task Force Brigade base in Buni Gari, Yobe.

Security sources noted that the terrorists used three fighter drones in their assault.

However, the Nigerian soldiers stationed at the base were able to respond swiftly, shooting down all three drones before they could inflict any significant damage.

According to a source, “It appears the use of drones is becoming the new tactic for these terrorists. The attack occurred around 5 pm, but our soldiers were alert and managed to shoot down all three drones as soon as they heard the unusual sound.”

This latest drone attack follows a similar assault on a military base in Borno State, which occurred just two days earlier.

On Monday, six soldiers were injured after terrorists launched a drone strike on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Wajiroko, Damboa Local Government Area, Borno.

The attack was confirmed by a military signal, which also noted that a gun truck belonging to the army was damaged.

The military communication further detailed the incident, saying, “At about 231300A Dec 24, terrorists launched an attack using mortars and small arms fire on troops at FOB Wajiroko. The troops repelled the attack, forcing the terrorists to withdraw in disarray. Shortly after, at about 231323A Dec 24, the base came under another attack using multiple armed drones carrying locally fabricated grenades. Troops observed up to four different armed drones. Casualties included five soldiers injured and one gun truck damaged.”

The security situation in the area remains tense, with the military confirming that the morale of the troops remains high despite the unpredictable and ongoing threat from the insurgents.

The rise of drone warfare marks a concerning new phase in the nearly 14-year-long battle between the Nigerian military and insurgents in the Northeast.

The use of drones by these groups, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), is increasing, further complicating the military’s response to the insurgency.

In a shocking turn of events on Christmas Day, kidnappers reportedly abducted all passengers traveling home for the holiday along Isu Road in Awka, Anambra State.

According to eyewitnesses, the three private cars were making their way to various destinations when the assailants ambushed the vehicles at a secluded part of the road.

Armed with weapons, the kidnappers swiftly took control of the cars and abducted all passengers onboard.

The police have yet to confirm the incident as of the time of this report.

Sources, however, suggest that the group included families and individuals traveling to celebrate the Christmas holiday.

This latest abduction is part of an unsettling trend of kidnapping cases across southeastern Nigeria, where such incidents have been on the rise in recent months.

As Christians across the globe celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the apex Igbo cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has expressed deep sadness over the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

In a statement issued by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Secretary General of the Chidi Ibeh-led faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the group extended warm Christmas wishes to all Ndigbo, both at home and in the diaspora.

However, Isiguzoro lamented the prolonged detention of Kanu, calling it a source of great concern.

He criticized the ongoing detention, stating that key political figures, including two serving governors and a former governor from the region, were responsible for Kanu’s continued confinement.

According to Isiguzoro, these leaders are more focused on their personal political ambitions for the 2027 vice presidential race than on securing Kanu’s release.

Isiguzoro accused these leaders of publicly proclaiming support for Kanu’s release, while privately pressuring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to release him.

He described their actions as hypocritical and labeled them as enemies of the Igbo people.

The statement further highlighted that the political maneuvering and lack of action on Kanu’s case are contributing to the instability and violence in the Southeast.

Isiguzoro emphasized that the escalating insecurity in the region is partly due to the failure of these leaders to fulfill their responsibilities while benefiting from security votes.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo is firmly against the indifference displayed by some of these politicians regarding Nnamdi Kanu’s release,” Isiguzoro stated.

“One governor’s neutral stance only serves to underline their selfish focus on personal political gain, rather than addressing the pressing issues affecting our people.”

Tensions have risen in Anambra State following the kidnapping of Hon. Justice Azuka, a lawmaker representing the Onitsha North State Constituency.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:45 pm on Tuesday, along Igwunakpamkpa Road, as Azuka was returning home.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the abduction and assured that security measures have been put in place to ensure the lawmaker’s safe return and to apprehend those responsible.

Ikenga stated, “The Anambra Police Command has launched operational strategies to facilitate the rescue of Hon. Justice Azuka and to capture the criminals behind the abduction. Preliminary reports indicate that the abduction took place on 24/12/2024 at around 9:20 pm along Ugwunapampa Road. We are currently following leads to assist in his rescue.”

In a related development, the Anambra State Police Command reported the arrest of 32-year-old Chukwuma Obi from Umuagu Village, Igboukwu, Aguata Local Government Area, on charges of attempted kidnapping and extortion.

The arrest occurred on Tuesday by operatives from the Anti-Cultism Squad in Enugu-Ukwu.

Obi is accused of demanding a ransom of ₦1,200,000, threatening the victim with abduction and claiming to be affiliated with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Police spokesperson Ikenga explained, “The victim received a threat message from Obi, demanding that the ransom be paid into a designated account. Upon questioning, Obi admitted to the crime and is currently assisting authorities in identifying additional gang members involved in similar activities.”

Authorities also referred to a similar case last month, where a couple was arrested for extorting victims under the pretense of planned kidnappings. Investigations into both cases are ongoing.