Abductions Recorded
Today’s Nigerian newspapers paint a grim picture of rising insecurity, economic pressure, and political debate across the country.
One of the major stories highlights renewed terrorist attacks in parts of Kwara, Katsina, and Kaduna States, where several residents were abducted during coordinated assaults. Among the victims is a photojournalist. The attacks occurred just days after gunmen killed over 40 people in Niger State, further intensifying concerns over the worsening security situation nationwide.
Another prominent report features former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who has accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of shrinking democratic space. He warned that actions taken by the government could weaken opposition parties and gradually push Nigeria toward a de facto one-party system if unchecked.
On the economic front, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) revealed that 5.36 million electricity consumers across the country are still without meters. According to the commission, these customers remain vulnerable to arbitrary estimated billing by electricity distribution companies, a situation that continues to generate public outrage.
In the energy sector, reports indicate that Nigeria will continue importing petroleum products and crude oil in the short term, despite recent regulatory reforms and the inauguration of a new board in the oil and gas industry. Analysts say local refining capacity is still insufficient to meet national demand.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government is grappling with a ₦4 trillion debt owed to electricity generation companies, as it spent about ₦1.98 trillion on electricity subsidies between October 2024 and September 2025. The growing debt has raised concerns about the sustainability of power sector reforms.
In the education sector, students of higher institutions, under the umbrella of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), have suspended their planned January 14 protest against the new tax laws. Following a meeting of their expanded national executive council in Abuja, the students expressed support for the reforms and pledged to serve as ambassadors to educate the public on the policy changes.
Overall, today’s newspaper review reflects a nation contending with security threats, economic strain, and intense political discourse, as citizens and institutions respond to unfolding national challenges
Terror Attacks Spread Across Kwara, Katsina, Kaduna
