News
Presidency Debunks Rumors of Chief of Staff Replacement
The Nigerian Presidency has firmly dismissed circulating social media reports claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has replaced his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, with Principal Private Secretary Hakeem Muri-Okunola.
In an official statement issued on December 25, 2025, by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency described the claims as a “viral falsehood” and a deliberate fabrication aimed at sowing discord within the administration.
“The attention of the Presidency has been drawn to a viral falsehood circulating on social media suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has replaced his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, with his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola,” the statement read.
It emphasized: “There is absolutely no truth to this story. We advise Nigerians to disregard it entirely.
“The statement further clarified that both officials remain firmly in their positions. “The Chief of Staff remains in his position. The Principal Private Secretary likewise remains in his role. Hakeem Muri-Okunola has not replaced Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff.
“Labeling the rumor as the work of “mischievous purveyors of fake news,” the Presidency urged media outlets and the public to verify information before dissemination to avoid spreading misinformation.
The denial, posted on the official State House website and shared widely, comes amid heightened speculation on social media platforms.
Multiple Nigerian news outlets, including Channels Television, Premium Times, and The Nation, have reported on the clarification, confirming no changes in the President’s inner circle.
Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, has served as Chief of Staff since June 2023. Muri-Okunola continues in his role as Principal Private Secretary.
The Presidency reiterated its commitment to accurate communication and called for responsible reporting during this period.
A joint security operation against terrorists has led to the rescue of nine persons in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
According to inside sources, Forest Guards, under the supervision of the Directorate of Security Services and working with members of the local hunters and vigilante group, embarked on bush-combing operations. They discovered a hideout of the kidnappers and engaged them.
Nine persons were rescued in two separate operations in the forest of Obbo Aiyegunle. One of the kidnappers was neutralised while others fled with gunshot injuries.
One of the rescued persons is said to be receiving medical care at an undisclosed medical facility in the local government.
News
Zamfara LG Chairman Abduction: Security operatives intensify rescue efforts
Security forces are currently conducting deliberate operations at the suspected location of the terrorists, aimed at safely rescuing the abducted Chairman.
• Family of the abducted Zamfara LG Chairman
Aliyu Danjal, Lieutenant Colonel Media Information Officer Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, disclosed that on hearing gunshots, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA responded immediately and swiftly moved to the scene where they engaged in hot pursuit of the terrorists leading to a fierce exchange of fire.
News
IGP Disu orders officers to shoot anyone carrying illegal firearms
Disu explained that the directive was backed by Force Order 237, which empowers police officers to respond immediately to armed threats without waiting for approval from superior officers.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has directed police officers across the country to shoot on sight anyone found carrying illegal firearms, as part of intensified efforts to curb insecurity.
Disu issued the directive on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, saying the move followed President Bola Tinubu’s instruction that the lingering security crisis in the state must be brought to an end.
The police chief maintained that only authorised security personnel are legally permitted to carry firearms, warning that law enforcement agencies would no longer tolerate the unlawful possession of weapons.
” You cannot move around freely carrying arms as if there is no law and order in this country. It will not be tolerated,” he said.
Disu explained that the directive was backed by Force Order 237, which empowers police officers to respond immediately to armed threats without waiting for approval from superior officers.
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