Sambisa Forest: From Wildlife Haven to Jihadist Stronghold

Sambisa Forest, located in Borno State in northeastern Nigeria, spans vast semi-arid woodlands and savanna, covering parts of several states including Yobe, Gombe, and Bauchi. Once a thriving game reserve established during British colonial rule and gazetted in 1958, it was home to diverse wildlife like elephants, leopards, hyenas, ostriches, and numerous bird species amid acacia and baobab trees.

In the 1970s, it attracted tourists for safaris, offering a glimpse of Nigeria's rich biodiversity. However, poaching, deforestation, and later abandonment due to security issues led to the decline of its animal populations.

The Rise as a Terrorist EnclaveTragically, Sambisa transformed into one of the most notorious hideouts for Islamist insurgents. Since the early 2010s, it became a primary base for Boko Haram, the jihadist group founded by Mohammed Yusuf and later led by Abubakar Shekau. The forest's dense terrain, vast size (around 60,000 square kilometers), hilly regions like the Gwoza Hills near the Cameroon border, and natural cover made it an ideal sanctuary; shielding fighters from airstrikes, enabling training camps, weapon storage, and hostage holding.
The forest gained global infamy in April 2014 with the kidnapping of over 276 schoolgirls from Chibok, many believed to be held in Sambisa. It served as a launchpad for attacks, contributing to thousands of deaths and displacements during the insurgency's peak.

Fractures and Factional Fighting

In 2016, Boko Haram split: Shekau's faction (Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad, or JAS) retained Sambisa, while the breakaway Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), aligned with ISIS, operated mainly around Lake Chad. Ideological differences—Shekau's indiscriminate violence versus ISWAP's more "governed" approach—led to rivalry.
The turning point came in May 2021 when ISWAP launched a major offensive, overrunning Sambisa, cornering Shekau (who reportedly killed himself), and capturing much of the forest. Many JAS fighters defected or surrendered, weakening the original Boko Haram. ISWAP gained control, establishing a chain of strongholds and using the forest's strategic roads toward Maiduguri.

President Bola Tinubu's New Year Address: A Message of Hope and Progress for 2026

As Nigeria steps into 2026, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered an optimistic New Year's message to the nation on January 1, 2026. In his address, he reflected on the achievements of 2025, outlined key reforms, and expressed confidence in a brighter future built on economic resilience, security enhancements, and inclusive growth.

Key Highlights from the Address

• Economic Progress: Nigeria closed 2025 with robust GDP growth exceeding 4%, inflation below 15%, foreign reserves at $45.4 billion, and a 48.12% gain on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. FDI surged, signaling renewed investor confidence.
• Tax Reforms and Fiscal Discipline: Emphasis on harmonizing taxes across government tiers to reduce burdens, alongside the 2026 Appropriation Bill aimed at sustainable revenue for infrastructure and social investments. National Security: Commitment to intensified operations against terrorism and banditry, deeper international cooperation, and advocacy for decentralized policing.
• Inclusive Development: Launch of the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme to empower 10 million Nigerians through grassroots opportunities in agriculture, trade, and mining. Continued investment in roads, power, healthcare, and education.
• Call to Unity: A reminder that nation-building is a shared responsibility, urging patriotism and collective effort for a prosperous Nigeria.

Breaking: Anthony Joshua Involved in Fatal Car Crash in Nigeria – Boxer Sustains Minor Injuries, Two Dead

British heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has been involved in a serious road accident in Nigeria, resulting in two fatalities. The 36-year-old sustained minor injuries and is reported to be in stable condition.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers on Nigeria's busy highways, coming just days after Joshua's triumphant victory over Jake Paul.Details of the AccidentThe crash occurred on Monday, December 29, 2025, around 11 a.m. local time on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near Makun in Ogun State. Joshua was traveling as a passenger in the back seat of a Lexus SUV (registration KRD 850 HN) as part of a two-vehicle convoy, with his security detail following in a Pajero SUV.
According to eyewitness accounts and police reports, the Lexus collided with a stationary truck, reportedly after a tire burst caused the driver to lose control. Two occupants in the vehicle – the front passenger and another beside Joshua – were pronounced dead at the scene.

Scene from the accident involving Anthony Joshua's vehicle (Credit: Local reports)

Unverified footage circulating online shows a dazed and topless Joshua being assisted from the wreckage amid shattered glass. He appeared in pain but conscious.

Ogun State Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo confirmed the incident to multiple outlets, including ESPN and the BBC:

"The accident happened as a result of a burst tire on AJ's vehicle, which caused the driver to lose control... For now, I'm aware of two fatalities and Joshua himself has been taken to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention."

Joshua has been discharged or is receiving treatment for minor injuries and is described as "fine."

Justice Delayed: DSS Arrests Suspects in 2023 Kidnapping and Murder of Neurology Professor Ekanem Philip-Ephraim

In a significant breakthrough, operatives of Nigeria's Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested key suspects linked to the 2023 abduction and killing of Professor Ekanem Philip-Ephraim, a renowned neurology specialist at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.

The arrest brings a measure of closure to a case that shocked the medical community and highlighted the persistent threat of kidnapping in parts of the country.

The Abduction: A Brazen Attack in Broad Daylight

On July 13, 2023, Professor Philip-Ephraim was abducted from her office in Calabar, Cross River State. The kidnappers, posing as patients, waited until she was attending to them before brandishing weapons and forcing her into a vehicle around 7:15 p.m.Tragically, despite ransom payments from her family, the professor was killed by her abductors. The incident sparked outrage, prompting the Cross River State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to temporarily withdraw services in protest, demanding swift action for her rescue.

Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to State Police and Announces Imminent Arrival of Attack Helicopters

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has once again expressed strong support for the establishment of state and community policing in Nigeria, while revealing that four attack helicopters ordered from the United States are expected to arrive soon to bolster the country's security efforts.

The President made these disclosures during a meeting with a delegation from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, at his residence in Lagos on Friday, December 26, 2025.
Addressing the ongoing security challenges, President Tinubu highlighted the difficulties in procuring advanced military equipment. He noted that such hardware is expensive and not readily available, which has contributed to delays affecting public perception of the government's efforts.

“Military hardware is difficult to replace. It is expensive and not available off the shelf. Our orders for four attack helicopters from the United States of America will take some time to arrive. We have approached Turkey for assistance.”

These helicopters are part of broader initiatives to enhance aerial support for ground operations against insurgency, banditry, and other threats plaguing various regions.

AFCON 2025: Shaun Bartlett Highlights Defensive Concerns for Super Eagles Despite Thrilling 3-2 Victory Over Tunisia

The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured their spot in the Round of 16 at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Tunisia on December 27. However, former South African striker Shaun Bartlett has raised concerns about Nigeria's defensive fragility, describing it as "alarming" despite the dominant first-half performance.
Nigeria raced to a commanding 3-0 lead, thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen (just before halftime), Wilfred Ndidi, and Ademola Lookman after the break. The three-time AFCON champions looked set for a comfortable victory in their Group C clash in Fes.
But Tunisia mounted a dramatic late comeback, scoring twice in the closing stages—through Montassar Talbi (from a header) and Ali Abdi (from a penalty after a VAR review). The Carthage Eagles nearly equalized in stoppage time, with efforts coming close to forcing a draw.

Speaking on SuperSport after the match, Bartlett, a former Bafana Bafana star, praised Nigeria's attacking prowess but pointed out vulnerabilities at the back:

“The one alarming thing for Nigeria is just that they just seem under threat every time they’re under attack. There’s not that solidity about them … it’s almost like they might just concede whenever the opponents attacked.”

He added that while the Super Eagles were "fantastic" in the first half, the second half was "awful," allowing Tunisia to exploit gaps and nearly stage a miraculous recovery.Bartlett also commended Tunisia's No. 10 (likely referring to a key playmaker like Hannibal Mejbri or similar) for his "unbelievable" technical ability in opening up the game and creating chances.


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