Today's Paper Roundup: Sun 25-10-2026
From kidnappings and troop rescues in the north to political jostling ahead of 2027 and a sobering warning on artificial intelligence, Nigeria's newsrooms this Sunday paint a picture of a nation grappling with insecurity, political realignment and economic turbulence, even as lighter stories from Nollywood and the NBA offer some relief.
Security: Rescues and Ransoms
The security beat remained grim, with contrasting fortunes reported from the north. In Kebbi State, the Nigerian Army said its troops rescued three abducted victims during a weekend operation, while in Kwara State gunmen struck yet again, abducting a father and his secondary school son and demanding a hefty ransom. Separately, a UNILAG lecturer renewed calls for tougher punishment against those sabotaging critical infrastructure.
“Soldiers rescue three abducted victims in Kebbi”
“Again, gunmen kidnap father, son in Kwara, demand N20m ransom”
“Varsity Don Seeks Death Penalty For Railway Vandals”
Politics: Eyes on 2027
Political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 elections dominated headlines, with the ruling party pressing its case across the country. In Rivers State, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike urged Bonny Kingdom residents to back President Tinubu's re-election bid, pointing to completed infrastructure as proof of delivery, while APC's Women Mobilisation Directorate took its grassroots charm offensive to Kaduna hospitals. In the South-East, APGA's national chairman offered an explanation for Governor Soludo's alignment with Tinubu's campaign, while in Abia State, an education adviser touted a surge in school enrollment under the current administration.
“Wike Urges Bonny Residents To Back Tinubu”
“APC women visit patients in Kaduna hospitals”
“Abia Has Recorded Surge In School Enrollment–Nwosu”
Economy: Fuel Prices, Bonds and Local Content
On the economic front, petrol prices fell at depots in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Calabar even as diesel surged, with Brent crude topping $116 and Dangote halting loading, developments that are fuelling fears among consumers. In a more positive turn, the African Development Bank raised $2.5 billion in a global bond after investor orders nearly doubled the amount on offer, while the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board stressed the importance of youth development and local manufacturing for economic resilience. Meanwhile, Lagos authorities said they are ramping up consumer education to shield residents from counterfeit goods.
“Why marketers crashed petrol prices nationwide as diesel jumps”
“AfDB raises $2.5 billion in global bond as orders hit $4.8 billion”
“Nigerian Content Board Underscores Strategic Importance Of Building Resilient Economy”
“Fake products: LASCOPA steps up consumer education to protect Lagosians”
Education and Society
On the education front, the Chancellor of Dominion University, Ibadan, urged 140 graduating students to shun corruption and uphold integrity as they step into the workforce, a message that resonates against the backdrop of the day's governance stories.
“Don urges graduates to shun corruption, uphold integrity”
World Affairs and Technology
Abroad, former US President Barack Obama took aim at his successor, criticising Donald Trump over the Iran war and rising consumer prices while out campaigning for Democrats. And in a sobering tech warning, an ex-Google DeepMind researcher cautioned that there is a real risk posed by advanced AI systems, stating there's "a one in three chance" artificial intelligence could prove catastrophic for humanity within a decade.
“Obama criticises Trump over Iran war, rising prices”
Entertainment and Sports
In entertainment, Nollywood actress Ruth Kadiri weighed in on modern marriage trends, advising couples to avoid elaborate weddings which she argues place unnecessary emotional and mental pressure on unions, while gospel singer Tope Alabi escalated her response to a death controversy, giving a Canada-based pastor a 24-hour ultimatum. On the sports pages, Nigerian talent featured prominently as the NBA's 2026-27 season tipped off, and CAF named its free-to-air broadcast partners ahead of the AFCON PAMOJA 2027 tournament.
“Big weddings put pressure on marriages, says actress Ruth Kadiri”
“Meet 6 Nigerians who featured on 2026-27 NBA season opener”
“CAF appoints free-to-air broadcast partner for AFCON PAMOJA 2027”