Welcome to Channels Brief, your window into the stories shaping today’s world. Whether you’re joining us from Nigeria, London, New York, Nairobi, or anywhere across the globe, this newsletter brings you punchy, reliable, and timely updates in a format made for the modern digital audience.
Dive in to catch up on the major headlines, explore emerging trends, and stay connected to the conversations that matter most to you.
Here are the top stories curated for you today:
Nigerian Air Force Jet Crashes
Pilots Praised After Safely Ejecting Before Crash
A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet crashed near Karabonde in Niger State shortly after taking off from NAF Base Kainji during a post-inspection functional check flight.
Both pilots ejected safely, and no casualties or property damage were reported. According to the Air Force, the crew demonstrated “remarkable composure”, steering the jet away from populated areas before ejecting, and are now undergoing routine medical checks.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, commended the pilots for their professionalism and directed the establishment of a Board of Inquiry to determine the cause of the emergency. The incident occurred at approximately 4:10 p.m. on Saturday and has renewed attention to flight safety in Nigeria’s military aviation operations.
Army Suspends Officer Retirements
Tinubu’s Security Directive Prompts Temporary Halt To Statutory, Voluntary Retirements
The Nigerian Army has suspended statutory and voluntary retirements for several categories of officers following a nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. An internal memo stated that the measure aims to retain manpower and expertise as the Armed Forces expand to confront rising insecurity.
Service extension is permitted under existing military regulations, including for officers who have reached age or service limits, failed promotions, or exhausted conversion board attempts. Commanders have been instructed to manage morale as the directive takes effect, with officers allowed to opt out of the extension if they prefer normal retirement. However, those who stay on will not be eligible for promotions or career progression.
The suspension will be reviewed as the security situation improves, aligning with the government’s directive to bolster the military, police, and intelligence agencies by deploying thousands of additional personnel.
Ndume Faults Ambassadorial List
Senator Urges Tinubu To Withdraw List, Alleging Uneven Representation
Senator Ali Ndume has urged President Bola Tinubu to withdraw the newly submitted ambassadorial nominee list, alleging that it violates the constitutional Federal Character principle. He argued that the list breaches Section 14(3) of the Constitution, which requires federal appointments to reflect Nigeria’s diversity to promote national unity.
Ndume warned that retaining the list could fuel ethnic distrust at a sensitive political moment. Checks on the list revealed disparities in state and regional representation, with some states unrepresented while others received multiple nominations. Despite these concerns, the Senate has referred the list to the Committee on Foreign Affairs for legislative review.
Natasha Vs Akpabio
Kogi Lawmaker Alleges Senate President Filed ₦200bn Suit Against Her
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has revealed that Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed a ₦200 billion defamation suit against her, following her earlier allegations that he made sexual advances toward her. The suit, filed at the FCT High Court, is set to begin in January 2026.
She stated that the development finally gives her the opportunity to present her case publicly, after the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges declined to hear her complaint. Akpoti-Uduaghan reiterated her claims that she suffered political retaliation after rejecting advances she says were made in Akpabio’s office and residence. Akpabio has consistently denied the allegations.
PoS Crackdown
CAC Announces Nationwide Clampdown On Unregistered PoS Operators From January 2026
The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has announced a nationwide crackdown on unregistered Point-of-Sale (PoS) operators beginning 1 January 2026. The Commission stated that many operators are violating CAMA 2020 and Central Bank of Nigeria regulations by running without proper registration, a practice it says puts the financial system and customers at risk.
Security agencies will enforce the clampdown and seize or shut down non-compliant terminals.
The CAC also warned that fintech companies enabling unregistered PoS services will be placed on a watchlist and reported to the CBN. The move is part of broader efforts to improve oversight of Nigeria’s fast-expanding agent banking ecosystem.
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