Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Saturday, 18th October, 2025

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Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Saturday, 18th October, 2025.

1. ‘We Know That Boko Haram, ISIS Are Killing More Muslims Than Christians’ – Trump’s Adviser

A senior adviser to U.S President, Donald Trump, on Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos, has dismissed claims that Christians are being specifically targeted in Nigeria, arguing instead that terrorist groups, such as Boko Haram and ISIS, have killed more Muslims than Christians in the country.

In a video shared by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) on 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Boulos addressed the allegations made by some US politicians about religious persecution in Nigeria, calling them “unfortunate and misleading”.

Boulos stated that terrorism in Nigeria is not rooted in religious conflict but is part of a broader insecurity affecting people from all walks of life.

He said, “Any incident, any loss of life is absolutely unfortunate. Those who know the terrain well know that terrorism has no colour, no religion and no tribe. People of all religions and all tribes are dying as a result of terrorist acts.”

He further elaborated, asserting that Boko Haram and ISIS are responsible for killing more Muslims than Christians, emphasising that terrorism affects all Nigerians regardless of their faith or background.

Boulos stated, “We even know that Boko Haram and ISIS are killing more Muslims than Christians. So people are suffering from all sorts of backgrounds. This is not specifically targeted at one group or the other.”

2. Tinubu Met Nigeria That Was Drowning, Affected By Cancer And Took Bold Decisions – Uzodinma

The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has commended the policies implemented by the administration of President Bola Tinubu since coming into power in 2023.

According to him, Tinubu inherited a country that was drowning and suffering from cancer and had to make decisions only a bold leader can take in order to rescue Nigeria.

Uzodinma, who is also the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, said President Tinubu discovered the “cancer” that held the country down and took bold decisions as a bold leader to eradicate it.

He praised the policies of the current administration, such as fuel subsidy removal and the unification of the exchange rate, Naija News reports

He noted that though Nigerians faced “extreme hardship” when the policies, including the removal of the fuel subsidy, were introduced, “there is a jubilation everywhere” now that the policies are yielding results.

3. Goodluck Jonathan Hosts Tompolo, Reveals Details Of Meeting

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, on Friday, hosted Niger Delta activist and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, at his country home in Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Naija News reports that the visit, which took place just after 12:00 pm, saw Tompolo accompanied by Hon. Joshua Maciver, the 2023 Deputy Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa, and Kestin Ebimorbowei Pondi, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services, among others.

Speaking to journalists, Jonathan revealed that he invited Tompolo due to complaints from certain quarters and to discuss how peace can be sustained in the Niger Delta region.

He said, “Since I left office, we have not seen. Tompolo is one young man that played a key role in the unity of our people, but today’s visit, you know he is handling security issues in the Niger Delta. I remember as Vice President, I visited his camp to bring peace to the Niger Delta, and there are issues that people are complaining about. So I decided to call him so that we can have conversations along those lines, ensuring that people are carried along to make sure that the Niger Delta continues to be peaceful. That is why he came to see me.”

Jonathan also lauded Tompolo’s contributions to maintaining peace and security in the region, particularly regarding the protection of oil installations, adding, “I appreciate his visit because he is somebody we appreciate. He has contributed significantly to the peace in the Niger Delta and the security of the oil installations.”

The meeting has raised eyebrows due to Tompolo’s growing involvement in national politics, especially ahead of the 2027 presidential election. A close ally of Jonathan during his tenure, Tompolo is now seen aligning with President Bola Tinubu.

4. ‘Tinubu Never Said He Will Solve All Nigeria’s Problems’ – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that President Bola Tinubu promised to put Nigeria on a path of positive development, not to solve all the country’s problems.

Naija News reports that Wike spoke at the flag-off of the construction of Collector Road C01 in Institution and Research District, linking the Body of Benchers to Nile University Area, including a bridge.

Wike declared that Nigeria would have been a better country if past administrations had taken the bold steps Tinubu is taking at the moment.

He said, “So what is happening today, Mr. President has never said he’s going to solve the entire problems of Nigeria. But he’s going to put Nigeria on the path of positive development.

“So when he finishes, another person will come, will continue from there.

“If the bold decisions Mr. President took, were taken before, by now we wouldn’t have been here. And that is what we’re talking about. It’s not that you can do everything.”

Wike further disclosed that some buildings at the Nigeria Law School will soon be flagged off.

5. ‘Peter Obi Rejected Our Presidential Ticket, He Will Not Contest In 2027’ – Labour Party Secretary, Farouk

The National Secretary of the Labour Party loyal to the factional chairman, Julius Abure, Umar Farouk, has dismissed speculation that its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, would contest for president in 2027.

Naija News reports that this comes a few hours after Peter Obi insisted that he was a member of the Labour Party and that his name would be on the ballot in 2027.

Speaking in an interview with Trust TV on Thursday, Farouk said Peter was only enjoying his current media attention but would not contest in 2027.

According to Farouk, Peter Obi declined the Labour Party’s offer of the presidential ticket.

The LP National Secretary further questioned Peter Obi’s current political alignment, alleging that his recent moves had created uncertainty about his party affiliation.

“I can tell you, Obi is not going to contest the presidential election. Obi is enjoying media publicity but 2027, he is not interested in it. We have offered him the presidential ticket, but he rejected it.

“Look at what is happening, why is he in ADC? Why does he belong in PDP? In which political party does he belong? Where will he get the ticket?” Farouk asked.

Speaking further, Farouk said the opposition parties have become too demoralised to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

6. Governor Makinde Reveals The Only Defection That Will Move Him

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has stated that the recent wave of political defections and realignments in the country is not of great importance to ordinary Nigerians.

The Governor made the declaration in a fresh reaction to the recent defections of some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

However, according to him, the only defection that will move him is when hunger defects into the APC and Nigerians become prosperous.

Naija News reports that the Governor made the submission in his bi-monthly newsletter released on Thursday, stressing that many Nigerians are battling economic hardship and how to survive the situation, hence are not too concerned about the recent political defections.

According to him, the defection of hunger and poverty from the country is the most important defection Nigerians can witness.

7. Court Rejects Police’s Bid To Stop ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu Now’ Protest

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled against the Nigeria Police Force’s request to prevent the “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now” protest, allowing the demonstration to go ahead as planned on Monday, October 20, 2025.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, had dispatched lawyers to file an ex parte motion to stop Omoyele Sowore, the protest organiser and activist, from holding the demonstration near Aso Rock Villa, the seat of Nigeria’s government.

However, Justice Umar of the Federal High Court refused to grant the motion, which sought to immediately halt the protest without hearing Sowore’s side of the argument. Instead, the judge directed the police to serve Sowore with formal notice of their application and adjourned the case until Tuesday for a proper hearing.

In response to the court’s decision, Omoyele Sowore called it a victory for civil liberties and reaffirmed his commitment to going ahead with the protest. In a statement posted on his 𝕏 handle (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Sowore said, “IG of PoliceNG Kayode Egbetokun dispatched police lawyers to sue me, in an effort to halt the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for Aso Rock Villa on Monday. However, the judge, Justice Umar of Federal High Court in Abuja, refused to grant the ex parte motion, instead instructing him to serve me notice and adjourning the case until Tuesday for a proper hearing.”

The protest, organized under the hashtag #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, is intended to draw attention to the prolonged detention and legal fate of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The police’s attempt to halt the protest using the courts was seen as an effort to prevent what could be a highly sensitive demonstration near Nigeria’s seat of power.

However, Justice Umar’s decision to allow the protest to proceed signals that the planned demonstration is not immediately constrained by a court order.

With the case adjourned, the October 20 protest is set to proceed unless the outcome of the Tuesday hearing alters its status. This development sets the stage for a potential confrontation between the protesters and security agencies at the Presidential Villa.

8. Are We Not Finished In This Country? – Tania Omotayo Laments After Buying Strawberries For ₦50k

Nigerian fashion designer Tania Omotayo, has expressed her frustration over the rising cost of living in the country after discovering that a pack of strawberries was being sold for ₦50,000 at a supermarket in Lagos.

The businesswoman, who shared her reaction on Snapchat, wondered how basic fruits could become so expensive at a time when many Nigerians are struggling with the harsh economy.

She wrote on Snapchat, “Are we not finished like this in this country?”

Her complaints come barely one month after President Bola Tinubu directed the Federal Executive Council (FEC) committee on food security to fast-track measures aimed at reducing the high cost of food across the country.

Naija News reports that the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, confirmed the President’s directive in Abuja at a capacity-building workshop for Senate correspondents.

According to Abdullahi, the President’s new directive centres on ensuring the smooth and secure transportation of farm produce across the country to cut down logistics costs, which have been a major driver of food inflation.

9. Regina Daniels ‘Ambushed’ On Her Way To Birthday Party

Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has revealed that she was ambushed by a group of elderly women while on her way to a private birthday gathering.

According to a post on her Instagram page, the women, whom the actress refers to as her “newly found mothers,” had reportedly waited outside her home since morning to celebrate her special day.

In the video shared on Instagram, the women were singing, praying, and showering Regina with blessings.

Moved by their affection, she expressed her gratitude and gifted them dollars as a sign of appreciation.

She wrote: “Got ambushed by my newly found mothers on my way to my small birthday gathering after literally sleeping the whole day. They had been at my gate since the morning. The love attack was real! Every hug, every cheer, every smile hit straight to the heart. I am indeed blessed and unshakable. You know why? Because many prayers dey my head.”

Regina, who turned 25 on October 10, also had her birthday celebrated by close friends and colleagues, including Destiny Etiko, Mercy Johnson, Uche Montana, Don Jazzy, and her husband, Ned Nwoko.

10. Super Eagles Climb To 41st In FIFA World Rankings

Super Eagles of Nigeria have moved up four places to 41st in the latest FIFA Men’s World Rankings, reclaiming their position among Africa’s top five teams.

The updated rankings, released by FIFA on Friday, October 17, highlight Nigeria’s steady progress under coach Eric Chelle following a strong performance in their last two 2026 World Cup qualification games. The Super Eagles, previously 45th, leapfrogged the Ivory Coast, who dropped to 42nd.

Naija News reports that Nigeria’s rise was fuelled by back-to-back wins in the qualifiers. They edged Lesotho 2-1 in Polokwane before producing a dominant 4-0 victory over the Benin Republic in Uyo.

The results not only boosted their ranking points but also sealed their place in the African playoffs for the 2026 World Cup.

The Super Eagles will next face Gabon, ranked 77th in the world and 15th in Africa, for a place in the final playoff round. If they progress, a showdown with either Cameroon or DR Congo will follow.

On the continental scene, Morocco remains Africa’s highest-ranked side despite slipping one spot to 12th globally. Senegal sits second in Africa and 18th in the world, followed by Egypt in 32nd and Algeria in 35th, with Nigeria rounding out the top five.

Completing Africa’s top ten are the Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Mali, Cameroon, and South Africa.