News
Maiduguri Suicide Bomber Confesses, Says”I Was Paid N100,000 to Target Worshippers”
A detained suspect linked to extremist activities has provided authorities with extensive operational details following his apprehension by joint security forces. The suspect, identified as Ibrahim Mohammed from Adamawa State, was captured during a collaborative operation between military personnel and local defense groups in Yobe.
During interrogation, Mohammed admitted involvement in a recent attack targeting a place of worship in Maiduguri, which resulted in multiple casualties and injuries. He disclosed that operatives were financially compensated for carrying out such acts, with payments reportedly ranging between ₦70,000 and ₦100,000 per mission.
Mohammed described how the attack was planned and executed, noting that devices were placed during periods of low activity at the worship center and timed to detonate during congregational prayers. In a particularly alarming revelation, he confessed to returning to the scene after the explosion to blend in with responders assisting victims.
Security analysts indicate that the information provided has offered critical insights into the operational methods, recruitment strategies, and financial mechanisms employed by extremist networks in the region. The suspect also revealed that additional operatives had been deployed to other locations, including Damaturu, to conduct surveillance for future attacks.
Following these disclosures, security agencies across the North-East have intensified patrols and heightened vigilance around vulnerable locations, including worship centers and market areas. An explosive disposal team was dispatched to a location mentioned by the suspect, though no device has been recovered at this time.
This development underscores the continuing threat posed by extremist elements and highlights the importance of community cooperation, intelligence-led operations, and strengthened security measures to prevent future attacks.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
A faith‐based civil society organisation, CSO, Independent Hajj Reporters, IHR, has written a letter to the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, raising concerns over delays in refunding excess Hajj fare funds amounting to N437,000 per pilgrim who participated in the 2025 holy pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
In the letter dated January 19, 2026, and signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, the organisation said its independent monitoring revealed a significant financial surplus arising from exchange rate differentials during last year’s Hajj operations.
IHR noted that while pilgrims were charged at an exchange rate of N1,600 to the dollar, payments for services in Saudi Arabia were reportedly made at rates between N1,507 and N1,520.
According to the organisation, the exchange rate variation translates to an unutilised balance estimated at between N80,000 and N93,000 per dollar per pilgrim, with about N437,000 allegedly due for refund to each pilgrim who completed full payment by the February 10, 2025 deadline.
It stated that NAHCON had earlier assured pilgrims and stakeholders that refunds would be made after the completion of post-Hajj financial reconciliation, which it said had already been concluded.
The group, therefore, called for immediate action, including public disclosure of the total refund amount within seven working days and prompt disbursement to eligible pilgrims through the state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards within 14 working days.
It urged NAHCON to act in the interest of transparency and accountability, stressing that timely refunds would help ease the economic burden on pilgrims and reinforce public trust in Nigeria’s Hajj administration.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Department of State Services (DSS), in a joint operation with Forest Guards, has successfully rescued seven individuals abducted by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants during a fierce gun battle inside a forest enclave in Borno State.
Security sources revealed that the victims were kidnapped on January 19 while collecting firewood near Ajiri Camp on the outskirts of Maiduguri. Two of the abductees managed to escape and alert the community, while the terrorists later released another on a bicycle to demand a ransom of N20 million.
Acting on intelligence, DSS personnel and Forest Guards quickly mobilized to the area. To avoid detection, the operatives dismounted their motorcycles and trekked for nearly an hour before confronting the ISWAP elements, leading to a fierce gunfight.
The terrorists eventually fled, abandoning all seven victims, who were rescued unharmed and are now receiving support and undergoing profiling.
Mr. Hassan Modu, Commander of the Forest Guards, attributed the success to timely
intelligence and smooth collaboration with the DSS. “We moved quietly on foot and engaged them.
The terrorists fled once they realized we had closed in on their enclave,” Modu said. He also urged residents to provide credible information to security agencies to help combat criminal activities.
The Forest Guards, a community-based auxiliary security unit, are trained, equipped, and supervised by the DSS, receiving instruction in intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
Regular drills and guidance from the DSS ensure professionalism, discipline, and effective coordination in joint operations against terrorists and criminal elements.
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The Black Market Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate for 22nd January 2026 Can Be Accessed Below.
NOTE: The exchange rate changes hourly. It depends on the volume of dollars available and the Demand. This means…you can buy or sell 1 dollar at a certain rate, and the price can change (high or low) within hours.
The official naira black market exchange rate in Nigeria today, including the Black Market rates, Bureau De Change (BDC), and CBN rates.
Please note that the exchange rate is subject to hourly fluctuations influenced by the supply and demand of dollars in the market.
What’s the dollar to naira black market today, 22nd January 2026?
The exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players sell a dollar for ₦1490 and buy at ₦1480 on Thursday, 22nd January, 2025, according to sources at Bureau De Change (BDC).
Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.
Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Selling Rate ₦1490
Buying Rate ₦1480
Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) CBN Rate Today
Highest Rate ₦1423
Lowest Rate ₦1419
CSO raises query over NAHCON’s delay on 2025 Hajj refunds
DSS and Forest Guards Storm ISWAP Camp, Rescue Kidnapped victims in Borno
See Black Market Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate Today 22nd January 2026
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