Finland has decided to close its entire border with Russia to travelers for the next two weeks. This move aims to stop a significant increase in asylum seekers coming to the Nordic nation, which the Finnish government and its allies believe is a deliberate action orchestrated by Moscow. Last week, Finland had already closed all but one of its border posts with Russia, leaving only the northernmost Raja-Jooseppi crossing in the Arctic open. However, the government announced on Tuesday that even this crossing would now be closed. Finnish authorities reported that around 900 asylum seekers, hailing from countries such as…
Author: Hassan Haruna
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has urgently requested additional military personnel to eliminate Boko Haram insurgents from their hideouts in Borno and other northeastern states. During a meeting with the Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru Abubakar, and the service chiefs in Maiduguri, Governor Zulum emphasized the need to secure Nigerian borders with Niger Republic, Chad, and Cameroon to prevent infiltration by ISWAP members and the smuggling of small arms and light weapons into the country. Zulum highlighted the critical nature of insurgency in the Northeast, given the porous borders of Borno State, which shares boundaries with Cameroon, Chad,…
Nigeria’s Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, has taken on a crucial role as the Chairperson for the ECOWAS Inter-Ministerial Committee on Social Protection in West Africa. This significant responsibility was granted approval by Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, who holds the position of Chairman of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government. At the conclusion of the hybrid inter-ministerial meeting in Banjul, the Republic of Gambia, Dr. Edu emphasized the pressing need for the private sector to join hands with development partners in the regional social protection framework. She stressed the urgency of taking action now. Dr.…
The Katsina State government is planning to allocate a total of N56,469,900,378.70 for personnel costs, pension, and gratuity in its proposed 2024 budget. The intricate budgetary considerations underscore the governmental commitment to addressing the financial requisites associated with employee remuneration, retirement benefits, and related financial commitments within the specified timeframe. This information was disclosed by the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Bello Kagara, during the presentation of the budget breakdown at the Old Government House in Katsina. The overall proposed budget for 2024 is N454,308,862,113.96, which was submitted to the State House of Assembly a couple of weeks ago. Notably,…
Two trucks filled with militants associated with the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) reportedly encountered a mine outside the village of Arina Masallaci in the Marte district. According to anti-jihadist militia members assisting the Nigerian military in combating the jihadists, the lead truck hit the mine, causing both vehicles to explode. Babakura Kolo stated, “The trucks were loaded with the insurgents when the one in the lead hit the mine and exploded along with the second truck trailing closely behind.” The incident occurred around 08pm GMT, as the militants were en route to launch an attack. Kolo reported that…
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State reportedly allocated a substantial amount, approximately N3.2 billion, for the operation of the Governor’s office from July to September 2023, according to the state’s budget performance report for the third quarter. In a region affected by Boko Haram terrorism, the governor’s expenditures included N252 million on foodstuffs, N143 million on refreshments, and a staggering N1.8 billion on welfare packages. Notably, the report highlighted that the administration spent over N400 million on both local and international trips within the three-month period. Specifically, N182.3 million, N227 million, N35.3 million, and N17.7 million were allocated for various…
In preparation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presentation of the 2024 budget tomorrow, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has given approval for a sum of N27.5 trillion for the 2024 Appropriation Bill. Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, revealed this after a meeting presided over by the president at the presidential villa. Bagudu explained that the bill outlines a total expenditure of N27.5 trillion, a notable increase of over N1.5 trillion compared to earlier estimates using previous reference prices. The budget adjustments include a shift in the exchange rate from N700 to $1 to a new rate…
The Gender Mobile Initiative (GMI) has urged President Bola Tinubu to sign the sexual harassment prohibition bill into law. During a news conference in Abuja commemorating the 16 days of activism, Omowunmi Ogunrotimi, the Lead Director of GMI, emphasized the significance of this act in combating sexual harassment. The bill, initially introduced by Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege in 2016 and later reintroduced in 2023 with the support of Civil Society Organisations, criminalizes sexual harassment in tertiary educational institutions. Ms. Ogunrotimi highlighted the bill’s objective of promoting and protecting educator-student relationships. She underscored the alarming statistic that 70% of female graduates from…
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) took decisive action on Monday in Kano State, destroying a substantial 15.7 tonnes of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances that had been confiscated by the state Command and Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) Special Area Command. These seizures occurred over a period spanning from October 2020 to October 2023. Buba Marwa, the NDLEA Chairman, emphasized the significance of this operation, highlighting that the drugs were eliminated to prevent their reentry into society. Representing Mr. Marwa, Samuel Bashir-Gadzama, the NDLEA Director-General of Investigation, spoke during the public burning of the illicit drugs. Abubakar…
In 2020, a teacher lost his life outside his school in Paris. This tragic incident occurred after he shared cartoons of Prophet Muhammad with his students. Six teenagers are now facing a trial, held behind closed doors, in connection with the beheading of the French history teacher, Samuel Paty. Samuel Paty, 47, was killed by Abdoullakh Anzorov, an 18-year-old of Chechen origin, shortly after displaying caricatures of Prophet Muhammad in a class on freedom of expression. The shocking event stirred the entire country. The teenagers, aged 14 to 15 at the time, could face up to 2.5 years in prison…
The president of Sierra Leone announced that a significant number of leaders involved in an armed attack in the capital have been apprehended, leading to a nationwide curfew. President Julius Maada Bio revealed on national television that security operations and investigations are ongoing following armed clashes in Freetown. The government stated that the unrest stemmed from an attack on a military armoury, which it successfully repelled, asserting control over the situation. Amid months of post-election turmoil in the West African nation, the government assured citizens that it is firmly in control of the security situation in Freetown. Information Minister Chernor…
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, emphasized the significance of impartiality for judges during a special session marking the commencement of a new legal year and the induction of new senior advocates of Nigeria (SAN). Addressing the audience, he stressed the duty of judges to maintain impartiality in their decisions, considering it a fundamental characteristic. Ariwoola, speaking on Monday, urged all judges to uphold impartiality in their judgments, stating, “Needless to say, impartiality is the hallmark of a judge.” He took the opportunity to encourage the legal luminaries, judicial icons, and other distinguished figures in the justice sector to…
UNESCO, which stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, has made a commitment to deal with problems like harassment, violence, and crimes against journalists. From January 2019 to June 2022, they recorded 759 attacks on journalists, including 5 killings, during 89 elections in 70 countries. Dr. Rita Bissounauth, the Liaison Director of UNESCO in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, spoke to African journalists about the dangers they face. She mentioned that journalists are often imprisoned, abused, or even killed while doing their jobs. Stressing the important role journalists play in a democracy, she stated that UNESCO will focus on…
A significant portion of Kabba Central Market in Kogi State suffered a devastating fire in the early hours of Monday, 27 November 2023, resulting in the destruction of goods and properties valued at millions of Naira. The fire, which began around 5 am, quickly engulfed the market’s bustling stalls and shops, causing widespread shock and sorrow among traders and residents. The flames mercilessly consumed numerous businesses, dealing a severe blow to the livelihoods of those who depended on the market. Despite the swift response of sympathizers who rushed to the scene to combat the inferno, the intensity of the fire…
The ECOWAS Court of Justice recently directed the Nigerian government to modify specific parts of the 1992 Nigerian Press Council Act to align with global standards supporting free, diverse, and professional journalism. This decision came after two Nigerian journalists filed a lawsuit, alleging that the government violated their freedom of expression rights by imposing restrictive conditions for journalism practice. The journalists argued that the 1992 Nigerian Press Council Act unfairly discriminated against online and citizen journalists, failing to acknowledge the significance of public interest media. The ECOWAS Court, through Hon Justice Dupe Atoki, the Judge Rapporteur, ruled in favor of…
Russian air defenses intercepted Ukrainian drones in various regions, including Moscow, just a day after Kyiv reported the “largest drone attack” since Moscow invaded Ukraine in February last year. The Russian Ministry of Defence stated on Sunday that air defense successfully destroyed four Ukrainian drones over the Bryansk, Smolensk, and Tula regions. Russia also reported the downing of some drones over the Moscow region. Additionally, the Russian army claimed to have intercepted two Ukrainian missiles over the Sea of Azov, which is situated between the two countries. In response, Ukraine asserted that its air defense had managed to down eight…
The 11th Triennial Delegates Conference of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) concluded in Abuja, culminating in the election of new executives to oversee its operations for the next three years. Following a closely contested election, Aisha Bura secured the position of National President, defeating the incumbent, Ladi Bala. Mike Ikeogwu, the Chairman of the NAWOJ 2023 Electoral Committee, announced Aisha Bura’s victory on Sunday, November 26, 2023, emphasizing that NAWOJ members expressed their preferences through the ballot. Other successful candidates include Lilian Ogabu Okonkwo as Deputy National President, Waslia Ladan as National Secretary, and Aisha Cole as Assistant…
Fahad Shah, a well-known journalist from Kashmir, has been released from jail after spending over 600 days in confinement. The court granted him bail, stating there was insufficient evidence to try him for terrorism. Shah, 34, owns and edits the independent news portal Kashmir Walla, which was banned by the Indian government without declared reasons earlier this year. The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, in its bail order, expressed that the local agency, Special Investigation Agency (SIA), lacked evidence under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), a stringent terror law. The UAPA has faced criticism for being…
Reports by Trendygists stayed that the actor, Sylvester Madi, had been in Bamenda, Cameroon, after local filmmakers invited him to shoot a film called ‘Abakwa.’ However, last night, when Sylvester and his team decided to relax at a leisure spot in Bamenda, chaos broke out as Ambazonia Boys, also known as Amba Boys, caused disturbances. The Amba Boys argued that the owner of the drinking spot brought Sylvester without settling them, leading to a disagreement that escalated into gunfire. Panic spread through the leisure spot, with people seeking cover on the ground. Sylvester sought refuge in the VIP section, hiding…
Between last night and this morning, there were loud gunshots in different areas of Freetown, prompting the government of Sierra Leone to declare a nationwide curfew. A report indicates that a group of armed individuals attacked the military armory in Wilberforce and managed to steal a significant number of weapons. This incident has raised serious security concerns, leading to the implementation of measures such as the curfew to ensure the safety of the people. More details to come soon…..
The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, in a successful operation in Borno State, eliminated more than 100 heavily armed terrorists who were gathered in an isolated location at Tagoshe on the Mandara mountain The terrorists, including key figure Abu Asad from the Ali Ngulde group under Boko Haram, were targeted in the airstrike. According to Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), footage indicated that the terrorists were assembling for either a planned meeting or preparing for a significant attack on troops The heavily armed individuals were observed engaging…
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, stressed the importance of increasing the number of police officers in the country during his visit to the Kwara State Police Command in Ilorin, Kwara State. He expressed concern about the challenging work conditions faced by police personnel, noting that, on average, one policeman performs the duties of two individuals. Egbetokun acknowledged the strain on officers who often transition from night to morning duties, highlighting the unfortunate situation where officers, exhausted from their demanding schedules, may inadvertently doze off in public, becoming subjects of ridicule through shared photographs. Addressing the shortage of manpower,…
On Friday evening, a group of violent bandits wreaked havoc in the Yantu and Ussa local government communities of Taraba state, resulting in the tragic loss of 11 lives. According to local reports, the assailants targeted Rubur Ribasi, Nyicwu, and Ruwah communities in the Yangtu Special Development Area around 6:00 PM, claiming the lives of nine individuals. Additionally, one person fell victim to the attackers in the Tukwog Community along the Takum-Manya road. Yakubu Tinya, who narrowly escaped the assault, recounted the harrowing experience, mentioning that the attackers, some of whom appeared to be Fulanis, descended upon the communities, killing…
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a concerning development in the Democratic Republic of Congo, stating that monkeypox, a disease previously believed to transmit primarily from infected rodents, has now been confirmed to spread through sexual transmission. This revelation comes amid the largest outbreak of monkeypox ever recorded in the country. In a recent statement, WHO disclosed that an individual from Belgium, who identified as a man engaged in same-sex relations, tested positive for monkeypox after traveling to Congo in March. The person had frequented underground clubs catering to gay and bisexual men. This marks the first definitive evidence…
Miss Hope Bitrus, a serving Corps Member in Katsina State, has brought joy to more than 70 less privileged men and women living with disabilities. As part of her Personal Community Development Service (CDS), she organized a training program on menstrual hygiene for over 200 girls in three selected secondary schools in the state capital. The girls received sanitary pads generously provided by the compassionate donor. The impactful event took place at the Pavilion of the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, MD Yusuf Complex, Mani Road, Katsina, on a Friday. Hajiya Aisha Muhammad, the state NYSC Coordinator, expressed her commendation…
Two individuals who held significant positions of authority within the Nigerian military have faced removal from their roles as a consequence of their engagement in acts of theft. The decision to dismiss these high-ranking officers was made in response to their actions, reflecting a commitment to upholding integrity and discipline within the military hierarchy. This course of action underscores the importance placed on maintaining a high standard of conduct and accountability among those entrusted with leadership responsibilities in the Nigerian armed forces. These officers were part of Senior Course 43 at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji.…
The Kaduna State Army Command successfully captured three people who were selling weapons to the well-known terrorist leader, Bello Turji. Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, shared the news on Thursday, November 23, mentioning that the arrests took place in Kaduna from November 14 to 17. According to Buba, these individuals were on their way to deliver weapons and ammunition to Turji in Zamfara state when the army intercepted them. Turji, notorious for serious crimes, including the killing of 200 people in January 2022, had been declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters on November 14, 2022,…
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has expressed concerns regarding the current functioning of Nigeria’s legal system. The forum has articulated apprehensions about the way in which the legal framework in the country is operating as it pertains to the efficacy and fairness of the legal processes and procedures in Nigeria. The NEF is apprehensive about the functionality of the legal system and has highlighted the need for a thorough examination and potential reforms to address these concerns. They are concerned that people might start to doubt if the courts are fair and trustworthy. Professor Ango Abdullahi, who leads the Forum,…
Violent protests broke out in Dublin, Ireland, following a suspected knife attack that left four people, including three young children, injured. The incident occurred outside a school, where a five-year-old girl and a woman in her 30s were seriously injured and receiving emergency treatment. Two other children, a five-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl, suffered less serious injuries. A man in his 50s, believed to be connected to the incident, was detained and hospitalized with serious injuries. The woman injured in the attack reportedly works at the school and cares for the children. Despite the severity of the situation, police…
In the northern regions of Tigray and Amhara in Ethiopia, more than 50 individuals have lost their lives as a result of both a severe drought and a cessation in the provision of essential aid, as reported by local authorities. This distressing situation has been exacerbated by a series of five consecutive unsuccessful rainy seasons experienced in the Horn of Africa since the year 2019. The impact of these climatic challenges, coupled with the disruption in humanitarian assistance, has given rise to a critical humanitarian crisis, leading to significant loss of life and increased vulnerability among the affected populations in…
