The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) has confirmed the disturbing news of the abduction of Assistant Controller Abdulrahman Ibrahim Gelele in Niger State. Gelele, who served within the Niger State command of the service, was reportedly taken by unknown assailants while traveling along the Minna-Ilorin Road on April 17, 2024. Reports indicate that the abductors initially reached out to both Gelele’s family and the NCS command in Minna, establishing contact. However, communications were abruptly severed thereafter, leaving authorities and loved ones anxious and uncertain about his well-being. In an official statement released on Friday, Mohammed Isa, the Comptroller of the NCS…
Author: Hassan Haruna
In the early hours of Friday morning, Maradun town, located in Zamfara state, fell victim to a harrowing invasion by a group of terrorists. The town, which is the headquarters of Maradun Local Government Area, was shaken by the brazen actions of these assailants. Reports indicate that over 50 individuals, predominantly women, were abducted during the raid. Malam Sulaiman Maradun, a resident of the area, recounted the terrifying ordeal in a phone conversation with Newsmen. “As I speak to you now, many people mainly women have been kidnapped by these terrorists during the attack and many of our people have…
The President of the Atlantic Federation of African Press Agencies (FAAPA) Fouad Arif, emphasized the urgent need for collective action to combat the proliferation of fake news across the continent and its detrimental effects. Speaking during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at a training seminar in Rabat, Morocco, themed “Fact-checking Detection of fake news in media content,” Arif stressed the importance of safeguarding both the public and the credibility of mainstream media. Arif, who also serves as the Director General of the Moroccan News Agency, expressed his commitment to collaborating with NAN to tackle the spread…
Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), led the commissioning ceremony of the newly constructed Nigerian Army (NA) Shopping Complex at Bonny Military Cantonment in Lagos, On Thursday, April 25, 2024. In his speech, he praised the innovative efforts of Major General Philip Eromosele, the Commander Corps of Engineers, and the Corps’ officers and soldiers for effectively implementing the COAS’s agenda to improve the welfare of Nigerian Army personnel. He highlighted their remarkable skills and effectiveness in executing various projects for the army and the nation, including road construction, bomb disposal, and recovering improvised explosive devices (IEDs).…
Around 40 police officers who were providing security and assisting in investigations at the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission have been recalled by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. This decision comes amidst ongoing probes into allegations of corruption involving Abdullahi Ganduje, the national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The withdrawal order was issued by the IGP to the State Commissioner of Police, Usaini Gumel. A text message was circulated to the affected officers instructing them to return to the Command headquarters immediately. Those handling high-profile cases were directed to hand over their responsibilities…
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, via its Consulate office in Kano, has generously donated palm dates to various institutions in Kano State. These include Juma’at Mosques, Islamic schools, orphanages, destitutes, and hospitals. The donation, comprising 3,000 cartons of palm dates, was received by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Baffa Bichi, who represented Governor Abba Yusuf at the Government House in Kano. Expressing gratitude on behalf of the state, the SSG thanked the Saudi Arabian government for their humanitarian gesture and ongoing support. “We are grateful to Almighty God for this humanitarian gesture and support we have been getting…
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, who was part of a delegation of Nigerian Governors, spoke at a dialogue on Peace and Security in Nigeria held at the United States Institute of Peace. Mutfwang emphasized the critical need to enhance the strategic partnership between the United States and Nigeria to effectively address the ongoing security challenges affecting certain regions of the country. During his address, he expressed gratitude for the pragmatic leadership approach of President Bola Tinubu, noting the president’s demonstrated political resolve in tackling security issues. The governor also appealed to security agencies to intensify their efforts in fulfilling…
The ongoing conflict between Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) in the Lake Chad Basin has intensified recently, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. Over the past week, clashes between the two rival factions escalated, with more than 100 fighters from both groups losing their lives. The clashes primarily occurred across the riverine islands of the Tumbums, where ISWAP managed to gain ground and dislodge Boko Haram rival factions. ISWAP’s renewed aggression followed the receipt of a fresh supply of weapons from Mali, facilitated through Niger to Dogon Chun Kangarwa. Independent counter-terrorism experts in…
According to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the number of people dying because of terrorism in Nigeria has gone down a lot. Before, about 2,600 people were dying every month because of terrorism, but now it’s less than 200. Ribadu talked about this at a meeting in Abuja where people were discussing how to stop terrorism in Africa. He said that President Bola Tinubu’s government has been working hard to make things safer. Because of their efforts, it’s much harder to get AK-47 guns. These guns used to be sold for less than half a million naira, but now…
The Country Director of Care International Nigeria, Dr. Hussaini Abdul made a compelling case for the Federal Government to institute a comprehensive policy framework aimed at nurturing a savings culture, particularly among women, to strengthen economic resilience At the 2024 National Savings Group Conference in Abuja. In his address, Dr. Abdul emphasized the critical role that savings play in combating poverty, especially in rural areas where financial resources are scarce. He underscored the urgent need to bolster mechanisms for savings groups to encourage broader participation across the country, noting that poverty remains a persistent challenge, particularly in rural communities lacking…
The Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, made a significant visit to the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in Abuja on Monday, where he met with Professor Joseph Utsev, the Minister heading the ministry. The purpose of Governor Zulum’s visit was to initiate collaboration with the federal government aimed at bolstering Borno’s irrigation capabilities and consequently ensuring food security in the state. Acknowledging the adverse impact of insurgency on agricultural activities in Borno, Governor Zulum emphasized the pressing need to revitalize irrigation efforts, particularly in light of the emerging peace in the region. His intention was clear to forge…
The Nigerian Army’s sustained offensive operation to clear out terrorist hideouts in the Timbuktu Triangle, spanning across Borno and Yobe States, has yielded significant success. Through a combination of intense air and artillery strikes, as well as ground combat, the terrorists were forced to abandon their strongholds, fleeing the area. In the wake of their retreat, the troops discovered valuable assets left behind by the terrorists, including an MOWAG Armoured Personnel Carrier, a Canter Truck, and a Tractor. More importantly, they rescued 44 civilians, among them women and children, who had been held captive by the terrorists in the region.…
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) faced a significant challenge when four of its towers along the Jos–Gombe 330 Kilo Volt (kV) transmission line were vandalized on Monday, April 22nd. This unfortunate incident occurred around 3:32 pm, disrupting the crucial flow of electricity. According to Ndidi Mbah, the TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, the trouble began when the transmission line experienced a trip, leading to subsequent attempts by TCN operators to restore service. However, their efforts were thwarted when the line tripped again, necessitating a thorough investigation to identify and rectify the fault. During their investigation, TCN’s engineering…
The Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, issued a directive on Monday while overseeing the ongoing 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory. He emphasized that the minimum age requirement for university admission should be 18, aligning with the 6-3-3-4 education system in Nigeria. Expressing concern, Mamman Condemned parents who pressured their underage children to pursue admission into tertiary institutions prematurely. He highlighted instances where students as young as 15 or 16 are attempting entrance exams, stressing that such pressure often stems from parental influence rather than the students’ understanding of university education. “The minimum age of…
The situation regarding the shortage of essential drugs for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue State has become increasingly concerning, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian conditions in the camps. Despite assurances from the State Government that efforts are underway to address this issue, the reality on the ground remains challenging. Collaborating with key partners such as UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), the State Government acknowledges the pressing need to mitigate the shortage of drugs in the IDP camps. However, the complexity of competing demands and limited resources has hindered swift action. Mrs. Grace Ashi Wende, the Executive Secretary…
The Nigerian government has taken a decisive step toward revitalizing the country’s energy sector by announcing plans to auction off five Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) currently managed by banks and the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON). The announcement came from the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, during an oversight visit to the ministry in Abuja on Monday, April 22. The DisCos up for sale include the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), managed by the United Bank of Africa (UBA); Benin Electricity Distribution Company, under the management of Fidelity Bank; and Kaduna, Kano, and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Companies, which…
Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas, emphasized the National Assembly’s openness to discussing the creation of State Police during a recent national dialogue on security and state policing. Abbas underscored President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to reforming the Nigeria Police Force and the need for comprehensive police reforms. He highlighted the establishment of a Constitutional Review Committee in 2023 to make recommendations for police reform. Abbas stressed the importance of legislative action in addressing immediate needs and future challenges in security law-making. He mentioned the significance of ensuring that any initiative, such as establishing State Policing, adheres to…
In a recent development in the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in Nigeria, the Nigerian Army has uncovered a bakery believed to be operated by the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists. Situated in Maisani within the Timbuktu Triangle of the Damboa Local Government Area in Borno State, the discovery came as a result of diligent work by troops from Operation Lake Sanity III and Operation Hadin Kai. According to insights provided by counter-insurgency expert and security analyst, Zagazola Makama, the bakery’s discovery was a significant achievement, shedding light on the clandestine activities of the terrorist group in the…
The Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, made significant strides in bolstering information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure with the inauguration of the Gajiram ICT Centre. This state-of-the-art facility, unveiled during his visit to Gajiram, offers a glimpse into the governor’s commitment to advancing educational and developmental initiatives within the region. Arriving in Gajiram on Friday, Governor Zulum dedicated his time to overseeing various humanitarian and developmental activities, underlining his hands-on approach to governance. The culmination of these efforts was unveiling the ICT center, a hub equipped with internet facilities and the capacity to host up to 300 trainees across…
Nigerian Army troops recently made a significant discovery in their ongoing efforts against the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) fighters. They uncovered a facility used for the production of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Abulam-BUK, Damboa LGA of Borno state. According to reports from Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, the troops engaged in a clearance operation at the factory, resulting in the elimination of several terrorists. The operation was part of a larger initiative known as Operation Desert Sanity III, a subsidiary of Operation HADIN Kai, which involves Special Forces troops, HYBRID forces, and the Civilian Joint Task…
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a stern ultimatum to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, and all 36 state governors across Nigeria. They’ve been given seven days to provide detailed documentation regarding the expenditure of trillions of naira disbursed through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) since the advent of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic in 1999. SERAP demands that these documents be made widely accessible to the public. This call for transparency comes in the wake of reports indicating staggering disbursements from the FAAC, with a record-breaking N1.123 trillion allocated for March…
Since former President Goodluck Jonathan left office in 2015, Nigeria has battled with a steady rise in the value of the dollar, this surge in the dollar’s value has had far-reaching consequences, impacting nearly every aspect of life in the country. One of the most significant effects has been a staggering 90% increase in inflation, leading to widespread suffering among Nigerians. The escalating price of the dollar has had a particularly pronounced impact on domestically produced goods, such as rice and cement. Despite being locally manufactured in Nigeria, some traders have hinged their pricing on the dollar, inflating the costs of…
The North East Development Commission has taken a significant step towards enhancing healthcare services in Borno State by providing medical supplies valued at over 15 million naira to about 10 medical facilities. This initiative aims to address the healthcare challenges resulting from the prolonged conflict in the region. The Borno State government, recognizing the urgent need to improve healthcare access, has allocated 15% of its budget to the healthcare ministry, demonstrating a commitment to bridging the existing gaps in the sector. The medical consumables, which include essential items for maternal healthcare, will be distributed to ten healthcare centers and the…
In an active effort to maintain peace and security, the Nigerian Army recently conducted successful clearance operations in the states of Borno and Nasarawa. These operations involved thorough searches and cordoning off of areas suspected of harboring terrorists and criminals. On April 19, 2024, troops, in collaboration with a hybrid force, executed a clearance operation in Kana Village, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State. While conducting the operation, troops engaged with terrorists near Nguma Village, resulting in the neutralization of two terrorists. Additionally, the troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, a motorbike, six bicycles, and various other items left behind…
Former Military Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, expressed his concerns regarding the ongoing threat posed by Boko Haram to Nigeria’s stability and development. Speaking at an event in Abuja during the launch of two books authored by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Russia, Professor Abdullahi Y. Shehu, Gowon highlighted the significant impact of Boko Haram on the country since the civil war era. Gowon emphasized that Boko Haram’s emergence has presented a grave challenge to Nigeria’s peace and progress, comparable to the turmoil experienced during the civil war. He reflected on his hope, following the civil war, that Nigeria would not face…
Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Theophilus Y. Danjuma, has strongly criticized the Nigerian government under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership for its failure to address the persistent insecurity plaguing the country. In a speech delivered on Friday during the annual Nwonyo Fishing and Cultural Festival in Taraba State, General Danjuma expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria. He remarked that the current state of insecurity has not only tarnished the country’s reputation globally but has also made it a subject of ridicule among the international community. According to him, “No person or group of persons will want…
Eight individuals suspected of being involved in criminal activities were apprehended while allegedly attempting to disrupt the inauguration ceremony of newly appointed state commissioners at the Kano State Government House. The State Police Commissioner, CP Usaini Gumel, confirmed the arrest and emphasized the seriousness of any attempts to disturb the peace during important government proceedings. CP Gumel issued a stern warning to both troublemakers and those who might be backing them, stressing that anyone found attempting to breach security or disrupt government functions would face the consequences of their actions. He specifically addressed the issue of groups known as “Yan…
The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) expressed its appreciation for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and its effective monetary policies, particularly those that have contributed to stabilizing the naira against other currencies, notably the dollar. This commendation was conveyed in a communique released following the conclusion of its 71st General Church Council, held in Jos from Monday to Friday. Reverend Dr. Stephen Panya, the President of ECWA, presented the communiqué, highlighting the council’s satisfaction with the proactive measures undertaken by the CBN to prevent the devaluation of the naira. The church emphasized the importance of sustaining these efforts to…
During a military airstrike in Dogon Daji village, Maradun LGA of Zamfara, at least 33 residents were reported to have been killed on April 10th. As residents prepared for the Eid-el-Fitr prayer, marking the end of the sacred month of Ramadan, their peaceful morning was shattered by the deafening roar of aircraft engines and the ensuing chaos of explosions. According to reports from Reuters, at least 33 individuals lost their lives during what was purported to be a military airstrike targeting bandits and their suspected hideouts. Lawali Ango, the traditional head of Dogon Daji village, recounted the harrowing moments when…
The Kano State Government, led by Acting Commissioner of Youths and Sports, Hon. Hamza Safiyanu Kachako, has issued a stern directive to Kano Pillars Football Club, amidst their recent struggles in the ongoing 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League season. Concerned over the team’s lackluster performance in recent matches, which has led to a decline in the league standings, Hon. Kachako highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting the team under Governor Abba Yusuf’s leadership. In response to Kano Pillars’ recent setbacks, including a 2-1 defeat to Bendel Insurance of Benin, a 1-2 loss to Shooting Stars at home, and a crushing…
