Muhammed Babandede, a former Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, has urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to consider involving retired military and security officers in tackling insecurity, particularly the threats posed by bandits and Boko Haram. Speaking in Abuja during the 21st anniversary of the Peace Building Development Consult, where a book launch and awards were held, Babandede emphasized the need to use the expertise of retired but capable officers. He pointed out that the government invests heavily in training these officers, yet many are retired at ages 50 or 55 and are left idle. “We should create think-tanks in…
Author: Hassan Haruna
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested a Nigerian man, Ebuka Iwuagwu, who lives in Atlanta, for allegedly defrauding the U.S. government and multiple individuals in a large-scale scam involving COVID-19 relief funds and romance fraud. According to court documents obtained by Peoples Gazette, Mr. Iwuagwu, 39, was indicted on April 2 at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. He faces eight counts of money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering. He was arrested on Monday after FBI agents connected him to four complaints related to romance scams that occurred between March and May…
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for an immediate end to the ongoing violence and killings across the country. The Union expressed serious concern over the rising bloodshed, warning that it threatens Nigeria’s stability and unity. In a statement, NUJ National Secretary, Achike Chude, condemned the widespread violence in states like Edo, Benue, Plateau, Zamfara, Kaduna, Borno, Imo, and Ondo. He described the killings as a clear sign that Nigeria’s social and political structures are under serious threat. “These constant and brutal killings show the current state of insecurity in the country,” Chude said. “They also reveal the…
A well-known thug and suspected armed robber, Baba Beru, who had been terrorizing residents of Gwammaja and nearby areas in Kano, was killed on Tuesday during a clash with the police. According to eyewitnesses and security sources, the incident happened during a routine police operation. When officers tried to arrest him, Baba Beru reportedly pulled out a knife and tried to attack them. The police responded with gunfire, killing him on the spot. His death brought an end to months of fear in the area. Many local residents, who described him as a violent criminal involved in robberies and street…
Gunmen have reportedly killed a herder named Hamza Sulaiman in the Shen community of Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State. According to Garba Abdullahi, Chairman of the Gan Allah Fulani Development Association (GAFDAN), the attack happened around 12:30 p.m. on Monday while six herders were out grazing cattle. In addition to Hamza’s death, three cows and several sheep were also killed. Jafar Jibrin Bayero, Hamza’s uncle, said his nephew’s body was later discovered in a shallow grave. Hamza was laid to rest in Dadin Cowa after funeral prayers. Fulani leaders have condemned the attack, called for justice, and urged…
Hundreds of protesters under the Concerned Citizens Against Corruption have stormed the office of the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, demanding the prosecution of former NNPCL CEO Mele Kyari. They called for a full investigation into NNPCL’s transactions over the past five years, particularly the controversial spending on refinery rehabilitation. Despite Kyari’s removal by President Tinubu on April 2, 2025, the group expressed disappointment over the lack of follow-up action. They urged the government to recover public funds and prevent future mismanagement.
Nigerian journalist Livinus Chibuike Victor has set a new Guinness World Record for the longest interview marathon, holding 75 hours of non-stop conversations in Abuja. The previous record was 55 hours and 24 seconds, set by Clara Chizoba Kronborg. The event took place at Harrow Park Golf Club in Nigeria’s capital with the theme “Nigeria Our Strength.” It began at 12:20 PM on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, and ended at 3:40 PM on Sunday, April 20, 2025. For three days and three nights, Chibuike conducted back-to-back interviews, surpassing the minimum required 72 hours and 30 seconds to set the new…
The Presidency has blamed state governors for the growing insecurity in the country, accusing them of misusing their security votes and failing to support federal security agencies properly. Daniel Bwala, the Presidential Adviser on Policy Communication, made these comments on Monday during an interview on TVC’s Beyond the Headlines, as public concern increases over ongoing violence in states like Plateau, Benue, and Enugu. Bwala criticized some governors for giving as little as N20 million monthly to key security agencies like the DSS, police, and army, despite having security votes ranging from N1 billion to N3 billion. “Where is all that…
A devastating fire broke out on Monday at an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Damasak, Borno State, leaving many families homeless and destroying numerous makeshift shelters. According to eyewitnesses, the blaze ignited in the early hours and rapidly engulfed the camp, fueled by strong winds and the flammable materials used in the construction of the tents. While no fatalities have been officially reported at the time of this report, residents say the fire has stripped many of the few possessions they had left. The exact cause of the incident is yet to be determined. However, emergency response teams have…
At least six people were killed on Monday evening when a group of terrorists attacked Ilesha Baruba in the Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State. According to sources, the attackers were heavily armed and dressed in what looked like Nigerian Army uniforms. They launched the deadly assault shortly after the Isha’i evening prayer. Eyewitnesses said the terrorists arrived on motorcycles through the main highway that connects the town to the state capital, carrying sophisticated weapons. Their military-style uniforms caused confusion and fear among residents, raising concerns about impersonation and how they obtained the gear. A video shows the lifeless…
Nearly a year after their appointments, most of the aides appointed by Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas have yet to receive any salaries or allowances. Governor Kefas began announcing the appointments through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Gibon Kataps, on June 19, 2024. The first list included 134 names, followed by another 61 on June 25. Additional names were released afterward, bringing the total number of appointees comprising Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, and Special Assistants to 1,764. Although the aides were officially inaugurated on February 25, 2025, and completed their documentation two days later, most have…
Charles Okah, a high-profile inmate at Maiduguri’s Maximum Security Custodial Centre, is in critical condition following a suspected bomb explosion in his cell late Sunday night, April 20. The blast, believed to be an assassination attempt, left Okah unconscious with severe smoke inhalation and possible burns. He is currently receiving emergency treatment, with plans to move him to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. Sources link the incident to a letter Okah allegedly wrote, exposing staged prison deaths and corruption. Security footage may have captured the perpetrator. Authorities have yet to release an official statement as investigations continue.
Protests broke out in Jos, the capital of Plateau State, on Monday morning following continued attacks and killings of local residents by gunmen suspected to be Fulani militants. The demonstration was led by Christian leaders, including the state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Polycarp Lubo. It began at Fwavwei Junction, blocking the road, causing heavy traffic, and leaving many commuters stranded. This protest comes as violence has intensified in the region, with over 100 people reportedly killed in the Bokkos and Bassa local government areas over the past two weeks. Details later
Mrs. Shimite Bello Love (née Nwakalo), Special Adviser to the Delta State Governor on Trade and Export, has died under suspicious circumstances, allegedly due to poisoning on Easter Sunday. Known as “Madam Sabificate,” she reportedly foamed at the mouth before being rushed to St. Luke’s Hospital, Asaba, where she was pronounced dead. Her husband, Pastor David Favour Love, has been arrested by police following allegations from family members who accuse him of isolating, controlling, and possibly hypnotizing her. The late adviser was also the CEO of the Quintessential Group and a former Executive Secretary of the Delta State MSME Agency.…
As the rainy season approaches, anxiety is growing across Nigeria due to the increasing threat of severe flooding. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) has issued early warnings, alerting that more than 30 states are likely to experience significant flooding this year. This warning comes on the heels of devastating floods in past years, especially the tragic events in Maiduguri, Borno State, where over a million people were affected. Many residents lost their homes, livelihoods, and, sadly, even their lives. Unfortunately, despite the magnitude of the previous disasters, not much has changed to prevent a repeat. The damage caused by last…
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has advised President Bola Tinubu not to be misled by recent endorsements from former governors of Nasarawa and Katsina States, Tanko Al-Makura and Aminu Bello Masari, along with some members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). In an interview with Newsmen on Saturday, Lawal said many CPC members and northern political stakeholders do not support Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. Instead, he said they are backing a growing coalition aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Lawal, a founding member of the CPC and a…
Operatives of the Maiduguri Police Crack Squad, also known as “Crack” or “SARS,” from the Borno State Police Command, are reportedly searching for a social critic, Ahmed Mohammed Adumi, after he publicly criticized some state government officials. Adumi, who lives at No. 24 Damasak Street in the Kumshe area of Maiduguri, raised the alarm on social media, claiming he received information that officers from the unit were planning to arrest him. “I was just informed that some officers from the Maiduguri Police Crack Squad are allegedly planning to arrest me because I openly and lawfully criticized some government officials in…
The Commissioner of Police in Jigawa State, Mr. Ahmadu Abdullahi, held a strategic security meeting with heads of security agencies and the chairmen of all 27 local governments in the state. This was announced in a statement released on Friday night in Dutse by the police command’s spokesperson, SP Lawan Shiisu. He explained that the meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration between different security agencies and gain more support for the state’s security operations. According to Shiisu, the meeting served as a platform for all key stakeholders to review current security challenges and work together on finding effective solutions. The Commissioner…
A mysterious disease outbreak has pushed many poultry farmers in Maiduguri, Borno State, into financial crisis, with several struggling to recover their losses and keep their businesses afloat. The outbreak, which started in February, led to the death of thousands of chickens despite farmers’ efforts to prevent the spread by improving hygiene and culling sick birds. “I lost 32 chickens,” said Sadiq Bukar, owner of Ibn Bukar Farm Centre. “Despite culling and trying to save the rest, too many died.” Mr. Bukar said the deaths began on the third day of the outbreak and continued until the 21st day, during…
Amnesty International Nigeria has raised concerns about the rising violence in Plateau State, blaming the government for failing to stop the bloodshed and hold those responsible accountable. In a statement posted on X Media on Friday, the global human rights group urged President Bola Tinubu to take immediate and serious action to stop the violence. The organization condemned the repeated killings in Plateau, saying justice has not been served for the victims. It recalled the tragic attacks that happened between December 23 and 25, 2023 just before Christmas when more than 140 people were killed in coordinated attacks on several…
The Borno State Traffic Management Agency (BOTMA) has restated its commitment to enforcing the standard size for tricycle body numbers across the state. This follows a recent protest by some tricycle riders in Maiduguri, on Thursday. Speaking at the BOTMA headquarters, the General Manager, Engr. Baba Shehu Tijjani, explained that the regulation is meant to enhance public safety and make it easier to identify tricycles, especially in cases of theft, phone snatching, or other crimes. He stated that since BOTMA was established in 2020 by the Borno State Government, tricycle operators have been required to display a standardized body number,…
As Christians in Nigeria and around the world get ready to celebrate Easter 2025, the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has sent his warm Easter greetings to the Christian community. He highlighted the importance of Easter as a time of hope, renewal, and sacrifice, and encouraged Christians to reflect on these values while promoting peace, unity, and goodwill in their communities. To ensure the safety of everyone during the celebrations, the IGP has directed all Commissioners of Police and their supervising Assistant Inspectors-General of Police to strengthen security across the country. This includes increased police presence, extra vigilance,…
The Jigawa State Government has introduced a new scholarship program under the “Danmodi Students Care” initiative to support hundreds of underprivileged students, especially those studying courses that require significant financial investment. At the official launch of the 2025 Special Scholarship for Undergraduates on Thursday, Governor Umar Namadi said the initiative is meant to complement the state’s regular scholarship program, which already supports thousands of students. He shared that in 2024, his administration increased the annual scholarship allowance by 150%, now covering at least 50% of students’ registration fees. Governor Namadi highlighted his commitment to human capital development, particularly in education…
The Borno State government has expressed concern over the presence of foreign terrorists within its borders. Usman Tar, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, made the statement during an interview on News Central in Maiduguri on Thursday. He explained that some members of Boko Haram are not Nigerians, but come from neighboring countries like Mali and Burkina Faso. “These are the foreigners we’re talking about militants who have joined Boko Haram from other countries,” Tar said. He emphasized that managing the country’s borders is the responsibility of the federal government, noting that the military, police, immigration, and other security…
Unknown attackers armed with cutlasses and guns reportedly stormed the family home of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in the early hours of Tuesday. The incident took place in the Obeiba-Ihima area of Okehi Local Government Area, Kogi State. According to intelligence sources, the senator’s Chief Security Officer, Yakubu Ovanja, reported the incident to security forces on Thursday. He said the attack happened around 1:00 a.m. and involved at least three armed men who damaged the building and broke several windows. After receiving a distress call, security personnel from the Okehi Division quickly arrived at the scene. No injuries were reported, and…
The Niger/Kogi Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 500 gallons and two drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at the Agwara-Babana border in Niger State. Kehinde Ejibunu, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Finance, Administration, and Special Duties, announced the seizure while presenting the items to journalists in Minna on Wednesday. He credited the successful operation to collaboration with other security agencies and active engagement with local communities and stakeholders. “This seizure was made possible through cooperation with other security services and local stakeholders,” he said. Ejibunu explained that the seized fuel—12,500 litres in…
The Niger State Government has announced plans to sponsor 2,000 students to study medical-related courses in health institutions across Nigeria. Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago made this known while receiving the management team of Mercy Medical University, Iwo, Osun State, on a courtesy visit to the Government House in Minna, on Wednesday. He emphasized that his administration is committed to improving the state’s healthcare sector by addressing the shortage of health workers, especially in Primary Health Centres. As part of this initiative, 250 students will be sent to Mercy Medical University under a partnership agreement between the State Government and the…
Due to a sharp increase in banditry, terrorism, and insurgency in northern Nigeria, the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Muhammadu Yahaya, is working with other governors in the region to develop a joint strategy to tackle the crisis. On Monday, gunmen attacked Zike and Kimakpa communities in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing 51 people, including an entire family of eight. This came just under two weeks after another deadly attack in Bokkos LGA left 52 people dead, with homes burned, property destroyed, and many injured. In another incident on Tuesday evening, the death toll from…
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has expressed serious concern over the growing cases of drug abuse, prostitution, and other social issues at the Muna Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Borno State. At a town hall meeting held on Wednesday with over 9,000 households in the camp, NEMA’s North-East Zonal Coordinator, Abdullahi Sirajo, called on parents and community leaders to work together with authorities to tackle the increasing problems. “Our meeting was very productive. We talked about how to reduce drug use among young people, prostitution, security threats, and other related challenges,” Sirajo said. He added that several action…
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said that financial crimes, poor governance, and weak systems of accountability are helping violent groups to thrive in Nigeria. The EFCC warns that these issues are having serious effects on the country’s security and economy. In a paper titled “Violent Non-State Actors in Security Management: Issues, Challenges and Prospects for Peace and Development in Africa EFCC Perspective,” EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede explained that groups like insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, separatist movements, and cybercriminals pose a major threat to Nigeria’s peace and unity. He said their actions are damaging the country’s economy, political stability,…
