Mahmud Mamman Nur Albarnawy, the eldest son of Mamman Nur, founder of the Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP), has surrendered to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Maiduguri. Mahmud, 22, surrendered on Sunday, 12 May, 2024 and has been transferred to the Bulunkutu rehabilitation facility for further processing and custody. This information was shared on Tuesday by Zagazola Makama, a counterterrorism and insurgency expert focused on the Lake Chad Basin, through a post on his X account. According to Makama, Mahmud admitted to participating in attacks in Bama, Banki, Gwoza, and several other locations…
Author: Hassan Haruna
The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) are considering escalating their warning strike to a full-scale industrial action. This decision is due to the non-payment of four months’ salaries to their members. Peter Adeyemi, NASU’s General Secretary, informed The Newsmen in Abuja on Monday, that there has been no progress in communication regarding the payment of the outstanding salaries since the unions suspended their warning strike in March. This has led to increased frustration among union members. Adeyemi stated, “Nothing has happened one month after we ended the…
Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, has initiated the upgrade and remodeling of the Panteka market with a groundbreaking ceremony, on Monday. During the event, the governor outlined plans for the new market, which will feature access roads, a clinic, fire service, outdoor toilets, an ICT center, and skill acquisition centers. These additions are expected to create jobs and investment opportunities. He emphasized his commitment to improving the livelihoods of the people and announced that the new Panteka market would also receive transformers to ensure a stable power supply. Professor Idris Bugaje, the executive secretary of the National Board…
A group of armed gunmen ambushed a vehicle carrying Dangote Cement workers, abducting several employees and injuring others, On Monday evening. The incident took place in Okpella, a town in Edo State near Okene in Kogi State, as the workers were returning from their shift. Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers, suspected to be bandits, opened fire on the vehicle, resulting in multiple injuries. However, the exact number of those injured and abducted was unclear as of Monday evening. One witness described the scene, saying, “Our entire staff bus was attacked at Okpella. The kidnappers took our staff. My colleague has…
The Federal Government plans to revamp the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to better align with future needs. Dr. Jamila Ibrahim, the Minister of Youth Development, made this announcement during the first meeting between NYSC management and heads of institutions producing corps members in Abuja on Monday, 13 May, 2024. She mentioned that a team would be set up to review and reform the NYSC, focusing on promoting entrepreneurship and skills development. Additionally, over 5000 corps members will receive funding for their business ventures through the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund program. “Permit me to inform us very briefly that on…
Kano State’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Usaini Gumel, has confirmed that 400 people are being held without case file in the Central Correctional Centre in Kurmawa, Kano. He made this statement during the Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Kano, which had the theme “Turning Point.” On Monday, May 13, 2024. Gumel mentioned several issues surrounding the detainees, including the lack of case files, missing court records, absence of Case Diary, delays in trials without bail, and a shortage of legal professionals to provide free legal services to those arrested or detained. He also noted the lack…
The Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts in the fight against insurgency in Borno State received a significant boost as Alhaji Wosai, a notable commander of Boko Haram Terrorists, surrendered to troops deployed for Operation Hadin Kai in Borno State. Wosai’s surrender follows his escape from the insurgents’ stronghold in Garno village, which has been a hub for various insurgent activities in the region. The development, reported on Sunday, underscores a potential shift in dynamics within the terrorist group as key figures like Wosai option to relinquish his arms to the military. According to security analyst and counter insurgency in lake chad,…
The Members of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) showed their support by paying a condolence visit to Tijani Babangida, the former Super Eagles and Ajax star, who was involved in a tragic car accident recently. Led by President Ibrahim Gusau, the NFF delegation visited Babangida at an Abuja hospital where he is recuperating from injuries sustained in the accident, on Sunday, May 12, 2024 Despite the accident occurring along the Kaduna-Zaria road in Kaduna State, Babangida, who is also the President of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN), was transferred to Abuja for surgery, which he has already undergone.…
A group of 14 students from Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) in Osara, Kogi State, who were kidnapped by bandits during an attack on Thursday night, have been successfully rescued. The Commissioner of Police for the North-Central State, Mr. Bethrand Onuoha, revealed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lokoja. The unfortunate incident occurred while the students were preparing for their first semester examinations scheduled to begin on May 13. However, a joint effort involving security forces and local hunters led to the rescue of the 14 students. It’s worth noting that according to…
A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwagwalada, Abuja, has found Mrs. Ramat Mercy Mba guilty of forging the signature of the late Abba Kyari, former Chief of Staff to former President Muhammadu Buhari, on Sunday. She has been convicted of fraud and forgery charges brought against her by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). Mrs. Mba, a mother of five, was accused of deceitfully taking money from job seekers, promising them employment in government agencies like the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), and ICPC. The counts read: “THAT…
Water scarcity has become a pressing issue in villages and urban centers across Northern Nigeria, particularly in states like Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa, Kano, and Zamfara. The situation is dire, with communities struggling to access clean and reliable water sources. This crisis is not only affecting the daily lives of residents but also posing serious health risks, especially in regions like the North East and parts of the Northwest. Despite having elected officials, including governors, senators, and members of the House of Representatives, the problem of water scarcity persists without significant intervention. Cities like Maiduguri continue to face chronic water…
Major General AE Abubakar, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), stressed the importance of dialogue and education for locals to achieve lasting peace in Plateau State. He mentioned engaging stakeholders, holding town hall meetings, organizing dialogues, sporting events, and educating people in troubled areas as effective methods to bring communities together for peaceful coexistence. He welcomed Plateau State Peace Building Agency’s initiative to establish peace desks in troubled areas, which would improve information flow and enhance military operations, on Friday. He also highlighted the Nigerian Army’s non-violent efforts like rebuilding schools…
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adamawa/Taraba Area Command, Yola, has reported a series of successful interceptions of premium motor spirit (PMS) being smuggled into Cameroon, on Saturday. Over the past two weeks, they seized PMS worth over N10 million, attributing the success to collaboration, effective border management, intelligence sharing, and the dedication of their officers. Comptroller Garba Bature Bashir expressed satisfaction with the efforts of the Command in combating smuggling activities. He highlighted the interception of PMS destined for Cameroon, emphasizing the absence of apprehended suspects who fled upon interception. The seized items include 12,435 liters of PMS stored in…
The Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, issued a stern warning to those inciting conflict, emphasizing that his administration would take decisive action against offenders. This caution comes on Saturday after a period of relative peace and harmony in the state since he assumed office. During a meeting with the new leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kaduna, Governor Sani commended the collaborative efforts of both Islamic and Christian groups, highlighting their role in promoting unity. He urged religious leaders to actively promote peace and unity among their followers, acknowledging their significant influence in society. Governor Sani…
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Galadima Ward in Gusau Local Government area of Zamfara state has announced the suspension of the state party Chairman, Tukur Danfulani. The ward’s executive officers made this announcement at a press conference in Gusau, the capital city of Zamfara state, on Saturday. Sixteen out of the twenty-seven Ward officials who signed for the suspension cited poor leadership quality and other misconduct as reasons for the suspension. They accused Danfulani of causing disunity within the party, leading to the emergence of two factions in the state, which they fear could harm the party’s prospects. “We, the…
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has announced that the Federal Government plans to introduce Citizenship Studies as a core subject across all levels of education in Nigeria. The Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, revealed this during a Town Hall Meeting with stakeholders in Lokoja, on Saturday. He emphasized the importance of engaging stakeholders to discuss government policies and activities, as mandated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The introduction of Citizenship Studies aims to instill the right values and character traits in every Nigerian child. “It will become a compulsory subject at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of education. “…
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Friday, inaugurated a Lithium processing factory, built by a Chinese firm, Avatar New Energy Materials Company Limited, in collaboration with the Nasarawa State Government. The President was represented by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio. The commissioning ceremony, held in Kama Otto, Nasarawa Local Government Area, was attended by various dignitaries including the Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, his Kogi State counterpart, Governor Usman Ododo, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, federal lawmakers, former state leaders, and traditional rulers. In his speech, Tinubu highlighted the importance of the Lithium Company in fostering partnerships between…
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos intercepted fake $1.2 million notes, 148 drones, and five cryptocurrency machines which they handed over to the Economic Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) Speaking at the handover ceremony to the EFCC, Charles Orbih, the customs area commander, stated that these items were confiscated between January and April. Orbih emphasized that the seized items were promptly handed over to the appropriate authorities in Lagos, as directed by Bashir Adeniyi, the comptroller-general of customs. In addition to the drones and cryptocurrency machines, the NCS also delivered 112 pieces of military hardware and…
Members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly have strongly condemned a rumored plan to negotiate with bandits in the state. Their stance was expressed in a statement by the House Chief Press Secretary, Bello Kurya Madora on Friday. The statement emphasized that efforts to seek peace and reconciliation with the bandits were deemed ineffective. The lawmakers criticized those advocating for such negotiations, accusing them of pursuing political and self-serving interests. The debate stemmed from a Notice of Public Importance presented by the Majority Whip, Honourable Rilwanu Marafa Nagambo, representing Anka. Nagambo raised concerns about reports indicating individuals engaging in…
Former Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has been chosen to chair the inaugural International Africa Day celebration set for May 25, 2024. The event, hosted by The Pan African Dialogue Institute (TPADI), marks Nigeria’s first edition to honor Africa’s ongoing battle against neocolonialism, exploitation, and challenges. Dr. Effiong Joseph Udo, President of TPADI, emphasized the significance of the Africa Day celebration in raising awareness among Africans, urging self-love, and resisting Western neocolonialism. An International Conference on ‘Dialogue and Pan Africanism’ will be held from May 23 to 26, 2024, in conjunction with the University of Uyo’s Centre for Deep Dialogue…
Sokoto United Football Club has suspended their head coach, Mansur Abdullahi, due to disagreements with the club’s management, on Friday. Abdullahi, who took on the coaching role at the start of the 2024 Nigeria National League (NNL) season, found himself at odds with the club’s leadership, leading to his suspension. His last appearance overseeing the team was during a President Federation Cup Round of 64 match. As Sokoto United prepares for upcoming fixtures, including a Round of 32 encounter against NNL side Nasarawa United, and participation in the NNL Super Eight playoff, the management has opted to make changes at…
Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello’s request to cancel the arrest warrant issued against him by the Federal High Court in Abuja has been denied by Justice Emeka Nwite, on Friday. The judge stated that Bello’s refusal to appear for arraignment in a criminal case showed contempt for the court and thus, he wasn’t eligible for leniency. The court stressed that Bello’s repeated avoidance of appearing in court demonstrated disrespect for the legal process. The application to revoke the arrest warrant was dismissed due to its lack of merit, with the court asserting that Bello couldn’t expect the court to…
Two Boko Haram Terrorists have surrendered themselves to Operation Hadin Kai troops stationed in Borno state, Nigeria. Identified as Awana Kurama and Tahir Isa, these insurgents voluntarily relinquished their weapons to the army forces. Their surrender occurred after they fled their camp located in Bahrain village within the Sambisa Forest. The surrender took place under the jurisdiction of the 21 Armored Brigade based in Bama, with the event unfolding on Thursday, May 9, 2024. According to Zagazola Makama, a Counterinsurgency Expert and Security Analyst specializing in the Lake Chad region, the surrendered individuals were in possession of one AK-47 rifle…
The Nigerian Army has officially handed over Lydia Simon, one of the Chibok schoolgirls and three children abducted by Boko Haram terrorists a decade ago to the Borno government. The operation was carried out by troops from the 7 Division Operation Hadin Kai in the Mandara Mountains, a known stronghold of the terrorist group. Lydia Simon, who was taken from the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok along with 275 other girls in 2014, was found with her three children during the operation. Major General Wahidi Shuibu, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, while presenting Ms. Simon to journalists…
The Nigerian military’s Operation Hadin Kai, in Maiduguri, Borno State, apprehended Lance Corporal Mubarak Yakubu for an alleged offense of stealing ammunition. The arrest occurred during a routine search operation conducted by the 7 Division Military Police K9 Team at the Borno express Terminal in Maiduguri on Thursday. According to security sources, Lance Corporal Yakubu was found in possession of a substantial amount of ammunition. Specifically, he was allegedly carrying 756 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition and 4 x 36 Hand Grenades. These items were reportedly concealed inside a small bag of rice. Zagazola Makama, a reliable source within…
The Defence Headquarters organized a human rights lecture for troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) to prevent any violations of civilians’ rights by troops and other personnel involved in the operation, on Thursday in Jos. Major General AE Abubakar, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation SAFE HAVEN, emphasized the importance of such training in his opening remarks. He highlighted that troops operating within the OPSH Joint Operations Area regularly receive training on human rights management from both military institutions and civil society organizations. “These trainings are crucial as troops often engage with civilians during…
The Federal Government has caught several prisoners who escaped from the Suleja Custodial Centre last month when heavy rain caused the perimeter fence to collapse. The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this announcement while inspecting security projects at the Medium Security Custodial facility in Kuje, Abuja, on Thursday, May 9, 2024. Over 115 inmates fled during the incident. The minister reassured the public that measures are being implemented to improve infrastructure and security procedures at all correctional facilities across the country to prevent similar breaches in the future. More Details to Follow!!!!!!!!
Former Aviation Minister, Hadi Abubakar Sirika, appeared in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Thursday, where he denied allegations of corrupt practices involving approximately N4.135 billion, brought against him by the federal government. Sirika, along with his daughter Fatima, his son-in-law Jalal Sule Hamma, and a firm named Al Buraq Global Investment Limited, were arraigned before Justice Sylvanus Oriji. Both Sirika’s daughter and son-in-law pleaded not guilty to the six-count charges presented to them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on behalf of the federal government. Following their denial of the fraud charges, their…
Former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, along with his daughter, Fatima, has arrived at the Federal High Court in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. They are facing charges related to an alleged N2.7 billion fraud connected to the failed Nigerian Air project. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought six charges against the former minister, his daughter, and two others. The charges claim that Sirika unlawfully favored certain entities in Abuja between April 2022 and March 2023. According to the anti-graft agency, Sirika is accused of abusing his authority by awarding a N1.3 billion consultancy contract for the…
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign former Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Hadi Sirika, alongside his daughter Fatima, and two others for an alleged fraud amounting to N2.7 billion related to the Nigerian Air project, today May 9, 2024. The arraignment is scheduled to take place before Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja. According to the charges filed by the EFCC, Sirika is accused of using his position to confer undue advantage on certain entities between April 2022 and March 2023 in Abuja. Specifically, he…
