John Shiklam in Kaduna

Following the killing of 20 soldiers in Niger State last Tuesday, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) yesterday called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in northern Nigeria over the unabating insecurity.

The elders also condemned the killing of over 20 soldiers in Bangi, Mariga Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State.

In a statement issued by the spokesperson, Prof. Abubakar Jiddere, NEF expressed pain over the brutal killing of the soldiers in an ambush by terrorists, describing the incident as a total collapse of security in Northern Nigeria.

Jiddere said the boldness demonstrated by the terrorists is an indication of declaring war against Nigeria, and added that northern Nigeria is under siege.
He said: “More than 20 uniformed men, defenders of the nation, were slaughtered like animals by a gang of well-armed terrorists who launched a brazen, coordinated ambush that completely overwhelmed the base.

“This is not just an attack, it is a declaration of war against the Nigerian state, and the state is losing.

“This barbaric assault is only the latest chapter in the ongoing bloodbath that has turned Northern Nigeria into a war zone throughout June 2025.
“From Benue to Plateau, from Kwara to Kaduna, and from Zamfara to Sokoto, Borno, and now Niger, what we are witnessing is not mere insecurity, it is an unrelenting campaign of terror, mass murder, and state failure.

“Entire communities are being wiped out, homes torched, lives shattered, and still, the killers roam freely, unchallenged, and unpunished.

“The truth is stark and undeniable: the Nigerian government has failed abysmally and consistently in its constitutional duty to protect lives and property.
“The North is drowning in blood, its people abandoned, while the security forces either cannot respond or are completely absent.

“The Northern Elders Forum will no longer accept hollow condolences, tired speeches, or sterile press releases. Nigerians deserve visible, aggressive, and accountable action now.

“If the federal government continues to delay, deflect, or downplay this crisis, the Nigerian people will have no choice but to believe, rightly or wrongly, that this inaction is willful, or worse, complicit.

“The Forum demands the immediate declaration of a state of emergency on security across Northern Nigeria.

“This must be followed by decisive, joint military and intelligence operations with the sole objective of locating and eliminating every single terrorist and armed group threatening our people, regardless of who shelters them or where they operate.

“The blood of Northern Nigerians is not cheap. Our soldiers are not cannon fodder. Our citizens will not continue to die silently while a complacent government watches from a distance.

“The NEF warns in the clearest possible terms that the continued federal inaction will provoke open resistance. “The patience of our people has run out. The legitimacy of any government that cannot or will not protect its citizens is gone. Enough is enough. We will not be silent. The North will not kneel before terror.”

*Commends DSS DG for building Tinubu Darul’Ilm Centre for Islamic Studies in Kaduna

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar III, yesterday urged Nigerians to de-emphasise religious and ethnic differences and work together for the development of the country.

The Sultan made the commendation at the inauguration of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Darul’Ilm Centre for Islamic Studies in Kaduna.

The facility was built and donated to the Danbushiya community by the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Tosin Ajayi.
Sultan Abubakar said the problems facing Nigerians are surmountable if Nigerians work together.

“The coming together of people of different faiths and ethnicities will help bridge the gaps of disunity and de-emphasise the problems of this country.
“We believe in our country, we believe in our ability to surmount all problems. When you have challenges and you overcome those challenges, they make you move forward.  We are going through difficult times in this country, but we are not the only ones.

There are so many countries going through difficult times, but we believe that there are no problems that cannot be surmounted…” he said
Speaking further, the Sultan said continuous interaction among Nigerians would reduce the problems of religious differences to the barest minimum.
He said: “The coming together of people of different faiths and ethnicities will help bridge the gaps of disunity and de-emphasize the problems of this country.
The monarch noted that the ability of other nations to overcome their differences was responsible for their economic development and greatness.
Sultan Abubakar also commended President Bola Tinubu for promoting religious tolerance in Nigeria, adding that the president’s effort was responsible for the economic gains recorded across the country.

He also hailed the president for appointing Ajayi as the DG of the DSS, stressing that the appointment has helped the president build several bridges of cooperation across the country.

The monarch said the decision of Ajayi, “a Christian,” to build an Islamic school for orphans and the less privileged, was an enduring legacy that would be remembered.

He described the project as “a big statement” and urged Nigerians to emulate him.

“Doing things like this will make Nigeria a better place,” the Sultan said.

“The presence of heads of sister security agencies here today shows the synergy amongst our security services and the trust they have in Tosin Ajayi,” the Sultan said.

Speaking earlier, Ajayi, who was represented by a retired director of the DSS, Alhaji Ahmed Zalmar, said the idea of building the school started years ago when he served in Kaduna State.

According to him, the law establishing the DSS empowers it to prevent five major threats to internal security namely espionage, insurgency, sabotage, subversion, and terrorism.

He said he identified education as a key method of dousing discontent among the population.

According to him, “The latest of such is the building and donation of the well-furnished modern Islamic school with support from my friends and associates, which also reflects the core mandate of President Tinubu.

“It is also part of my policies to improve the nation’s internal security architecture through conventional and non-conventional engagements.”

He said he chose to channel his support for the well-being of vulnerable and needy groups through several social projects, including the building of schools, places of worship, and sports centres, among others.

Ajayi explained that he had never used operational funds or budgetary provisions for the philanthropic gestures aimed at winning the hearts of vulnerable populations toward defeating insurgency and terrorism.

“I have always channeled parts of Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) and other financial support from stakeholders for such purposes,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, who was accompanied by his Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, stressed the importance of education to Nigeria’s future.

He lauded  President Tinubu’s support for faith-based education initiatives and the school feeding programme.

Edun said, “By 2050, 25 per cent of the global workforce will be African, with many from Nigeria”.

He maintained that despite challenges facing the country, progress was evident in economic growth, increasing foreign reserves, stabilising inflation, and decreasing food and energy prices.

John Shiklam in Kaduna

Operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command have arrested an impostor who used social media to threaten reprisals over the killing of travellers in Uromi, Edo State.

Spokesperson of the command, DSP Mansir Hassan, in a statement explained that “the attention of Kaduna State Police Command has been drawn to a comment made on a Facebook post credited to one Hadaina Hussaini (Dan-taki), which has been making rounds on various social media platforms with the caption ‘Kaduna Police Officer Threatens Retaliation Against Southerners in Uromi Killings’.

“To set the record straight, Hadian Hussaini is neither a member of the Nigeria Police Force nor personnel of Kaduna State Police Command,” the statement said.
“It is pertinent to note that his picture captured on Police Uniform as displayed on the social media, which is an improper dressing, is that of him when he was a member of the Police Special Constabulary attached to Kaduna State Constabulary Office, but was dismissed from the voluntary outfit two years ago due to his questionable character.

“As such, members of the general public are advised to carefully observe the identity card attached to the uniform which contains the word ‘PSC/KD’ meaning Police Special Constabulary. Similarly, the pictures of him in uniform were posted on the Facebook platform two years ago, prior to his dismissal.”

The command said the suspect was arrested and would be charged to court upon the completion of preliminary investigations following extant laws.

“The state command however wishes to state categorically that, the Nigeria Police Force is a disciplined and regimented organisation committed to upholding law and order, and would not condone any form of incitement, hate speech, or threat to the peace and harmony of our dear country.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabi’u Muhammad wishes to once again call on members of the general public to remain calm and continue to report suspicious incidents of this nature to the police,” the statement added.

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Secretary General of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop David Bakare, has appealed to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa state, to pardon Sunday Jackson, the farmer sentenced to death for killing a Fulani herder in self-defence.

Speaking in an interview on Tuesday in Kaduna, Bakare pleaded with the governor to have mercy on  Jackson in the spirit of love.

“There are many reasons why we feel the judgement should be better,  but the Supreme Court has acted supremely,  but the governor should act by the mercy that is supreme over judgment.

“He should grant Jackson pardon in the spirit of love and for the fact that all of us are pleading for mercy from God,” Bakare stated.

On March 7, the Supreme Court upheld a ruling which sentenced Jackson to death for killing his attacker in self-defence. Jackson was reportedly cultivating his farm when the herder, armed with a knife, attacked him and stabbed him.

He was said to have overpowered his aggressor in self-defence, resulting in the herder’s death.

But in a ruling in 2021, an Adamawa high court sentenced Jackson to death for murder. The court held that Jackson had the opportunity to escape rather than stab his attacker.

Jackson’s counsel, Emmanuel Ogebe, an international human rights lawyer, had in an interview on Arise TV, criticised the judgment of the apex court, saying the world should be alarmed by “this very unfortunate precedence ”.

Ogebe recounted how he took on the case to defend the accused after recognising it as a clear case of self-defence. “This is really a sad day for Nigerians and their rights to self-defence,” he said.

•Police intercept 488 live rounds in Abuja 

•FG commences training of 800 armed personnel in special operations

John Shiklam in Kaduna and Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Nigerian Air Force yesterday said the air component of Operation Hadin Kai (AC OPHK), has executed devastating airstrikes on a terrorist enclave, north of Chiralia, a known hideout within the notorious ‘Timbuktu Triangle.’

A statement by Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Grp Capt. Kabiru Ali, said the precision airstrikes conducted over the weekend, resulted in the neutralisation of multiple terrorists and the destruction of three terrorist gun trucks, significantly disrupting terrorists’ activities in the region.

In another security related development, as part of a coordinated effort to dismantle bandits’ illicit networks across the federation, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, yesterday intercepted 488 AK-47 live rounds of ammunition in Nyanya, Abuja.

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Command, Josephine Adeh, a Superintendent of Police, said the interception was part of the command’s unwavering commitment to public safety and proactive crime prevention.  She also disclosed that the gunrunner transporting the ammunition had been apprehended.

“The operation was initiated following actionable intelligence from ground troops, which tracked three terrorist gun trucks moving from Sabon Gari toward Chiralia.

“Responding swiftly, the Air Component deployed fighter jets for an Air Interdiction (AI) mission. Upon arrival at the target location, NAF pilots identified multiple terrorists and their three gun trucks concealed under trees.

“With precision and lethality, the NAF aircraft engaged the targets, unleashing rockets and cannons that obliterated two of the vehicles. As the insurgents attempted to reposition the third gun truck, a follow-up strike was executed, destroying it completely.

“The overwhelming firepower set all targeted vehicles ablaze, while scores of terrorists attempting to flee were neutralized in the aftermath,” the Air Force stated.

Ali said that this decisive operation underscored the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering commitment to dismantling terrorist networks, denying insurgents freedom of movement, and providing critical air support to ground forces.

He said that with sustained air superiority, the NAF remains resolute in its counterterrorism efforts, ensuring that insurgents find no safe haven while reinforcing security and stability across the North-East.

Meanwhile, Adeh said: “Acting in synergy with officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), police operatives from the Nyanya Division, FCT Command, tracked and arrested Nuhu Aminu, a 32-year-old man from Katsina State, at the Nyanya bus terminal on 24 March 2025.

“The suspect was caught in possession of 488 AK-47 live rounds of ammunition, ingeniously concealed in two 25-litre jerrycans filled with palm oil to evade detection.

“Upon interrogation, Aminu confessed that he was recruited by one Yakubu Kachalla of Funtua, Katsina State, who allegedly paid him N100,000 to collect the illegal cargo from an unidentified contact in Nasarawa State and deliver it to Katsina.”

Adeh stated that this arrest highlighted the relentless efforts of the FCT Police Command in dismantling criminal networks and preventing the proliferation of illegal arms that fuel violent crimes.

Meanwhile, the federal government has commenced the training of 800 selected personnel of the armed forces as Special Operations Forces to boost the nation’s security architecture.

Speaking on Monday, while declaring the training opened  at the Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna state, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, said the Special Forces, drawn from the Army, Navy and the Air Force, will enhance Nigeria’s operational effectiveness in combating terrorism, insurgency, transnational crimes, and other asymmetric threats bedeviling the country.

He said the training was aimed at “building a highly skilled, agile, and mission-ready force capable of executing specialized operations in diverse and complex environments”.

Badaru  noted:  “The evolving nature of security challenges today demands an elite force that is not only well-equipped but also well-trained in advanced tactics, unconventional warfare, intelligence-driven operations, and rapid response missions.

“This Special Operations Force Training is a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing our operational effectiveness in combating terrorism, insurgency, transnational crimes, and other asymmetric threats that bedevil our great nation.

“This Special Operations Force will serve as a critical pillar in securing our national sovereignty, protecting citizens, and maintaining peace and stability within and beyond our borders.”

According to him, the training has been meticulously designed to develop highly skilled personnel in special combat tactics, counterterrorism operations, intelligence gathering and hostage rescue missions.

He added that the  programme will prepare trainees for high-risk missions in both urban and hostile environments, ensuring they can adapt to dynamic threats.

The minister said  that given the inter-agency nature of modern security challenges, the training will foster seamless collaboration among personnel of the Nigerian Armed forces and other security agencies.

Badaru said:  “We expect to have a force capable of conducting high-impact operations with precision, speed, and efficiency.”

According to him, the newly trained Special Operations Force will be deployed to critical areas across the country to reinforce  national security architecture.

“This inauguration is for the first batch of 800 out of 2,400 to be trained as part of a long-term strategy to develop world-class special operations capability within the Armed Forces of Nigeria” the minister said.

He expressed President Bola  Tinubu’s commitment to equipping the Special Operations Forces with modern weapons, surveillance systems and intelligence tools to enhance operational effectiveness.

In his remarks at the event, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa said, the training could not have come at a better time, considering the evolving dynamics of modern warfare and the unique challenges posed by asymmetric threats in the country.

“The situation demands that our forces be well-trained, equipped, and capable of responding swiftly, effectively and decisively. It is in this context that the training of this Special Operations Force is highly desired, as they represent the cutting edge of our military’s ability to respond swiftly and decisively to threats, both within and beyond our borders”, the CDS said.

He  expressed optimism that the Special Force will be pivotal in the efforts to defeat terrorism, insurgency, and other activities inimical to security.

Highlight of the occasion was the inspection of the training equipment and facilities within the Camp Kabala and other locations around the Jaji Military Cantonment by the defence minister and other dignitaries in attendance.

John Shiklam in Kaduna

A faction of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), led by Rev. Yakubu Pam, has lauded the appointment of Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the newly established Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna State.

In a statement, Pam said Kukah’s appointment was well deserved.

He said, “Kukah has consistently championed the cause of justice, equity, and the advancement of human dignity, always working tirelessly to build bridges of understanding and peace.”

Pam explained that Kukah’s appointment as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman would greatly enhance the growth and development of the university and  make it a centre of academic excellence.

“This  recognition is a testament to Kukah’s immense contributions to the development of our society, his unwavering commitment to education, and exemplary leadership in both religious and civic spheres.

“As a spiritual and compassionate leader, he consistently championed the cause of justice, equity, and the advancement of human dignity, always working tirelessly to build bridges of understanding and peace.

“His appointment to this academic institution is a clear reflection of his outstanding credentials and dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders.

“Northern CAN is confident that his wisdom, integrity, and wealth of experience will greatly enhance the growth and development of the university and  make it a centre of academic excellence.”

Also, the Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP), in a statement by its Chairman, Isaac Abrak said it joined others across the Southern Kaduna region to celebrate Kukah’s appointment.

Abrak said the appointments, alongside the establishment of two other critical institutions, were a clear demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to fairness, equity, and the inclusive distribution of the dividends of democracy, even in areas where he did not receive massive electoral support.

John Shiklam in Kaduna

Kaduna State Chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) says the Governor Uba Sani administration has given hope and sense of belonging to Christians in the state. State chairman of CAN, Caleb Maaji, stated this on Sunday, when the governor hosted the  CAN leadership in the state to Iftar dinner at Government House, Kaduna.

Maaji said Sani’s style of governance was a departure from the previous administration.

He said Christians will continue to pray for the  success of the governor because he had given them a feeling of acceptance and value.

He commended Sani for his policy of inclusivity, which sought to carry  all segments of the state along to contribute their quota in developing Kaduna.

The CAN chairman said, “The difference between this administration and the last one is clear.

“Governor Uba Sani’s mode of governance is a departure from the previous administration. This has given hope to Christians in Kaduna State.

“Your leadership has become our prayer point. We will never stop praying for you until your good becomes better, and your better, the best.”

Maaji recalled that in 2023, Sani attended the Christmas carol for the first time in Kaduna State, and he promised to attend subsequent ones.

He stated, “Last year (2024), he fulfilled his promise as he attended Christmas Carol for the second time.

“You showed us love and even supported us. We thank you very much.”

Responding, Sani said his  administration was striving to bring back the lost glory of Kaduna State.

He said upon assumption of office in 2023,  he  met with several stakeholders in an effort to find  lasting solutions to ethno-religious crises and security challenges that were  ravaging the state.

Sani said  everyone was dissatisfied with what was happening, adding that  after wide consultations, he concluded that governing with  justice,  fairness, and  equity would help to solve the problem.

He said he had been fair to every section  of the state since he assumed office.

the governor stated, “My administration is executing developmental projects in all the 23 local governments in Kaduna State, not just in areas where I was voted. Road projects are ongoing, and some have been completed. I have built schools across the state.

“I have rehabilitated hospitals in all the three senatorial districts.”

He added that he was determined to make Kaduna State a model of peaceful coexistence because of its unique position as the political and religious capital of northern Nigeria.

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the North-west zone has expressed disappointment over the exclusion of indigenous Christian representation on the board of the North West Development Commission (NWDC).

President Bola Bola Tinubu recently constituted a 14-member board for the NWDC.

In a statement on Tuesday in Kaduna, North-West Zonal Chairman of CAN, Elder Sunday Oibe, said the exclusion of indigenous Christians on the board is unacceptable and called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently address the issue.

His words: “We wish to draw the attention of the presidency and the National Assembly to the fact that governance is fundamentally about inclusiveness in serving the people,” the statement reads.

“In the North-West zone, Christians form a significant population across all seven states.

“We are, therefore, deeply concerned that the government has recently constituted a board for the North-West Development Commission (NWDC) without including any Christian representation.

“Regardless of the reasons behind this omission, it is unacceptable that Christians are not represented on the commission. We are saddened and alarmed by this this outright exclusion of Christians in the zone.

“While former President Muhammadu Buhari was accused of nepotism and favouritism in his appointments, we now find ourselves raising concerns about what appears to be religious bias under the current administration of President Bola Tinubu.

“Christians in the North-West are an essential  bloc in the Nigerian project, and their interests cannot be ignored.”

The statement appealed to President Tinubu “to review the membership of the NWDC board and ensure adequate representation for Christian in zone.

“We have indigenous Christian communities in all the states in the north-west – Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Jigawa, and Zamfara, all of whom deserve a voice on this critical commission.

“How can the interests of Christians in this zone be effectively protected without representation on the board?

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has charged Muhammad Sa’idu, a former aide to ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State to court for alleged money laundering.

The case was filed yesterday at the Federal High Court in Kaduna, by Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, ICPC’s Assistant Legal Officer.

Sa’idu served as the commissioner of local government affairs, chief of staff, and commissioner of finance during the administration of el-Rufai.

He was charged alongside one Ibrahim Muktar, a staff in the Ministry of Finance.

According to the charge No. FHC/KD/IC/2025, the defendants are being accused of a two-count charge of money laundering.

The ICPC dismissed earlier claim that Saidu had been exonerated of all charges after 10 months of investigation.

According to the charge, “Sometime in March 2022 or thereabouts, Alhaji Muhammad Bashir Sa’idu, who at that time Commissioner of Finance, did accept cash payment of the sum of N155m from one Ibrahim Muktar exceeding the amount authorised by law, which sum you received in cash through proxy to wit: Muazu Abdu, your Special Assistant and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section2(a) and punishable under the Section 19(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.’’

The ICPC also alleged that in within the same period, Saidu “indirectly took control of the sum of N155m received in cash for and on behalf of you by one Muazu Abdul from Ibrahim Muktar, which he reasonably ought to have known, formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity to wit: corruption and you hereby committed an offence contrary to section 18(2)(d) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering(Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.’’

The anti-graft agency noted that, Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 states that “any person who contravenes the provisions of subsection (2) is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than four years but not more than fourteen years or a fine not less than five times the value of the proceeds of the crime or both.’’

The police had on January 2, 2025, arrested Saidu following a petition accusing him of diversion of public funds.

John Shiklam in Kaduna

A former National Chairman of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Ambassador Yusuf Mamman, has commended Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, for giving every section of the state a sense of belonging through his inclusive governance policy.

Speaking with journalists in Kaduna, Mamman, a former ambassador to Spain  and The Vatican, said Sani’s “community engagement and the  all-inclusive governance style  stands him  out for commendation.”

According to him, Sani’s “inclusive policy was not only a panacea for peace and development, but the foundation blocks for an egalitarian society.”

He noted that Sani was executing projects across the state like the late Balarabe Musa, a former governor of Kaduna State, who governed the state in the second republic.

Mamman said, “During the  Balarabe Musa administration,  a cottage industry was located in each of  the then 14 local governments of Kaduna state, leveraging their comparative advantages.

“Governor Uba Sani is now ‘executing projects across the state, irrespective of party affiliations or ethno-religious considerations, in his policy of inclusion.”

He pointed out that ethno-religious crises  that rocked the state in the past, stifled development, stressing that the governor was charting a course of peace and unity “which had been lacking with previous administrations with the exception of the Balarabe Musa government.”

Mamman said, “Sani’s antecedents as a progressive and a pro-democracy activist have adequately prepared him to govern  a diverse  polity like Kaduna state.

“In particular,  his  community engagement and the  all-inclusive governance style  stands him  out for commendation. His  approach to inter-ethnic, inter and intra faith relations is ushering new era of peace and harmony in Kaduna state.

“Additionally Governor Uba Sani’s  non-kinetic approach to security challenges facing our state is highly commendable. Armed groups and other non-state actors must be disarmed, demobilised  and reintegrated into the society.”

John Shiklam in Kaduna

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has advised well-meaning residents of the state to checkmate the antics of ethnic and religious bigots promoting divisive tendencies.

The governor’s spokesperson, Ibraheem Musa, in a statement, said Sani spoke at a Christmas Carol, organised by the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which held on Sunday evening at the ECWA Good-news, Narayi High Cost, Kaduna.

Musa, said the governor called for peaceful coexistence, love and unity among Christians and Muslims for progress and development.

According to the statement, the governor noted that there couldn’t be development without peace and harmony.

“He expressed happiness that residents of Kaduna now live freely without intimidation on the basis of tribal or religious affiliations.

“He lamented that Kaduna State witnessed a lot of setbacks as a result of ethnic and religious bigotry, which had divided the state along ethno-religious lines because of selfish interests.

“The governor restated his commitment to run an-inclusive administration that is anchored on justice and fairness, by carrying everyone along,” the statement said.

The governor further explained that, he attended the Christmas Carol to celebrate with Christians because when he took the oath of office, he promised to treat everyone equally, irrespective of their religious, tribal, or political affiliations.

John Shiklam in Kaduna 

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has  said lack of access  to quality education  and provision of infrastructure formed parts of the key challenges confronting the education sector in northern Nigeria.

Sani stated this yesterday in Kaduna while declaring opened a workshop on  “Reaching Out-of-School Children (ROOSC)”.

He decried the large number of out-of-school children including children with disabilities, noting that they were a significant challenge to inclusive development.

He, however, said his administration was determined to frontally address the problem. 

According to him, the state government has adopted six strategies to tackle key challenges in the education sector. 

“We set out to tackle the key challenges in the educational sector in Kaduna State in six ways by improving access, building and rehabilitating education infrastructure to ensure conducive learning environment, building capacity of teachers, harnessing the capacity of ICT to improve access, quality and management of education, prioritizing girl – child education, and strengthening security in the state,” he said.

He explained that, his administration had built  62 new secondary schools, comprising 39 Junior and 23 Senior Secondary Schools, across the three  senatorial districts to cater to the growing educational needs of the state.

He added that approval had been given for the construction of an additional 50 secondary schools across the state to meet the demand for education.

“Upon completion, these new schools are expected to enroll over 100,000 students, further solidifying Kaduna State commitment to providing inclusive and accessible education for all.”

According to him,  his administration has  also  constructed 2,326 new classrooms, renovated 707 classrooms, supplied 30,742 two-seater pupil’s furniture, provided 3,704 Teachers Furniture, and constructed 918 VIP Cubicle Toilets and 51 hand pump boreholes in schools across the state.

John Shiklam in Kaduna

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has said climate change was not just an environmental crisis but a profound challenge that could destabilise nations, worsen inequalities, and provoke violence if not addressed.
 The governor stated this yesterday in Kaduna, at a regional conference on climate change-induced conflicts in Northern Nigeria.
 The event was attended by the 19 Northern States Governments, religious functionaries and agencies.
 Sani said climate-induced conflict was  a reality that the north  must confront with urgency and determination.
 Sani said, “Facts about climate change  are undeniable, as can be seen in  rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and extreme weather events which are no longer distant threats.
 “The recent menace of floods in parts of Nigeria and especially in Kaduna State, the fast-encroaching desert sands rendering most of our arable lands infertile, the shrinking of rivers and gradual deforestation of our forests are stark reminders of the urgency of our situation.”
The governor noted that  these phenomena disrupted livelihoods, displaced communities, and created fierce competition for increasingly scarce resources like water, arable land, and food.
“The reality before us is that natural resources will become more limited, tensions will mount. Historically, we have witnessed how environmental stress can lead to conflict. The farmer – herder conflict is still with us today,” Sani said.
 He  noted further that  rural communities in the North were mostly agrarian farmers and pastoralists, stressing that, “climate change and unfavourable weather conditions and diseases have caused severe loss of people and animals.”
The governor said although conflicts had led to population displacement, food insecurity and  worsened poverty, he however called for collective action to combat the challenges.
“Despite the dire situation, we must pull ourselves together and confront the challenges facing us. We must give hope to our people. We must work collectively to fashion strategies to cope with the current situation and prepare for challenges in the future,” he urged.
He said his administration had taken some proactive steps to combat the impact of climate change.
“We have developed a policy on climate change to safeguard the future of our environment and people.
 “The policy outlines our vision for a Climate-Resilient Kaduna State, detailing objectives, strategies, and targets for key areas such as sustainable Agriculture, Renewable Energy, Waste Management, Water Resource Management, and Biodiversity Preservation, amongst others.
 “The  overall goal of the policy is to promote a low-carbon, climate-resilient, gender-responsive and sustainable socioeconomic development in Kaduna State,” the governor said.

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, has said the transport sector remains a strong enabler for  the nation’s economic growth.

Alkali stated this in a keynote address at the management retreat of the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT) yesterday, in Kaduna.

He said the transport sector was crucial to Nigeria’s economic growth, stressing that institutions must be equipped to drive its growth.

The minister also noted the importance of implementing a Performance Management System to measure progress, identify areas for improvement, and recognise excellence within the NITT.

He lauded President Bola Tinubu for prioritising transportation in his governance agenda and commended the NITT management for organising the retreat.

Alkali said, “The transport sector is crucial to Nigeria’s economic growth, and we must ensure that our institutions are equipped to drive this growth.

“The Performance Management System will enable us to track our progress, identify challenges, and make data-driven decisions to improve our services.”

He highlighted NITT’s vision to position itself as the premier institution for transport training, research, and innovation in Africa, emphasising the need for institutions to produce graduates who are job creators, innovators, and leaders in transport policy.

He urged the NITT to focus on producing graduates who can drive the transport sector forward, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.

“We must be proactive in addressing the challenges facing the transport sector, including climate change and environmental degradation.

“We must invest in sustainable solutions that will ensure the long-term viability of our transport systems,” the minister said.

He, however, noted that funding remained a significant challenge, with an estimated investment portfolio of US$35 billion required to achieve an adequate and functioning railway transportation system.

Alkali charged participants to commit to their roles  in the performance of their duties stressing the need for accountability and excellence.

“I charge you all to take ownership of your roles, striving for excellence and accountability in all that you do. Together, we can drive the transport sector forward, contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth and development,” the minister said.

Earlier in his remarks, the Director General of the NITT, Dr. Bayero Farah, said the institute is commitment to driving growth in the transport sector, leveraging its achievements, and forging new perspectives for sustainable development.

“We are working as a family in the Institute, and we are always prepared to deliver on our mandate,” he said.

He said the retreat, with theme, “Realigning NITT’s Vision with Performance Management System (PMS) and the Dynamics of the Transport Industry,” aimed to reflect on the Institute’s achievements and chart a new course for growth.

John Shiklam in Kaduna 

The Christian Association of Nigeria  (CAN) in the North-west Zone, has kicked against the non-representation of Christians in the governing board of the North West Development Commission (NWDC).
President Bola Tinubu had on September 28, submitted names of members of the Governing Board of the commission to the Senate for confirmation.
Those nominated by the President include Haruna Ginsau (Jigawa) as Chairman and Prof. Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji (Kano) as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer.
Other members include Dr. Yahaya Namahe (Sokoto), Aminu Suleiman (Kebbi), Tijani Kaura (Zamfara), Abdulkadir Usman (Kaduna), Muhammad Wudil (Kano), Shamsu Sule (Katsina), and Nasidi Ali (Jigawa).
However, in a statement yesterday in Kaduna, Elder Sunday Oibe, North-west Zonal Chairman of CAN, said the appointments, did not reflect the diversity in the region. 
Oibe condemned the non-inclusion of a representative of the indigenous Hausa/Fulani Christians in the region. 
He said there are indigenous Hausa/Fulani, all the states that make up the North-west region. 
Oibe maintained that by excluding Christians from the appointment, President Tinubu has started manifesting the Muslim-Muslim ticket he promoted during the 2023 presidential election.
According to him, Christians in the North-west, “are deeply concerned about the recent appointments, stressing that it is unfortunate that appointments did not reflect the diversity in the region.”
The statement called on the president to take note of the fact that  “there are indigenous Christians in all the states that make up the North-west – Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara.
“It should not be assumed that the entire population in the North-west are Muslims.
“Lopsided appointments, to say the least, is unbecoming of the Tinubu administration and we are disenchanted by this action.”
Oibe called for inclusivity and fair representation of Christians in the board of the NWDC.
The statement urged the president to review the appointments and make necessary adjustments to ensure balanced representation. 
“Leaving these appointments unchanged will have negative consequences for the commission’s success and encourages religious divisions in the region and Nigeria as a whole. 
“We call on Tinubu to prioritise unity and inclusivity in his decision-making, especially when it comes to issues of balancing the two religious bodies…”

John Shiklam in Kaduna

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, yesterday distributed 46 motorcycles and two Hilux vans to local government areas authorities to fight the menace of Tuberculosis and HIV in communities.

The governor also unveiled three health policy documents and public health law aimed at addressing the challenges in the health sector in the state.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Sani said the policy documents and a public health law would positively impact on lives of citizens people.

He said the policy documents would serve as guides for catering mothers, children, adolescents and the elderly.

According to the governor, the documents include the “Kaduna State Public Health Law, One Health Strategic Plan, Human Resource for Health Policy and The Integrated Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent, Elderly Health and Plus Nutrition Strategy.”

He said the implementation of the documents would lead to reduction of morbidity and mortality caused by health related conditions.

Sani said the effective dissemination of the documents would put Kaduna State  in good stead to effectively address challenges in health related conditions.

He added that the existing Infectious Disease Control Centre would serve as a base for one health operations.

Sani said: “We will be at the forefront of the battle to tackle emerging and re-emerging diseases affecting communities.

“The Human Resource for Health Policy will address issues and challenges relating to the attainment of adequate numbers, availability and appropriate skilled mix of health workers at all levels of health care starting from primary healthcare centers to secondary facilities and health training institutions.

“We aim to address health worker attrition, increase recruitment, and improve capacity building and retention of skilled health personnel.

“Our Public Health Law documents the rights and obligations in relation to our environment and health as a community.

“It will provide a legal recourse for citizens to address defaulters or a failure to uphold public health laws by health workers and the government. As the safety and health of all citizens is a collective responsibility.

“We are also using this very important occasion to launch and distribute 46 motorcycles and 2 Hillux trucks to enable Local Government Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Supervisors and the state Tuberculosis and HIV programme effectively conduct active community TB and HIV case finding in Kaduna State.

“We are also commencing today the distribution of Ready to Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) purchased by the state government through a partnership with the World Bank, ANRIN Project.”

The governor commended the Global Fund, UNICEF and the Federal Ministry of Health for strengthening Kaduna State TB and HIV programmes.

He also commended the LAFIYA Project for ensuring that the state has all the necessary policy documents required to respond to the ever evolving health environment.

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Nigerian Air Force has denied reports that 23 people were killed in Jika da Kolo Community, Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, during an airstrike on bandits at the weekend.

According to reports, the community accused NAF of “mistakenly killing 23 people” during the airstrike.

Abdullahi Ismail, a councillor representing the area, was reported to have confirmed the incident, saying the area was a danger zone because of the activities of terrorists.

The villagers said among the victims were farmers and children who were at the community mosque that day.

They said: “The strike disfigured the bodies of most of those affected.

“We gathered body parts of 23 people who were identified by relatives, including children and they have been buried.

 “Of course, Yadin Kidandan is a danger zone because it is under the control of bandits.

“But there are also innocent villagers who still live around there because they have no other place to go just like the casualties that we witnessed on Friday.

“So, we discovered that when the strike occurred, most of the people at the mosque died.

“It was a crowded place because there was a local market close to the mosque which was also affected. The incident happened around 2pm,” a survivor who craved anonymity has said.

The villagers called on the Federal and Kaduna State Governments to investigate the incident.

However, reacting to the allegation in a telephone interview on Monday, NAF’s Deputy Director, Public Relations and Information, Group Captain Kabiru Ali, said the community is not telling the truth.

According to him, before NAF troops embark on any operation, due diligence is always carried out to ensure the safety of communities.

According to him the NAF operation took place on Friday in the bush, stressing that there was no mosque in the location.

“The community is not telling the truth, there is nothing like that.

There is no how NAF will strike bandits close to town or any community.

“We usually monitor the bandits’ movements, we can take two to four days monitoring them until they enter where we think is safe for everybody, then we strike them. We don’t strike bandits anyhow,” he said.

Speaking further, Ali said, “If you look at the pictures, there is nothing like mosque close to that place.

“The place is inside the bush, so how can a mosque be inside the bush?

“Our operations have changed, before we strike, we have to scan the area. We dispatched surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft to scan the area…

“So, we normally strike them inside the bush not within the community. That is why we normally release the pictures of our operations so that people can see it.”

The NAF spokesperson, had in a statement at the weekend said the air component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH (OPWP) destroyed terrorist logistics base at Yadi Forest in Giwa LGA.

He said the operation was executed on Friday, 27 September 2024, following credible intelligence reports indicating huge presence of terrorists and their weapons cache in the Yadi Forest.

According to the statement “Intensive intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance confirmed the consistent presence of terrorists and their motorcycles at the location.”

The statement had noted that the target area initially appeared uninhabited. However, as the aircraft approached, some of the terrorists were seen emerging from under the shrubbery and running away from the area.

“Subsequently, the target was engaged, recording successful hits on the logistics facility, which was engulfed in flames with thick black smoke seen.

“Reports from independent sources, including local informants around the general area, later confirmed that the logistics base was totally destroyed and scores of terrorists were killed as a result of the attack.”

John Shiklam in Kaduna

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has reassured the government was working hard to address the economic and security challenges bedeviling the country.

The governor gave the assurance during a Special Juma’at prayer session to mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary at the famous Sultan Bello Mosque in Kaduna.

He, however, charged Nigerians to be patriotic, saying they don’t have any other country other than Nigeria.

Sani, who was represented during the prayers by the Secretary to the Government of Kaduna State, Dr. Abdulkadir Muazu Meyere, assured the economic and security challenges bedeviling the country will soon become history.

According to the governor: “We are assuring Nigerians that, the government is working hard to surmount the challenges posed by the economy and security concerns.

“As Nigerians, we should know that we don’t have any other country other than Nigeria, so we have to build the country, and building the country starts from loving our country and being patriotic. 

“Governor Uba Sani is grateful for the support he has received so far from the people of Kaduna State and their prayers. He is a governor who knows the enormity of his responsibilities and he is ready to deliver on these responsibilities. 

“The governor has rededicated himself to delivering the responsibilities resting on his shoulders, by ensuring that the welfare of the citizens of Kaduna State remains his topmost priority.

“He is urging the people of Kaduna to continue to pray for Nigeria and the leadership at the national and state level, so that, Allah will ease the challenges facing the country,” he said.

Leading the special prayer of hundreds of Muslim faithful, the Chief Imam of Sultan Bello Mosque, Dr. Sulaiman Muhammad emphasised the need for the Muslim Ummah to always be patriotic about their motherland, highlighting how Prophet Muhammad was attached to the Holy land of Makkah when he was asked to migrate.  

While tasking the leaders to take full charge of their responsibilities in manning the affairs of the nation, the Chief Imam admonished the citizens to always put their country first as everyone has a role to play in bringing about the socio-economic development of the Nation.

The Special Juma’at prayer attracted Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, the Director General of Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor on Administration, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Matters, Abdurrahman Zakaraiyya and other state government officials.

John Shiklam in Kaduna

Kaduna State Police Command has arrested a suspected gunrunner with 20 locally fabricated AK-47 rifles.
In a statement yesterday in Kaduna, Mansir Hassan, spokesperson of the command, identified the suspect as Bitrus Gyang, from Barkin Ladi in Plateau State.
He said Gyang was arrested on Thursday at about 4p.m. in Buruku, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Hassan said upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a gunrunner and had transported fabricated rifles on at least three previous occasions.
“On September 19, 2024, at about 1600 hours, officers from Buruku Division, while conducting a routine patrol at Buruku Bridge, intercepted a black Golf III saloon vehicle, the statement reads.
“Upon a thorough search of the vehicle, the officers discovered twenty (20) locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and an empty Type 06 magazine hidden in the vehicle’s boot.
“The suspect was identified as Bitrus Gyang, a male from Barkin Ladi in  Plateau State.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a gunrunner and revealed that he had transported fabricated rifles on at least three previous occasions.
“The suspect is currently cooperating with the police, and efforts are underway to track down his other accomplices.”
The statement said Audu Ali Dabagi, the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police,  commended the officers for their efforts and dedication to duty, assuring the public that kidnappers and bandits will not have breathing space in the state.

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje, has said that the establishment of the Nigeria Polytechnics Foundation (NIPOF) is a strategic move towards addressing critical challenges facing polytechnics in Nigeria.

Speaking at the inauguration of the council members of the foundation yesterday at the NBTE headquarters in Kaduna, Bugaje described the foundation as milestone in the efforts to rejuvenate polytechnic education in Nigeria.

He said: “This foundation marks a significant milestone in our collective mission to rejuvenate polytechnic education in Nigeria, raising its standards and aligning it with global best practices.”

According to him, “The establishment of NIPOF represents a strategic move towards addressing the critical challenges facing our polytechnics.

“As we know, the world is rapidly evolving, and education must adapt to meet the needs of the 21st century. In this light, the council’s role is pivotal.

“Its function is to initiate and revitalise polytechnic education by fostering academic innovation, strengthening institutional capacity, promoting industry collaboration, and facilitating international partnerships and collaboration.”

Speaking further, Bugaje said the efforts aimed at transforming polytechnic education in Nigeria by ensuring that polytechnic graduates are not only equipped with the technical skills required for Nigeria’s industrialisation but also possess the global competencies needed to thrive in the international labour market.

“Our polytechnic system must be the engine that drives Nigeria’s economic development and industrial growth, and NIPOF is one of the key vehicles to get us there.”

He said the NIPOF council has been strengthened with additional members who bring a wealth of experience and expertise.

The council is chaired by Ahmed Abdullahi, a former executive secretary of the NBTE and former deputy governor of Kano State in the second republic.

Other members include Nuru Yakubu, also a former NBTE executive secretary, who will serve as the vice chairman, Northern region, while Aluko Olarewaju, will serve as the vice chairman, southern region.

 Okpok Mfon and Monday Makhuoga, from the United States are to serve as diaspora members while, Zakari Abdullahi is to serve as secretary of the council.

Bugaje called on all polytechnics to support the foundation.

John Shiklam in Kaduna

Two nurses and unspecified number of  patients have been reportedly abducted by bandits at the  Primary Healthcare Centre at  Kuyallo,   Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna state.

Musa Alhassan, one of the  leaders of  the vigilance group in  the area said the bandits invaded the health care centre at about 9.00a.m  yesterday.

He said their target was the  Government Day Secondary School in the locality, apparently to abduct the students.

According to him, when the criminals discovered that there was nobody in the school, they  headed to the nearby healthcare centre.

“The bandits came to the school around 9:00am, but when they discovered that the school was empty, they went to the healthcare centre and abducted  two female nurses and several patients.”

Spokesperson of the Kaduna state police command, Mansir Hassan, could not be reach for reaction when contacted on telephone.

Kaduna state is among the North-west states battling with security challenges.

On September 5, 2024,  bandits invaded Mani community, located  near the Indomie factory in Rido ward of Chikun Local LGA of the state and abducted 19 people, mostly women and children.

The activities of bandits, characterised by frequent attacks, have forced many people to relocate from their homes to safer places.

In Kaduna metropolis, many residents living at the outskirts of the city have relocated to rented apartments in the metropolis for fear of abduction by bandits.

John Shiklam in Kaduna

Operatives of  Kaduna state police command have arrested 11 suspected bandits, including the abductors of a district head in the state.

The district head (name withheld), was abducted on August 14, 2024, and released two days after.

Spokesperson of the  command, Mansir Hassan,  disclosed this in a state in Kaduna.He said the arrests were made in collaboration with local hunters in Saminaka, Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna state

“On September 2, 2024, at about 0500hrs police operatives of Saminaka, in collaboration with a team of local hunters, acting on credible intelligence, carried out raids in three different villages in Lere LGA, namely Maraban Wasa, Gurzan Hakimi Mariri, and Abugan Kurama”, the statement reads.

“Five suspects were arrested, namely,  Abdulhamid Abubakar (a.k.a. Bala) 30 years old,  Danjuma Luka (a.k.a. Uba), 25 years old,  Ayuba Simon, 50 years old and  Idi Saleh, 57 years old.

“Exhibits recovered from the suspects include one fabricated single-barrel gun, one Green Golf car,  one Bajaj motorcycle, and eight  mobile phones”.

The statement said further that on September 2,  2024, police operatives laid ambush in a motor park and a search of the park led to  the recovery of four fabricated AK-47 rifles hidden within a consignment.

Other items recovered, according to Hassan, include two English pistols, two pump-action guns, 24 cartridges, 29 rounds of live ammunition of various calibres, large quantity of assorted charms, one walkie-talkie, one axe and N908,600 cash.

Hassan said six suspects, identified as Lawal Murtala, Isa Kabiru, Auwal Surajo,  Kamala Lawal,  Umar Adamu  and Kabiru Liman were arrested.

According to the statement, one Yahaya Yusuf, a suspected bandit lodging in a hotel in Tafa,  Kagarko LGA was arrested on September 3, following credible information.

The suspect was said to have  confessed to being involved in cattle rustling and kidnapping in Niger and Kaduna states.

The statement called on members of the public  to continue  cooperating with the police in the efforts to combat crime.

*Air force’s special force kills terrorists’ kingpin, five others

John Shiklam in Kaduna,  Linus Aleke in Abuja, Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

The recent alleged massacre of some 150 people and the capturing and subsequent setting ablaze of the Mine-Resistant, Ambush-Protected (MRAP) Vehicles, otherwise known as wheeled armoured vehicles by terrorists could be part of the reasons the federal government ordered the service chiefs to relocate to Sokoto State to coordinate the ongoing counterterrorism and anti-banditry operation in the North West.

The social media were flooded yesterday with viral video footage of the massacre of over 150 villagers in a yet to be identified location.
But some social media users had insinuated that the location of the massacre was Sokoto State, hence the federal government’s directive.
Also, a footage of bandits capturing and setting ablaze wheeled armoured vehicles belonging to Armed Forced of Nigeria trended with equal velocity.
The location where the high grade military armaments were captured and set ablaze were also alleged to be Zamfara State, the home state of the Minister of State for Defence Dr Bello Matawalle.

Nevertheless, the federal government’s directives had recorded jubilations among residents of the state.

Matawalle, had in a statement on Saturday, conveyed the federal government’s directive to the service chiefs. He was also part of the high powered military delegation to Sokoto State.

The statement captioned, “Matawalle, CDS and Other Service Chiefs to Storm Sokoto to Flush Out Bandits in North West,” expressed sadness over the activities of terrorists and bandits terrorizing Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi States and its environs.

Matawalle noted that this strategic move underscored the unwavering commitment of government to restore  peace and security in the region.  
He noted that while in the North West, they would supervise operations and ensure that Bello Turji and his gang were flushed out.

But while refuting the viral video footage of capturing and burning of the military high caliber armaments, the defence minister, averred that the bandits had been circulating videos of a Nigerian military armoured vehicle that was stuck in a water logged area.

He said later at the night, the officers were asked to withdraw to avoid being ambushed by bandits, adding that the bandits went to the  water logged area, made a video of the armoured vehicle that was stuck and celebrated it.

Disclosing the exact location, Bello said the incident happened in Kwashabawa, Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, stressing that the situation was unacceptable as President Bola Tinubu had been giving great support to the armed forces.  

“The federal government is deeply concerned about the persistent threat posed by banditry and terrorism in the North West particularly. We are ready to deploy all necessary assets to ensure that these criminal elements are flushed out and peace is restored to our communities,” he said.
Noting that the military must move against these terrorists to enable citizens move freely, Matawalle said, “The time is up for these bandits and terrorists as increased and consistent operations will weaken all their activities.”

However, responding to the alleged abduction of no fewer than 150 villagers after killing and withholding the remains of the Emir of Gobir, and raid of the forests by villagers to rescue the abducted villagers during a press conference in Abuja, the Director Defence Media Operation, Maj Gen Edward Buba, said that the military could not confirm the said information.

But when asked to give update on the trending video footage, Buba failed to respond messages sent to his mobile number, as at press time.
Meanwhile, an online news portal that ran a fact check on the viral video footage of the alleged mass killing in Sokoto State said the video was traced to Sudan, thereby dismantling the veracity or otherwise of the video footage.

According to the online medium, “A recently circulating video depicting mass massacre by gunmen amidst gunshots and dead bodies in deep trenches has been circulating on WhatsApp claiming that they were bandits killing over 150 abducted  victims in Sokoto State.

“The claim which has been “forwarded many times,” states, “Bandits kill  those 150 community people kidnapped in Sokoto State, as the govt refused to pay 200 Billion ransom with 250 Bikes.”

It said earlier that, a national daily had reported  that bandits abducted over 150 persons and rustled over 1,000 cattle in some villages in Gobir Emirate of Sokoto State, adding that the incident happened a few days after the death in kidnappers’ den, of the Emir of Gobir, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, who was also the District Head of Gatawa.

“Outraged at the activities of terrorists and bandits ravaging Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi States, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle directed the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and other military chiefs to move to Sokoto with him as part of an intensified effort by the federal government to rid the North-west of the menace of banditry, kidnapping and other forms of terrorism.

“Before Matawalle’s directive, some residents of the affected states had taken their destiny into their own hands by mobilising against bandits and resorting to self-help.

“While the residents of Matusgi in Talata Mafara, Zamfara State had overpowered and killed about 37 bandits, thousands of residents of Gobir in Sokoto State had also stormed the forest in large numbers to rescue the 150 kidnapped compatriots and also recover the remains of the district head of Gobir, Isa Mohammad Bawa, who was abducted and killed by bandits,” the fact check added.

The medium noted that it took a screenshot of strategic aspects of the video footage being circulated on WhatsApp with the aforementioned claim and meticulously conducted a reverse image search of each key-frame taken, adding that one of the images revealed various results of different sources sharing the image, mostly with Arabic texts.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director, Beacon Consulting Limited, Dr. Kabir Adamu, lamented the killing of the monarch in Sokoto State.

Adamu in a telephone chat, said; “A traditional ruler was killed. As you and I are discussing, his corpse is still in the hands of the people who killed him. Even after killing him, they refused to release his corpse. And we know who those bandits are. And yet, nobody has been held accountable.”

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), yesterday, said that troops of Special Forces, from its 413 Force Protection Group, killed a terrorist kingpin, Mustapha Abdullahi, and five of his foot soldiers, near Sabon Gida Forest along Sabon Birni Road in Igabi Local Government Area (LGA), of Kaduna State.

A statement by Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, said the service was not relenting in its efforts to rid Igabi, Birnin Gwari and environs of criminals.

Gabkwet noted that following intelligence report received on 31 August 2024, a known terrorist kingpin, Mustapha Abdullahi, and five members of his group were sighted near Sabon Gida Forest along Sabon Birni Road in Igabi Local Government Area (LGA), Kaduna State.

He alleged that they were with likely intent to kidnap, harm or kill innocent civilians, and as such, a team of Special Forces from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) 413 Force Protection Group was dispatched to comb the location.

“After making contact with the terrorists on motor cycles, who on sighting the Special Forces, immediately opened fire and were met with superior fire power by the troops, eliminating all the terrorists.

“Items recovered from the terrorists included five Dane guns, locally fabricated sub-machine gun, and live ammunition. Others include assorted charms, lighters, sim cards and phone cases.

“Efforts by the troops to rid Igabi, Birnin Gwari and environs of criminals and their activities remain ongoing,” Gabkwet revealed.

While noting that troops had been applauded for their gallantry and resilience, the NAF spokesperson urged the troops to intensify ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and properties.

*Detain three suspected ATM card fraudsters in Kaduna

John Shiklam in Kaduna

In a significant victory against internet piracy, the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Force Intelligence Bureau has successfully apprehended the operator behind the notorious pirate domain .
This domain was allegedly infamous for illegally streaming MultiChoice (SuperSport) content, drawing millions of visits from across Africa and beyond.
According to a statement, the arrest, which took place on August 22, 2024, in Osogbo, Osun State, marked a major milestone in the ongoing battle against intellectual property theft and online streaming piracy.
The capture followed an extensive investigation that spanned several months. Despite efforts to evade detection by frequently changing locations, the IRT’s relentless pursuit ensured the eventual arrest. The suspect remains in Police custody, with substantial evidence pointing to involvement in large-scale illegal streaming activities. If convicted, the suspect could face a prison sentence of up to five years, the statement added.
“he scale of the illegal operation is evident from the website’s traffic statistics. The domain garnered 3.1 million visits globally, with over 1.2 million visits originating from Africa alone,” it added.
 Director of Broadcasting and Cyber Piracy at Irdeto, Frikkie Jonker, expressed appreciation for the Nigeria Police’s dedication and support in this operation.
He commented, “All forms of piracy continue to pose a significant threat to the creative industry. At Irdeto, we are fully committed to addressing every facet of piracy, whether it occurs online or through other means. The arrest of this notorious pirate is a testament to what can be achieved when law enforcement agencies and private sectors work hand in hand. We sincerely appreciate the Nigerian Police’s unwavering support, which has led to this positive outcome.
“Online streaming piracy is not only a criminal offense but also poses significant risks to customers. Users who access pirated content are often exposed to malware, phishing attacks, and other cybersecurity threats that can compromise their personal information. Additionally, by engaging with illegal streams, customers inadvertently contribute to the erosion of the creative industry, undermining the livelihoods of thousands of people involved in content production and distribution.
In a related development, the Police in Kaduna have arrested a three-man syndicate that specialises in swapping of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) cards.
In a statement yesterday in Kaduna, spokesperson of the Kaduna Command, Masir Hassan,  identified the suspects as Umar Yau, Hussaini Sulaiman (both from Zoo Road, Kano), and  Abdullahi Bukar, from Tudun Wada, Kaduna.
Hassan said the suspects were arrested on August 27, 2024, following credible intelligence information.
The statement said the suspects were known for loitering around ATMs, where they pretended to assist individuals not familiar with operating the machines.
“They would deceitfully swap the victims’ ATM cards to carry out unauthorised withdrawals,” Hassan said.
He added that the suspects confessed to defrauding multiple victims across Kano, Kaduna, and Zaria.
Hassan said 54 ATM cards from different banks and a Point of Sale (POS ) machine, which they also used in defrauding their victims, were recovered from the suspects.
The statement urged members of the public to be vigilant while using ATM facilities

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The students’ wing of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG- SW) has called for the deployment of security to campuses.

Addressing a news conference yesterday in Kaduna, National Coordinator of the CNG- SW, Hassan Adamu, expressed concern over growing  insecurity in campuses in the North.

He  lamented that banditry attacks and  kidnapping of students were becoming the new normal, saying insecurity has led to the withdrawal of female students from school.

The group, therefore, called on President Bola Tinubu to  reform  the security architecture of the country to tackle   criminal elements as students “will no longer tolerate flimsy excuses and  blame game.

“We call on the president to revisit the approach and reform the security architecture of the nation. We will no longer tolerate flimsy excuses and the blame game.

“We also request for the deployment of troops to all campuses to ease the anxiety among students,” the group said.