By Muhsin Ibrahim

The interview with Professor Tijjani Naniya on Arise News that I shared on Facebook yesterday continues to generate more (wild) reactions. At the time of posting this, more than 1100 comments had been made. This is far more than my previous posts or, generally, above-average social media posts.

Of those comments, many are expletives. I deleted a few, but I chose to leave almost all the subsequent ones, including those containing abuse and insults. Why?

I want people, especially the thoughtful among us, to see who the faces behind the Hausa Zallah agitation are and what many of them represent.

Those comments contradict several core Hausa socio-cultural ideologies codified by scholars such as Kirk-Green (1974), Alhassan et al. (1982), and Adamu (2001). I wonder where those so-called Hausa Zalla folks got them. If they were genuinely “Hausa Zalla”, they should demonstrate the cherished Hausa values.

Equally, go see how erstwhile Hausa “enemies” are defending the Hausa Zalla ideology. Naniya did not blame southeasterners for our growing insecurity or disunity. Rather, he traced the etymology of the term “Hausa-Fulani” to them. This is debatable, but it should be based on knowledge rather than insults.

When the Hausa Zalla staged a protest in Berlin, they displayed pictures of Nnamdi Kanu and called for his release. Why? So, even if Naniya associated the agitation with the Southeast, he might not be wrong. We should dig deeper to find the connection because it exists.

Folks asked for my opinion on all this. I have no problem with people identifying as Hausa, Fulani, or both. Actually, it’s bag governance that is fuelling all this hogwash. Identity politics is not a case in places where people live in peace and property.

In my neighbourhood in Cologne, there is a mosque, a church, and a mandir (a Hindu temple) within shouting distance. I have lived here for five years. I have never witnessed ANY problems between followers of these religions.

For me, we should unite against bandits, terrorists and corrupt politicians. They do not fight for or represent any particular ethnicity, religion or region. They are our real enemies, not your friend, colleague or neighbour who did not choose to be born Hausa, Fulani, Igbo, Yoruba, you name it.

When bandits or terrorists strike, they often do not distinguish between victims. They kidnap or kill them all. When a politician steals our money, it affects our roads, schools, hospitals, and more.

Wake up. Think and do the right thing.

Muhsin Ibrahim can be reached via muhsin2008@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has graduated 50 officers from the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC), Gwagwalada, with officers from the Service’s Public Relations Unit taking the top positions in the exercise.

At the graduation ceremony held on Friday at the Ahmed Makarfi Hall of the College, Chief Superintendent of Customs Ridwan Yusuf emerged as the Overall Best Graduating Student for Senior Course 14/2026. Chief Superintendent of Customs Nuruddeen Sa’idu finished as the Second Best Graduating Student.

Both officers serve in the National Public Relations Unit of the Service.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, congratulated the graduating officers through the Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Sulaiman Chiroma.

He described the course as one of the most demanding professional training programmes within the Service and urged the officers to remain committed to their duties.

“To whom much is given, much is expected. On behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, I urge you to remain mission-focused and continue to serve the nation with honesty, integrity and dedication,” Chiroma said.

The Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Duwoh Gaura, also reaffirmed the institution’s resolve to train competent officers in line with the reform agenda of the Customs leadership.

Gaura said the College would continue to support the vision of building a more professional and technology-driven Nigeria Customs Service capable of addressing modern customs and border management challenges.

The graduation ceremony formed part of the Service’s broader efforts to strengthen manpower development and improve operational efficiency across its formations.

Earlier in the week, the College hosted a regimental dinner in honour of the graduating officers at the NCCSC Hotel in Gwagwalada. Senior Customs officers, members of the management team and invited guests attended the event.

The Comptroller-General of Customs was also represented at the dinner by DCG Sulaiman Chiroma.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the establishment of a National Snakebite Treatment and Research Centre as part of measures to strengthen healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

The council also approved N73.9 billion for the procurement of essential medical supplies and other health interventions across the country.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, disclosed this on Monday after the FEC meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Pate said Nigeria records about 43,000 snakebite cases every year. He noted that many victims either die or suffer long-term disabilities, especially in the north-east, north-west and north-central regions.

“The new centre will provide specialised treatment, undertake research on snakebite prevention and management, ensure sustainable access to quality antivenom, and collaborate with international partners,” he said.

The minister also announced that the council approved N6.9 billion for the National Blood Service Agency to purchase 10 compressed natural gas-powered mobile blood donation clinics.

According to him, the vehicles will improve blood collection and distribution across the country.

Pate further revealed that FEC approved N62 billion for the procurement of tuberculosis commodities to strengthen the country’s response to the disease.

“FEC also authorised N62 billion for tuberculosis (TB) commodities to boost response to one of the world’s highest TB burdens,” he added.

“The procurement seeks to reduce reliance on foreign donors and support eventual local production of TB medicines.

“The sum of N5 billion was also approved for the National Primary Health Care Development Agency to purchase reproductive health and family-planning commodities to improve maternal health services and expand voluntary family-planning access across the country.

“These approvals underscore the Tinubu administration’s commitment to strengthening health infrastructure, widening access to essential medicines and promoting local pharmaceutical manufacturing.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 38-year-old businesswoman, Iwebema Ogechi Peace, after allegedly finding cocaine hidden in her luggage at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The suspect was apprehended on June 21, 2026, at the airport’s departure hall while preparing to board a Qatar Airways flight to Beijing, China.

According to the agency, intelligence reports led to her arrest. The suspect reportedly told investigators that she regularly travels to China to purchase goods for sale in Nigeria.

NDLEA operatives said a search of her luggage uncovered four parcels of cocaine weighing 7.5 kilogrammes. The illicit substance was allegedly concealed in a specially designed compartment inside the bag.

In a separate operation, a joint team made up of NDLEA officers, the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies intercepted a 40-foot container at the Apapa Port Complex in Lagos.

The agency said the container carried 195 sacks of Canadian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis, weighing 4,959 kilogrammes with an estimated street value of N12.397 billion.

NDLEA disclosed that the container, which also contained Ford and Nissan vehicles, had been monitored since April 25 after departing Toronto, Canada.

The anti-narcotics agency also uncovered a syndicate accused of hiding illegal drugs inside passengers’ luggage at motor parks.

The operation followed the interception of a Sienna bus travelling from Nnewi, Anambra State, to Abuja on June 20.

According to NDLEA, officers recovered a package suspected to contain methamphetamine weighing 467.7 grams. The substance was reportedly concealed inside a black nylon bag hidden among clothes bearing the receiver’s phone number.

A follow-up operation led to the arrest of the intended recipient, Gloria Peter, at Utako Motor Park in Abuja. However, she denied knowledge of the package.

Investigators later arrested some bus loaders in Nnewi. One of them allegedly confessed that the package was placed inside the woman’s luggage on the instruction of the driver, identified as Abdurrazak Isah.

The driver reportedly linked one of his passengers, Onyebuchi Victor Okoye, to the drugs. NDLEA later arrested the suspect in Utako.

In another operation, NDLEA operatives arrested 57-year-old Ikechukwu Uwakwe at a motor park in Iddo, Lagos, with 209.5 kilogrammes of Scottish Loud allegedly meant for transportation to Enugu State.

The agency also arrested two Beninese nationals, Hossou Tito Julien and Mancellim Dossou, alongside a Nigerian identified as Jackson ThankGod, after intercepting a truck at Mile 2 Bridge in Lagos.

According to NDLEA, the truck was transporting 558,900 pills of Tramadol 250mg concealed in a fabricated compartment. The consignment reportedly originated from Togo through the Republic of Benin.

Similarly, officers arrested Lucky Abonga and Osas Azamobo along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on June 26 with 118 kilogrammes of skunk concealed among goods inside a truck travelling to Onitsha, Anambra State.

The agency also disclosed that Helen Ese Idiji, 40, and Rashidat Sa’adullah, 53, were arrested at Olumokun Street, Amukoko, Lagos, where officers recovered 28.8 kilogrammes of skunk.

NDLEA said investigations showed that Idiji allegedly stored drug consignments with Sa’adullah before distributing them to buyers.

Meanwhile, the agency said its commands across the country intensified sensitisation campaigns under the War Against Drug Abuse initiative in schools, communities, workplaces and religious centres.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers involved in the various operations. He urged them to sustain efforts aimed at combating drug trafficking across the country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have taken a 50-year-old man into custody following the alleged sexual assault of a nine-year-old girl in the Katagum Local Government Area.

The arrest took place in the Bulkachuwa community. According to a statement issued on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Nafiu Habib, law enforcement officers at the Bulkachuwa Divisional Police Headquarters moved in on the suspect after the victim’s father filed an official complaint.

The incident reportedly occurred around 5:00 pm on June 14, 2026. The young girl was out hawking soya bean cakes when the suspect allegedly targeted her. Under the pretext of wanting to purchase her wares, he lured her into an uncompleted building where the assault took place.

Detailing the incident, Habib said, “According to a report received at the Bulkachuwa Divisional Police Headquarters on June 15, 2026, at about 5 p.m., the complainant, a resident of Bulkachuwa, reported that on June 14, 2026, at about 5 p.m., one Muhammadu Audu of the same address lured his nine-year-old daughter while she was hawking soya bean cakes.

“Subsequently, the suspect allegedly took the minor to an uncompleted building with the pretext of buying from her, and had unlawful sexual intercourse with her.
“As a result, the victim sustained injuries to her private parts.”

During police interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed that this was not an isolated incident. He also admitted that he used a knife to threaten the young girl’s life to prevent her from telling her parents.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to having committed the crime more than once and also admitted that he threatened to kill the victim with a knife if she disclosed the matter to her parents,” Habib stated.

Following the report, the survivor was rushed to the Primary Health Care Centre in Bulkachuwa for immediate medical attention and examination. Meanwhile, the suspect remains locked up in police custody.

State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has directed that a comprehensive investigation be launched into the matter.

“The Commissioner of Police condemned the act in strong terms and reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for sexual violence and crimes against children.
“The command further assures the public that the case will be diligently prosecuted and remains committed to protecting women and children across the state,” Habib added.

This development follows a similar incident in May, where the Bauchi State Police Command apprehended a 70-year-old man for the alleged assault of a 10-year-old girl in the Magama Gumau area of Toro Local Government Area.

By Anwar Usman

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a sweeping reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), marking the first major restructuring of the scheme since its establishment 53 years ago.

The reforms, approved during the FEC meeting in Abuja on Monday, are aimed at transforming the NYSC into a skills-driven and productivity-focused institution in line with the Federal Government’s economic development agenda.

A key feature of the overhaul is the restructuring of the scheme’s leadership, with a civilian set to head the NYSC for the first time, while the military will retain its role in providing security for corps members across the country.

The council also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to amend the NYSC Act and relevant regulations to provide legal backing for the approved changes and enable their implementation.

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, while announcing the approval on X, described the reforms as the first holistic review of the scheme in its 53-year history.

He said, “We are transforming the Scheme into a platform that not only unites Nigeria but also equips our young people with the skills, experience and opportunities they need to thrive in a fast-changing world.”

The Minister further revealed that the approved reforms would reposition the scheme as “a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy.”

According to the minoster, the reforms include “a technology-driven call-up process, risk-sensitive deployment to better protect corps members, a redesigned six-week orientation programme with stronger focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specialised career streams, skills-based primary assignments aligned with academic background and career pathways, modern governance with civilian operational leadership while the military continues to provide security support

Other things includes; “improved camp standards through a national grading and certification system, and a new graduation ceremony to replace the Passing Out Parade, alongside a redesigned NYSC uniform that reflects professionalism and national pride.”

The new reforms represent the first comprehensive review of the scheme since its creation, with the Federal Government saying the changes are designed to make the institution more relevant to Nigeria’s contemporary economic and youth development needs.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Vice Principal of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, Paul Namaske, has narrated how military intervention helped victims escape after terrorists attacked the community during NECO examinations.

Namaske spoke in a short video released on Monday after he and several students were rescued by troops of Operation Hadin Kai.

According to him, the attackers abducted teachers and students before taking them into the bush. He said the situation changed after a military aircraft arrived at the area.

“Today, being June 29, the terrorists took us into the bush. When a military aircraft started hovering over us, the insurgents started dispersing. While this was happening, we heard gunshots from the soldiers, so they (the terrorists) began to run while we started escaping. In the process, the soldiers rescued us,” he said.

The vice principal explained that two teachers and more than 20 students were among those abducted during the attack on candidates writing the National Examinations Council examination.

“We are two teachers and about 20-something students. I cannot give the precise number, but at one point during the movement, when they (the insurgents) gathered us in one place, I was able to make a rough estimate. They were about 20 students and two teachers,” he added.

Earlier, the Nigerian Army confirmed the rescue of 10 abducted victims, including students and teachers.

The Acting Military Information Officer of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.

He said troops launched a coordinated rescue operation shortly after receiving reports of the attack.

“Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully rescued 10 National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers abducted during an ISWAP attack on Lassa Community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State,” the statement said.

“Immediately upon receipt of the report of the incident, the Theatre Command scrambled both strike and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft from the Air Component of OPHK to support troops mobilised to the area for a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.”

Goni said troops, with support from military aircraft, intercepted the abductors around the Daggu area, which led to a gun battle and the rescue of some victims.

“The troops, with support from the air platforms overhead providing guidance, made contact around Daggu and, after the firefight, the operation has so far resulted in the successful rescue of 10 victims, who were unhurt and are currently receiving the necessary care and support, while efforts remain ongoing to rescue the remaining victims and bring the perpetrators to justice,” he added.

The military spokesperson also stated that troops recovered seven motorcycles from the fleeing terrorists after overpowering them during the operation.

He, however, confirmed casualties among security personnel.

“Regrettably, during the intense firefight, one gallant soldier of OPHK and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force paid the supreme sacrifice in the exchange of fire with the terrorists,” he said.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigerian military has rescued 10 students and teachers who were abducted by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists during an attack on a secondary school in Borno State.

According to a statement released by the acting spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, the incident occurred around 9:00 a.m. on Monday when militants stormed Lassa Technical Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area, where students were sitting for their NECO senior secondary examinations.

The statement said troops were immediately deployed alongside air support to conduct a rescue operation. Following an exchange of fire with the terrorists in the Daggu area, the military successfully rescued 10 individuals unharmed.

“Efforts are still ongoing to rescue the remaining one person, as well as to apprehend the perpetrators of the attack and bring them to justice,” the statement read.

The military reported that during the confrontation, several terrorists were neutralized and seven motorcycles used in the attack were recovered, which hindered the militants’ escape.

However, the operation came at a cost, with one soldier and one member of the civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) killed during the firefight.

Search and rescue operations continue as security forces work to secure the release of the remaining hostage.

By Uzair Adam

A civil society organisation, the Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy (CFRPA), has approached the Federal High Court in Kano, seeking an order disqualifying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from contesting the 2027 presidential election over allegations of certificate forgery.

The suit, filed under case number FHC/K/CS/312/2026, names President Tinubu, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Chicago State University (CSU) as defendants.

According to court documents, the plaintiff alleged that Tinubu submitted forged academic credentials from Chicago State University as well as a fake National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate to INEC during the 2023 general elections.

The group further claimed that Tinubu did not attend Government College Lagos as stated in his records, arguing that the institution was established in 1974, several years after he reportedly completed his secondary education.

CFRPA contended that the president lacks a valid secondary school certificate, which it described as the minimum constitutional requirement for contesting the office of president.

The organisation also accused INEC of failing to respond to a petition it submitted on June 19, 2026, requesting clarification on Tinubu’s eligibility for future elections.

In its statement before the court, the plaintiff referenced the 2023 United States court ruling in In Re: Application of Atiku Abubakar (No. 23 CV 05099), which directed Chicago State University to release Tinubu’s academic records.

According to the group, the documents released by the university contained inconsistencies and false entries, including what it described as a forged University of Cambridge General Certificate of Education.

Among the reliefs sought, the plaintiff is asking the court to declare Tinubu’s Chicago State University certificate forged, direct INEC to disqualify him from participating in the 2027 presidential election, and order Chicago State University to remove his name from its records.

The organisation is also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining INEC from accepting or publishing Tinubu’s name as a candidate in the 2027 election.

Supporting documents filed before the court include affidavits, witness statements, and correspondence addressed to the NYSC and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, requesting official clarification on the alleged NYSC certificate.

By Uzair Adam

Suspected bandits on Sunday night attacked several communities in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing three residents and injuring four others.

The injured victims reportedly sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving treatment at hospitals within the area.

Residents identified the affected communities as Gobirawa, Badole, Yammama and Dayi, where the attackers carried out coordinated assaults that triggered panic among villagers.

According to eyewitness accounts, the attacks occurred in two phases, with Gobirawa and Badole recording the highest casualties as the gunmen stormed homes and fired indiscriminately.

One of the residents, Abdul’aziz Abdul’aziz, described the incident as a major setback to the relative peace that communities in the area had enjoyed in recent months.

“We had started experiencing some level of peace, and many people had returned to their farms. Unfortunately, the bandits returned and launched the attack with heavy gunfire,” he said.

Abdul’aziz noted that residents attempted to defend their communities despite the superior firepower of the attackers.

“The people displayed remarkable courage. They stood up against the assailants even though they were heavily armed,” he added.

Residents praised security operatives for their swift intervention, saying the prompt deployment of police personnel and local vigilantes helped repel the attackers and prevent further loss of life.

Community members said security forces conducted overnight patrols across the affected areas, restoring calm and reassuring residents.

“We are grateful to the government, the police and the vigilantes for responding quickly. Their intervention helped save lives and prevented the situation from escalating,” another resident said.

Abdul’aziz also appealed for blood donations for the injured victims, saying they urgently require support to aid their recovery.

Residents further called on authorities to maintain a strong security presence in the area, expressing concern that the renewed attacks could discourage farming activities during the current rainy season.

“If farmers are unable to access their farmlands because of insecurity, it will worsen food shortages and deepen poverty in our communities,” a resident warned.

Efforts to obtain an official response from the Katsina State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the command’s spokesperson, DSP Sadik Aliyu, did not respond to calls or text messages before the report was filed.