Directors: Ahmad A. Bifa & Auwal D. Yakasai 

‎Producer: Yakubu M. Yakub

‎Language: Hausa

‎Company: Tumbin Giwa TV

‎Premiere: 8/6/2026

‎Cast: Adam Garba, Isah Adam (Feroz Khan), Fatima Ibrahim, Maryam Booth, Maryam Yahaya, Ummusalama Inuwa, Radiya Jibril, Shatou Abdul, etc. Zarge is a Hausa word for ‘noose’, which refers to a loop of rope with a slipknot that tightens when pulled. Figuratively, the word denotes confusion or a difficult situation. The series Zarge lives up to its title, being a harrowing drama of compounding crises. 

The story revolves around Fatima (Fatima Ibrahim), a young village girl whose fate takes her away from her own family, only for her to become the saviour of another.

The series opens with Hajiya (Ummusalama Inuwa) plotting to abduct her pregnant in-law, Nafisa (Radiya Jibril), and have her unborn child killed. Meanwhile, Fatima and her friends return to their village after finishing boarding school, but their bus breaks down. As they wait for the driver to fix the vehicle, Fatima slips away and takes a forest shortcut, hoping to reach home sooner. 

Deep in the forest, Fatima finds Nafisa held captive by Hajiya’s henchmen. Nafisa attempts to escape, but her abductors chase her down. As she flees, she runs into Fatima, who has been hiding and watching. The ensuing struggle triggers Nafisa’s labour. Fatima helps her deliver the baby, and Nafisa, with her final breath, entrusts the newborn to her.

After an arduous journey, Fatima finally takes the infant home, only to face her parents’ disappointment. Assuming that Fatima has had the baby out of wedlock, they refuse to accept the situation. She therefore leaves home for the city, where she finds work as a housemaid. Ironically, she ends up in the very home of Nafisa’s in-laws, the people who wanted the baby dead. The drama continues…

Zarge is a gripping series that holds the audience in suspense, anticipating danger in almost every scene. Each episode ends with a perfect noose that you fear might tighten, especially as Fatima works in Hajiya’s house. What if she comes across Nafisa’s picture and reveals that the baby is her son? What if Hajiya discovers the truth and kills him?

However, Fatima appears to be a godsend to Nafisa’s family. Not only is she raising the surviving newborn, but she is also unknowingly saving his father, Umar (Adam Garba), without knowing who he is or his connection to the child. For instance, when Hajiya and her children plot to poison Umar, Fatima saves him by secretly replacing his poisoned food with another meal. 

The screenplay is tightly structured, with well-written character motivations that drive the plot. This makes the conflicts feel connected and engaging. The screenwriters and directors deserve commendation for bringing these elements together cohesively.

The series is also technically solid. The cinematography beautifully captures the natural forest landscapes, authentic village settings, and atmospheric night scenes. The sound design is carefully balanced, with Nazifi Asnanic’s evocative soundtrack heightening the emotional intensity.

The actors all deliver wonderful performances. Ummusalama Inuwa is effective as Hajiya, and the debutante Fatima Ibrahim is perfectly cast as the young village girl. She portrays her character’s innocence and inquisitiveness so convincingly that it is hard to imagine anyone else in the role. However, while Maryam Booth and Maryam Yahaya don’t get much scope, Adam Garba, Isah Adam (Feroz Khan), and Shatou Abdul deserve special mention.

In conclusion, Zarge is definitely one of the best series of the year. Its intriguing drama makes for an enjoyable watch. I highly recommend it.

Rating: 4/5

Reviewed by Habibu Maaruf Abdu.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a residential building in Lagos State allegedly used to store empty alcoholic beverage bottles suspected of being recycled for counterfeit drink production.

The discovery was made at 322B Meiran Road, Agbado, Oke Odo, following intelligence reports about suspicious activities in the area.

In a video shared on the agency’s official X account on Friday, Kunle Ojo, Assistant Director of NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, said operatives found more than 100 sacks of empty bottles at the location.

According to the agency, the bottles were destroyed to prevent their possible reuse in the production and distribution of fake alcoholic beverages.

Ojo explained that the building was situated in an isolated residential neighbourhood and was identified through credible intelligence.

He said, “We got credible intelligence that in this particular area, a lot of nefarious activities were taking place. This is the gate to the building; it’s a residential area, and on arriving, we saw different kinds of bottles stacked in this place.

“These are bottles covered in tarpaulins here and are ready to be supplied to people who are counterfeiting them. From the other side of the building, we also have all kinds of bottles that are being packed. They are in different sizes: 750cl and assorted drinks. We have Action Bitters, Hennessy, and they are stacked.

“This same thing is happening here. What they do here is to wash these bottles and supply them to different suspected counterfeiters to be used for another production. This is a residential area, and this is not acceptable to the government. We are here to safeguard the health of the nation.”

The agency said the bottles were reportedly washed and supplied to suspected counterfeiters for reuse, a practice that could facilitate the circulation of adulterated alcoholic drinks and pose risks to public health.

NAFDAC urged residents to report suspicious activities in their communities to the nearest agency office to help prevent the production and distribution of counterfeit products.

The latest operation comes amid a series of enforcement actions by the agency against suspected counterfeit beverage dealers in Lagos.

On October 13, NAFDAC operatives raided more than 20 makeshift stores at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, where they seized suspected fake spirits, expired drinks and prohibited imported products.

The agency has continued to intensify its enforcement activities as part of efforts to protect consumers from unsafe and unregulated food, beverages and other regulated products.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu for blaming the opposition for hunger and poverty in Nigeria, describing the claim as an attempt to evade responsibility for his administration’s economic policies.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), reacted after Tinubu accused opposition politicians of being responsible for the country’s economic difficulties during the APC presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna on Saturday.

“I hear my opponent talking about hunger, poverty. Who created it? They did! They created the hunger, they created the poverty. We are trying to eradicate it,” the President said.

In a statement released on Saturday by the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that Nigerians had every right to demand accountability from the ruling party over the rising cost of living, insecurity, poverty and government spending.

He maintained that the APC had controlled the federal government for about 11 years, including the period before Tinubu assumed office.

“Mr President, blaming the opposition for hunger is either delusion or a staggering case of political amnesia. The APC governed Nigeria for eight years before you took office. You have added another three and a half years.

“Nigerians know who has been in power, and hardship did not begin when the opposition started talking about it. Stop insulting their intelligence and answer for your record,” the statement quoted him as saying.

Atiku insisted that the economic difficulties affecting Nigerian households and businesses were linked to government policies and could not be dismissed by blaming political opponents.

“The hardship your administration has brought upon Nigerians is real. You cannot deny it by blaming others,” he said.

The former vice president also criticised Tinubu’s decision to commission the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway from a stadium, arguing that the move raised questions about the actual state of the project.

“Your decision to commission the unfinished Abuja to Kaduna Expressway from inside a stadium shows how far removed you are from the daily reality of Nigerians. A road cannot be completed with a speech or a ribbon-cutting ceremony,” he said.

Atiku further challenged the President to explain the impact of his administration’s economic decisions, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy and the depreciation of the naira.

“Which administration removed the petrol subsidy and watched the naira fall from about ₦471 to ₦1,329 to the dollar?” Atiku asked.

He also cited a World Bank estimate that 63 per cent of Nigerians would be living below the national poverty line in 2026.

Atiku Demands Explanation For Government Spending

The ADC presidential candidate raised concerns about federal budgeting and public expenditure, including the extension of the 2024 budget into 2025 and spending recorded under energy security.

He questioned the reported ₦7.13tn expenditure under “energy security” in 2024, alongside ₦11.2tn in pipeline-related spending by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

“Nigerians deserve to know who received these sums and what was delivered,” he said.

Atiku also demanded clarification over what he described as a $12.4bn gap in Nigeria’s external accounts during the first half of 2026 and a payment of $22.5m listed as “other charges” under the Abu Dhabi financing facility.

Beyond economic concerns, he linked the country’s financial difficulties to the worsening security situation, asking the Federal Government to account for persistent killings, kidnappings and the displacement of residents in several communities.

“These are the questions Nigerians are asking while your government blames the opposition,” he said.

2027 Election Will Test Tinubu’s Record — Atiku

Atiku maintained that the Tinubu administration should be assessed based on its achievements and the impact of its policies on Nigerians rather than its explanations for the country’s challenges.

“You cannot govern for three years, make life harder, and then blame others for describing the hardship. You asked who created the hunger. Nigerians are asking what you have done to end it.

“The 2027 presidential election will be a referendum on your record. Nigerians have felt the cost of your leadership in their homes, markets and communities,” he added.

The exchange highlights the growing political dispute over responsibility for Nigeria’s economic challenges as parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Delta State Police Command has rescued a 23-year-old kidnapping victim and arrested eight suspects in separate operations across the state, recovering three firearms, 26 live cartridges and substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

The operations were carried out between October 20 and 23, 2026, as part of efforts to tackle kidnapping, cultism and other criminal activities.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed the developments in a statement on Saturday.

According to the police, operatives of the Owa-Oyibu Division, working alongside local volunteer groups, rescued a 23-year-old man who was abducted at Owa-Alero on October 19.

“On October 20, 2026, operatives of Owa-Oyibu Division, in collaboration with local volunteer groups, successfully rescued a 23-year-old man whom two suspected kidnappers abducted on October 19, 2026 at Owa-Alero,” the statement read in part.

“The victim was reportedly seized in front of his residence and dragged into a nearby bush,” it added.

The police explained that the rescue followed a report from the victim’s brother, which prompted operatives to launch an extensive search of nearby bushes. Efforts were still ongoing to arrest the suspected abductors who escaped.

Six Suspected Cultists Arrested In Abraka

In a separate operation on October 23, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit raided a hotel in Abraka suspected of serving as a hideout for drug-related activities.

Six suspected cultists were arrested during the operation, while a bag containing a firearm and substances suspected to be Indian hemp was recovered. Some individuals reportedly fled when they sighted the police.

The command said investigations were ongoing to determine the ownership and source of the firearm and identify other people connected to the incident.

Police Recover More Firearms In Ekuku-Agbor

The police also reported separate raids in Ekuku-Agbor community, Ika South Local Government Area, which led to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of additional firearms and ammunition.

On October 21, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Sector III, Ubuluku, searched the residence of a 62-year-old suspect, Richard Nmorsi, under a search warrant.

The operation led to the recovery of a locally fabricated single-barrel firearm, 24 live cartridges and substances suspected to be Indian hemp. The suspect was arrested, and the recovered items were taken into custody for investigation.

Two days later, the same unit searched the residence of a 56-year-old suspect, Amechi Osemeke, also in Ekuku-Agbor.

During the operation, officers recovered a functional double-barrel firearm and one live cartridge. Osemeke was arrested as investigations continued into his possession of the weapon.

Police Promise Sustained Crackdown

The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Samuel Erale, said the command would continue intelligence-led operations to dismantle criminal networks, recover illegal weapons and protect communities.

“The command would sustain intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks, recovering illegally possessed firearms and safeguarding communities across the state,” he said.

Eralе urged residents to remain alert and provide credible information to security agencies to support efforts to prevent crime.

He assured the public that the command would continue working to protect lives and property across Delta State.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have reportedly killed 15 terrorists in an air strike conducted near Pulka in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

The Nigerian Army said the operation took place at about 11:50 p.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026, following intelligence reports and confirmed sightings of terrorist movements in the area.

The Acting Military Information Officer of the Northeast Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Saturday.

The statement read, “The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has recorded another operational success with the neutralisation of 15 terrorists in a precision air strike north-west of Pulka in Gwoza LGA of Borno State.

“The operation was conducted at about 11:50 p.m. on 23 October 2026, following credible intelligence and confirmed sightings of terrorist movements in the general area of Pulka.”

According to Goni, the air operation was followed by ground activities aimed at assessing the area and consolidating the gains recorded during the strike.

He said the operation demonstrated the importance of intelligence-led targeting and coordinated military action in disrupting terrorist activities and weakening their operational capabilities.

“It also reflects the unwavering commitment of Operation HADIN KAI to denying terrorist groups freedom of action and preventing them from threatening communities within the theatre,” he added.

Goni explained that the strike was part of ongoing military offensives across the North-East, supported by intelligence gathering and the coordinated use of available military resources.

“Through these efforts, the Theatre Command continues to maintain pressure on terrorist elements, disrupt their activities and strengthen the security environment across the North East,” he stated.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to combating terrorism and insurgency, protecting civilians and restoring normal economic and social activities in affected communities.

“The Theatre Command reassures the public that troops will sustain the momentum of ongoing operations with vigilance, determination and professionalism,” he said.

Goni also called on residents to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information about suspicious movements and activities.

He stressed that cooperation between the military and civilians remained crucial to sustaining operational successes and achieving lasting peace and security across the North-East.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 40-year-old man, Sallau Inuwa, popularly known as Liman Katagum, for allegedly stabbing his 45-year-old colleague, Ibrahim, to death during a dispute over money from a car wash business.

The incident occurred on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at a car wash in Bauchi metropolis. The two men reportedly disagreed over the amount charged for washing a vehicle before the argument escalated into violence.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, said the suspect allegedly picked up a knife and stabbed Ibrahim several times during the altercation.

“Regrettably, despite efforts to save him, Ibrahim was confirmed dead at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, ATBUTH, Bauchi,” the statement said.

According to the police, officers attached to the A Division in Bauchi launched an investigation after receiving a report of the incident.

Preliminary findings indicated that the suspect allegedly fled to his paternal home in the Liman Katagum area after the stabbing. The police subsequently contacted the Divisional Police Officer in the area, leading to a coordinated operation that resulted in Inuwa’s arrest at Mararraban Liman Katagum.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, expressed concern over the incident and described it as a tragic loss of life arising from a disagreement over money.

“The CP, while condoling with the family of the deceased, urges members of the public to manage their anger and resolve disputes through dialogue and other lawful means rather than resorting to violence,” the statement added.

Aliyu also emphasised that provocation could not justify taking another person’s life.

“He reiterates that no matter the level of provocation, taking a life can never be justified,” the police spokesperson said.

The suspect is being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Bauchi as investigations continue ahead of his prosecution.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Alade Omowumi, a 31-year-old Guidance and Counselling graduate of Adekunle Ajasin University, has appealed to Nigerians for financial assistance to complete treatment for a congenital reproductive condition that has caused her years of pain and medical complications.

Omowumi said she first experienced recurring abdominal pain at the age of 15 but did not understand its cause until she sought medical attention three years later. Doctors subsequently discovered that she was menstruating internally because menstrual blood could not flow out of her body.

According to her account published by PUNCH on Saturday, an examination at the hospital revealed that her vaginal canal was absent, a condition that prevented doctors from carrying out the surgery they had initially planned.

She underwent surgery in 2014 to create a vaginal opening. However, the opening later narrowed, while she developed urinary incontinence following the procedure. She also continued to experience difficulties with menstrual blood drainage.

Omowumi said the pain prevented her from using a dilator recommended by doctors to help maintain the opening. Her mother eventually requested her discharge as the hospital bills continued to accumulate.

For about 14 to 15 years, she has continued to experience complications associated with the condition, including the accumulation of menstrual blood in her abdomen. She said doctors sometimes had to drain the trapped blood when she visited the hospital.

She later sought treatment at another hospital, where doctors explained that her bladder required repair and that another procedure would be necessary to create a functional vaginal opening. The treatment, she said, would be conducted in stages because of complications from her earlier surgery.

Omowumi underwent another operation in September 2026 to address her urinary problem. She was discharged about one or two weeks before the interview and is awaiting the next stage of treatment after the recently operated area heals.

She said she could not provide an exact cost for the outstanding surgery because the doctors had yet to determine the final amount, adding that treatment expenses could change before the procedure takes place.

The graduate disclosed that a foundation had previously supported her treatment. After her most recent surgery, the woman in charge of the foundation gave her the remaining N500,000 for post-operative care. However, she said she had received few additional donations and still needed financial assistance.

Beyond the medical challenges, Omowumi said the condition had affected her personal life and hopes of marriage and motherhood. She recounted an unsuccessful attempt at sexual intercourse because of severe pain and said she had kept her condition private for years because of the stigma surrounding it.

She eventually decided to speak publicly after becoming frustrated with her circumstances and realising that she needed help. However, she said some of the reactions to her story had been painful, forcing her to limit her outings.

Omowumi credited her mother with standing by her throughout the ordeal, particularly after the death of her father. She also expressed gratitude to friends who offered sympathy and encouragement after learning about her condition.

She is now appealing to Nigerians for financial support and prayers to enable her to complete treatment.

“I want Nigerians to please help me. I want to live a normal life, get married and have children of my own,” she said.

She added that her greatest hope was to receive the necessary treatment, build a family and have a better future.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

French President Emmanuel Macron has postponed his planned state visit to Nigeria, which was scheduled for October 28 and 29, amid widespread protests and unrest in France.

A French presidential source confirmed the postponement to TheCable on Friday, citing the domestic situation in France.

The country has recently experienced demonstrations over the rising cost of living, public services and school conditions. Protests on October 17 reportedly escalated into violence in several cities, with buildings set ablaze and shops looted.

French authorities are also preparing for another wave of demonstrations scheduled for Saturday.

A Nigerian official familiar with the matter told TheCable that the situation in France was a factor in the decision to postpone the visit.

“A president will not travel when his home is contending with internal combustion,” the official said.

Nigeria and France maintain diplomatic relations with cooperation across several sectors, including trade, energy, security and investment.

In November 2024, Macron hosted President Bola Tinubu for a three-day state visit to France. Discussions during the visit covered finance, energy transition, solid minerals, trade and investment, and communications, among other areas.

Macron’s proposed visit to Nigeria was expected to build on agreements reached during Tinubu’s trip to France.

The French president, whose second and final term is due to end in May 2027, has maintained close relations with Tinubu since the Nigerian leader assumed office in 2023.

Tinubu has visited France at least nine times since becoming president, for official engagements, working vacations and private trips.

Macron last visited Nigeria in July 2018, when he met with former President Muhammadu Buhari and toured the New Afrika Shrine in Lagos.

A new date for the postponed visit was not stated in the report.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential campaign council has challenged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to explain why the N10 billion approved by President Bola Tinubu for Ebola preparedness in June has reportedly remained unused.

In a statement issued on Friday, Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication for the ADC presidential campaign council, accused the ruling party of avoiding questions about the release and management of the emergency fund.

The statement followed comments by Dele Alake, spokesperson for the APC presidential campaign council, who reportedly said the money had not been spent because the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and other agencies had relied on existing resources.

Reacting, Shaibu criticised the APC’s response and demanded documentary evidence showing whether the funds had been released and how they were being managed.

“The APC have made a remarkable discovery: ‘Bola’ sounds like ‘Ebola’. We had not noticed. They found the rhyme, wrote a lengthy press statement about it and somehow still could not tell Nigerians where the ₦10 billion ordered released for Ebola preparedness is,” the statement reads.

“Atiku Abubakar asked for the money trail and an account of the emergency response. The party in power came back with a pronunciation lesson.”

Shaibu asked the Federal Government to clarify whether the money had been disbursed and, if so, identify the account holding it, the officials responsible for managing it and the reasons it had not been spent.

“Was the money released or was it not? If it was released, where is it held, who controls it, and why has it not been used for the preparedness President Tinubu announced in June?” he stated.

“If it was never released, why was an order for its immediate release announced in June? Publish the release documents, the account records and the Task Force’s expenditure reports. Insulting Atiku Abubakar will not account for one naira.”

The ADC spokesperson also questioned the government’s response to the confirmed Ebola case in Abuja, demanding a detailed timeline showing when the infection was first suspected, when health authorities received an alert and when testing and contact tracing began.

Citing the World Health Organization’s account, Shaibu said the patient developed symptoms on October 7, sought treatment at a private health facility on October 11 and received laboratory confirmation on October 20.

“The APC says an infected person cannot transmit Ebola before symptoms appear. That is true. It does not answer what happened after symptoms appeared,” he said.

He also called on the government to identify the agency that raised the surveillance alert and explain the actions taken after the warning.

“The APC claims surveillance ‘tipped off’ the government. Then publish the timeline. Name the agency that raised the alert, give the date and explain the action taken,” he said.

Shaibu stressed the need to provide healthcare workers involved in treatment and contact tracing with adequate protection, equipment and resources.

“Health workers treating the patient and tracing contacts deserve protection, equipment and every resource needed to act quickly. Questioning the government’s preparedness is no insult to them.”

He further expressed concern that public health measures could be used to restrict political campaigns or voting during the election period. He urged the Tinubu administration to make public any proposed restrictions, the medical justification for them and the recommendations of health authorities.

“Public health guidance must protect people. It must never become a political tool,” he added.

By Ishaka Mohammed

The Federal Government of Nigeria has waived the proposed tuition fees for the six-month professional teaching qualification programme launched in September 2026.

According to the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), learning will commence in November, after the five-day orientation programme beginning on October 28.

The Daily Reality earlier reported that the Federal Ministry of Education set the cost of the Accelerated Teacher Professionalisation Pathway (ATPP) at ₦200,000. 

However, according to the emails sent to admitted teachers on October 23, the tuition has been waived. 

“Your programme tuition of NGN 200,000 is fully covered by the Federal Government of Nigeria. This sponsorship is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and its commitment to strengthening the teaching profession and building a skilled, future-ready education workforce for every Nigerian child,” part of message reads.

The six-month training comprises four months of online learning and two months of teaching practice at each teacher’s place of work before eligibility for the TRCN Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE).

Recall that the training is for non-professional teachers with degree or diploma certificates and at least two years of classroom teaching experience.