By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has expressed sadness and extended his condolences to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, following the death of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai.

Ribadu made this known in a message shared on his Facebook page, where he said:

“Inna lilLahi wa inna illahir raji’un

I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, the matriarch of the El-Rufai family. I have fond memories of shared moments with her and her motherly care. At a time like this, words can offer little comfort for such a profound loss. My heartfelt condolences to Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and the entire family. May Almighty Allah forgive her shortcomings, grant her eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus, and give the family the strength to bear this loss.”

Reports confirm that Hajiya Umma El-Rufai passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026, a development that has thrown her family and associates into mourning.

Ribadu’s condolence message has drawn attention, especially amid perceived political differences between the two prominent figures.

Meanwhile, many Nigerians have continued to send in messages of sympathy and prayers, asking Allah to forgive her and grant her eternal rest.

By Uzair Adam

The Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam, has resigned from office following recent political developments in the state.

His resignation was announced on Friday in a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Dr. Habibu Sale Mohammed.

The development comes after the Kano State House of Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against Abdussalam earlier in the week.

In a related development, a Federal High Court sitting in Kano on Wednesday dismissed an application filed by the deputy governor seeking to stop the impeachment process.

According to the statement, the Kwankwasiyya Movement formally informed the public, the people of Kano State, and the nation about Abdussalam’s decision to step down from his position.

It explained that the resignation, although difficult, was taken in the interest of the people and to ensure stability in the governance of the state.

The statement noted that recent circumstances had limited the deputy governor’s ability to fully discharge the duties and responsibilities attached to his office, making it necessary to allow the position to function effectively for the benefit of the public.

It, however, stressed that the decision to resign should not be interpreted as an admission of the allegations levelled against him by the Kano State House of Assembly.

According to the movement, Abdussalam maintains his innocence and believes that his record in office and public service reflects his integrity and commitment to the people.

The statement further described the resignation as an act of statesmanship intended to preserve peace and prevent political tension that could affect governance and development in the state.

It added that Abdussalam would now focus on strengthening the Kwankwasiyya Movement, particularly by consolidating its structures and strategies ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The movement also urged its supporters and residents of Kano State to remain calm, law-abiding, and committed to democratic values while assuring that further details would be communicated in due course.

An Iran-linked hacking group has claimed responsibility for breaking into the personal email account of Kash Patel, the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, sparking fresh concerns about cybersecurity risks involving top United States officials.

The group, identified as Handala Hack Team, announced the breach online and released what it described as emails, documents and personal photographs obtained from Patel’s private account.

Authorities in the United States have confirmed the incident. Early assessments indicate that some of the materials circulating online are genuine.

A Justice Department official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “We are aware of the incident involving the FBI director’s personal email account. Appropriate steps have been taken to secure affected systems and assess the scope of the breach.”

Security analysts monitoring the group say Handala Hack Team operates as a proxy linked to Iranian cyber interests. Such networks often function independently on the surface, but their activities tend to align with state objectives.

The hackers claimed that the breach uncovered emails spanning nearly a decade, from around 2010 to 2019. They also released images that appear to show Patel in informal personal situations.

There is no evidence at this stage that classified government systems were accessed. Experts, however, warn that personal accounts can still offer useful intelligence to attackers.

The group suggested the operation was carried out in retaliation for recent actions taken by the United States against infrastructure associated with Iranian cyber operations.

The development comes at a time of rising cyber tensions between Iran and the United States. Both countries have repeatedly accused each other of carrying out cyber attacks in recent years.

Despite the breach, officials insist there is no indication that FBI networks or classified systems have been compromised. Investigations into the incident are ongoing, while internal reviews continue within the bureau.

Cybersecurity experts say the episode highlights the growing threat posed by digital attacks, even on high-ranking officials, and the need for stronger protection of personal and official data.

Ishaka Mohammed

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the results of the Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) 2026 — first series.

In a statement released on Friday, March 27, 2026, the Council asked the candidates who sat the examination to check their results within a few hoursʼ time.

“The result of CB-WASSCE for Private Candidates, 2026–First Series has been released. Candidates can access their results within the next 12 hours,” part of the statement reads.

The Council also revealed that out of the ten thousand, four hundred and eighty (10,480) candidates that sat the examination, three thousand four hundred and twenty-nine (3,429) candidates (32.72%) obtained credit and above in a minimum of five (5) subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

However, two thousand and sixty-two (2,062) candidates (19.68%) have a few of their subjects still being processed due to some errors traceable to them. In addition, seventy-five (75) candidates’ results, representing 0.72% of 

The total number of candidates who sat the examination is being held in connection with various reported cases of examination malpractice, which are still being investigated.

The examination, which was held from January 28 to February 14, 2026, was in a hybrid format. All the questions were displayed on the computer, but while the multiple-choice questions were answered thereon, the essay questions required paper-and-pencil responses.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The family of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has announced the death of his mother.

In a statement released by the family on Friday, it was confirmed that she passed away on March 27, 2026. She is said to have died peacefully while surrounded by members of her family.

El-Rufai served as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023 and remains one of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in line with Islamic rites. May Allah grant her eternal rest and comfort the family during this difficult time

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday received delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Rivers State at his residence in Abuja.

Those present at the meeting included the National Vice Chairman (South-South), Victor Giadom, who recently retained his position. Lawmakers from the National Assembly and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly also attended the gathering. Other party leaders from the state were equally present.

The meeting followed the APC South-South Zonal Congress held in Asaba, Delta State, a few days earlier.

At the congress, Giadom emerged again as the National Vice Chairman (South-South), while Samuel Nwanosike was elected as the South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary.

The gathering is seen as part of ongoing consultations within the party ahead of its national convention.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Residents of Jeri community in Kusada Local Government Area of Katsina State have been thrown into distress after bandits launched a prolonged attack on the area.

The incident, which occurred on March 27, 2026, involved armed men moving from one house to another and looting valuables without interruption for nearly two hours.

Security analyst Bakatsine disclosed the development in a post shared on X on Friday, where he gave details of the attack.

“Bandits carried out a house-to-house raid in Jeri community, Kusada LGA of Katsina State, operating for nearly two hours,” he stated.

During the operation, the attackers reportedly made away with mobile phones, cash, and cattle belonging to residents.

“Phones, cash and cattle worth millions were taken,” Bakatsine added.

Despite the scale of the attack, there were no reported deaths or abductions.

The incident has, however, sparked fresh concerns over security in the area. This comes amid recent efforts by authorities to restore peace in parts of Katsina State.

Bakatsine also pointed out that the attack occurred only weeks after a peace agreement was said to have been reached with bandits in Kankia Local Government Area.

“This incident raises fresh concerns about the effectiveness of the peace deal struck with bandits in Kankia LGA just weeks ago,” he said.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have thwarted an attempted terrorist attack on Maiwa village in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The incident occurred on March 25, 2026, after security operatives received a distress call from residents of the community. The troops responded promptly and moved to the scene around 5:30 pm.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed the development in a post on X, where he detailed how the operation unfolded.

According to him, troops met local vigilantes already in a gun battle with the attackers upon arrival. The soldiers then joined forces with the vigilantes, which forced the assailants to retreat into nearby bushes.

Sources within the security circle revealed that a follow-up sweep of the area led to a grim discovery. Two villagers were found dead after the exchange of gunfire.

“Troops maintained a sustained presence in the area and continued aggressive patrols aimed at denying the terrorists freedom of movement and preventing further attacks,” Makama said.

Security forces have since intensified patrols in the area to forestall further attacks and restore calm in the affected community.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops under Operation WHIRL STROKE have arrested three suspected criminals and recovered weapons during a clearance operation carried out on March 26, 2026.

This is contained in a statement issued by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer at the Headquarters of JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, on March 26, 2026.

The operation formed part of ongoing pre-wet season activities aimed at securing farming communities.

Soldiers of the COAS Intervention Battalion XI acted on credible intelligence about the presence of suspected terrorists around the Agasha area.

They moved to the location and secured the surroundings, which led to the arrest of the suspects.

The individuals were identified as Mr Sule Ibrahim and Mr Salmanu Risko from Nasarawa State, alongside Mr Abdulkareem Haruna from Jos.

Security personnel recovered one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and 27 rounds of 7.62mm x 39 ammunition during the operation. Other items found include a Tecno mobile phone, a cutlass, ten sachets of alcohol, and various charms.

The suspects remain in custody as preliminary investigations continue. Authorities have indicated that they will face prosecution after the investigation is concluded.

Troops have sustained a strong presence in the area. They continue to patrol and monitor key locations to prevent criminal activities and ensure safety ahead of the farming season.

The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, praised the troops for their dedication and professionalism. He also commended their efforts in protecting law-abiding citizens within the Joint Operations Area.

By Anwar Usman

The United Nation Security Council will hold closed-door consultations on Friday to discuss strikes on Iran at Moscow’s request, Russian state media reported, as the Middle East war nears its second month.

Iran has come under near-daily bombardment since US-Israeli strikes on February 28 triggered the war, which has since widened to large parts of the region.

According to state news agency TASS, spokesman for Russia’s envoy to the United Nations, Evgeny Uspensky, said “The Russian Federation has requested closed-door consultations with the UN Security Council due to the ongoing strikes on civilian infrastructure in Iran, including educational and healthcare facilities.”

A strike on the first day of the war hit a school in the southern Iranian city of Minab, killing more than 160 children, according to authorities.

Reports from the US military investigation by The New York Times indicated that a US Tomahawk cruise missile had hit the school due to a targeting mistake.

The United States, which holds the Security Council presidency this month, scheduled the meeting for 10:00 am in New York (1400 GMT), according to TASS.

The US-Israeli military campaign has targeted Iranian leadership, missile sites and military infrastructure, prompting a large-scale Iranian retaliation across the Gulf and the effective closure of the crucial Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of global crude and liquefied natural gas passes during peacetime.

AFP reports that, the UN Human Rights Council will hold a separate meeting on Friday in Geneva focused on the deadly school strike.