By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Composite Brigade have killed two suspected kidnappers and recovered a large cache of weapons and ammunition during a follow-up operation in Edimogbo Forest, Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The operation, conducted on November 3, 2026, followed an earlier raid on a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in the forest on November 2.

The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Composite Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, disclosed the development in a statement issued late Tuesday.

He explained that the follow-up operation involved tracking suspects who fled during the previous raid and clearing other hideouts believed to be used by the criminal group.

Items recovered by the troops included two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, 438 rounds of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition and 4,725 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

The military also recovered two bandoliers, two mobile phones and a power bank.

According to the statement, the operation consolidated the gains made during the previous day’s raid and demonstrated the brigade’s determination to sustain pressure on criminal groups operating within its area of responsibility.

The Army added that troops continued to dominate the general area, with their morale and operational efficiency remaining high.

The operation is part of ongoing efforts by the 12 Brigade, in collaboration with the Kogi State Police Command and other security agencies, to combat kidnapping and improve security across the state.

The Daily Reality

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Bandits who abducted 15 students of an Islamic school in Niger State have reportedly demanded more than ₦100 million for their release.

The schoolteacher, Malam Aminu Bako, confirmed the ransom demand on Wednesday, saying the kidnappers had contacted village leaders following the abduction.

Bako also released the names of the 15 students still in captivity and appealed to the government to deploy military personnel to rescue them.

He expressed concern over what he described as the lack of substantial rescue efforts since the incident, noting that local vigilantes, the school and the victims’ families had been making efforts to secure their freedom.

According to him, the only government and security officials who had visited the community were the acting chairman of Rafi Local Government Area and the Divisional Police Officer.

Bako further disclosed that information gathered by local vigilantes suggested that the children were still being held somewhere in Niger State, inside an isolated building guarded by heavily armed men.

“We heard that they are still within Niger State, locked in a building, probably without food. We are worried; we want the authorities to come to our aid to rescue them,” he said.

He maintained that military intervention was necessary to secure the students’ release.

The 15 abducted students were identified as:

1. Hassana Isah
2. Aliya Ahmad
3. Hajara Musa
4. Hauwa’u Abubakar
5. Halima Yahaya
6. Asma’u Jamilu
7. Radiya Salisu
8. Aminatu Salisu
9. Aisha Bello
10. Rahinatu Sani
11. Aminatu Alhassan
12. Nafisa Ayuba
13. Bilkisu Adamu
14. Salaha Abdullahi
15. Hajara Salisu

The students were reportedly abducted while assisting their Islamic schoolteacher, Bako, on his farm at Tungan-Bako village in Rafi Local Government Area over the weekend.

The development has renewed calls for urgent security intervention to ensure the safe return of the children.

The Daily Reality

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Senate has commenced consideration of President Bola Tinubu’s request to obtain an external loan of $7.7 billion, equivalent to approximately ₦10.79 trillion, as part of the Federal Government’s financing plan for the 2026 fiscal year.

The request was referred to the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts on Wednesday for detailed examination, with the committee directed to submit its report as soon as practicable.

Tinubu’s request was contained in a letter dated October 26, 2026, and addressed to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio.

The letter sought legislative approval to borrow $7,707,404,882.49, equivalent to ₦10,790,366,835,481, using the budget exchange rate of ₦1,400 to the dollar.

The proposed external borrowing forms part of the ₦29.2 trillion new borrowing provision in the 2026 Appropriation Act, which comprises ₦18.4 trillion in domestic loans and ₦10.79 trillion in external financing.

According to the President, the borrowing is intended to help finance the projected ₦31.4 trillion budget deficit for the year.

Tinubu said the proposal complies with Sections 21(1) and 27(1) of the Debt Management Office (Establishment, etc.) Act, 2003, which require external borrowing proposals to receive approval from the National Assembly.

Eurobonds to receive priority

The President explained that the government would explore several financing options, taking into account borrowing costs, the benefits of each arrangement and the time required to secure the funds.

However, he indicated that greater attention would be given to Eurobond issuance because of its relatively faster processing and capacity to raise substantial funds.

Other options listed in the letter include concessional and commercial loans from multilateral and bilateral institutions, facilities from the International Monetary Fund, bridge financing, loan syndications and direct borrowing from international financial institutions.

Tinubu acknowledged that the final interest rates, repayment periods and other conditions would depend on market conditions at the time the financing arrangements are concluded.

He assured lawmakers that the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Debt Management Office would work together to negotiate favourable terms for Nigeria.

Sectors to benefit from the loan

The President said the proposed funds would support projects and programmes captured in the 2026 budget, particularly in defence and security, transportation, agriculture, power, education and healthcare.

He argued that the additional financing would provide resources for implementing key budgetary programmes and sustaining the administration’s economic reforms.

Tinubu also said the foreign currency proceeds would be received by the Central Bank of Nigeria on behalf of the Federal Government, thereby contributing to the country’s external reserves.

According to him, the expected increase in reserves would provide additional support for the naira and strengthen Nigeria’s external position.

Akpabio urges favourable borrowing terms

Reacting to the request, Senate President Godswill Akpabio stressed the need for the government to negotiate favourable conditions and carefully examine the economic implications of any borrowing agreement.

He cautioned against accepting loan arrangements without considering their costs and repayment obligations.

Akpabio subsequently referred the proposal to the Committee on Local and Foreign Debts for further scrutiny before the Senate takes a final decision.

The request comes amid continuing concerns over Nigeria’s rising public debt, debt-servicing obligations and reliance on borrowing to finance annual budget deficits.

While the Federal Government maintains that borrowing is necessary to address revenue shortfalls and fund infrastructure and development projects, questions remain about the sustainability of the country’s debt profile and the capacity of borrowed funds to generate returns that justify their cost.

The Daily Reality

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Olujuwon Obasanjo, son of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 after joining the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement as Special Adviser on Political Affairs.

Olujuwon announced his position on Wednesday during a visit to the movement’s headquarters in Abuja, where he was received by its National Coordinator, Sunday Asuku.

He described his appointment as an honour and commended the group for its grassroots mobilisation, community engagement and efforts to promote the activities of the Tinubu administration.

According to him, he had followed the movement’s activities for some time and was impressed by its work, expressing readiness to contribute to its objectives and the President’s second-term ambition.

“President Tinubu has started on a good note, making it necessary for Nigerians, particularly young people, to join hands to sustain the ongoing reforms and ensure continuity in governance,” he said.

Olujuwon also cited salary payments, infrastructure development and investment opportunities as areas where he believed the country had recorded progress, arguing that the gains should be sustained.

He expressed confidence that continued support for Tinubu would enable the administration to consolidate its achievements and deliver more benefits to Nigerians.

The former President’s son further disclosed that he had been a member of the All Progressives Congress since 2014.

He noted that members of his family were free to hold different political views and pursue their interests without hostility.

Welcoming him to the movement, Asuku described Olujuwon as an experienced political figure whose background in leadership and governance would strengthen the organisation’s mobilisation activities.

He expressed confidence that the new appointee would use his political experience to advance the movement’s objectives across the country.

Olujuwon’s declaration comes as political groups and parties intensify activities and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general election.

The Daily Reality

By Saifullahi Attahir

There was a time when most individuals engaged in either campus or labour association politics harboured the ambition of moving into mainstream politics. But years later, only a few achieved this dream. What went wrong? What is the difference between the two forms of politics, and why does success in one not guarantee success in the other?

Trade unions like the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG), Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the umbrella Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), and hundreds of others are examples of trade unions that have a form of politics almost similar to students’ unionism. They address the welfare of their members and are often in constant confrontation with the ‘government’.

Trade unionism and students’ unionism share similar characteristics and differ entirely from mainstream politics — the partisan politics of electing Chairmen, Governors, and Senators. Unionism involves a group of people sharing similar ideologies, mostly young, and is mistakenly believed to necessarily be led by vibrant, idealistic, talkative, and radical individuals.

Of course, a handful of trade union leaders were lucky enough to do well in mainstream politics. Examples include Senator Ibrahim Shekarau (former National President of Secondary School Principals), Senator Adams Oshiomhole (former NLC Chairman), Dr Chris Ngige, Senator Shehu Sani, Senator Dayo Faduyile (former NMA Chairman), and a few more.

But those “born comrades” in mainstream politics are very few compared to the hundreds of politicians who were once averse to joining even school politics but are now full-blown politicians in Nigeria. Ironically, many of those occupying seats in Nigeria are accidental politicians: either a retired civil servant, a retired Army General, a tired oil marketer, a former banker, a university lecturer, or a classroom teacher with no apparent political ambition, only to be dragged in by either their constituency or by influential people in their region. That’s the sheer power of fate!

One of the factors I have curiously come to realise as a roadblock is the inherent attitude in those ‘comrades’ — rebellion, radicalism, idealism, and hot-headedness — that makes it difficult for them to conform with their people; hence, they cannot be easily entrusted to lead others outside campuses. Most of them have fire and fury in their bones, and are men of stone, not easily bent or manipulated.

Most unionists are anti-business, and also suffer from identity problems when it comes to street politics. 

There is also the problem of funding. Party politics rewards money and godfatherism with little regard for grassroots mobilisation.

Some are unfortunately consumed by bitterness. For them, surrender was an unforgivable act. Of course, that does not apply to all. But it is obvious that even those comrades who accidentally find themselves in political seats do not endure long. They are either in constant fight with their colleagues — Shehu Sani, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Nasir El-Rufai, Ali Ndume, Dino Melaye, etc. — or always prefer to rebel — Sowore, Lukman Salihu, Naja’atu Mohammed.

Negotiation is a key tool for success in mainstream politics, especially when dealing with people who have different ideologies and perspectives. Unfortunately, unionists are trained to strike and rebel.

Some have even been tried as leaders but failed. The story of Tai Solarin is an example. He constantly criticised President Ibrahim Babangida. It was said that IBB cunningly entrusted the newly established People’s Bank to Tai Solarin as Chairman, only for the scheme to fail a few years later.

Success in mainstream politics is complex and multifactorial, and carries a good chunk of luck and right timing. It is not purely sagacity or intelligence. It is not purely based on ingenuity either. But there is an obvious Darwinian theory of survival of the fittest.

I have summed up the following as some of the factors that aid seamless transition and success in mainstream politics: flexibility and adaptation, ability to tolerate others and accept their views, bigger ambition, independent source of income, self-knowledge and education, learning when to speak and when to remain silent, mentorship and obedience to those mentors.

Of course, even with the above, it is still not a guarantee of success. Success belongs to God the Almighty.

Saifullahi Attahir is the President of the National Association of Jigawa State Medical Students (NAJIMS). He wrote this piece from Federal University Dutse, via saifullahiattahir93@gmail.com.  

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A group representing Fulani pastoralists has accused the Plateau State Government of allegedly supporting repeated attacks on herders and the killing of their livestock in parts of the state.

The group specifically identified Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Mangu Local Government Areas as locations where it claimed Fulani herders had continued to suffer attacks despite not engaging in criminal activities.

In a statement addressed to the state government and shared on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama, the group alleged that its investigations had linked some of the attacks to security personnel operating in the state.

It also accused security agencies of failing to respond promptly to distress calls, claiming that officers sometimes did not arrive at the scenes or only appeared after attacks had taken place.

The group further alleged that some individuals arrested in connection with the incidents were released shortly after being taken into custody.

According to the statement, the group expressed concern over what it described as a possible attempt to drive Fulani pastoralists out of Plateau State, insisting that it would not accept such an outcome.

It called on the state government to distance itself from the alleged attacks, ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible and compensate families who had lost relatives and livestock.

The group also demanded lasting measures to protect Fulani herders and other communities across the state.

It warned that failure to address the alleged killings and ensure justice could compel herders to resort to self-defence, arguing that citizens have a legal right to protect themselves.

Describing its demands as an ultimatum rather than an appeal, the group urged the government to take immediate action.

However, the allegations against the Plateau State Government and security agencies have not been independently verified. Neither the state government nor the relevant security authorities had responded to the claims as of the time of filing this report.

The development comes amid persistent security challenges in Plateau State, where attacks, reprisals and disputes involving farming and pastoral communities have continued to raise concerns over civilian safety and peaceful coexistence.

The Daily Reality

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Police in Bauchi State have arrested three men in connection with the killing of a woman identified as Khadija, popularly known as Nana, who was allegedly hacked to death with a cutlass.

The suspects were identified as Aliyu Musa, 25; Samsu Musa, 25; and Auwalu Kabiru, 22. They were arrested on November 2, 2026, following investigations into the incident.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Bauchi State, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying the attack was reported last Saturday.

According to the police, the suspects allegedly conspired to attack Khadija, who was said to be a resident of Unguwan Gangare in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, inflicting severe injuries on her head with a cutlass.

Police operatives attached to the Zalau Police Out-Station reportedly rushed the victim to the General Hospital, Toro, for medical attention. However, a doctor on duty later confirmed her death.

Her remains have been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

The command said efforts were ongoing to locate and contact her family, while the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Bauchi for further investigation and prosecution.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the killing, describing it as a dastardly act and assuring residents that those responsible would face justice.

He urged members of the public to provide timely information to the nearest police station to assist security agencies in preventing and investigating criminal activities.

The latest incident comes months after seven people were arrested over alleged criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance and culpable homicide in Dass Local Government Area.

The arrests followed the September 4, 2026 attack on a 29-year-old commercial tricycle rider, who was reportedly intercepted at Tudun Wus area and attacked with cutlasses.

The Daily Reality

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kebbi State Government has begun moves to implement a ₦70,000 transport allowance for civil servants to cushion the effects of rising transportation costs and economic hardship.

Governor Nasir Idris announced this on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, during an interview with journalists in Abuja. He said a committee under the Head of Service had already been established to work out the modalities for implementing the allowance.

According to the governor, his administration recognises the economic challenges facing workers and remains committed to improving their welfare. He also commended the Federal Government’s approval of the ₦70,000 monthly transport intervention for public servants, describing it as a commendable effort to support workers amid the prevailing economic situation.

Idris further disclosed that his administration was considering additional adjustments to workers’ welfare, noting that the current minimum wage had been affected by the declining purchasing power of Nigerians.

The Kebbi State Government had earlier approved a ₦75,000 minimum wage for state workers, alongside an additional ₦17,650 for teachers. The governor reaffirmed his commitment to workers’ welfare, industrial harmony and improved living conditions across the state.

The proposed transport allowance is expected to provide additional financial relief to public sector workers once implementation arrangements are concluded.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Ondo State Police Command has uncovered a suspected counterfeit currency production site in Odigbo Local Government Area, arresting one suspect and recovering three bags of suspected fake United States dollar notes.

The operation was carried out on October 29 at Kiniso Village, near Ajue, following a complaint by a businessman who allegedly received counterfeit dollars during a currency exchange transaction.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.

According to the police, the complainant, identified as Yusuf Nasiru, reported that two men, Peter Desmond and Olami Toro, both residents of Ode-Irele, approached him at his shop on October 25 to exchange US dollars for their naira equivalent.

Nasiru reportedly handed over $6,000, estimated at about ₦8.6 million, to the men.

However, while waiting to receive the naira equivalent, the suspects allegedly returned the dollar notes, claiming they did not have enough money to complete the transaction, before leaving.

The complainant later discovered that the notes returned to him were counterfeit and subsequently reported the matter to the police.

Jimoh said operatives of the Okitipupa Divisional Police Headquarters launched an investigation and, through intelligence gathering and technical tracking, traced one of the suspects, Peter Desmond, to Kiniso Village.

Acting on information from residents, the operatives raided the suspected hideout, arresting one person while other occupants reportedly escaped through a perimeter fence.

A search of the premises led to the recovery of three bags containing suspected counterfeit US dollar notes and a small wooden box, which were taken into police custody as exhibits.

The police spokesman said the arrested suspect had provided useful information to assist the ongoing investigation.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Felix Ohagwu, has directed investigators to intensify efforts to arrest other suspects allegedly connected to the operation and establish the extent of the suspected counterfeit currency network.

The command warned residents against suspicious foreign exchange transactions with unverified individuals, urging them to use recognised and authorised channels and authenticate foreign currencies before accepting them.

It also encouraged members of the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

The Daily Reality

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Gunmen have killed an 18-year-old vigilante member, Divine Dung Davou, during a midnight attack on Rachas Village in Heipang District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The attack occurred at about 12:30am on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, triggering grief and renewed fears over insecurity in the community.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the killing in a statement, saying the deceased was a member of the community’s local vigilante group.

He described the incident as devastating to the victim’s family and residents of Rachas.

A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Divine had volunteered to help protect the village because of the absence of adequate security personnel during the night.

The leader lamented that the young man was killed while carrying out his community protection duties and appealed to the government not to abandon the residents.

Another resident, Mrs Mary Chollom, said the gunshots during the attack left many people terrified and unable to sleep.

She called on the government to deploy security personnel to the area, expressing concern over the safety of residents, most of whom depend on farming for their livelihood.

Similarly, a youth in the community, Mr Dalyop Gyang, demanded the arrest of those responsible for the killing and called for stronger security patrols.

Reacting to the incident, the Berom Youth Moulders Association urged the Plateau State Police Command and other security agencies to investigate the killing, apprehend the attackers and strengthen patrols and intelligence gathering in vulnerable communities.

The association also called on the Plateau and Federal Governments to move beyond assurances and implement sustained security measures to protect lives and property, particularly in communities repeatedly targeted by gunmen.

Tengwong expressed condolences to the bereaved family and the people of Rachas, while urging authorities to take urgent steps to prevent further attacks.

The Daily Reality