By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United States economy recorded an unexpected decline in employment in February after official figures showed that thousands of jobs were lost across several sectors.

Data released in the latest labour report indicates that payrolls dropped by 92,000 during the month. The unemployment rate also increased slightly to 4.4%. Analysts had predicted that the labour market would remain steady.

The development has raised fresh concerns about the strength of the US job market. Economists now question whether the labour sector could be entering a period of weakness.

The report shows that job losses affected nearly every major sector of the economy. The healthcare industry also recorded losses despite its reputation as a stable source of employment. Strikes in the sector contributed to the decline in February.

The drop represents the largest monthly job loss since October. At that time, the United States government shutdown disrupted economic activity.

Economic observers also point to rising oil prices as another potential challenge. The increase followed tensions linked to the US-Israel war in Iran. Analysts warn that the surge in energy costs could place additional pressure on economic growth in the coming months.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed a viral graphic circulating on social media that claims the electoral body fixed March 26 as the deadline for government officials seeking elective office to resign.

The commission described the message as false and misleading. It said the information did not come from INEC.

INEC clarified its position in a statement issued on Friday through its official X account. The commission warned the public against relying on the circulating graphic.

According to the statement, the message has no connection with the electoral body and should not be taken as authentic information.

INEC advised the public, media organisations, and political actors to ignore the message completely.

The commission also explained that it releases official information only through verified communication channels. These include its official website at inecnigeria.org, its verified social media accounts, and official press statements.

INEC urged Nigerians to confirm election-related updates through these platforms before sharing them with others.

The electoral body added that the spread of unverified content can create confusion among citizens.

It restated its commitment to providing the public with clear and reliable information about electoral matters.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the deployment of 65 ambassadors-designate to Nigeria’s diplomatic missions across the world and to the United Nations.

The list includes 31 career diplomats and 34 non-career appointees. The Senate had confirmed the nominees in December last year.

A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the postings cover several strategic countries and international organisations.

Among the non-career ambassadors, Senator Grace Bent was posted to Lome in Togo, while former presidential aide Senator Ita Enang will serve in South Africa. Former Abia State governor Victor Ikpeazu was assigned to Spain, and Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu will represent Nigeria in Tel-Aviv, Israel.

Other notable appointments include former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu to Qatar, Reno Omokri to Mexico, and former Minister of Health Professor Isaac Folorunso Adewole to Canada. Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode will serve in Germany, while former Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, was posted to China.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim was named Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. Lateef Kayode Are was assigned to the United States, while Ambassador Joseph Sola Iji will represent Nigeria in Russia. Aminu Dalhatu was posted to the United Kingdom.

The career ambassadors were also deployed to various countries. Ambassador Nwabiola Ezenwa Chukwumeka will serve in Cote d’Ivoire, while Besto Maimuna Ibrahim was assigned to Niger. Other postings include Mohammed Mahmud Lele to Algeria, Ahmed Mohammed Monguno to Egypt, and Muhammad Saidu Dahiru to India.

Additional assignments include Abdussalam Habu Zayyad to Senegal, Shehu Ilu Barde to Ghana, Aminu Nasir to Ethiopia, Abubakar Musa Musa to Chad, and Ibrahim Danlami to Kenya.

According to the statement, some host countries have already granted diplomatic approval for the appointments.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already received agrément from the United Kingdom for the High Commissioner-designate, Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu. Similarly, France has sent the agrément for Ambassador Ayo Oke.”

The presidency added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has forwarded the nominations of the remaining envoys to their respective host countries for the necessary diplomatic clearance.

“The Ministry has also conveyed the nominations of the other 62 designated envoys to all the countries concerned, including a request for their agréments in line with standard diplomatic practice.”

President Tinubu also directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to begin preparations for the ambassadors before they assume duty.

“President Tinubu has directed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should immediately commence the induction programme for the ambassadors-designate and High Commissioners.”

The induction programme is expected to prepare the envoys for their diplomatic responsibilities before their deployment to various missions.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Bugun Karkanda III have forced armed terrorists out of Mansur Village and nearby settlements in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

During the operation, soldiers recovered an AK-47 rifle and re-established government control in the affected communities.

Military authorities described the development as “a major breakthrough.”

The army explained that the mission targeted locations where armed groups had attempted to establish influence. According to the military, the action weakened the fighters and disrupted their activities in the area.

Officials also said the operation forms part of a wider campaign to improve security and allow residents to return to their normal daily activities. The exercise followed the formal launch of the security initiative by the General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Folusho Oyinlola.

In a statement released on Thursday in Jos, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 3 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olumide Victor Olukoya, said troops moved strategically against the armed groups.

The statement said, “Following a deliberate and well-coordinated offensive, troops of 3 Division rapidly advanced into identified flash points, establishing dominance over key areas and successfully dislodging armed terrorists who had attempted to assert control over Mansur Village.”

The army added that soldiers conducted a detailed search of the area after pushing out the attackers.

“A thorough clearance of the village led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, further weakening the terrorists’ operational capacity.”

According to the statement, troops have maintained their presence in the area after the operation.

“Troops have since consolidated gains and intensified aggressive fighting patrols alongside confidence-building patrols across Alkaleri LGA to sustain presence, maintain law and order, and prevent resurgence.”

The army also said the strengthened security activities have already produced positive outcomes in the local government area.

“The renewed military posture has yielded tangible results: disrupting criminal elements, rebuilding public confidence, and creating a safer environment for citizens to resume socio-economic activities without fear,“ he added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists have abducted more than 100 women and children after attacking Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, as opposed to an earlier report that stated only 9 people and an imam were abducted.

Sources said the attackers also killed several soldiers, the chief imam of the town and some community elders during the assault. The incident happened shortly after Muslims broke their fast on Wednesday.

Security and community sources told reporters that the terrorists first targeted a military base operated by the 82 Division Task Force Battalion. After confronting the troops, they moved into the community and later stormed an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp.

One of the sources said the attackers outnumbered the soldiers, which enabled them to overpower the troops before advancing into the town where the mass abduction occurred.

“The militants invaded a military base of 82 Division of TF Battalion. They also launched an assault on the internally displaced persons (IDPs) camp in the community,” the source said.

He added that the attackers pursued fleeing soldiers and later searched houses and nearby bushes.

“We cannot ascertain the actual number of soldiers and civilians killed but nine bodies of soldiers have been recovered so far,” he said.

The source also alleged that the assailants destroyed military assets during the raid.

“Residents have fled Ngoshe town to the adjoining town, Pulka. The attack is very devastating considering that refugees have started returning from Cameroon,’ one other source said.

He also suggested that internal informants might have aided the attackers.

“It’s not possible to carry out such an attack without information from within us.

“The chief imam and some elders were slaughtered by the terrorists, and over 100 women and children were abducted or missing”, he said.

Residents who escaped the attack have reportedly moved to Pulka town in search of safety.

A resident, Malam Umar, described the emotional situation among survivors.

“You will see a mother crying, searching for her children and husband or children looking for their parents.

“The trauma of losing their homes and loved ones during this difficult time is quite devastating.” he said.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that the Nigerian military launched air strikes against the fleeing terrorists after the attack.

According to the security platform Zagazola Makama, surveillance aircraft tracked the insurgents along their escape routes. The Nigerian Air Force then carried out targeted strikes which reportedly killed more than 50 of the fighters.

Security analysts have linked the renewed attacks on military facilities to ongoing operations by troops in Sambisa Forest, the Mandara Mountains and areas around Lake Chad.

Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, condemned the attack and called for stronger military operations in the affected areas.

“I strongly condemn the attack. Let me commiserate with families of those killed and wish the injured quick recovery.

“Unfortunately, soldiers, the chief imam of Ngoshe and some elders of the community were among those slaughtered or killed during the attack.

“The military base was dislodged with some major equipment destroyed, including residential houses and property worth millions of naira set ablaze. I was informed that the General Officer Commanding 7Div, Brigadier-General Ugochukwu Unachukwu and the Brigade Commander of Gwoza are right now in Ngoshe to ensure civil authority is restored.

“We are liaising with Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Chairman of Gwoza LGA to immediately provide relief items to the displaced persons in Pulka community,” he said.

The lawmaker also noted that the absence of stationed attack helicopters or fighter jets in the Northeast has continued to limit the military’s ability to respond swiftly to attacks.

Following the incident, the Gwoza Youth Forum appealed for humanitarian support for displaced residents who fled to Pulka.

The group’s chairman, Malam Idrissa Hamman, made the appeal in a statement.

“We humbly write to seek your urgent support for our brothers and sisters who have been displaced from Ngoshe and are currently taking refuge in Pulka.

“Many of them are living under extremely difficult conditions and lack basic necessities for daily survival.

“In view of this humanitarian situation, we are earnestly appealing for your kind support, either in cash or in kind to assist these vulnerable families.

“As a matter of urgency, we are particularly soliciting the following items: clothes, shoes, blankets, buckets, food items and other essential household items.

“This humanitarian initiative is being coordinated under the platform of the Gwoza Youths Forum.

“The chairman of the committee for this initiative is Mal. Idirisa Hamman, while the secretary is Engr. Aliyu Shehu & BK Glavda as Member,” he said.

The attack adds to a series of deadly assaults carried out by terrorists and bandits across several Nigerian states since the beginning of Ramadan. Security incidents have been reported in Borno, Zamfara, Kebbi, Adamawa, Niger and Kaduna states in recent weeks.

Islamic scholars have also condemned the killings.

A Kano-based cleric, Dr Ibrahim Siraj, said Islam strongly forbids the taking of human life.

Quoting from the Qur’an, he said: “Whoever kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell, to abide therein forever; and the wrath and curse of Allah are upon him, and a dreadful punishment is prepared for him.”

He said the offence becomes even more serious when it occurs during Ramadan.

“In addition to violating the sanctity of life, it also violates the sanctity of the month itself. Ramadan is a time when Muslims are encouraged to do good, refrain from bad behaviour, and draw closer to Allah. To take a life in this holy month is to show contempt and disrespect for its sacredness,” he said.

Another cleric, Sheikh Halliru Maraya of Kaduna, also stressed that the attacks contradict Islamic teachings.

“One of the reasons these criminal gunmen step up their atrocities against Nigerians during the holy month of Ramadan is that they are not acting in the name of Islam or based on its teachings. They are simply acting on their own whims and caprices.

“These atrocities clearly contradict the faith. Islam does not condone violence, let alone the taking of human life without a just cause. According to the Qur’an, taking a human life unjustly is like killing all of mankind. Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption in the land – it is as if he had slain all mankind,” he said.

By Muhammad Umar Shehu

Nigeria’s economic crisis is often discussed in technical language. We talk about inflation rates, exchange rates, GDP growth, fiscal deficits, and monetary tightening. Experts debate policy direction, subsidy removal, and currency reforms. Yet beneath all these discussions lies a deeper truth that we are reluctant to confront: Nigeria’s economic crisis is, at its core, a moral crisis.

In Adam Smith and Islam, Waseem Naser reminds us that economics was never meant to be detached from ethics. Adam Smith, widely regarded as the father of modern economics, was first a moral philosopher. Before writing The Wealth of Nations, he wrote The Theory of Moral Sentiments, where he emphasised sympathy, justice, and moral restraint. Markets, in his view, could not function in isolation from moral responsibility.

Islamic economic thought shares this foundation. Trade is encouraged, wealth is permitted, and enterprise is respected. But all of these operate within firm moral boundaries. Justice is non-negotiable. Exploitation is forbidden. Wealth carries responsibility. Accountability is certain.

When we examine Nigeria’s current situation through this lens, the picture becomes clearer.

Inflation continues to erode the purchasing power of ordinary citizens. The naira struggles for stability. Youth unemployment remains alarmingly high. The cost of food and transportation has risen beyond the reach of many families. These are economic realities. But they are also symptoms of deeper institutional and moral weaknesses.

An economy cannot thrive where corruption undermines trust. Adam Smith insisted that justice is the main pillar that upholds society. Once justice collapses, society itself begins to crack. In Nigeria, public funds are routinely mismanaged, contracts are inflated, and accountability mechanisms are weak. This is not merely inefficiency. It is moral decay.

Islamic principles reinforce this argument. Leadership is considered a trust. Public office is an amanah, not a private investment opportunity. When leadership becomes a means of personal enrichment, the moral foundation of governance collapses. What follows is predictable: inequality widens, poverty deepens, and citizens lose faith in the system.

The recent economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and exchange rate adjustments, may have theoretical justification. Many economists argue they were long overdue. However, reform without structured social protection reflects a failure of moral sensitivity. When policies disproportionately burden the poor while elites remain insulated, justice is compromised.

Adam Smith did not promote greed. He believed self-interest operates within moral boundaries shaped by social conscience. Islam teaches a similar balance. Wealth creation is legitimate, but not at the expense of human dignity. In Nigeria, however, profit often overrides public welfare.

Consider the widening gap between political elites and ordinary citizens. Luxury convoys move through streets where citizens struggle to afford basic commodities. Public spending priorities often appear disconnected from public suffering. This visible inequality damages more than economic stability. It damages national unity.

Islamic economic thought provides mechanisms for social balance, such as zakat and structured redistribution. These are not acts of charity alone. They are instruments of justice. In Nigeria, social intervention programs frequently suffer from poor targeting, lack of transparency, and political manipulation. The result is minimal impact and widespread distrust.

Nigeria does not lack natural resources. It does not lack human capital. What it lacks is consistent ethical leadership and institutional discipline. An economy built on fragile moral foundations cannot stand firm.

The lesson from both Adam Smith’s moral philosophy and Islamic economic principles is straightforward. Markets require trust. Trust requires justice. Justice requires accountability. Without these elements, reforms remain cosmetic.

If Nigeria is to move forward, economic reconstruction must be accompanied by moral reconstruction. Transparency must replace opacity. Accountability must replace impunity. Public service must replace personal gain.

Economic indicators may improve temporarily, but without ethical grounding, instability will return. Sustainable growth demands more than sound monetary policy. It demands character in leadership and integrity in institutions.

Nigeria’s future will not be secured by technical adjustments alone. It will be secured when justice becomes the true foundation of governance.

Until then, our economic crisis will remain what it has always been: a reflection of a deeper moral failure.

Muhammad Umar Shehu wrote from Gombe. He can be reached via: umarmuhammadshehu2@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Security operatives have arrested two men suspected of supplying fuel to bandits who operate in parts of Bauchi State.

The arrest took place in neighbouring Gombe State during a security operation. Information about the incident appeared in a post shared on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama on Thursday.

Makama said security personnel carried out the operation on Wednesday at about 4:30 a.m. Officers conducted a stop-and-search exercise along the Kashere–Futuk Road in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.

He explained that the action followed intelligence about how armed groups in Bauchi obtain fuel from Gombe.

“The operation followed intelligence reports indicating that bandits terrorising parts of Bauchi were sourcing fuel from Gombe,” Makama wrote.

During the exercise, security operatives stopped a red-tinted Golf 3 vehicle with registration number GME 221 XA. The car carried 29 jerrycans filled with Premium Motor Spirit, also known as PMS.

Makama added that the driver managed to escape.

“The vehicle’s driver, 20-year-old Aliyu Usman from Futuk Village in Alkaleri LGA of Bauchi, reportedly fled the scene and escaped,” he wrote.

Two passengers inside the vehicle did not escape. Security agents arrested them at the scene. Authorities identified them as Bello Abdullahi, 52, and Sulaiman Musa, 40. Both men come from Futuk Village in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The suspects told investigators that they bought the fuel in Billiri town in Gombe State.

Police officers seized the vehicle and the 29 jerrycans as exhibits. Authorities have opened an investigation to determine whether the suspects supplied fuel to criminal groups.

Security agencies also continue efforts to capture the driver who escaped and to uncover other members of the suspected supply network.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The management of Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila has rusticated nine students over their involvement in examination malpractice during the first semester examinations of the 2025/2026 academic session.

The decision was announced in a Special Bulletin issued by the university’s Registry following the approval of the institution’s Senate after reviewing reported cases of examination misconduct and plagiarism.

According to the bulletin, the affected students were found guilty of violating the university’s examination regulations. As a result, the Senate approved their rustication for one academic session as part of disciplinary measures to maintain academic integrity.

The university management said the action reflects its commitment to promoting honesty, discipline, and fairness within the academic environment.

It also reiterated that examination malpractice and all forms of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Students were therefore urged to strictly adhere to examination rules and regulations, with the management emphasising that integrity remains central to the institution’s mission of producing morally upright and academically sound graduates.

Members of the university community were advised to take note of the Senate’s decision and continue to uphold the core values of the institution.

By Ahmad Zubair Chedi, PhD

It is with deep sorrow yet immense gratitude that I pay tribute to my late lecturer, mentor, and Academic guide, Prof. Kabiru Isah Dandago, whose remarkable contributions have greatly shaped my academic and professional journey.

I had the rare privilege of being taught by Prof. Dandago at both my undergraduate and postgraduate levels, where he imparted to me invaluable knowledge and Academic discipline.

During my studies, he taught me several key courses that formed the foundation of my understanding of the accounting profession, including Cost Accounting, Management Accounting, Advanced Financial Accounting, Auditing and Investigation, Public Finance, Accounting Theory, and Seminar in Accounting. Through these courses, he not only delivered knowledge but also instilled analytical thinking, research curiosity, and professional integrity.

Prof. Dandago’s mentorship went far beyond the classroom. He played a pivotal role in my Academic development at critical stages of my postgraduate journey. Prof. Kabiru Isah Dandago was instrumental in facilitating my admission to both the MSc and PhD programmes, opening doors that enabled me to advance in my academic pursuits. His support and mentorship were key pillars in my Academic progress.

He served as the Panel Chairman during my MSc Accounting Internal Defence, where his constructive insights and scholarly guidance strengthened my research work. Furthermore, he was my PhD. Internal Supervisor, guiding me with patience, wisdom, and encouragement throughout the demanding process of Doctoral research.

One of the most defining moments of my Academic career came when he encouraged me to write my first journal article. His belief in my potential motivated me to take the bold step into Academic publishing. Not only did he inspire me to write, but he also supported and guided me in presenting my research paper at an International Conference, an experience that significantly broadened my Academic exposure and confidence.

Prof. Dandago was more than a lecturer; he was a mentor who nurtured scholars, a teacher who inspired excellence, and a leader who dedicated his life to advancing knowledge and the success of his students. His influence on my Academic journey is profound and will remain with me forever.

Though he has departed from this world, the knowledge he shared, the guidance he gave, and the inspiration he instilled will continue to live on in the lives of those he mentored. His legacy is written not only in books and research but also in the many scholars he helped shape.

May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, reward his lifelong dedication to knowledge and mentorship, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus. Ameen.

Rest in peace, Prof. Kabiru Isah Dandago. Your impact will never be forgotten.

By Tijjani Ahmad, PhD 

In Northern Nigeria’s academic landscape, few names resonate as profoundly as Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago’s. For those who pursued accounting and related disciplines from the mid-1990s onward, his name was not just familiar; it was synonymous with excellence, innovation, and unwavering commitment. 

A household figure whose books lined our shelves and whose insights shaped our minds, Prof. Dandago lived a life dedicated to paying his dues in every sphere he touched: academically, professionally, administratively, socially, and spiritually. 

Prof. Dandago’s academic journey spanned an impressive 36 years (since 1990), with 19 of those as a full professor, during which he poured his heart into teaching, supervision, and research. His classrooms were not mere lecture halls but crucibles of intellectual growth, where students emerged transformed. He authored numerous papers and books that became foundational texts, demystifying complex financial concepts and inspiring generations of accountants, managers, and scholars. 

At Bayero University, Kano (BUK) and beyond, his supervision of theses and dissertations was legendary, rigorous yet nurturing, always pushing mentees to reach their highest potential. Even in his final days, his contributions to knowledge remained undiminished, a reminder that true scholars never truly retire.

Professionally, Prof. Dandago’s influence extended far beyond academia. He was a pillar in Nigeria’s accounting bodies, serving with distinction at both national and district levels in the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN). His expertise shaped policies, standards, and practices, ensuring ethical integrity in a field often tested by challenges. 

Administratively, he held pivotal roles, including as Commissioner of Finance in Kano State and as a member of the Tax Appeal Tribunal, where his decisions were marked by fairness, precision, and a deep sense of public duty. These positions were not stepping stones for personal gain but platforms for service, where he navigated fiscal complexities with the wisdom of a sage.

Yet, Prof. Dandago’s greatness was not confined to boardrooms or lecture podiums. Socially, he was a force for good, deeply invested in community service and mentorship. He guided countless young professionals, offering counsel that extended beyond careers into life itself. 

His actions spoke volumes – quiet acts of kindness, support for the underprivileged, and a commitment to uplifting Northern Nigeria’s youth. Spiritually, he lived as a devout Muslim, his faith evident in his humility, generosity, and moral compass. He was a man who walked his talk, drawing from Islamic principles to foster harmony and ethical living in all he did.

My own path with Prof. Dandago began indirectly, through whispers of his reputation. As a student at ABU, I first encountered his name in the books that formed the backbone of our curriculum and in the glowing accounts from our seniors at BUK, who spoke of him with reverence. Little did I know our worlds would intersect so meaningfully. 

Our first direct meeting came in 2011 during my MBA program, when he was assigned to teach Financial and Management Accounting alongside the late Prof. Mohammed Liman, another erudite scholar we lost just last August. Their tandem was a masterclass in itself, blending rigour with inspiration.

Two years later, in 2013, fate brought us together again at Universiti Utara Malaysia, where his presence felt like a continuation of that earlier guidance. From that point onward, Prof. Dandago became more than a teacher; he was a constant in my journey, following my progress with genuine interest. 

Our paths crossed repeatedly—in projects, fora, committees—each encounter enriching me with wisdom. Whether through his direct words, sharp and insightful, or through the subtle power of his example, no one left his company unchanged. He was the true definition of a professor: not just a dispenser of facts, but a cultivator of minds and spirits.

Prof. Dandago’s life was a symphony of service, where every note contributed to a greater harmony. In a world often driven by self-interest, he stood as a paragon of selflessness, reminding us that true success lies in what we give, not what we gain. 

As we gather to honour his memory, his burial today echoes the profound impact he had, crowds drawn not by obligation, but by love and respect for a life well-lived.

May Allah (SWT) grant him eternal peace, forgive his shortcomings, and admit him into Jannatul Firdaus, the highest paradise. 

Adieu Prof.! Sai mun zo.