Month: September 2025

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

The insecurity challenges in Nigeria, particularly banditry, have defied simplistic solutions. While the kinetic approach, military and law enforcement operations, has achieved some notable successes, it has not produced the outcome of sustainable peace. Instead, it has often fueled a cycle of violence between state and non-state actors, while local communities continue to suffer. To break this cycle, there is a compelling need to complement kinetic measures with non-kinetic strategies such as dialogue, community engagement, education, intelligence-driven peacebuilding, and socio-economic empowerment.

The kinetic approach is necessary but insufficient. It weakens the operational strength of criminal groups but fails to address the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, social injustice, and a lack of community trust in the government. In some cases, heavy-handed operations or operational errors can create resentment among local populations, inadvertently attracting recruits to criminal networks.

The non-kinetic measures are designed to fill the gaps left by the actions of military and security forces, as well as to reduce unnecessary pressures on security forces. These include: building trust through dialogue with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and local influencers, including the actors themselves; creating opportunities for youth through education, vocational training, and employment; rehabilitation and reintegration, including providing pathways for repentant bandits or militants to rejoin society; intelligence gathering and strengthening human intelligence networks within communities to prevent attacks before they occur.

In combating insecurity, multi-stakeholder engagement is imperative, as national security cannot be achieved solely by the federal government. A sustainable strategy requires the active participation of state governments in tailoring responses to local realities. Support from local governments in intelligence gathering and community mobilisation is also essential. 

Engagement of traditional and religious institutions as custodians of local values and mediators in conflict resolution, as well as collaboration with civil society and development partners to address humanitarian and socio-economic needs, is equally important. The government should also introduce local language media programs through social media and other media, it will reach and enlighten the bandits and other insurgents

The current approach of adopting a hybrid security framework that blends military action with non-kinetic approaches to create both deterrence and reconciliation is commendable. This dialogue approach should be institutionalised through community dialogue platforms. Furthermore, establishing regular consultation forums where local leaders and security agencies exchange intelligence and build trust is also important. 

Investment in youth empowerment and the development of targeted programs for skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and agricultural employment should be integrated into the non-kinetic approach to undercut the appeal of criminal networks. 

Another vital element is strengthening data-driven decision-making by basing security strategies on rigorous research, mapping conflict-prone areas, and conducting historical analyses of community dynamics. Fighting insecurity is a continuous process; any slack will have a negative impact. Therefore, creating measurable benchmarks and developing monitoring frameworks to evaluate the success of both kinetic and non-kinetic interventions over time will be beneficial.

No government can afford to sustain a security approach that fails to deliver positive outcomes. A purely kinetic strategy risks perpetuating violence, while a strictly non-kinetic approach may embolden criminal groups. The way forward lies in a carefully balanced model that applies force where necessary, while simultaneously addressing the root causes of insecurity through dialogue, trust-building, and socio-economic development. Only by harmonising both approaches can Nigeria break the cycle of violence and build a foundation for sustainable peace and security.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Anas Abbas

The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested four suspected vandals in connection with the destruction of a transformer at Government Girls Secondary School, Bunza, Bunza Local Government Area.

The suspects,Sanusi Muhammad and Ibrahim Lawal from Sokoto State, as well as Tasi’u Abubakar and Tasi’u Abdullahi from Zamfara State,were caught following a joint operation by the Divisional Police Officer in Bunza and local vigilante groups.

Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, said in a statement on Saturday that the incident occurred at about 3 a.m. on September 10.

The gang allegedly tied up the school’s watchman before dismantling the transformer with chainsaws and other tools.

Recovered from the scene were a black Toyota Corolla with registration number KNT-359-SN, believed to have been used for the operation, as well as the vandalised armoured cables and equipment employed in the act.

“While two suspects were arrested at the scene, further investigations by the State CID in Birnin Kebbi led to the capture of the fleeing gang members,” the police spokesman said.

He confirmed that all suspects remain in custody and will soon be charged to court.Commissioner of Police, Bello M. Sani, lauded the prompt response of the Bunza DPO and vigilantes, describing the arrest as proof of the value of police-community cooperation.

He assured residents of the state that the Command remains committed to rooting out criminals and ensuring public safety, while urging citizens to remain vigilant and share credible intelligence with security agencies.

Meanwhile, the Command also announced progress in another high-profile case.

On September 10, six suspects were arrested over the theft of gold ornaments worth over ₦109.5 million in Ka’oje, Bagudo Local Government Area.

Among those apprehended was a serving Nigerian Correctional Service officer, Ibrahim Abubakar, who confessed to taking part in the heist.

The valuables, belonging to the family of Hajiya Amina Hassan Bello, included five necklaces, nine bangles, and four rings weighing 782.7 grams.

According to investigators, the suspects conspired to sell the stolen gold and channel the proceeds into land purchases.

The police said efforts are ongoing to track down additional suspects and recover more of the stolen property.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, received the newly appointed Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) of the Nigeria Police Force, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Benjamin Hundeyin, at its headquarters in Abuja.

The engagement highlighted the Customs Service’s resolve to deepen inter-agency cooperation in strategic communications, public enlightenment, and institutional trust-building.

The National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, welcomed the Force PRO and praised his humility and dedication.

He pledged the Service’s support while offering insights drawn from his own professional experience on how to effectively manage public relations in a security institution.

“Public relations is a learning curve. You will face stakeholders with different expectations, but teamwork remains the driving force for success. Build a committed team, harness the energy of young officers, and learn from your predecessors. These are the keys to leaving a lasting legacy as a spokesperson,” AC Maiwada advised.

He also emphasized that the role demands professionalism and resilience, especially during moments of crisis.

“Ours is a transient responsibility, but what truly matters is the legacy we leave behind,” he added.

In his remarks, CSP Hundeyin expressed appreciation for the reception, describing his visit as a symbolic act of partnership.

He noted that security communication cannot thrive in isolation and called for stronger collaboration with the NCS to advance shared national objectives.

The visit ended with a guided tour of the Public Relations Sub-unit and the Nigeria Customs Broadcasting Network (NCBN), where the Force PRO was shown the Service’s growing communication facilities.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved the recruitment of 4,315 former Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) volunteer teachers into the state’s permanent and pensionable teaching service.

The governor stated that the move aligns with his administration’s consistent commitment to revitalising and reforming the education sector. 

The governor recalled that the state had earlier recruited 5,500 teachers in 2023, 5,632 in 2024, and 4,000 in May 2025, all of whom were absorbed from the BESDA voluntary teaching scheme.

To further strengthen the system, Yusuf also announced the recruitment of an additional 2,616 teachers. He flagged off a ₦200 million vehicle loan scheme and approved the distribution of 444 motorcycles and 300 computers to enhance school monitoring and evaluation.

In addition, the governor directed the reopening of the Shehu Minjibir Boarding Primary School with 180 pupils and the upgrade of another school in Ungogo Local Government Area into a boarding facility. He further approved the engagement of 17,000 watchmen across schools in the state.

By Anas Abbas 

Abuja may soon face a sanitation crisis as contractors responsible for cleaning the city have threatened to suspend operations from September 25 over the non-payment of nine months’ wages.

The Association of FCT Solid Waste and Cleaning Contractors (AFSOWAC), which oversees sanitation services across 44 lots in the capital, raised the alarm in a letter to the Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council.

“Despite our loyalty and sustained service delivery, we have not received payments since January 2025,” the group said. “We have reached a point where passion and commitment alone cannot sustain this essential service. Without payment, we cannot continue.”

According to the association, its members clear more than 1,000 tonnes of refuse daily using over 100 refuse trucks and 60 tippers, while engaging more than 3,000 workers. Many of these workers, it said, depend solely on the job for their livelihoods.

AFSOWAC disclosed that contractors had kept operations afloat by borrowing heavily from banks and informal lenders, but warned that such means had been exhausted. It added that the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), which supervises their contracts, had continued issuing daily directives without addressing the financial challenges.

The contractors further lamented the deteriorating state of the Gosa dumpsite, describing it as “deplorable” and urging urgent intervention to improve access roads and equipment.

They also called on the FCT Administration to expedite the procurement process initiated in October 2024 and review payment rates to reflect current economic realities, such as the removal of subsidies and the devaluation of the naira.

The association warned that a strike would trigger a rapid build-up of waste in Abuja, a city renowned for its relative cleanliness, and could expose residents to serious public health risks.

“We can no longer guarantee uninterrupted services in the Federal Capital City without urgent payment,” AFSOWAC cautioned.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to travel to Kaduna State on Friday, September 19, for a one-day visit that includes a high-profile wedding and a private condolence call.

According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President’s itinerary is centered on two key events.

The primary reason for the visit is the President’s attendance at the wedding ceremony of Nasirudeen Yari, the son of former Governor of Zamfara State and current Senator for Zamfara West, Abdul’aziz Yari.

Nasirudeen will be wed to Safiyya Shehu Idris.Following the wedding festivities, President Tinubu will pay a courtesy visit to Aisha Buhari, the widow of former President Muhammadu Buhari, at the family’s residence in Kaduna.

The visit is seen as a gesture of respect and condolence following the passing of the former leader.

The President is expected to return to the nation’s capital, Abuja, on the same day after concluding his engagements.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Former Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has called on football’s governing bodies, UEFA and FIFA, to impose an immediate ban on Israel over its ongoing military actions in Gaza. Cantona, known for his outspoken views, said football cannot remain silent while civilians continue to suffer.

His statement comes amid growing international pressure on Israel, with Spain reportedly considering a boycott of the upcoming World Cup should the situation persist. 

Spanish officials have hinted that participation in global tournaments could be reconsidered if FIFA does not take more decisive action.

The calls echo previous instances where sporting sanctions were used as leverage against states accused of human rights violations, most notably the bans imposed on apartheid-era South Africa and, more recently, Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

Neither UEFA nor FIFA has officially responded to Cantona’s demand or Spain’s potential boycott threat, but the developments add further weight to the debate over the role of football in addressing global conflicts.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Israel’s Culture Minister, Miki Zohar, has vowed to halt government support for the country’s national film awards after a Palestinian-themed movie, The Sea, claimed the top honor at the Ophir Awards.

The film tells the story of Khaled, a 12-year-old boy from the occupied West Bank who dreams of reaching Tel Aviv to see the Mediterranean Sea. It won Best Film at the Ophir Awards, Israel’s equivalent of the Oscars.

By winning, The Sea will now represent Israel in the Best International Feature Film category at next year’s Academy Awards.

In a post on X, Zohar lashed out at the outcome. “There is no greater slap in the face of Israeli citizens than the embarrassing and detached annual Ophir Awards ceremony.

Under my watch, Israeli citizens will not pay from their pockets for a ceremony that spits in the faces of our heroic soldiers.”

Reports in Israeli media suggest it is unclear whether the minister has the authority to pull state funding from the awards.The film also swept other top categories.

Thirteen-year-old Muhammad Gazawi, who plays Khaled, became the youngest ever to win Best Actor in the history of the Ophir Awards.

His character is stopped at an Israel Defense Forces checkpoint during a school trip and barred from entering Tel Aviv.

He later sneaks into Israel to try to reach the sea, while his father, an undocumented worker, searches frantically for him.

Producer Baher Agbariya, while accepting the award, said the movie stood for “every child’s right to live in peace, a basic right we will not give up on.”

Zohar, however, repeated his criticism, labeling the event “embarrassing and detached.”

Defending the jury’s decision, Assaf Amir, chair of the Israeli Academy of Film and Television, argued that the selection carried a message of hope.

“As the never-ending war in Gaza takes a terrible toll in death and destruction, the ability to see the ‘other’… gives small hope. In the face of the Israeli government’s attacks on Israeli cinema and culture, and the calls from parts of the international film community to boycott us, the selection of The Sea is a powerful and resounding response.”

The controversy erupted against the backdrop of mounting global condemnation of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 65,000 Palestinians, nearly half of them women and children, have been killed since October 2023.

The war began after Hamas-led fighters attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.

This week, a United Nations commission of inquiry accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Israel’s foreign ministry dismissed the findings as “distorted and false.”

The film industry has also been caught up in the political storm. Earlier this year, thousands of Hollywood figures signed a pledge refusing to work with Israeli film institutions they accused of being “implicated in genocide.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Chinese language, Mandarin, has been officially introduced into the senior secondary school curriculum in Nigeria, following a recent review of the national curriculum.

The announcement was made in Abuja on Tuesday by the Secretary of Education for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, during the commissioning of the 14th Chinese Corner at Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada.

The initiative is supported by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation as part of its corporate social responsibility.

“May I inform you that in the recent review of our curriculum, the Chinese language has been selected as one of the international languages to offer in senior secondary schools. That is to say that the FCT has been very visionary in introducing the subject in our schools through the Chinese Corners early enough,” Hayyo said.

He stressed that Mandarin is the most widely spoken language globally and has become vital in commerce, education, and tourism. According to him, embracing Chinese education and culture is “a wise move.”

Hayyo further explained that with the new centre at GSS Tudun Wada, the FCT now has 14 Chinese Corners.

“The bilateral relations have led to the establishment of 13 Chinese Corners, and the commissioning of the 14th Corner at GSS Tudun Wada today.

These centres have greatly enhanced education and cultural exchange between Nigeria and China. It has opened a window for better understanding and appreciation of our various cultures and given our students the opportunity to pursue further education in China,” he added.

He also noted that teachers and staff of the FCT had benefited from training in China.

“Today we are proud to say that it is only the FCT that has Chinese Corners in its schools in the whole federation,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Hayyo thanked the Chinese government and its embassy in Nigeria for their contributions to education and cultural exchange.

He ended his remarks with a Chinese proverb: “Hai nei cun zhiji, tianya ruo bi lin,” meaning, “A bosom friend brings distant lands near.”

The Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, said the Chinese Corners were born out of China’s commitment to strengthening cultural and educational ties with Nigeria.

“Twelve years ago, out of the cherishment for China-Nigeria friendly relations and the expectation for cultural exchanges between the two countries, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the FCT Secondary Education Board joined hands to establish the Chinese Corner as a unique platform for cultural and educational exchanges,” he said.

He noted that the initiative had grown into “a link connecting Chinese and Nigerian cultures, a bridge narrowing the hearts of young people from the two countries, and one of the most popular cultural check-in spots among teachers and students in Abuja.”

Yang assured that China would continue to promote cooperation in culture and education, adding, “Today, the inauguration of the Chinese Corner is not an end, but a new starting point for cultural exchanges between China and Nigeria.”

Also speaking, the Director/Secretary of the FCT Secondary Education Board, Dr. Muhammed Ladan, said the project was evidence of the strong ties between the two countries.

“The Chinese Corners aim not just to foster people-to-people exchanges, but also to provide resources for learning Mandarin and opportunities for scholarships in China. It is also a means of strengthening diplomatic relations through artistic collaboration,” he said.

Ladan recalled that the first Chinese Corner was set up in 2013 at GSS Garki, with more centres added in later years, including one at GSS Wuse Zone 3 in 2024.

He disclosed that two additional centres were being planned with the backing of Chinese companies in Nigeria.

The inclusion of Mandarin follows the Federal Government’s announcement earlier this month that it had completed a thorough review of the Basic and Senior Secondary Education Curriculum.

In a circular dated September 8, 2025, the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council confirmed that the revised curriculum would be implemented from the 2025/2026 academic year.

Other international languages listed as optional subjects include French and Arabic.

Meanwhile, as part of its support for Chinese language education, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria recently donated 15 sets of teaching materials and cultural books to Nigerian secondary schools.

By Sonia Wa Sarki

I write this letter to call the attention of Nigerian graduates to the urgent need to learn veritable and viable skills. The realities of today’s world have shown that academic certificates alone are no longer sufficient to guarantee a meaningful livelihood. The growing rate of unemployment in Nigeria calls for a rethink of how young graduates prepare themselves for life after school.

Every year, thousands of students graduate from universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country. Unfortunately, the labour market cannot absorb them all. The available jobs are too few, and competition is fierce. Those who rely only on their certificates without developing practical, marketable skills often find themselves stranded, frustrated, and disillusioned.

It is no longer news that many young Nigerians roam the streets with impressive degrees but little to show in terms of personal enterprise. Some spend years submitting applications that yield no results. Others become dependent on their families, while a few give in to despair. The question that every graduate must ask is: what can I do with my own hands that can sustain me, even if no one gives me a white-collar job?

Skill acquisition is the surest answer to that question. Beyond academic knowledge, every graduate needs to learn something practical that the society demands. Skills such as digital technology, software development, photography, tailoring, catering, welding, shoemaking, agriculture, or even content creation can open unexpected doors of opportunities. Many Nigerians who embraced skills early now employ others, including degree holders.

Graduates must understand that the global economy is changing. The age of oil wealth and government jobs is fading fast, while the knowledge and creative economies are rising. Nations now reward innovation, entrepreneurship, and resilience more than mere certificates. Nigeria cannot be an exception, and her graduates must adjust accordingly.

It is also important to stress that learning a skill does not diminish the value of one’s degree. Rather, it enhances it. A graduate of engineering who also learns carpentry or metalwork is far more resourceful than one who waits endlessly for an engineering job. A graduate of English who also learns publishing, editing, or graphic design can create multiple income streams. Education and skills should complement each other.

Moreover, employers themselves now look beyond certificates when hiring. They want problem solvers, creative thinkers, and innovators. A graduate who demonstrates practical competence stands out more than one who merely quotes theories from textbooks. Skills sharpen critical thinking, instil discipline, and provide a sense of independence that certificates alone may not offer.

Dear Nigerian graduates, it is time to rise above excuses and face reality. The government may provide some jobs, but it cannot employ everyone. Waiting endlessly for opportunities is a dangerous gamble. The future belongs to those who take initiative, who refuse to be idle, and who create value through the mastery of viable skills.

Parents and educational institutions also have a role to play. Schools must integrate vocational training into their curricula, while parents should encourage their children to explore talents beyond the classroom. Society at large must begin to respect artisans, entrepreneurs, and skill-based workers as much as professionals in traditional fields.

In conclusion, this letter is not to discourage academic pursuit but to remind Nigerian graduates that degrees alone are not enough in the present world. Certificates may open doors, but skills sustain livelihoods. The graduates who will thrive in today’s Nigeria are those who combine knowledge with practical ability. To every graduate out there, my message is simple: learn a skill today, and secure your tomorrow.

Sonia Wa Sarki writes from Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria.