Month: June 2026

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Bauchi State Police Command has launched an investigation into an armed robbery and kidnapping case linked to an incident that occurred along the Abuja–Kaduna highway, leading to the arrest of a suspect and the recovery of a stolen vehicle.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command.

According to the statement, the case was reported at the ‘A’ Division Police Station in Township, Bauchi, on May 27, 2026, at about 7:20 p.m., according to the police.

The complainant, a professional driver who resides in the Zanda area along Gwagwa Dede Road, Church Street, Abuja, told investigators that he was attacked and abducted by suspected criminals while carrying out a transport assignment.

Police said the driver explained that on May 21, 2026, at about 7:00 a.m., a man hired him to transport wedding guests from Kaduna State to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, for an agreed fee of ₦400,000.

During the journey, the passenger reportedly asked the driver to take a different route through Kuyello Village in Kaduna State. Upon arrival in the area, armed men riding three motorcycles allegedly intercepted the vehicle.

According to the police, the passenger was later identified as Idris Mohammed, also known as Yellow, a resident of Badaromo Village in Ganjuwa Local Government Area of Bauchi State. Investigators said he allegedly instructed the driver to stop before the armed men attacked him.

The assailants reportedly beat the victim with rifle butts and held him captive for 24 hours.

Police said the driver eventually regained his freedom after paying a ransom of ₦3 million through a transfer to an OPay account.

The suspects were also accused of taking away the victim’s red Toyota Corolla with manual transmission, a Tecno Pop 10 mobile phone valued at ₦130,000, ₦15,000 in cash, and a wristwatch worth ₦10,000.

Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer of ‘A’ Division, Township, coordinated an intelligence-led operation that lasted three days. The operation led to the recovery of the stolen vehicle and the arrest of the principal suspect.

The command stated that the suspect had confessed to involvement in the crime and had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Bauchi for further investigation and prosecution.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, mni, psc (+), assured residents that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other suspects who remain at large and recover the remaining stolen property.

He also advised members of the public to be vigilant when engaging commercial transport services and to promptly report suspicious movements to the nearest police station.

By Bilyamin Abdulmumin, PhD

No one takes up the title of Dr for head like the famous praise singer Dauda Kahutu Rarara. His predicament began when a university under the aegis of the European-American University conferred on him an honorary doctorate. When the university was later discovered to be a mushroom, given how he had initially taken the title with glamour and pageantry, Rarara received ridicule for his life. 

Perhaps Rarara’s fanfare and grandeur in celebrating the honour stem from mockery over his lack of formal education; as a result, mockers say he doesn’t understand English. Rarara, floating the Dr title would have been a slap to the face of these mockers.

The award of an honorary doctorate was initially given to figures who excel in their field of endeavour and thus render landmark service to their community.  For example, honorary doctorates for Mamman Shata, Ibrahim Babangida, and Aliko Dangote. However, some universities are now believed to resort to awarding the honorary title quid pro quo. Therefore, the recent Federal government order to bar the indiscriminate use of the Dr title is seen as long overdue. 

A doctor is simply referring to someone qualified to teach at the highest level. But a blurred line existed between doctors of medicine and a doctor of philosophy.  Because when “doctor” is mentioned, given our culture of genericising brand names, we subconsciously think of medicine. This is why every toothpaste is a Close-Up, every milk is a Peak, chocolate Milo, seasoning cubes Maggi, instant noodles Indomie, washing detergent Omo or Clean, bleach Hypo, and every antiseptic liquid Dettol. Therefore, after the federal government succeeded to stop abusing Dr title, they had many more disputes to settle. Including clearing this genericization ambiguity. 

Another order that Professor Suwaiba Ahmad has to issue concerns herbal practitioners. The herbalists called themselves doctors, and society also addressed them as such. As traditionalists, perhaps the federal government should order them to stick with the traditional names they are known by:  Mallam (Hausa), Oníṣègùn (Yoruba), Ọnyọ́gwọ́ (Igbo), Oma-oyi (Idoma), Vingir (Tiv), Oboh (Igala), Amawato (Ijaw), Malam (Hausa & Kanuri), and Gandoowo (Fulfulde).

There is also abuse of the title Dr. among Nigerian students. A year-one medical student or a PhD calls themselves a doctor. When do these under-breastfeeding qualify to train others?  The minister needs to issue a warning order.

The most hilarious part is when remedial or matric students are addressed as doctors. Students in this category who intend to study MBBS address themselves as “Dr.” As a matter of urgency, the Honourable Minister should issue a stern warning against this misuse of the professional title “Doctor.”

Titles are held with high regard in Africa. It appears that the longer the titles, the more important the person. In this regard, the former presidents of Gambia and Uganda stand out. Yahya Jameh is addressed as Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, Babili Mansa (Conqueror of Rivers” in Mandinka), His Excellency, Master of the River Gambia, Lord of the Animals and Birds of the River Gambia, President of the Republic of the Gambia, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. 

Idi Amin’s title is much more glamorous: His Excellency, President for Life, Field Marshal Al Hadji Doctor Idi Amin Dada, VC, DSO, MC, Lord of All the Beasts of the Earth and Fishes of the Seas and Conqueror of the British Empire in Africa in General and Uganda in Particular. 

By Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, PhD

My mother and Professor Abdalla Uba Adamu’s wife have been close friends for decades. My earliest memories of the family are rooted in our home at Bayero University Kano New Campus Senior Staff Quarters, Area C, over three and a half decades ago. As a child, I remember I was fondly called “Maigida” by Professor Abdalla’s wife because I share the same name as her husband, an early, personal reminder of the many coincidences and intersections that bind our families. 

In the early 1990s, when only a few households had desktop computers or landlines, he was already digitally acculturated, an early adopter of technology long before it became commonplace. Prof. demonstrated a forward-looking embrace of digital tools, from supporting desktop computers in the early 1990s to launching a dedicated website (https://auadamu.com) and then seamlessly acclimatising with the social media space. Though not a digital native by birth, he exemplified curiosity and was always willing to explore and adopt new technologies.

Back in the classroom, Professor Abdalla Uba Adamu was a refined, multidisciplinary scholar who served as Head of Department during my undergraduate years at the Faculty of Education. Interestingly, we both began our academic journeys in Science Education. After establishing an outstanding career in Education, he expanded his intellectual horizons and pursued further studies in Mass Communication, rising to the rank of professor in the field, becoming, in every sense, a dual professor in both Education and Mass Communication.

Along a somewhat similar path, after earning my first degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Environmental Management, my various professional postings inspired me to pursue Mass Communication, from a bachelor’s degree to a PhD.

Prof. Abdallah’s intellectual brilliance, expertise, and exceptional command of English are qualities widely recognised by anyone who has encountered him. Yet, beyond these obvious attributes lies a man of principle, honour, integrity, humility, and uncommon decency. He deeply values culture, religion, and family ties.

His pursuit of knowledge has taken him across different countries of the world. Many sought to convince him to remain abroad, drawn by the depth of his knowledge and expertise, but his answer was always a firm no. His famous saying remains: “When a man is tired of Kano, he is tired of life.”

Over the years, he served in various capacities across different states and countries. Yet, despite the vast exposure and countless opportunities available to him, he remained committed to his teaching career and chose Kano as home. That decision alone has earned my deepest respect and admiration.

Our professional journeys eventually crossed paths in a remarkable way when I had the privilege of bringing the annual PR Week to my alma mater, Bayero University Kano. As I reflect on the successful delivery of the Nigeria Customs Service Public Relations Workshop 2025, held at Bayero University Kano, I find it both necessary and deeply meaningful to place on record my personal appreciation for the invaluable contribution of Prof. Abdalla Uba Adamu, who is now retiring from active service upon attaining the age of 70 years.

From the outset of the workshop themed “Beyond Masters of Ceremonies: The Strategic Role of Public Relations Officers for Institutional Growth and Stakeholders’ Trust,” Prof. Abdalla distinguished himself not only as a scholar of remarkable depth but also as a committed partner in institutional development. His intellectual engagement and presence added significant value to the programme’s overall success.

I recall with appreciation his active participation in the town-and-gown panel session, where he brought to bear his vast experience in media studies, cultural communication, and higher education governance. His contributions were not abstract academic reflections; they were practical, grounded insights that challenged participants to rethink the evolving role of public relations in a rapidly changing communication environment.

Throughout the engagement, Prof. Adamu consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to bridge theory and practice. He helped situate public relations within broader questions of institutional trust, societal perception, and knowledge production. In doing so, he enriched the learning experience of Customs Public Relations Officers who participated in the workshop and broadened the intellectual horizon of the discourse.

On a personal note, I found his interventions particularly instructive in reinforcing the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to strategic communication as a tool for institutional legitimacy and stakeholder engagement. His calm disposition, clarity of thought, and depth of scholarship left a lasting impression on all participants.

As Professor Abdalla steps back from active service, we celebrate not only a distinguished career but a legacy: a legacy of rigorous scholarship, faithful service, and humane leadership. The students he taught and mentored, the colleagues he collaborated with, and the institutions he served bear the imprint of his wisdom. His writings and public engagements have helped to shape national discourses around media, culture, and education; his mentorship has created new generations of scholars and practitioners who will carry his influence forward.

On behalf of the Nigeria Customs Service Public Relations Unit and in my personal capacity, I extend our profound gratitude for his willingness to honour our invitation and for generously sharing his time and expertise. The workshop’s success was unquestionably enhanced by his involvement. As he embarks upon retirement, I wish him robust health, abundant fulfilment, and continued relevance in national and global intellectual conversations.

May his retirement be a season of reflection, continued contribution, and joyous company with family and friends. The lights of classrooms and conference halls may dim for him in one sense, but his ideas, his mentorship, and his example will continue to illuminate minds and institutions for many years to come. 

Thank you, Professor Abdalla Uba Adamu, for your scholarship, your service, and your steadfast love for knowledge and community.

Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, PhD, mnipr, mniia, is the Deputy Comptroller of Customs and the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service. He can be reached via abdullmaiwda@gmail.com.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Retired Lieutenant General Tukur Burutai, a former Chief of Army Staff in Nigeria, has cast doubt on claims that security agencies are unable to locate the hideouts of bandits and kidnappers, despite the criminals regularly posting videos from their locations.

The former Nigerian ambassador to the Republic of Benin stated that security forces possess the capability to track down such offenders. Burutai made this known in response to growing concerns over how criminal groups are using social media and videos to publicize their activities.

The retired General said he does not agree that security agencies have failed to identify where the bandits are hiding, especially given how frequently the criminals display their operations in public.

Although he did not directly criticise the security agencies, Burutai suggested that there might be underlying reasons for the approach they are currently taking.

He further emphasised the need to strengthen Nigeria’s security framework through continuous training of personnel, increased manpower, and improvements in their welfare and morale.

By Anwar Usman

The Nigeria Union of Teachers, FCT chapter, on Tuesday staged a massive solidarity rally in Abuja to demand greater protection for educators and learners and to call for the safe return of kidnapped victims across the country.

The rally, which began at the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Education and proceeded to Area 11, comprises teachers, union leaders, ed stakeholders in the education sector and supporters carrying placards with inscription “End The Reign of Fear in Our Schools” “Teachers Deserve Security, not Fear” “Kidnapping Has no Place in Education,” among others.

The rally,  themed “United for Education, Together for Our Future,” is aimed at drawing attention to the growing insecurity bedevilling schools and educational institutions nationwide.

Not less than 82 pupils were abducted between May 13 and 15 during separate attacks in Oyo and Borno states.

42 pupils were kidnapped in Borno State after armed groups attacked schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas on May 13 and 14.

Another 40 pupils were abducted in Oyo State on May 15 during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The Oyo attack also claimed the lives of a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, a motorcyclist and some security operatives during rescue efforts.

The Chairman of NUT FCT, Abdullahi Shafa, while addressing participants during the rally,  said the protest in line with a directive from the union’s national headquarters.

“We are acting on the directives of the National Headquarters of this union. They instructed us, in every state of the federation, to embark on a solidarity rally in protest against what has happened to our teachers and students in parts of the country,” the state chairman said.

Shafa lamented the killing of the teacher and the continued attacks on educators and students, describing the situation as disturbing and detrimental to the nation’s educational development.

“Teachers do not deserve this kind of treatment. Even those who engage in kidnapping should understand that targeting teachers is unacceptable, he added.

The protest ended with participants marching peacefully to deliver a letter to the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, calling for urgent measures to secure schools, protect teachers and learners, and bring perpetrators of attacks on educational institutions to justice.

By Muhammad Abubakar

U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly launched into a profanity-laden tirade against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during their latest phone conversation, according to a report by Axios.

Citing unnamed sources familiar with the exchange, Axios reported that Trump told Netanyahu: “You’re fucking crazy. You’d be in prison if it weren’t for me. I’m saving your ass. Everybody hates you now. Everybody hates Israel because of this.”

The reported remarks reflect growing tensions over Israel’s handling of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and increasing international criticism of the Israeli government. Neither Trump nor Netanyahu had publicly commented on the report at the time of publication.

If confirmed, the exchange would mark one of the sharpest known criticisms of Netanyahu by Trump, despite the close relationship the two leaders maintained during Trump’s presidency.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A powerful rainstorm has wreaked havoc in Tom Gangare community, located in Sopp Ward of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, destroying about 100 houses and forcing many families out of their homes.

The disaster struck on Sunday after a heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds swept through the area. The storm also damaged healthcare facilities, worship centres and other public infrastructure.

Residents said the incident caused extensive damage to property valued at millions of naira. Many families lost their homes as the windstorm tore through the community.

One of the residents, Mr. Bot Felix, said several trees were uprooted by the strong winds. He explained that many of the fallen trees landed on houses, increasing the level of destruction recorded in the area.

A community leader, Dung Danboyi, described the incident as unfortunate and appealed for immediate assistance from government agencies and humanitarian groups.

While expressing gratitude that no lives were lost, Danboyi said many residents have been left without shelter and now face serious hardship.

“The level of destruction is overwhelming. Many families have lost their homes and means of livelihood. We are appealing to government agencies, humanitarian organisations and well-meaning individuals to come to the aid of our people during this difficult time,” he said.

He urged the Plateau State Government, the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, development partners and other stakeholders to provide relief materials and other forms of support to affected residents.

The councillor representing Sopp Ward, Gwong Ibrahim, also appealed for urgent intervention from relevant authorities. He noted that many victims were finding it difficult to secure temporary accommodation and basic necessities.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Riyom Local Government Council, Sati Bature Shuwa, visited the affected community to evaluate the extent of the damage and sympathise with residents.

Shuwa assured victims that efforts would be made to attract support and assistance for those affected. He also disclosed that authorities would conduct a detailed assessment of the losses to guide appropriate intervention by government and emergency management agencies.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to authorise the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Borno State as part of efforts to tackle insecurity in the region.

Falana made the call in a statement issued on Monday. He urged the Federal Government to extend to Borno some of the security measures recently introduced in Oyo State.

According to him, President Tinubu approved the recruitment of forest guards in Oyo State and also dispatched a high-level federal delegation to the state after the abduction of pupils and teachers.

The senior lawyer argued that Borno should receive similar attention due to the large number of residents who remain in captivity.

“In view of the fact that not less than 415 abducted school children and other citizens are in the illegal custody of bandits and terrorists in unknown forests in Borno State, the President should also dispatch a high-powered federal delegation to visit the state in solidarity with the people,” he said.

Falana stressed the need for immediate measures to improve security across the state, which has faced persistent attacks from armed groups.

“The President should equally approve the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for the state without any further delay,” Falana added.

He also stated that any forest guards recruited should receive adequate training and equipment to enable them confront heavily armed criminal elements.

“The forest guards must be well trained and fully equipped to confront the bandits and terrorists who are armed with AK-47 and other dangerous weapons,” he said.

Falana further called on the Federal Government to reconsider the legal case involving members of the Nigeria Forest Security Service. He said the government’s recent endorsement of the forest guard initiative should influence its position on the matter.

“Since the Federal Government has now embraced the forest guard initiative, the Attorney-General should discontinue the criminal case pending at the Federal High Court against the seven leaders and members of the Nigeria Forest Security Service,” he said.

He maintained that the proposed actions would strengthen security efforts in Borno State and demonstrate the government’s commitment to safeguarding citizens and restoring public confidence.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nine persons abducted by suspected bandits along the Akwando-Kachia Road in Kaduna State have regained their freedom after spending 36 days in captivity.

The victims, made up of six schoolchildren, their driver and two other adults, were kidnapped on April 26, 2026, when armed men attacked a vehicle transporting pupils from Akwando village to Kachia, the headquarters of Kachia Local Government Area.

Reports indicated that nine passengers were taken away during the attack, while a young girl lost her life in the incident.

The spokesperson of the Kuturmi Unity Development Association (KUDA), Mr. Manasseh Samuel, confirmed the release of the victims and disclosed that they returned home on Sunday.

“The victims returned home on Sunday morning after trekking for about six hours through the bush,” Samuel said.

He also appreciated individuals and groups who offered prayers and other forms of support that contributed to the victims’ release.

A former media aide to late Kaduna State Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, Mr. Reuben Buhari, also confirmed the development in a Facebook post. He stated that the victims secured their freedom on Sunday and arrived home the next morning after a lengthy journey through the bush.

Buhari wrote, “Thirty-six days after they were kidnapped while on their way to school in Kachia from Akwando village, six schoolchildren, the driver of the vehicle and two other adults regained their freedom yesterday and got home this morning after trekking for six hours in the bush.”

He added, “special gratitude to everyone for their prayers and contributions in different ways that led to their freedom.”

According to Buhari, the children went through a difficult and traumatic experience during their captivity and missed almost an entire school term. He, however, expressed gratitude to God for preserving their lives.

He also appealed for continued prayers for other kidnapped residents who remain in captivity, especially victims from Awon and Ariko villages.

Buhari noted that those abducted from Awon village have spent 42 days in the hands of their captors, while residents kidnapped from Ariko village have remained in captivity for 57 days.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

An investigation by Katsina Times has revealed that retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, abducted by bandits on Saturday, May 30, is currently being held by a well-known bandit leader identified as Kachalla Muhammadu, who operates in the Matazu area.

Multiple sources confirmed to the newspaper that the attack was carried out by a bandit group known as KB near Zakin Baure village, close to Matazu town. During the assault, the assailants abducted the retired general along with his wife.

According to the sources, the kidnappers were initially unaware of General Abubakar’s identity. Their primary objective was to capture a senior government official or a wealthy individual to demand ransom.

After the KB group seized the couple, the general was handed over to Kachalla Muhammadu, who is now believed to be holding him at an undisclosed hideout.

Kachalla Muhammadu, a young man under 30 years of age, hails from Sayaya district in Matazu Local Government Area. He comes from a settlement known as Kogon Maidawa, where his parents and other relatives still reside.

In the past, Kachalla Muhammadu was among the bandits who accepted a peace agreement with the government. In an audio recording that once circulated on social media, he stated that since embracing peace, he had been working to protect communities in the local government areas of Matazu, Musawa, Kankia, and Charanchi from bandit attacks.

However, in the same recording, he expressed dissatisfaction with the peace deal after soldiers from Kano State raided the Jikamshi market, arresting some of his men and seizing his cattle. He alleged that despite his efforts, neither his men nor his livestock were returned.

Sources said the military raid was carried out without the approval of security agencies or the Katsina State Government. According to the reports, it was after this incident that Kachalla Muhammadu resumed launching severe attacks in the area. He is accused of leading an assault on Jikamshi town, which resulted in the loss of many lives.

Negotiations are currently ongoing with Kachalla Muhammadu to secure the safe release of the retired major general, sources confirmed.

Authorities in Katsina State have continued to take measures and hold consultations to address the deteriorating security situation and restore peace following this abduction and other recent challenges in the region.