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By Uzair Adam

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command, says it has arrested 49 suspects for various drug-related offences involving different quantities of illicit substances in the state.

Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Kano.

He said the suspects were apprehended during coordinated raids on August 7 and August 8, as part of intensified efforts to curb drug crimes.

“On August 7 and 8, the agency dislodged several key locations known for drug-related activities, arresting 34 suspects at Massallacin Idi, Fagge Plaza, Kofar Mata, Kofar Wambai, Kofar Dan’agundi, Makabartar Dan’agundi, Ladanai, Zage, and Tashar Rimi at Rimi Market,” he said.

He added that NDLEA operatives also raided Kano Line Motor Park and Tashar Rami Motor Park in Na’ibawa, where 15 additional suspects were arrested.Items recovered from the suspects included cannabis sativa, Pregabalin, diazepam, codeine syrup, Rohypnol, “suck and die,” rubber solution, and locally made weapons.

The NDLEA State Commander, Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, said the operation was part of ongoing measures to dismantle drug joints and disrupt dealers’ networks in the state.

“Since the elevation of the NDLEA’s operations to a strategic command level, there has been a notable increase in the effectiveness and scope of our work,” Idris-Ahmad stated.

He commended the agency’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba-Marwa, for his unwavering support and leadership, noting that his commitment to a drug-free society had strengthened the resolve of the Kano Command.

Idris-Ahmad urged those involved in drug trafficking to desist, warning that the NDLEA would not relent in its mission to protect the public from the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking.

He said investigations were ongoing, and the suspects would be charged in court upon completion.

By Uzair Adam

A total of 1,000 youths, women and less privileged persons have completed a six-week skills acquisition training in Kano, organised by Islah Consult and Training Limited in collaboration with Ar-Riddoh Islamic International Foundation and the Islamic Forum of Nigeria.

The training covered seven areas – solar installation and repair, tailoring, phone repairs, ICT, bedsheet production and catering – and was designed to give participants practical skills for self-reliance.

The Daily Reality reports that in an event on Tuesday in Kano, the Association of Zakat and Waqf Operators in Nigeria (AZAWON) distributed financial support to some of the graduates.

Speaking during the exercise, Prof. Dahiru Muhammad, Chairman of Islah Consult and Training Limited and National Secretary of AZAWON, said 500 graduates each received N50,000 as start-up capital.

“We wanted to ensure this support went only to those who were serious about the training. That is why we required them to present their certificates before receiving the money. It’s our way of encouraging commitment and accountability.”

He explained that the funds came from zakat contributions, notably from businessman Alhaji Ibrahim Sabi’u of Kantin Kwari market, as well as from AZAWON’s national body and Ja’iz Bank.

“Zakat is not just charity; it is a right ordained by Allah. We must use it strategically to lift people out of poverty,” Prof. Muhammad added.

According to him, 20 less privileged persons also received N30,000 each, while more than 45 others – including new converts to Islam – from Rano, Gaya and Karaye benefited from similar support.

He further urged beneficiaries to use the money wisely, saying, “We will follow up. We want to see success stories, not wasted opportunities.”

Prof. Muhammad also called on the government to promote zakat and waqf in the same way it handles tax collection, saying, “It is a duty from Allah, mentioned in the Qur’an. If properly managed, zakat can address many of our social challenges.”

Alhaji Ibrahim Sabi’u Linda, who contributed to the fund, said giving zakat brought him fulfilment.

“I am happier than the recipients because I know I have done what Allah commanded,” he said.

He further noted that, “if the government can bring together wealthy traders from markets like Kantin Kwari, Singer, Wambai and Dawanau, and direct their zakat towards youth empowerment, I believe crimes like phone snatching will drastically reduce.”

One of the beneficiaries, Nafi’u Isa, who trained in ICT, expressed gratitude for both the skills and the financial support.

“This has opened a new chapter in my life. We pray Allah blesses our businesses so that one day, we can also give back,” he said.

Another beneficiary, Nafisa Tahir, who learned tailoring, said she never imagined she would receive such assistance.

“When I came here, I didn’t even know how to use a sewing machine. Now, Alhamdulillah, I can sew bedsheets that will impress you,” she said with a smile.

By Anwar Usman

The top security chief of Iran, Ali Larijani, vowed in Lebanon on Wednesday that his government would continue to provide support, after the Lebanese government ordered the army to devise a plan to disarm Tehran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

Ali Larijani’s trip to Lebanon comes after Iran expressed opposition to a government plan to disarm Hezbollah, which, before a war with Israel last year, was believed to be better armed than the Lebanese military.

“If the Lebanese people are suffering, we in Iran will also feel this pain and we will stand by the dear people of Lebanon in all circumstances,” Larijani, the head of the National Security Council, told reporters after landing in BeirutDozens of Hezbollah supporters gathered along the airport road to welcome Larijani.

He briefly stepped out of his car to greet them as they chanted slogans of support.

In Lebanon, the security chief is expected to meet with President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who is close to Hezbollah.

Iran has suffered a series of blows in its long-running rivalry with Israel, including during 12 days of open war between the two countries in June.

Reports show that, Hezbollah is part of Iran’s so-called “axis of resistance” — a network of armed groups in the region, including Hamas in Gaza and Yemen’s Huthi rebels, united in their opposition to Israel.

The ouster in December of Bashar al-Assad in Syria, which long served as a conduit for weapons deliveries between Iran and Hezbollah, cut off the supply route to Lebanon.

Iran has declared its firm opposition to the Lebanese government’s bid to disarm Hezbollah, while the movement itself has slammed the decision as a “grave sin”.

By Sale Rusulana Yanguruza 

Thousands of lives, homes, government properties, and businesses in Nigeria and Africa are lost or submerged due to ongoing floods. The crucial questions are: what measures can end this crisis? Will we continue to watch houses and people suffer? What has the government done so far, and has it been effective? If not, citizens, residents, and the government must re-strategise their flood response plans to address the issue permanently.

The government needs to give special attention to addressing these flood-related matters, especially since the country has been facing this disaster since the beginning of the rainy season. The 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) indicates that 1,249 communities in 176 local government areas across 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) fall within high flood risk areas.

The statement added that High-flood-risk states are Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross-River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara and the FCT.

Unfortunately, some of the aforementioned areas have started experiencing floods this year; for instance, Oyo State, Kano State, Edo State, and Borno State. According to the State Emergency Management Agency’s assessment, after the flood hit some communities in two local governments in Borno State, comprising Chibok and Damboa, the Acting Manager, Ali Abdullahi Isa, of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (BOSEMA), stated, as I quoted him.

 “As directed by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, we have carried out an on-the-spot assessment of all the areas affected by the flash flood in the two local governments. A total of 1,103 houses in Gumsuri, Wovi, and Garjang in Damboa LGA have been severely affected, while 106 houses in Mboa, Whuntaku, and Yarchida villages of Chibok Local Government were also affected”.

Even though floods this year have become a global concern, with incidents reported in the USA, including Texas, where about 51 lives were lost, and some are still missing. The government in Nigeria must take precautions and measures to tackle them.

However, we all had the most painful and unforgettable experiences of the disaster in Nigeria, specifically the Maiduguri flood and Makwa flood, which have taught us lessons that the government, citizens, and stakeholders must learn from to avoid and prevent further occurrences. We must use these bad memories to avert the recurrence of such disasters, which claimed over 300 and 200 lives and affected many souls.

It’s for these reasons that I’m calling on the federal government to declare a total national emergency on floods. This will enable the government to respond effectively to the crisis. Resources should be allocated for this disaster, allowing the government to support those displaced as a result of the flood. 

Undoubtedly, declaring a national emergency on flood would allow the government to focus on fixing the bridges and dams that have broken or collapsed in the past, which are capable of causing water to wash over communities and lead to flash floods across the country.

Furthermore, the number of victims affected by the flood is increasing, with no specific measures in place to mitigate the situation permanently; hence, declaring a state of emergency is necessary to address these flood-related issues. 

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), over 1,000 people were killed and 740,000 displaced by floods affecting 5 million in Africa, as reported last year. 

While declaring a national emergency, a high-powered committee needs to be inaugurated by the federal government in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and State Emergency Management Agencies in all 36 states to discuss ways to address the issue extensively. The committee should comprise the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), NiMet traditional rulers, community leaders, and government officials to deliberate on the problem permanently.

Additionally, the committee’s responsibilities should include providing a comprehensive list of all dams and bridges in the country that may cause flooding and reporting it to the federal government. After submitting the report, the government should expedite repairs to these structures within a short period to prevent further escalation of floods in the country.

If   global concerns like the coronavirus and the Ebola virus can be addressed within a short period, then flood concerns can also be tackled to protect citizens. While I’m fully aware that it’s not easy to address due to a lack of preparedness and in some states, houses have been built in waterways, the government shouldn’t fold its hands. Actions are necessary, and the government should ensure that no houses or markets are built in waterways going forward.

Sale Rusulana Yanguruza 

By Uzair Adam

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has alleged that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is weaponizing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to target political opponents.

Atiku made the claim while reacting to the detention of former Sokoto State Governor and Senator, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, describing it as part of a broader plan to “harass, intimidate, and decimate” members of the opposition coalition.

He stated that, “The only reason the EFCC has detained the former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, is because he is a member of the opposition Coalition. It is a continuation of the Tinubu-led administration’s agenda to intimidate the opposition.”

The former Vice President, who played a key role in establishing the EFCC during his tenure, accused the commission of abandoning its core anti-corruption mandate to serve political purposes.

He alleged that opposition leaders were being targeted with “phantom” corruption allegations, only to be absolved once they defect to the ruling party.

Atiku warned that such practices undermine institutional integrity and fuel corruption, pointing to what he called a “growing trend” of using anti-corruption agencies to pressure governors and political leaders into joining the ruling party.

While expressing support for a genuine anti-corruption fight, Atiku urged Nigerians, civil society groups, and the international community to resist “anti-democratic machinations” aimed at creating a one-party state.

“We will never succumb to these tactics. The use of anti-corruption agencies as a political agenda must be roundly condemned,” he added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Bauchi State Police Command has begun probing the sudden death of a serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member in Dambam Local Government Area of the state.

The deceased, identified as 28-year-old Nwokedi Chukwuebuka, was reportedly found unconscious in the early hours of Sunday in an apartment provided for corps members in the community.

The accommodation was arranged by his colleagues and the Corps Liaison Officer (CLO).

Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Ahmed Waziri, confirmed the incident during a telephone interview on Monday.

He said the Commissioner of Police had ordered a preliminary investigation into the matter.

“The command received a complaint of sudden and natural death on August 10, 2025, at about 9:20am.

“The Dambam LGA Corps Liaison Officer came to the Dambam Divisional Police Headquarters and reported that on the same date at about 8:30am, all corps members who were Christians serving in the LGA were preparing for Sunday church services when they noticed that Nwokedi Chukwuebuka, with state code number BA/25A/2069, did not wake up,” Waziri stated.

According to him, “The CLO went to wake him up but discovered that he was not breathing. He reported the matter to the police station. The CP, Sani Aliu, directed the DPO to visit the scene.

“The corps member was taken to the hospital, where a medical doctor certified him dead, as enshrined in international best practices. The body was later deposited at the Federal Medical Centre, Azare, mortuary.”

Waziri further noted that the CP had instructed a thorough preliminary investigation, which is still in progress.

A similar case occurred in Adamawa State in 2023 when a corps member named Samuel reportedly slumped and died while watching a football match between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.

By Uzair Adam 

The Kano State Police Command has announced a ban on the operation of tricycles, popularly known as Keke Napep, by underage individuals within the Kano metropolis.

Spokesperson of the Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, in a video he posted on his verified Facebook page on Monday, said the decision followed a disturbing increase in accidents linked to underage riders. 

He added that the practice was responsible for 16 serious but preventable crashes, resulting in injuries and damage to property.

Kiyawa further noted that the Command has observed a growing trend of road users disregarding traffic lights and other regulations, a development he described as a major cause of avoidable accidents and traffic gridlock in the state.

He warned that riding tricycles by underage persons remains prohibited under the law and poses serious risks to both the riders and other road users. 

Parents and guardians, he stressed, must stop allowing their children to operate tricycles, as offenders—both the riders and the owners—will face severe penalties.

“All road users must obey traffic lights and other traffic regulations. The Command will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute anyone found violating traffic laws to ensure the safety and security of road users,” the statement added. 

He noted that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, assured residents of the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property. 

He said enforcement teams have been deployed and urged members of the public to report underage tricycle riding, reckless driving, or other traffic offences to the nearest police station or via 08032419754, 08123821575, and 09029292926.

By Zekeri Idakwo Laruba 

‎In every thriving democracy, journalists are the soul of public accountability, the guardians of truth, and the voice of the voiceless. In Nigeria, the people won independence without a single bullet being fired. 

‎But decades later, the same pens have become symbols of struggle, silence, and survival. The Nigerian journalist today is overworked, underpaid, and largely forgotten.

‎From the courage of Dele Giwa to the frontline sacrifices made during military regimes, Nigerian journalists have risked, and even lost, their lives in service to the nation. But rather than being celebrated, many of them now live in poverty, working without insurance, health care, decent pay, or professional protection.

‎The profession that once produced national heroes is now filled with invisible men and women, reporters who go out daily with no transport allowance, editors who cannot afford basic medication, and photojournalists who cover events on empty stomachs. 

‎At some press events, journalists are reduced to scrambling for food or transport stipends. The humiliation is not just individual; it is institutional. In 2020, the nation witnessed the public verbal assault of Eyo Charles, a Daily Trust journalist, by a former minister, Femi Fani-Kayode. 

‎His only crime? Asking a legitimate question. That moment, broadcast across the country, exposed the vulnerability of journalists and how little value some political elites attach to press freedom. Many media professionals now survive on meagre and inconsistent pay. 

‎In some private media organisations, reporters work for months without a salary and still carry personal costs to cover assignments. Few private media organisations provide welfare and accommodation for their staff, despite struggling to maintain steady revenue streams. Government-owned outlets, while slightly better, still offer limited welfare support in the face of inflation and economic downturns.

‎The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), and other professional bodies have become mainly toothless. While they occasionally issue press statements in moments of outrage, their long-term effectiveness remains questionable. 

‎Advocacy is weak, reforms are slow, and protection is minimal. Journalists are left to fend for themselves in a system that no longer honours them. What is even more tragic is that many journalists report every day on injustice and neglect, yet rarely report their own. 

‎The irony is cruel. And so is the silence. Yet, the survival of Nigeria’s democracy depends on the survival of journalism. If journalists are weak, the truth is endangered. If they are compromised, the nation drifts into ignorance. 

‎It is not enough to speak about press freedom; we must act to protect the people behind the stories. To restore dignity and professionalism in the Nigerian media space, urgent reforms must be pursued. First, the Federal Government, in collaboration with media owners and unions, must establish a National Media Welfare Fund. 

‎This fund should provide emergency support, health insurance, and affordable housing for journalists. It will serve as a safety net for media workers in distress. Second, there must be legislative protection through the passage of a Journalist Protection and Welfare Bill, which will address workplace rights, ethical standards, job security, and compensation for risks undertaken in the line of duty.

‎Third, an independent Press Freedom and Redress Commission should be established to investigate harassment, unlawful detention, and abuse of journalists. This commission will serve as a watchdog against both state and private offenders.

‎Fourth, support for independent media startups and community-based journalism should be expanded. Through grants, training, and infrastructure, we can nurture new media platforms that prioritise public interest over politics or profit.

‎Lastly, the NUJ and NGE must reform themselves. They must earn back the trust of their members by becoming more transparent, democratic, and responsive. The time for docile leadership in journalism is over.

‎Of course, journalists must also hold themselves accountable. Ethical journalism is not optional. They must resist the temptation of brown envelopes, fact-check relentlessly, and report with clarity, compassion, and courage. The profession must regain its honour by defending the truth, not selling it.

‎The pen that once won our independence still holds the power to shape our future. But only if it is wielded with integrity, and supported with justice. Until we build a media system where journalists can live with dignity, we remain a country that praises democracy while neglecting those who protect it. 

‎A free press without empowered journalists is an illusion. And Nigeria deserves better.

‎‎Zekeri Idakwo Laruba is the Assistant Editor of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential. He can be reached via idakwozekeri93@gmail.com.

By Anas Abbas

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has announced the immediate dissolution of the State Executive Council.

This decision was communicated through a statement released by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, on Sunday night.

As part of the transition, all affected Commissioners and Special Advisers have been instructed to hand over their responsibilities to the Permanent Secretary or the most senior civil servant within their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

Governor Oyebanji expressed his gratitude to the outgoing members of the Executive Council, wishing them success in their future endeavors.

Notably, the dissolution does not extend to certain key positions.

The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice will remain in office, along with several other Commissioners including those overseeing Health and Human Services, Agriculture and Food Security, Education, Works, Trade, Investment, Industry and Cooperatives.

Additionally, Special Advisers on Special Education and Social Inclusion, as well as Lands, Survey, and e-GIS, will also retain their roles.

Also, all directors general who are members of the State executive council will keep their positions.

This includes the director general of the office of transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD), the director general of sustainable development goals (SDGs) and project monitoring, and the director general of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

This restructuring marks a new chapter in Ekiti State’s governance as it prepares for future initiatives.

By Uzair Adam

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano State Strategic Command, has arrested a 23-year-old suspected notorious drug dealer, Faisal Yusuf-Umar, in Fagge Local Government Area of the state.

The Public Relations Officer of the command, Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari, disclosed this in a statement issued in Kano on Sunday, saying the arrest followed a targeted surveillance operation prompted by community complaints about the suspect’s alleged illicit activities.

“On July 18, NDLEA operatives attached to the Fagge Area Command carried out a strategic operation at the suspect’s residence in Dandali, Fagge Local Government Area.

“A significant quantity of controlled substances was recovered, including 40 bottles (4kg) of Benylin with Codeine and cash amounting to N204,000,” Muhammad-Maigatari said.Quoting the State Strategic Commander, Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, he noted that the arrest demonstrated NDLEA’s unwavering commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks across Kano.

“This operation is part of our broader strategy to take down drug dealers who pose a serious threat to the health and safety of our communities,” Idris-Ahmad said, adding, “We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure Kano remains safe and drug-free.”

The command urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to support the ongoing fight against drug abuse and trafficking in the state.