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Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has called for tighter border controls and warned that Nigeria’s porous borders leave it vulnerable to spillover crises from other West African nations.

Speaking at a lecture titled ‘National Resilience and Security in the 21st Century’ at the National Defence College in Abuja, Abbas stressed the need for stronger regional cooperation and internal cohesion to tackle security threats.

“Porous borders mean Nigeria’s security is tied to that of its neighbours,” he said.

He advocated for joint patrols, regional standby forces, and initiatives like grazing corridors to enhance stability.

The Speaker highlighted challenges across Africa, including insurgencies, coups, economic instability, and climate change, but noted the continent’s resilience, citing recovery efforts in Rwanda and Sierra Leone.

He outlined a three-phase strategy for national resilience: mitigation (preventive measures), adaptation (crisis response), and recovery (rebuilding).

He pointed to Nigeria’s National Security Strategy and Disaster Management Framework as key tools but urged deeper inter-agency collaboration.

Abbas also emphasized ECOWAS’ role in crisis management, referencing past interventions in Liberia and The Gambia, while acknowledging recent coups as a test for the bloc.

“True resilience requires political will, resources, and public preparedness,” he said. “By strengthening security and resilience together, Nigeria can safeguard its future.”

By Sumayyah A. Usman

Academic activities have been paralysed at the Kaduna State University, KASU, Kaduna, as the strike embarked upon by the institution’s branch of Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, enters its third week.

TDR visits to the two campuses at Kaduna and Kafanchan revealed that both lecturers and students were not in the classes and many students seized the opportunity of the strike to travel home.

However, some few students were found at the institution’s sport complex engaging in sport activities It would be recall that on April 24th, 2025, the union branch declared a “total, comprehensive & indefinite” strike action in response to several unfulfilled promises made by the Kaduna State Government.

By Sumayyah A. Usman

The Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, on Monday launched the power supply reconnection project in Kagarko Local Government Area, in a move seen as a major step towards the actualization of his campaign promise during the 2023 electioneering campaigns.

The governor who was represented by the Kagarko LG Chairman, Honourable Muhuyideen A. Umar, said the reconnection project would help alleviate power challenges faced by residents as well as boost economic activities and the overall quality of life of the people of the LG.

He further stated that “the project is in line with the promise made by Governor Uba Sani to restore power supply in Kagarko after years of darkness”.

He assured residents that with the availability of needed materials, equipment.and commitment from the workers, the job would be completed in record time.

According to reports electricity supply had been disrupted for over two years in the local government area as a result of vandalism.

But news of the reconnection was warmly received by Kagarko residents, who expressed their gratitude to the governor for his efforts to restore power.

By Anas Abbas

The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has expressed concerns that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) risks losing the 2027 presidential election to President Bola Tinubu unless it revises its zoning system.

During a live media interaction on Monday, Wike highlighted the party’s failure to adhere to its constitutional guidelines regarding the zoning of both the Chairmanship and presidential candidacy.

This statement comes on the heels of a recent induction ceremony led by former Senate President and Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Adolphus Wabara, where former governors Samuel Ortom of Benue State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, and 38 other members were welcomed into the party’s Board of Trustees.

Since the conclusion of the 2023 elections, the PDP has been grappling with significant internal turmoil.

Tensions escalated following a confrontation between Governor Sim Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike in Rivers State, compounded by ongoing leadership disputes in the South-South region and the unresolved position of National Secretary, which has been vacant since December 2024.

Efforts to mend these divisions have been made by various top party organs, including the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, National Executive Committee, and Governors Forum.

However, these initiatives have only served to deepen existing fractures within the party, further fragmenting state and zonal chapters.

Amidst this, several party members have chosen to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

A significant shift occurred on April 23, when Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other prominent officials transitioned to the APC, delivering a substantial blow to the PDP’s reputation and diminishing its prospects for the upcoming 2027 general elections.

By Anwar Usman

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has urged operatives of Operation Fasan Yanma not to allow enemies to strike them.

In his remarks, the CDs through Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, delivered the message to troops of the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division.

He appreciated their proactive efforts in tackling insecurity in the North Western states, especially under Operation Fasan Yama.

Speaking on Tuesday during a strategic civil-military cooperation visit at the Giginya Barracks in Sokoto, Bankole, representing the CDS, issued a passionate call for heightened vigilance and unity among security services, emphasizing that “the battle you are fighting is a just one, don’t sleep, because your enemies are not sleeping.”

Musa further appreciated the Division for its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity, preserving civilian lives, and reinvigorating ties with host communities.

“We receive weekly briefings at Defence Headquarters, and the 8 Division keeps coming up for praise. The CDS has asked me to personally commend your GOC and every officer under Operation Fasan Yama for a job well done,” Bankole said.

He reiterated the need for inter-agency collaboration, gender sensitivity, and respect for human rights, noting that the ongoing war on banditry Android insurgency requires both military strength and civilian trust.

He further stated that “Let people run to you, not away from you. The best intelligence comes from the civilians you protect,” he added.

The General Officer Commanding of the 8 Division, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, while responding highlighted the importance of people-centric operations.

Other activities that took place at the even includes; sensitisation lecture on human rights, gender-based violence, and military ethics, aimed at reinforcing the professionalism and accountability of troops in conflict zones.

Ajose emphasised that their mission is not just military, but moral.

“As protectors of the vulnerable, we must embody empathy, discipline, and justice. Today’s engagement strengthens our collective resolve,” he said.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The management of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) has announced the closure of two female hostels in Kano State due to security and disciplinary issues.

In a statement released on Monday, Dr. Hamza Garba, the institution’s Vice President of Campus Life, disclosed that the university had withdrawn its approval for Al-Ansar Indabo female hostels situated along UDB Road and Hotoro in the Kano metropolis.

“I am directed by the management to write, inform, and bring to the attention of our esteemed parents and students that the university has withdrawn its approval for Al-Ansar Indabo female students hostels located at UDB Road and Hotoro,” the statement read.

According to Dr. Garba, the hostels had failed to meet the university’s standards regarding the operation of private accommodations for students.

He stated that several infractions had been observed, including immoral conduct, insufficient access to water and electricity, incidents of student violence, movement of students during late hours, and cohabitation with unidentified individuals.

“These issues pose a serious threat to the well-being of our students,” he added.

The university reiterateed that the decision was part of its broader efforts to ensure students live in a safe and morally sound environment.

All students residing in the affected hostels have been directed to move out immediately after the ongoing semester examinations.

The university cautioned them against returning to or having any connection with the hostels for their own protection.

“Management is working closely with relevant security agencies to ensure total compliance with the directive,” the statement added.

Parents and students seeking information on authorized and safe hostel alternatives have been advised to contact the Office of the Vice President, Campus Life, via the official email address — vp-campuslife@maaun.edu.ng.

MAAUN also made it clear that it would not be liable for any consequences that may arise from ignoring this directive.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has announced that 200 public schools in Kano State will each receive 250 computers, totalling 50,000 units, under a major digital education initiative supported by the World Bank through the AGILE Project.

The distribution, aimed at bridging the digital divide in education, was announced during the flag-off ceremony for instructional materials distribution held in Kano.

“Our goal is to bridge the digital divide and ensure our students are not left behind in this era of technological advancement,” the governor said.

According to Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor’s spokesperson, the initiative is expected to boost digital literacy among students and enhance the overall quality of education in the state.

“This is a transformational investment in our future. It will improve access to technology and empower thousands of students with the tools they need for academic success,” Bature said in a statement on Monday.

Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to promoting inclusive and innovative education through investments in digital tools and resources.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

In a bid to provide stable electricity and improve learning conditions in public schools, Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has announced plans to solarise 200 public schools across Kano State.

The initiative, unveiled during the official flag-off ceremony for the distribution of instructional materials to schools, is part of the World Bank-supported Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project.

Governor Yusuf stated that the installation of solar power systems would ensure uninterrupted electricity supply, thereby creating a conducive environment for learning and digital education.

“This effort is part of our broader commitment to modernise education infrastructure and ensure that our students are learning in environments that support innovation and growth,” the governor said.

His spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, noted in a statement issued Monday that the intervention aims to eliminate power-related challenges that have long hindered the use of technology in public schools.

The solar project is expected to enhance teaching and learning outcomes while supporting other digital initiatives planned by the state government.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Operatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), RS12.31 Potiskum Unit Command, on Sunday morning intercepted an overloaded Volkswagen Golf along the Potiskum–Gombe (PKM-GME) highway.

The vehicle, with registration number TRN 59 SB, was stopped during a routine patrol as part of the Corps’ nationwide enforcement operation targeting overloading and other critical traffic offences.

According to the patrol team, the vehicle was found to be carrying passengers and cargo in excess of the permitted limit, a violation that significantly increases the risk of road accidents.

“This action is in line with the Corps’ commitment to reducing road crashes caused by reckless practices such as overloading,” a spokesperson for the unit said.

No injuries were reported during the interception. The vehicle has been impounded, and further investigations are underway.

The FRSC continues to urge motorists to comply with traffic regulations and prioritise safety for all road users.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad 

Before the emergence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, Nigeria’s security architecture was grappling with deeply entrenched challenges, particularly in the Northwest and Southeast regions. The situation had deteriorated to alarming levels, with criminal elements and secessionist movements establishing a disturbing level of control in certain areas.

In the Northwest, banditry had evolved from sporadic attacks to the full-scale occupation of territories. Vast stretches of land, especially in states like Kaduna, Zamfara, and Niger, fell under the influence of heavily armed groups. The Abuja-Kaduna highway, which was once a vital economic and commuter route, became a perilous stretch, notorious for frequent kidnappings and ambushes. 

The Northwestern security threats extended further, with the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari–Lagos road effectively shut down due to sustained bandit activity. Even commercial life suffered significantly; the Birnin Gwari cattle market, a major hub for livestock trade, was forced to cease operations under the pressure of violence and extortion.

Meanwhile, in the Southeast, the situation was compounded by the secessionist agitation led by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Through fear and coercion, IPOB succeeded in enforcing a weekly sit-at-home directive across several states in the region, paralysing economic activities every Monday. Businesses were shuttered, schools closed, and the freedom of movement was severely curtailed, undermining both governance and development efforts.

This was the grim reality that the Tinubu administration inherited. However, at the heart of the renewed fight against insecurity stands a strategic recalibration: what many now refer to as the “Nuhu Ribadu Formula.” As National Security Adviser, Ribadu brought a fresh, intelligence-driven approach to tackling Nigeria’s security woes. With an emphasis on coordination among security agencies, restoration of public confidence, and targeted offensives against criminal enclaves, his methods have begun yielding tangible results.

While challenges persist, especially in remote and hard-to-reach areas, the difference in tone and trajectory is becoming increasingly evident. The Ribadu-led security strategy has not only focused on reclaiming territory but also on addressing the root causes of unrest, be it poverty, weak governance, or community grievances. It is this multidimensional and proactive approach that may well define Nigeria’s path to lasting peace and stability.

Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, has been pivotal in reshaping Nigeria’s national security framework through a clear and strategic vision built on three foundational pillars.

The first is the carrot-and-stick approach, which balances kinetic (military force) and non-kinetic (dialogue, reconciliation, and development) strategies. This dual-pronged approach acknowledges that not all security threats can be addressed solely through force. By combining targeted military operations with community engagement and deradicalisation efforts, the approach aims to neutralise threats while addressing the root causes of violence.

The second strategy is a shift from rhetoric to action, a deliberate move away from endless briefings and political grandstanding towards concrete, measurable outcomes. Under Ribadu’s watch, security interventions are now judged not by promises, but by performance. The focus is on restoring peace, reclaiming lost territories, and enabling displaced persons to return to their communities.

Third is the promotion of synergy and intelligence sharing among security agencies. Previously plagued by inter-agency rivalry and fragmented operations, Nigeria’s security forces are now operating with improved coordination. Through unified command structures and shared intelligence platforms, responses have become faster, more precise, and increasingly proactive.

These strategies have already begun to yield visible results. The recent resurgence of attacks in Plateau and Benue States, as well as isolated Boko Haram assaults on soft targets in Borno and Adamawa, were swiftly countered using the same framework. Rapid deployment of forces, community-based intelligence, and coordinated operations prevented escalation and restored calm.

Still, the road to full recovery is a gradual one. While the machinery of state security has been retooled, the average citizen may not immediately perceive these gains. Part of the challenge lies in the persistence of outdated or unverified reports in some sections of the media, which can paint a distorted picture of the current realities. Nevertheless, those on the ground, especially in previously hard-hit areas, are beginning to sense a shift.

The “Nuhu Ribadu Formula” is proving to be more than just a tactical adjustment; it is an evolving doctrine that prioritises effectiveness, accountability, and collaboration. With sustained implementation and public support, it could well become the blueprint for enduring peace in Nigeria.

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