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By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled a terrorist ambush in Zamfara State and rescued two abducted herders while recovering 520 rustled livestock in Sokoto State, the military said on 28 October 2026.

According to a statement by Captain Tamuno Sinivie, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), troops of Sector 2 came under a coordinated ambush by terrorists on both sides of the Anka–Guruzu Road in Zamfara while conducting a fighting patrol to clear the route after reports of terrorist activity.

The troops responded with overwhelming firepower, fought through the ambush and inflicted heavy casualties on the terrorists, forcing them to withdraw in disarray. One soldier sustained a gunshot wound during the firefight and was promptly evacuated for medical attention. He is said to be in stable condition.

The statement said troops subsequently dominated the road and restored freedom of movement for commuters.

In a related operation on the same day, troops of Sector 2 foiled an attempt by terrorists to rustle livestock and abduct herders at Takasaba Village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State. Acting on credible intelligence, the troops mobilised to the scene and engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to flee and abandon 520 livestock and two abducted herders.

The rescued victims were identified as Malam Sulaiman, aged 50, and Nasiru Sulaiman, aged 14. They were handed over to the Sabon Birni Local Government authorities.

The military described the operations as further proof of the resilience, combat readiness and sustained operational momentum of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in denying terrorists freedom of action, securing critical routes and protecting vulnerable communities in the North West.

The Theatre Commander, Major General WB Idris, commended the gallantry and fighting spirit of the troops and urged them to sustain the offensive against terrorist elements. He also reassured residents of the joint operations area of the military’s commitment to restoring peace and security, while encouraging the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Yemen’s Aden International Airport was damaged on October 28 after Houthi forces launched an attack that left large craters on the runway and forced authorities to suspend air traffic, according to the breaking news report.

The strike followed an evacuation warning from Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree, who claimed that a Saudi military cargo aircraft carrying weapons was at the airport. The allegation has not been independently verified.

United Nations personnel had left the airport shortly before the attack, and a humanitarian flight bound for Amman, Jordan, departed safely earlier in the day. The International Organization for Migration confirmed that its personnel were safe and accounted for.

Aden airport is a critical gateway for civilian travel and humanitarian aid to southern Yemen. Repeated attacks on the facility threaten access to medical supplies, relief workers and essential services in a country already facing a severe humanitarian crisis.

By Haladu Muhammad

I want to speak about an issue that has deeply concerned and disturbed me for quite a while—for over half a decade, if not a full decade. The topic I wish to discuss today is clear and well known to all of us: the state of our education sector.

Education is paramount and sacrosanct. It is everyone’s duty, concern, and business. The core issue I want to address is the performance of teachers in our public schools compared to those in private schools. When comparing public and private institutions, which system possesses better infrastructure and facilities to properly instruct, guide, and develop our children?

To set the context, we are all aware of the economic hardships the country is facing. Citizens across all sectors are struggling with their daily or monthly earnings. It is no secret that the remuneration for teachers and civil servants is often inadequate.

However, what I find difficult to accept—and must question—is the persistent reliance on salary grievances as an excuse for poor performance. While I am not dismissing their financial concerns, education remains a collective responsibility.

To clarify, I am not simply shifting blame onto our educators. Look at states like Borno, Zamfara, and Jigawa. During my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) service year in Zamfara State, where I served at Government Girls Secondary School, Maru, I engaged in many intellectual discussions with my colleagues regarding this situation. 

Under the previous state administration, teachers went unpaid for two to three months, leading to stagnation in the education sector. However, under Governor Dr Dauda Lawal Dare, workers’ entitlements, pensions, and gratuities have been prioritised and paid promptly. Similar positive administrative steps regarding welfare can be observed in Borno and Jigawa States.

Despite public school teachers receiving higher salaries—often ₦60,000 to ₦77,000 or more, compared with private school teachers who may earn as little as ₦30,000 to ₦40,000—we consistently observe greater commitment and better pupil performance in private institutions. Private school educators, despite lower pay and inferior physical infrastructure, are often held to higher standards of accountability.

In many public schools, particularly during periods such as the rainy season, teacher absenteeism is rampant. It is not uncommon to visit a public school and find only two or three teachers present alongside the Vice Principal, while students roam the premises without instruction. Meanwhile, frivolous excuses for absence that are tolerated in the public sector would result in immediate financial deductions or termination in a private setting.

This disparity stems primarily from a lack of leadership, self-discipline, and institutional accountability. While public education has a superior structural and administrative framework on paper, it suffers from poor implementation and weak oversight.

Therefore, my call to action for state governors, Commissioners of Education, and key educational stakeholders is straightforward: establish and empower strict, independent monitoring committees within every Local Government Education Area (LGEA). These committees must actively oversee public school operations, enforce teacher attendance, and monitor academic performance across all wards and communities to restore standard quality to our public education system.

Haladu Muhammad is a concerned Nigerian citizen, and he writes from Maiduguri, Borno State.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued two kidnapped herders and recovered 520 head of livestock allegedly rustled by suspected terrorists in Sokoto State.

The operation took place on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Takasaba village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of the state.

The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Captain Tamuno Sinivie, disclosed this in a statement, saying the troops acted on credible intelligence about terrorist activities in the area.

According to him, the troops swiftly mobilised to the scene and engaged the suspected terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to flee and abandon the livestock and the two abducted herders.

The rescued victims were identified as Malam Sulaiman, 50, and Nasiru Sulaiman, 14. They were subsequently handed over to the Sabon Birni Local Government authorities.

Troops repel ambush in Zamfara

In a related operation, troops of Sector 2 reportedly repelled an ambush by suspected terrorists along the Anka–Guruzu Road in Zamfara State on the same day.

Captain Sinivie said the troops were conducting a fighting patrol to clear the road following reports of terrorist activities when armed men positioned on both sides of the route launched a coordinated attack.

He said the soldiers responded with firepower, forcing the attackers to withdraw after sustaining casualties.

The troops subsequently maintained their presence along the road to restore freedom of movement for commuters.

However, one soldier sustained a gunshot injury during the exchange of fire and was evacuated for medical attention. The military said the soldier was in stable condition.

Military pledges continued operations

The Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General W.B. Idris, commended the troops for their conduct during the operations and urged them to sustain pressure on terrorist groups operating in the region.

He also reaffirmed the military’s commitment to restoring peace and security across its joint operational area.

The commander called on residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations against armed groups.

The latest operations come amid continued security challenges in parts of the North-West, where communities have faced attacks, kidnappings and livestock rustling.

The Daily Reality

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed ₦70,000 monthly wage award for federal workers, demanding instead that the minimum salary for the lowest-paid worker be increased to ₦300,000.

The union said workers needed a substantial and sustainable salary increase rather than temporary financial support that might not benefit all eligible employees.

The proposal followed a meeting between the Federal Government and the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to discuss workers’ welfare and measures to address the rising cost of living.

In a statement signed by its President-General, Festus Osifo, and Secretary, Nuhu Toro, the TUC also called for the implementation of the agreement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).

“Our position is unequivocal: workers are not asking for favours; they are demanding social and economic justice that protects their dignity and livelihoods,” the statement said.

TUC questions implementation of previous wage awards

The union expressed concerns over the implementation of previous wage awards, arguing that the government had yet to fulfil its earlier commitments to workers.

According to the TUC, the wage award introduced in October 2023 was not fully implemented before the parties reached an agreement on a new national minimum wage in 2024.

It claimed that some workers received payments for only one or two months, while others did not receive any payment.

The union also criticised the irregular payment of the previous ₦40,000 wage award, alleging that some workers received payments covering up to four months without a consistent monthly schedule.

It further claimed that more than 80 per cent of state governments and employers in the informal sector did not implement any form of wage award.

The TUC questioned the rationale for introducing another temporary payment while, according to the union, previous commitments remained outstanding.

“How can workers be expected to trust fresh promises when previous obligations remain outstanding?” it asked.

Union seeks sustainable salary increases

The TUC maintained that a permanent salary increase would offer workers more reliable financial support than a temporary wage award, particularly as the prices of essential goods and services continue to rise.

It argued that ongoing negotiations over a new national minimum wage should not prevent the government from granting workers an urgent pay increase.

The union also noted that the economic difficulties extended beyond federal government employees, affecting state and local government workers, pensioners, private-sector employees and those in the informal economy.

It identified rising costs of food, transportation, healthcare and other basic necessities as major pressures on households.

Calls for broader economic measures

Beyond salary increases, the TUC urged governments at all levels to take practical measures to reduce the cost of essential goods and services.

It also called for the timely payment of salaries and pensions, protection of existing jobs and stronger action against exploitative labour practices.

The union further advocated renewed efforts to strengthen the productive sector and create decent employment opportunities.

The disagreement adds another dimension to ongoing discussions between the government and organised labour over workers’ welfare, wage adjustments and the economic pressures facing Nigerians.

The Daily Reality

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued two kidnapped herders and recovered 520 head of livestock allegedly rustled by suspected terrorists in Sokoto State.

The operation took place on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Takasaba village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of the state.

The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Captain Tamuno Sinivie, disclosed this in a statement, saying the troops acted on credible intelligence about terrorist activities in the area.

According to him, the troops swiftly mobilised to the scene and engaged the suspected terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to flee and abandon the livestock and the two abducted herders.

The rescued victims were identified as Malam Sulaiman, 50, and Nasiru Sulaiman, 14. They were subsequently handed over to the Sabon Birni Local Government authorities.

Troops repel ambush in Zamfara

In a related operation, troops of Sector 2 reportedly repelled an ambush by suspected terrorists along the Anka–Guruzu Road in Zamfara State on the same day.

Captain Sinivie said the troops were conducting a fighting patrol to clear the road following reports of terrorist activities when armed men positioned on both sides of the route launched a coordinated attack.

He said the soldiers responded with firepower, forcing the attackers to withdraw after sustaining casualties.

The troops subsequently maintained their presence along the road to restore freedom of movement for commuters.

However, one soldier sustained a gunshot injury during the exchange of fire and was evacuated for medical attention. The military said the soldier was in stable condition.

Military pledges continued operations

The Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General W.B. Idris, commended the troops for their conduct during the operations and urged them to sustain pressure on terrorist groups operating in the region.

He also reaffirmed the military’s commitment to restoring peace and security across its joint operational area.

The commander called on residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations against armed groups.

The latest operations come amid continued security challenges in parts of the North-West, where communities have faced attacks, kidnappings and livestock rustling.

The Daily Reality

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has alleged that some people criticising President Bola Tinubu and his supporters on social media are being paid, urging northern youths to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general election.

Akpabio made the remarks on Wednesday when members of the Arewa Revival Project, a youth group drawn from the 19 northern states, visited him at his office and presented him with an award for his contributions to nation-building.

The group was led by its coordinator, Mustafa Ibrahim.

While thanking the organisation for the recognition, Akpabio urged its members to mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election bid and educate Nigerians about what he described as the benefits of continuity in government.

He alleged that some social media users attacking the President and his supporters were receiving financial incentives, although he did not provide evidence to substantiate the claim.

“It is not going to be easy for you because most of those who are attacking the President and attacking these young men on social media are being paid. You are not being paid,” Akpabio said.

He encouraged the youths to organise meetings and engage people at the grassroots, urging them to counter what he described as propaganda against the administration.

Akpabio defends Tinubu’s economic policies

The Senate President defended the administration’s economic policies, including its tax reforms, arguing that the government was working to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on crude oil.

He urged young Nigerians to look beyond social media criticism and consider the administration’s economic and legislative initiatives.

Akpabio also praised Tinubu’s performance, saying he and members of the National Assembly supported the President seeking a second term.

He maintained that the administration was introducing changes intended to address longstanding economic challenges and secure a better future for younger Nigerians.

However, his remarks come amid continuing public debate over the impact of the government’s policies on living costs, taxation and household welfare.

State police system may soon become reality — Akpabio

On insecurity, Akpabio expressed optimism that the proposed establishment of state police could soon become a reality.

He said the constitutional amendment process was nearing completion, claiming that about 30 state Houses of Assembly had endorsed the proposal.

“As I speak with you now, for the first time in the history of Nigeria, it may not take us a month before we have a state police system – decentralised policing in the country – because about 30 states have endorsed the amendment to the Nigerian constitution to bring about a state police system, which will further increase the security of the nation,” he said.

The proposed state police system has featured prominently in Nigeria’s constitutional reform debate, with supporters arguing that decentralised policing could help states respond more effectively to local security challenges.

Akpabio also expressed confidence that the country would overcome its security problems, encouraging the visiting youths to remain optimistic as they carried out their mobilisation activities.

Group commends Senate President

Earlier, Ibrahim said the group considered Akpabio deserving of the award because of his contributions to national development and the achievements of the National Assembly under his leadership.

The visit comes as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general election, in which Tinubu is expected to seek re-election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Daily Reality

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Federal High Court sitting in Damaturu, Yobe State, has sentenced a 20-year-old man, Dauda Umaru, to seven years’ imprisonment for procuring and having sexual intercourse with a 16-year-old girl.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) disclosed the conviction in a statement published on its official Facebook page on Wednesday.

The court, presided over by Justice Aisha Y. Salihu, also ordered Umaru to pay a total of ₦1.5 million, comprising ₦1 million into the Victim Trust Fund Account and ₦500,000 as compensation to the victim.

According to NAPTIP, the conviction was secured under Section 16(1) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, as amended.

The agency added that failure to pay the stipulated amount would attract an additional seven months’ imprisonment.

NAPTIP intensifies prosecution of sexual exploitation cases

The latest conviction comes as NAPTIP continues to prosecute cases involving the sexual exploitation of minors and other forms of human trafficking.

In a related case previously reported by The PUNCH, the agency secured the conviction of 37-year-old Fatima Sanda for procuring a 16-year-old girl for sexual exploitation.

Sanda was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment by the High Court of Justice, Court 10, presided over by Justice Aisha Ndume. The court also ordered her to pay ₦500,000 in compensation to the victim.

The agency’s latest announcement underscores ongoing efforts to hold individuals accountable for offences involving the exploitation of minors.

The Daily Reality

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

If fighting resumes between Iran, the United States and Israel, Tehran could rely on a mix of heavy ballistic missiles, solid-fuel systems and weapons designed to challenge advanced air defenses, according to an assessment of its arsenal.

Among the most closely watched systems is the Khorramshahr-4, a medium-range ballistic missile reportedly capable of carrying a warhead weighing about 1.5 tonnes over a range of roughly 2,000 kilometers. Its heavy payload makes it one of Iran’s most significant conventional strike weapons.

Another key system is the Sejjil, a two-stage ballistic missile powered by solid fuel. With a reported range of around 2,000 kilometers, it could potentially reach targets across much of the Middle East, including Israel. Solid-fuel propulsion can reduce launch preparation time compared with liquid-fueled systems.

Iran could also deploy the Fattah-1, which Tehran describes as a hypersonic missile. Iranian officials claim its maneuverability and speed could complicate interception, though its advertised capabilities and effectiveness against advanced air defenses have not been fully independently established.

Other systems, including the Kheibar Shekan, Emad and Ghadr, add further options to Iran’s missile arsenal, giving its military different combinations of range, payload and propulsion.

Iran’s missile forces could threaten military installations and other strategic targets across the region. However, the actual impact of any renewed campaign would depend on the number of operational launchers and missiles available, targeting accuracy, and the effectiveness of opposing air-defense systems.

If another war begins, Iran’s most consequential advantage may not rest on a single missile, but on its ability to launch different systems in coordinated waves.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Russia is showcasing drones, military equipment and weapons to African delegates at the third Russia-Africa Summit and Economic and Humanitarian Forum in Moscow on October 28–29, as Moscow seeks to expand military and technological cooperation with African countries.

The exhibition includes unmanned aerial systems, loitering munitions, air defense equipment and small arms. Among the systems announced for presentation are the KUB-2E loitering munition, the Skat 350M reconnaissance drone and the Lancet-E reconnaissance-strike system.

Russia is also presenting its proposed “Anti-Drone Dome,” a layered defense concept that combines detection systems, electronic warfare and weapons designed to counter unmanned aerial threats.

Russian arms exporter Rosoboronexport says African countries account for approximately 30% of the total value of its signed-contract portfolio, underscoring the continent’s importance to Moscow’s defense-export strategy.

The summit gives Russia another platform to promote its military technology and pursue deeper security and industrial partnerships across Africa.