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By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kano State Police Command has apprehended two men linked to a case of armed robbery and attempted murder that took place in Lagos State.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna, confirmed the arrest in a statement released on Saturday.

According to him, “The Kano State Police Command has achieved a significant breakthrough in a recent case of armed robbery and attempted murder, thanks to its robust intelligence and community collaboration.

“On September 11, 2025, the command’s tactical operatives, acting on intelligence, arrested two suspects at Na’ibawa Quarters, Kano. They are: Mathew Adewole, 25, of Na’ibawa Quarters, and Mukhtar Muhammad, 31, of Unguwa Uku Quarters, Kano.”

Haruna explained that during questioning, one of the suspects, Adewole, admitted to attacking a Lagos resident identified as Lil-Kesh at Bera Estate, Chevron, on August 19, 2025. The victim reportedly suffered severe injuries, including a deep cut on the neck.

“The suspect forced the victim to transfer N2,120,000 from his account via mobile phone to Mukhtar Muhammad’s account,” the police spokesman added.

He further stated that in compliance with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Command had been intensifying its intelligence operations while also strengthening community policing and security partnerships to counter criminal groups.

The suspects have since been transferred to the Lagos State Police Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, praised the officers for their professionalism and acknowledged the support of residents.

He assured the public that the police would continue to work with other security agencies to sustain safety across the state.

“The command remains committed to maintaining law and order, working closely with other security agencies and stakeholders to ensure a coordinated approach to combating crime,” the statement noted.

Armed robbery has continued to pose a major security challenge in Nigeria, often cutting across state borders.

The Kano Command had earlier reported the arrest of three suspected robbers linked to a case in Abuja where a stolen vehicle was recovered.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid a glowing tribute to his wife, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as she marks her 65th birthday today.

In a heartfelt message, the President described the First Lady as “the love of my life” and praised her for being a steadfast partner through years of struggle, political exile, and leadership.

“You are more than my wife. You are my confidant, counsellor, and the steady flame illuminating my path,” Tinubu wrote, noting that their children and grandchildren see in her a model of compassion and faith, while Nigerians recognise her as a symbol of strength and grace.

The President lauded Mrs Tinubu’s quiet sacrifices, describing her as someone who has served Nigeria not from the podium but from the heart of their home.

“As your husband, I thank God for your life, health, and unwavering love. As your President, I salute you as the First Lady whose warmth and empathy continue to touch millions of lives,” he stated.

Tinubu concluded with a personal message of love and gratitude, calling her presence in his life a “treasure.”

The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, a former senator, is marking her milestone birthday with prayers and family celebrations.

By Uzair Adam

The European-American University (EAU) has distanced itself from reports claiming it awarded an honorary doctorate to popular Hausa political singer Dauda Kahutu Rarara during a ceremony in Abuja.

In a disclaimer published on its official website, the University described the alleged event at NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja, as fraudulent, stressing that it was organized without its knowledge or approval.

The institution clarified that neither Rarara nor the other individuals mentioned — Alhaji Ahmed Saleh Jnr., Prof. Mustapha Abdullahi Bujawa, and Prof. Tarela Boroh — had received any honorary recognition from EAU. 

“These individuals are not honorands of the University and have no legitimate connection with us,” the statement read.

EAU further disowned Musari Audu Isyaku, who was presented as its representative in Northern Nigeria, stating that he has no authority to act on behalf of the institution. 

It also denied that Idris Aliyu was part of its governing body, noting that the university has no such council. 

Aliyu’s fellowship with EAU was revoked immediately over his alleged role in the fraudulent ceremony.

The University reminded the public that its former Vice Chancellor, Dr Mrs. Josephine Egbuta, had been dismissed earlier this year and no longer represents the institution. 

It affirmed that Professor Luca Scotto di Tella de’ Douglas di Castel di Ripa is the current Vice Chancellor.

On its legal standing, EAU explained that it is a nonprofit private university established in France, with a Royal Charter of Incorporation from the Kingdom of Bunyoro-Kitara in Uganda. 

It dismissed references to Dominica and Panama as “outdated and false.”

The statement added that the University would work with Nigerian authorities to curb the circulation of fake certificates issued in its name and prosecute those behind the act.

EAU also disclosed that its next legitimate convocation in Nigeria is slated for November 15, 2025, while another awards ceremony will take place in Malaysia in December.

By Anas Abbas 

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has killed more than 25 terrorists in a coordinated night air raid around Bula in Yobe State and the Banki axis of Borno State.

Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja. 

He explained that the operation was carried out on September 18, following actionable intelligence provided by ground troops.

According to Ejodame, a combination of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets and strike aircraft tracked terrorist movements and spotted multiple groups north of Banki. The terrorists were then hit in three successive precision strikes along their movement routes and assembly points.

“Real-time updates were relayed to ground forces and base operations, enabling synchronised action. The strike aircraft engaged the terrorists in three successive precision strikes, effectively neutralising more than 25 fighters,” Ejodame stated.

He added that post-strike surveillance confirmed that ground forces had maintained their defensive positions, with no further threats detected.

Ejodame said the operation highlighted the Air Force’s unwavering support for ground troops and its commitment to denying terrorists freedom of action in the North-East.

The operation comes just days after Boko Haram insurgents attacked the Darajamal community in the Bama Local Government Area of Borno on September 8, killing at least 63 people, including five soldiers. The attackers, who rode in on motorcycles, shot indiscriminately, razed houses and vehicles before military reinforcements arrived.

Governor Babagana Zulum had described that incident as “very sad,” confirming the death toll and pledging government support to the affected families.

By Muhammad Abubakar 

China has taken a significant step in preparing its next generation for the digital future by introducing artificial intelligence (AI) education across primary and secondary schools. 

The Ministry of Education has announced that AI will now be included in the national curriculum, with lessons ranging from basic coding and machine learning concepts to discussions on the ethical implications of technology.

Officials say the program aims to build students’ digital literacy and give them early exposure to skills critical in the 21st-century economy. 

Pilot projects in cities such as Shanghai and Shenzhen have already shown strong interest, with students using AI-powered tools in mathematics, language learning, and creative projects.

Educators emphasise that the initiative is not only about technical training but also about fostering innovation, problem-solving, and responsible use of emerging technologies. “We want our children to understand AI as both a tool and a responsibility,” said an education ministry spokesperson.

The move reflects China’s broader ambition to lead in AI development globally, while also addressing concerns that young people must be equipped to navigate a rapidly changing technological landscape.

By Uzair Adam 

Renowned Hausa political singer, Dauda Kahutu Rarara, has received an honorary doctorate degree from the European-American University, Commonwealth of Dominican Republic of Panama.

The award was conferred on him during the university’s 23rd convocation ceremony held at the NICON Luxury Hotel in Abuja on Saturday. 

Rarara was honoured with the Doctor of Science in Humanitarian Service, Music and Entertainment.

Speaking at the event, Professor Idris Aliyu of the Governing Council, who represented the Vice Chancellor, described the honour as a recognition of Rarara’s commitment to both music and community service.

In his remarks, the institution’s Northern Nigeria representative, Dr Musari Audu Isyaku, said Rarara and three others—Alhaji Ahmed Saleh Jnr., Prof. Mustapha Abdullahi Bujawa, and Prof. Tarela Boroh—were selected for their outstanding contributions to humanity.

“This award is a testament to their dedication to excellence and development of the community,” Dr Isyaku stated.

Reacting to the honour, Rarara expressed joy over the recognition, noting that it would inspire him to expand his humanitarian services in Katsina and other parts of Nigeria. 

He also urged young people to be patient and dedicated, saying purposeful living brings wisdom and reward.

Governor of Katsina State, Dr Umaru Dikko Radda, who attended the event, described Rarara as “a phenomenon and unifier” who has delivered humanitarian projects across Nigeria while also promoting unity through music.

Other dignitaries present included the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda; Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Ahmad Alkali; and members of the House of Representatives, Abubakar Kabir Bichi, Nasiru Sani Danlami, and Abdulmumini Zannah Bungudu.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Anas Abbas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Sabiu Abdullahi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

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

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

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

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

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