Local

By Uzair Adam 

The Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), Kano State Command, has deployed personnel to Garko Local Government Area to track and contain dogs suspected of carrying rabies after one dog reportedly attacked and bit 18 people in the area.

The State Commander, Abdullahi Al’ameen, disclosed this in a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Usman Abdullahi-Umar, on Sunday in Kano.

Al’ameen said the command received a distress report at about 2 p.m. that a dog suspected to be rabid had attacked residents in Garko town.

According to him, the dog initially attacked and bit 11 people in Garko town before moving into neighbouring communities, where it attacked seven additional residents.

“The dog had so far bitten 11 persons in Garko town before moving to neighbouring communities, including Raba, Kadage, Gurjiya and Dausai,” he said.

The commander added that the command had received another report indicating that two more dogs were suspected to have contracted rabies in the area.

He said personnel from the NFSS Garko Division, led by the Divisional Forest Officer, Auwalu Muhammad, had been deployed to the affected communities to track and contain the suspected rabid dogs.

Al’ameen urged residents of Garko and neighbouring communities to remain vigilant and promptly report sightings of stray or suspected rabid dogs to the nearest NFSS office or other security agencies.

He also advised anyone bitten by a suspected rabid dog to seek immediate medical attention, stressing the importance of prompt treatment.

Al’ameen assured residents that the NFSS would continue to monitor the situation and take necessary measures to prevent further attacks.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

At least six inmates have died within a week following a suspected cholera outbreak at the 115-year-old Kurmawa Maximum Prison in Kano, with Amnesty International Nigeria calling on the authorities to declare an emergency and take immediate action to prevent further deaths.

The rights organisation said a number of inmates are currently receiving treatment as the suspected disease continues to spread within the prison. It warned that the actual number of deaths could be higher.

Amnesty particularly raised concern over the condition of critically ill inmates and called for their immediate transfer to hospitals for appropriate medical treatment.

The organisation also expressed concern about the large number of awaiting-trial inmates held at the facility, noting that some prisoners can spend years behind bars without being convicted of a crime.

According to Amnesty, overcrowding, poor sanitation, inadequate food and limited access to healthcare remain serious problems in Nigeria’s correctional facilities.

It warned that failure by the authorities to respond urgently to the situation at Kurmawa Prison could result in additional deaths and potentially amount to arbitrary deprivation of life, a serious human rights violation under international law.

Amnesty called for urgent measures to contain the suspected outbreak and improve conditions in Nigerian prisons, stressing the need for the country to ensure that the treatment of inmates complies with human rights obligations and international standards.

By Uzair Adam

The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested seven suspected members of a cattle-rustling syndicate allegedly operating across Garki, Jahun and Miga Local Government Areas of the state.

The Daily Reality reports that the suspects were arrested during routine patrols following actionable intelligence and information from members of the public about their alleged activities.

The operation also led to the interception of two vehicles allegedly used by the suspects and the recovery of eight cows suspected to have been rustled.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, September 24, 2026.

According to him, the arrests and recoveries followed sustained intelligence gathering, community engagement and intensified patrols in identified flashpoints and vulnerable areas across the state.

The suspects were identified as Sulaiman Tijjani, 20, of Gunka Village, Jahun LGA; Abdullahi Musa, 40, of Chai-Chai Village, Ringim LGA; Bala Muhammad, 30, of Ayama Village, Auyo LGA; Isah Adamu, 27, of Tagwai Village, Miga LGA; Yusuf Sa’idu, 32, of Kukui Village, Taura LGA; Mansur Usaini, 29, of Majiyawa Village, Ringim LGA; and Kaku Abubakar, 27, of Jajimaje Village in Yobe State.

The command said the vehicles recovered were a dark blue Golf car with registration number WRA 158 FU and an ash-coloured Golf 3 Wagon with registration number ABJ 493 HN, Abuja.

The eight cows were also recovered and are being kept as exhibits.

The Commissioner of Police, Jigawa State Command, CP Tijjani Murtala, commended the officers involved in the operation for their vigilance, courage and professionalism.

He also appreciated members of the public whose timely information contributed to the arrest of the suspects and recovery of the livestock.

The police said the seven suspects remain in custody and are assisting investigators with useful information.

It added that efforts were ongoing to identify other alleged members of the syndicate and recover additional rustled livestock.

The command urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to help combat cattle rustling and other criminal activities across the state.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Suspected bandits have reportedly abducted several Islamic clerics who attended a prayer gathering at the residence of former Zamfara State Governor and Senator representing Zamfara West, Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of the state.

The reported incident was disclosed on Saturday by Northwest-based crisis reporter, Bakatsine, through a post on his X handle.

The clerics were said to have been taken away after attending a special prayer session at Yari’s residence, where more than 2,000 Islamic scholars and imams had gathered ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Among those reportedly abducted were Imam Yahuza, the First Jumma’at Imam in Dogon Madacci; Magawata Abdullahi, the Second Jumma’at Imam in Dogon Madacci; Malam Shehu Dakko; Imam Bala Fagon; and Na’ibi Tasi’u of Tungar Nagudai.

According to Bakatsine, the affected clerics travelled from communities in Bakura and Talata Mafara Local Government Areas to attend the gathering.

The prayer session was reportedly organised to seek peace, national unity and the success of President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead of the 2027 elections.

Bakatsine expressed concern over the reported abduction, noting that the incident occurred at the residence of a prominent political figure.

He said the development was another indication of the worsening security situation in Zamfara State, where banditry and kidnapping have continued to threaten residents.

“If people can be abducted while attending a gathering at the residence of a prominent political figure, then where exactly are ordinary citizens supposed to feel safe?” he asked.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official confirmation from the police or other security agencies regarding the reported abduction.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Four police officers and seven civilians have been killed after suspected bandits attacked Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The Benue State Police Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, Orchia Aondongu.

According to the command, the attackers, said to be operating in large numbers, stormed the community at about 6:12pm on Thursday.

Police personnel from the Police Mobile Force (PMF), tactical units and conventional police formations were deployed to confront the attackers.

Aondongu said the security personnel engaged the bandits in a gun battle that lasted about seven hours before forcing them to withdraw into the surrounding forest.

“The operatives stood firm in defence of the community and successfully repelled the attack, forcing the criminal elements to retreat into the surrounding forest with heavy casualties in the early hours of 11th September 2026,” the statement reads.

The command, however, confirmed the loss of four officers during the confrontation.

“Regrettably, four police officers paid the supreme price in the course of defending the community. Their bodies were subsequently recovered during search and rescue operations in the surrounding bushes.

“The corpses of seven civilians were also recovered following the attack and deposited at a mortuary for necessary procedures.”

The police said more tactical personnel had been deployed to the area to reinforce the existing security arrangements.

Alia Condemns Attack, Calls It Threat To Benue’s Stability

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has condemned the attack, describing it as a despicable act against the people of Ayilamo.

In a statement issued on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor described the attack on the “peace-loving people of Ayilamo” as a “grave threat to the security and stability of Benue state.”

Alia said the incident highlighted the continuing security challenges faced by vulnerable communities and security personnel in the area.

“The reported killing of four law enforcement officers is particularly painful and underscores the enormous sacrifices being made by security personnel in the line of duty,” the governor said.

“I extend heartfelt condolences to the people of Ayilamo, the families of all the victims, and the entire Logo Local Government community.

‘We mourn with you and assure you that you are not alone in this difficult period”.

The governor also expressed his condolences to the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and the Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Cletus Nwadiogbu, over the deaths of the four officers.

Alia also praised the Department of State Services (DSS), especially its personnel in Benue and Nasarawa states, for what he described as a “prompt and professional operation” that resulted in the arrest of three suspects allegedly linked to the attack.

He said the arrests could help security agencies establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.

“We urge the DSS to intensify its investigation and make the best use of the information obtained from the suspects in its custody,” Alia said.

“Every available lead should be diligently followed to identify and arrest the remaining accomplices, sponsors, collaborators, and other persons connected with the attack. All those found culpable must face the full weight of the law.”

The governor assured residents that his administration would continue to work with security agencies to improve protection in Ayilamo, Logo and other communities considered vulnerable across Benue State.

By Dahiru Ƙasimu Adamu 

In northern Nigeria, disability has long been viewed as a one-way ticket to a life of begging. But Imrana Aminu Sifawa is rewriting that narrative through academic achievement.

When a child is born with a disability in northern Nigeria, tradition often dictates their future: they beg. It’s a grim expectation that has consigned countless individuals to a life of dependency rather than dignity.

But Imrana Aminu Sifawa refuses to be a statistic. Born completely blind in 2001 in Sifawa town, Bodinga Local Government Area, Sokoto State, this young man has spent his life shattering stereotypes and reaching academic heights that many sighted individuals never reach.

Imrana’s educational journey began at AA Raji Special School Sokoto, where he completed both primary and secondary education. But he didn’t stop there.

He later earned his National Certificate in Education (NCE) in Islamic Studies, with a specialisation in Special Education in Islam, from Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto. Today, he is pursuing a degree in Islamic Studies at the same institution, affiliated with Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS).

Recognising that the world is moving rapidly toward technology, Imrana earned a Diploma in Computer from Kebbi State School for Special Needs in Birnin Kebbi, where he mastered computer operation and networking.

“I have knowledge of operating computers,” Imrana declares with quiet confidence. “Even now, if you bring one to me, I will operate it. I understand its features, how it works, how letters are arranged, and how to type.”

Imrana’s intellectual pursuits extend beyond secular education. He has completely memorised the Holy Qur’an and studied Hadith extensively. His command of Islamic scholarship is evident when he quotes Imam Shafi’i: “Kulli yaumil zadal ilmi zadani ilmul bi jahali…” (Every day knowledge increases, and my knowledge of my ignorance increases…)

In Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), he has studied Mukhtasarul Khalil, Lawali, and Sani, among others.

What drives this remarkable young man? A deep-seated rejection of the fate society had planned for him.

“I grew up disinterested in begging, and I completely hate it,” Imrana states firmly.

His determination was fueled by his father’s unwavering support; his father, a retired civil servant, said that politicians and wealthy individuals never helped with his school fees.

Imrana’s path has been anything but smooth. He openly acknowledges the discrimination he has faced.

“The challenges are many, but to mention a few: discrimination,” he explains. “Whenever I set foot in education, some thought I could not do it. Some lecturers clearly hated me. Nevertheless, I endured, I resisted, and now I have attained it.”

He draws strength from the teachings of Ta’alimil Mutaalim: “Bijiddi la bi jiddi kulli muhataji…” (With effort, not with mere desire, every seeker achieves…)

Imrana is unequivocal in his message to people living with disabilities: shun begging, citing a powerful Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He warns: “Anyone who engages in begging on the Day of Judgment will wake up without any flesh on his body; it is the sign of beggars.”

In another tradition, he notes that anyone who begs invites poverty through their own actions.

“Begging is not good,” Imrana insists. “Most of those who rely on begging have many cows and flocks of sheep, but they cannot leave it; they have become addicted.”

Rather than begging, Imrana advocates for entrepreneurship as a path to dignity and self-sufficiency.

When asked about his own source of income, he reveals: “Walima (ceremonial gatherings) is one of my sources of income. When people have occasions like marriages or naming ceremonies, they invite me to present and educate attendees, and I earn income through that.”

Imrana urges wealthy individuals to provide people with disabilities with capital for investments that enable them to pursue their dreams and become stable, contributing members of society.

Several other people like Imrana can do better but have yet to receive encouragement and support.

If our society truly wants to thrive,  we must stop discriminating against people with disabilities. Instead, we must encourage them, integrate them, and support them in learning modern skills that will benefit them, their families, and society at large.

Imrana Aminu Sifawa’s story is not just about one man’s triumph over blindness; it’s a testament to the power of education, the strength of human will, and the urgent need to change society’s view of disability.

Imrana Aminu Sifawa’s message is clear: Disability is not a barrier. Begging is not a destiny. Education is the tool for success.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, have killed a suspected kidnapper and apprehended two others in separate operations across Benue State.

The acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lt Ahmad Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists on Sunday.

According to Zubairu, troops received credible intelligence on August 19, 2026, about a suspected bandit leader and his associates who were operating an illegal checkpoint along the Jortar-Atume axis.

He said the troops moved to the location and engaged the suspects in a gun battle.

The statement read, “On arrival, the troops made contact with the criminals, resulting in a firefight during which one suspected bandit, identified by the nickname ‘Cool Nigga’, was neutralised.

“The other members of the group fled in disarray, abandoning a motorcycle, which was recovered by the troops.”

Zubairu further disclosed that troops arrested two suspected kidnappers during another operation at Gou in Logo Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects were identified as Terhile Iyo, 44, and Vershima Emmanuel, 32.

According to the military, the two men confessed to an alleged attempt to abduct a resident of Gou village, Mrs Balame Nyikwagh.

Items recovered from the suspects included a locally manufactured pistol, one cartridge, five TECNO torchlight phones, a MoniePoint ATM card, an identity card, several SIM cards and charms.

Zubairu said the suspects remained in military custody while investigations continued.

Operation Whirl Stroke also reassured residents across its operational areas in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states of its commitment to protecting lives and property.

The force called on residents to continue to provide security agencies with timely and credible information that could assist efforts to combat criminal activities in the region.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Voice of Concerned Teachers (VCT) Forum has raised concerns over the conduct of elections into the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Kano State, alleging that no election was held in 42 of the state’s 44 local government areas.

In a press briefing, the forum’s chairman, Comrade Abbas Adamu, alleged that elections were conducted only in Nasarawa and Ungogo Local Government Areas.

“Apart from these two local governments, all the remaining 42 local governments’ NUT officials refused to consider any teacher as a contestant,” Malam Abbas Adamu alleged.

The forum further claimed that rather than conducting elections, NUT officials in the affected local government areas declared themselves winners unopposed.

The VCT Forum described the alleged development as a cause for concern, highlighted what it said were irregularities in the process, and called on the Kano State Government and other stakeholders to intervene.

The Daily Reality could not independently verify the allegations. Efforts to reach NUT officials for a response were also unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

NUT officials have not yet publicly responded to the allegations.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Borno State Police Command has recovered an unexploded ordnance, identified as a hand grenade, from a drainage slab in Moduganari, Maiduguri.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Nahum Daso, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday.

Daso said the recovery followed a report received by the police at about 12:40pm on August 15, 2026, about a suspected explosive device found in the area.

According to the statement, operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal-Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Base 13, Maiduguri, were deployed to the location after the report.

The statement, titled, “Borno Police Command Recovers One UXO (Hand Grenade) in Maiduguri,” said the operatives safely removed the device from the drainage slab.

“Acting on the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, psc, following a report received at about 1240hrs on 15 August 2026 regarding a suspected UXO found on a drainage slab in Moduganari area, operatives of the EOD-CBRN Base 13, Maiduguri, promptly mobilised to the scene and safely recovered the item,” it said.

The command said the recovered device had been secured for further examination. It added that an investigation had commenced to determine its origin and the circumstances that led to its discovery.

Daso said the Commissioner of Police appreciated residents who alerted the authorities after noticing the suspected explosive.

“The Commissioner of Police commends the vigilance of the members of the public who promptly alerted the Police and reiterates the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the State,” he added.

The police spokesperson also warned residents against touching, moving or tampering with objects suspected to be explosive devices.

“The Borno State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and urges continued cooperation and timely reporting of suspicious objects or activities,” the statement said.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Management of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has announced an immediate ban on the charging of privately owned electric motorcycles and other electric vehicles using the university’s electricity supply across all its campuses.

According to a special bulletin issued on Monday, the university said the widespread charging of private electric motorcycles has contributed significantly to rising electricity bills, placing a heavy financial burden on the institution.

The directive applies to staff, students, commercial motorcycle operators, and all other users of electric motorcycles. Management warned that anyone found violating the ban will face disciplinary action in line with the university’s rules and regulations.

The university has also directed Provosts, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, and Heads of Units to monitor compliance and report violations. In addition, a monitoring team will conduct regular patrols across the campuses to ensure strict enforcement of the directive.

BUK urged all affected persons to comply with the new policy, describing it as part of the university’s efforts to reduce energy costs and promote the prudent use of its resources.