National

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has congratulated residents of the state on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

Governor Yusuf described Eid-el-Fitr as a period for gratitude, reflection and renewed commitment to the values of faith, unity and compassion demonstrated throughout Ramadan.

He urged residents to celebrate the Sallah festivities peacefully and responsibly, cautioning against any actions that could disrupt the peace and stability of the state.

The governor stressed the need to sustain tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among the people, regardless of their differences.

He also called on parents and guardians to guide their children to be law-abiding and to conduct themselves properly during the celebrations.

Governor Yusuf further encouraged residents to show kindness and support to the less privileged, in line with Islamic teachings, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

He also assured that adequate security arrangements have been put in place to ensure a hitch-free celebration across Kano State.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed the enduring friendship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, emphasizing that the relationship will continue to grow. He made the remarks during a state banquet held in his honour at Windsor Castle.

Addressing the royal audience, President Tinubu said:
“It is a profound honour to stand before you today, representing the people of Nigeria as we reaffirm the enduring bonds of friendship, history, and shared purpose that have united our two nations for several centuries.”

He expressed deep appreciation to King Charles III and Queen Camilla for their hospitality, noting the warmth extended to him, his wife Oluremi, and the Nigerian delegation. Highlighting the historic nature of his visit, Tinubu remarked that he is the first Nigerian leader to speak at Windsor Castle, which has stood as a symbol of continuity for nearly a millennium.

“Nigeria and the United Kingdom have shared more than just history; our two nations share a vision of progress and resilience. Today, we continue that journey, committed to building a future rooted in partnership, mutual respect, and common values,” he said.

President Tinubu reflected on Britain’s contributions to democratic governance, citing the Magna Carta of 1215 and the works of thinkers like Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Edmund Burke. He also acknowledged the influence of British literary figures, including William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens, whose works have shaped the English language spoken worldwide.

“In Nigeria, elements of these traditions continue to inform the institutional foundations of our own republic,” he added, noting that Nigerian courts, parliamentary structures, and civil services draw inspiration from British models adapted to local contexts.

The President also highlighted the role of Nigerians living in the UK. “The Nigerian community in the United Kingdom has become one of the most dynamic diaspora communities worldwide. Nigerians contribute enormously to the vitality of this nation. Within the National Health Service, Nigerian doctors and nurses play an indispensable role in delivering healthcare,” he said. He further cited contributions in sports, mentioning rugby star Maro Itoje, footballers Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, and champion boxer Anthony Joshua.

Tinubu emphasized the strategic importance of the Commonwealth of Nations, underlining Nigeria’s commitment to the growth of the global community. He also addressed regional security challenges: “Our West African region faces complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel. Nigeria carries an enormous responsibility to help safeguard regional stability. In confronting these threats, partnership with the United Kingdom remains essential.”

Despite the challenges, the President expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future: “We are a nation of diverse and vibrant people, of young people dreaming big, of entrepreneurs with a global outlook, and of a hopeful people determined to realise their full potential.”

He paid tribute to the United Kingdom for providing refuge during Nigeria’s military dictatorship, recalling his personal experience: “Like many Nigerians involved in the pro-democracy struggle, I found safety here, and I recall that my residence was placed under Metropolitan Police surveillance for protection following threats from agents of the junta.”

Concluding his speech, President Tinubu proposed a toast:
“To the special bond between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, and to the bright future that we shall build together. God bless His Majesty The King. God bless Nigeria. God bless the United Kingdom. Thank you very much.”

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has denounced the explosion that hit parts of Maiduguri on Monday evening, describing it as a cruel and cowardly act.

The governor, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the Lesser Hajj, expressed grief over the incident. He noted that the attack affected innocent residents during the Ramadan period.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, Zulum urged residents to stay alert. He also called on security agencies to intensify monitoring efforts, especially around mosques and other public locations.

“I am deeply saddened by the explosions that occurred in parts of the metropolis on Monday evening. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and those injured as a result of the blast,” Zulum said.

“The act is utterly condemnable, barbaric and inhumane,” he added.

Zulum suggested that the incident could be linked to ongoing military operations against insurgents in Sambisa Forest and other locations in the region.

He, however, assured residents that security forces remain in control of the situation and are taking steps to prevent further attacks.

The governor appealed for calm and encouraged the public to continue their lawful activities while cooperating with security personnel.

He also advised residents to report any suspicious movements or activities within their communities to the appropriate authorities.

Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to work closely with security agencies to safeguard lives and property across Borno State.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Taiwo Oyedele as minister of state for finance.

The ceremony took place on Monday at about 2:30pm inside the president’s office at the State House in Abuja. The event was brief but marked Oyedele’s formal entry into the federal executive council.

Speaking during the occasion, Tinubu congratulated the new minister and expressed appreciation for his willingness to serve. He commended Oyedele’s contribution to Nigeria’s tax reform efforts and highlighted his commitment to national development.

“You are just a very dedicated and highly determined individual. It didn’t take much for me to decide where you fit and where you need to be to further help the country,” the president said.

Tinubu also pointed out that the role comes with serious responsibility. He noted that managing fiscal policy at a time when the country is working towards economic stability requires firm leadership.

Oyedele’s appointment followed his confirmation by the senate five days earlier. During his screening, he assured lawmakers of his readiness to push reforms that would boost revenue, promote realistic budgeting, and improve fiscal governance.

The president had sent his nomination to the senate in a letter dated March 3, 2026, in line with section 147(2) of the 1999 constitution.

Oyedele, who hails from Ikaram-Akoko in Ondo state, has more than 20 years of experience in public finance and taxation. Before his new role, he led the presidential committee on fiscal policy and tax reforms, which was set up in August 2023.

Under his leadership, the committee produced four key tax reform bills designed to simplify Nigeria’s tax system. The reforms included incentives such as zero income tax for individuals earning N800,000 or less annually, as well as tax relief for small businesses with turnover below N50 million.

The national assembly passed the four bills in 2025, and the president signed them into law on June 26 of the same year. The new tax framework came into effect on January 1, 2026.

Before joining government, Oyedele spent 22 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). He rose to the position of fiscal policy partner and Africa tax leader during his time at the firm.

He holds a higher national diploma in accountancy and finance from Yaba College of Technology. He also earned a degree in applied accounting from Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom. In addition, he has attended executive programmes at several institutions, including the London School of Economics, Yale University, and Harvard Kennedy School.

Oyedele currently teaches at Babcock University and also serves as a visiting scholar at Lagos Business School.

He takes over from Doris Uzoka-Anite, who has been reassigned to the ministry of budget and national planning as minister of state.

During his senate screening, Oyedele described his appointment as “a call to serve at a time of great economic challenges and opportunities,” as he pledged to support the country’s fiscal management efforts.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 13 Brigade have neutralised five armed criminals and uncovered an illegal weapons production site in Odonget Community, Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State.

This is contained in a statement issued by Yemi Sokoya, Major and Assistant Director Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, on March 13, 2026.

The operation was carried out under the command of Headquarters 82 Division of the Nigerian Army. It followed a recent ambush on troops who had responded to a distress call linked to a communal dispute in the community.

Military sources said the troops continued their follow-up operation between March 12 and March 13, 2026. During this period, soldiers conducted cordon-and-search operations and fighting patrols across several identified locations. The action formed part of efforts to locate those responsible for the earlier attack on security personnel.

On March 13, the troops encountered the armed group again within the area. A gun battle broke out during the encounter. Five of the attackers were neutralised, while others escaped from the scene.

Further search of the surrounding area led to the discovery of an illegal gun manufacturing facility. Authorities believe the site served as a production centre where criminal elements fabricated weapons used in violent activities within the locality.

During a detailed search of the facility, troops recovered three AK-47 rifle magazines, 10 locally made firearms and a toolbox that contained equipment used for manufacturing weapons.

The military later destroyed the illegal arms production site to prevent further use by criminal elements.

The Commander of 13 Brigade, Brigadier General Patrick Alimikhena, who led and supervised the operation, praised the troops for their courage and professionalism during the encounter.

He assured residents that the Brigade remains committed to ensuring peace and stability in the area. He also said troops will continue sustained operations, surveillance and patrols to track down fleeing suspects and prevent further threats to law-abiding citizens.

Security authorities also urged members of the public to support ongoing operations by providing timely and credible information that could assist efforts to eliminate criminal activities in the area.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) under Operation HADIN KAI have repelled attempted terrorist assaults on military positions at Azir Bridge in Sector 2 and Banki in Sector 1.

According to a press release issued by the headquarters of the operation, the incidents occurred in the early hours of March 13, 2026. The attackers reportedly advanced in large numbers in what the military described as a desperate effort to overrun the two locations.

The statement noted that troops on duty responded immediately. Soldiers mounted strong resistance and executed coordinated counter-attacks that disrupted the movement of the insurgents and forced them to retreat from the areas.

Air support also played a key role in the operation. The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided close air support during the engagements, which the military said helped secure victory over the attackers.

The military command also dismissed reports circulating on some online platforms that suggested otherwise. It said the failed assaults contradict claims that troops had lost control of the locations.

The statement maintained that soldiers remain in charge of both Azir Bridge and Banki and continue to maintain operational dominance with strong morale and sustained action against terrorist groups.

The task force reassured residents of the North-East that it remains determined to eliminate terrorist threats and restore lasting peace in the region.

In the statement, the military said: “Troops remain firmly in control of the locations and continue to dominate the operational environment with high morale, decisive firepower and sustained offensive action against terrorist elements.”

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has warned members of the State Executive Council against acts of disloyalty and the leaking of government information.

The governor issued the warning on Thursday during the 38th State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House in Kano.

Governor Yusuf disclosed that some commissioners had resigned following recent political realignments within the state.

He said five commissioners had already stepped down from their positions and that he had accepted their resignations.

“I just want to inform members of the council that, following the political alignments, some commissioners have decided to resign,” the governor said.

“Of the total number, five of them have resigned, and I accepted their resignation. I therefore also wish them the best of luck in their future endeavours.”

The governor also urged the remaining members of the council to reaffirm their commitment to the administration and the ideals of their political party.

“To those that have decided to remain with us and align with the principles and philosophies of our party, I want to appeal to you to rededicate yourselves to the service of the present administration,” he said.

He stressed the need for unity among members of the government, noting that collective effort was necessary to deliver on the administration’s mandate to the people.

“I want you to know that we are still one party and we have to work together for the betterment of our people,” Yusuf added.

The governor further warned that the era of internal divisions, disloyalty and information leaks within the administration must come to an end.

“The era of rancour, the era of disloyalty, the era of leakage of information, and the era of coming in between one another is over,” he said.

He urged council members to remain focused and committed to their responsibilities, warning that anyone who goes against the principles of the administration would be removed.

“However, that does not mean that whoever goes contrary to the dictates and the principles of this administration will not be voted out,” the governor said.

Meanwhile, the state Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, was absent from the meeting.

Gwarzo has reportedly declined to join the All Progressives Congress alongside the governor and has also not resigned from his position.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Amnesty International has criticised the detention of Sani Waspapping by the Department of State Services (DSS), describing the arrest as arbitrary and calling on Nigerian authorities to respect the rule of law.

Waspapping was arrested in Kaduna on Friday. He has remained in DSS custody since then. Reports indicate that he has not been granted access to his family members or legal representatives.

Many observers believe the arrest may be connected to posts he made on social media about the ongoing war in the Middle East.

According to available information, Waspapping is the second person detained by the DSS in connection with discussions about the current Middle East crisis.

Some social media users have also expressed the view that his arrest may be linked to his criticism of the United States and Israel as well as posts seen as supportive of Iran.

However, authorities have not publicly confirmed that this was the reason for his detention.

Amnesty International also urged Nigerian authorities to follow due process in handling the case.

“The Nigerian authorities must abide by the rule of law at all times — including in the case of Sani Waspapping. He must be provided with prompt access to family and adequate legal assistance, charge him to court or release him from detention immediately.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a firm reassurance to Nigerians and the country’s armed forces that the nation will ultimately triumph over insecurity, declaring that the sacrifices of gallant servicemen and women will never be wasted.

Speaking during an interfaith Iftar (breaking of fast) with members of the Armed Forces at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday, the President commended the courage and professionalism of troops battling insurgents and bandits across the country.

“I have listened to the Chief of Army Staff on my recent approvals to the Nigerian Armed Forces. My duty is to thank all of you on behalf of a grateful nation, knowing fully well that many times you are without your families and that you stay away from them. Some of you are facing attacks by bandits and terrorists,” President Tinubu said.

He continued: “I commend your courage, sacrifice, and professionalism as you put your lives on the line in defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and the safety of its citizens. You have been working to serve the country deeply and protect our sovereignty. This nation will always be grateful to you, and your sacrifices will not be in vain, I assure you.”

The President highlighted that the relentless efforts of security forces have continued to degrade the capabilities of terrorist groups and criminal elements operating in various parts of the country. He assured troops of sustained investment in modern equipment, intelligence gathering, and logistics to enhance their operational effectiveness.

In a significant boost to military morale, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Oluwafemi Oluyode (represented by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu), revealed that the President had approved an upward review of salaries for all members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, as well as increased allowances for the elite Brigade of Guards.

“I want to most sincerely thank our indefatigable President for the various approvals for the upward review of salaries of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, as well as the upward review of allowances of the Brigade of Guards,” the CDS stated.

“These various approvals also extend to the areas of equipment procurement as well as the provision of decent accommodations for the members of the armed forces. These laudable approvals will go a long way in enhancing our operational efficiency, and I assure you that they are well-received by all members of the armed forces.”

President Tinubu also used the occasion to thank Nigerians for their endurance during the ongoing economic reengineering of the country, offering a message of hope and resilience.

“I am happy to inform you that your sacrifices and that of fellow citizens, all the sacrifices are not in vain. We are now out of the dark tunnel,” the President declared.

The Commander-in-Chief extended his heartfelt sympathy to the government and people of Borno State following the recent terrorist attack in the state, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to protecting all citizens.

The interfaith gathering provided a unique opportunity for the President and military leadership to break bread together across both faiths, symbolising unity of purpose in the fight against insecurity.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed a viral graphic circulating on social media that claims the electoral body fixed March 26 as the deadline for government officials seeking elective office to resign.

The commission described the message as false and misleading. It said the information did not come from INEC.

INEC clarified its position in a statement issued on Friday through its official X account. The commission warned the public against relying on the circulating graphic.

According to the statement, the message has no connection with the electoral body and should not be taken as authentic information.

INEC advised the public, media organisations, and political actors to ignore the message completely.

The commission also explained that it releases official information only through verified communication channels. These include its official website at inecnigeria.org, its verified social media accounts, and official press statements.

INEC urged Nigerians to confirm election-related updates through these platforms before sharing them with others.

The electoral body added that the spread of unverified content can create confusion among citizens.

It restated its commitment to providing the public with clear and reliable information about electoral matters.