National

By Muhammad Sulaiman

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has announced the death of its Secretary-General, Malam Nafiu Baba Ahmad, mni, who passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, 6th October 2026 (23 Rabi al-Thani 1448 AH). He was 70.

Born on 11 June 1956 in Zaria, Kaduna State, Malam Nafiu Baba Ahmad was a distinguished Islamic activist, legal practitioner, public intellectual, and administrator. He received a strong foundation in Qur’anic and Islamic education before studying law at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

As Secretary-General of the SCSN, he occupied a pivotal position in the Council’s administration and strategic direction, coordinating its programmes and representing its institutional interests in engagements with government, civil society, and the media. The Council described his death as a great loss to the Nigerian Muslim community and the nation at large.

His professional career spanned Nigeria’s financial and corporate sectors. He served at the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) as Director/Board Member and Corporate Secretary, and earlier at First Interstate Merchant Bank Ltd. as Secretary and Assistant General Manager.

In the Islamic banking sector, he played a leading role in establishing Nigeria’s first Islamic banking system and served as an Independent Non-Executive Director of Jaiz Bank Plc.

A Member of the National Institute (mni) of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, he was recognised for his contributions to national policy discourse and strategic thinking.

The Council extended its deepest condolences to his immediate family, Shurah members, relatives, colleagues, and all who knew him, praying that Allah forgives his shortcomings, accepts his good deeds, grants him Al-Jannatul Firdaus, and gives his family and the entire Ummah the strength to bear the loss.

By Haruna Sheena

We have often compared the ease of living with the national minimum wage and how much easier it is for other nations to adapt to global economic disruption because of what they earn.

Recently, the demand for a ₦300,000 minimum wage has once again brought the issue of workers’ salaries and the rising cost of living in Nigeria into the spotlight, when the Federal Workers Forum called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to review the current ₦70,000, saying it is no longer enough to meet the basic needs of workers.

Interestingly, beyond the ₦300,000 minimum wage, the forum also proposed a new salary structure that would set the highest-paid Level 17 federal officer at ₦1.5 million per month, arguing that the current salary structure does not reflect the economic situation many Nigerians face.

This demand is understandable when we look at the cost of living in the country today, especially with the more recent event where petrol inches close to ₦1,500, resulting in the price of food, transportation, accommodation, electricity, cooking gas and other basic needs making it difficult for many workers to survive on the present income scale.

This portends that a salary that seemed very reasonable barely three years ago can no longer provide the same standard of living its negotiators envisaged when they put ink to paper.

Many families now have to make difficult choices every month. Some workers may be forced to reduce the amount of food they buy, delay medical treatment, move to cheaper accommodation or depend on loans to meet their daily needs.

Parents also struggle with school fees, uniforms, books, and transportation costs for their wards’ education. These pressures show that the issue is not only about earning more money, but also about living with some level of dignity.

In 2024, the national minimum wage was increased from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 after negotiations between the Federal Government and organised labour. When they agreed on that amount, they added a caveat: the deal would be reviewed every three years instead of five. This means that the next formal review is due only in 2027.

However, this raises another question. If the current wage is not supposed to be formally reviewed until 2027, why are workers already asking for an increase to ₦300,000?

I don’t think the workers are necessarily saying the government should ignore the three-year agreement. Rather, their demand can be seen as a plea for the government to consider the current economic situation before the next scheduled review.

The cost of living doesn’t wait for a particular year to change, and workers may feel their salaries are already falling behind the prices of basic necessities. So the question is whether raising the minimum wage to ₦300,000 is the best solution.

There is no doubt that a higher salary would give workers more room to support themselves and their families. It could make it easier to pay rent, transport costs, school fees, food expenses and other bills. It could also improve workers’ morale because people constantly worried about meeting their basic needs may struggle to concentrate fully on their jobs.

When workers are paid fairly, they may feel more valued and motivated to do their jobs. Better salaries can reduce the pressure that pushes some people to look for extra jobs or depend on borrowing.

In the public sector, more specifically, improved wages could also help reduce the temptation for corruption, although salary increases alone cannot completely solve that problem.

One must also bear in mind that increasing salaries alone may not solve Nigeria’s cost-of-living crisis. If the prices of food, transportation, housing and other necessities continue to rise, workers may eventually find themselves in the same situation again, even after receiving higher salaries.

To put things in perspective, if a worker’s salary increases but transport fares and food prices also rise as businesses try to cover higher costs, the worker may not feel much difference in the long run.

Landlords may also increase rent when they believe tenants are earning more. This is why the government needs to look beyond salaries and address some of the reasons basic goods and services are so expensive.

Importantly, the government also needs to consider whether it can comfortably afford such a large increase. Moving from ₦70,000 to ₦300,000 is a major increase, and implementing it across the public sector would have significant financial implications for both the public and private sectors.

For Nigeria as a nation, it will definitely need to balance workers’ welfare with its ability to fund other important areas such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and security.

At the same time, the government should not use the same argument to ignore the difficulties workers face, because they deserve serious attention, as salaries should allow people to live reasonably and meet their basic responsibilities.

If the government cannot immediately approve the full demand, it should still engage with labour and consider other forms of support.

The discussion should not be limited to federal workers. Millions of Nigerians work in the private sector, small businesses and informal jobs, where many people earn even less than the official minimum wage. Any serious discussion about improving Nigerians’ standard of living should therefore consider workers across different sectors.

We also need to focus on reducing the cost of basic goods and services. If the government can improve transportation, electricity, local food production and other areas that directly affect household expenses, workers may be able to get more value from their salaries. Supporting farmers, improving roads and reducing the cost of moving goods could also help bring down food prices.

The ₦300,000 demand should therefore be seen as more than just a request for more money. It is also a reflection of the frustration many workers feel about their purchasing power.

The earlier three-year review agreement matters, but the current situation also shows why the government needs to watch for economic changes before the next official review date. If workers are already struggling in 2026, telling them to wait until 2027 may not address the problem they face now.

For me, the solution shouldn’t be to simply increase salaries and leave everything else unchanged. Nigeria needs a combination of higher wages and policies that ease pressure on people’s incomes. A salary increase can provide relief, but controlling the rising cost of basic necessities is what will make that relief meaningful in the long term.

The demand for a ₦300,000 minimum wage has opened an important conversation. The question is no longer just how much Nigerian workers earn, but how much that money can actually provide for them.

Until Nigerians can earn a reasonable income and afford basic necessities, the conversation about the country’s cost-of-living crisis will continue.

Sheena Haruna is a 300-level Mass Communication student at Bingham University. She can be reached at: sheena123haruna@gmail.com.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a thorough investigation into Monday morning’s crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.

The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred, according to a State House statement signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Tinubu expressed profound sadness over the incident and extended his deepest condolences to the families of the 25 passengers and seven crew members involved, as well as to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and all officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.

“This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation. Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” the President said.

He said the Chief of Air Staff had briefed him on the crash and that he had directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into its cause to prevent future occurrences.

Tinubu commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate Search and Rescue operation after the accident. He also praised the swift response of first responders and the Ondo State Government at the crash site.

The President prayed for the repose of the souls of the gallant officers and asked God to grant their families and the Nigerian Air Force the fortitude to bear the loss.

He assured the Nigerian Air Force of the continued support of his administration as it continues its vital role in securing the nation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has formally appointed 56-year-old Suleiman Kum as the new Head of its Nigeria National Office.

Kum, who previously served as Deputy Registrar in the Head of National Office’s department, was Senior Deputy Registrar in charge of Test Administration before the end of August.

He succeeds Dr Amos Dangut, whose three-year tenure as Head of the Nigeria National Office ended on October 1, 2026. Dangut has since taken up the position of Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of WAEC.

The appointment was confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday by Moyosola Adesina, Head of Public Affairs, WAEC Nigeria.

Adesina described Kum as “a seasoned test developer, administrator and executive”. He joined WAEC on July 17, 1998, as Assistant Registrar II.

Throughout his career, Kum has held several positions across the council, with responsibilities covering examination security, test administration, branch management and technological innovation.

WAEC said Kum pioneered “Variable Data Printing and enhanced code-security features in security printing, replacing council-wide attendance systems with facial-recognition biometric devices and leading the seamless delivery of Achievement Tests using the Computer-Based Examination mode.”

The council said his experience includes test development, examination administration, examination security and the management of branch and zonal offices.

“Throughout his career, he has driven administrative and technological innovations, including establishing the Gusau office as a Custodial Centre,” it stated.

Kum, who is from Plateau State, obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). He is also pursuing a Master of Education in Educational Administration and Planning at the institution.

His previous assignments include Assistant Registrar II/Head, Exams Security, Awka; Assistant Registrar I/Head, Exams Security, Yola; Assistant Registrar I/Head, Exams Security, Makurdi; Senior Assistant Registrar I/Branch Controller, Gusau; and Principal Assistant Registrar/Branch Controller, Kano.

He also served as Deputy Registrar/Head of the Security Printing Department; Deputy Registrar/Zonal Coordinator, Port Harcourt; Deputy Registrar/Zonal Coordinator, Ikeja; Director of Administration; and Senior Deputy Registrar/Test Administration.

The council said Kum’s work over the years had earned him several commendations and awards.

“Throughout his eventful career, Mr Kum has shown integrity, diligence, innovation and a strong commitment to service. His leadership across various portfolios has earned him numerous institutional commendations, accolades and awards within the Council and beyond,” it added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, a regional leader of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, has travelled to Israel as part of efforts to draw international attention to killings and insecurity affecting communities in Plateau and other parts of Nigeria.

Dachomo announced his arrival in Israel on Friday, October 2, through his Facebook account, describing the trip as his first international Christian advocacy tour.

The cleric said he plans to use the visit to raise concerns over attacks in Plateau and the wider Middle Belt while seeking an audience with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

He also said he intends to engage Christian leaders and prayer groups from different countries to mobilise greater international attention and prayers for Nigeria.

Dachomo has been vocal about attacks on communities in Plateau State and has described some of the violence as persecution and “genocide” against Christians.

In a message announcing his arrival, the cleric said he was in Israel to pray for Nigeria, its leaders and citizens.

“Today, I am in Israel praying for Nigeria, our leaders, and our people. I believe in miracles, and I believe God can change what looks impossible,” he said.

In an accompanying video, Dachomo said he also prayed for Israel, its people and its leadership, including Netanyahu, his cabinet and the Israel Defence Forces.

He said his prayers also covered President Bola Tinubu, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and other African leaders.

The cleric stressed that his advocacy was not limited to Christian victims, saying Muslims and other Nigerians affected by insecurity also deserved attention.

“I am coming to stand for Nigeria and to pray for our nation: for Muslims being killed in Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto and Katsina; for Christians; for my Biafran brothers,” he said.

Dachomo also spoke about attacks in his community, alleging that armed men invaded his village and killed three people within his jurisdiction.

He expressed hope that he would be able to meet Netanyahu personally and present what he described as the suffering of Christian communities in Nigeria.

“By God’s grace, if we meet one-on-one in Israel, I will share with him the agony of Christians in Nigeria,” he said.

The Israel trip follows Dachomo’s sustained advocacy over insecurity in Plateau State, particularly after attacks on communities in the state.

He had previously alleged that nine members of his extended family were killed during an attack in Riyom Local Government Area in July.

His latest initiative takes his advocacy beyond Nigeria, with the cleric seeking to engage international Christian groups and draw greater attention to security challenges affecting communities in Plateau and other parts of the country.

Nigeria has continued to face insecurity involving terrorism, banditry, communal violence, farmer-herder conflicts and criminal activities across different regions.

Claims about the identities and motives of perpetrators, as well as the religious dimensions of individual attacks, require independent verification.

Dachomo’s Israel visit is therefore aimed at expanding his campaign for international attention to the security situation in Plateau and other affected communities.

By Dr Umar Jibrilu Gwandu

It is common knowledge that the world is experiencing numerous challenges. The Global Peace Index Report of 2025 says that the world has become less peaceful for the 13th time in the last 17 years: more conflicts, more militarisation, and fewer resources for peacebuilding. 

Similarly, the 2025 report by the Institute for Economic and Peace says global peace is at its lowest level and that there are now over 122 million people who have been forcibly displaced due to conflicts globally.

In Nigeria, insecurity and economic hardship dominate public discourse. Figures from the Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed that 614,937 Nigerians were killed and 2,235,954 others were kidnapped nationwide within a single year in 2024.

Analysts confirmed that the number of people killed in Nigeria in 2024 was higher than the death toll in Israel’s war on Gaza, where over 40,000 had died. The figure is far more than the killings from the long-running Russian war on Ukraine, where 57,500 had been massacred as of December 2024

According to the World Food Programme’s August 2026 Country Briefing, an estimated 36.2 million people in Nigeria are acutely food insecure, with 2.1 million facing emergency levels of food insecurity. The 2022 NBS reports claimed that 133 million people living in Nigeria are multidimensionally poor. 

This situation calls for a national prayer to seek divine intervention to complement the efforts of Governments at the state and Federal levels, which have been launching noble initiatives, projects, and programmes to end lingering insecurity and improve the living conditions of Nigerians.

The Glorious Qur’an made it abundantly clear that many afflictions and tribulations are caused by the wrongdoings committed by men, as a test that, peradventure, men may turn to God, who promised them succour afterwards. “Chaos appears in the land and the sea because of the evil deeds which people’s hands have earned, in order to make them taste the flavour of some of their misdeeds – in order that they may come back” (Qur’an 30:41).

Muslims believe that prayer has the spiritual power to overcome compounding and complex situations. “Your Lord has said, ‘Pray to Me, for I shall answer your prayers'” (Qur’an 40:60). For instance, with a “single prayer”, Prophet Moses (A.S.) got comfort, food, accommodation, a job and thereafter a family (Qur’an 28:24 – 27). 

Allah has always assured the believers that “when My servants ask you about Me, then surely I am near: I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he prays to Me. So, let them respond to My call, and believe and trust in Me, so that they may be guided.” (Qur’an 2:186). 

To strengthen believers in the efficacy of prayer, the glorious Qur’an is replete with stories of Prophets like Zakariya, Ayyub, Yunus (A.S.), among others, who prayed for certain issues and had their prayers answered (Q21:83-90).

As a demonstration of patriotism embodied in spirituality and faithfulness, the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of the President General and the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, organised a national prayer for peace, unity and prosperity of our dear country, Nigeria.

The prayer session, preceded by the recitation of the entire Glorious Qur’an, was attended by Chief Imams of the Central Mosques from 36 states of the Federation, representatives of Islamic Organisations in Nigeria, and Muslim leaders from various spheres of life.

The event saw patriotic believers eschewing differences, stripping off their ranks and status, converging on one of the sacred places in the land in awe of God with reverence, praying to God, the Creator of all creation, to grant “our one request: help us to build a nation where no man is oppressed, and so with peace and plenty”

One of the Qur’an’s most powerful lessons is that faith is not passive. Islam does not teach believers to sit and wait without effort. Rather, it teaches Muslims to pray sincerely and act decisively. The central message is that as one raises hands in prayer, one is equally expected to roll up their sleeves and act.

Consider the example of Maryam (Mary) in Qur’an 19:25. In her moment of pain and distress, Allah tells her to shake the trunk of a palm tree. A weak woman, exhausted, shaking a strong tree—this action alone could not bring down dates. Yet Allah wanted to teach believers: make the effort, even when it seems small, and He will bring the result.

Likewise, when Musa (Moses) stood before the sea with danger behind him, Allah commanded him in Qur’an 26:63 to strike the sea with his staff. The sea did not part until Musa acted. Again, the lesson is clear: divine help comes alongside human effort.

Allah reminds us in Qur’an 13:11: “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” 

This is a call to responsibility. If we seek relief from hardship, we must turn to Allah with du‘a, while also striving to improve our condition.

The story of Nuh (Noah) reinforces the principle of pairing prayer with concrete and decisive action. In Qur’an 11:37, Prophet Nuh (A.S.) was commanded to build an ark long before any visible sign of the flood.

Despite ridicule from his people, he continued his work. His survival, and that of the believers with him, came not merely from prayer, but from obedient and sustained effort.

The Qur’an reassures believers in Qur’an 94:5-6 that “with hardship comes ease.” However, that ease is often reached through a combination of spiritual devotion, patience, and purposeful action.

Equally compelling was the account of Ayyub (Job), a symbol of patience in suffering. After enduring prolonged illness, he turned to Allah in supplication. Yet his healing was linked to action: in Qur’an 38:42, he was told to strike the ground with his foot, whereupon a spring emerged. The narrative highlights that even divine healing may come through human participation.

Beyond individual stories, the Qur’an lays down general principles. In Qur’an 13:11, it states: “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” This verse underscores personal and collective responsibility—change requires initiative.

Other prophetic examples expand this theme. Yusuf (Joseph) advised on long-term economic planning during a coming famine (Qur’an 12:47), while Dhul-Qarnayn organised the construction of a protective barrier with collective effort (Qur’an 18:95). Even military discipline is emphasised in the story of Talut (Saul), where restraint and obedience determine success (Qur’an 2:249). The command is to combine reliance with preparedness. Qur’an 8:60 teaches that even with trust in Allah, believers must prepare and act.

Yes, Muslims throughout the country responded positively to the call of His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and offered the National prayer for our country. What is expected is that they would equally rally behind him to implement a carefully crafted action plan, guided by his sagacity and leadership acumen, in line with divine guidance and in conformity with extant laws of the land, for a peaceful and prosperous future that posterity would be proud of.

“Keep working: Allah will behold your works and so will His Messenger and the believers;” (Q9:105).

Dr Gwandu is the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Families of 19 prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted in Imo State have been thrown into panic after their captors reportedly demanded a total ransom of N950m for their release.

The graduates were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom when gunmen intercepted two buses along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State, on Thursday.

The Managing Director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited, Isiah Akpan, confirmed the incident on Friday and said the abductors demanded N50m for each victim.

According to Akpan, the affected buses belonged to his company and were carrying corps members heading to their respective orientation camps.

He said the vehicles left Bodija/Samonda Park in Ibadan on Wednesday but encountered traffic delays around Benin, Edo State, before reaching Onitsha, Anambra State, later that day.

Akpan explained that the drivers could not proceed with the journey because of the condition of the road and spent the night in Oba. They resumed the journey at about 5am on Thursday.

He said the buses had only just entered Imo State when armed men emerged from the bush.

“They blocked the two vehicles and took 19 passengers, all corps members, into the bush,” he added.

The drivers reportedly escaped and alerted security personnel at a nearby checkpoint, after which police and military personnel began searching for the victims.

Akpan, however, said the operation faced an initial setback after some villagers allegedly prevented security personnel from moving the abandoned buses from the scene.

The buses were eventually left at the location, with the passengers’ belongings still inside.

The Imo State Police Command had announced on Thursday night that 10 victims had been rescued. The command’s Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, said security agencies were pursuing the kidnappers and conducting a coordinated search for the remaining victims.

Okoye was, however, unable to confirm whether the rescued persons were among the abducted corps members.

Families Receive Ransom Demands

The development has increased anxiety among the victims’ relatives, with some families reportedly receiving direct ransom demands from the abductors.

One parent, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said the kidnappers contacted her through her son’s telephone.

“The kidnappers called with my son’s phone this morning (Friday) and demanded N50m for his release. The N50m is for only my son,” she said.

Another parent, Mrs Oladosu, said her daughter, Greatness, was among those travelling to Uyo. She said the abductors briefly contacted the family using her daughter’s phone.

Friends Seek Help Online

Friends of some of the missing graduates have launched social media campaigns to draw attention to the abduction and seek assistance for their release.

One of the victims was identified as Precious Oladipupo, a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University.

Another individual, Adebayo (@Adebayoakim1), appealed on X for support for Wahab Ayandare, whom he identified as another victim of the attack.

A friend, Akinlabi Abayomi (@Mubiiiiin), also appealed for assistance for Oyindamola Adeoye. He said the kidnappers had demanded N50m for her release.

Oyo Government Reacts

The Oyo State Government condemned the abduction and described it as distressing and reprehensible.

The Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said the state government was communicating with security agencies, the Imo State Government and NYSC authorities over the incident.

He said Governor Seyi Makinde had directed that all necessary resources be deployed towards securing the victims’ safe return.

“We are fully committed to securing the safe release of our children and will stop at nothing to ensure that they are reunited with their families without harm,” the statement read.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed 16 terrorists during a coordinated ambush on a terrorist enclave in the Boima general area of Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The Nigerian Army also recorded the death of three soldiers after terrorists launched simultaneous attacks on military positions in Garkida and Garaha.

The incidents occurred between September 30 and October 1, 2026, according to a statement issued on Thursday by the Military Information Officer of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Maiduguri, Capt. Mohammed Goni.

Goni said the operations produced several results, including the neutralisation of terrorists, recovery of weapons and ammunition, and the prevention of attacks on military positions.

According to him, troops first engaged the terrorists in the Boima general area of Gombi LGA.

“The operational momentum commenced in the Boima general area of Gombi Local Government Area, where troops conducted a well-coordinated ambush against a terrorist enclave.

“The swift tactical action resulted in the neutralisation of 16 terrorists.”

He said troops later recovered three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action rifles, one Dane gun, six AK-47 magazines and a belt of pump-action cartridges from the area.

The Army spokesman also disclosed that an Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai carried out a separate air strike on a group of terrorists in the early hours of October 1.

“Reinforcing the ground operations, the Air Component of OPHK delivered a precision strike in the early hours of 1 October 2026.

“At approximately 4:40 am, an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform detected a concentration of about 16 terrorists assembling alongside 15 motorcycles beneath a tree canopy in Sector 4,” he added.

Goni said the target was subsequently engaged after identification and target acquisition.

“Subsequent Battle Damage Assessment confirmed the successful destruction of the target, while a few surviving elements scattered in disarray,” he said.

Meanwhile, terrorists also launched coordinated attacks on military positions at 226 Battalion, Garkida, and 232 Battalion, Garaha.

Goni said the troops responded with heavy firepower and forced the attackers to abandon their operation and retreat.

“Regrettably, three brave soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice during the fierce battle, while wounded personnel were swiftly evacuated and are currently in stable condition, receiving medical treatment,” he stressed.

He added that troops had commenced further exploitation and mop-up operations across the affected areas.

According to Goni, the latest operations form part of efforts by the Theatre Command to improve coordination among land, air and other supporting components involved in counter-terrorism operations.

“Building on the strong foundation laid by the previous leadership, the renewed approach is already yielding operational dividends through enhanced coordination of land and air components and other supporting elements,” he said.

Goni said the theatre command would continue to rely on intelligence, technology and joint military capabilities to restrict terrorists’ operations across the North-East.

“As Nigerians commemorate the nation’s Independence anniversary, the troops of OPHK remain resolute in defending the nation’s territorial integrity and creating the conditions for lasting peace, security and socio-economic development across the region,” he stated.

By Uzair Adam 

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to immediately launch an independent investigation into an alleged $2.1 million land transaction involving Jordan Wike, son of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

HURIWA said the allegations, which are currently before an FCT High Court, should not be treated solely as a private civil dispute, particularly because the claimants allege that $2 million of the disputed amount was meant for the FCT Minister.

The civil society organisation questioned why neither the EFCC nor the ICPC had publicly indicated that it was investigating the allegations.

HURIWA said Nigerians deserve to know whether the anti-corruption agencies are aware of the claims and, if so, why they have not commenced investigations to establish the facts surrounding the alleged transaction.

An FCT High Court sitting in Maitama on Tuesday ordered Jordan Wike to produce his American international passport after he told the court during cross-examination that he was outside Nigeria on September 26, 2025.

Justice Sylvanus Oriji issued the order during the resumed hearing of suit No. CV/008/2026 filed by Safwan Garba GY and GY Global Oil and Gas Nigeria Ltd.

According to HURIWA, the claimants allege that Jordan promised to facilitate the acquisition of 60 hectares of land in Katampe and Guzape, Abuja.

The claimants further alleged that Jordan demanded $2.1 million as facilitation fees, comprising $2 million allegedly intended for his father and $100,000 allegedly for himself.

They also alleged that the money was delivered on September 26, 2025, in the presence of Adamu Sani, Aliyu Sarki and Sai Wani, while Jordan was allegedly present.

HURIWA said the claimants further alleged that the proposed land acquisition did not materialise and that the money was not refunded.

Jordan, however, has denied the allegations in his statement on oath before the court.

During cross-examination by counsel to the claimants, Hamza Dantani, Jordan also denied knowledge of the allegations and documents presented to him.

When asked where he was on September 26, 2025, Jordan told the court that he was outside Nigeria.

He said he travelled with his American international passport and indicated that he could produce the document if required.

Following the response, Dantani applied for an order compelling him to produce the passport.

Justice Oriji granted the application and directed Jordan to bring the passport to court.

HURIWA said the court’s order further highlighted the need for the relevant anti-corruption agencies to independently examine the allegations rather than wait for the conclusion of the civil proceedings.

The organisation stressed that it was not declaring anyone guilty, noting that the allegations remain subject to determination by the court.

However, it maintained that credible allegations involving substantial sums of money, public officials or possible abuse of public office warranted investigation by the appropriate authorities.

HURIWA therefore asked the EFCC and ICPC to clarify whether they were investigating the matter.

The organisation said that if the agencies were not investigating, they should explain why they had not deemed the allegations worthy of investigation.

It argued that Nigeria could not strengthen public confidence in its anti-corruption system if allegations involving politically exposed persons were ignored or left entirely to private litigants to pursue through civil proceedings.

HURIWA called on the EFCC and ICPC to establish the source, movement and alleged beneficiaries of the $2.1 million; determine the purpose of the alleged payment; ascertain whether any public official was involved; and establish whether the allegations disclose any criminal offence.

The organisation also urged the agencies to conduct any investigation professionally, independently and without fear or favour.

It warned that what it described as selective application of anti-corruption laws could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.

HURIWA maintained that nobody should be treated as a sacred cow, while no individual should be declared guilty before the conclusion of a fair investigation and due process.

Jordan was represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ogwu Onoja, while some documents were tendered through him.

The court adjourned the case until Wednesday, September 30, 2026, for continuation of hearing.

By Uzair Adam 

The Federal Government has declared Thursday, October 1, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani.

Tunji-Ojo congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad on the anniversary and urged citizens to use the occasion to promote national unity, patriotism, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.

The minister stressed that peace and stability remained essential to the country’s development, urging Nigerians to uphold the values of love for the nation demonstrated by the country’s founding fathers.

“As we celebrate 66 years of our independence, we should always remember that there is hope for our country and our diversity is our strength, and our collective determination remains the foundation upon which a stronger and more prosperous nation will be built,” he said.

He assured citizens that the Federal Government remained committed to strengthening national security, improving public safety and creating an enabling environment where Nigerians could live, work and pursue their legitimate aspirations with confidence.

According to him, the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda would continue to focus on building a better Nigeria for all citizens.

Tunji-Ojo further called on Nigerians to use the independence celebration to reaffirm their commitment to national unity, peaceful coexistence and the collective progress of the country.