News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 34,470 litres of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) along border routes in Adamawa and Taraba states.

Acting on intelligence, operatives confiscated 1,149 jerrycans of PMS, along with a specially modified transport vehicle worth ₦4 million.

The total duty-paid value of the seized items stands at ₦37.78 million.During a press briefing in Jalingo, Taraba State, on Thursday, March 13, 2025, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, described the operation as a necessary response to the increasing complexity of transnational smuggling activities.

He stated, “Our intelligence-led operations have revealed that this corridor is a strategic transit point for cross-border petroleum diversion.

“The economic implications extend beyond revenue losses; it disrupts supply chains, fuels artificial scarcity, and undermines regional security.”

The Customs chief also warned against internal collusion, saying, “We have intelligence that some officers and members of border communities are aiding smugglers. We will dig deeper into this and ensure that those involved face the full wrath of the law.”

Reaffirming the agency’s determination to curb smuggling, the Comptroller of Customs for the Adamawa/Taraba Command, Garba Bashir, highlighted the dangers of illicit trade.

“Smuggling weakens legitimate trade, encourages revenue loss, increases crime, and endangers our citizens. The operatives of Operation Whirlwind, under the leadership of the Comptroller General, have intensified efforts to dismantle these smuggling networks,” he stated.

The Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Hussaini Ejibunu, emphasized the effectiveness of intelligence-driven enforcement, noting that the seizures were completed in just three hours.

“This is an intelligence-based operation, not one conducted at fixed checkpoints. The results you see today confirm that Taraba is being used as a conduit for smuggling,” he explained.

He urged residents to support the anti-smuggling campaign, adding, “There is no hiding place for criminals. Anyone caught will be prosecuted. We urge the public: if you see something, say something.”

To address the impact of smuggling-related fuel shortages, the Comptroller General of Customs has ordered that the confiscated petroleum products be sold to the public at a subsidized rate.

By Uzair Adam 

The Katsina State Government has confirmed that the winner of the National Qur’anic Recitation Competition, Abdulsalam Rabiu-Faskari, along with his father and brother, remains in the custody of their abductors.  

In a statement issued on Friday, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu-Zango, clarified that contrary to some media reports, the victims were still alive.  

Rabiu-Faskari, an ABU final-year medical student, was kidnapped alongside his father and brother two days ago while returning to Faskari from Katsina, shortly after being honored by Governor Dikko Radda for his outstanding performance in the competition held in Kebbi.  

The commissioner noted that Rabiu-Faskari was set to represent Nigeria at the upcoming international edition of the competition.  

“The government has been made aware of reports suggesting that the young scholar was killed by his abductors. However, the latest information reaching us confirms that he and his family members are alive and in captivity,” Salisu-Zango stated.  

He further revealed that the kidnappers were demanding N30 million for their release.  

Governor Radda condemned the abduction, describing it as unfortunate and assuring that efforts were underway to secure the victims’ safe return.  

“My heart is with the victims, their family, relatives, and friends. We pray for their safe release. The government is taking concrete steps to ensure their rescue,” Radda said.  

He urged security agencies to intensify efforts in tracking down the kidnappers while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to addressing the security challenges in the state.  

The governor also called on the public to offer prayers for the safety of Rabiu-Faskari and other abductees.

By Muhsin Ibrahim

World leaders, including United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, took to social media on Friday to mark the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, calling for unity and action against discrimination.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Guterres emphasized the need to address rising anti-Muslim hate worldwide. “Islamophobia is an affront to human rights and the values of the UN. We must stand together to promote tolerance, understanding, and mutual respect,” he wrote.

Several heads of state and government officials echoed similar sentiments. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reaffirmed his country’s commitment to fighting religious discrimination, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called for global solidarity against Islamophobia.

The International Day to Combat Islamophobia was designated by the UN in 2022 and is observed annually on March 15. It aims to raise awareness of prejudice against Muslims and promote inclusive societies.

Advocacy groups have urged governments to go beyond statements and implement concrete policies to tackle hate crimes and discrimination against Muslims.

By Uzair Adam 

Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has approved the creation of new units within its Public Affairs Directorate and appointed Nura Garba as the Head of the Digital Media Unit. 

The decision, endorsed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, is part of efforts to enhance the university’s communication strategies and digital engagement.  

Nura Garba, formerly of the Information and Publication Unit, will lead the newly established Digital Media Unit, which will focus on utilizing digital platforms to promote BUK’s brand.

The unit will also engage with online audiences and provide timely updates on university activities.  

In a similar development, Muhammad Salisu Rabiu, previously with the Protocol Unit, has been appointed as the Head of the Publicity and Outreach Unit. 

His role will involve promoting the university’s achievements, programs, and services to various stakeholders, including the media and alumni.  

The appointments were confirmed in letters dated March 12, 2025, signed by the Registrar, Dr. Haruna Aliyu, and have taken immediate effect.

By Anwar Usman

The Nigerian Air Force has said that, operatives in Katsina State have destroyed notorious criminal hideouts in Unguwar Goga Hillforest, Ruwan Godiya Ward, the Faskari Local Government Area of the state.

The operation, done by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma in the early hours of Thursday, centered on cracking down the fortified camps of two notorious bandit kingpins, Gero (Alhaji) and Alhaji Riga.

In astatement on Friday night by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Group Captain Kabiru Ali, said the airstrikes successfully neutralised over 20 bandits, with additional casualties reported in the surrounding rocky hills.

The statement in part read, “The Nigerian Air Force has delivered a devastating blow to banditry in Katsina State, as the Air Component of Area.

“The airstrikes, which preceded careful and actionable intelligence advancing purposeful lethality, destroyed the fortified camps of notorious bandit kingpins, Gero (Alhaji) and Alhaji Riga, neutralising over 20 criminals, with additional casualties reported in the surrounding rocky hills.

“The action by the operatives had a decisive impact on the criminals, assessment of the full extent of the damage is ongoing.”

Ali said Riga and Gero were key perpetrators of banditry in the region, providing shelter and all household items for terrorist elements responsible for deadly ambushes along the Funtua-Gusau Road, particularly between Yankara and Sheme villages.

He added that their elimination is seen as a major victory in the ongoing military battles to restore peace in the North-West region.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kaduna State Police Command has responded to allegations made by former Governor Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, who claimed that his former Commissioner, Malam Jafaru Sani, was abducted by a group of kidnappers he referred to as the “Uba Sani Group,” allegedly connected to the police.

The police dismissed the claim, emphasizing that there is no such group within the Nigerian Police Force.

According to the police, the Nigerian Police Force was established under the 1999 Constitution, with the primary responsibility of maintaining law and order.

They further urged the former governor to verify the truth of any allegations before making public statements.In a press release issued by the police spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, he stated:

“We have taken note of a statement made by the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, on his X platform, where he accused his former Commissioner, Malam Jafaru Sani, of being abducted by a group of kidnappers known as the ‘Uba Sani Group,’ whom he claimed to be police officers.”El-Rufai also alleged that Jafaru Sani was detained in prison without any police report (FIR) or charges filed by the state Ministry of Justice.

“There is no such group of kidnappers within the Nigerian Police Force. The police is a lawful body established by the constitution to uphold law and order.”

The police further explained that they are authorized to arrest and investigate anyone accused of committing a crime under the provisions of the law.

They noted that any individual, company, or government body has the right to file a complaint with the police, and if a crime is committed, the matter will be taken to court for trial.

The police urged the public, especially those in positions of authority, to exercise caution and avoid making baseless accusations against security agencies.

They warned that such unfounded claims could create confusion and undermine the integrity of security institutions.

By Uzair Adam 

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has suspended the enforcement of its January 10 judgment, which upheld the Kano State Government’s repeal of the 2019 Emirate Council Law, pending the determination of an appeal at the Supreme Court.  

The appellate court, sitting in Abuja, overturned the June 20 order by Justice Abubakar Liman of the Federal High Court in Kano, which had nullified actions taken by the state government under the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024, including the reappointment of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano.  

The court ruled that Justice Liman issued the order without jurisdiction. Dissatisfied with the decision, the Kano State Government took the case to the Supreme Court and sought an injunction at the Court of Appeal to halt the execution of the judgment while awaiting the apex court’s ruling.  

On Friday, a three-member panel of justices led by Justice Okon Abang ruled on two suits—CA/KN/27M/2025 and CA/KN/28M/2025—filed by Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan’agundi (Sarkin Dawaki Babba). 

The suits were brought against the Kano State Government, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, the Inspector General of Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other security agencies.  

Dan’agundi’s application, filed on February 6, 2025, sought to prevent the respondents from enforcing the appellate court’s judgment while an appeal was pending before the Supreme Court. 

He argued that the trial court lacked jurisdiction over the case and emphasized the need to maintain the status quo.  

In a unanimous ruling, Justice Abang held that the application was valid and deserving of the court’s discretion in the interest of justice. 

He stated that preserving the subject matter of the case was necessary since a valid appeal was already before the Supreme Court.  

The court ordered that the status quo be maintained as it was before the Federal High Court’s ruling on June 13, 2024. 

It also directed the applicant to file an undertaking within 14 days to indemnify the respondents for damages if the order was later found unnecessary.  

With this ruling, the reinstatement of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as Emir of Kano remains on hold, pending the Supreme Court’s final decision on the matter.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land, which portrays the displacement of Palestinian communities in the West Bank, is facing significant opposition in the United States, reigniting debates over censorship and freedom of expression.

Co-directed by Palestinian activist Basel Adra and Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham, the film documents the Israeli military’s demolition of Palestinian villages to establish a military training zone. 

The documentary has gained critical acclaim worldwide, winning the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 97th Oscars.

However, the film has struggled to secure mainstream U.S. distribution, with several screenings facing backlash. In Miami Beach, Mayor Steven Meiner called the documentary “one-sided propaganda” and “antisemitic,” pushing to terminate the lease and withdraw funding from O Cinema, an independent theater that screened the film. His actions have drawn criticism from civil rights groups, who argue that this amounts to censorship and an attack on free speech.

Yuval Abraham has condemned these efforts, calling them “very dangerous” and warning that accusations of antisemitism should not be used to silence criticism of occupation policies. 

Despite the controversy, O Cinema went ahead with its screenings, resulting in sold-out shows and additional dates being added.

The situation has sparked a broader conversation about the portrayal of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Western media and the limits of artistic expression. 

As the debate continues, No Other Land has become a focal point in discussions on censorship, free speech, and the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized a total of $1,154,900 and SR135,900 in undeclared foreign currency at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).

The interception occurred during a routine baggage inspection of Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi, a passenger who arrived from Saudi Arabia on Saudi Airline Flight No. SV401.

According to the NCS, officers discovered the foreign currency hidden inside packs of palm-date fruits, commonly known as Dabino, during a physical examination of the passenger’s luggage.

The agency stated that the operation aligns with its ongoing efforts to enforce financial regulations and curb illicit financial flows across Nigeria’s borders.

Following due process, both the suspect and the confiscated funds were handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and legal proceedings.

A court subsequently convicted the defendant and ruled that the undeclared money be forfeited to the Federal Government in accordance with the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.

The NCS has reiterated that all travelers must adhere to Nigeria’s financial regulations, particularly the obligation to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved limit when entering or leaving the country.

The agency emphasized that failure to comply with these laws is a violation of Nigerian financial regulations and carries serious legal consequences.

Under the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the NCS remains committed to combating smuggling, illegal financial transactions, and other cross-border crimes.

This latest seizure, the agency noted, underscores its determination to protect Nigeria’s economic interests and enforce financial compliance.

The NCS assured the public of its continued collaboration with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to strengthen border security, ensure adherence to financial laws, and safeguard the nation’s economy.

It urged travelers and financial sector stakeholders to remain vigilant and strictly follow legal financial practices.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Ja’afar Ibrahim Sani, a former commissioner under the administration of ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has been arrested by security operatives in Kaduna State.

The arrest, which occurred in the wake of his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has raised eyebrows.

Sani, who served as Commissioner for Local Government, Education, and Environment, was reportedly detained on the orders of the state government.

While the full details of the arrest remain unclear, sources indicate that police officials were involved in the operation.

Notably, Sani was the individual nominated by El-Rufai to replace him as a Minister in 2023, but his nomination was blocked by the Senate following security reports from the State Security Service.

His political journey has been marred by controversies, including opposition from the current Governor of Kaduna, Uba Sani, who disagreed with El-Rufai’s choice for the position.

In a letter dated March 10, 2025, Sani announced his departure from the APC, citing his disillusionment with the party’s leadership, which he accused of drifting away from its founding progressive ideals.