News

By Uzair Adam

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has accused political interference and lack of cooperation from security agencies of frustrating efforts to end the decade-long banditry crisis that has devastated the state.

Speaking during a media briefing with local journalists in Gusau on Monday, the governor lamented that despite deploying modern surveillance technology capable of tracking the movement of bandits, his government remains helpless because he lacks direct control over security operatives.

Governor Lawal said, “Sometimes, I can see the bandits moving around on my phone because of the technology we are using. I know where they are, where they go, and where they come from.

“But I cannot stop them because I have no power to command the security personnel. If I had that authority, I swear, within two weeks we would end this problem.”

Lawal disclosed that his administration has engaged more than 2,000 hunters and vigilantes from Yobe and Maiduguri, placing them on monthly salaries and equipping them with vehicles and weapons.

However, he expressed frustration that at one point, these recruits were barred from engaging bandits in Shinkafi after a directive was issued to halt their operations.

The governor noted, “This is our biggest challenge. We have men on the ground, well-motivated and ready to confront the bandits, but sometimes they are told not to act. What then do we do?”

Despite the setbacks, Lawal said his administration has spent heavily to support conventional security agencies, including the purchase of 150 new vehicles recently distributed to them.

He explained that he made the tough decision to provide such resources, even though accountability could expose his government to criticism, because he believes leadership is a trust from God.

Zamfara State has in recent years become the epicenter of banditry in northwestern Nigeria.

Armed groups kill, abduct, and displace villagers, often operating in broad daylight. The violence has left many women widowed and children orphaned, while farmers are prevented from cultivating their lands.

Kidnapping for ransom has become a routine source of funding for the armed gangs, worsening poverty and instability across the state.

The governor, visibly emotional, admitted that the situation sometimes moves him to tears, confessing, “There are moments I cry. I see where bandits should be stopped, but nothing happens because instructions have to come from Abuja.

“I have handed everything to God, but I will never stop doing what I can to restore peace to our people,” he added.

He also questioned the motives of the attackers, asking why they target poor villagers who can barely afford food. “What has the common man done to you?” Lawal asked.

He further pledged, “If you want schools, I will build schools. If you want hospitals, I will provide hospitals. If you want water, I will ensure you get water. All so that we can have peace.”

Governor Lawal accused political actors of exploiting insecurity for selfish interests, warning that such actions harm the entire state.

“Security has been politicized,” he said.

He declared, “Anyone enjoying this situation, or trying to use it for politics, may God disgrace them and expose their secrets. If they seek power, may God deny it to them. And if they already hold power, may God take it away, because the injustice has become too much.”

Despite the challenges, the governor reassured Zamfara residents of his determination to defeat banditry, vowing that his government would not relent until peace and stability are restored.

By Uzair 

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated that the creation of state police is inevitable in addressing Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.

Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by prominent Katsina indigenes led by Governor Dikko Radda, Tinubu assured that his administration is determined to confront the menace of banditry and other security threats.

He directed security agencies to review their strategies in Katsina, which has recently witnessed a surge in banditry, and announced plans to deploy advanced military equipment and surveillance technology. 

The president also disclosed that newly recruited forest guards in the state would receive enhanced training and support.

Tinubu acknowledged Nigeria’s security challenges, including porous borders and long-standing weaknesses, but stressed that with determination and a strategic approach, they could be overcome.

“The security challenges we are facing are surmountable. Yes, we have porous borders. We inherited weaknesses that could have been addressed earlier. It is a challenge that we must fix, and we are facing it,” he said.

He revealed that the federal government had approved the acquisition of additional drones and instructed him to receive daily updates on security operations in Katsina.

“I am reviewing all aspects of security; I have to create a state police. We are looking at that holistically,” Tinubu added.

The president reassured Nigerians that insecurity would be defeated, emphasising the need to protect children, places of worship, and livelihoods from criminal intimidation.

He reminded the delegation that in February 2024, the federal government established a committee to develop a framework for state policing, which has since garnered widespread support. 

However, by March, 20 states were yet to submit their reports, according to Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

Tinubu also paid tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari, praising him for leaving behind a legacy of success.

Governor Radda and other members of the delegation, including former Governor Aminu Masari and Ibrahim Ida, the Wazirin of Katsina, commended Tinubu for his commitment to security and infrastructural development in the state. 

Ida urged the federal government to prioritise upgrading the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport and bolstering security in southern Katsina.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday celebrated the second anniversary of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue Line, highlighting its achievements and unveiling a special fare reduction.

According to the governor, the Blue Line has carried more than five million passengers safely in the past two years, without recording a single accident. He noted that trains now operate every 10 minutes, completing over 90 trips daily and easing travel across the state.

To mark the milestone, Sanwo-Olu announced a 50 per cent cut in fares on the Blue Line for Thursday, September 4, 2025, encouraging Lagosians who have not yet experienced the service to do so.

He expressed gratitude for the support and trust of residents, stressing that the success of the project reflects collective belief in “a greater Lagos.”

“Our journey is far from over,” the governor said. “Step by step, we are creating the Lagos we all desire—safer, faster, and easier to move around.”

By Anwar Usman

The Federal Government has declared Friday, 5th September, 2025, a public holiday to mark Eid-ul-Mawlid, the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani, on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the statement, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, extended warm greetings to Muslims in Nigeria and across the world.

He urged the Muslim Ummah to emulate the Prophet’s virtues of peace, love, humility, tolerance and compassion, emphasizing that these values are crucial to building a united and progressive nation.

The minister also called on Nigerians of all faiths to use the occasion to pray for the peace, security, and stability of the country while supporting government efforts toward national harmony and sustainable development.

The statement read in part “The celebration of Eid-ul-Mawlid offers us yet another opportunity to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, promote peaceful coexistence, and imbibe the Prophet’s teaching’s of mutual respect and selfless service to humanity”.

He further urged citizens to remain law-abiding, security-conscious, and supportive of government policies aimed at enhancing the well-being of all Nigerians, while wishing Muslims a joyous and peaceful Eid-ul-Mawlid celebration.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, alongside his wife, Haj. Dr. Aisha Bala Mohammed (Kauran Bauchi), yesterday hosted a farewell reception for 50 indigenous students awarded full scholarships to pursue various academic programmes in China.

The students, who are scheduled to depart Nigeria soon, visited the Governor to express their profound gratitude for the sponsorship opportunity and to seek his blessings before their journey.

Governor Mohammed warmly congratulated the scholars and charged them to be law-abiding ambassadors throughout their stay.

He urged them to remain focused on their primary academic objectives, reminding them that they represent not only their parents but also the entire Bauchi State and Nigeria as a whole.

In her remarks, the First Lady, Haj. Dr. Aisha Bala Mohammed, assured the students that the Governor and the State Government are immensely proud to sponsor their education.

She encouraged them to be studious and dedicated, stating that their success would be a source of pride for the state and a justification of the government’s investment in their future.

The scholarship scheme is a key initiative of the Bauchi State Government aimed at building human capital by providing world-class education to its indigenes.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu announced on Tuesday that the Federal Government has already met its revenue target for the 2025 fiscal year, achieving the milestone in August of this year.

Speaking at a meeting with legacy members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the President attributed this achievement to his administration’s economic reforms, which have focused on stimulating the non-oil sector.

“The economy is now stabilised. Nobody is trading pieces of paper for foreign exchange anymore. The economy is now predictable. You do not need to know the CBN Governor to obtain foreign exchange or import goods,” President Tinubu stated.

He assured Nigerians that his Renewed Hope Agenda remains focused on building critical infrastructure, improving healthcare, ensuring food sovereignty, and providing security.

To guarantee food sovereignty, the President revealed plans to establish agricultural mechanisation centres across all regions of the country to build capacity and expand cultivation.

“We are going to have trainees. That programme is our path to food sovereignty,” he said.Reflecting on the political merger that formed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Tinubu described it as “a sweet memory” and thanked the delegation for their support.

He also promised to sustain the legacies of former President Muhammadu Buhari, including immortalising him with a ‘Buhari House,’ and assured that more members of the old CPC would be brought into the government.

The leader of the delegation and former Governor of Nasarawa State, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, assured the President of the group’s loyalty and commitment to the success of his administration and his ultimate victory in the 2027 elections.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, who was also present, thanked the President for his statesmanship and magnanimity.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority (KSSQAA) has issued a sweeping set of regulations targeting costly practices and unruly behaviour in schools across the state.

In a public notice signed by its Director-General, Professor Usman Abubakar Zaria, the authority announced immediate bans on compulsory graduation fees for most classes, indecent “sign-out” celebrations by students, and the use of non-reusable textbooks, all in an effort to reduce the financial burden on parents and uphold educational standards.

The key directives from the KSSQAA are as follows:

1. Graduation Ceremonies Restricted Schools are now prohibited from organizing and charging for graduation ceremonies for any class except Basic 9(JSS 3) and Senior Secondary 3 (SS 3). For these two allowed ceremonies, payment cannot be compulsory. If a school insists on a compulsory fee, it must seek approval from the KSSQAA at least four weeks in advance and provide evidence of consent from the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA).

2. Ban on Unruly Sign-Outs The notice condemns the”growing trend of indecent, unruly, and unsafe conduct” by students celebrating the end of exams. This practice is now banned. Schools are instead directed to provide supervised alternative events like farewell assemblies, talent shows, or mentorship sessions to allow for safe and dignified celebrations.

3. Phasing Out Consumable Textbooks To combat waste and reduce costs,the KSSQAA has ordered publishers to stop producing textbooks with answer spaces written directly in them. From September 1, 2026, main textbooks must be reusable, with any exercises placed in separate, optional workbooks. Schools have been instructed to only procure reusable textbooks from that date.

4. Strict Controls on Fee Hikes The authority also reinforced that no school can increase its fees or upgrade its facilities without prior written approval.To get approval, schools must submit a formal application accompanied by PTA meeting minutes showing a quorum was present and agreement was reached, alongside enrolment data and current financial records.

The KSSQAA stated that these measures align with the global Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all.

“The KSSQAA remains committed to ensuring that quality education is accessible and affordable in Kaduna State,” the notice read, directing all schools to comply fully with the new guidelines.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A landmark judgment by the National Industrial Court in Abuja on Tuesday nullified a controversial military rule that compelled officers to serve for a minimum of 15 years before being allowed to resign.

The court declared the provision, contained in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers (HTACOS), as “oppressive” and a “gross violation” of fundamental rights protected by the 1999 Constitution.

The ruling was delivered by Justice Emmanuel Subilim in a suit filed by Flight Lieutenant J. A. Akerele against the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

Akerele had accused the force of “systematic persecution and victimisation” after he applied to resign.Commissioned as a pilot officer in 2013, Akerele stated that after submitting his resignation, the then-Chief of Air Staff not only rejected his letter but also declared him Absent Without Leave (AWOL) and issued a signal for his arrest.

In his affidavit, Akerele detailed a series of professional setbacks, including an abruptly terminated flight training in the U.S., prolonged stagnation in rank, and cancelled training opportunities, which he said caused him “severe emotional distress” and left him “traumatised.”

He argued that the 15-year service requirement violated his constitutional right to resign, as guaranteed by Section 306 of the 1999 Constitution.

In his judgment, Justice Subilim agreed, likening the rule to “modern-day slavery under the guise of national service.” The court struck down the compulsory service requirement and issued a perpetual injunction restraining the NAF from arresting or detaining Akerele.

The court also dismissed the NAF’s technical argument that Akerele had used the term “voluntary retirement” instead of “resignation,” ruling that the substance of his request was clear and valid.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has authorized a major security overhaul for Katsina State, promising a fierce military blitz involving drone technology and tactical troop redeployments to crush banditry.

The decisive move comes after a high-powered Katsina delegation, fearing the state was under siege, stormed the State House to demand urgent action.

The delegation, a who’s who of Katsina’s political, traditional, and religious leadership, was led by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda.

It included the Emir of Daura, former Governor Aminu Masari, all three state senators, and two federal ministers.Confronted with the grave situation, President Tinubu issued immediate orders to security chiefs.

“I have directed all the security agencies to energize further… Additional deployment of air drones, and if they have to shift movement between Katsina and other boundary areas, they should do so,” the President declared.

He promised that ground forces would intensify operations to “smoke them out.”

The President also backed the growing call for sub-national policing, revealing plans are underway to establish state police as a critical part of a holistic security strategy.

Governor Radda expressed profound relief, thanking the President for his unwavering support and labeling him “a true son of Katsina.”

During the meeting, the Emir of Katsina’s representative, Senator Ibrahim Ida, disclosed the state’s massive financial commitment to the crisis, having already invested over N40 billion in security logistics.

He pleaded for federal reimbursement and the establishment of a permanent military presence in the vulnerable southern part of the state.

The meeting signifies a significant escalation in the federal government’s response to the security crisis plaguing the Northwest.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a sharp attack on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of failing to secure the North-Central region of Nigeria. 

Abubakar’s statement claims that the government has abandoned the area, resulting in a “monumental failure” in protecting its citizens.

Abubakar highlighted a dramatic rise in violence, citing Kwara State’s new status as a hotspot for kidnappings and bandit attacks. He also noted continued bloodshed in Niger, Plateau, and Benue states, where thousands have been killed in just two years.

The former Vice President went on to accuse the ruling APC of using thugs to disrupt opposition meetings, with security forces allegedly failing to act.

He warned that violence “is a vicious circle” that will harm those who use it, and called on the Nigeria Police Force to remain neutral and fair, reminding them that taxpayers, not the APC, fund them.