News

By Uzair Adam

Prominent opposition figures in Nigeria have paid a visit to the residence of Kwankwasiyya leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Those present at the visit included former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and Senator Seriake Dickson, among other political stakeholders.

In a post shared on his Facebook page, Kwankwaso stated that the politicians were at his residence on a Sallah homage.

Kwankwaso, a leading figure in the opposition New Nigeria Peoples Party, is widely speculated to be considering a move to another political party.

This follows the recent defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, from the NNPP to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Meanwhile, Peter Obi recently confirmed his official move to the African Democratic Congress, while Governor Makinde remains one of the few governors still in the Peoples Democratic Party, alongside his Bauchi State counterpart.

By Uzair Adam

One year after Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf announced automatic employment for 54 postgraduate students trained in India, the beneficiaries say the promise remains unfulfilled, raising concerns about accountability and policy follow-through.

The graduates, who studied at Symbiosis International University under the Kano State Government’s foreign scholarship programme, returned to the state on March 22, 2025. 

The Daily Reality recalls that during an official reception and Iftar held in their honour, the governor declared that the students would be absorbed into the state civil service.

“I was pleased to have Iftar with another set of our students who returned from India after completion of their studies,” the governor said at the time, adding that the 54 beneficiaries would be given automatic employment.

He also urged them to justify the investment made in them by contributing meaningfully to the development of the state, stressing that they should “repay the state by working assiduously.”

However, despite the governor’s public promise of automatic employment, the graduates remain without jobs one year later. 

The delay has created uncertainty and hardship for the scholars, who had planned their careers around the assurance, while no formal communication or timeline has been provided by the authorities.

Speaking on behalf of the affected graduates, a student’s representative who pledged anonymity said the commitment has not been implemented despite repeated follow-ups through appropriate channels.

“During the reception, His Excellency publicly announced automatic employment for all 54 returning scholars,” he said.

He explained that many of the graduates had structured their professional plans around the governor’s promise, but the delay has left them facing uncertainty and hardship. 

According to him, there has been no formal communication or clear timeline from the authorities regarding when the employment will take effect.

He said the situation has persisted for a year despite the group’s efforts to seek clarification.

“We believe this is a matter of public accountability and policy follow-through,” he added, calling for attention to the issue.

The Director General, Media and Publicity to the governor, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, did not respond to several calls seeking comment. 

Efforts to reach the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, were also unsuccessful due to network constraints at his location.

The development comes amid ongoing state government investments in foreign education programmes to build skilled manpower, particularly in critical sectors such as health and education.

Many people believe that delays in implementing such commitments could weaken public confidence in government policies and affect future beneficiaries of similar programmes, even as the affected scholars remain hopeful that the promise will eventually be fulfilled.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

There is growing unrest within the Nigeria Police Force following a directive from Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tunji Disu, ordering the immediate dissolution of multiple tactical units across the country.

Units reportedly affected include the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Anti-Cultism, Anti-Kidnapping, Scorpion Squad, Tactical Intelligence Response Squad (TIRS), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Monitoring Units, Tiger Squad, Gender Units, and Anti-Robbery squads, among others.

The directive, obtained from an internal wireless message by SaharaReporters, followed a recent virtual meeting between the IGP and senior police officers. According to the message, “all existing tactical teams at commands are being reformed into two, with operational names to be provided by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations.”

The signal further specified that units such as “Lion, Tiger, Scorpion squads and others by whatever names called” will no longer operate in their current form. Under the new arrangement, only area commands and divisional surveillance units are allowed to function temporarily, pending further instructions.

Personnel from the disbanded units are to be redeployed into conventional policing structures, including patrol and guard duties, the Divisional Crime Branch (DCB), Juvenile and Women Centre (JWC), and general beat assignments. “The dissolved teams are to be subsumed into patrol and guard, DCB, JWC and beat with immediate effect,” the directive added.

Further details on the restructuring are expected to be revealed during the Officers’ Conference scheduled for March 26, 2026. While the rationale for the sweeping reforms was not explicitly stated, the move comes amid longstanding public concerns over misconduct by some tactical units, many of which have faced accusations of human rights abuses, extortion, and extrajudicial operations.

The restructuring follows closely on the heels of a special resit promotion examination for senior officers reportedly overlooked in previous cycles. A confidential police message dated March 16, 2026, shows that the Police Service Commission (PSC) has rescheduled the exercise for Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs), and Superintendents of Police (SPs) who were “not successful” in the December 2025 and March 2026 promotion cycles.

Sources say that some officers were allegedly sidelined by a bribery scheme orchestrated during former IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s tenure. The current IGP is reportedly moving to “reconsider and rectify” these injustices by providing a transparent opportunity for affected officers to earn their next ranks.

The wireless signal directs all commands to release the affected officers to attend the interviews as scheduled and advises them to refresh their knowledge in professional studies, law, and local acts. Security arrangements include twelve armed men provided by AIGPOL MOPOL and two Hilux vans from the transport wing (TRANSFOR), to be ready at the FHQ Parade Ground by 06:00 HRS.

This move marks one of the most significant structural overhauls in the Nigeria Police Force in recent years.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

At least 150 suspected bandits reportedly drowned after a boat carrying them capsized in Sabon Gida, Sokoto State.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency and security expert in the Lake Chad region, revealed the incident in a post on X. He said the tragedy occurred on Saturday evening when the vessel, loaded with a large number of armed men, overturned while crossing a water body in the area.

According to Makama, the bandits were traveling in large numbers when the boat suddenly capsized, throwing everyone on board into the water.

“Preliminary information suggests that many of them could not swim, leading to heavy casualties,” he said.

He added that early reports indicate that none of the occupants survived the incident.

As of the time of this report, security agencies have not issued an official statement confirming the event.

The incident has caused alarm in the area as authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Russia is the main beneficiary of the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran.

Reports say the Donald Trump administration recently gave countries a 30-day window to purchase Russian oil and petroleum products that had been stuck at sea due to sanctions. This move aimed to help reduce rising oil prices caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, it has faced sanctions from the US and European nations. Analysts, however, have said that easing these sanctions could provide Moscow with significant funds, which it could use to continue its war in Ukraine.

When asked whether Russian President Vladimir Putin is benefiting from the sanctions relief, which has drawn criticism from many European countries, Zelenskyy told the BBC:

“Putin wants a long war. For Putin, the Iranian campaign is a plus. Besides high energy prices, it also means the US is running out of resources and the companies that make air defence systems are also facing shortages – so there’s a lack of resources overall.

“So, it’s good for Putin that the resources aren’t being used against Ukraine, which is where he’s sending his army and fighting. He needs to weaken US and this is a long process. One way to do that is the Middle East.”

Zelenskyy added that the situation shows how the Middle East conflict diverts US attention and resources away from the war in Ukraine, giving Russia a chance to prolong the conflict.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Ozoro, headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area in Delta State, is gripped by panic as female students of Delta State University reportedly leave the community over safety concerns. The exodus follows violent incidents during the controversial ‘Alue-Do’ festival, which have sparked nationwide outrage.

Videos circulating on social media showed young women being chased, stripped, and assaulted by groups of youths, prompting fear among residents and students.

Sources say that many female students, traumatized by the attacks and uncertain about their safety, have begun fleeing the area.

A student leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the atmosphere as tense. He told The PUNCH:
“Most of the female students in the community are scared, especially when they were told that the festival is meant to last for seven days. Many left early this morning, and others were still seen leaving up to this evening.”

He added that anxiety remains high among residents and students due to uncertainty over the festival’s duration and the potential for more violence.

The source also alleged that some university students were involved in the assaults:
“It is not only the indigenes who participated in the molestation. Some students also took part in it, and that is the most painful part. It speaks to the level of decadence in our society, the education system and human behaviour as a whole.”

He called for justice, stressing:
“Sexual assault is a serious offence, and it desecrates the dignity of our women. We will not condone that.”

In response, the Delta State Police Command intensified its operations, arresting 11 additional suspects, bringing the total in custody to 15. Earlier arrests included a community leader, Omorede Sunday, and four others.

Police Public Relations Officer Bright Edafe confirmed the arrests and noted that intelligence work and analysis of viral videos helped identify suspects, including Samson Atukpodo, Steven Ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, and Evidence Oguname. He said preliminary findings suggest that criminal elements exploited the festival to commit violence.

“The Commissioner of Police condemns these acts in totality and reassures the public that the command remains resolute in its determination to ensure that all those involved are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” Edafe said.

The incident has drawn condemnation nationwide. The Nigerian Bar Association described the attacks as “a national disgrace.” In a joint statement signed by President Afam Osigwe and Chairperson of the NBA Women Forum Huwaila Muhammad, the association said:
“A society reveals its true character in how it treats its women. Where women are chased, stripped, violated and publicly humiliated under the guise of celebration, what is on display is not culture but barbarity.”

The NBA urged the Delta State Government to ensure all perpetrators face justice, emphasizing that no cultural practice can justify violence against women.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Federation of Business and Professional Women petitioned Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, demanding the suspension of traditional rulers in Ozoro for allegedly failing to prevent the violence. The group also called for an independent inquiry to investigate the incident and determine the role of community leaders.

As fear spreads across the university community, many students remain hesitant to return. Calls are growing for stronger security measures and accountability for those responsible.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Political analyst and lecturer at Bayero University Kano, Saidu Ahmad Dukawa, has expressed serious concern over the welfare of the recently commissioned Neighborhood Security Corps in Kano State.

In a Facebook post, the don laments that the recruits have yet to receive their promised monthly allowances, despite being screened for the job nearly a year ago.

Dukawa wrote: “I just learnt that the recently commissioned Neighborhood Security Corps of Kano State are yet to receive the monthly stipend promised to them. When considered from the period of screening them for the job, one is talking of a duration of one year!”

He warned that such delays could undermine the effectiveness of the security initiative. He added that it lends credence to arguments against the creation of State Police. Dukawa urged those close to Governor Abba Kabir to inform him that the situation requires urgent and compassionate attention.

The warning comes amid growing security concerns in Kano State. In a recent development, gunmen reportedly abducted the Secretary of Kibiya Local Government Area during a late-night attack at his residence in Dinya town.

According to Hon. Sabo Yusuf Usman, Chairman of the Councillors in Kibiya, the attackers woke the secretary’s son under the pretext of illness, forcing him to alert his father, before seizing both father and son.

The boy was later released, but the secretary was taken away before security operatives could respond.

While Kibiya has not historically been linked to significant security threats, neighboring areas such as Tsanyawa and Shanono, which share a border with Katsina State, have recently experienced a spate of bandit attacks.

The abduction manifests the fragile security situation and raises questions about the readiness and motivation of local security personnel.

Experts say that ensuring timely payment of allowances and proper welfare for Neighborhood Security Corps staff is crucial for maintaining their effectiveness.

As debates around state-level policing powers continue nationwide, the Kano situation exemplifies the challenges of implementing local security structures without adequate funding and support, with the recent Kibiya incident serving as a stark reminder of the stakes involved.

By Uzair Adam

Gunmen have abducted the Secretary of Kibiya Local Government Area in Kano State after storming his residence in a late-night attack.

Chairman of the Councillors in the area, Hon. Sabo Yusuf Usman, confirmed the incident to the BBC, saying it occurred in the early hours of Friday in Dinya town.

According to him, the attackers struck at about 1:00 a.m. while the secretary was asleep.

He explained that the gunmen first woke the secretary’s son, who was sleeping in the outer compound, and forced him to knock on the door under the pretense of being unwell.

He said the boy told his father he had a stomach ache when asked what was wrong, prompting the secretary to open the door.

The gunmen then immediately carted away both the father and the son.

Usman added that the attackers later released the son and fled with the secretary before security operatives arrived at the scene.

Kibiya Local Government Area has not been widely associated with security threats in the past.

However, areas such as Tsanyawa and Shanono, which share a border with Katsina State, have experienced a series of bandit attacks in recent times.

By Anas Abbas

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has begun to impact Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, as the Dangote Petroleum Refinery announced a fresh increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), pushing it to about N1,245 per litre.

The latest adjustment reflects rising global crude oil prices triggered by geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly the ongoing hostilities involving major oil-producing countries.

Industry analysts say the surge in international oil benchmarks has significantly raised production and replacement costs for refiners.

Sources within the petroleum industry indicated that the new price was communicated to marketers and depot operators, with immediate effect across distribution channels. The increment marks another upward review in a series of price changes recorded within a short period.

Data from recent market trends show that petrol prices at the refinery have been on a steady rise in recent weeks,climbing from about N774 per litre to over N1,100 within days before reaching the current level.

Experts attribute the persistent increases to volatility in global crude oil markets, foreign exchange pressures, and supply uncertainties linked to the Middle East crisis. The situation has driven crude prices above the 100 dollar per barrel mark, further intensifying cost pressures on refiners.

The development is expected to have a ripple effect nationwide, as fuel marketers adjust pump prices in line with the higher depot cost. Analysts warn that the increase could worsen inflationary pressures, raising transportation costs and the prices of goods and services across the country.

Despite expectations that local refining would stabilise fuel prices, the latest hike underscores Nigeria’s continued exposure to global oil market dynamics, even with increased domestic production capacity.

Femi Fani-Kayode, Nigeria’s ambassador to Germany, has called on citizens to rally behind President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The former minister of aviation is among the 65 ambassadors recently cleared for deployment earlier in March.

In a statement released on Friday, Fani-Kayode extended Eid-el-Fitr greetings to Muslims in Nigeria and abroad. He also expressed optimism about the current administration, stating that “Tinubu is on the right path to transform the nation”.

Eid-el-Fitr marks the end of the Ramadan fast observed by Muslims worldwide.

Fani-Kayode encouraged Nigerians to uphold the values practiced during Ramadan, such as patience, compassion, generosity, and unity. He stressed that these qualities are important for peaceful coexistence and national unity, regardless of ethnic or religious differences.

The envoy also voiced confidence in the country’s future under Tinubu’s leadership. He urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to good governance and national development.

He offered prayers for peace, stability, and progress in the country, while wishing Muslims a happy Eid celebration.