News

By Anwar Usman

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, says the Nigerian Army will bring to justice the perpetrators of the recent killings in Benue, Plateau and other parts of the country.

Oluyede made this statement on Saturday in Akure during a second quarter 2025 media chat organised by the Department of Civil-Military Affairs, Nigerian Army Headquarters.

The media chat was themed “Military – Media Collaboration: Panacea for Enhanced National Security and Development.”The COAS, who was represented by Maj. Gen. Obinna Onubogu, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Div., Nigerian Army, Ibadan, said the military is ready to ending the spate of violence, particularly in North-Central Nigeria.Oluyede, who said that the president had given very clear orders, explained that they would remain engaged in Plateau, Benue, Kwara and quite a number of states that were experiencing insecurity.

“We are out, fully deployed and tackling the menace head-on.“In Benue particularly, you will see in the coming weeks, very elaborate security arrangements to ensure that all that is going on there completely stops.

He further stated that, “The Army cannot be everywhere at once. Nigeria is a vast country but we are not as large in number as many people believe.

“We rely heavily on the support and cooperation of the local population to provide timely and credible information.

“In some cases, unfortunately, the people are not very helpful in terms of the information they give out, which delays our reaction time. That must change if we are to win this fight together,” he said.

NAN reports that, the COAS called on media personnel to verify facts before publication, and help in building national security and development to combat misinformation and sensational reporting.

According to him, the social media space, especially, is flooded with misinformation, disinformation and outright lies.“So, we are appealing to the media practitioners to reach out to us before putting out unverified stories.

“We are satisfied with the support we’ve received from the media so far and we hope to deepen that synergy to ensure national security is not undermined by sensational reporting,” he said.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Leaders and foreign ministers from the 57 member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) are gathering in Istanbul this Saturday for a high-stakes summit overshadowed by escalating tensions in the Middle East, most notably Israel’s war with Iran and the ongoing devastation in Gaza.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is set to attend, as many of his counterparts are expected to call for an immediate ceasefire. Yet the OIC, long criticised for its limited political clout, is unlikely to shift the course of either conflict.

The situation in Gaza—now in its 21st month—remains dire. Humanitarian workers report that more Palestinians are killed by the Israeli army while trying to collect food than in actual combat. 

On June 17th, at least 59 people were killed when Israeli tanks reportedly opened fire near an aid distribution centre run by the Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Israel’s military has pledged to investigate the incident.

Despite repeated condemnations and emergency meetings, the OIC has remained largely powerless in stemming the violence in Gaza. With tensions now spilling into a broader regional confrontation, the summit is expected to issue a familiar call for peace that few expect to alter the course of events.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A lecturer at the Kano State Polytechnic, Aisar Salihu Musa, has publicly praised the state’s Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, for what he described as a massive improvement in security presence in areas previously known for phone snatching and violent gang activities.

In a Facebook post published on Friday, Musa expressed his appreciation. He said, “Honestly, we must thank the Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori. May Allah reward him with goodness.”

He noted that several locations in Kano where residents had long complained about phone thefts and gang fights—especially during the evening hours—are now witnessing visible deployment of security personnel.

“Most places that were once hotspots for phone snatching or gang clashes in the evening now have two police patrol vehicles stationed there. You will also see the anti-thuggery squad supporting them,” the lecturer wrote.

He recalled that in just the last two days, he personally visited at least four neighborhoods and saw the new security arrangement in action.

These included Dorayi (both ‘Karshen Waya’ and the burnt fuel station area), Kabuga, Sharada, Kofar Mata, and Kofar Fanfo.

While expressing hope that other areas like Kurna, Rijiyar Lemo, Hotoro, and Gadan Kaya would also benefit from similar interventions, Musa urged that the initiative be sustained and that suspected miscreants continue to be arrested and hidden away from public harm.

Recounting a personal experience, he described how he once had to pick up a package at night in a location known for gang violence.

“As I approached, I remembered the stories about gang fights in that area. I felt very uneasy. I’ve made a vow never to go to any place at night if there’s no adequate security,” he wrote.“But then I saw two police vehicles at the location. I felt a huge sense of relief. It was at that moment that I truly understood the importance of security officers in our communities.”

He concluded with a moral reflection that says “Anyone who cannot appreciate people when they do good will find it difficult to thank God.”

Musa commended Commissioner Bakori once more and prayed for continued peace and protection in Kano and beyond.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

An incident was reported to have occurred at the premises of Mamuda Agro Company located in Challawa, Kano State, where a worker was allegedly stabbed to death by a supervisor.

The victim, whose identity has not yet been officially released, was described by Comrade Mukhtar Yunusa Lambu—who claims to be a relative of the deceased—as “a younger brother and a close family member.”

In a Facebook post published on Wednesday, Comrade Mukhtar wrote: “Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. This servant of Allah was my younger brother and relative. He was killed at Mamuda Agro Company in Challawa where a supervisor stabbed him, which led to his death.”

According to Mukhtar, the company later transported the deceased’s body home using one of its vehicles. He also made an appeal to relevant authorities for justice.

“We are calling on the leadership, especially the Governor of Kano State, the Chairman of Kumbotso Local Government, and the Councillor of Panshekara Ward, to intervene and ensure justice is served,” he wrote.

He concluded with prayers for the deceased, asking God to forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest in paradise.

Efforts to reach the management of Mamuda Agro Company for comment were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

Authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.

By Uzair Adam

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will only announce his running mate for the 2027 presidential election after officially accepting the party’s nomination during the All Progressives Congress (APC) convention in 2026.

This clarification was made by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in an exclusive interview with Daily Trust on Thursday.

Amid growing speculations over the absence of Vice President Kashim Shettima’s name in recent endorsements for Tinubu, Onanuga dismissed any insinuations of a planned replacement, describing the situation as “a non-issue.”

“In a presidential system, the candidate comes first, and then a running mate is picked. That’s what happened under Buhari—he was nominated first before selecting a running mate. The same process will apply here,” he said.

Onanuga stressed that a decision will only be made after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) releases its timetable, prompting the party to hold its convention.

He also rejected the idea that Tinubu’s history of changing deputies during his tenure as Lagos State governor hints at plans to drop Shettima.

“Those were different political circumstances. In his first term, he and his deputy, Kofo, had issues and she had to leave. Femi Pedro replaced her, but later defected in the second term to pursue a governorship ambition. It’s wrong to frame this as a pattern of discarding deputies,” he explained.

Addressing the speculation of a strained relationship between Tinubu and Shettima, Onanuga dismissed such claims as baseless rumors.“From what I know, they have an excellent working relationship. The idea that there’s friction is just beer parlour gossip. Some even claim Seyi Tinubu is the vice president—it’s all nonsense,” he said.

When asked if the APC would repeat the controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2027, Onanuga said the issue has lost relevance.

“There’s no Islamisation agenda. Christians are living freely, and the president even attended the Pope’s inauguration in Rome. Many of the speculated running mates are also Muslims—it’s not a matter of concern anymore,” he said.

Responding to criticisms over early endorsements before the official campaign season, Onanuga said it was a necessary reaction to opposition attacks.

“If the so-called coalition hadn’t started attacking the administration, we would’ve waited until next year. But we had to respond and show readiness. You can’t expect the president to stay silent while others plot openly,” he said.

He noted that the endorsements reflect public confidence in Tinubu’s leadership, even if the campaign has not yet formally begun.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A provocative billboard has appeared in Tel Aviv, calling on United States President Donald Trump to take military action in support of Israel amid rising tensions with Iran.

The sign boldly reads, “Mr President, finish the job!”

The call comes as pressure mounts for the United States to play a more active role in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.

Although President Trump has reportedly approved a series of military plans — including the potential use of bunker-buster bombs — officials say he has not yet made a final decision on whether American forces will be directly involved in the conflict.

The situation remains tense as Washington weighs its options while closely monitoring developments in the Middle East.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

The U.S. Army has suspended Colonel Nathan McCormack following controversial remarks in which he described Israel as “our worst ‘ally,’” igniting a firestorm of political and military reaction.

In a statement made during a closed-door security forum that was later leaked online, Col. McCormack reportedly said: “Israel is our worst ‘ally.’ We get literally nothing out of the ‘partnership’ other than the enmity of millions of people in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.”

The Pentagon confirmed McCormack’s suspension on Tuesday, stating that the remarks are under formal review for possible violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice and Department of Defence policies on political expression.

“While service members are entitled to personal opinions, public statements by active-duty officers that could affect diplomatic relations are taken seriously,” a Defence Department official said on condition of anonymity.

Col. McCormack, a senior officer with experience in multiple overseas deployments, has not yet commented publicly, but sources close to him say he stands by his critique and views it as a matter of strategic honesty.

His suspension has drawn sharply divided reactions. Critics called his comments inflammatory and damaging to U.S.-Israel relations, while supporters praised his candour, arguing that Washington’s unconditional support for Israel has long gone unquestioned within military circles.

The incident adds to a broader debate in Washington over the costs and consequences of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, especially amid ongoing international criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza and Iran.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The United States government has announced a new policy requiring student visa applicants to make their social media profiles publicly accessible as part of the application process.

According to the Department of State, the move is intended to enhance security screening and allow immigration officials to better assess the backgrounds of applicants. The policy will apply to most non-immigrant visa categories, including the F-1 visa commonly used by international students.

Critics have raised concerns about privacy and potential bias, warning that the rule could discourage free expression online. Supporters, however, argue that it strengthens national security and helps identify potential threats.

The new requirement is expected to take effect later this year, with applicants needing to provide their social media handles and ensure that posts are visible for review.

By Uzair Adam 

The Gaya Emirate Council in Kano State has withdrawn the traditional title of Wazirin Gaya from Alhaji Usman Alhaji, a former Secretary to the State Government during the administration of ex-Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

The Daily Reality gathered that, although the council did not give detailed reasons, the decision may be linked to Alhaji’s recent public criticism of the Abba Kabir Yusuf-led government over alleged excessive borrowing, claims the government has since refuted.

In an official letter addressed to the former titleholder, the Secretary of the Gaya Emirate Council, Alhaji Bello Halilu, stated that the title was withdrawn due to “certain unavoidable circumstances,” adding that the decision takes immediate effect.

“The Council deeply appreciates the contributions and commitment of Alhaji Usman Alhaji during his period of service as Wazirin Gaya,” the letter read in part.

It further acknowledged his support for the traditional institution and his role in promoting the Emirate’s cultural heritage, stressing the council’s resolve to uphold the sanctity and integrity of traditional titles.

The public was urged to take note of the development.

Alhaji, who also serves as the National President of APC Patriotic Volunteers, had recently challenged the Kano State government to account for a $6.6 million external loan allegedly obtained between June and December 2023, according to figures from the Debt Management Office (DMO).

He also accused the administration of mismanaging N5 billion in ecological funds and rated the government’s performance poorly over the past two years.

By Uzair Adam 

Amid growing security concerns across the country, members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) on Wednesday held a closed-door meeting in Abuja with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar.

The meeting, chaired by the NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, took place at the NGF Secretariat. 

Among the governors in attendance were those of Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Oyo, Kwara, Osun, Plateau, Lagos, Nasarawa, Ekiti, Ebonyi, Kogi, Ondo, Imo, Cross River, Ogun, and Edo states.

Although the agenda was not officially disclosed, the gathering is believed to be connected to the escalating insecurity in parts of the country, particularly the recent deadly attack in Yelewata, Benue State.

Earlier in the day, President Bola Tinubu visited Benue and met with stakeholders at the Government House in Makurdi, where he condemned the killing of over 100 residents in Yelewata. 

He directed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, to apprehend those responsible.

Sources confirmed that the Abuja meeting involved briefings from the NSA and the Minister of Defence. 

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, traditional rulers, and former state governors were also present at the Makurdi meeting.

President Tinubu queried the lack of arrests and urged the heads of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to ramp up intelligence efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.