News

By Uzair Adam

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have attacked Kururawa community in Lakwaya district of Gwarzo Local Government Area, Kano State, abducting an elderly resident, Alhaji Yakubu Na Tsohuwa, and injuring his son, Badamasi.

According to a source who spoke on condition of anonymity, the attackers, armed and riding on two motorcycles, invaded the community from neighbouring Katsina State.

They reportedly overpowered the household, seized Yakubu, and shot his eldest son in the leg as he attempted to stop the abduction.

Badamasi is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.

The source noted that Lakwaya shares a border with Malumfashi and Musawa Local Government Areas of Katsina State, adding that the assault on Kururawa—located about one kilometre from Lakwaya—was the first of its kind in the area in a long while.

He appealed to the Kano State Government to establish a security base in the area to protect residents, saying the attack has left the community in fear and uncertainty.

As of the time of filling this report, the Kano State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement, and efforts to reach its spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna, were unsuccessful.

The Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria (IMAN) has rounded off its 26th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Kaduna with strong calls for ethical regulation of artificial intelligence in healthcare and the elimination of harmful cultural practices that threaten public health.

The five-day hybrid conference, held at Arewa House from December 1–5, brought together 1,018 delegates from across Nigeria and beyond.

Discussions focused on the conference theme, “Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare,” alongside subthemes on reproductive health, harmful customs, medical ethics, palliative care, and the rising burden of non-communicable diseases.

Experts highlighted concerns about the rapid growth of AI technologies outpacing legal and religious guidance, the persistence of female genital mutilation and vaccine refusal, and the risk of AI reducing human compassion in clinical care.

Delegates also noted that cultural and religious misconceptions continue to hinder timely uptake of vaccinations, contraception, and modern treatment.

At the end of deliberations, IMAN resolved to push for Islamically grounded legal frameworks for AI and reproductive technologies, intensified collaboration with religious leaders to dispel myths, and stronger national ethical oversight of AI.

The Association also called for improved training of Muslim health professionals, development of AI-based accident-prevention systems, and expansion of telemedicine nationwide.

IMAN expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kaduna State Governor Sen. Uba Sani, Jigawa State Governor Mal. Umar A. Namadi, the Emir of Zazzau, and other health sector leaders for their support and hospitality.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has chaired his first meeting as head of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, leading the 93rd Session of the Policy Commission in Antigua, Guatemala.

The gathering strengthened Nigeria’s profile within the global customs community.

The session took place from 2 to 4 December 2025 at the historic Hotel Soleil and brought together Heads of Customs Administrations and senior representatives from the WCO’s six regions.

During the opening ceremony, CGC Adeniyi welcomed the delegates to Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage city.

He paid tribute to customs officers who died in the line of duty and encouraged participants to engage meaningfully on issues that influence global customs operations.

He was joined by WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders and Guatemala’s Vice Minister of Public Finance, Honourable Patricia Joachin, who addressed attendees on behalf of the host country.

Delegates were later treated to a traditional cultural dinner at the historic Capuchinas Ruins.

CGC Adeniyi’s emergence as WCO Council Chair in June 2025 is widely seen as a significant achievement for Nigeria and the African region.

His election placed the country in a leadership position within an organisation that comprises 187 customs administrations.

Reflecting on the importance of the role, Adeniyi stated that the position carries “a major responsibility for Nigeria and for Africa,” noting that his focus is on delivering leadership that supports global trade, security, and fair customs practices.

His remarks align with comments he made earlier in an exclusive interview on The Customs Exchange: Conversations with Global Customs Leaders, where he said his election affirmed Nigeria’s ongoing customs reforms.

According to him, the trust placed in his leadership is “an endorsement by the global customs community that we are on track,” as he highlighted key reforms undertaken by the Service over the past two years.

These include the modernisation of procedures, system upgrades, and improved cooperation with international partners.

Adeniyi listed the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, developed with WCO support, as one of the most significant changes.

He said the programme has reduced clearance times, boosted revenue performance, and strengthened trust between Customs and compliant traders.

He also mentioned the SAFE Framework of Standards, the Time Release Study (TRS), and progress on advance rulings as further proof of Nigeria’s commitment to global standards.

Calling for stronger partnerships among customs authorities worldwide, Adeniyi emphasised the importance of inclusiveness within the WCO, saying, “Our uniqueness is our strength. We must allow that diversity to continue creating opportunities and progress for us.”

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Nigerian government has secured the release of 100 schoolchildren abducted last month from St. Mary’s School, a Catholic boarding institution in the Papiri community of Niger State.

The attack, which occurred on November 21, saw armed men take 303 students and 12 teachers hostage. In the days following the abduction, 50 pupils managed to escape and were reunited with their families.

According to officials, the rescued children are expected to be handed over to Niger State authorities for medical and psychological evaluation. Government sources confirmed the release but did not disclose whether it resulted from negotiations, military operations, or other interventions.

Despite the successful rescue, concerns remain high. More than 160 students and staff members are still unaccounted for, leaving many families anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones.

Child-protection advocates and community leaders have renewed calls for stronger security measures around schools, stressing that the safety of students must be a national priority as mass abductions continue to plague parts of the country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Prof. Salisu Shehu, has inspected the fully refurbished NERDC Press located at the Council’s South West Zonal Office in Jibowu, Lagos.

The press had been inactive for several years. Prof. Shehu visited the zonal office on 10 May 2025 and pledged to restore the non-functional printing facility to improve its productivity. In early September 2025, the Council began the refurbishment work in fulfilment of that promise.

At the start of the repairs, the Press Manager, Mrs Precious Iweha, praised the Executive Secretary for approving the intervention, explaining that “we have commenced work on the generator set and are currently servicing the Sord Z machine, Polar cutter machine, and one of the Gestener machines”.

She added that “we are grateful for ES’s approval of the repairs and servicing of the Printing Press. This initiative will ensure that the Council’s investments in plants, machinery, and infrastructure will yield optimal results”.

Upon completion of the project, the Executive Secretary visited the facility on Thursday, 4 December 2025, to assess the work completed.

He expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded in his first year in office and gave an assurance that the revitalised press would be put to full use in line with its intended purpose.

The Head of the South West Zonal Office, Mr. Babatope Oloruntoba, and Mrs. Iweha commended the Executive Secretary for the achievement.

They described the successful revamp of the press as a significant milestone for both the NERDC Press and the Council as a whole.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised Nigeria’s military for swiftly intervening to protect democracy in the Republic of Benin following an attempted coup on Sunday.

The action came at the formal request of the Beninese government, which faced an uprising led by Colonel Pascal Tigri.

The coup plotters seized the national broadcaster, announced the overthrow of President Patrice Talon, and suspended democratic institutions.

Acting on two urgent requests from Benin’s Foreign Ministry, President Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief, authorized the deployment of Nigerian Air Force fighter jets.

The jets entered Beninese airspace to help dislodge the plotters from the TV station and a military camp where they had regrouped.

Nigeria also deployed ground forces to support the protection of constitutional order.

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that all requests were fulfilled, with Nigerian forces now on the ground in Benin under Beninese command authority.

After loyalist forces, assisted by Nigeria, regained control and restored constitutional order, President Tinubu commended the armed forces.

He stated they had acted within the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, helping to stabilize a neighboring country and upholding democratic values.

“Today, the Nigerian armed forces stood gallantly as a defender and protector of constitutional order,” Tinubu said. “Nigeria stands firmly with the government and people of the Republic of Benin.”

By Muhammad Sulaiman

The Arewa Community Germany has formally disassociated itself from a video circulating online about a so-called “Hausa International Protest” organised by Hausa Tsantsa Development Association, staged in Berlin.

In a letter addressed to Nigeria’s Consul General in Frankfurt, Ambassador Yakubu A. Dadu, the group said it had no role in organising or endorsing the demonstration and warned that the protest’s message conflicts with its core values.

The association, represented by Alhaji Tijani Garba, Dr. Ummah Aliyu Musa and Buhari Abubakar, stressed that it was founded on the principle of unity among all northern Nigerian peoples. It noted that Hausa, Fulani, Kanuri, Tiv, Nupe and other groups share a common heritage, adding that the organisation “does not draw lines” between northerners and will not support any activity that promotes ethnic profiling or elevates one group above another.

According to the statement, the Berlin protest risks fueling division and misunderstanding among Arewa communities in the diaspora, where the group says cohesion is especially important. The association reaffirmed its focus on cooperation, peaceful engagement and presenting a positive image of Northerners living in Germany.

The Arewa Community Germany also cautioned the public against linking its name to the protest, emphasising that any event involving the association will be announced through its official channels.

The group concluded by reaffirming its stance on harmony, mutual respect and a united Arewa identity.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has ordered an immediate investigation into an alleged assault case involving Rabi Hamza Danladi Nasidi, following widespread public concern generated by a social media video in which the victim appealed for the governor’s intervention.

The development was confirmed in a press release issued on Sunday by Abubakar Tijjani Ibrahim, the Special Assistant on Media to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kano State.

The statement outlined the circumstances surrounding the case and the government’s response.

According to the release, Rabi Hamza Danladi Nasidi was allegedly attacked at her residence by one Kabiru Aminu, resulting in injuries that left her in a fragile condition.

Although the suspect was initially remanded by Magistrate Court No. 36 until January 20, 2026, the victim later discovered that he had been released—an action that triggered significant public outrage and questions about possible irregularities in the handling of the case.

The viral video, in which the victim appealed directly to Governor Yusuf for justice, brought renewed attention to the matter.

The governor, described as deeply concerned by both the severity of the allegations and the circumstances of the suspect’s release, immediately directed the Attorney General, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude, SAN, to conduct a thorough investigation.

The Attorney General has since assured the governor that all necessary legal steps will be taken and that anyone found complicit—whether in the alleged assault or in any procedural lapses—will be held accountable in line with the law.

The statement reaffirmed the Kano State Government’s commitment to protecting citizens’ rights, strengthening public trust in the justice system, and ensuring that cases of this nature are handled transparently and without prejudice.

By Uzair Adam

After several twists and turns, the Kano State government and landowners in the Dangoro community, Kumbotso Local Government Area, have reached an understanding over the use of disputed farmlands.

The development follows a session with the Commissioner of Land, Abduljabbar Umar Garko, on 27 November.

The dispute began when the government announced plans to relocate the Yan Lemo Fruit Market and Yankaba Vegetables Market to Dangoro, sparking fears among residents that their lands could be seized.

Earlier appeals to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had not yielded immediate intervention, heightening tension in the community, especially among the landowners.

On Saturday, the leadership of the landowners held a meeting to brief members on their meeting with the commissioner ahead of the expected commencement of government work scheduled for next Monday.

Speaking after the meeting, the chairman of the Landowners Association for the Struggle, Alhaji Gambo Saminu Adamu, said the gathering was meant to reassure landowners that the agreement reached with the government would be implemented fairly.

“We convened this meeting to inform landowners that, God willing, government officials will begin work on Monday. We have met with the Commissioner of Land, and both sides have reached a mutual understanding,” he said.

He added that arrangements were made to ensure representation for landowners who were absent or living abroad, guaranteeing that everyone’s interests would be protected.

“We have agreed on a fair 50-50 plan. The Commissioner gave us his assurance, and we trust that Governor Yusuf, known for his fairness, will ensure no injustice. We also urge members to exercise patience,” Adamu said.

Another landowner, Sunusi Haruna, an Esco, explained that the agreement was communicated to the wider community. “We informed our people about the reasons behind the decision and the government’s plan. We also made it clear that any actions contrary to this agreement will not be accepted,” he said.

Resident Jami’u Akilu emphasised the need for fairness in implementing the plan. “The Yan Lemo Fruit Market and Yankaba Vegetables Market will be relocated to the area. The market should benefit the community as agreed, not outsiders. We call for strict adherence to the 50-50 arrangement and transparency in its execution,” he said.

Residents expressed cautious optimism, welcoming the government’s development plan while insisting on justice and protection of their lands.

Earlier, the Kano State Government, through the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning, unveiled a plan for the use of the disputed Dangoro farmlands.

Under the arrangement, landowners are to retain 50 percent of their lands, while the government takes the remaining 50 percent for development purposes.

For instance, if a landowner has space to build 10 shops, five would be allocated to the government and the other five would remain with the landowner.

The plan aims to balance development with the protection of landowners’ rights.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Government has established 119 learning centres nationwide to improve access to foundational education for Almajiri learners and out-of-school children.

The development was disclosed by Nura Muhammad, Spokesperson for the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education (NCAOOSCE), during an interview with journalists in Abuja on Sunday.

Muhammad explained that the centres operate under two models: some enhance existing Almajiri schools with structured literacy and numeracy classes, while others focus exclusively on out-of-school children using the Accelerated Basic Education Programme (ABEP) curriculum.

He noted that this approach allows learners to complete foundational education in a shorter time frame.

The spokesperson also announced the successful development of a National Policy on Almajiri Education, spearheaded by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, ensuring that Almajiri learners will no longer be classified as out-of-school children.

He added that Almajiri schools will now receive the same support and funding as conventional schools.

In strengthening its nationwide presence, Muhammad said the Commission now has offices in all states within 28 months of its establishment.

It has also launched a ward-to-ward advocacy campaign in seven pilot states – Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Borno, Lagos, Ogun, and Cross River – to engage parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups, and children on the importance of regulated education and school enrolment.

“Lagos, Cross River, Ogun, and Yobe have successfully covered all wards, and the public response has been very encouraging. The remaining pilot states are making substantial progress, and the model will ultimately be scaled nationwide,” he added.

The spokesperson emphasized that these reforms align with the Commission’s enabling Act, assented to by the President in May 2023.

The mandate includes reforming the centuries-old Almajiri system through literacy, numeracy, and skills acquisition, while enrolling millions of out-of-school children into formal and non-formal education pathways.

Muhammad said that upon assuming office, Executive Secretary Muhammad Idris conducted consultations with key stakeholders, including the Sultan of Sokoto, the CAN President, the Oba of Lagos, the Shehu of Borno, the Ooni of Ife, and the Olubadan.

These consultations culminated in two Abuja retreats organized with the Office of the National Security Adviser, producing the NCAOOSCE Strategic Plan (2025-2035) to guide reforms over the next decade.

Among the Commission’s flagship programs is the Tinubu Legacy Skills Training Institute, designed to equip Almajiri youths with both religious knowledge and vocational skills.

At the Kaduna campus, 200 learners completed a nine-month intensive training program covering Arabic and English literacy, Qur’anic interpretation, and vocational skills such as POP design, plumbing, agriculture, tiling, solar installation, GSM repair, and ICT.

Trainees followed the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) curriculum, sat for examinations, and are now awaiting results.

A second branch in Ibadan is currently training 150 girls using the ABEP curriculum, combining foundational education with vocational skills. Upon completion, the girls will be eligible to continue formal education.

“These initiatives reflect the Tinubu administration’s commitment to reform the Almajiri system and ensure that no child is left behind. From expanded learning centres to community advocacy and skills development, the Commission is laying a foundation that will shape Nigeria’s education landscape for years to come,” Muhammad said.