News

By Anas Abbas

A three-year-old boy was rescued from suspected kidnappers in Ogbagi Akoko, Ondo State, after a woman’s swift intervention foiled the abduction attempt.

The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the incident on Wednesday, noting that it occurred on March 22 in Ogbagi Akoko following a report by the child’s mother.

According to the police, the child had been sent to his grandmother when a vigilant resident raised the alarm after noticing suspicious movements involving the boy.

The suspects were said to be fleeing with the child on an unregistered motorcycle when the grandmother intervened by holding onto the bike, preventing their escape. Her action, alongside the swift response of community members, led to the suspects being apprehended.

Police authorities confirmed that the child was rescued unharmed, while the suspects have been taken into custody for further investigation.

The command added that the case has been transferred for detailed investigation to determine whether the suspects are linked to a wider criminal network.

Commending residents for their vigilance, the police emphasised the importance of community cooperation in tackling crime and enhancing security.

By Anas Abbas

The Minister of State for Defence and former Zamfara governor, Bello Matawalle, has ruled out contesting the 2027 governorship election in the state, declaring support for the re-election of incumbent governor, Dauda Lawal.

Matawalle made his position known in a recent statement, where he dismissed speculations about a possible return bid for the governorship, insisting that he has no intention of joining the race.

Instead, the former governor pledged his backing for Lawal, signalling a shift in political alignment and calling for unity among stakeholders in Zamfara State.

He emphasised that politics should not be treated as a conflict, but rather as a means of fostering cooperation and development, noting that collective efforts are needed to address the state’s challenges, particularly insecurity.

Matawalle also urged political actors and supporters to work together in the interest of peace, stability, and progress in the state ahead of the 2027 elections.

The development marks a significant turn in Zamfara’s political landscape, considering the rivalry between both figures during the 2023 governorship contest, which Lawal won

By Ibrahim Yunusa

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has initiated fresh reconciliation efforts following advice from the Court of Appeal in Ibadan, urging warring factions to resolve internal disputes ahead of upcoming elections. The party’s Board of Trustees, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, constituted a high-powered committee to engage aggrieved members and address lingering issues threatening party unity.


As part of confidence-building measures, the National Working Committee (NWC) postponed key meetings, including the National Executive Committee and National Caucus sessions, and toned down confrontational communications.

However, the party expressed concern over continued hostile rhetoric from opposing factions, calling for restraint in the interest of members seeking to contest under the party’s platform within the timelines set by the Electoral Act.


Despite the tensions, the PDP leadership confirmed that dialogue has commenced, with both sides exploring pathways toward lasting peace.

The party urged supporters nationwide to avoid actions or statements that could derail ongoing reconciliation efforts.

It also reassured aspirants of its commitment to field candidates for all elective positions in line with its constitution.


Reaffirming its role in Nigeria’s democratic landscape, the PDP expressed gratitude to its supporters and maintained that it remains a viable opposition force.

The party also passed a vote of confidence on Governors Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde for their leadership, while assuring Nigerians that it will actively participate in the forthcoming elections and continue to provide a credible platform for democratic choice.

By Anas Abbas

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has ordered all political appointees aspiring to contest in the 2026 general elections to resign from their positions in compliance with electoral laws.

The directive announced, was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

According to the statement, the order was formally communicated through a circular signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim. The circular stressed the importance of adhering strictly to regulations guiding the conduct of public office holders.

It explained that the decision aligns with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which governs the involvement of public officials in partisan political activities.

The government noted that the move is intended to promote neutrality, accountability, and integrity within the public service, while also ensuring a level playing field for all aspirants ahead of the polls.

The circular further directed that all affected appointees must resign or retire, where applicable, on or before March 31, 2026.

Meanwhile, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) across the state have been instructed to widely disseminate the directive and ensure strict compliance.

A former Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Political Matters, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has said Nigeria is facing more serious challenges now than when the current administration began in 2023.

Baba-Ahmed spoke on Tuesday during an interview on aTV show. He assessed the country’s situation in areas such as the economy and security. He argued that the present conditions show that the government has not met the expectations it set when it assumed office.

According to him, the level of insecurity and violence has worsened since the start of the administration.

“We are in deeper trouble than when you came. Violence are becoming a lot more serious than we anticipated. Three years into President Tinubu’s presidency, we’re seeing an escalation in the pattern of violence and its magnitude and impact on our people that we’ve never seen before.

“This is a president who came to power promising to put an end to this insecurity and to create a new path for Nigeria, create new living conditions for Nigerians, make life safer and more abundant.

“The president himself would admit that he has failed to do this, to live up to the promises he has made and to make Nigerians safe.”

Baba-Ahmed also referred to the recent state visit by President Tinubu to the United Kingdom. He noted that the trip involved many government officials and ministers.

“A few days ago, the President and the huge entourage of ministers and government officials traveled to the United Kingdom on state visit. It was a very festive event, from the media reports, very happy event.

“It occurred at a moment when, in just a few days earlier, there were one of the most horrendous attacks in Borno state, a few days before the departure of this huge contingent that the President led,” he lamented.

His remarks add to the ongoing debate about the country’s economic and security conditions under the current administration.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Police Command says it has recorded a notable reduction in crime across the state in the first quarter of 2026, crediting the progress to improved policing strategies, intelligence-driven operations, and closer collaboration with key stakeholders.

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, made this known on Tuesday while briefing journalists at the Command Headquarters in Bompai, Kano, where he outlined the current security situation.

Bakori explained that recent restructuring within the Command has boosted operational effectiveness and strengthened responses to emerging threats, noting that the reforms are already delivering encouraging outcomes in maintaining public safety.

He stressed that the police remain determined to build on the gains to ensure Kano continues to be secure for both residents and businesses.

Speaking on the Command’s 2026 roadmap, the commissioner said initiatives such as community policing, intelligence-led operations, capacity development, and collaboration with other security agencies have reinforced the state’s security framework.

He highlighted the impact of Operation Kukan Kura, which he said has played a key role in curbing thuggery, popularly known as Fadan Daba.

“Our roadmap for 2026 is already producing strong results, and we are focused on sustaining and improving this momentum,” he said.

Bakori further noted that coordinated efforts involving the Kano State Government and other security agencies have helped prevent bandit infiltration, while long-standing farmer-herder disputes have been addressed through dialogue and community engagement.

On the fight against drug-related crimes, he revealed that the Command has utilised open-source intelligence to identify suspected dealers, with over 2,000 names submitted by members of the public.

According to him, many of the entries appeared repeatedly, suggesting credible information.

“We are profiling and verifying these individuals with a view to taking decisive action,” he said, emphasizing the importance of technology and community support in tackling crime.

The commissioner added that suspects linked to offences including armed robbery, kidnapping, cybercrime, and drug trafficking have been arrested and prosecuted, with several stolen items recovered during operations.

While admitting that security challenges persist, Bakori reassured residents of the Command’s resolve to address them through sustained collaboration with relevant authorities.

He also acknowledged the support of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, alongside the cooperation of the public.

The police chief urged citizens to continue providing timely and useful information, assuring that the Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has urged the international community to step into the ongoing Middle East crisis. He warned that the situation could push many countries back to conditions similar to the COVID-19 period.

Dangote made the remarks on Monday after meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his residence in Lagos.

He raised concerns about the instability in global oil prices and its wider economic impact. He noted that Nigeria and other African nations may have no choice but to adopt remote working arrangements if the situation worsens.

Dangote also appealed for prayers and global intervention to bring the conflict to an end, as it continues to influence fuel prices and other energy costs.

He said, “In some countries today, what they’ve done is ask everybody to work from home because they cannot afford it.

“I think in Indonesia, they only go to work four days a week. And they will look at the situation. If it doesn’t improve, they will ask everybody not to go to work anymore. We will do like that time of COVID, where people will now go and work from home,” Dangote said.

He further explained that the crisis could encourage opportunistic pricing, which would worsen the burden on citizens.

“It’s not only energy. Some people will try to take a chance and say, ‘Ah, this is an opportunity. So, let me make money. So, if this thing doesn’t de-escalate, it is going to keep going up and governments cannot really now go and add salaries also. So, people will really feel the pinch,” he said.

Dangote stressed that small-scale operators would be among the most affected, especially those who depend on fuel-powered equipment.

“People who are barbers, people who are doing bread, people who have industries who have to pay their own generator, I mean, you can see what is happening,” he said.

On a different note, Dangote commended President Tinubu for his recent visit to the United Kingdom. He pointed to the £746 million infrastructure agreement signed during the trip as a major achievement.

“It has not been easy dealing with the British, getting this kind of money out of them. They, too, are struggling on their own. But I think this is to show confidence—it’s not about the money. It’s about the confidence in Nigeria,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the agreement would attract more international partnerships. Dangote added that Nigerian investors can now access funding support from the UK Export Finance agency, which has remained underutilised for years.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) under Operation Hadin Kai, working with civilian hunters and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), have arrested a suspected informant linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram terrorists in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The suspect, identified as Abdullahi Umar, 25, a native of Gwoza in neighboring Borno State, was apprehended on March 23 after security operatives received credible intelligence about suspected ISWAP elements within the 232 Battalion’s Tactical Area of Responsibility.

SaharaReporters gathered that Umar was arrested during a coordinated operation involving troops and local security volunteers in the area.

A security expert and counter-insurgency analyst, Zagazola Makama, confirmed the arrest and revealed that preliminary investigations showed the suspect had been assigned by insurgents to carry out reconnaissance around military formations.

According to the findings, Umar was allegedly tasked with surveying routes leading to the 232 Battalion and other military structures to identify potential entry points for future attacks by insurgents.

During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to participating in a recent attack on troops in Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

Military authorities are conducting further investigations while Umar remains in custody for possible prosecution and additional intelligence gathering.

At least 34 people have died after a Colombian Air Force plane crashed shortly after takeoff in the country’s southern region, authorities said.

The incident occurred on Monday in Putumayo department. The aircraft was carrying 125 people at the time of the crash.

The governor of Putumayo confirmed the casualty figure and said the plane went down moments after leaving the runway.

Emergency responders and military personnel were deployed to the crash site as rescue efforts continued. The full details surrounding the cause of the accident are yet to be made public.

Officials have not released further information about survivors or the identities of those on board.

The crash has raised concerns about aviation safety, as investigations are expected to begin to determine what led to the incident.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Tensions are mounting in Borno State following the alleged killing of Abdulrahman Mustapha, widely known as “Abchin,” by soldiers of the Nigerian Army on March 22, 2026. Witnesses report the victim was shot dead near the Federal High Court along the Polo Axis in the Karshen Kolta area of Maiduguri while returning from a Sallah visit to his siblings.

According to multiple eyewitness accounts, Mr. Mustapha was unarmed and posed no threat to the military personnel at the time of the incident. The shooting occurred during the festive period when residents were moving between family gatherings.

In a development that has further fueled public outrage, sources indicate that military personnel conveyed the deceased’s lifeless body along with his vehicle to the GRA Police Station. From there, his remains were transported to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, where he was formally confirmed dead.

Civil society groups and residents have condemned the act, describing it as a grim example of the military’s alleged disregard for the sanctity of human life and the rule of law. Critics argue that such incidents undermine public trust in security institutions and foster a climate of impunity.

Human rights advocates are now calling on the Nigerian government to intervene. They insist that the authorities must uphold constitutional and international human rights obligations by launching an immediate investigation and ensuring that any soldiers found culpable face a prompt and fair trial.

As of press time, the Nigerian Army has not issued an official statement regarding the incident, and calls for accountability continue to mount from local communities demanding justice for Abdulrahman Mustapha.