News

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

United States President Donald Trump has urged new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham to take immediate action against illegal migration, warning that the issue is “killing” the United Kingdom.

In an interview with GB News on Wednesday, Trump said Burnham would eventually be forced to address immigration despite initially avoiding the subject after taking office.

“He’s going to have to mention it because it’s killing your country,” Trump told the broadcaster.

The US president claimed migrants were arriving from multiple regions, including Africa, South America, and parts of Asia.

“They’re invading Europe,” Trump warned, adding that “the UK is a prime suspect.”

Trump’s comments came on the same day that more than 500 migrants crossed the English Channel into Britain, with people smugglers launching 11 small boats from various points along the French and Belgian coastline.

The remarks also come as Burnham’s government continues to face scrutiny over its plans for handling asylum seekers.

When asked earlier this week whether the Prime Minister wanted asylum hotels to be closed, a Downing Street spokesman said: “The work on that continues,” adding there was “no change in that work being carried out by the Home Secretary in her department.”

According to Home Office figures, 172 people crossed the Channel on the Wednesday of Burnham’s first week in office, followed by 366 on Thursday and another 103 on Friday.

Trump reflected on his early interactions with the British leader, saying Burnham had a “big job ahead of him” on his first day in Downing Street.

Describing a recent telephone conversation between them, Trump said it was “interesting, and went very well,” adding that he wished the Prime Minister “GOOD LUCK AND GODSPEED.”

While the two leaders have maintained relatively stable relations during Burnham’s opening weeks, North Sea oil drilling has emerged as a potential point of disagreement.

The day before Burnham succeeded former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Trump urged him to expand North Sea oil drilling, claiming it would transform the UK “from a poverty stricken disaster, to one of the richest countries anywhere in the world.”

Sources in Washington have reportedly expressed concern over Burnham’s appointment of Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary, citing his previous criticisms of Trump.

Behind the scenes, efforts to strengthen UK-US relations are continuing, while Burnham has maintained Britain’s policy of allowing US forces to use British military bases for what the government describes as “defensive” strikes linked to the conflict involving Iran.

The Osun State Police Command says it has arrested the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, and five other suspects over alleged vote-buying ahead of the state’s governorship election.

The police also said officers recovered ₦4.81 million, a laptop, a photocopy machine, a printer, voter cards and a voter register during an operation at a residence linked to the SSG in Osogbo.

In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the operation followed intelligence reports about suspected criminal activities around the Oroki Estate area of the state capital.

“Acting on credible and actionable intelligence that some criminal gang were hibernating around Oroki Estate Area, Osogbo, operatives of the Command carried out a lawful operation within the environs while one suspect identified as Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as “Ashipa,” who has been on the watch-list in connection with serious criminal offences including murder and others at a residential property linked to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Osun State,” the statement read.

“During the operation, officers recovered exhibits comprising cash sum of four million eight hundred ten thousand, five hundred naira (N4,810,500), one Dynabook Laptop, one Photocopy Machine, one Printer, two Voter’s Card and voter register for Ward 1-15.

“These exhibits have been secured and are currently in police custody for detailed forensic examination and further investigation.

“The operation also led to the arrest of the following suspects: Hon Igbalaye Teslim ‘m’ 47years, One Akande Taiwo ‘m’ 60years, Oladele Abiodun ‘m’ 38years, Adeyemo Lukman ‘m’ 45years, Olaoye Muftau ‘m’ 50years, Aderemi Musliu ‘m’ 40years.

“The suspect was found within the premises during the operation and has since been taken into lawful custody.”

According to the police, the cash recovered alongside the voter register has raised concerns about possible electoral offences and other criminal activities.

“While investigations are still ongoing, the facts presently available disclose reasonable grounds to investigate the commission of offences which may include: Bribery of Voters (Vote Buying) contrary to Section 121 of the Electoral Act, 2022, arising from the alleged distribution of money or other inducements to registered voters for the purpose of influencing their voting decisions,” Ojelabi said.

“Criminal conspiracy, where two or more persons are found to have agreed to commit an unlawful act.

“Harbouring or concealing a Wanted Criminal, where any individual is found to have knowingly sheltered or assisted a fugitive from justice. Any other offences that may be disclosed upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.”

The police spokesperson described the allegations as serious and said investigators were working to identify everyone connected with the recovered items, determine the source of the money and establish its intended use.

He added that the command would enforce the law without bias.

“No individual, irrespective of social status, political affiliation, or public office, is above the law,” he said.

“Any person found culpable at the conclusion of investigations will be prosecuted in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all applicable laws.”

Ojelabi also urged residents to remain peaceful and continue providing useful information that could help security agencies maintain law and order and ensure credible elections.

The arrests come amid heightened political tension ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.

However, the Osun State Government has condemned the police action. The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, accused the police of unlawfully invading the residences of the SSG and several commissioners.

He described the operations as “gestapo operations” and alleged that officers carried out the raids without obtaining proper search warrants.

“The Osun state government has raised alarm over systematic invasion, attacks and bursting of homes of top Osun state government officials by the Osun state police command without proper search warrant, with the latest being the invasion of the house of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG),” the statement read.

Alimi said ward officials were holding a meeting at the SSG’s residence when the operation took place. He added that Igbalaye was attending an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stakeholders’ forum at the time.

The commissioner also alleged that the police had searched the residence of the Commissioner for Energy in Ikire and that five other commissioners had reported surveillance and raids on their homes.

He further claimed that several members of the Accord Party were being held in police custody without bail.

Describing the incidents as “an aggravated assault on the government and people of Osun state” and a “grave danger” to Nigeria’s democracy, Alimi accused the police command of acting in a partisan manner.

He alleged that “by openly launching attacks on Osun government officials, the state police command has again confirmed its partiality, its partisanship and its becoming a direct tool in the hands of Osun APC”.

Alimi called on President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and traditional rulers in the state to intervene.

“This must be stopped before it escalates into a general breakdown of law and order,” he added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed fresh terrorism charges against five convicted members of the Ansaru terrorist group over the attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The defendants appeared before Justice Salim Ibrahim of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, where they pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge.

The accused are Mahmud Muhammad, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, whom the DSS identified as the leader of Ansaru; Abubakar Abbas, also known as Isah Adam, Mahmud al-Nigeri or Malam Mamuda, described as the group’s deputy leader and chief of staff; Abdulrazak Umar, also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid; Yunusa Musa, also known as Yunusa bin Musa; and Shamsu Adamu Sani, also known as Abu Itisar.

Court documents showed that the new case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/438/2026, was filed on July 29 by M.E. Ernest, counsel to the DSS. It contains six terrorism-related counts.

The latest prosecution comes only days after the five men were convicted in separate cases linked to the same attack.

On July 20, Justice Emeka Nwite sentenced Muhammad and Abbas to life imprisonment after they pleaded guilty to a 32-count terrorism charge.

Three days later, the same judge sentenced Umar, Musa and Sani to life imprisonment after they admitted their roles in the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire LGA.

At Wednesday’s proceedings, Calistus Eze, counsel to the DSS, informed the court that the charge had been amended to include all five defendants and requested that it be read to them. The defence did not object, and each of the defendants entered a not guilty plea.

The prosecution asked the court to fix a trial date and requested that the defendants remain in DSS custody until the case is concluded.

Although the defence opposed the request, Justice Ibrahim overruled the objection. He ordered that the five defendants remain in DSS custody. The judge also directed that they should have unrestricted access to their lawyer and two family members.

The case was adjourned until September 25 for the commencement of trial.

According to the charge, the alleged offences are punishable under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The DSS alleged that the defendants participated in the May 15 attack on three schools in Oriire LGA, where seven teachers and 39 pupils were abducted.

One of the kidnapped teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was later beheaded while in captivity. His attackers circulated a video of the killing.

Authorities also confirmed that another teacher, John Olaleye, died in captivity. The remaining five teachers and the 39 pupils were eventually rescued after spending 56 days in captivity.

The DSS further alleged that before the hostages were rescued, the kidnappers demanded the release of Muhammad and Abbas as part of negotiations for the victims’ freedom.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigerian Army has announced a significant expansion of its operational structure with the establishment of four additional divisions, following presidential approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu has appointed seasoned senior officers as General Officers Commanding (GOCs) for the new formations, which form part of a comprehensive reorganisation aimed at addressing the nation’s evolving security challenges.

The newly established 5 Division, headquartered in Makurdi, will oversee security operations in Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States, while 9 Division in Ilorin will cover Kwara and Niger States. The 10 Division, based in Jalingo, will handle border areas of Taraba and Adamawa States, and 83 Division in Benin City will cover Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States when activated later this year.

Under the new structure, Major General Moses Gara has been redeployed from Operation WHIRL STROKE to command 5 Division, while Major General Yakubu Yahaya takes charge of 9 Division in Ilorin. Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife moves from 2 Division in Ibadan to command 10 Division in Jalingo.

The reorganisation also affects existing divisions, with Major General Auwalu Mahmuda appointed as GOC of 2 Division in Ibadan. The army has simultaneously activated three new brigades in Gboko, Kainji and Lafia to strengthen the new divisions.

The COAS stated that the expansion would enhance command and control, improve operational coordination, strengthen border security and enable faster troop deployment across the country. The new divisions will commence operations upon attaining Initial Operational Capability (IOC), with measures underway to achieve Full Operational Capability (FOC).

Lieutenant General Shaibu expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for what he described as a “historic milestone” in the transformation of the Nigerian Army, emphasising that the expanded force structure would significantly bolster national security.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has begun implementing the 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariff Amendments approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The new framework seeks to strengthen the country’s fiscal and trade policies, improve economic competitiveness, and increase government revenue.

In a statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, the NCS said the revised measures align Nigeria’s tariff structure with regional and international obligations. The Service added that the policy also supports local industrial growth and facilitates legitimate trade.

According to the statement, the amendments introduce major changes to the Customs and Excise Tariff framework. They include the Revised Import Adjustment Tax (IAT) List for the implementation of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (2022–2027), the Revised National List under the same tariff regime, the Revised Import Prohibition List (Trade), the Revised List of Goods Liable to Excise Duty, the Green Tax Surcharge on motor vehicles with engine capacities of 2,000cc and above, and the Revised Export Prohibition List.

The Service advised importers, exporters, manufacturers, licensed customs agents, and other stakeholders to study the revised tariff schedules and comply with all applicable fiscal and regulatory requirements.

The NCS also announced that the complete 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariff Amendments have been published on its official website to ensure transparency and ease of access. It urged stakeholders to review the provisions carefully and comply with the approved measures.

The Service reaffirmed its commitment to implementing government policies through its statutory responsibilities of trade facilitation, revenue collection, and border security.

It further noted that effective implementation of the 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariff Amendments will depend on the cooperation of stakeholders across the trade sector. The NCS said such collaboration will help build a more competitive, transparent, and sustainable economy.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Nearly half of Americans believe the United States should arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he enters the country, according to a new Economist/YouGov poll.

The survey found that 49 per cent of respondents support enforcing the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Netanyahu, while 27 per cent oppose such action and 23 per cent remain undecided.

The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu in November 2024 over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Netanyahu and the Israeli government reject the allegations, describing them as politically motivated.

The poll reflects growing public criticism of Netanyahu in the United States. Recent surveys have also shown declining support for his leadership and increasing concern among Americans over U.S. policy toward Israel, particularly among Democratic voters and younger Americans.

Despite the poll results, legal experts note that the United States is not a member of the ICC, making the enforcement of the court’s arrest warrant highly unlikely under current U.S. law.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A senior Nigerian Army officer, Col. Abdussalam A. Ude, has been killed after suspected kidnappers attacked his residence in Badna, New Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

The attack occurred on Monday night in the border community near the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Initial reports had incorrectly suggested that the incident took place in Abuja.

According to sources in the community, the gunmen stormed the officer’s residence during a heavy downpour and attempted to abduct him. The officer reportedly resisted the attackers before they shot him several times.

A resident, who is a journalist, and a community leader confirmed the incident.

“They came during the rain. They wanted to kidnap him, but he resisted. He was shot multiple times,” one of the sources said.

The source added that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Kurudu visited the scene on Tuesday and evacuated the deceased’s body to a morgue.

“The DPO of Kurudu was there earlier today. He took the corpse to a morgue,” the source added.

Earlier, the spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, said the incident did not occur within the command’s jurisdiction.

“This didn’t happen under our jurisdiction. It happened in Nasarawa. Contact the Nasarawa command,” she said.

The spokesperson for the Nasarawa State Police Command, SP Ramhan Nansel, also said he was unaware of the incident when contacted.

However, the FCT Police Command later released a statement confirming that its investigation established that the attack took place in Badna, New Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State and not within the Federal Capital Territory.

According to the command, the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, ordered an investigation immediately after reports of the attack circulated online.

“Investigations revealed that the incident occurred in Badna, New Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, and not within the jurisdiction of the FCT Police Command as falsely portrayed in the circulating publications,” the statement read.

The command criticised reports that placed the incident in Abuja. It said the inaccurate reports created unnecessary panic among residents of the nation’s capital.

“The command is concerned that some blogs and media outlets, in an attempt to gain traction, have deliberately attributed the incident to the FCT, thereby creating unnecessary panic, heightening public anxiety, and misinforming residents of the nation’s capital,” it stated.

The police also disclosed that the Commissioner of Police had directed the deployment of operational and intelligence assets to communities bordering Nasarawa State to prevent criminal elements from entering the FCT.

“The CP FCT command has proactively ordered the immediate deployment of operational and intelligence assets to border communities adjoining the FCT with Nasarawa State, to prevent any attempt by criminal elements to infiltrate the Federal Capital Territory or perpetrate any criminal activity within the nation’s capital,” the statement added.

The command urged media organisations and members of the public to verify security-related information before publication. It warned that inaccurate reports could erode public confidence and create unnecessary fear.

Meanwhile, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, said a statement on the incident was being prepared.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has announced plans to establish a National Housing Finance Authority (NHFA) as part of efforts to improve access to affordable housing finance across Nigeria.

The proposal was unveiled by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Darma, during a stakeholders’ validation workshop held in Abuja on Tuesday, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Darma said the proposed authority would be created under a new national mortgage industry policy. He explained that the initiative would strengthen mortgage financing, reposition the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), and widen participation in the National Housing Fund (NHF).

He said the planned reforms would allow traders, artisans and other workers in the informal sector to participate in the NHF. The minister added that contributors would be able to join the scheme with monthly payments starting from ₦5,000.

According to him, the initiative is expected to promote financial inclusion and create more opportunities for Nigerians to own affordable homes.

The minister also highlighted the growing importance of the real estate sector to the country’s economy. He said the sector now contributes about 13.4 per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with an estimated value of about ₦41 trillion. He noted that it has become the country’s third-largest sector following the rebasing of the national accounts.

He further stated that the combined value of the real estate and construction sectors exceeded ₦77 trillion in 2025.

“After the rebasing of our accounts, real estate services alone account for about 13.4 percent of Nigeria’s GDP, roughly N41 trillion,” the minister said.

“It is our third-largest sector, ahead of telecommunications and crude oil. With construction added, the two crossed N77 trillion in 2025.

“Dubai is smaller than Kano. The difference is not money. The difference is trust, and trust is manufactured by regulation.”

Darma said improved regulation and stronger housing finance would increase investor confidence and encourage greater private sector investment in the housing industry.

He added that the government is proposing the establishment of a National Housing Industry Regulatory Commission to improve oversight of property developers and mortgage operators.

According to the minister, the planned reforms form part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to reduce the country’s housing deficit, improve affordability and support sustainable urban development.

Earlier, on January 19, the Federal Government announced a new national housing strategy that focuses on land reforms, urban renewal and public-private partnerships (PPPs) as part of efforts to tackle Nigeria’s housing shortage.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has announced the Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), Mr. Jerry Adams, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.

The governor made the announcement in a statement issued on Tuesday. He said the decision followed extensive consultations, careful reflection and prayers. He added that the nomination reflects his administration’s commitment to justice, equity, competence and inclusive governance.

According to Uba Sani, the choice goes beyond selecting a deputy governorship candidate. He said it represents the core values that have shaped his administration since he assumed office on May 29, 2023.

“This decision is far greater than the selection of a deputy governorship candidate. It is a reaffirmation of the values that have guided our administration since I took the oath of office on 29 May 2023; the values of inclusion, justice, fairness, equity and the unwavering conviction that every citizen of Kaduna State deserves a genuine sense of belonging.”


The governor described Kaduna’s ethnic, religious and cultural diversity as one of the state’s greatest assets. He said his administration has pursued policies that encourage unity, dialogue and balanced development across all parts of the state.

He also stated that government projects in roads, education, healthcare, water supply, agriculture, rural development and social protection have reached all 23 local government areas. He said the approach aims to ensure that every community benefits from government interventions.

Uba Sani further noted that continuous engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders, community groups, women and youth organisations has strengthened peace-building efforts. He said the engagement has also improved security and renewed the confidence of farmers, businesses and investors.

The governor praised Adams as an experienced public servant and tax administrator. He said the KADIRS chairman has transformed the state’s revenue agency through effective leadership.

He credited Adams with improving Kaduna State’s internally generated revenue through innovation, transparency and professionalism. He added that the increase in revenue has enabled the government to invest more in key sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure and agriculture.

Uba Sani also described his running mate as a man of integrity, humility and competence. He said the nomination demonstrates his administration’s commitment to merit, character and inclusive leadership.

He urged residents of Kaduna State to view the development as an opportunity to strengthen unity and shared prosperity instead of focusing on religious, ethnic or regional differences.

“As we look towards 2027, I invite every son and daughter of Kaduna State to see this moment not through the narrow prism of religion, ethnicity or geography, but through the broader vision of the Kaduna we are building together; a Kaduna where every child can dream without fear, every community can flourish, every faith is respected and every citizen has an equal stake in our common future,” he said.


The governor expressed confidence that his administration has established a strong foundation for a more peaceful, secure and prosperous Kaduna State. He pledged to build on its achievements and continue implementing policies that promote unity, fairness and sustainable development.

By Dahiru Kasimu Adamu

University life is a vibrant tapestry woven from diverse activities, yet one of its defining features is its ability to accommodate people from different cultural backgrounds. Amid the pursuit of academic excellence, a powerful movement is taking root, ensuring that heritage is not lost but celebrated. 

Over the years, students’ associations representing various states and local governments have been at the forefront of transferring cultural heritage across institutions, turning campuses into living museums of tradition. A prime example of this cultural renaissance is the Argungu Emirates Students Association (ARESA), Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, chapter, which recently organised its annual ARESA Day. 

Academically, the event was a showcase of intellect, featuring debates, poetry recitals, and spelling competitions where students from different local governments participated in various categories. However, it was the cultural display that truly captivated the minds and hearts of hundreds of attendees, stealing the show with its vivid authenticity.

The highlight of the event was the recreation of the Argungu Emirate Council. In a meticulously staged setting, students assumed the roles of traditional rulers and dignitaries. Aminu Sani took on the prestigious role of Kunduɗan kabi, while Ahmed Sani served as Sarkin shanun Kabi. The court was complete with district heads, including the Sarkin Zabarmawa, Mai Arewa, and Sarkin Samari, who, along with other important figures such as Kunduɗa, paid homage to the Emir. Adding to the royal pageantry, Gimbiya was present, with Masa’uda Khadija Usman Abubakar and her entourage bringing the historical narratives to life.

The Argungu Emirate is a melting pot of the Hausa, Fulani, and Zabarmawa tribes; the event featured traditional dances from each group performed before the Emir. This spectacle served as a vibrant testament to the unity and peaceful coexistence that defines the Emirate.

According to the leadership of the ARESA UDUS chapter, the aim of this cultural immersion is to showcase Argungu Emirate’s rich history, cultural heritage, and strength, while fostering unity among students. The impact on the audience was palpable. Yusuf Garba, a student from Niger State, noted that the cultural display helped him “identify the structure of Argungu Emirate council, indicating the cultural heritage of the people.” Similarly, Ruadat Ibrahim from the south-west highlighted the traditional dances of the Hausa and Zabarma tribes as the aspect that “hijacked her mind.”

Witnesses of the event have since encouraged other student associations to emulate ARESA’s initiative in showcasing their culture.