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FG Approves 35% Hazard Allowance Increase for Federal University NASU Workers

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has approved a 35% increase in hazard allowances for junior and senior members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) working in federal universities.

The new allowance package will take effect from January 1, 2026. The approval followed an agreement reached between the Federal Government and NASU on June 29, 2026.

The decision was conveyed in a circular dated July 20, 2026. Adighiogu Chiadi, Acting Secretary of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), signed the circular. It was addressed to the Chief of Staff to the President, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, ministers and heads of government agencies.

The circular stated: “Following the agreement between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions dated 29th June 2026, the Federal Government has approved the payment of the following allowances to non-teaching staff members of NASU in Federal Universities.”

Under the revised package, laboratory hazard allowance for workers on CONTISS 1–5 increased from N180,000 to N243,000 annually. Employees on CONTISS 6–15 will now receive N486,000 each year instead of N360,000. The increases represent 35% for both categories. NASU had requested annual payments of N360,000 and N720,000 respectively.

The government also reviewed responsibility allowances for senior non-teaching staff. Registrars and bursars will now receive N840,000 annually instead of N750,000. The union had demanded N1.5 million.

Deputy registrars, deputy bursars and deputy directors will receive N480,000 annually, although NASU sought N600,000.

Directors will receive an annual responsibility allowance of N600,000 for the first time. The amount meets the union’s request. Heads of sections, who previously had no responsibility allowance, will now earn N150,000 annually. NASU had proposed N900,000 for the category.

The government also approved higher allowances for field trips, teaching practice and industrial supervision. Workers on CONTISS 1–5 will receive N81,000 annually instead of N60,000, while those on CONTISS 6–12 will receive N108,000 instead of N80,000. Staff on CONTISS 13–15 will now earn N135,000 annually, up from N100,000.

For the Students’ Work Experience Programme (SWEP), workers on CONTISS 1–5 will receive N81,000 annually, while those on CONTISS 6–12 will earn N108,000. Employees on CONTISS 13–15 will now receive a harmonised annual allowance of N135,000, replacing the previous range of N60,000 to N100,000. NASU had proposed N200,000 for the category.

The circular further stated that the Provision Tools Allowance (PTA) has been merged into the Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance (CATA). It also noted that laboratory student-to-staff ratio supplementation will now be covered under excess workload arrangements.

The review followed months of discussions between the Federal Government and NASU. The union had argued that the allowances approved under the 2009 agreement were no longer adequate because of inflation and the rising cost of living.

South Africa Tells Nigeria It Remains Grateful Amid Xenophobic Tensions

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The South African government has expressed gratitude to Nigeria for its contribution to the country’s liberation from apartheid. It also pledged to strengthen cooperation with Abuja as both nations seek solutions to the recurring attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa.

Ronald Lamola, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, made the remarks on Monday during a meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, in Abuja.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had reportedly asked Lamola to deliver a message to President Bola Tinubu. However, Tinubu delegated the meeting to Enikanolaiye.

Lamola said his visit was intended to reaffirm the long-standing relationship between both countries and discuss concerns over the violence directed at foreign nationals in South Africa.

He acknowledged Nigeria’s support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle. He described the assistance as a historic sacrifice that South Africans continue to appreciate.

“We remain deeply indebted to the people of Nigeria for their sacrifice,” Lamola said.

He also stated that President Ramaphosa’s administration rejects xenophobia, racism, discrimination, homophobia and every form of intolerance.

The minister, however, maintained that South Africa has the responsibility to enforce its immigration laws and tackle irregular migration as well as crimes such as drug trafficking, internet fraud and other offences.

Lamola added that migration has become a challenge across Africa. He said the issue requires collective action in line with the African Union’s framework on orderly and regular migration.

“We believe that Nigeria and South Africa have a shared responsibility to respond to these challenges within the African continent,” he said.

He noted that President Ramaphosa’s message to Tinubu would be discussed during a private meeting.

In his remarks, Enikanolaiye said President Tinubu directed the engagement to address the continued attacks on Nigerians in South Africa openly and sincerely.

He called on the South African government to take decisive steps to end what Nigeria described as repeated Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals. He warned that the violence could undermine decades of cooperation between Africa’s two biggest economies.

The minister disclosed that official records show 98 Nigerians have lost their lives in mob and hate-related attacks in South Africa since 2022.

He added that 5 Nigerians have been killed this year, although some returnees claimed the actual number could be higher.

Enikanolaiye stressed that Nigeria does not support criminal activities. He said anyone accused of an offence should face prosecution through the courts instead of mob action.

“Nigeria will not support drug traffickers or any criminal activity, but those accused of crimes must be treated in accordance with the rule of law, South Africa’s Constitution and international human rights standards,” he said.

He also noted that many victims of the attacks were lawful residents of South Africa. He questioned why security agencies failed to intervene in some cases. He said such incidents raise concerns about the protection of foreign nationals.

According to the minister, nearly 1,500 Nigerians have been repatriated from South Africa this year.

“I shed tears when I received the first batch of evacuees. I saw children, women and the elderly returning home with almost nothing after their properties had been looted and destroyed. That is not the Africa we want,” he said.

Enikanolaiye reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining cordial relations with South Africa. He expressed hope that both countries would deepen dialogue, rebuild mutual confidence and uphold the ideals of African solidarity.

Court Orders Army To Reinstate 70 Buhari-Pardoned Soldiers, Pay Salaries From July 2022

By Sabiu Abdullahi


The National Industrial Court (NIC) in Lagos has directed the Nigerian Army to reinstate 70 soldiers who were convicted by courts-martial in 2014 but later received an unconditional presidential pardon from the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Justice Sanda Yelwa delivered the judgment on July 20. The court held that the presidential pardon granted under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution nullified the soldiers’ convictions, prison sentences and dismissals from service. The ruling stated that the pardon restored their legal status and entitled them to return to the Nigerian Army.

The judgment followed a suit filed by the 70 soldiers against the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). The case, marked NICN/LA/54/2023, challenged the military authorities’ failure to reinstate them despite the presidential pardon.

A statement issued on Monday by Tayo Soyemi of Falana & Falana Chambers, counsel to the claimants, said the soldiers sought declarations that the pardon invalidated their convictions and dismissals. They also asked the court to compel the Nigerian Army to reinstate them and pay their outstanding salaries and allowances from December 17, 2014.

The soldiers had faced trial before different courts-martial in 2014 over allegations of conspiracy and mutiny. They were initially sentenced to death, but the sentences were later reduced to 10 years’ imprisonment.

After completing their prison terms, Buhari granted them an unconditional presidential pardon through the Instrument of Grant of Pardon, 2022, which appeared in the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette dated July 29, 2022.

According to the statement, Falana & Falana Chambers wrote to the Chief of Army Staff on November 7, 2022, to request the soldiers’ reinstatement and payment of their entitlements. The legal firm said the letter was acknowledged, but the Army did not act on the request.

Funmi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), argued on behalf of the claimants that the presidential pardon removed every legal consequence of the convictions, including their dismissal from service.

The Federal Government, represented by Omobolanle Aina, opposed the suit. It argued that although a presidential pardon forgives an offence and restores civil rights, it does not erase the fact that a conviction occurred or automatically qualify a beneficiary for reinstatement.

The statement also noted that the Chief of Army Staff neither entered an appearance nor filed a defence before the court.

In his judgment, Justice Yelwa held that the official gazette was sufficient proof that all 70 soldiers benefited from the presidential pardon. He also ruled that the Nigerian Army failed to challenge the evidence presented or explain why the request for reinstatement was ignored.

The court found that the soldiers’ dismissal resulted directly from their convictions by the courts-martial. It held that the dismissals could no longer stand after the presidential pardon.

Justice Yelwa stated that although the process of reinstatement remained an administrative responsibility of the Nigerian Army, the soldiers had acquired an enforceable legal right to return to service because the constitutional obstacle to their employment no longer existed.

However, the court rejected the claim for salaries covering the period between December 17, 2014, and July 17, 2022. It ruled that the soldiers could not claim salaries for the period they were imprisoned because they did not perform official duties. The judge also noted that the instrument granting the presidential pardon did not provide for retrospective salary payments.

The court subsequently ordered the immediate reinstatement of the 70 soldiers with effect from July 18, 2022. It also directed the defendants to pay all salaries, allowances and other entitlements due to the soldiers from that date until they are formally reinstated.

UNIJOS Student Allegedly Tortured To Death Over Missing iPhone

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A University of Jos (UNIJOS) student, identified as Ibrahim Pilasar Mbaya, has allegedly died after fellow students accused him of stealing an iPhone 16 and subjected him to hours of torture at an off-campus apartment in Jos, Plateau State.

The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday at a residence behind the City of David in the Ring Road area of the city.

According to reports, Ibrahim had spent the night at a friend’s apartment before he was accused the following morning of stealing an iPhone 16. The friend reportedly claimed that Ibrahim was the only other person in the room and therefore the main suspect.

Rather than reporting the allegation to the police, the suspects allegedly assaulted and humiliated the student for several hours.

A video said to have captured parts of the incident has circulated online. It allegedly shows the victim tied up and suspended while being beaten. In another scene, he was reportedly forced to transfer water from one container to another with a teaspoon despite his weakened condition.

Sources alleged that the student endured repeated assaults and degrading treatment throughout the ordeal.

They further claimed that after the torture, Ibrahim was locked inside a room where a nurse was invited to examine him. The nurse reportedly confirmed that he had died.

The suspects allegedly attempted to take his body to the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) in what witnesses described as an effort to portray the incident as a medical emergency. However, the police were reportedly alerted before the plan could be carried out.

Reacting to the incident, a concerned citizen, Prince Miaphen, condemned the alleged killing and called for justice.

“That this late student was beaten to death by his fellow students in a student environment over allegations of theft has given me serious headache and pains.

“More annoying is the fact that one of his female friends, a fellow model, suggested that my attention should be called upon when it was happening and another friend said they should wait for further investigation before informing me. Kai! Kai!! Kai!!!”

Providing more details, Miaphen said:

“It was alleged that the young boy went and slept in a friend’s place and there was a case of a stolen iPhone which he was accused of stealing. UNIJOS, Bauchi Ring Road…

“This was a very friendly and jovial model.

“He was beaten to death yesterday by students in an off-campus apartment behind the City of David in Ring Road.

“IB passed the night in his friend’s place in Ring Road and the friend accused him of stealing his iPhone 16 in the morning.

“He said since they were the only two in the room, he’s the only suspect.

“They subjected this young model to brutal torture, humiliating, disgracing and dehumanising him.

“They later locked him up in a room and asked a nurse to check up on him. The nurse confirmed him dead and they attempted to take him to JUTH Emergency Unit to make the case look like an emergency when the police was called.

“The beastly treatment they subjected this boy to is better imagined.

“May Almighty God continue to expose perpetrators of dastardly acts like this. Amen/Ameen.”

The incident has triggered widespread outrage among students and residents. Many have called on law enforcement agencies to carry out a thorough investigation and ensure that anyone found responsible faces prosecution.

As of the time of filing this report, the University of Jos had not issued an official statement on the incident.

The spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command, SP Alfred Alabo, did not comment on the matter. He reportedly declined to speak when first contacted, while subsequent calls to him were not answered.

Police Repel Bandits’ Attack on Sokoto Community, Recover Ammunition

By Uzair Adam

The Sokoto State Police Command has thwarted an attempted bandit attack on Tauma Village in Bodinga Local Government Area, recovering five magazines loaded with 40 rounds of live ammunition after a gun battle with the attackers.

The incident occurred on the night of July 25 following a distress call reporting that a large number of armed bandits had invaded the community.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) promptly deployed tactical teams, including operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU), to confront the attackers.

According to the statement, security operatives engaged the bandits in a fierce exchange of gunfire, forcing them to flee into a nearby forest with suspected gunshot injuries.

A subsequent search of the surrounding area led to the recovery of five magazines containing 40 rounds of live ammunition.

The command said no casualties were recorded among security personnel or members of the community during the operation.

It added that confidence-building patrols had been intensified in and around Tauma Village to reassure residents and strengthen security against further attacks.

The police also disclosed that neighbouring divisions had been placed on alert and directed to monitor for injured suspects who might seek medical treatment or attempt to evade arrest within their jurisdictions.

The command urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious individuals, particularly those with visible gunshot wounds, to the nearest police station or other security agencies.

Gunmen Attack INEC Officials, Cart Away PVCs, BVAS Devices

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Gunmen have attacked officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during a Permanent Voter Card (PVC) distribution exercise in Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State, making away with election materials, including PVCs and Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices.

The Osun State Police Command said the incident occurred at Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, where INEC officials were issuing PVCs to eligible voters.

In a statement, the command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, said about 10 suspected thugs invaded the venue, fired several shots into the air and forced electoral officials to flee before escaping with three packs of PVCs.

Ojelabi said the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, had condemned the attack and directed a full-scale investigation to ensure those responsible are identified and prosecuted.

“Tactical and intelligence assets have been deployed, and efforts have been intensified to apprehend the perpetrators and recover the stolen PVCs,” the statement said.

The police spokesperson also disclosed that officers restored calm in Ile-Ife after suspected thugs caused a disturbance around the Mayfair Garage area, which briefly disrupted public peace.

He assured residents that the command remained committed to protecting lives and property and would continue to uphold professionalism and the rule of law. He also appealed to members of the public with useful information to report to the nearest police station.

Meanwhile, the Chief Press Secretary to the Osun INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, confirmed that some BVAS devices were stolen during the attack. He said the commission was awaiting the outcome of the police investigation.

“We are still awaiting the outcome of the police investigation. The police are already investigating that matter, so we are waiting for the outcome of the investigation. I think they started a manhunt for those people, and of course, they promised that they would arrest them,” Oketola said.

“We are waiting for the police to get back to us on the matter, and the headquarters is also waiting for the police to revert to us. So, nothing new yet.”

Oketola explained that only a small number of BVAS machines were taken.

“It is not a lot of BVAS. They only took BVAS devices that were being used at the time of the attack. I don’t have the number. But I do not think it’s a lot,” he said.

He also assured voters that the theft would not affect the conduct of the forthcoming governorship election.

“I want you to know that stealing BVAS is not going to affect the election because the BVAS are useless in their hands,” he said.

“The BVAS cannot affect the election in any way, and of course, the commission will replace the stolen BVAS, and every other plan will go ahead.”

On reports that PVCs were stolen, Oketola said he could only confirm the theft of BVAS devices because the police were still investigating the incident.

“I only know of the BVAS for now, but as I said, whatever material has been stolen, the police are investigating,” he said.

“We trust the police not just to do the investigation; we trust the police to nab these hoodlums and make them face the music.

“But as I said, I cannot speak on the matter that is being investigated by the police.

“I trust that the police would do their job well and then the suspects would be nabbed and, of course, made to face the wrath of the law. That’s what we have for now.”

Osun State is scheduled to hold its governorship election on August 15, 2026.

NBAIS N18bn Staff Cost Draws Criticism as Agency Defends Budget

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

The National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) has come under scrutiny after allocating N18.049 billion of its N26.47 billion 2026 budget to staff salaries and allowances, representing 68 per cent of its total budget.

The agency, responsible for standardising and certifying Arabic and Islamic education across Nigeria, plans to spend N15.414 billion on salaries and N2.636 billion on allowances and social contributions for its workforce, according to budget documents.

While N146.6 million is earmarked for allowances, N2.489 billion has been allocated for social contributions, including N770.15 million for the National Health Insurance Scheme and N1.540 billion for staff pensions.

The remaining 32 per cent of the budget covers N318 million for overhead costs and N8.104 billion for capital expenditure.

The board has also set aside over N2.5 billion for projects including road construction, solar streetlights, food distribution, and social media training across Kano, Katsina, Kogi, and Zamfara States.

Notable allocations include N210 million for road construction in Kano Central Senatorial District, N175 million each for solar street lights in three Kano LGAs, and N28 million for rice distribution in Zamfara State.

A combined allocation exceeding N1.5 billion has been made for solar street light installations across multiple Kano LGAs, with amounts ranging from N140 million to N175 million per local government area.

Dr Umar Yakubu, Executive Director of the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity, called for the board’s scrapping, describing it as a duplication of existing agencies.

“First of all, we create agencies we don’t need. How can you create a whole agency just to conduct exams when you can easily give that role to WAEC, JAMB or other bodies?” he asked.

Yakubu alleged that “90% of the staff don’t have work to do,” adding that the EFCC has been investigating corruption allegations at the agency for years.

Public analyst Lasisi Olagunju highlighted the disparity in spending, noting that NBAIS’s personnel expenses exceed the entire personnel budget of NECO (N15.53 billion), NUC (N4.216 billion), NBTE (N1.843 billion), and NCCE (N1.306 billion).

“How many workers does the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies have in its employment to justify a personnel bill of more than N18 billion?” Olagunju queried.

Sources within the agency, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the board has approximately 6,000 staff members. Some employees admitted to having little to no work, with one headquarters staff member stating: “I come to work twice a week because there is nothing for me to do.”

NBAIS was recognised as a national examination and regulatory body in 2011 following approval by the National Council on Education, covering over 1,600 public and private schools and more than 5,000 Tsangaya schools.

The agency’s Head of Information, Abdul Salam Ramalan, promised to respond to inquiries after consulting with his principal but had not done so at the time of filing this report.

One Killed, 48 Rescued as Troops Repel Terrorist Attack in Zamfara

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 48 abducted residents after repelling a terrorist attack on Magami village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The operation followed a distress call received in the early hours of Sunday, July 26, which reported that dozens of armed terrorists had stormed the community.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Aliyu Danja, said the attackers arrived on about 40 motorcycles and abducted several villagers.

According to him, the assailants assembled the victims with the intention of taking them into a nearby forest, while another group remained at the edge of the village to guard the motorcycles.

Danja said troops responded swiftly to the emergency and confronted the attackers.

“On arrival at the scene, the troops immediately engaged the terrorists in a fierce firefight, forcing them to abandon the kidnapped victims and flee into the surrounding bush,” Danja said.



“The prompt intervention led to the successful rescue of all 48 abducted civilians.”



He disclosed that one resident lost his life during the attack, while two others sustained gunshot wounds.

The injured victims were evacuated to the General Hospital in Kaura Namoda, where they are receiving treatment.

Following the operation, security personnel carried out patrols across the area to prevent another attack and maintain a security presence in the community.

The military command praised the troops for their performance during the operation.

“The Theatre Command commends the gallantry and professionalism of the troops for this successful operation and reassures residents of the North West of its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property,” the statement added.



Danja also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with useful and timely information to strengthen ongoing operations against terrorist groups in the North-West.

“Sustain the momentum in ridding the north-west of terrorist elements.”

ADC Asks Tinubu to Prioritise Rescue of Victims in Borno, Kaiama, Others

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged President Bola Tinubu to give equal attention to all victims of insecurity across Nigeria. The opposition party asked the President to provide updates on efforts to rescue 176 residents of Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, who have remained in captivity since they were abducted on February 3, 2026.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the President’s celebration of the recent rescue of abductees in Oyo State had raised concerns about the fate of people still being held by kidnappers and insurgents in Kaiama, Borno and other parts of the country.

The ADC also pointed to the recent abduction of 40 residents from communities in Zamfara State, fresh deadly attacks in Benue State, and the kidnapping of Kebbi State High Court judge, Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza, as signs that insecurity remains a major challenge despite repeated assurances from the Federal Government.

According to the party, the administration must show through its actions that every Nigerian life is valued equally.

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is concerned by what is becoming an unmistakable pattern in the Tinubu administration’s response to insecurity: some victims receive swift presidential attention, while others are left to languish in silence.



“Every successful rescue of abducted Nigerians deserves to be celebrated. But the President must ensure that his actions do not create the impression that the value of a Nigerian life depends on where the victim comes from or whether the tragedy attracts national headlines. Leadership demands equal compassion for every citizen, because no country can build national unity on the basis of selective empathy and selective attention.”



The statement recalled that residents of Kaiama Local Government Area staged a peaceful protest on July 24 over the continued captivity of the 176 abductees from Woro community. It noted that more than 170 days after the incident, families were still waiting for answers from the government.

The ADC also expressed concern over the worsening security situation in other parts of the country.

“The tragedy is not standing still; it is spreading. In Zamfara State, no fewer than 40 residents from 11 communities in Mayanchi District of Maru Local Government Area were recently abducted by bandits, most of them women and children, forcing terrified families to flee their homes.



“On Friday, July 24, fresh attacks again claimed lives in Benue’s Sankera axis. And in the early hours of Sunday, July 26, 2026, suspected bandits abducted a Judge of the Kebbi State High Court, Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza, from his residence. Meanwhile, communities in Borno State continue to endure insurgent attacks and mass displacement. These are not isolated incidents. They are reminders that insecurity remains a daily reality for millions of Nigerians.”



Abdullahi said Nigerians deserved to know the progress made in securing the release of abductees still in captivity across the country.

“What progress has been made in securing the release of the 176 abductees from Kaiama? What is being done to rescue the women and children taken in Zamfara? What efforts are underway to secure the release of Justice Bunza? What updates are available on victims in Borno and other affected communities? The President owes Nigerians more than broad assurances. He owes them regular updates, timelines and evidence that no Nigerian community has been abandoned.”



The party also questioned the effectiveness of repeated presidential assurances on security.

“On Thursday, July 23, 2026, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu again assured Nigerians that insecurity in the North would soon come to an end. We sincerely hope that promise becomes reality. But hope cannot survive indefinitely on declarations alone. There comes a point when repeated assurances, unaccompanied by visible results, cease to reassure. They simply become another headline in a long cycle of official optimism and public disappointment.



“That is why many Nigerians no longer receive presidential statements on insecurity with the confidence they once did. The administration has become remarkably consistent in making reassuring pronouncements but far less convincing in delivering outcomes. On one of the defining challenges of this government, the President is increasingly seen as a professional statement-maker, while communities continue to bury their dead, search for the missing and wait for rescues that never seem to come.”



The ADC called on President Tinubu to prove, “through action rather than rhetoric”, that every Nigerian deserves equal protection and attention.

“The people abducted in Woro on February 3 matter.



“The women and children abducted in Mayanchi, Zamfara matter. The families living under siege in Borno matter. The victims of fresh attacks in Benue matter. Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza matters. They deserve the same urgency, the same empathy and the same presidential attention that every rescued Nigerian rightly receives. Leadership is not measured by how quickly government celebrates a rescue; it is measured by whether no Nigerian is left behind or forgotten.”

Troops Arrest Private Mohammed Yusuf Over Alleged Supply of Military Equipment to Terrorists

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a soldier who was declared wanted by the Nigerian Army for allegedly supplying military equipment to terrorist groups.

Private Mohammed Yusuf, 23, who served at the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory in Lagos, was apprehended at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Saturday at Jidari Bus Stop in Maiduguri while reportedly attempting to flee to the Republic of Cameroon.

The suspect had been declared wanted by the military on July 23 over allegations of supplying military accoutrements to terrorist and criminal elements, according to a statement from the Joint Task Force.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Yusuf deserted his unit on July 7 and relocated to Maiduguri, where he went into hiding in the Gomari Costain area of Jere Local Government Area with assistance from an associate.

Military officials said the arrest was made possible through credible human intelligence and demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations.

The suspect is currently in custody at 7 Provost Group, where investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of his activities and identify any accomplices.

“We reiterate that there is no safe haven for individuals who support terrorism or any form of criminality, irrespective of their status,” said Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer for the Joint Task Force.

The military has urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support efforts toward restoring lasting peace and security in the region.