News

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a National Tax Policy Implementation Committee (NTPIC).

According to a press release from the State House, the committee will be responsible for the coordinated execution of the government’s new tax laws, aiming to build a “fair, transparent, and technology-driven tax system.”

The committee will be chaired by a seasoned tax expert, Mr. Joseph Tegbe, and will operate under the oversight of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun.

President Tinubu emphasised that the effective implementation of the new Tax Acts is critical to the nation’s economic transformation, strengthening public finance, and safeguarding the interests of investors.

The NTPIC’s mandate includes undertaking extensive nationwide consultations with the private sector, professional bodies, and subnational governments.

It will also focus on inter-agency coordination to harmonise existing frameworks with the new statutes.

The committee comprises experts from tax administration, finance, law, and the private sector. Mrs. Sanyade Okoli, Special Adviser to the President on Finance and Economy, will serve as its Secretary.

Chairman Joseph Tegbe pledged the committee’s diligence, stating they would “work closely with all stakeholders to ensure seamless implementation and build public trust in the tax system.”

Finance Minister Wale Edun described the committee as a pivotal step to “reset not just the tax system but the entire fiscal policy framework of Government,” aiming to deliver significant economic growth for Nigerians.

The NTPIC is expected to enhance revenue mobilisation, minimise leakages, and reinforce accountability, thereby supporting the government’s fiscal sustainability and national development goals.

By Ibrahim Yunusa

The Nigeria Police Force has debunk the viral document of withdrawing of police officers from VIPs duties circulating in social media.This in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin.

The statement said, “The Force wishes to categorically state that this document, allegedly signed by one CSP Suleiman Abdullahi, described as the Admin Officer of the squadron, is fake and should be disregarded by the public.

There is no officer by the name CSP Suleiman Abdullahi serving in 50 PMF Squadron, nor is the position of Admin Officer in any PMF squadron held by an officer of the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP).

This fabrication appears to be a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and create unnecessary confusion.”

The Nigeria Police Force confirms that the implementation of the Presidential Directive on the withdrawal of police officers from VIP duties has indeed commenced.

And the process is being carried out in a structured, phased, and professional manner to ensure that no security vacuum is created that could be exploited by criminal elements.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project has joined agricultural stakeholders at the 2025 National Agricultural Show holding in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State from November 24–28, 2025.

The ICT/Communications Unit of L-PRES disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, noting that the event serves as a strategic platform for government institutions, development partners, farmers, researchers and private sector players to showcase innovations and strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda.

Speaking at the exhibition booth, the State Project Coordinator of Kano L-PRES, Dr. Salisu Muhammad Inuwa, said the project’s participation is crucial in advancing the state’s livestock development priorities and deepening collaboration with national and international partners.

He explained that the show provides an opportunity for Kano to highlight its achievements, share knowledge and attract potential investments into the livestock sector.

Dr. Inuwa noted that Kano L-PRES is showcasing several key interventions, including artificial insemination techniques, the proposed Livestock Service Centre (LSC), pasture development projects, improved animal health systems and strengthened value-chain activities aimed at boosting livestock productivity across the state.

He added that the visibility gained at the national event will further enhance public awareness of L-PRES objectives and its contribution to improving livelihoods, resilience and sustainable livestock development.

Also speaking, the Animal Husbandry Officer of the project, Muhammad Abubakar Kabiru, said the team’s presence at the agricultural show demonstrates Kano L-PRES’ commitment to supporting livestock development through practical and community-based interventions.

“We are here to showcase the work we do in improving livestock productivity, resilience and commercialization in Kano State,” Kabiru said.

He explained that the project is built around strengthening national and state-level service delivery, improving pasture production and management, and enhancing value-chain performance.

According to him, the project teaches livestock-related techniques to women and youths, including pregnancy testing and the administration of essential treatments.

He added that equipment such as feed-processing machines—locally known as kara grinders—are provided to help farmers prepare feed for their animals.

“We also support them with milk-storage tanks and motorbikes to ease mobility and promote efficient livestock production,” he stated.

The Kano L-PRES team reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the state’s agricultural agenda and contributing to Nigeria’s broader goals of food and livestock security, economic growth and improved rural livelihoods.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has assured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the state’s total and unwavering support for the National Emergency on Security recently declared by the Federal Government.

This assurance was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

Speaking during the 34th Kano State Executive Council Meeting at Government House, Kano, the governor commended President Tinubu for taking bold and decisive steps to confront the escalating security challenges facing the country, particularly in the Northern region.

“I therefore reiterate the full cooperation of the Government of Kano State at this moment, and assure all security agencies operating in the state of our unwavering support and collaboration to ensure the success of this declaration,” he said.

Governor Yusuf also addressed internal security concerns within Kano State, restating his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of residents.

He expressed concern over reports of bandits infiltrating some Local Government Areas, especially within the Northern Senatorial District, but assured citizens that the state government, in synergy with security agencies, is taking proactive measures to neutralize the threats.

“Despite isolated challenges, citizens should remain calm and be reassured that the government is fully alert, proactive, and more determined than ever to counter all emerging threats,” he added.

The governor further appreciated the people of Kano for their continuous support and confidence in the administration.

He revealed that the 2026 budget would significantly improve the living standards of ordinary citizens, with strong emphasis on infrastructural development and human capital growth.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar

Bandits have reportedly kidnapped six young girls and a 16-year-old boy from the Gidan-Bijimi settlement in Abuja’s Bwari Area Council.

The assault, which occurred around 9:47 pm on Wednesday, has intensified fears over the capital’s worsening security situation.

Armed with AK-47 rifles, the assailants targeted two homes, firing repeatedly into the air before escaping with their captives into the night.

The victims, young women aged 17 to 23 and the teenage boy, are yet to be contacted by their abductors.

A local resident confirmed that community vigilantes attempted to intervene but were overpowered by the bandits’ superior firepower.

The area, which borders Kaduna State and is near forests known as criminal hideouts, has seen a spike in such attacks.

This incident follows a similar raid in the nearby Guto community just one week prior, where a police officer was killed.

In response to the escalating crisis, the FCT Administration has announced the full activation of “Operation Sweep,” a multi-agency security initiative.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly condemned the recent military coup in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, labeling it a blatant violation of regional democratic principles and a threat to West African stability.

In a press release issued on Thursday, the Nigerian government expressed “profound dismay” over the military insurrection that led to an unconstitutional change of government.

It described the coup as an action that undermines democratic progress and constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau and the wider sub-region.

The statement called for the “immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order,” and demanded the safety and security of all detained persons.

It also urged respect for the country’s democratic institutions.

Nigeria specifically called on the new authorities in Guinea-Bissau to guarantee the safety of all election observers still in the country.

It advised all actors to exercise restraint, prioritize peaceful dialogue, and respect the will of the people as expressed through their votes and the official election results.

The warning was clear: those responsible for the coup “will be held accountable for their actions, which threaten to plunge the nation into chaos.”

As a key member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, Nigeria pledged to work with regional and international partners to “take all necessary measures” to ensure a swift return to constitutional governance in Guinea-Bissau.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound sadness over the death of the revered Islamic leader, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 101.

In a statement released on Thursday, the President described the late leader of the Tijjaniyya Muslim Brotherhood as a “moral compass” who dedicated his life to teaching and preaching.

President Tinubu stated that Sheikh Bauchi’s loss is monumental not only to his family and followers but also to the entire nation. He recalled the blessings and moral support he received from the cleric during the 2023 presidential election campaign.

“Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi was a teacher, a father and a voice of moderation and reason. As both a preacher and a notable exegete of the Holy Quran, he was an advocate of peace and piety. His death has created a huge void,” the President was quoted as saying.

The President extended his condolences to the Sheikh’s multitude of followers across Nigeria and beyond, urging them to immortalise the late cleric by holding on to his teachings of peaceful coexistence, strengthening their relationship with God, and being kind to humanity.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Hisbah Board has successfully intercepted a suspected human trafficking operation involving three underaged girls and two alleged traffickers.

Deputy Commander-General of Hisbah, Dr. Mujahiddin Aminuddin, confirmed the incident in a statement he personally shared with journalists on Thursday.

one of the victims

According to Dr. Aminuddin, the suspects—Habibu Idris, 45, from Roni Local Government Area of Jigawa State, and Basirat Tijjani, 58, a Christian from Oyo State—were apprehended under the Fagge flyover following a dispute that attracted the attention of residents.

Eyewitnesses alerted Hisbah officers, who quickly moved to arrest the suspects.The rescued victims, all from Kazaure in Jigawa State, are three girls aged between 14 and 17 years: Kubariyya Amadu, 14; Rukayya Umar, 17; and Rashida Usaini, 14.

Dr. Aminuddin explained that Habibu had been transporting children from Kano to Basirat for financial gain, previously charging N10,000 per child but recently increasing the fee to N15,000.

Basirat’s refusal to pay the higher amount reportedly triggered the dispute that exposed the operation.

“Neither the woman nor her agent knew the exact destination of the children. Their only concern was the money,” Dr. Aminuddin said, adding that the children themselves were unaware of where they were being taken.

The Hisbah chief also voiced concern over rising parental negligence, noting that some parents fail to prioritize their children’s education, health, and general wellbeing.

“Parents now see their own children as a burden, which is why some willingly hand them over without questioning their safety or future,” he lamented.

The suspects and victims have since been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation.

By Uzair Adam

A prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, has died.

A family source confirmed the scholar’s passing to journalists on Thursday morning.

More details to follow.

By Uzair Adam

The Senate has mandated its joint committee on security to investigate the sudden withdrawal of military personnel from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, shortly before bandits attacked the school.

The committee is expected to report its findings within two weeks.

The upper chamber also tasked the joint committee to probe the circumstances surrounding the killing of Brig.-Gen. Musa Uba.

In addition, the Senate resolved to dissolve its standing committees on National Security and Intelligence, as well as the Air Force, with a view to reconstituting them.

The Senate leadership is also set to meet with President Bola Tinubu to brief him on the critical resolutions and views of the upper chamber.

These decisions followed a motion by Senate Deputy Leader Lola Ashiru titled, “Urgent Need to Address Escalating Insecurity in Kwara, Kebbi and Niger, Call for Immediate and Comprehensive Federal Intervention,” during Wednesday’s plenary.

Other resolutions included commending President Tinubu and security agencies for their rapid interventions and rescue of some kidnapped victims.

The Senate urged sustained coordinated operations until all abducted persons nationwide are rescued and perpetrators apprehended.

It also advised the federal government to strengthen local vigilance groups for swift responses to similar attacks and recommended a review of Nigeria’s firearm law to reflect current security challenges, similar to more than 175 countries where responsible citizens are permitted to own guns.

The Senate further resolved to pursue diplomatic engagement with the United States and other allied nations’ parliaments to strengthen intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism training to address Nigeria’s security challenges.

Members observed a one-minute silence in memory of the victims of recent attacks.In his contribution, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau highlighted the rise in insecurity across the country, linking it to international perceptions and the increased activities of terrorists.

“These heinous crimes show that those involved do not love our country. They move in convoys to commit atrocities. We should deploy technology to counter this menace,” he said.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele noted that many kidnapped persons from Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger have regained their freedom, emphasizing that government did not pay ransom but achieved successful rescues, a positive development amid ongoing security challenges.