News

By Uzair Adam

As part of efforts to ensure an inclusive Eid-el-Kabir celebration, the Kano State Government has donated Sallah cows to persons with special needs and vulnerable homes across the state.
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The intervention, coordinated by the Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Persons with Special Needs, saw six clusters of persons living with disabilities receive one cow each alongside N20,000 transport support.

The benefiting groups include persons with spinal cord injuries, persons living with albinism, persons affected by leprosy, the visually impaired, the hearing impaired, and persons with physical disabilities.

Speaking during the distribution ceremony at the Nassarawa Children’s Home, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children and Persons with Special Needs, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi Sani, said the gesture reflects Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable residents in the state.

She noted that the administration considered it important for persons with special needs and other disadvantaged groups to celebrate the Sallah festivities with joy and dignity alongside their families.

According to her, the donation is part of the government’s broader humanitarian and inclusive governance agenda aimed at supporting vulnerable members of society.

The Director of Persons with Special Needs, Dr. Binta Bala, commended the ministry for sustaining initiatives targeted at improving the lives of vulnerable persons in Kano State.

In a similar gesture, the state government also presented one cow each to Nassarawa Children’s Home, Remand Home Goron Dutse, Kwalli VVF Centre, and Tudun Maliki Torrey Home to enable residents celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.


Representatives of the benefiting associations expressed appreciation to the governor and the ministry for the support, describing the intervention as timely. They also offered prayers for continued guidance and protection for the governor.

By Muhammad Abubakar

A major crisis has erupted within the Peoples Democratic Party in Gombe State following the emergence of former minister Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami as the party’s governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 election.

One of the aspirants, Alhaji Abdulkadir Hamma Saleh, alongside other contenders including Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, Usman Aliyu Garry, and Monica Kaltho, rejected the outcome of the PDP primary held on Tuesday. Pantami was declared winner through a voice vote after delegates affirmed him as the party’s sole candidate.

The aggrieved aspirants argued that Pantami was ineligible to contest the PDP primary because he had only recently left the ruling All Progressives Congress after participating in its internal political process. They claimed electoral laws do not permit a politician to contest in two different party primaries within the same election cycle.

Saleh also questioned the sudden postponement of the PDP primary from Sunday to Tuesday, describing the process as unfair and unlawful. He confirmed that his legal team had begun preparations to challenge Pantami’s emergence in court and urged his supporters across Gombe State to remain peaceful while the matter is resolved legally.

Pantami, who recently defected from the APC after criticising the party’s consensus arrangement that produced Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna as a candidate, said his decision to join the PDP was driven by a desire to tackle poverty and improve governance in Gombe State.

By Uzair Adam

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has won the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primaries held in Kano State.

Announcing the outcome, chairman of the electoral committee, Dr. John Ayuba, said the exercise was successfully conducted across the 44 local government areas and 484 wards of the state.

The collated results showed that Atiku polled 155,595 votes to emerge ahead of other contenders. Mohammed Hayatu-Deen secured 15,914 votes, while Rotimi Amaechi received 9,994 votes.

Dr. Ayuba explained that the results would be forwarded to the party’s National Coalition Centre in Abuja for ratification and official confirmation of the party’s presidential candidate.

He urged party members to remain united and committed ahead of the 2027 general elections to ensure the ADC produces Nigeria’s next president.

Meanwhile, the party has delayed the announcement of results for the Kano governorship primaries pending further directives from the national leadership.

The governorship race is being contested by Ibrahim Ali Amin Little and Malam Ibrahim Khalil, with the party reportedly considering a consensus arrangement to choose its candidate.

By Uzair Adam

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has expressed grief over a tragic road accident that claimed the lives of 12 persons along the Kano–Katsina highway.

The fatal crash occurred on Monday night at Gidan Mutum Daya and involved a head-on collision between a trailer and a vehicle operating under a Public–Private Partnership arrangement with the Katsina State Transport Authority.

According to reports, six victims, including the driver, died instantly at the scene, while another six later lost their lives while receiving treatment at the hospital.

Two injured passengers are currently undergoing treatment at Katsina General Hospital, while five others who sustained minor injuries have been treated and discharged.

Governor Radda described the incident as heartbreaking, saying the state had lost valuable citizens in a painful and unfortunate circumstance.

He noted that the tragedy happened during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, a sacred period in Islam, which has further deepened the sorrow among grieving families and the Muslim community.

“We have lost precious lives in a heartbreaking and unfortunate circumstance. This tragedy is a painful reminder of the fragility of life and has plunged our state into mourning,” the governor said.

Radda prayed for Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased and grant them Al-Jannah Firdaus, while also asking God to give their families the strength and patience to bear the loss.

He further urged motorists to obey traffic regulations and exercise caution on highways to prevent similar incidents.

The governor also extended condolences to the families of the victims, the management and staff of the Katsina State Transport Authority, and all those affected by the tragedy.

By Uzair Adam

Operatives of the Kano State Police Command have arrested four suspected drug dealers during coordinated raids across parts of Kano metropolis.

The operation, carried out by the Command’s Special Intervention Squad (SIS) and officers from the Gezawa Police Division, followed directives from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on intelligence-led and community-oriented policing.

Police said the arrests were made after credible intelligence gathered from public tips and surveillance operations.

On May 23, 2026, SIS operatives arrested Abdulsalam Muhammad, 30, of Hotoro in Nassarawa Local Government Area, and Murtala Sani, 34, of Zangon Dakata in Ungoggo Local Government Area, along Nassarawa GRA.

The suspects were allegedly found with a Bagco sack containing suspected illicit drugs.

During interrogation, Abdulsalam reportedly confessed that the sack contained Tramadol supplied by two accomplices who are currently on the run.

A subsequent search of the sack led to the recovery of 23 rolls of Tramadol, with each roll containing 10 packs.

Police said both suspects confessed to the crime, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing accomplices.

In a separate operation, officers attached to Gezawa Police Division arrested Sama’ila Ado, 40, from Dabi Village in Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State, at a known black spot in Bangare Village for allegedly selling Cannabis Sativa openly.

Police recovered 130 wraps and half a block of dried leaves suspected to be Cannabis Sativa from the suspect. Authorities said he would be arraigned before a Magistrate Court.

Similarly, Umar Salisu, 25, of Yunbu Village in Gabasawa Local Government Area, was arrested at Gezawa Mesanda black spot.

Recovered from him were 10 wraps of suspected Cannabis Sativa and two bottles of rubber solution.

The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended the officers involved in the operations for their professionalism and dedication.

He also appreciated residents of the state for providing useful information that aided the arrests, urging members of the public to continue reporting suspicious activities to security agencies.

Bakori reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to tackling crime and ensuring the safety of residents across the state.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has issued a fresh message that centred on reducing American influence in the Middle East and promoting a new regional order.

The statement came through Iran’s state television. Khamenei has not appeared publicly on video since he became the country’s supreme leader.

In his latest remarks, Khamenei said countries in the Middle East would no longer serve as “a shield” for American military installations. He also declared that the United States would no longer enjoy a “safe haven” in the region.

The comments reflect one of Tehran’s long-standing positions during the conflict in the region. Iranian authorities have repeatedly argued that the American military presence in the Middle East should come to an end. Iran has also maintained that it would respond to any threat it identifies against its interests.

Khamenei also praised what he described as the success of the “axis of resistance”, which includes groups allied with Iran in countries such as Lebanon. According to him, Iranian-backed forces have delivered lessons to both the United States and the “Zionist entity”.

He further urged Muslim nations and other countries to build partnerships that would influence the future political and economic direction of the region and the wider world.

“With sincerity and purity, I invite all Islamic countries and governments to friendship and cooperation for the common good,” Khamenei stated.

The message strongly emphasised Iran’s desire for a new balance of power in the Middle East that would reduce Washington’s role in regional affairs.

By Ibrahim Abubakar Diso 

The Kano State Police Command has arrested several suspects in a series of intelligence-led operations targeting illicit drug distribution across the state.

In one of the operations carried out at Nasarawa GRA, operatives of the Special Intervention Squad intercepted two men allegedly in possession of a sack containing 23 rolls of Tramadol, each made up of multiple sachets. 

The suspects, identified as Abdulsalam Muhammad, 30, and Murtala Sani, 34, reportedly admitted involvement in the illegal trade, while police say efforts are ongoing to track down additional suspects linked to the supply chain.

In a separate operation in Gezawa Local Government Area, officers raided a known black spot in Dangari Village, where they arrested a 40-year-old suspect allegedly selling Cannabis Sativa. 

Police recovered 130 wraps and a half-block of suspected cannabis from him. In another arrest in Gezawa Misanda, a 25-year-old suspect was found with 10 wraps of suspected cannabis and bottles of rubber solution, believed to be used as inhalants.

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended the operatives for their professionalism and praised residents for providing timely intelligence that aided the operations. He reiterated the Command’s commitment to intensifying the crackdown on drug-related crime in the state.

The police said all suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Governor of Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved a special Eid-el-Kabir goodwill package of N20,000 for civil servants in the state and across the 44 local government areas.

The gesture, announced in a statement issued on Sunday by the Press Secretary to the Office of the SSG, Musa Tanko Muhammad, is intended to support workers ahead of the Sallah celebration. Beneficiaries include civil servants on Grade Levels 01 to 14 in state ministries and local government councils.

According to the statement, the intervention comes shortly after the payment of May 2026 salaries and reflects the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare amid current economic challenges. The governor said the package is intended to ease financial pressure during the festive period and enable workers to celebrate with their families in comfort.

Governor Yusuf also reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to improving workers’ welfare and maintaining a productive public service, while extending Eid-el-Kabir greetings to the people of Kano State.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has renewed calls for stronger cooperation among security and regulatory agencies to tackle terrorism financing, money laundering, wildlife trafficking, and other transnational crimes.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, spoke on Wednesday during a study visit by participants of the Operational Level Countering the Financing of Terrorism and Regional Security Course Two from the National Defence College. The event took place at the Customs Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.

Adeniyi said crimes linked to international trade and border activities now pose major security and economic threats. He noted that the responsibilities of the Customs Service have expanded beyond revenue collection and border monitoring.

He identified offences such as undervaluation, overvaluation, wildlife trafficking, and the illegal export of African resources as key financial crimes that require coordinated action from relevant agencies.

The Customs boss also praised ongoing efforts to improve the capacity of officers within the Service. He acknowledged the participation of personnel from different formations across the country in programmes aimed at strengthening enforcement and intelligence operations.

Speaking on Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, Adeniyi described the development as a major achievement for the country’s financial system and international reputation.

He explained that Nigeria’s inclusion on the grey list previously created difficulties for citizens and businesses abroad, especially in relation to the use of Nigerian bank cards for international transactions.

Adeniyi also revealed that the NCS is working closely with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and airline operators to introduce automated currency declaration systems.

“For us to get ahead of these criminals, we must continue to work together and subject our individual mandates to broader national security objectives,” he said.

Earlier, the Team Lead and Course Director Coordinator of the Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency/Countering the Financing of Terrorism Unit at the National Defence College, Dr Adam Abdullahi, described terrorism financing as a major driver of insecurity across the world.

He said agencies such as the Department of State Services (DSS), the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Armed Forces, Customs, and other institutions must strengthen cooperation to improve results in the fight against terrorism.

“The lifeline of terrorism is financing, and tackling it cannot be done by one institution alone,” he said.

Also speaking during the programme, the officer heading the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Unit of the NCS, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Mas’ud Salihu, said criminal groups continue to exploit global supply chains and international connections to move illicit goods and funds across borders.

Salihu stressed the importance of enforcing currency declaration policies and preventing the movement of prohibited items such as arms and drugs. He also called for stronger collaboration at both local and international levels to combat organised crime.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United States military has confirmed fresh strikes on targets in southern Iran despite ongoing diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran in Qatar.

According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation targeted what it described as threats against American troops in the region. The strikes happened while senior Iranian officials were in Doha for negotiations aimed at securing a broader peace agreement.

CENTCOM described the operation as “self-defence strikes”.

“Targets included missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to emplace mines,” Navy Captain Tim Hawkins, a CENTCOM spokesperson, said in a statement to Al Jazeera late on Monday.

“US Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire.”

The US military did not release additional details about the operation.

Iranian sources told Al Jazeera that members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had earlier targeted a vessel at sea before the US response. The sources also claimed that several IRGC personnel died in the attacks.

The latest military action comes even though a ceasefire between the United States and Iran has officially remained in effect since April 8.

Al Jazeera correspondent Alan Fisher, reporting from Washington, DC, said the incident could affect ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the US-Israel conflict involving Iran. He noted that President Donald Trump appeared eager to secure an agreement.

“There have been a number of skirmishes like this, particularly just after the start of the ceasefire. At the time, Trump said he didn’t consider these to be a breach of the ceasefire,” Fisher said.

“There is very limited information coming from the US side; we don’t know the extent of the operation,” he said.

“It’s hard to say whether this skirmish is unusual.”

Earlier on Monday, a senior Iranian delegation arrived in Doha to address obstacles delaying a permanent peace agreement. The delegation included Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

Trump later said negotiations were “proceeding nicely”, although he stressed that Washington would only accept a major agreement.

“It will only be a Great Deal for all or, no Deal at all — Back to the Battlefront and shooting, but bigger and stronger than ever before — And nobody wants that!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The US president also linked the talks to efforts aimed at persuading more Muslim-majority countries to establish formal relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords.

“It may be possible that one or two have a reason for not doing so, and that will be accepted, but most should be ready, willing, and able to make this Settlement with Iran a far more Historic Event than it would, otherwise, be,” Trump wrote.

The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020 during Trump’s first term, led to diplomatic ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco. Sudan also agreed to normalise relations with Israel, although the agreement has not yet received formal approval.

In another social media post, Trump said he expected Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile to either be handed over to the United States or “destroyed in place or, at another acceptable location, with the Atomic Energy Commission, or its equivalent, being witness to this process and event”.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry acknowledged that progress had been made in discussions with Washington, but officials insisted that a final agreement was still some distance away.

“To say that we have reached a conclusion on a large portion of the issues under discussion would be correct. However, to say that this means an agreement is on the verge of being signed is not something anyone can claim,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said.

Baghaei also told reporters in Tehran that the current discussions were focused on ending the conflict rather than Iran’s nuclear activities, which he said were not under discussion “at this stage”.