News

By Uzair Adam

Tension heightened on Monday in Dangoro community of Kumbotso Local Government Area, Kano State, after officials from the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning moved onto disputed farmlands to commence work despite an unresolved petition before Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The landowners, who said they had written a letter to the governor appealing for immediate intervention, rushed to the site and pleaded with the officials to halt the operation until the government responds.

Their appeal, however, was turned down as the officials insisted they were acting strictly on orders.

What followed was a prolonged exchange that prompted the officials to request that the discussion be moved to the Department of State Services (DSS) office in Kumbotso to avoid misunderstanding and ensure security.

At the DSS office, the landowners narrated how they attempted to draw the governor’s attention last Friday when they saw him coming out from Government House.

They carried placards as he passed, but he did not stop because he was in a hurry. Instead, they were attended to by the Chief of Staff, Dr. Suleiman Wali Sani, who said he was not aware of the ongoing exercise.

According to them, an aide to the Chief of Staff advised that they should call on Wednesday for the governor’s response, assuring them that their letter would be delivered directly for his attention.

Dangoro community has for years faced disputes over land ownership, with residents accusing government agencies of trying to take over farmlands without proper consultation.

The latest tensions arose after the state announced plans to relocate the Yan Lemo Fruit Market and Yankaba Vegetables Market to the area, raising fears among landowners that their lands could be seized.

Residents say they have made repeated appeals to the government to protect their properties and prevent displacement, but past efforts have yielded limited results.

Speaking after the meeting, one of the landowners, Abubakar Mustapha, said the arrival of the ministry officials caused panic among residents, prompting them to quickly intervene and appeal for a temporary suspension until the governor speaks on the matter.

He added that many of the affected plots belong to orphans and vulnerable families.He said they do not seek confrontation with the government and remain confident that Governor Yusuf, known for fairness, will not allow injustice.

Another landowner, Murtala Rayyanu, warned that this would be the fifth time such an incident is happening in the community, stressing that repeated takeover of their lands threatens to wipe out the history and existence of the people of Dangoro.

He explained that several families acquired their lands through debts and years of savings, and losing them again would be devastating.

Also speaking, Usman Idris said residents believe Governor Yusuf may not be fully aware of the ongoing activity and called for his urgent intervention to calm rising tension in the area.

Meanwhile, one of the officials from the Ministry and Deputy Surveyor General, Ibrahim Mu’azu, declined comments, stating that they were not authorised to speak on the development.

Residents now await the governor’s response amid deepening fear over the future of their lands and homes.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ungogo Branch, has congratulated Mr. H. H. Sulaiman on his appointment as the Acting Chief Registrar of the High Court of Justice, Kano State, describing the development as a well-deserved recognition of excellence.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Chairman of the branch, Ahmad Abubakar Gwadabe, on Monday.

He said the association is pleased to celebrate Mr. Sulaiman, whose appointment reflects “unwavering dedication and administrative competence in the justice sector.”

According to the statement, Mr. Sulaiman has built a reputation for professionalism through years of service at the Kano State Ministry of Justice, where he last held the position of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Gwadabe explained that the new Acting Chief Registrar is widely respected for his integrity, discipline, and commitment to duty.

“He has consistently demonstrated hard work and exceptional leadership qualities, which have earned him admiration within and beyond the judiciary,” Gwadabe was quoted as saying.

The association expressed confidence that Mr. Sulaiman’s experience will further strengthen the efficiency and progress of the state’s judicial system.

It also extended its best wishes to him, praying for success as he assumes his new responsibilities.

By Uzair Adam

The Bayero University Kano (BUK) Squash Club has hosted the first-ever Kano Squash Championship, bringing together top clubs from across the state to promote sportsmanship and revive the sport.

Abdulhamid Yahya, Chairman of the Audit Committee of BUK Squash Club and one of the event organizers, said the championship was designed to unite all major squash clubs in Kano.

He stated that, “In the spirit of one Kano, we brought together BUK Squash Club, Kano Squash Club—formerly Officers’ Mess—and Adobe Aero Squash Club for the first Kano Squash Championship.“

The tournament featured active, veteran, and super veteran categories, and while prizes were awarded, the main focus was on promoting sportsmanship and community engagement,” he added.

The Daily Reality reports that winners also emerged in the veteran and super veteran divisions.

Yahya emphasized that the championship aimed to grow love for the game and strengthen the squash community in Kano.

He highlighted challenges facing the sport, including low popularity, limited facilities, and lack of sponsorship.

He further added that, “Squash is not as popular as football, and even internationally, access can be costly and difficult.

“We need more tournaments, equipment, and community engagement to encourage participation,” he added.

Representing university management, Deputy Registrar and Head of Digital Media, Nura Garba, who spoke on behalf of Registrar Dr. Haruna Aliyu, called on stakeholders to develop squash from the grassroots.

He stated that, “Many young people today don’t even know what squash is. If we promote it from primary, secondary, and university levels, graduates will carry the game into society. Grassroots development is key to reviving the sport.”

Engr. Ado Haruna, Head of Mechatronics Engineering at BUK and an active club member, stressed the role of squash in promoting peace and social cohesion.

He said that, “Sports brings people together. Through sportsmanship, youths learn discipline, respect, and how to be their brothers’ keepers. This can strengthen peace in society.”

Haruna also cited sponsorship as the biggest challenge.

“This year’s tournament was largely funded by a colleague and a few supporters. “It would be good if industries in Kano take more active roles in sports development,” he further added.

He added that while government support is appreciated, the private sector must also contribute.

The inaugural Kano Squash Championship marks a renewed effort by BUK and partnering clubs to develop squash, nurture talent, and expand the sport’s reach across Kano State.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Fresh details have confirmed that ISWAP terrorists assassinated Brigadier General Yu Uba during an attack in Borno State, even though the Nigerian Army initially rejected reports about his capture.

Uba was travelling in a convoy with troops and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force near Sabon Gari in Damboa Local Government Area on Friday when insurgents launched a heavy assault at about 5 pm.

Two soldiers and two CJTF operatives were killed in the ambush.

Shortly after the incident, the army dismissed early reports about the abduction. One of those reports was published by HumAngle.

On Saturday, Appolonis Anele, director of army public relations, issued a formal rebuttal.

His statement said in part, “The Army Headquarters also wishes to debunk the fake narrative going round some media platforms online alleging the abduction of the Brigade Commander. The general public is hereby advised to disregard the fake news regarding the incident while praying for the continuous success of our gallant service men and women.”

Following this statement, several online pages circulated claims that the senior officer had safely returned to base.

That narrative shifted on Monday when ISWAP released a photo of Uba in their custody and declared that they had killed him afterwards.

Sources within the military told FIJ that the image was genuine.

They explained that the denial issued on Saturday was premature.

One of the insiders said, “Uba had taken videos to show he was alive and on his way back from the ambush. However, he never made it. These videos were what we relied on originally, but nobody waited to see him first before going to discredit.”

Another source confirmed that insurgents captured the senior officer only minutes after the initial attack.

Uba is now the highest-ranking Nigerian military officer ever taken by ISWAP since the group’s emergence.

By Anas Abbas

The Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. John Kizito Bonzena, has officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Alongside him, 15 other PDP lawmakers.The 15 lawmakers announced the defection in a submitted letters of defection, according to a statement by the Speaker.

The defectors include high-ranking figures such as Deputy Speaker Hamman Adama Abdullai (Bali 2), Majority Leader Jethro Yakubu, Wukari 1.

However, and othe representatives from key constituencies: Tafarki Eneme (Kurmi), Akila Nuhu (Lau), Musa Chul (Gassol 1), Josiah Yaro (Wukari 2), Tanko Yusuf (Takum 1), Veronica Alhassan (Bali 1), Anas Shuaibu (Karim Lamido 2), Nelson Len (Nguroje), Umar Adamu (Jalingo 1), Joseph Kassong (Yorro), John Lamba (Takum 2), Happy Shonruba (Ardo-Kola), and Zakari Sanusi (Ibi).

Bonzena noted that the decision was not personal but driven by what they believe is in the collective interest of Taraba State.

“Our people should not misinterpret this decision … It is for the interest of the state,” he said.

With the mass defection, the Speaker announced that all 24 members of the House of Assembly are now APC members, effectively eliminating the minority party presence in the chamber.

Welcoming them, former Speaker Peter Diah, now with the APC, described the move as a hopeful new beginning for Taraba.

Bonzena, for his part, expressed his optimism that the shift would mark a fresh era for the state, aligning with the vision of President Bola Tinubu.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

There was a lot of panic in communities of the Zuru Emirate of Kebbi State after armed bandits attacked Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in the Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area.

The assault claimed the life of the Vice Principal and resulted in the abduction of an unspecified number of students.The Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Yakubu Makuku, was said to have confronted the attackers in an attempt to protect the students.

Residents described his death as a heavy blow to the school and the entire community.

A local resident, Murjanatu Hassan Gishiri, confirmed the attack and said the gunmen moved into the school without any obstruction.

She said the community was plunged into fear as the bandits unleashed violence on the premises.

“It is a heartbreaking tragedy that has thrown the entire region into deep fear and mourning,” she lamented.

The number of students taken away has not been officially disclosed.

Families have expressed deep concern as they await updates from authorities.

Security agencies have yet to release an official statement on the incident.

Meanwhile, residents are urging the federal and state governments to intervene quickly to rescue the abducted students and strengthen security in schools across the region.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its campaign against the illicit movement of petroleum products. Its latest operation led to the interception of more than 108,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) on the River Benue, close to the border with Cameroon.

Officials described the seizure as one of the most significant breakthroughs recorded in Adamawa State in recent months.

The early-morning raid took place on Thursday, 6 November 2025, under the supervision of the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, ACG Kolapo Oladeji.

According to him, the breakthrough followed days of intelligence gathering that focused on Ribadu Loading Bay, a route long associated with smuggling activities.

ACG Oladeji explained that a tactical team maintained a hidden position near the location until the suspected smugglers began loading the product onto a vessel.

“As the smugglers began transferring the products onto the vessel, the Customs team advanced and issued commands for them to halt,” the National Coordinator said.

He noted that officers had to act cautiously because of the difficult terrain.

He added, “Given the terrain and visibility challenges, operatives prioritised securing the contraband and preventing the boat from escaping across the international waterway.

”A wider search of the area, supported by the North-Eastern Marine Command, led to another discovery. A second wooden boat was found packed with drums and jerrycans filled with petrol.”

The two vessels were subsequently taken to the Jimeta waterside in Yola. Their contents were transferred into trucks and moved to a secured Customs location for proper documentation.

A full examination later confirmed the scale of the seizure: 485 drums of 220 litres each and 83 jerrycans of 25 litres each, which amounted to 108,775 litres of PMS.

“Given the volatile nature of the product, prompt conduct of a public auction in accordance with established guidelines was recommended to NCS, Headquarters,” he highlighted.

The National Coordinator stressed that the operation shows the Service’s strengthened determination to disrupt cross-border fuel smuggling, safeguard the economy, and enforce rules that control fuel movement in border communities.

He added that the illegal ferrying of PMS through Nigeria’s northern and eastern waterways continues to pose serious threats to national energy security because smugglers transport the product in huge volumes into neighbouring countries for profit.

By Uzair Adam

A Nigerian Navy officer on Sunday evening narrowly escaped what appeared to be an assassination attempt in Abuja after he was reportedly trailed by unidentified men dressed in black and riding in two unmarked Hilux vans.

Military sources said the incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. when the officer, who recently had a confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory over a disputed land site in Gaduwa, noticed the vehicles following him from the NIPCO Filling Station off the Line Expressway to Gado Nasco Way.

He was said to have carried out a tactical maneuver that enabled him to evade the suspected assailants.

According to the source, the matter is being investigated with the “seriousness it deserves,” while further information is being withheld to avoid jeopardising the process.

The development follows a tense encounter earlier in the week involving Lt. A.M. Yerima and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike during a demolition exercise in Gaduwa District.

The clash, which was captured on video, triggered nationwide reactions and compelled the Presidency to halt the operation.

After the incident, military veterans condemned the minister’s verbal attack on the officer and rejected calls for disciplinary action against him.

Spokesman of the Coalition of Retired Veterans, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, warned that ex-service members would occupy the minister’s office and residence if the officer was punished, stressing that military personnel owe allegiance to the nation and not to individual public officials.

He insisted that Wike must apologise for his remarks.

Minister of Defence Mohammad Badaru Abubakar has since reassured service members that no officer acting within the law will face sanctions over the confrontation, noting that the government remains committed to protecting personnel performing their duties responsibly.

Veterans had earlier vowed to mobilise and occupy the FCT Ministry should any action be taken against Lt. Yarima.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Department of State Services (DSS) has announced the arrest of Musa Abubakar, believed to be a major supplier of arms to criminal groups in Plateau State and northern Nigeria. The operation was based on intelligence reports leading to his detention on November 12, 2025.

A DSS source confirmed that Abubakar admitted to producing and distributing high-calibre weapons and ammunition used in violent attacks across Plateau and neighbouring regions.

The arrest followed a targeted raid on his weapons manufacturing facility in Mista Ali, Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State. Authorities reportedly found Abubakar with IED components, chemicals, and manufacturing equipment, all seized by DSS operatives.

This development comes days after the recapture of Abdulazeez Obadaki, alias Bomboy, a prison escapee linked to the Owo and Deeper Life Church attacks. DSS headlined recent successes in counterterrorism efforts, including the detention of nine high-profile suspects involved in incidents in Plateau and Benue states.

Among those detained is Timna Manjol, 46, who pleaded guilty to firearms charges related to the attacks, according to court documents. Manjol is affiliated with First Baptist Church in Mangu, Plateau.

Security analysts view these arrests as part of the DSS’s ongoing crackdown on violent extremism in the region.

By Uzair Adam

Stress and worsening mental health challenges have been identified as escalating threats to the journalism profession in Nigeria and beyond, a leading psychiatrist has warned.

A Consultant Psychiatrist at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Dr Aminu Ibrahim Shehu, sounded the warning while presenting a paper titled “Pressure Amid Deadline: Psychiatric/Mental Health Precautions” during the 2025 Retreat of the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), held at Pyramid Hotel, Kaduna.

He explained that the fast-paced and pressure-filled nature of journalism has exposed many practitioners to chronic stress, trauma, depression and other psychological disorders.

“Journalists are stressed and always under pressure to meet deadlines and break the news. What can we do about it? Even though stress is always around us, the only place you stay without stress is the graveyard,” he stated.

Dr Shehu noted that journalists often witness tragic and disturbing events first-hand, which can gradually weaken their mental stability.

He observed that, like military personnel, reporters frequently find themselves at scenes of violence and tragedy, making them highly prone to trauma.

He warned that unless journalists begin to take mental health seriously, the profession may continue to lose members to depression, suicide and stress-related illnesses.

The psychiatrist advised journalists to seek medical and emotional support whenever they feel overwhelmed, develop healthier work routines, identify stress triggers early, and ensure adequate rest and sleep.

He also cited cases of journalists who died by suicide or from untreated depression, stressing that psychological wellbeing should be given the same level of attention as physical health.