News

By Uzair Adam

The Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has apprehended four notorious kidnappers in Abuja, acting on credible intelligence.

The suspects, identified as Yau Sani, also known as Baba (an ex-convict), Nuhu, alias Giwa, Kabiru Mohammed, and Yusuf Hassan, were arrested at their hideout in Sauka, Abuja.

According to the Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the suspects had been living among the general population and confessed to being involved in a series of kidnappings in the FCT and neighboring areas.

The Daily Reality gathered that the gang’s activities had resulted in the deaths of seven victims.

The suspects also led the police to another hideout in Gauraka Forest, Suleja, Niger State, where officers recovered a significant cache of arms, including four AK-47 rifles, thirteen magazines, and 162 rounds of live ammunition.

The group had previously attacked areas such as Dakwa, Dawaki, Aco Estate, and villages in Niger and Kaduna States.

They also admitted to planning future attacks on government institutions and estates in Abuja, which were successfully foiled by the police.

The FCT Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to tackling crime in the region and urged residents to report any suspicious activities through provided emergency numbers.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has revealed that N4.7 billion is being deducted from the state government’s federal allocation each month to pay off debts he inherited. 

He said, “In Kaduna, we are paying N4.7 billion in debt every month; go and check and see our allocation. You will agree with me that we started paying this debt in June 2023. Currently, what we are receiving is about N8 billion, while we should be receiving around N12 billion compared to what other states are getting within Northern Nigeria. 

“We are trying our best to manage what we have. Yes, I agree with you that governance is about reducing costs. Since I became governor, I have maintained that we have not purchased a single vehicle for anyone—whether myself, the Deputy Governor, or my commissioners. We have also reduced the performance bonuses and salaries of our commissioners and the Deputy Governor. Today, I am only receiving half of my salary because we have to make sacrifices, considering the challenges we face. 

“People may ask about our IGR (Internally Generated Revenue). Our IGR account is with Zenith Bank; you can check it. Every month, Zenith Bank deducts about N800 million at source because I inherited that debt.” 

By Uzair Adam

The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Kano State Government, demanding that their grievances be addressed or face an imminent strike.

This decision was reached during a meeting of the State Administrative Council, following the government’s failure to resolve issues previously raised in multiple correspondences.

In a letter signed by NANNM’s acting State Secretary and Public Relations Officer, Comrade Ahmad Hamzat Sharada, and addressed to the Kano State Head of Civil Service, the association warned that nurses and midwives across clinical facilities and training institutions in the state would withdraw their services after the notice expires on October 16, 2024.

The letter outlined key demands, including the payment of a revised hazard allowance for nurses, harmonization of their service scheme, and the payment of a 259% upward review of the CONHESS salary structure.

This development follows a similar ultimatum by the National Association of Government General and Medical Dental Practitioners, which began an indefinite strike on October 1, 2024, due to the government’s failure to meet its previous agreements.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Army reported yesterday that its troops have successfully carried out a series of impactful operations, significantly weakening terrorist groups and neutralizing several high-profile fighters.

These actions led to the recovery of dangerous weapons, including rocket bombs and a large stockpile of ammunition.

According to a statement from the Army headquarters, “These operations have further restricted the enemies’ ability to move freely across the country.”

On September 29, 2024, a major raid was launched on Boko Haram/ISWAP hideouts in Ajiri and Mastari villages, located in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

The troops, using superior firepower, eliminated four notorious fighters. A thorough search of the area uncovered two Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) bombs, two AK-47 magazines, 28 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, 25 rounds of 7.62x54mm light machine gun ammunition, and a light machine gun barrel.

Additionally, at Banki Junction in Bama Local Government, troops neutralized another terrorist.

In Plateau State, acting on accurate intelligence, troops raided a location in the forested mountains of Panyam and captured two notorious kidnappers, Isah Abdullahi (24) and Mujahid Musa (23), who had been involved in several violent attacks on villages in Mangu Local Government Area.

Items recovered during the operation included two motorcycles, three mobile phones, and other items of interest.

In a related mission, troops arrested a notorious arms dealer, Kabiru Zaki, in Bukuru town of Jos South Local Government Area, along with a suspect linked to a recent murder in Brazongo village, Bassa Local Government Area.

Meanwhile, in southeastern Nigeria, troops clashed with IPOB/ESN militants in a fierce gunfight in Lilu, Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State, after the militants attempted an ambush using an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

Overwhelmed by the Army’s superior firepower, the militants fled into nearby forests, leaving behind a Closed Circuit Camera and IED components.

By Uzair Adam

President Bola Tinubu is set to leave Abuja on Wednesday, October 2, for the United Kingdom (UK), where he will begin a two-week working vacation, which forms part of his annual leave.

According to a statement from Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the vacation will also serve as a retreat for the President to reflect on his administration’s ongoing economic reforms.

The statement added that President Tinubu will return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the two-week leave.

“There’s no smoke without fire” . . . A decisive, immediate action must be taken.

Assalamu Alaikum, Peace and Blessings of Allah be unto you.

To President Tinubu, Hon. Minister of Health, Stakeholders and all Health Practitioners of Nigeria.

I am bitterly compelled to write to you today regarding a disturbing incident that transpired at Best Choice Specialist Hospital in Kano city. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) actions at this private hospital have demonstrated a blatant disregard for human life.

Patients and parents have reported to Alfijir Newspaper that operatives of FIRS with officials, armed with guns, stormed the hospital, threatening and forcing them to vacate the premises.

The general plebeians already vulnerable due to illness, were left to wander the streets of Kano in search of alternative healthcare, only to find that many medical facilities were unavailable due to an ongoing doctors’ strike.

It is unacceptable that the FIRS dispute with the hospital should infringe upon citizens’ right to healthcare. This conflict affects not only the hospital but the the people who seek medical attention.

Best Choice Specialist Hospital is known for its philanthropic efforts and commitment to providing quality healthcare to the most vulnerable members of our society.

The hospital’s management has consistently demonstrated compassion and empathy, offering free medical services to those who cannot afford them. Their selflessness has saved countless lives and alleviated suffering.

The hospital’s community outreach programs have provided vital healthcare services to rural areas, addressing pressing health concerns such as maternal and child mortality. Their collaboration with local organizations has facilitated health education, disease prevention, and awareness campaigns.

Moreover, Best Choice Specialist Hospital has been at the forefront of disaster response, providing emergency medical care during times of crisis. Their staff’s dedication and expertise have been instrumental in saving lives and mitigating the impact of devastating events.

We urge the leaders of our great nation and the Human Rights Commission to take immediate action against this abuse of power.

Furthermore, we also implore the FIRS to reconsider their approach, recognizing that their rights do not supersede those of others.

“If your own children were in need of medical care, would you not prioritize their well-being above all else?”

Solemnly we request all the stakeholders to intervene to prevent future incidents and ensure the hospital can continue its lifesaving work.

We await your prompt response and resolution on to this critical matter.

Sincerely,
Editor-in-Chief, Alfijir Online Newspaper.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

President Bola Tinubu says he inherited a country with damaged security from his predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari. 

In his Independence Day speech, Mr. Tinubu said he took over the leadership of Africa’s most populous country at a “critical juncture.” 

“My administration took over the leadership of our country 16 months ago at a critical juncture. The economy faced many headwinds, and our physical security was highly impaired,” Mr. Tinubu said. 

The president also said Nigeria was imbalanced when he assumed office on May 29, 2023.

However, his government decided to pursue reforms in both Nigeria’s economy and its security. 

“We found ourselves at a dizzying crossroads, where we must choose between two paths: reform for progress and prosperity or carry on business-as-usual and collapse. We decided to reform our political economy and defence architecture.” 

In the sixteen months since Mr. Tinubu took office, bandits and Boko Haram terrorists have continued their nefarious activities in the northern part of Nigeria, kidnapping for ransom and killing. 

Spiking food prices caused by economic inflation have forced Nigerians to hit the streets in protest as the unprecedented cost-of-living crisis takes a dreadful trajectory under Tinubu’s watch.

By Anwar Usman

The governor of Kano state, Abba Kabir Yusuf says Nigeria is suffering from serious problems that require bold and innovative solutions to address.

He urged residents of the state to imbibe the spirit of patriotism to ensure that the sacrifices of Nigeria’s forefathers were not in vain.

Yusuf made the call at the celebration of Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary held at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Tuesday.

He said, “As we stand on the shoulders of giants, we must ask ourselves: What will be our contribution to the future of this great state? How will we ensure that the sacrifices made by our forefathers were not in vain? As we look ahead to the future, let us do so with optimism, unity, and a shared sense of purpose.

“Let us draw inspiration from our past achievements, learn from our challenges, and march forward with courage and conviction. Together, we can overcome any obstacle, achieve any goal, and realize the full potential of our great nation.

“Fellow Nigerians, it is clear that we face significant obstacles in our time. From economic pressures to social inequalities, from security concerns to the impacts of climate change, we are confronted with obstacles that require bold and innovative solutions. Yet, we cannot allow these challenges to deter us from our goal of building a better future for all citizens of Kano State and Nigeria at large.”

The governor while expressing optimism about a brighter future said it however lies in the ability of the citizens to work together, just as the country’s forefathers did.

He assured the public of his administration’s readiness to remain focused towards fulfilling the promises of delivering people oriented projects that will have positive impacts on the lives of the masses and the general development of the state.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has granted clemency to 23 convicts as part of the celebrations marking the state’s 28th anniversary and Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day.

This was made known in the Governor’s goodwill message to the people of Gombe State and the nation on the dual occasions.

The clemency announced by the Governor extends beyond the release of convicts, as he also commuted life sentences for two individuals to 15 years, reduced two death sentences to life imprisonment, adjusted one detainee’s sentence to 10 years, and commuted the death sentences of four death row inmates to 15 years in prison.

The Governor explained that these actions followed the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy. He expressrd hope that the pardoned individuals will seize the opportunity for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

While reflecting on the progress made in Gombe State since its creation in 1996, as well as the challenges facing the state and the country, the Governor urged citizens to embrace unity and peaceful coexistence, emphasizing that these are the cornerstones of the state’s development.

He noted the economic difficulties many citizens are currently facing, particularly in light of the removal of fuel subsidies and the resulting inflation.

While acknowledging the strain this has placed on families, Governor Inuwa reaffirmed the state’s commitment to easing the burden through palliative measures, citing food distribution programme reaching over 750,000 beneficiaries and transport allowances for state workers, with further discussions underway regarding the implementation of a new minimum wage.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya also reflected on the state’s achievements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, pointing out that his administration had constructed over 900 kilometers of roads across all Local Government Areas, expanded healthcare facilities, and improved access to education through the construction of classrooms and recruitment of teachers.

As Gombe State looks to the future, the Governor pledged continued focus on empowering youth, supporting farmers, and improving the quality of life for families across the state.

He called on citizens to remain patient and united in the face of economic challenges, expressing confidence that current reforms would eventually lead to a more resilient and prosperous future.

Governor Inuwa, who is also the Chairman of Northern States Governors’ Forum, urged citizens to celebrate with gratitude for the progress made and renewed commitment to building a future defined by unity, prosperity, and opportunity for all.

He prayed for peace and stability in Gombe and across Nigeria, reiterating his administration’s commitment to ensuring the state’s long-term growth and success in line with its development agenda.

By Anwar Usman

The Kano State Police Command has warned residents against demonstration on the streets in any guise as the command is ready to deal seriously with any person or group of persons that violated the order.

SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the Command’s spokesperson, gave the warning while parading some arrested criminals at the Command’s headquarters in Bompai Kano on Monday.

He said that the police will not allow a repeat of the thuggery witnessed in the state during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.

“On the forthcoming Independence Day celebration on 1 October 2024, the Police Command has concluded all necessary arrangements to provide adequate security during and after the event period.

“I therefore urge all Kano State people to cooperate with the Police as well as other security agencies and participate in the Independence Day celebration responsibly, adhering to all safety guidelines and respecting the rights of others.”

He further stated, “Security deployments have been concluded at strategic locations within the state to forestall any likely security threats on the alleged planned 1st October nationwide protest. We have to appreciate the fact that all forms of crime are reducing drastically”.