News

By Uzair Adam

The Kwara State Police Command has successfully rescued 13 individuals abducted by armed assailants while traveling to a wedding in Kogi State.

The operation, conducted in collaboration with personnel from the Oke-Ero Local Government Security Initiative, was confirmed in a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, on Saturday in Ilorin.

According to DSP Ejire-Adeyemi, the operation underscores the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and maintaining security in the state.

She explained that the rescue followed a distress call received on December 21, 2024. Acting on credible intelligence and with support from local informants, security operatives identified the kidnappers’ hideout in the Idofin-Igbana area.

“The kidnappers, numbering six and some dressed in military uniforms, engaged the operatives in a gun battle.

“However, they were overpowered by the superior firepower of the security team, forcing them to flee with injuries and abandoning their captives,” the statement read.

The rescued victims include three females and 10 males from locations such as Odo-Owa in Oke-Ero Local Government Area, Ilorin, Ogbomoso, and a group of trailer drivers en route to Kogi.

While two of the victims sustained minor gunshot wounds, all 13 individuals received medical attention, were stabilised, and later reunited with their families.

The state Commissioner of Police, CP Victor Olaiya, commended the resilience and swift action of the operatives, noting the importance of community collaboration in combating criminal activities.

The command reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and called on the public to provide timely information that could aid in curbing crime.

By Uzair Adam

The Presidential Emergency Action on Climate Change Initiative (PEACCI) organized the maiden edition of the Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II Climate Action Cup on Sunday at the Race Course Field, Kano.

The event, aimed at promoting awareness of climate change, featured a football match and a symbolic tree-planting ceremony.

Edidiong Etefia, the Director General of PEACCI, highlighted the importance of the initiative.

“This event is not just a football match but a tribute to Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II, a visionary leader who believes in empowering Africans to address the challenges of climate change,” she said.

The football tournament targeted under-13 players to emphasize their role in securing a sustainable future.

Etefia explained, “We believe that the future belongs to these children. By involving them in such initiatives, we’re making them aware of the importance of tree planting, renewable energy, recycling, proper waste management, and climate-smart agriculture.”

During the event, participants planted a tree as a symbolic gesture, underscoring the need for millions more to combat climate change.

Etefia noted, “This is just the beginning. The children who planted this tree today have taken a bold step towards saving their future. We hope their actions inspire others to join this cause.”

The event concluded with medals and awards presented to participants, reinforcing the message that the activity was a community service initiative rather than a competition. Etefia added, “There were no losers today because everyone who participated contributed to a vital cause—saving our planet.”

PEACCI hopes the Climate Action Cup will serve as a platform to inspire more young people and communities to take responsibility for combating climate change, ensuring a healthier and sustainable future for generations to come.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service is set to auction off 15,325 litres of seized petrol to help alleviate transportation difficulties during the festive season.

The seized premium motor spirit, valued at N27.5 million, was confiscated during operations in Lagos and Ogun states.

According to Hussein Ejibunu, national coordinator of the service’s operation whirlwind, the comptroller-general of customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has directed that the products be auctioned at a rate of N10,000 per 25 litres, which translates to N400 per litre.

This move aims to ease the transportation hardship faced by the public during this festive period.

Ejibunu noted that the operation, which began on May 27, 2024, has yielded positive results, and the comptroller-general has urged operatives to continue their efforts to stamp out the activities of economic saboteurs.

As Ejibunu stated, “This operation has been on since 27 May 2024 and has yielded positive results, as the CGC has urged the operatives to continue sustaining the tempo until the activities of these economic saboteurs are stamped out of this country”.

The auctioning process has been facilitated by a court condemnation order and the completion of all legal processes by the office of the legal adviser.

Ejibunu added, “On this note, the CGC has directed Auctions of the seized product to members of the public at the rate of N10,000 per 25 litres.

“This will ease the transportation hardship during this festive period.”

By Anwar Usman

Prof. Mustapha Nasir Malam, a senior lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication at Bayero University, Kano, spoke about the importance of leadership and reputation management, especially during challenging periods.

He explained this during a quarterly professional development lecture organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Kano State Chapter.

He explained how quality leadership plays a significant role in shaping an organisation and society. He noted that “good leadership enables a leader to build a good reputation and earns the respect of his subordinates”.

Malam described the qualities of a leader as self-confident, innovative, and having any other attributes that may give the leader an added advantage.

He further asserts that reputation management is crucial and takes a long time to build, citing some countries that excel in it. He also used the #EndBadGovernance, the SAMOA deal agreement, and the recent controversy between the Nigerian junta and Nigeria to highlight how these incidents negatively affected Nigeria’s reputation.

Dr Sule Y. Sule, a program discussant and lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication at Bayero University, has explained how improper reputation management strategies have affected the Nigerian government’s reputation and will take a long time to fix.

He called on the government to strengthen its communication capabilities by employing strategic communication strategies to maintain the country’s reputation and image.

Various lecturers from the Department of Mass Communication, the national spokesperson of the Nigeria Customs Service, public relations practitioners, the publisher of PR Nigeria, students, and media personalities attended.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In a moment of great joy, the academic community celebrates the promotion of Dr Muhammad Sani Umar Rijiyar Lemo from Associate Professor to Full Professor at Bayero University, Kano.

The announcement has been met with enthusiasm, as Dr Umar Rijiyar Lemo is a well-known Islamic scholar within and outside the university.

Rijiyar Lemo’s promotion reflects years of hard work, dedication, and significant contributions to both the academic world and Islamic scholarship in the Hausa-speaking world.

Colleagues and students alike have expressed their happiness and offered prayers for continued success and blessings in his new role.

As he reaches this milestone in his career, it is hoped that this promotion will bring even greater prosperity and impact to his work.

The entire academic community wishes him well in this new chapter of his career, praying for further blessings and success.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has expressed profound sorrow, and extended heartfelt condolences to his Jigawa State counterpart, Mallam Umar Namadi, over the loss of his son, Abdulwahab Umar Namadi.

Abdulwahab, aged 24, tragically lost his life on Thursday, December 26, 2024, in a ghastly motor accident along the Dutse-Kafin-Hausa Road.

This devastating incident occurred barely hours after the family suffered the loss of Governor Namadi’s mother, Hajiya Maryam.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya, in a statement, described the losses as heart-wrenching and profoundly saddening.

He noted that the tragedy of losing two loved ones in such a short period is an extraordinary test of faith, urging his Jigawa counterpart to find solace in the divine words: “What Allah takes belongs to Him, and what He gives is also His, for everything occurs at its appointed time according to His will”.

He prayed for Allah’s mercy and forgiveness upon the souls of Abdulwahab and the late Hajiya Maryam, asking Allah to grant them Aljannat Firdaus as well as give strength and patience for the bereaved family during this difficult period.

By Uzair Adam

Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has dismissed allegations by Niger’s military leader, General Abdulrahman Tchiani, that Nigeria is aiding France in efforts to destabilize Niger.

General Tchiani alleged that Nigeria was establishing a military camp, codenamed “Canada,” in the Munguno-Baga area of Borno State near the Niger border, where French troops were reportedly stationed.

In an interview with BBC Hausa, Ribadu described the allegations as unfounded, pointing out Nigeria’s history of resisting foreign military presence.

“Even England, which colonized Nigeria, never stationed soldiers here. When France sought to bring troops, we declined. Why would we agree now?” he asked.

He called on Niger’s leadership to resolve its issues with France directly rather than involving Nigeria, emphasizing that Nigeria remains committed to regional unity and cooperation, free from external interference.

Tchiani further accused Nigeria of hosting French forces near Lake Chad and claimed Nigerian officials were training fighters in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states to undermine Niger’s stability.

Ribadu vehemently denied these allegations, urging independent verification by journalists and the public.

“Our shared enemy is terrorism, not each other. We must unite to secure our communities and resist external interference,” Ribadu stated.

Tensions between Nigeria and Niger have escalated since the military government in Niamey accused Nigeria of sheltering officials from the former Bazoum administration and collaborating with foreign powers.

Despite repeated denials, the strained relationship between the two nations persists.

By Uzair Adam 

A video depicting Nigerian and French troops unloading supplies in a coordinated manner has garnered significant attention on social media.

The Daily Reality reports that the footage has sparked controversies surrounding France’s alleged intentions in Nigeria.  

The controversy intensified after Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, dismissed claims that the country had ceded any part of its territory to France. 

Idris issued a statement on Thursday addressing allegations that Nigeria was conspiring with France to destabilize the Niger Republic through terrorism.  

Mahdi Shehu, a public affairs commentator, had previously alleged plans to establish a French military base in northeastern Nigeria. 

He claimed the plans gained traction after Femi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), reportedly hosted French soldiers.  

In a video accompanying Shehu’s since-deleted social media post, Nigerian troops were seen offloading supplies, including bags of rice, from trucks while French soldiers unloaded a cargo plane. 

The scene included vehicles, personnel in uniform, and a bus displaying a French flag. In the video, a Nigerian soldier stated that the troops had recently left a counterterrorism training centre.  

However, investigations by TheCable revealed that the video has been online since January 2013. 

According to a report by the Associated Press (AP), the footage shows ECOWAS troops, including 156 Nigerians, arriving at Senou International Airport in Bamako, Mali. 

The mission was part of a regional peacekeeping effort to stabilize Mali during a crisis.  

Reacting to Idris’ statement, Shehu urged the government to halt its denials. 

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s defence headquarters dismissed the allegations as “baseless.”  

The resurfaced video highlights the challenges of misinformation in public discourse, underscoring the need for careful verification before making conclusions or spreading claims.

By Sulaiman Abdullahi

Manmohan Singh, the renowned economist and former Prime Minister of India, has passed away at the age of 92, according to local media reports on Thursday.

Singh, who served two consecutive terms as prime minister, was instrumental in steering India’s economic liberalization during his tenure as finance minister.

A respected economist-turned-politician, he also held the position of governor of India’s central bank.

The former leader had been ailing and was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, where he reportedly passed away late on Thursday.

Singh leaves behind a legacy of economic reforms and leadership that transformed India’s trajectory on the global stage.

By Uzair Adam

A joint operation by security agencies, spearheaded by the Anambra State Police Command, has dismantled a criminal hideout in the Nimo community of Njikoka Local Government Area, recovering 19 unexploded improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The camp, located in a bush known as Owa Land, was reportedly a hub for launching attacks across the state and holding kidnapping victims. Acting on intelligence reports, security operatives launched the operation in the early hours of December 24, 2024.

The raid led to a prolonged gunfight, with suspects fleeing the scene under heavy fire.

State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the operation, stating, “In the early hours of December 24, 2024, a joint security operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, Military, Civil Defence, and Anambra Vigilante operatives successfully dismantled a criminal camp in Nimo, Njikoka LGA.

“The operation resulted in the destruction of makeshift structures, recovery of 19 unexploded IEDs, and inflicted significant injuries on fleeing suspects.”

Ikenga further disclosed that the operation was a result of credible intelligence gathered from ongoing security investigations across the state.

The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam, commended the cooperation between security agencies and the community.

He noted the importance of sustained collaboration to ensure safety during and after the festive season.

The Commissioner also urged hospitals to report individuals with bullet wounds or related injuries to the nearest police station. Meanwhile, residents were assured of continued security patrols to maintain peace throughout the yuletide season.

Authorities have encouraged the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.