News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has described banditry and terrorism as serious threats to Nigeria’s economy and security, stating that urgent action is required to end the menace.

He said his administration would reinforce the country’s security architecture to tackle the challenge and restore stability.

Tinubu spoke on Monday at the opening session of the two-day National Economic Council conference held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. He assured Nigerians that decisive steps would be taken against criminal groups responsible for violence across parts of the country.

“To further find means to strengthen our security forces to defeat terrorism and combat banditry.

“That, I promise you…is what has kept all of us sleepless at night, but I assure you that we will win with determination and resilience,” Tinubu said.

He stressed that such acts of violence are not in line with Nigerian values and must be eliminated.

“This banditry and terrorism are unacceptable. It is not part of our culture. It is foreign to us.

“So it is an economic hindrance if we do not find an immediate solution to it.”

His remarks follow a series of deadly attacks in different states. One of the most severe incidents occurred on February 3 in Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where at least 162 residents lost their lives in an ആക്രമ by suspected extremists.

Reports indicated that the attackers struck after residents rejected demands to adopt a strict version of Sharia law. The violence led to several deaths and injuries, while dozens of people, mostly women and children, were abducted.

Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, had earlier described the incident as a “brutal and deliberate massacre” and genocide.

On the same day, another attack in Doma communities of Faskari Local Government Area in Katsina State left at least 20 people dead after a local peace arrangement broke down.

At the NEC meeting, Tinubu acknowledged the efforts of some state governors in tackling insecurity, particularly those from Borno and Katsina states.

“I commend many of you, particularly the governor of Borno State, Katsina, many of you who have done so much to defend our freedom, liberty and our commonwealth,” he said.

The President also linked the security crisis to ongoing livestock reforms. He noted that the conference should come up with clear decisions on ranching and investment in livestock as part of efforts to address clashes between farmers and herders.

“I’m confident that the resolution of this conference will include dairy farming, livestock investment, ranches and diversification of our agricultural produce.

“I promise you here, I will play my part. I promise Nigeria that this will be delivered,” Tinubu said.

He recalled that he had earlier directed Vice President Kashim Shettima and the NEC to prepare a roadmap for transforming the livestock sector through ranching.

“We must eliminate these areas of conflict and make the livestock reform economically viable,” the President had said at a previous Federal Executive Council meeting.

Following that directive, the NEC inaugurated a Livestock Development Committee chaired by Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris to accelerate the implementation of ranching reforms nationwide.

The ongoing conference, presided over by Vice President Shettima, was convened by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu. It is themed ‘Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan.’

Participants include state governors, senior government officials, development partners, and private sector representatives. Discussions are expected to focus on key economic priorities such as fiscal coordination, investment drive, and joint development strategies between federal and state governments.

By Sabiu Abdullahi l

The Federal Government has rolled out a fresh set of fiscal measures for 2026, bringing significant changes to import tariffs across several sectors in a bid to boost economic growth.

The decision was contained in a document dated April 1, 2026, and endorsed by the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun. The new framework replaces the 2023 Fiscal Policy Measures.

As part of the reform, authorities reviewed import duties on 127 tariff categories. The affected items include rice, sugar, vehicles, and key industrial materials. According to the government, the reductions are intended to “promote and stimulate growth in critical sectors of the economy”.

One of the notable adjustments is the Import Adjustment Tax on products such as crude palm oil, which now stands at an effective rate of 28.75 percent. This marks a reduction from previous levels.

In the automobile sector, tariffs on fully assembled passenger vehicles, including four-wheel drives and station wagons, have been lowered to 40 percent. The rate was previously set at 70 percent under the 2015 policy.

To cushion the impact of the transition, the government approved a 90-day grace period for importers who opened Form ‘M’ before April 1. This allows them to clear their goods using the old tariff rates.

Despite the reductions, the policy introduces new measures. These include an excise duty regime and a green tax surcharge. Both are expected to take effect from July 1, 2026.

Details released in the gazetted list show revised duties across various goods. Import duty on antimalarial drugs is set at 20 percent. Rice imported in bulk or in quantities above 5kg now attracts 47.5 percent, down from 70 percent, while broken rice is fixed at 30 percent from the previous 70 percent.

Other adjustments include wheat flour at 70 percent, crude palm oil at 28.75 percent from 35 percent, and raw cane sugar at 55 percent from 70 percent. Refined salt now attracts 55 percent, also reduced from 70 percent.

In the manufacturing and construction sectors, duties on items such as ceramic tiles, envelopes, and notebooks have also been lowered. Steel and industrial inputs, including zinc-coated sheets and aluminum-coated coils, now attract 35 percent, down from 45 percent in many cases.

Further changes affect machinery and equipment. Agricultural and manufacturing machines now attract zero duty, reduced from 5 percent. Railway locomotives, cargo ships, and breathing equipment have also been exempted from import duty.

Additionally, modular surgical operating theatres now attract 5 percent duty instead of 20 percent, while air compressors and pumps have been reduced to 5 percent from 10 percent.

The policy also outlines exemptions under the planned green tax surcharge. These cover vehicles below 2000cc, mass transit buses, electric vehicles, and locally produced vehicles within specified categories.

The Federal Government explained that the reforms are designed to strike a balance between revenue generation and economic expansion, while also supporting local industries and reducing the cost of essential imports.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have detained a former member of the House of Representatives, Aliyu Gebi, over claims that he distributed misleading intelligence reports to foreign embassies in Nigeria.

Security sources disclosed that Gebi, who served in the 7th National Assembly and works as a security consultant, was arrested on Friday, April 3. He has since been released on bail, although investigations are still ongoing. Sources said he must report regularly to the DSS headquarters.

The case was first reported by Premium Times, which stated that the former lawmaker allegedly provided intelligence to foreign missions that authorities later found to be inaccurate.

A source told the newspaper that the reports caused concern among international stakeholders, especially in the aviation sector. “Lufthansa cancelled flights scheduled to take off to Nigeria,” the source said, adding that “British Airways nearly did the same.”

Another source indicated that the same intelligence contributed to a recent advisory issued by the United States government, which warned its citizens about security risks in parts of Nigeria.

The advisory, issued by the US Department of State, cited a “deteriorating security situation.” It urged non-essential personnel to leave Nigeria and advised Americans to reconsider travelling to the country. The warning listed crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, assault and roadside banditry. It also identified high-risk states, including Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Kogi, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara and Rivers.

The Nigerian government rejected the advisory and asked foreign partners to ensure their security assessments are “balanced and up-to-date” and reflect “the progress being made” to improve safety across the country.

Sources also revealed that several embassies initially considered acting on the intelligence allegedly linked to Gebi. However, Nigerian authorities intervened through diplomatic engagement, which led to a suspension of planned actions.

“Many embassies received the report and wanted to act on it, but the Nigerian government dialogued with them and they shelved their plans,” another source said. “But the United States went ahead to issue that advisory.”

The incident comes at a time of existing diplomatic strain between Nigeria and the United States. Tensions increased after Washington redesignated Nigeria in 2025 as a “Country of Particular Concern” over allegations of religious persecution, an accusation the Nigerian government has repeatedly denied.

While acknowledging security challenges, the Nigerian government maintains that violence in the country affects different regions and groups, not a single religious bloc.

Gebi has held several roles within Nigeria’s security sector. He served as a member of the House of Representatives between 2011 and 2015, representing a constituency in Bauchi State. During that period, he chaired the House Committee on Internal Security and also participated in the ECOWAS Parliament.

He later worked at the Ministry of Interior as a Senior Special Adviser from 2015 to 2023. He also served as Special Adviser on Non-Kinetic Security Strategies at the Defence Headquarters. In addition, he was the National Coordinator of the Security Governance Initiative, a programme launched during the Obama administration to strengthen security sector governance in Nigeria and other African countries.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A dismissed Nigerian soldier, Rotimi Olamilekan, widely known as Soja Boi, has raised concerns over the absence of children of political leaders in the Nigerian Army, saying their involvement could lead to meaningful changes in the system.

Olamilekan made the remarks in a viral video while reacting to reports about ongoing recruitment into the armed forces. He described the recruitment exercise as positive but expressed doubts about its fairness and transparency.

“I’m seeing some news online that the military is recruiting new people, and it’s very good,” he said. “But I’m still asking: why are politicians’ children not joining them?”

He also questioned why public office holders, including ministers, lawmakers and local government officials, do not allow their children to enlist in the military.

The former lance corporal argued that the absence of children of the elite contributes to persistent challenges within the armed forces.

“If politicians send their children to join the army, many things will change in this country,” he added. “Suffering will reduce, and a lot will improve inside the military.”

Olamilekan has made similar remarks in the past. He linked his concerns to personal experiences during service and the losses recorded in counter-insurgency operations.

“The way I keep losing my colleagues brings tears to my eyes every day,” he had said in a previous video.

He also pointed to welfare issues within the military. He earlier challenged the Nigerian Army to make its payroll public. He shared bank transaction alerts, which he claimed showed modest earnings by soldiers.

Olamilekan was recently dismissed from service over alleged indiscipline and violation of the Armed Forces Social Media Policy. The Nigerian Army had earlier dismissed his claims as false and misleading, but he maintained that his statements were accurate.

“I am not trying to spoil the Nigerian Army’s image or make people look at them as if they are not good. But I am just speaking the facts and I will be backing them with evidence,” he said.

He insisted that real reforms in the military would be easier to achieve if political leaders had direct personal stakes, especially through the participation of their children in military service.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, has faulted United States President Donald Trump over the ongoing conflict with Iran, accusing him of destabilising global peace and worsening international insecurity.

Sonko spoke at a conference focused on Africa’s push for sovereignty. He questioned the purpose of the confrontation and its impact on global stability. He argued that the United States has not achieved its key objectives despite rising tensions.

“Reducing Iran’s ballistic capacity has not been achieved. Forcing Iran to abandon all nuclear programmes, both civil and military, is not an objective that has been achieved,” Sonko said.

He also warned that the consequences of the conflict have been severe and unjustified.

“Yet the world has been plunged into chaos that nothing can justify. Mr Trump is not a man of peace. He is a man who destabilises the world,” he stated.

His remarks come as concerns grow among world leaders over the effect of the US-Iran crisis on global peace and security.

President Trump, on his part, has accused Iran of failing to meet its obligations under arrangements tied to the movement of oil through the Strait of Hormuz. He described Tehran’s conduct as inadequate and criticised its actions in strong terms.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, “Iran is doing a very poor job, dishonorable some would say, of allowing Oil to go through the Strait of Hormuz. That is not the agreement we have!”

He also warned against any attempt by Iran to impose charges on vessels passing through the route. “There are reports that Iran is charging fees to tankers going through the Hormuz Strait — They better not be and, if they are, they better stop now!” Trump wrote on Friday.

These developments follow reports that shipping activities in the Strait of Hormuz remain limited despite a recently announced ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. Al Jazeera reported that only a few vessels have passed through the channel since both sides agreed to a temporary halt in hostilities earlier in the week. The situation has raised fears over continued disruption in global energy supply.

A separate report indicated that a private oil tanker company paid about $2 million to Iran to secure safe passage through the strategic waterway.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, has accused the United States of undermining diplomatic efforts in the region. He stated that “the United States is letting Israel kill diplomacy.”

Araghchi also linked the regional crisis to internal political developments in Israel. He referred to the legal challenges facing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“Netanyahu’s criminal trial resumes on Sun. A region-wide ceasefire, including Lebanon, would hasten his jailing,” he said.

The exchange of accusations highlights growing tensions among key actors, as the conflict continues to draw international attention and concern.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

US First Lady Melania Trump has publicly rejected claims linking her to late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, saying she has no connection to him and was never one of his victims.

She made the remarks on April 10 in Washington during a rare public statement at the White House, where she addressed growing online speculation about her past and Epstein’s social circle.

Mrs Trump also pushed back against suggestions that Epstein introduced her to US President Donald Trump, insisting she first met her husband at a New York City gathering in 1998. She said she only encountered Epstein later at a separate event attended with Mr Trump.

“The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today,” Mrs Trump said while reading from a prepared statement. She refused to take questions from reporters present.

“I am not Epstein’s victim,” she added, dismissing what she described as false claims about her.

Her comments come as renewed attention builds around the Epstein case, which continues to generate political debate in Washington. The controversy has also drawn criticism of how federal authorities have handled related documents.

Mrs Trump also urged lawmakers to hold open congressional hearings so victims could testify publicly under oath. Her proposal raises the possibility of further scrutiny of the case, which President Trump has attempted to move past.

“I think it’s really time for the country to get on to something else, really, now that nothing came out about me,” Mr Trump said earlier in February.

She also addressed her past interactions with Epstein’s associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, saying any communication was limited and informal. Mrs Trump denied ever having a personal relationship with Epstein.

“I have never been friends with Epstein,” she said. “Donald and I were invited to the same parties as Epstein from time to time, since overlapping in social circles is common in New York City and Palm Beach.”

Mrs Trump added that she first “crossed paths” with Epstein in 2000, years before her marriage, and said she had no knowledge of his criminal activities at the time.

“At the time, I had never met Epstein and had no knowledge of his criminal undertakings,” she said.

Epstein, who previously pleaded guilty in 2008 to state charges in Florida, later faced federal sex-trafficking charges before his death in 2019 in a New York jail, which authorities ruled a suicide.

Reports have also pointed to a 2002 email attributed to Mrs Trump and sent to Ghislaine Maxwell regarding a New York magazine article about Epstein. She described the message as minor and informal.

On April 10, she said the email amounted to “casual correspondence” and called it “a trivial note”.

A senior adviser to the First Lady said her statement was issued to counter what he described as false narratives, adding: “First Lady Melania Trump spoke out now because enough is enough. The lies must stop.”

The renewed discussion has again placed the Epstein case in public debate, with political figures and victims’ groups divided over calls for wider public hearings.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Terrorists believed to be members of Boko Haram faction Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS) have released a video showing 416 abducted women and children from Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

The footage shows the captives seated on the ground in an open area while armed insurgents stand guard around them. Some of the gunmen wore face coverings, while others had their identities exposed.

The video was reportedly produced after a request by a group known as the Borno South Youths Alliance, which had demanded proof that the abducted persons were still alive amid ongoing efforts to secure their release.

In the recording, one of the insurgents spoke in Hausa through a loudspeaker, presenting the group and addressing Nigerian authorities.

“All praise is due to Allah, and may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah and his family. Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you,” he began.

“We are members of Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad, under the leadership of Imam Abu Umaymatul.

“We have gathered here today to present a few important matters. God willing, we intend to deliver a message to the Government of Nigeria, based on requests made by members of the Borno South East Alliance and others who asked for clarification about the condition of the women from Ngoshe.

“The women of Ngoshe wanted to be seen, and here they are. They are alive and in good condition. We have not harmed them in any way, nor have we mistreated them. We have kept them according to what we believe is our duty before Allah. This is because our religion instructs us to act in this manner.

“Without wasting time, since members of the Borno South East Alliance requested a video so they could see them with their own eyes, we will now allow the women to speak directly. You will hear from them and see them yourselves.”

After the statement, the captives were questioned by the insurgents and asked to confirm their identities and status. A spokesperson among the abducted persons, speaking in Hausa, confirmed they were from Ngoshe and said they were alive.

“First of all, we thank Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) who brought us to this place. Alhamdulillah, we are grateful.

“We are people from Ngoshe town. This trial and destiny befell us there. By the grace of Allah, we are alive and in good condition, together with our children, women, and elders. All of us are safe.

“Those who were injured or unwell have received treatment and care. Some of our children arrived without clothes, no shirts, no trousers, but they have now been given clothing. We have been provided with shelter and food. Alhamdulillah, we are being taken care of.”

She also expressed emotional distress over the situation and appealed for intervention from the Nigerian government and local leaders.

“Our stay here has not been difficult in terms of basic needs; we have no immediate complaints about our treatment. However, we are deeply worried and distressed because of what has happened to our relatives.

“Some people were killed when an aircraft struck, and others suffered different tragedies. Because of this, we are in emotional distress and constant worry. Our families back home are also anxious; some of them do not even know whether we are alive or dead. But now, with this video, they will at least know that we are alive.

“We are sending this message to the world so that people know we are alive and in good condition.”

She further appealed directly to top officials, including President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, and other leaders from Gwoza and Southern Borno, urging urgent action to secure their release.

“We are calling on all of them for help, assistance, and intervention.

“We sincerely wish to return to our homes because we are not used to living like this. The lifestyle here is very different from what we are accustomed to. Our children are distressed, we women are distressed, and our families back home are also suffering emotionally.

“Living in a place that is unfamiliar to you is very difficult. We are appealing for intervention so that we can be helped and returned to our homes, reunited with our children, parents, and loved ones.

“War is not good, it only brings suffering.”

Another woman, speaking in a different local language, repeated similar concerns, praising their survival while calling for urgent rescue efforts. The captives also repeatedly thanked their captors and appealed for help.

The video highlights the continuing humanitarian crisis in Nigeria’s North-East, where prolonged insurgency has displaced communities and left many civilians in captivity.

In a related background, earlier reports had indicated repeated attacks on Ngoshe and surrounding areas, including assaults on military bases and civilian settlements, which have led to deaths, destruction of property, and displacement of residents.

By Anas Abbas

The African Democratic Congress has taken legal action against the Independent National Electoral Commission, challenging the removal of some of its leaders from the commission’s official records.

The party, under the leadership of David Mark, filed the suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking judicial intervention over what it described as an unlawful decision by the electoral body.

According to the ADC, INEC’s action in altering its leadership records is inconsistent with due process and threatens the internal structure of the party. The party insists that the changes were made without proper consultation or adherence to established legal procedures.

The suit is asking the court to determine the legality of INEC’s move and to compel the commission to restore the affected leaders to its official records.

The development comes amid an ongoing leadership dispute within the party, which has drawn public attention in recent days. The ADC maintains that the matter is an internal affair and should not warrant interference from the electoral umpire.

As of the time of filing this report, INEC has not publicly responded to the lawsuit.The case is expected to test the extent of the electoral body’s powers in regulating party leadership structures, particularly as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of future elections.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Suspected motorcycle robbers have cut off the hand of a school teacher, Isah Sallama, during an attack in Bunkure Local Government Area of Kano State, The Daily Reality reports.

The incident happened on Wednesday night along the Funkuyi Road in Buran District. This was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary for Public Enlightenment of the Rano Emirate Council, Nasiru Habu Faragai.

Faragai said Sallama, who lives in Sarkin Bakar Rano, came under attack when he tried to assist another victim, Malam Sauwanu Hadi. The assailants were attempting to snatch Hadi’s motorcycle and mobile phone at the time.

He added that the attackers first attempted to shoot Sallama, but their weapon failed to discharge, according to a report by the Daily Trust newspaper.

“When the gun failed, they resorted to using a machete and chopped off his hand, leaving him in a critical condition,” the statement said.

The District Head of Bunkure, Alhaji Aminu Isa Umaru, reported the case to the Emir of Rano, Muhammad Isa Umaru.

The emir condemned the incident and described it as troubling. He ordered that security agencies be notified for a detailed investigation.

He also approved the sum of N100,000 to assist with the victim’s medical treatment.

The traditional ruler urged community leaders and security operatives to step up efforts to address robbery and other criminal activities in the area.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Terrorists launched a coordinated attack on the headquarters of the 29 Task Force Brigade in Benisheikh, Borno State, in the early hours of Thursday, but were repelled by military troops, the Defence Headquarters has said.

The assault began at approximately 12:30 a.m. on 9 April 2026, when insurgents attempted to breach the defensive perimeter of the military installation, according to a statement from the DHQ.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, led by Brigade Commander Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, responded with superior firepower and forced the attackers to retreat in disarray.

“A few brave and gallant soldiers paid the supreme price” during the encounter, the military said, without disclosing the exact number of casualties.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, honoured the fallen soldiers, describing their courage as “a source of pride and inspiration” to the armed forces and the nation.

The military described the attack as a sign of desperation by terrorist elements who have suffered significant losses in recent operations.

Clearance and exploitation operations are ongoing in the area to track fleeing insurgents, the DHQ added.

The public was urged to disregard misinformation and unverified content on social media, and to allow the military to formally notify the families of the deceased before further details are released.