News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Democratic Party has recorded sweeping victories in the first major elections of President Donald Trump’s second term, as 34-year-old Zohran Mamdani emerged winner of the New York City mayoral race.

The results from Tuesday’s polls gave Democrats a strong boost heading into next year’s midterm elections, with major wins across Virginia, New Jersey, and California.

In New York, Mamdani, a democratic socialist and long-time advocate for Palestinian rights, defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa to become the first Muslim and the first person of South Asian descent to serve as mayor of America’s largest city.

In his victory speech, Mamdani told supporters, “We will build a city hall that stands steadfast alongside Jewish New Yorkers, and does not waver in the fight against the scourge of antisemitism.”

He also pledged a bold reform agenda, saying, “This will be an age where New Yorkers expect from their leaders a bold vision of what we will achieve, rather than a list of excuses for what we are too timid to attempt. Central to that vision will be the most ambitious agenda to tackle the cost of living crisis that this city has seen since the days of fear of LaGuardia.”

Mamdani promised rent freezes for over two million tenants, free bus services, universal childcare, and new community safety programs to address homelessness and mental health challenges.

He also addressed President Trump directly, declaring, “Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you. Turn the volume up.”

The newly elected mayor said his administration would defend marginalized groups, adding, “Whether you are an immigrant, a member of the trans community, one of the many Black women that Donald Trump has fired from a federal job, a single mom still waiting for the cost of groceries to go down, or anyone else with their back against the wall, your struggle is ours too.”

Mamdani’s rise has not been without controversy. Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, described his victory as “a disgraceful example of how antisemitism triumphed over common sense.”

By Anwar Usman

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board has adjust its recruitment process by announcing new updates to its ongoing recruitment exercise, saying shortlisted candidates will now sit for their tests online.

This was revealed in a statement signed by Secretary to the Board, AM Jibril (Maj Gen Rtd) and posted on Tuesday.According to the statement, the recruitment portal will officially close on Friday, November 7 2025.

“The Civil Defence, Corrections, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) wishes to inform all shortlisted applicants that the recruitment portal will officially close on Friday 7th November, 2025,” the statement read.

Applicants are now directed to visit the portal, recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng, to confirm their status.The board said the online test will run for one week.

The statement revealed that “All shortlisted applicants will take part in an online test, which will commence from Wednesday 12th November 2025 and conclude on Wednesday 19th November, 2025.”

It also clarified that no physical CBT centres will be used.“Applicants are to note that the test will be conducted exclusively online.“Accordingly, all previously allocated CBT centres are distcontinued,” the board said.

Candidates who selected physical CBT locations earlier have been advised to return to the portal to schedule a date and time for their online test.

“Applicants are to ensure they have a stable internet connection, necessary devices to take the online test, as well as carefully follow the instructions on the examination slip to avoid disqualification,” the Board advised.

Jibril assured all that the recruitment process remains transparent.

“The Board wishes to inform the general public that it remains committed to a smooth and transparent recruitment process,” he stated.

By Uzair Adam

The Republic of China has declared firm support for the Nigerian government as it “leads its people on the development path suited to its national conditions.”

Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday in Beijing, Spokesperson of China’s Foreign Ministry, Mao Ning, said that “as Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs or threatening them with sanctions and force.”

Ning made the remarks while responding to a question on US President Donald Trump’s threat of military action in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.

She also reacted to reports that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is seeking military equipment from China, Russia, and Iran to prepare for possible US attacks.

“China has a clear-cut stance on the US cracking down on so-called ‘drug cartels’ by force in the Caribbean Sea,” Mao said, stressing that China supports combating cross-border crimes through stronger international cooperation, not through threats or use of force.

She stated that, “We stand against moves that undermine peace and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean region, and oppose unilateral and excessive enforcement operations against other countries’ vessels.”

“We hope the US will engage in normal law enforcement and judicial cooperation through bilateral and multilateral legal frameworks,” she added.

On Saturday, Trump ordered the US Department of War to prepare for “possible action” in Nigeria, warning the Nigerian government to act swiftly to end what he described as the “killing of Christians.”

He labelled Nigeria a “disgraced country,” threatening to halt US aid and possibly take military action to “wipe out the Islamic terrorists” allegedly responsible for the violence.

Responding, President Bola Tinubu dismissed the claims, insisting that Nigeria remains committed to religious freedom.

“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality. Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so.”

By Muhammad Sulaiman

Former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney passed away last night at the age of 84, his family announced in a statement this morning. The cause of death was complications arising from pneumonia as well as cardiac and vascular disease.

Cheney, who served as vice president under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, was one of the most influential and controversial figures in modern American politics. Known for his staunch defence of U.S. national security policies following the September 11 attacks, Cheney played a central role in shaping the Bush administration’s foreign and defence strategies, including the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1941, Cheney held numerous key government positions throughout his career, including White House Chief of Staff under President Gerald Ford and Secretary of Defence under President George H.W. Bush.

In recent years, Cheney had battled various health challenges, including multiple heart-related issues. His family said funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days.

“Dick Cheney was a patriot who devoted his life to serving his country,” the family’s statement said. “He will be remembered for his leadership, his resolve, and his unwavering commitment to the United States.”

By Uzair Adam

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation MESA, in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, have successfully repelled a bandits’ attack, safeguarding vulnerable communities in the area.

The operation, conducted by personnel of the 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, followed a credible tip-off on the movement of bandits around Ungwan Tudu, Ungwan Tsamiya, and Goron Dutse axis of Shanono at about 5 p.m. on November 1.

According to a statement issued by Capt. Babatunde Zubairu, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, the troops, supported by other security agencies, engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel, forcing them to flee.

“It was confirmed that the bandits, who arrived on motorcycles, sustained several casualties during the encounter,” Zubairu stated.

He added that troops stationed at Tsaure community made contact with the attackers, leading to an exchange of fire that resulted in the recovery of several motorcycles and two mobile phones.

Zubairu disclosed that 19 bandits were neutralised in the operation, while two soldiers and a local vigilante lost their lives.

He said further operations were ongoing in the area to ensure the safety of residents and to prevent future attacks often linked to cattle rustling and other criminal activities.

“The Nigerian Army urges citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movements to security agencies,” Zubairu added.

Meanwhile, the Commander of 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Tukur, reassured residents of the Army’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and security across Kano State in collaboration with other security agencies.

By Anas Abbas

A Nigerian academic, Dr Muhsin Ibrahim, who teaches Hausa language and culture at the University of Cologne, Germany, has written a touching tribute to the late Kannywood actor, Alhaji Mato Yakubu, popularly known as Malam Nata’ala (Mai Sittin Goma).

In the tribute shared on social media, Dr Muhsin described the deceased as a talented comedian whose unique performances left lasting memories among Hausa film audiences.

Alhaji Mato Yakubu featured in several Kannywood films, particularly in the Chamama comedy genre, alongside the late Rabilu Musa (Dan Ibro), before the establishment of the Arewa24 channel.

His fame, however, soared through the station’s popular drama series “Dadin Kowa,” where he earned the name Malam Nata’ala for his role as a “loud” but lovable traditional Qur’anic scholar (Alaramma) and a family man constantly mediating between his two quarrelling wives.

Recalling his struggles, Dr Muhsin wrote that the actor’s prolonged illness had earlier drawn public attention, prompting financial assistance from the Yobe State Government and the Government of the Republic of Niger.

The actor later appeared in a video expressing gratitude and looking healthier.

“Many thought his illness was caused by poverty. Some even laughed at the whole issue. Unknown to all, he would pass away a few weeks later,” Dr Muhsin wrote.

He concluded the tribute with prayers: “May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, ours and those of our loved ones, amin.”

The late Alhaji Mato Yakubu was widely celebrated for his humour and natural acting style, which endeared him to fans across Northern Nigeria.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Troops from the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered a ransom of N3.8 million in Kogi State.

The rescue mission was launched on November 2, 2025, following credible intelligence about kidnapping activities along the Itobe–Adumu–Ejule road.

Reports indicated that relatives of the victims were attempting to deliver a ransom for their release.

Acting swiftly, troops from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Oguma patrolled towards Achigili Forest to intercept the criminals.

En route, the soldiers were ambushed and came under fire from the bandits.A fierce gun battle ensued, during which the troops overpowered the kidnappers with superior firepower.

The bandits were forced to flee into the forest with gunshot wounds, abandoning their two captives and the ransom money.

The rescued victims were immediately taken to a secure military location for debriefing.

In a significant move, the recovered sum of Three Million, Eight Hundred Thousand Naira (₦3,800,000) was returned to them.

The Nigerian Army, in a statement by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, reiterated its resolve to protect lives and property in the state.

The public was also urged to continue providing timely information to support security agencies in the fight against crime.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has stated that the rampant violence and killings in Southeastern Nigeria are not religiously motivated, but a conflict between Christians.

Speaking on the security crisis, Soludo emphasized that the perpetrators, who operate from remote camps, bear distinctly Christian names.

“In this part of the world, Eastern Nigeria, it is not religious,” Soludo said. “People are killing themselves, Christians killing Christians. The people in the bushes are Emmanuel, Peter, John, all Christian names, and they have maimed and killed thousands of our youths.”

The Governor’s comments come amidst broader discussions on national security and international partnerships.

He acknowledged the right of countries like the United States to have their views but stressed that any foreign assistance must be at the request of the Nigerian government and within the bounds of international law.

“Certainly, if Nigeria requests any assistance for the military, technology and hardware to deal with insurgency, then it is within Nigeria’s call,” he stated.

While calling for a deeper national conversation and introspection, Soludo expressed confidence in the Federal Government’s efforts, asserting that Nigeria is a large country and the government is “doing a whole lot to safeguard the country.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Kano State Government has approved ₦9,854,326,460.92 for various road construction, renovation, and flood control projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure and easing transportation across the state.

The approvals were part of the resolutions reached during the 33rd Kano State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on Saturday, November 1, 2025.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the projects will be executed under the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.

Key allocations include ₦2.63 billion for the construction of Dambatta–Gwarabjawa Road in Dambatta Local Government and ₦2.47 billion for the supply and installation of 4-way intersection traffic lights across major roads in Kano State.

Other major projects approved are ₦388.5 million for flood control works at Baban Gwari Roundabout along Katsina Road, ₦810.8 million for the installation of road studs within Kano metropolis, and ₦277.4 million for renovation and construction works at Audu Bako Secretariat (Phase II).

Additionally, ₦339.6 million was approved for the installation of solar-powered streetlights at Kwankwasiyya City, while ₦135.3 million will fund the installation of all-in-one solar streetlights at Ado Bayero Square, New Road, Sabon Gari, and surrounding areas.

The Commissioner said the projects underscore the Yusuf administration’s resolve to modernize Kano’s infrastructure and ensure sustainable urban development.

“These approvals are part of the government’s broad commitment to improving road networks, promoting safety, and mitigating flood risks across the State,” Waiya added.

By Maryam Ahmad

The Maldives has become the first country in the world to implement a generational ban on tobacco use, marking a historic step in global public health policy.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Health, anyone born after January 2007 will be permanently prohibited from purchasing, using, or being sold tobacco products within the country. The measure aims to create a tobacco-free generation and reduce the long-term health and environmental impacts of smoking.

Health officials described the policy as part of the government’s broader strategy to curb non-communicable diseases and promote healthier lifestyles among young people in the Maldives.

The Maldives joins a small but growing list of nations considering similar “smoke-free generation” initiatives, with New Zealand having previously proposed a comparable plan before it was repealed.

Authorities say enforcement guidelines and public education campaigns will accompany the new law to ensure effective implementation and community support.