News

By Ibrahim Yunusa


The Kano State Government has dismissed reports alleging that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf snubbed the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, during the Hawan Nasarawa celebration at Government House.

In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the government described the claims as false, misleading, and lacking any factual basis.

According to the statement, the report was deliberately fabricated to misinform the public and create unnecessary tension.

The government clarified that there was no breach of protocol, noting that it is a longstanding tradition for governors to pay homage to the President during the Sallah period.

The government explained that this year’s Hawan Nasarawa coincided with a strategic meeting of Nigerian governors, requiring Governor Yusuf’s presence outside Kano.

It added that the governor had duly informed the Emir and delegated the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly and other senior officials to receive the Emir on his behalf at the Government House.

Despite the scheduling conflict, the statement noted that Governor Yusuf participated in other Sallah activities, including attending the Eid prayer led by the Emir and making arrangements to receive other traditional rulers.

The government reaffirmed that relations between the state government and the Kano Emirate Council remain cordial, urging the public to disregard the report and rely on credible sources for information.

By Uzair Adam

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State on Sunday witnessed the maiden landing of an aircraft at the Gusau International Airport, marking a significant milestone more than 30 years after the state’s creation without an operational airport.

According to a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the test flight was operated by the Federal Government of Nigeria and touched down at exactly 4:30 p.m.

The aircraft, identified as a Bombardier Challenger 605, carried out a one-off assessment flight aimed at evaluating the airport’s preparedness for upcoming VIP movements scheduled for next week.

Governor Lawal described the development as historic, noting that the successful landing represents a major step forward for the state’s aviation infrastructure.

He said the event would remain a memorable moment in Zamfara’s history, as it signals the beginning of airport operations in the state.

The Nigerian Army has announced the start of online registration for its 91st Regular Recruits Intake (RRI), targeting both trade and non-trade applicants.

In a notice shared on its official Facebook page, the Army stated that the exercise will begin on 30 March and close on 17 May. It said the opportunity is open to eligible Nigerian citizens and stressed that the process is free of charge. It also cautioned applicants to stay away from fraudsters.

According to the guidelines, applicants must be Nigerians by birth and must be single. They are required to present a valid National Identity Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN). The Army added that candidates must be medically, physically, and psychologically fit, and must not have any criminal record.

For educational qualifications, applicants are expected to have at least four credits, including English Language, obtained in not more than two sittings. Accepted examinations include WASSCE, GCE, NECO, and NABTEB.

The Army further explained that those applying as tradesmen or women must possess relevant trade or guild certificates.

On age limits, non-trades applicants must be between 18 and 22 years old. Trades applicants must not be older than 26 years as of 30 June. The minimum height requirement is 1.68 metres for men and 1.65 metres for women.

Shortlisted candidates will take part in a screening exercise in their states of origin from 9 June to 23 June.

Applicants were advised to complete their registration through the official recruitment portal and print necessary documents, including guarantor forms. The Army warned that anyone who submits fake documents will face prosecution.

It also highlighted benefits of joining the service. These include career growth, competitive salary, access to education and training, healthcare services, and pension after retirement.

The Army urged interested candidates to apply early and follow all instructions carefully. It added that there are no special recruitment centres and no pre-selection computer-based tests for the exercise.

By Uzair Adam

Prominent opposition figures in Nigeria have paid a visit to the residence of Kwankwasiyya leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Those present at the visit included former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and Senator Seriake Dickson, among other political stakeholders.

In a post shared on his Facebook page, Kwankwaso stated that the politicians were at his residence on a Sallah homage.

Kwankwaso, a leading figure in the opposition New Nigeria Peoples Party, is widely speculated to be considering a move to another political party.

This follows the recent defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, from the NNPP to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Meanwhile, Peter Obi recently confirmed his official move to the African Democratic Congress, while Governor Makinde remains one of the few governors still in the Peoples Democratic Party, alongside his Bauchi State counterpart.

By Uzair Adam

One year after Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf announced automatic employment for 54 postgraduate students trained in India, the beneficiaries say the promise remains unfulfilled, raising concerns about accountability and policy follow-through.

The graduates, who studied at Symbiosis International University under the Kano State Government’s foreign scholarship programme, returned to the state on March 22, 2025. 

The Daily Reality recalls that during an official reception and Iftar held in their honour, the governor declared that the students would be absorbed into the state civil service.

“I was pleased to have Iftar with another set of our students who returned from India after completion of their studies,” the governor said at the time, adding that the 54 beneficiaries would be given automatic employment.

He also urged them to justify the investment made in them by contributing meaningfully to the development of the state, stressing that they should “repay the state by working assiduously.”

However, despite the governor’s public promise of automatic employment, the graduates remain without jobs one year later. 

The delay has created uncertainty and hardship for the scholars, who had planned their careers around the assurance, while no formal communication or timeline has been provided by the authorities.

Speaking on behalf of the affected graduates, a student’s representative who pledged anonymity said the commitment has not been implemented despite repeated follow-ups through appropriate channels.

“During the reception, His Excellency publicly announced automatic employment for all 54 returning scholars,” he said.

He explained that many of the graduates had structured their professional plans around the governor’s promise, but the delay has left them facing uncertainty and hardship. 

According to him, there has been no formal communication or clear timeline from the authorities regarding when the employment will take effect.

He said the situation has persisted for a year despite the group’s efforts to seek clarification.

“We believe this is a matter of public accountability and policy follow-through,” he added, calling for attention to the issue.

The Director General, Media and Publicity to the governor, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, did not respond to several calls seeking comment. 

Efforts to reach the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, were also unsuccessful due to network constraints at his location.

The development comes amid ongoing state government investments in foreign education programmes to build skilled manpower, particularly in critical sectors such as health and education.

Many people believe that delays in implementing such commitments could weaken public confidence in government policies and affect future beneficiaries of similar programmes, even as the affected scholars remain hopeful that the promise will eventually be fulfilled.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

There is growing unrest within the Nigeria Police Force following a directive from Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tunji Disu, ordering the immediate dissolution of multiple tactical units across the country.

Units reportedly affected include the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Anti-Cultism, Anti-Kidnapping, Scorpion Squad, Tactical Intelligence Response Squad (TIRS), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Monitoring Units, Tiger Squad, Gender Units, and Anti-Robbery squads, among others.

The directive, obtained from an internal wireless message by SaharaReporters, followed a recent virtual meeting between the IGP and senior police officers. According to the message, “all existing tactical teams at commands are being reformed into two, with operational names to be provided by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations.”

The signal further specified that units such as “Lion, Tiger, Scorpion squads and others by whatever names called” will no longer operate in their current form. Under the new arrangement, only area commands and divisional surveillance units are allowed to function temporarily, pending further instructions.

Personnel from the disbanded units are to be redeployed into conventional policing structures, including patrol and guard duties, the Divisional Crime Branch (DCB), Juvenile and Women Centre (JWC), and general beat assignments. “The dissolved teams are to be subsumed into patrol and guard, DCB, JWC and beat with immediate effect,” the directive added.

Further details on the restructuring are expected to be revealed during the Officers’ Conference scheduled for March 26, 2026. While the rationale for the sweeping reforms was not explicitly stated, the move comes amid longstanding public concerns over misconduct by some tactical units, many of which have faced accusations of human rights abuses, extortion, and extrajudicial operations.

The restructuring follows closely on the heels of a special resit promotion examination for senior officers reportedly overlooked in previous cycles. A confidential police message dated March 16, 2026, shows that the Police Service Commission (PSC) has rescheduled the exercise for Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs), and Superintendents of Police (SPs) who were “not successful” in the December 2025 and March 2026 promotion cycles.

Sources say that some officers were allegedly sidelined by a bribery scheme orchestrated during former IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s tenure. The current IGP is reportedly moving to “reconsider and rectify” these injustices by providing a transparent opportunity for affected officers to earn their next ranks.

The wireless signal directs all commands to release the affected officers to attend the interviews as scheduled and advises them to refresh their knowledge in professional studies, law, and local acts. Security arrangements include twelve armed men provided by AIGPOL MOPOL and two Hilux vans from the transport wing (TRANSFOR), to be ready at the FHQ Parade Ground by 06:00 HRS.

This move marks one of the most significant structural overhauls in the Nigeria Police Force in recent years.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

At least 150 suspected bandits reportedly drowned after a boat carrying them capsized in Sabon Gida, Sokoto State.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency and security expert in the Lake Chad region, revealed the incident in a post on X. He said the tragedy occurred on Saturday evening when the vessel, loaded with a large number of armed men, overturned while crossing a water body in the area.

According to Makama, the bandits were traveling in large numbers when the boat suddenly capsized, throwing everyone on board into the water.

“Preliminary information suggests that many of them could not swim, leading to heavy casualties,” he said.

He added that early reports indicate that none of the occupants survived the incident.

As of the time of this report, security agencies have not issued an official statement confirming the event.

The incident has caused alarm in the area as authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Russia is the main beneficiary of the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran.

Reports say the Donald Trump administration recently gave countries a 30-day window to purchase Russian oil and petroleum products that had been stuck at sea due to sanctions. This move aimed to help reduce rising oil prices caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, it has faced sanctions from the US and European nations. Analysts, however, have said that easing these sanctions could provide Moscow with significant funds, which it could use to continue its war in Ukraine.

When asked whether Russian President Vladimir Putin is benefiting from the sanctions relief, which has drawn criticism from many European countries, Zelenskyy told the BBC:

“Putin wants a long war. For Putin, the Iranian campaign is a plus. Besides high energy prices, it also means the US is running out of resources and the companies that make air defence systems are also facing shortages – so there’s a lack of resources overall.

“So, it’s good for Putin that the resources aren’t being used against Ukraine, which is where he’s sending his army and fighting. He needs to weaken US and this is a long process. One way to do that is the Middle East.”

Zelenskyy added that the situation shows how the Middle East conflict diverts US attention and resources away from the war in Ukraine, giving Russia a chance to prolong the conflict.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Ozoro, headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area in Delta State, is gripped by panic as female students of Delta State University reportedly leave the community over safety concerns. The exodus follows violent incidents during the controversial ‘Alue-Do’ festival, which have sparked nationwide outrage.

Videos circulating on social media showed young women being chased, stripped, and assaulted by groups of youths, prompting fear among residents and students.

Sources say that many female students, traumatized by the attacks and uncertain about their safety, have begun fleeing the area.

A student leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the atmosphere as tense. He told The PUNCH:
“Most of the female students in the community are scared, especially when they were told that the festival is meant to last for seven days. Many left early this morning, and others were still seen leaving up to this evening.”

He added that anxiety remains high among residents and students due to uncertainty over the festival’s duration and the potential for more violence.

The source also alleged that some university students were involved in the assaults:
“It is not only the indigenes who participated in the molestation. Some students also took part in it, and that is the most painful part. It speaks to the level of decadence in our society, the education system and human behaviour as a whole.”

He called for justice, stressing:
“Sexual assault is a serious offence, and it desecrates the dignity of our women. We will not condone that.”

In response, the Delta State Police Command intensified its operations, arresting 11 additional suspects, bringing the total in custody to 15. Earlier arrests included a community leader, Omorede Sunday, and four others.

Police Public Relations Officer Bright Edafe confirmed the arrests and noted that intelligence work and analysis of viral videos helped identify suspects, including Samson Atukpodo, Steven Ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, and Evidence Oguname. He said preliminary findings suggest that criminal elements exploited the festival to commit violence.

“The Commissioner of Police condemns these acts in totality and reassures the public that the command remains resolute in its determination to ensure that all those involved are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” Edafe said.

The incident has drawn condemnation nationwide. The Nigerian Bar Association described the attacks as “a national disgrace.” In a joint statement signed by President Afam Osigwe and Chairperson of the NBA Women Forum Huwaila Muhammad, the association said:
“A society reveals its true character in how it treats its women. Where women are chased, stripped, violated and publicly humiliated under the guise of celebration, what is on display is not culture but barbarity.”

The NBA urged the Delta State Government to ensure all perpetrators face justice, emphasizing that no cultural practice can justify violence against women.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Federation of Business and Professional Women petitioned Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, demanding the suspension of traditional rulers in Ozoro for allegedly failing to prevent the violence. The group also called for an independent inquiry to investigate the incident and determine the role of community leaders.

As fear spreads across the university community, many students remain hesitant to return. Calls are growing for stronger security measures and accountability for those responsible.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Political analyst and lecturer at Bayero University Kano, Saidu Ahmad Dukawa, has expressed serious concern over the welfare of the recently commissioned Neighborhood Security Corps in Kano State.

In a Facebook post, the don laments that the recruits have yet to receive their promised monthly allowances, despite being screened for the job nearly a year ago.

Dukawa wrote: “I just learnt that the recently commissioned Neighborhood Security Corps of Kano State are yet to receive the monthly stipend promised to them. When considered from the period of screening them for the job, one is talking of a duration of one year!”

He warned that such delays could undermine the effectiveness of the security initiative. He added that it lends credence to arguments against the creation of State Police. Dukawa urged those close to Governor Abba Kabir to inform him that the situation requires urgent and compassionate attention.

The warning comes amid growing security concerns in Kano State. In a recent development, gunmen reportedly abducted the Secretary of Kibiya Local Government Area during a late-night attack at his residence in Dinya town.

According to Hon. Sabo Yusuf Usman, Chairman of the Councillors in Kibiya, the attackers woke the secretary’s son under the pretext of illness, forcing him to alert his father, before seizing both father and son.

The boy was later released, but the secretary was taken away before security operatives could respond.

While Kibiya has not historically been linked to significant security threats, neighboring areas such as Tsanyawa and Shanono, which share a border with Katsina State, have recently experienced a spate of bandit attacks.

The abduction manifests the fragile security situation and raises questions about the readiness and motivation of local security personnel.

Experts say that ensuring timely payment of allowances and proper welfare for Neighborhood Security Corps staff is crucial for maintaining their effectiveness.

As debates around state-level policing powers continue nationwide, the Kano situation exemplifies the challenges of implementing local security structures without adequate funding and support, with the recent Kibiya incident serving as a stark reminder of the stakes involved.