News

By Uzair Adam

Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has stated that his party is open to forming alliances with other political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In an interview with BBC Hausa, the former Kano State governor emphasised that the NNPP is willing to collaborate with any party that shares its commitment to improving the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.

Kwankwaso clarified that any potential alliance with the APC or other parties must come with clear, tangible benefits for the NNPP, highlighting the party’s nationwide structures and gubernatorial candidates in all states.

He said, “If you are asking us to join APC, you must tell us what NNPP will gain. We have gubernatorial candidates in all the states and full structures nationwide. What will you offer them if we join?”

The senator reiterated that alliances will be based on shared ideals that guarantee a better quality of life for Nigerians.

He described the 2027 elections as likely to be fiercely contested, noting that citizens are now more informed, concerned, and engaged than ever before.

“We’re ready for anyone, whether it is the APC, PDP, ADC, Jonathan, or Peter Obi. If we are satisfied with their competence, we will join forces to achieve success.

“The key thing is that whoever we ally with must be committed to the needs of Nigerians,” Kwankwaso said.

He also condemned the state of insecurity in parts of the country, including Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Kaduna, noting that ordinary citizens are the main victims while political elites live in luxury in Abuja.

On the recent proposal by the National Assembly to amend the 2022 Electoral Act, which would schedule presidential and governorship elections six months before the expiration of incumbents’ tenures, Kwankwaso said he is ready for elections to be held at any time, provided there is adequate notice for mobilisation.

Addressing claims of undue influence over the Kano State government, Kwankwaso dismissed the allegations as baseless, insisting that the current administration is acting independently and that time will reveal who is truly in charge.

“Our position is simple: if he seeks our counsel, we will gladly offer it. But if we notice anything wrong or harmful, we will call his attention to it. “That is why people claim they will defeat us, but the truth is, the youths are more aware now,” he clarified.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has announced the approval of thirteen new degree programmes for universities across Nigeria.

The move is part of an ongoing effort to modernize the country’s higher education curriculum and align it with global trends.

In an official memo signed by the Executive Secretary, Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, the Commission directed all Vice-Chancellors to circulate the newly approved Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) documents.

The new programmes reflect a focus on emerging technologies, security, and specialized fields.

The list includes cutting-edge courses such as B.Sc. Artificial Intelligence, B.Sc. Intelligence and Security Studies, and B.Eng. Nuclear Engineering. Also approved were programmes in Geomatics Engineering, Telecommunications Science, and Water Sanitation and Hygiene.

According to the NUC, the programmes were developed with input from experts within the Nigerian University System in March 2025.

The approval is intended to “strengthen quality assurance mechanisms and enhance academic relevance.”

Universities interested in offering these new degrees must develop their own 30% institutional component to complement the NUC’s 70% core curriculum.

The NUC stated that implementation can begin in the 2025-2028 academic session, pending a successful Resource Assessment Visit to the applying institutions.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Nigerian forces operating under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have thwarted a series of coordinated terrorist attacks across Borno and Yobe states, neutralizing over 50 fighters in fierce overnight battles.

According to a press release from the military, the assaults occurred between midnight and 4:00 a.m. on Thursday, targeting troops’ positions in Dikwa, Mafa, Gajibo, and Katarko.

The military stated that its troops “stood firm, fought gallantly, and professionally repelled the attacks, dealing the terrorists a heavy decisive and bloody blow.”

The defence was bolstered by air support from the Air Component, which provided precision strikes. Enhanced intelligence and reconnaissance assets also gave ground forces a critical advantage, enabling a lethal response.

The combined ground and air efforts led to the recovery of a significant cache of weapons, including 38 AK-47 rifles, 7 machine guns, 5 RPG tubes, and thousands of rounds of ammunition.

Intelligence reports suggest the terrorists who attacked Dikwa and Gajibo came from neighbouring Cameroon, while those in Katarko emerged from the notorious Timbuktu Triangle enclave.

While the military scored a major victory, it acknowledged some costs. Several soldiers were wounded but are reported to be in stable condition.

Additionally, terrorist attacks involving armed drones and RPGs set vehicles and buildings on fire, with defences in Mafa and Dikwa being “momentarily breached.”

The Military High Command has commended the troops for their gallantry and doggedness, stating that their performance reaffirms the military’s unwavering resolve to defend the nation’s territorial integrity.

By Uzair Adam

Former presidential candidate and activist, Omoyele Sowore, was on Thursday taken into custody by armed police officers shortly after attending a court session for the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Sowore, a prominent campaigner for Kanu’s release, was reportedly accosted by the officers who insisted that he accompany them to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command.

When he asked for the reason behind his arrest, one of the officers replied that they were acting on the instruction of the Commissioner of Police.

“The commissioner of police said we should bring you to the office,” the officer stated.

Despite questioning the lack of a formal invitation and insisting that his lawyer must be present, Sowore was eventually driven away in a police van.

It would be recalled that the Sahara Reporters publisher played a major role in organising the recent #FreeNnamdiKanu protest that took place in Abuja and other cities on Monday.

During the protest, police arrested 12 participants, including Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel, and one of his lawyers, Aloy Ejimakor. The detainees were later remanded at Kuje Prison.

According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed before a Chief Magistrate Court in Kuje, the police accused the protesters of criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, and public disorder.

The report alleged that the protest, which violated a subsisting court order, obstructed traffic and posed a threat to public peace.

The court is expected to take the plea of the 12 defendants on Friday.

However, it remains unclear whether Sowore will be added to the charge sheet.

Muhammad Isah Zng

Special Primary School in Zangon Gabas, Ungogo Local Government Area of Kano State, is struggling with insecurity and abandoned, burnt classrooms, leaving pupils and teachers in a difficult learning environment.

A resident and Islamic teacher, Abdullahi Ahmed, voiced concern that the school has been neglected by the government, leaving it vulnerable to vandalism and deterioration. He stated that youths often break onto the premises after lessons to play football, which frequently results in damage to school property and theft of valuable items.

“The major problem is insecurity. Youths come into the premises, deface classrooms, and steal items. If nothing is done, this school may one day become history,” Ahmed said.

Besides security breaches, classrooms that were burned several years ago remain unrepaired and unused, further reducing available learning space. Ahmed, who also uses the classrooms for Islamic lessons, disclosed that the headmaster had hired a security guard and was paying him from personal funds to protect the remaining facilities.

Community members are urging the Kano State Government to urgently repair the classrooms that were burned and to ensure security to protect the school. Education stakeholders warn that if no action is taken, the worsening conditions could jeopardise the future of pupils in Zangon Gabas. 

By Sabiu Abdulahi

The Customs Area Controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, has praised British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) for its long-standing collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and its consistent adherence to trade regulations.

A statement released by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs I, Abdulmalik Akintola, said Comptroller Aliyu gave the commendation during a familiarisation visit to BATN’s facility on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

He was warmly received by the company’s Director of Operations, Mr. Hasnain Ishtiaq.During the visit, the Customs chief lauded BATN’s operational excellence and its vital role in Nigeria’s tobacco manufacturing industry.

He acknowledged the company’s positive impact on the economy, stressing that its contributions extend to revenue generation, employment creation, and industrial growth.

“The company’s industrial activities have continued to promote economic growth and enhance industrial development within Oyo State and across the nation,” Aliyu stated.

He further called for continuous collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and BATN to sustain their shared objectives in promoting legitimate trade and industrial advancement.In his remarks, Mr. Hasnain Ishtiaq, Director of Operations at BATN, thanked Comptroller Aliyu and his team for the visit.

He applauded the Nigeria Customs Service for its dedication to supporting lawful trade and fostering a business-friendly environment.

Mr. Ishtiaq assured that BATN would maintain its commitment to regulatory compliance and strengthen its partnership with the Customs Service.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has dismissed claims suggesting a rift between him and his political mentor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, emphasizing that no one can succeed in creating division between them.

The governor made the clarification on Tuesday in Madobi during a ceremony marking Kwankwaso’s 69th birthday.

He reiterated his unwavering loyalty to the former governor and vowed to continue upholding the ideals and vision of the Kwankwasiyya movement.

“Those within and outside trying to create a quarrel between me and our leader, Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, will not succeed,” Yusuf stated.

He described Kwankwaso as a divinely inspired leader whose principles have guided the political direction of Kano State, adding that he would remain committed to sustaining his legacy.

Governor Yusuf also prayed for long life and good health for the NNPP national leader, describing him as a visionary whose leadership continues to inspire progress across the state.

Speculations about tension between the duo had surfaced in recent months following the emergence of a movement called “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” (Abba Stand on Your Feet), allegedly led by former Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Baffa Bichi, and ex-Commissioner for Transport, Alhaji Salisu Digol.

The movement was said to be pushing for greater administrative independence for Yusuf’s government, a development that fueled rumours of a possible power struggle within the Kwankwasiyya political family.

By Anwar Usman

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has announced the suspension of its ongoing two-week warning strike which started Monday, October 13th.

This was revealed by the National President of ASUU, Prof. Chris Piwuna, in an ongoing press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to the president, the decision stemmed from the meeting of the National Executive Council meeting which was held overnight and ended by 4:00 am on Wednesday.

Piwuna noted that the union decided to embark on the strike due to the failure of the government to meet its demands on time.

“We’ve had useful engagements with representatives of the government to consider the response to the draft renegotiation of the 2009 agreements. However, we are definitely not where we were prior to the commencement of the strike.

“The union acknowledged that the government returned to the negotiation table. While noting that a lot more work is still required, NEC came to the conclusion that the ongoing strike should be reviewed. The decision to review the strike action was a result of efforts by our students, parents, and the Nigeria Labour Congress.

“Consequently, NEC resolved to suspend the warning strike to reciprocate the efforts of well-meaning Nigerians.”

Recall that, the major demands by ASUU includes the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, the release of the withheld three and a half months’ salaries, sustainable funding of public universities, revitalisation of public universities, and cessation of the victimisation of lecturers in LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and FUTO.

Others are payment of outstanding 25-35% salary arrears, payment of promotion arrears for over four years and release of withheld third-party deductions (cooperative contributions, union check-off dues).

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has officially declared Thursday, October 23, 2025, as the first day of the new Islamic month of Jumadal Ula, 1447 After Hijrah.

The announcement was made in a press release on Tuesday following the failure to sight the new crescent moon.

The Sultanate Council’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs and the National Moonsighting Committee stated that no verified reports of the moon’s sighting were received from across Nigeria on Tuesday, October 21st, which corresponded to the 29th of Rabi’ul Assani.

Consequently, Wednesday, October 22nd, will complete the outgoing month as the 30th day of Rabi’ul Assani.

As the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Sultan Abubakar accepted the committee’s report and made the declaration, marking the beginning of the new lunar month for the Muslim community in Nigeria.

The statement was signed by Prof. Sambe Wali Junaidu, the Waziri of Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A large group of armed bandits attacked a private hospital in Kujama, Kaduna State, abducting a medical doctor, five patients, and a security guard.

The assailants targeted the Nasara Nursing and Maternity Home in the early hours of Tuesday. According to local sources, the attackers also raided houses in the vicinity during the operation.

One security guard was shot multiple times after attempting to resist the invaders.

He was later transported to a different medical facility for emergency care.

This incident is the latest in a series of violent attacks in the region, coming just days after bandits killed two police officers during an assault on a police headquarters in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area.