News

By Anwar Usman 

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Zamfara Command, has dismissed an officer, Maikano Sarkin-Tasha, for allegedly collaborating with bandits to supply hard drugs and ammunition. 

The State Commandant, Sani Mustapha, disclosed this on Saturday during a news briefing in Gusau. Mr. Mustapha said the command was shocked by the news of the arrest of its officer, allegedly for supplying ammunition and hard drugs to bandits in Zamfara. 

“According to our findings, the officer was arrested at a checkpoint, between Damba and Sabon Gida axis, while on transit to his hometown, Mada village of Gusau Local Government Area. 

“He was allegedly found with some elements suspected to be cannabis and other hard drugs in possession.”Other items found on him were three armour of G3 rifles and one armour of anti-rocket launcher. 

“I wish to make it clear that, the Commandant-General of the Corps, Dr Ahmed Audi, who also received the news with shock and disappointment has condemned the alleged barbaric behaviour of the officer. 

“He has directed me to take necessary administrative actions, including immediate dismissal of the personnel from the Corps’ nominal roll.” 

Mr. Mustapha further explained that, the command has zero tolerance for indiscipline, corruption, criminality, or any vices unbecoming of an officer of the corps. 

“In the spirit of inter-agency relationship and synergy, I will interface with the Commissioner of Police for further necessary actions. 

“This is with the view to transferring the officer to the corps’ national headquarters, Abuja, for internal disciplinary action and prosecution”.  

Mr. Mustapha added that NSCDC was poised to work with other security agencies in the fight against crime and criminality in the state. 

He pledged to pursue the case with utmost transparency, saying, the corps does not condone any act of indiscipline, not to talk of banditry or terrorism allegations.

By Anwar Usman

The Katsina State Police Command has assured the public that it has taken the necessary measures to ensure the planned nationwide Fearless October 1st protest does not descend into chaos.

This follows concerns raised due to previous violent protests, including the recent nationwide demonstrations against bad governance, which resulted in the loss of lives and property worth billions of naira.

ASP Abubakar Sadiq, who is the Police Public Relations Officer in Katsina, made this known to journalists on Saturday evening.

He said the command has mobilized both human and intelligence resources to guarantee safety before, during, and after the protest.

He further explained that, “We have taken proactive measures to ensure public safety and security. Adequate personnel have been deployed to prevent any breakdown of law and order, with enhanced intelligence gathering, surveillance, and patrols across the state.

“While we recognise the rights of citizens to protest, we urge protesters to exercise these rights responsibly and within the framework of the law.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) recently participated in the 74th World Customs Organisation (WCO) Harmonised System Committee (HSC) Meeting in Brussels, Belgium, from September 16 to 27, 2024.

Led by Assistant Comptroller Abubakar Hardo, Chief Superintendent of Customs Ekay Asuquo, and CSC Lauretta Utubor, Team Lead for Advance Rulings, the NCS delegation played a crucial role in shaping global trade policies. 

The Harmonised System Committee manages the Harmonised System Nomenclature, standardising goods classification and facilitating global trade.

As a Contracting Party, Nigeria’s involvement is vital due to its large African market index and high import volumes.

The committee focuses on tariff classification, ensuring correct categorization under the Harmonised System Nomenclature. CSC Lauretta Utubor, a WCO 88th fellowship program beneficiary, presented at the Leadership Management Development workshop.

She noted essential tools for successful Advance Rulings implementation in Nigeria, including self-awareness, strategic communication, and change management.

Utubor highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to adopting global best practices and promoting trade facilitation and customs modernization. 

This high-level engagement enhances Nigeria’s decision-making capacity in issuing legally binding advice to economic operators.

The insights gained from the 74th HSC meeting are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s customs processes, reinforcing its leadership in African trade facilitation.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded the names of members of the inaugural Governing Board of the North West Development Commission (NWDC) to the Senate for confirmation.

The step follows President Tinubu’s signing of the North West Development Commission Bill into law on 24 July, marking a crucial milestone in the Commission’s establishment.

NWDC Governing Board Nominees: Chairman: Ambassador Haruna Ginsau (Jigawa)MD/CEO: Professor Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji (Kano)Members:

– Dr. Yahaya Umar Namahe (Sokoto)

– Hon. Aminu Suleiman (Kebbi) – Sen. Tijani Yahaya Kaura (Zamfara)

– Hon. Abdulkadir S. Usman (Kaduna)

– Hon. Engr. Muhammad Ali Wudil (Kano)

– Shamsu Sule (Katsina)

– Nasidi Ali (Jigawa)

The nominated board members are expected to contribute their wealth of experience and expertise to the Commission’s mandate of developing the North-West region.

The NWDC will focus on catalysing significant growth, economic empowerment, and social development of the region.

President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to supporting the NWDC in its mission to bring sustainable development to the North West is steadfast.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON has expressed deep sympathy and commiserated with the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, over the demise of his wife, Mrs. Patience Umo Eno.

On behalf of the 19 Northern Governors, Governor Inuwa Yahaya conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the government and the people of Akwa Ibom State during this period of immense grief.

He described the Akwa Ibom First Lady as a woman of great virtue, a loving mother, and a pillar of strength to her family and the state.

Her loss, he noted, has created a huge vacuum that will be difficult to fill, not only within her immediate family but across the state where her influence was deeply felt.

The NSGF Chairman consoled Governor Umo Eno to take solace in the divine will of God and the cherished memories of his late wife.

He prayed God Almighty to grant the bereaved family and the entire Akwa Ibom people the fortitude to bear this great loss, and for the peaceful repose of the soul of the deceased.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolence to Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom state on the shocking passing of his beloved wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno.

On behalf of the Federal Government, the President commiserates with the Eno family, the government, and the people of Akwa Ibom state during this grim time.

The President joins them in mourning the painful and profound loss of the state’s First Lady, who has supported Governor Eno’s administration.

The President affirms that Patience Eno, as the wife to a visionary governor and an ordained gospel minister, embodied humility, resilience, and loyalty.

President Tinubu acknowledges that through her ‘Golden Initiative for All,’ she demonstrated her passion for serving the people and residents of Akwa Ibom state with love, honesty, and dedication, leaving a positive impact that will continue to inspire future generations.

He trusts that her selfless service to improve the lives of women, children, and the vulnerable will forever remain an important part of Akwa Ibom’s history, a legacy that will continue to inspire and be appreciated by future generations.

President Tinubu commits the grieving family, friends, and relatives to the comfort of the eternal God, who is the source of life and holds the future of all creation in his hands.

He expresses his trust in their resilience and strength during this challenging time, offering reassurance and support.

By Uzair Adam

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that investigations are actively ongoing into claims of banditry sponsorship in the North-West region of Nigeria.

This was disclosed by the DHQ’s Director of Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, assuring that relevant agencies are thoroughly examining the matter.

These investigations follow accusations and counter-accusations between the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and his successor as Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal, concerning the alleged funding of banditry in the region.

Earlier this week, Matawalle challenged Lawal to swear by the Holy Qur’an, denying any involvement in the sponsorship of bandits.

Lawal responded by stating he had evidence implicating Matawalle, and that he had reported the case to the National Security Adviser and President Bola Tinubu.

When asked about the military’s involvement in the situation, Maj. Gen. Buba reiterated that the appropriate agencies were handling the investigation and that updates would soon follow.

“Our focus remains on defeating the bandits and undermining their will to continue fighting. Once we destroy their will to fight, the war is over,” Buba stated, noting the military’s achievements between July and September 2024, including the neutralization of 1,937 terrorists, among whom were 65 key insurgent leaders.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The civil defence, correctional, fire and immigration services board has suspended it’s senior officers of the service, following the viral video trending on social media on alleged infractions by Officers of the Nigerian correctional service relating to Mr. Idris Okuneye widely known as Bobrisky.

The board has suspended Michael Anugwa, deputy controller corrections (DCC), in charge of medium security custodial center (MSCC), kiri-kiri Lagos State, and Sikiru Adekunle, deputy controller of corrections (DCC), in-charge of maximum security custodial center (MSCC), kiri-kiri, Lagos State.

Also the board suspended ASC II Ogbule Samuel Obinna, serving at medium security custodial center (MSCC), Afikpo, Ebonyi state, for allegedly accompanying a convicted inmate out of the custodial center to a location outside the facility.

In another related development, the board has equally suspended another senior officer of the service, Iloafonsi Kevin Ikechukwu, deputy controller of corrections ( DCC), in charge of media custodial center (MSCC), Kuje-Abuja, for allegedly receiving monies on behalf of an inmate.

The suspension of these Officers is to allow for further investigation on the various allegation while assuming that the outcome would be made public when concluded.

By Anas Abbas

Seaman Abbas, a Nigerian Navy personnel who spent six years in detention without trial, has finally regained his freedom.

Abbas’s release was confirmed when he appeared alongside his wife on the popular Brekete Family Talk Show, amidst tears and jubilation.

The emotional reunion was witnessed by millions of viewers, as Abbas recounted his harrowing experience in naval custody.

Abbas’s wife, who was visibly shaken, expressed gratitude to human rights organizations and advocates who fought for her husband’s release.

“We are thankful to everyone who stood by us. We are grateful to the Brekete Family for providing a platform to share our story,” she said.

The Brekete Family Talk Show’s host, Ordinary Ahmed Isa, hailed Abbas’s release as a victory for justice and human rights.

“Seaman Abbas’s case is a testament to the power of advocacy and the importance of protecting human rights. We will continue to amplify the voices of the marginalized,” Isa said.

Abbas’s release has sparked widespread celebration, with many calling for reforms in Nigeria’s military justice system.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Yobe photographer, Saidu Abdulrahman, has set a new benchmark by capturing 897 pictures in just 60 minutes, aiming to surpass the existing Guinness World Record of 500.

The record-breaking attempt came on Wednesday in Potiskum Local Government Area, witnessed by government officials, students, and well-wishers. 

Mr. Abdulrahman, 28, revealed that this remarkable feat was the result of 12 months of preparation. He expressed optimism about receiving formal recognition from Guinness World Records.

“I snapped 897 pictures in one hour, surpassing our target of 600 in spite of numerous challenges,” he stated.