News

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The troops of Joint Task Force North West Operation Hadrain Daji have achieved remarkable success.

This operation led to the rescue of 20 kidnapping victims and the neutralisation of two terrorists, including the notorious leader identified as Sainaje from Katsina State. 

Captain Yahaya Ibrahim, Information Officer for Operation HADARIN DAJI, announced these developments in a statement shared today on Facebook.

On January 29, 2024, Operation HADARIN DAJI troops initiated a continuous clearance operation at terrorists’ enclaves in Rukudawa, Dumburum, Tsanu, Birnin Tsaba, Magare, and Shamushalle general areas of Zurmi and Birnin Magaji Local Government Areas of Zamfara state. 

During the operation, the troops effectively dismantled the discovered terrorists’ enclaves, including that of a notorious terrorist kingpin named Sule.

A vigorous engagement with the aggressive troops prompted the terrorists to abandon their camps. 

In the course of the operation, two terrorists, including the notorious leader Sainaje from Katsina State, were neutralised. This tactical move resulted in the liberation of 18 kidnap victims, consisting of four males, 14 females, and children. 

Additionally, Operation HADARIN DAJI troops rescued two victims abducted by terrorists along Shinkafi-Isa road in Zamfara state.

The captors abandoned the victims during a gun duel with the highly motivated troops, whose swift response ensured a successful rescue. 

All the rescued victims have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for reunification with their respective families.

Major General Godwin Mutkut, Commander Joint Task Force North West Operation HADARIN DAJI/General Officer Commanding 8 Division Nigerian Army, commended the troops for their unwavering efforts in restoring normalcy to the Northwest region.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The abduction of Kaduna-based ophthalmologist Ganiya Olawale-Popoola, her husband Nurudeen Popola, and their 16-year-old guest AbdulMugniy Folaranmi has taken a grim twist as reports indicate the abductors are unyielding in their demand for a N100 million ransom, one month after the initial kidnapping. 

Despite the family’s earnest attempts to negotiate a reduction in the ransom, the kidnappers have held their ground, insisting on the hefty sum.

The kidnappers, who allegedly broke into the ophthalmologist’s residence on December 27, 2023, at 1 a.m., took the doctor, her husband, and their teenage guest. 

Communication from the kidnappers only commenced on the fourth day, with a demand for N100 million for the release of the victims.

The family source revealed that the kidnappers threatened to harm the couple if the ransom wasn’t paid by January 18, reasserting their demand on Friday. 

Despite the family’s plea to consider a reduced amount, such as the N20 million they were able to raise, the kidnappers remained unyielding.

The family is now grappling with the situation, expressing confusion about the way forward. Efforts by the family to seek assistance from the Air Force and police authorities yielded assurances of ongoing endeavours to secure the victims’ release without harm.

However, the family, facing exhaustion, has called on the Nigerian government to intervene, as they find it impossible to meet the demanded ransom. 

In response to inquiries, Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer Mansir Hassan affirmed that the police are actively working to secure the release of the abductees without casualties.

He underscored the commitment to rescuing victims from abductors and emphasised efforts to prevent harm during the rescue operation.

By Tajuddeen Ahmad Tijjani

It’s a new down in the history of the new administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who took over barely six months from May 29, 2023, till date. However, his administration has been awash with many debacles, ranging from bruises in the economic turbulence and pervasive insecurity to dividing citizens along religious and cultural differences. However, the latest is the alleged misappropriation of N585 million in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, led by the former National Woman Leader of his party, the All Progressive Congress (APC).

It is in the public domain that the ministry and the NSIP have been mired in a controversy as the President recently suspended Halima Shehu as National Coordinator and CEO of the National Social Investment Programme Agency over an alleged financial misappropriation to the tune of N44 billion.

However, concerned Nigerians with an ear to the ground alleged a rivalry between the former minister’s camp and the suspended minister’s camp, who vows that “I won’t go alone; you exposed me; I will expose your conspiracy too”. However, in my perspective, if that’s the case, then it’s, after all, a welcome development for the general populace and for the system to be, of course, cleaned up.

In light of the recent events, the President’s and his administration’s integrity have been tested to see what action or inaction the President would take to send a strong message to his cabinet members and all other appointees that it is not business as usual. Would his avowed commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency and accountability in the management of the Commonwealth of Nigerians be protected?

On the other hand, would every appointee be treated equally, no matter how close that person is to the corridors of power? Of course, the President, who has the mandate of all Nigerians, has not yet disappointed the general populace by suspending those involved in the allegations and ordering a thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transactions of the ministry.

The President’s directives have raised hope in Nigerians that it won’t be business as usual, where looters’ cases are swept under the rug. We can boldly say that the last administration’s anti-corruption campaign was ineffective. For instance, in the case of the suspended CBN governor, whose committee was constituted by the former President, its findings fell on deaf ears as if nothing had happened; however, revelations afterwards shocked everyone interested in the well-being of the country’s socio-economic development.

If you look at governance in general, we need to change our approach. The simple fact is that corruption has stagnated the well-being and progress of this country. I feel the only viable way to address these corruption issues is to have a revolutionary transformation of society and improve the context of governance within the framework in which our governance system is predicated. We have to call a spade by its name. Until communities stop celebrating looters and negate the notion that our tribesmen or kinsmen are being witch-hunted, then we wholeheartedly support the government in its bid to eradicate corruption in the system, to which, of course, we will be the major beneficiaries.

Nigerians have a keen interest in every decision the President takes or intends to make regarding the overall interest of the lives of the general population. Certainly, the success of the fight against corruption is intricately tied to the actions of the key actors, not solely reliant on the outpouring of condemnation. The public is the major stockholder in holding the government accountable.

Suppose Tinubu turns over a new leaf in his efforts to stamp out corruption. In that case, Nigerians will stand tall to support his action and term him a foremost man fighting the menace confronting humanity, which retards Nigeria’s development. Despite his stand on the issue, Nigerians must never relent until the fight goes off to a spectacular success.

Honestly, anything short of that can’t be tolerated or accepted, even though it’s early in the day of the new government; there is no excuse. Since they swore to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians, turn our misfortune into fortune, transform our dilapidated infrastructure, and revive our economy, we can put them on the radar to see how they disengage us from all logjam.

I invite all Nigerians to join the challenge of fighting corruption in all its ramifications. After all, the war against corruption can only be decisively won if we all come on board to shun away and expose all corruption within our worldview. I commend his efforts in the recent events, and it’s indeed a patriotic call to support his move for the benefit and betterment of our country.

Tajuddeen Ahmad Tijjani writes from Galadima Mahmoud Street, Kasuwar Kaji Azare, Bauchi State.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in its effort to strengthen partnerships with compliant stakeholders, has declared its dedication to fostering substantially improved relationships in 2024. 

This is contained in a statement made available to journalists on Saturday by the public relations officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwadah. 

According to Maiwadah, the announcement was made by Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, during the International Customs Day Celebration held on Friday, January 26, 2024, at the Customs Training College in Ikeja, Lagos. 

The event, which was said to have been attended by prominent figures including the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and representatives from various government agencies and industry bodies, witnessed the recognition of the NCBN Caretaker Group with a Special Recognition Award. 

Addressing the audience, CGC Adeniyi stated the service’s commitment to the theme of the celebration, ‘Customs, Engaging Traditional and New Partners with a Purpose,’ aligning with the core objectives of consolidation, innovation, and collaboration. 

His words read, “This year, we commit to fostering a substantially improved relationship with all of you, our stakeholders, especially those who respect our rules. We recognize that authentic partnerships are constructed on mutual respect and understanding.” 

Highlighting the significance of collaboration, Adeniyi announced the launch of a Time Release Study in February 2024.

This comprehensive exercise aims to optimize processes and reduce the time for goods to be released at ports and border stations, with a call for active participation from all partners. 

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, also affirmed the importance of customs and stakeholders working collaboratively to unlock the potential of collaboration and increase revenue generation. 

He commended the Customs leadership for prioritizing the use of scanners over physical examination, adding that it has a positive impact on revenue, efficiency, and competitiveness at ports.

By Muhammad Abdurrahman

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has concluded that there is none like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu among the governors and political leaders of the South West. This was a sequel to the appointment yesterday of Chief Olayide Adelami as the new deputy governor of Ondo State by Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa. 

The Islamic human rights organisation based its conclusion on the governor’s failure to pick a Muslim as his deputy despite demands to that effect from various Islamic bodies, including MURIC.

This position was made known in a press statement issued by the group’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, on Friday, January 26th, 2024.

The full statement reads:

“Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa yesterday appointed Chief Olayide Adelami, a Christian, as the new deputy governor of Ondo State. 

“This appointment, in our opinion, is a direct rejection of the appeals made by several Islamic organisations, including the Muslim community of Ondo State, which controls about 40% of the total population. It also mirrors the insensitivity of Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa to the yearnings and aspirations of Muslims in Ondo State. 

“The appointment further demonstrates the total lack of hypocrisy in the mantra of ‘religious tolerance’ as publicly brandished by Christian leaders and their politicians in the South West. If there is any scintilla of religious tolerance and inclusiveness, it has been coming from the Muslim politicians and the Muslim population in the region. 

“Whereas President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sought to embrace inclusiveness and religious tolerance by giving top appointments to Christians, none of the Christian governors in the South West reciprocated by giving Muslims a similar treatment. 

“Sanwo-Olu of Lagos gave the Christians 43 commissioners, but he gave Muslims a meagre 14. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State gave Christians 16, but he gave Muslims only 4. In Oyo State, Seyi Makinde gave Christians 10 commissioners but gave Muslims 6. 

“The worst is Osun State, where the Christian governor, Ademola Adeleke, keeps deceiving the people that he is a Muslim. He also has a Christian deputy. That is the extent of executive fraud. Despite this Christian-Christian ticket in Osun State, the number of Christian commissioners is 17, while that of Muslims is just 7. 

“Ondo has 15 Christian commissioners against only 2 Muslims while Christian commissioners in Ekiti are 24 while the Muslims have 1 (one) only. 

“Who is like Tinubu among the six Christian governors in Yorubaland? There is none. Who can treat Yoruba Muslims with the same magnanimity which Tinubu extended to Christians at the federal level? None that we know of. 

“History will attest to Tinubu as the Muslim president who extended inclusiveness to hitherto hostile Christians. The annals will register Ayetilewa as the Christian governor of Ondo, who could not stomach the thought of having a Muslim deputy. Chroniclers will not spare the intolerant Christian governors of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun and Ekiti, who used their proverbial teeth to share the common patrimony of the South West but whom only Allah knows what they kept for their Christian brethren.

“Muslims are under heavy siege in the South West. They have become endangered species, oppressed, depressed, repressed, underemployed, overworked, underpaid, mere fish for evangelical fishermen, falcons caged for the falconer.”

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The military high command has announced its intention to request a meeting with Rev Timothy Daluk, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State. 

This decision comes in response to recent comments made by Daluk, accusing the Nigerian military of orchestrating violence against Christians and endorsing property destruction in Mangu. 

Despite Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s declaration of a curfew, reports continue to surface about the ongoing killings of innocent people and the burning of houses, mosques, and churches in Mangu. 

In a viral video, Rev Timothy Daluk explicitly pointed fingers at the military, alleging their involvement in displacing Christians and facilitating militia attacks on their homes. 

He stated, “I am here to report the situation happening in Mangu Local Government for the whole world to understand. What is happening in Mangu at this particular point in time, the military are the ones sending our people away for the militia to burn their houses.” 

Responding to Daluk’s accusations, Major-General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, addressed journalists at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja. Buba assured that the military was in the process of reaching out to Rev Timothy Daluk to substantiate his claims. 

He noted the military’s commitment to fulfilling its duties professionally and adhering to the best international standards, pledging a thorough investigation into the allegations.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The Kano State Fire Service successfully intervened on Thursday to save a 37-year-old man, Saifullah Rabiu, who was on the verge of hanging himself from a tree. 

The rescue came following a distressing suicide note left by Rabiu, attributing his extreme action to a staggering debt of N2 million incurred during the process of obtaining a foreign visa. 

The Kano State Fire Service spokesperson, Saminu Abdullahi, confirmed the incident in a statement to the media. 

The emergency unfolded when the fire service’s Central Control Room received a call around 10:07 a.m. from the Ministry of Works and Housing in Kano State.

The location reported was State Road, near Nasarawa Emir’s house. 

Swiftly responding to the call, the fire department mobilised its standby personnel, reaching the scene by 10:10 a.m. 

There, they discovered Saifullah Rabiu in a critical condition, poised to carry out his tragic decision. 

In his suicide note, Rabiu detailed the overwhelming debt he owed, revealing that he had already repaid a significant portion of the borrowed amount, approximately N500,000. 

The note narrated the distressing impact of the creditor’s actions, which had driven him to contemplate suicide. 

Following the successful rescue, Saifullah Rabiu was handed over to Divisional Crime Officer Zaharaddini of the Farm Centre Police Division for further investigation. 

The incident sheds light on the profound consequences of financial struggles and the urgent need for mental health support in addressing such crises.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

A ruling was passed in Kano as Chief Judge Justice Dije Aboki sentenced five vigilante group members to death by hanging.

The verdict stemmed from their involvement in the tragic extra-judicial killing of 17-year-old Ahmed Musa on January 22, 2022, at Sabon Titi, Panshekara, Kumbotso Local Government Area. 

The convicted individuals, associated with Sani Abacha Youth Centre, were identified as Emmanuel Korau, Elisha Ayuba, Irimiya Timothy, Auwalu Jafar, and Mustapha Haladu.

Counsel Lamido Dinki led the prosecution, unveiling a harrowing tale of a vicious attack on Musa as he crossed Sabon Titi, Panshekara Road. 

Descending from a tricycle armed with a wooden club, the defendants brutally assaulted Musa.

Attempting to evade the attack, Musa suffered a fatal stab wound to his neck from the first defendant’s sharp knife.

Subsequently, the assailants forcibly dragged him into their waiting tricycle, leaving Musa fatally injured. 

Despite prompt efforts, Ahmed Musa succumbed to his injuries upon arrival at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital Kano. 

Prosecutor Lamido Dinki built a compelling case with the testimony of five witnesses, establishing the culpability of the defendants.

The defence, under Ahmad Muhammad, presented the convicted individuals and an additional person, all of whom vehemently denied the charges. 

The defendants asserted they approached Musa for arrest based on a complaint lodged against him.

However, Justice Aboki, presiding over the case, expressed satisfaction with the prosecution’s evidence and praised the diligent work of Lamido Abba Soron Dinki.

“The prosecution has presented its case beyond reasonable doubt. I, hereby, sentence the five defendants to death by hanging,” declared Justice Aboki. 

This ruling sends a powerful message against extra-judicial violence, noting the court’s commitment to upholding justice and preserving the sanctity of human life.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The National President of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, led a momentous launch of the COWA Secretariat on Monday, January 22, 2024, at Federal Housing Estate, Gwarinpa, Abuja. 

According to a statement released by NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwadah, on Tuesday, the inauguration of the National Secretariat was graced by the esteemed presence of COWA’s founder, Mrs. Prisca Nwadialo, and A’ishatu Sadiya Dikko Inde, the second National President, who played a pivotal role in establishing Association Chapters across the Federation. 

The event brought together Presidents of Officers’ Wives Associations from various security agencies in Nigeria, showcasing the unity and strength within the organisation. 

Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, in her address, expressed gratitude to the participants and recognised the invaluable contributions of the pioneer presidents, Mrs. Prisca Nwadialo and A’ishatu Sadiya Dikko Inde, who laid the foundation in 2009. 

Acknowledging the unwavering support of her husband, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and the Customs Management Team, Mrs.

Kikelomo stated how this support has been a driving force behind COWA’s initiatives. These initiatives are carefully designed to enhance the lives of their members, focusing on women-centric programmes. 

Deputy Comptroller-General Festus Okun, representing the Comptroller-General at the event, commended COWA for its commitment to supporting and empowering women.

He regarded the launch of the National Secretariat as a testament to President Kikelomo’s focused leadership, assuring continued support from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign the immediate-past governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, on Wednesday, January 24, before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja. 

The charges involve alleged money laundering amounting to N4,008,573,350. 

The move comes following EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede’s commitment to revisiting abandoned high-profile cases, particularly those involving former governors and ministers. 

An inside source disclosed that Obiano is accused of transferring significant sums from security votes into different accounts, converting the money into dollars, and receiving it back in cash at various times.

EFCC’s lead counsel, Slyvanus Tahir, SAN, will lead the prosecution. Obiano faces nine counts, including allegations of indirectly transferring funds for purposes unrelated to Anambra State’s security affairs. 

The charges cite specific instances where funds were allegedly transferred to entities with no business relationship with the state government. 

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the upcoming arraignment, stating, “Yes, we’re arraigning Obiano tomorrow.” 

Obiano’s arrest in March 2022, immediately after leaving office, stemmed from corruption allegations related to the misappropriation of public funds, including the N5 billion Sure-P and N37 billion security vote. 

The EFCC claimed that part of the funds was diverted to finance political activities in the state.