News

By Muhammad Sulaiman

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has awarded Senegal’s AFCON 2025–winning squad a total of $6.2 million in cashand 68,000 square meters of land, marking one of the most generous state rewards in African football history.

Each player will receive $135,000 and a 1,500-square-meter plot on the Petite Côte, while members of the technical and backroom staff will be awarded $90,000 and 1,000-square-meter plots, according to the presidency.

Senegal clinched the continental title with a disciplined 1–0 victory over the Morocco national football team in the final, a tightly contested match that underscored the Lions’ defensive organisation and tactical maturity.

Led by head coach Pape Thiaw, the Lions’ triumph has been celebrated as a symbol of national pride and sporting excellence, with officials saying the rewards reflect the country’s gratitude for a team that once again placed Senegal at the summit of African football.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Nigerian Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmed Gumi has challenged the consistency of international human rights criticism, amplifying a debate initiated by a U.S. senator about selective outrage in global politics.

The cleric took to Facebook to respond to remarks from U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), who recently questioned whether Washington applies its principles uniformly.

Van Hollen noted the U.S. frequently censures rivals like China and Russia but is less vocal about allies, citing India’s religious freedoms, Turkey’s political rights, and Israel’s treatment of Palestinians.

Gumi highlighted what he called “selective outrage,” suggesting some criticisms are matters of convenience, not principle. “People don’t marvel at the hypocrisy, but those who rely on their ‘friendship’,” he wrote.

The senator argued that this inconsistency erodes America’s credibility, allowing rivals like China to challenge its moral authority, especially in the Global South.

He referenced declining global perceptions of the U.S. and warned that without consistent standards, American values risk being seen as merely “a political cudgel.”

Gumi’s intervention underscores a growing view that geopolitical alliances, not universal principles, often shape global human rights debates.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Troops in Zamfara State demonstrated “exceptional bravery” but suffered significant losses during a terrorist ambush over the weekend, military authorities confirmed.

The incident occurred on January 19, 2026, along the Bingi–Kekun Waje–Gusau Road. Soldiers from Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) were returning from a series of successful offensives and responding to a distress call when they were attacked at Gidan Wagni.

Despite the surprise assault, the troops fought back, preventing the attackers from reaching nearby communities. The engagement, however, came at a high cost, with five soldiers and one police officer killed.

Reinforcements, including a Mobile Strike Team and a Quick Reaction Force personally led by a Brigade Commander, swiftly mobilized to the scene. A counter-ambush forced the terrorists to withdraw.

Credible intelligence suggests the fleeing terrorists suffered heavy casualties, with notorious kingpins JANWUYA and ALHAJI BELLO—a top lieutenant to bandit leader KACHALLA SOJA—seriously injured.

The ambush followed a major three-day operation from January 17-19, where troops raided terrorist enclaves in Birnin Magaji and Anka. Those earlier operations led to three arrests, four terrorists killed, and the recovery of a cache of weapons, including a PKT machine gun, five AK-47 rifles, and communication radios.

The Theatre Commander has condoled with the forces and commended their courage. Operation FANSAN YAMMA assures the public that the situation is under control and has urged citizens to continue supporting security efforts with timely information.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar AlgasgainiA major political realignment may be imminent as President Bola Tinubu is set to meet with the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.The highly anticipated meeting, scheduled for later today, follows closely on the heels of President Tinubu’s closed-door session with Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, a key Kwankwaso protégé, at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday.Reliable sources indicate Governor Yusuf facilitated the engagement after President Tinubu expressed a desire to harmonize political interests across party lines. This is seen as part of broader consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.Senator Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), had previously opposed joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). However, he recently hinted at a potential shift, stating he would consider a move if presented with a “satisfactory offer” from the ruling party.A senior APC North-West leader confirmed the planned meeting, stating, “The President is keen on broadening his political base. Discussions will likely focus on national stability, political cooperation, and the future alignment of forces ahead of 2027.”This rapid political maneuvering has intensified speculation about the future of the NNPP and the influential Kwankwasiyya structure. It remains unclear whether Kwankwaso and Governor Yusuf are planning a coordinated move or separate strategies.Political analysts suggest that aligning the Kwankwasiyya movement with the APC would significantly reshape northern politics. Such a move could also undermine efforts by opposition figures like Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar to form a formidable “Third Force” coalition, with Kwankwaso previously considered a central pillar.Securing the cooperation of both Kano’s sitting governor and its most influential political movement would dramatically bolster the APC’s strength in the vote-rich state, a critical battleground in any national election.All parties involved have yet to make official statements as the political landscape awaits the outcome of this crucial meeting.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu is currently holding a closed-door meeting with Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, at the State House in Abuja.

Governor Yusuf arrived at the Presidential Villa shortly after 4:00 PM West Africa Time on Monday. He was received and escorted to the President’s office by the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

The high-level meeting is taking place against a backdrop of sustained political speculation. There have been persistent reports suggesting Governor Yusuf may soon defect from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Neither party has officially commented on the agenda of the private discussion. The outcome is being closely watched by political observers, given Kano State’s significant influence in national politics.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The father of Umar Auwalu, the prime suspect in the brutal killing of a housewife and her six children in Kano State, has urged authorities to hasten the prosecution of the case and carry out the death sentence on his son if found guilty.

Mallam Auwalu made the appeal on Monday while speaking during a programme on a local radio station in Kano. He openly condemned the alleged actions of his son and distanced himself from the crime.

“The likes of Umar, my son, should not be allowed to live in society. They should be eliminated to allow for a sane environment,” he said in Hausa.

He also claimed that he had earlier suspected Umar’s involvement in the killing of the junior sister of the same family in Dorayi Hausa last month. According to him, the suspect may have taken part in several crimes before his arrest.

“I am quite sure that Umar has been committing many crimes which we are not aware of. Now that he has been arrested, he should be punished accordingly,” he added.

Mallam Auwalu warned against any delay in the legal process, expressing concern that interference could lead to the suspect regaining freedom.

“I don’t want the government or security agencies to delay his trial. If he stays in prison even for one day, some politicians may come and forgive him, and that will not go well for our society,” he said.

The victims, identified as Fatima Abubakar and her six children, were killed after assailants invaded their residence in Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters of Kano metropolis on Saturday.

The Kano State Police Command disclosed that it received a distress call at about 12:10pm concerning an attack on the home of Haruna Bashir. Police said the victims were assaulted with dangerous weapons, which resulted in fatal injuries.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, ordered the immediate deployment of a team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Lawal Isah Mani, to the scene.

The victims’ bodies were later moved to the Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano, where medical personnel confirmed them dead.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu, the Chief Imam of Ilorin, has passed away at the age of 75.

His death was confirmed on Monday, January 19, 2026. The revered Islamic scholar reportedly died after decades of devoted service to Islam and the Ilorin Emirate.

Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu was widely respected for his scholarship, spiritual leadership, and commitment to promoting peace and Islamic values within Ilorin and beyond.

His passing marks the end of an era for the Ilorin Muslim community, where he played a central role in religious guidance and communal affairs.

Tributes are expected to pour in from religious leaders, traditional institutions, and faithful across Nigeria, mourning the loss of a prominent cleric and community leader.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Japan’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, has announced plans to dissolve the country’s parliament on Friday and hold a snap general election, a move aimed at securing public backing for her spending agenda and wider policy programme.

The announcement, made on Monday, comes barely three months after Takaichi assumed office as Japan’s first female prime minister. The planned election will determine all 465 seats in the lower house of parliament and will represent her first nationwide electoral test since taking office.

“Today, I, as the Prime Minister, have decided to dissolve the lower house on January 23,” Takaichi said at a news conference.

Political observers say an early vote could help the prime minister take advantage of her current popularity. It could also strengthen her position within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and stabilise her coalition, which holds a narrow majority in parliament.

The coming election is expected to focus heavily on economic concerns, especially rising living costs. Many voters have expressed anxiety about inflation and household expenses. A recent opinion poll released by public broadcaster NHK indicated that 45 per cent of respondents identified prices as their biggest concern.

Diplomacy and national security followed, with 16 per cent.If confirmed, the snap election will set the stage for a major political contest that will shape Japan’s economic direction and test public confidence in Takaichi’s leadership at an early stage of her tenure.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kano State Judiciary has pledged to expedite the trial of those accused of a gruesome massacre that claimed seven lives in Dorayi, Chiranci, Gidan Kwari.

A spokesperson for the council, Baba Jibo Ibrahim, made the declaration in an interview with Freedom Radio Nigeria, stating that there would be no delays as the incident has profoundly shaken the conscience of the community.

“The case will not be delayed because this matter has deeply disturbed every person of faith,” Ibrahim stated emphatically.

He further issued a strong appeal to the executive arm of government, urging them to ensure the prompt execution of court judgements once delivered.

This, he emphasized, is crucial for restoring lasting peace and public confidence in the justice system.

The commitment follows public outcry over the brutal killings, with authorities now under pressure to demonstrate that justice will be both swift and sure.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Kano State Police have arrested three men suspected of masterminding the brutal killing of a housewife and her six children in the Dorayi Chiranchi area of the state.

The arrest followed a sting operation conducted between 10 p.m. on January 17 and 4 a.m. on January 18, 2026, based on directives from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.

Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, stated that the principal suspect, Umar Auwalu, 23, who is a nephew to the deceased woman, confessed to the crime during interrogation.

Auwalu also admitted that his syndicate was responsible for several other recent violent attacks, including the killing and burning of two housewives in Tudun Yola Quarters.

Other suspects arrested are Isyaku Yakubu (aka Chebe), 40, and Yakubu Abdulaziz (aka Wawo), 21.

Police recovered several items from the suspects, including blood-stained clothes, the deceased’s two mobile phones, a cutlass, a club (Gora), an undisclosed sum of money stolen from the scene, and other dangerous weapons.

The Kano State Police Command commended the officers involved in the operation and the public for their support, assuring that investigation is ongoing and that all criminals will be brought to justice.