News

By Ibrahim Yunusa

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Dambatta (ABCOAD) Chapter, has successfully conducted its chapter elections, ushering in a new set of executives to pilot the affairs of the union.

In a statement issued by the chapter’s PRO II, Abdu Sa’idu, the outcome of the exercise saw Dr. Mustapha Mukhtar emerge as Chairman, while Musa Garba was elected Vice Chairman. Nuraddeen Abbas secured the position of Secretary General, with Mustapha Abubakar Barkindo emerging as Assistant Secretary General.


Other elected officers include Aminu Yusha’u Kunya as Financial Secretary, Rabilu Abdulkadir Barau as Treasurer, and Salim Koguna as Public Relations Officer (PRO). Aminuddeen Yusuf Jibrin was elected Internal Auditor, while Umar Muhammad emerged as Welfare Officer.


The election was conducted and supervised by the Chairman of the Electoral Committee (ELCOM), Malam Sani Alhassan Dawaki, who formally announced the results at the end of the voting process.


Speaking after the exercise, the ASUP Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, Comrade Muhammad Muhammad, described the election as a significant milestone in strengthening internal democracy within the union. He reaffirmed his commitment, alongside the National Executive Council (NEC) and the National Delegates Conference (NDC), to enhancing union activities and fostering institutional harmony.


Also, the Provost of ABCOAD, Dr. Hassan Ibrahim, congratulated the newly elected executives and wished them a successful tenure. He expressed confidence in their capacity to advance the union’s objectives both within and outside the institution.


The newly elected executives are expected to build on existing achievements by prioritizing members’ welfare, promoting academic excellence, and strengthening the union’s engagement with relevant authorities.

By Ibrahim Yunusa 

The Cross River State Government has refuted reports alleging 10 new COVID-19 cases in the state, describing the claim as false and misleading.

In an official statement, the State Commissioner for Health, Henry Ayuk, clarified that as of April 23, 2026, the state has only one confirmed case of COVID-19. He explained that the individuals mentioned in the report were merely contacts identified through contact tracing linked to the existing case, not newly confirmed infections.

Ayuk emphasised that contact tracing remains a standard public health response aimed at preventing further spread of the virus and should not be misconstrued as confirmation of additional cases.

The government urged residents to disregard unverified information and rely on updates from credible and official sources. It also reassured the public that the situation is under control and there is no cause for alarm.

By Ibrahim Yunusa 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally requested the National Assembly’s, specifically the Senate’s, approval for a new external loan of $516 million to support key government projects and address fiscal needs.

The loan request, communicated to the Senate leadership, is expected to be deliberated on in the coming days.

 According to sources within the presidency, the proposed borrowing is intended to finance critical infrastructure, boost economic growth, and stabilise public finances amid ongoing economic challenges.

If approved, the loan will form part of Nigeria’s broader borrowing plan under the current administration, which aims to balance developmental needs with fiscal responsibility. However, the request may spark debate among lawmakers, given rising concerns over Nigeria’s debt profile and repayment capacity.

The Senate is expected to review the proposal in line with constitutional provisions before granting or withholding approval. Further details on the specific projects to be funded are anticipated to emerge as deliberations progress.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Sector 2, have neutralised no fewer than 24 terrorists following a fierce encounter during an attack on Kukareta area.

The military disclosed that the engagement followed a “determined terrorist attack on Kukareta location” in the early hours of Thursday.

According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the attack began shortly after midnight and continued until about 03:00 hours. He noted that troops responded immediately with what he described as a coordinated counter-operation that forced the attackers into retreat.

The statement read: the troops “executed a deliberate offensive-defensive action, effectively containing the assault and forcing the terrorists into a disorderly withdrawal.”

It added that the troops inflicted heavy losses on the attackers, confirming that “24 terrorists neutralised so far.”

Following the encounter, troops recovered a large stockpile of weapons and ammunition during ongoing clearance operations. The items include “18 AK-47 rifles, 3 General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), 2 PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns, 3 RPG tubes, 2 mortar tubes, 4 hand grenades, 18 AK-47 magazines, and large quantities of belted 7.62mm ammunition for PKT systems.”

The statement also confirmed that two soldiers sustained injuries during the battle and have since received medical attention. It further disclosed that an armoured tank deployed for reinforcement suffered damage after its tyres were destroyed during the confrontation.

It stated that troops have continued to track the withdrawal routes of the fleeing terrorists, where blood trails and abandoned medical supplies were discovered.

The military described the operation as a demonstration of combat strength and preparedness, adding that it reflects the troops’ capacity to deny terrorist groups freedom of movement.

It further assured that operations will continue with sustained pressure aimed at clearing remaining terrorist elements within the theatre of operations.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Kano State High Court has handed down a death sentence to a 21-year-old man, Umar Idris, for the killing of a shop owner, Sabiu Umar.

The court found Idris, who lives in Farawa Quarters in Kumbotso Local Government Area, guilty of culpable homicide after proceedings showed that he stabbed the 28-year-old victim to death.

During the trial, prosecution counsel Lamido Abba-Sorondinki told the court that the incident took place on September 2, 2021, at Tsamiya Mariri Quarters in Kano. He said the defendant entered the victim’s shop at about 10:30 p.m. without permission. The shop also served as the victim’s residence. The prosecutor added that Idris took wedding garments meant for the deceased’s bride.

The prosecution explained that the victim raised an alarm after he discovered the act. This led to a confrontation between both men. In the course of the struggle, Idris allegedly attacked him with a knife and inflicted injuries on his neck, shoulder and other parts of his body. The injuries later caused his death.

The prosecution called three witnesses and presented a confessional statement as part of its evidence. Idris, however, denied the allegation.

In his defence, counsel to the accused, Muftau Bello, presented two witnesses and urged the court to show leniency.

While delivering judgment, Justice Sunusi Ado-Ma’aji ruled that the prosecution had established its case beyond reasonable doubt.

“I hereby sentence Idris to death by hanging for stabbing the victim on his neck, shoulder and other parts of his body, which resulted in his death. May the Lord have mercy on his soul,” the judge ruled.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have carried out a series of airstrikes that targeted ISWAP logistics networks along the Lake Chad waterways near Kaniram Island in northern Borno State.

The operation followed intelligence reports which indicated the presence of more than 30 terrorist boats and fighters coordinating movements in the area.

Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, confirmed the development in a statement. He explained that the military verified the targets in line with established Rules of Engagement before launching the strikes.

According to the statement, the air operations successfully destroyed several boats and disrupted the group’s supply structure in the area. The strikes also affected the group’s movement and operational capacity, as more than 30 fighters were neutralised.

“Surviving elements were observed escaping in disarray, reflecting a breakdown in their cohesion and command structure,” the statement claimed.

In another operation within the Sambisa Forest axis at Sowolwolo, troops carried out additional precision strikes. The exercise led to the destruction of three terrorist gun trucks and the elimination of more fighters in the vicinity.

Further assessment of the operation, supported by intelligence after the strikes, indicated heavy losses on the side of the insurgents. Reports also pointed to evidence of mass burials, especially among ISWAP elements around the Mallam Fatori axis.

The Military High Command praised the troops for their performance and urged them to maintain the momentum in ongoing operations across the region.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Screenings of the documentary Uromi-16: The Story, scheduled for Abuja, Kaduna, and Kano, have been postponed indefinitely due to what the producers described as “credible security concerns.”

In a statement dated April 22, 2026, legal representatives for the producer, A.A. Mustapha & Co., said the decision was taken after a reassessment of the immediate environment for the film’s release. “The safety of all stakeholders, particularly viewers, remains paramount,” the statement said.

The documentary by Sa’id Sa’ad Abubakar details the killing of 16 Kano travellers-hunters in Uromi, Edo State, seen as jungle justice. The victims, reportedly en route, were attacked and killed by a mob after suspicion and community outrage. It also seeks to correct what its makers call widespread misinformation while promoting accountability and justice.

The firm stressed that the postponement does not signal a withdrawal from the project but is a precautionary measure in the public interest. It added that consultations are ongoing with authorities and other stakeholders to address concerns around safety and rights.

Ticket holders will receive refunds within three weeks through the ticketing platform, the statement said, while new dates or alternative release plans will be announced later.

The producers also urged the public to remain calm and law-abiding as efforts continue to ensure the film’s safe rollout.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

There was widespread panic on Tuesday along Jos Road near a primary health care centre in Kaduna State after a fire outbreak exposed a critical lapse in emergency response, as firefighters reportedly arrived at the scene without water in their truck.

An eyewitness who spoke to The Daily Reality said the incident occurred on 22nd April 2026 and quickly escalated into chaos as residents watched flames threaten nearby structures while awaiting an effective firefighting response.

According to the eyewitness, the most alarming aspect of the situation was that the fire service vehicle deployed to the scene had no water, a development that significantly delayed efforts to contain the blaze. The absence of water in the truck left responders momentarily unable to act decisively as the fire continued to spread.

In a desperate response, residents intervened, fetching water from various sources and pouring it into the fire service truck to enable firefighting efforts to commence.

The scene drew large crowds, with confusion and concern growing as locals worked alongside emergency personnel in a bid to prevent further destruction.

The cause of the fire and the extent of damage had not been confirmed at the time of filing this report.

By Uzair Adam

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has nominated Murtala Sule Garo as Deputy Governor of Kano State, forwarding his name to the Kano State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued early Wednesday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad.

The statement explained that the nomination aligns with Section 191(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers a governor to appoint a deputy in the event of a vacancy.

It noted that the position became vacant following the resignation of former Deputy Governor, Abdussalam Gwarzo, on March 27, 2026.

According to the statement, the governor’s decision followed extensive consultations with key political stakeholders, after which he urged the Assembly to grant prompt approval for the nomination.

Garo, 48, is described as an experienced political administrator with over two decades of service across elective and appointed roles.

His career includes stints as State Organising Secretary of his party, Special Adviser to the governor, and Chairman of Kabo Local Government.

He also previously served as Chairman of ALGON in Kano, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and was the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the 2023 general elections.

The nomination, the statement added, is part of efforts to strengthen governance and maintain effective service delivery in the state.

The deputy governorship seat had, in recent weeks, attracted intense lobbying from political actors seeking the position.

By Anas Abbas

The Nigeria Premier Football League has imposed a fine of N15 million on Kano Pillars following incidents of crowd violence during one of their recent league fixtures.

In a statement, the league body found the club guilty of breaching its rules, particularly in relation to poor security arrangements and failure to control supporters, which led to disorder at the match venue.

The NPFL said the situation escalated as fans engaged in unruly behaviour, including acts that disrupted the game and endangered players, officials, and other stakeholders.

As part of the sanctions, the club was handed a N15 million fine, with the league emphasizing its zero-tolerance stance on hooliganism and misconduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute.

The disciplinary action underscores the league’s commitment to maintaining order, safety, and professionalism across match venues.

Kano Pillars, one of Nigeria’s most prominent football clubs, is expected to comply with the directive, while further measures may be enforced to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.