News

By Uzair Adam

The Senate has called on the Federal Government to discontinue the rehabilitation and reintegration of repentant Boko Haram members and other violent criminals, arguing that the policy has failed to curb insecurity across the country.

The resolution followed a motion on the rising cases of attacks, abductions and killings involving serving and retired military personnel, including the late former Director of Defence Information, retired Major General Rabe Abubakar.

The motion, sponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (APC, Katsina), received unanimous support during Tuesday’s plenary.

Lawmakers condemned the continued rehabilitation of former Boko Haram fighters, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements under the Federal Government’s deradicalisation programme. Several senators linked the persistent security crisis, particularly in northern Nigeria, to the release of individuals described as repentant criminals back into society.

The Senate expressed concern over what it described as the deteriorating security situation, warning that the growing attacks on serving and retired military officers represent a dangerous dimension to the country’s security challenges.

It cited the killing of retired Major General Richard Duru in Owerri after a reported ransom payment of $50,000, the murder of retired Brigadier General O.M. Harlord Udokwere in Abuja, the 56-day captivity of former NYSC Director-General, retired Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga, and the death of retired Major Aja while in captivity in Kogi State.

According to the lawmakers, the attacks pose a significant threat to national security because many of the victims previously held sensitive operational, intelligence and command positions.

The Senate observed a minute of silence in honour of Major General Rabe Abubakar and other Nigerians killed by terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

It also urged the Federal Government to ensure that perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.

The Red Chamber further called on security and intelligence agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance, threat assessment and early warning mechanisms, while urging the government to accelerate the deployment of modern security technology to combat terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

The resolution comes despite the existence of Operation Safe Corridor, a Federal Government initiative launched in 2016 to deradicalise, rehabilitate and reintegrate former Boko Haram combatants who voluntarily surrendered.

While officials have credited the programme with encouraging thousands of insurgents to abandon violence, concerns have persisted over reports of some beneficiaries allegedly returning to criminal activities.

Reacting to the Senate’s position, security analyst and Associate Professor at the University of Namibia, Dr. Babayo Sule, described the resolution as unfortunate and potentially counterproductive.

He argued that the deradicalisation programme was introduced only after military operations failed to bring lasting peace, stressing that rehabilitation and reconciliation remain recognised components of counter-insurgency strategies worldwide.

Rather than scrapping the initiative, Sule urged lawmakers to investigate its shortcomings and strengthen its implementation. He also called for greater oversight of Operation Safe Corridor and similar reconciliation programmes in states affected by insurgency.

According to him, abandoning the programme without addressing the underlying challenges could further worsen insecurity, as the country currently lacks sufficient capacity to defeat insurgents solely through military means.

By Uzair Adam 

The Senate has called on the Federal Government to discontinue the rehabilitation and reintegration of repentant Boko Haram members and other violent criminals, arguing that the policy has failed to curb insecurity across the country.

The resolution followed a motion on the rising cases of attacks, abductions and killings involving serving and retired military personnel, including the late former Director of Defence Information, retired Major General Rabe Abubakar.

The motion, sponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (APC, Katsina), received unanimous support during Tuesday’s plenary.

Lawmakers condemned the continued rehabilitation of former Boko Haram fighters, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements under the Federal Government’s deradicalisation programme. Several senators linked the persistent security crisis, particularly in northern Nigeria, to the release of individuals described as repentant criminals back into society.

The Senate expressed concern over what it described as the deteriorating security situation, warning that the growing attacks on serving and retired military officers represent a dangerous dimension to the country’s security challenges.

It cited the killing of retired Major General Richard Duru in Owerri after a reported ransom payment of $50,000, the murder of retired Brigadier General O.M. Harlord Udokwere in Abuja, the 56-day captivity of former NYSC Director-General, retired Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga, and the death of retired Major Aja while in captivity in Kogi State.

According to the lawmakers, the attacks pose a significant threat to national security because many of the victims previously held sensitive operational, intelligence and command positions.

The Senate observed a minute of silence in honour of Major General Rabe Abubakar and other Nigerians killed by terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes. 

It also urged the Federal Government to ensure that perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.

The Red Chamber further called on security and intelligence agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance, threat assessment and early warning mechanisms, while urging the government to accelerate the deployment of modern security technology to combat terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

The resolution comes despite the existence of Operation Safe Corridor, a Federal Government initiative launched in 2016 to deradicalise, rehabilitate and reintegrate former Boko Haram combatants who voluntarily surrendered. 

While officials have credited the programme with encouraging thousands of insurgents to abandon violence, concerns have persisted over reports of some beneficiaries allegedly returning to criminal activities.

Reacting to the Senate’s position, security analyst and Associate Professor at the University of Namibia, Dr. Babayo Sule, described the resolution as unfortunate and potentially counterproductive.

He argued that the deradicalisation programme was introduced only after military operations failed to bring lasting peace, stressing that rehabilitation and reconciliation remain recognised components of counter-insurgency strategies worldwide.

Rather than scrapping the initiative, Sule urged lawmakers to investigate its shortcomings and strengthen its implementation. He also called for greater oversight of Operation Safe Corridor and similar reconciliation programmes in states affected by insurgency.

According to him, abandoning the programme without addressing the underlying challenges could further worsen insecurity, as the country currently lacks sufficient capacity to defeat insurgents solely through military means.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The wives of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in what they described as their family’s ordeal, following recent developments in the corruption case involving the former governor.

One of his wives, Asiya el-Rufai, made the appeal in Abuja on Tuesday while reacting to the arrest of Professor Bello Abubakar, el-Rufai’s personal physician, by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Addressing journalists alongside another wife of the former governor, Aichatou, Asiya said the family was not asking the president to stop the ongoing prosecution or interfere with the judicial process. Instead, she said they wanted el-Rufai to enjoy the constitutional rights available to every Nigerian, including access to medical care, family members, legal counsel and bail on reasonable terms.

Recalling their support for Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, Asiya said, “Mr. President sir, I campaigned for you. I stood up and went to every nook and cranny of Kaduna state for you. My husband stood by your side. Is this what our family deserves?”

She also appealed directly to the president, saying, “The ball is in your court, Mr. President. All these can stop if you say a word. We believe that you are a father and we know you can empathise.”

Asiya maintained that the family was not asking for special treatment.

She said, “Please let him go free. I am not asking you to tell them not to prosecute him, but we are asking you to allow him the basic human rights that the constitution you swore to uphold and defend guarantees.”

She added, “Let them give him the bail that he can afford. If he is guilty, let the court decide; if he is innocent, let the court decide.”

Asiya also alleged that the former governor, whom she said suffers from high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar levels, had not received adequate medical attention.

According to her, the family’s emotional condition has worsened because of his continued detention and the restrictions placed on access to him.

She said, “We, the family, are traumatised. We live in constant fear that we will wake up and hear some bad news.”

She further alleged, “I honestly think that what they are doing is more about psychological warfare against Mallam and against his family.”

Asiya added, “If they humiliate us, dehumanise us and put us in constant fear, they feel that affects Mallam.”

She also questioned the reported restriction placed on the former governor’s physician, saying, “We were told that orders from ‘above’ said Professor Bello Abubakar cannot have access to anybody for 24 hours. Who is the ‘above’?”

The family further expressed concern over what they described as increasing restrictions on visits by relatives. They also called for an investigation into the medical report reportedly issued by the National Hospital, Abuja, through the consultant whose name appeared on the document.

Asiya argued that the restrictions had affected el-Rufai’s ability to prepare his defence.

She said, “We do not shy away from defending ourselves, but we want a fair trial. We want an opportunity to be heard.”

She continued, “Mallam cannot adequately prepare for his defence while he remains in custody and has limited access to his lawyers.”

Repeating the family’s appeal, she said, “We are only asking that he be given the basic human rights guaranteed by the constitution. Let him be granted bail on reasonable terms. If he is guilty, let the court decide. If he is innocent, let the court also decide.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested Professor Bello Abubakar, the personal physician of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, over allegations that he made false statements following the former governor’s hospital visit.

The commission announced the development in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Okor Odey, who also accused el-Rufai and his physician of violating the conditions attached to a court-approved medical consultation.

According to the statement, the ICPC approved el-Rufai’s request to receive medical treatment under security supervision.

Odey said, “During the hospital visit on Tuesday, 7th July, 2026, at the private wing of the National Hospital, FCT, officers of the Commission’s medical and security team conducted themselves professionally and respected the defendant’s privacy.”

He added, “At the request of members of his family, the officers remained outside the consultation room while the attending oncologist was purportedly examining him.”

The commission said that at about 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Isa Ashiru Kudan, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Kaduna State, shared photographs on Facebook. The post stated that he had concluded a meeting with el-Rufai.

Odey said, “The picture posted on Facebook also had Professor Abubakar, Isa Kudan, and three others with El Rufai at a time he was supposedly having a medical consultation.”

He further alleged that the meeting went beyond the purpose for which the court granted the medical visit.

According to him, “The images and post by Isa Kudan indicated that the arranged medical visit was utilised for activities outside the scope contemplated by the court and the ICPC. This is a clear violation of the court order!”

The ICPC spokesperson also claimed that the commission’s goodwill had been repeatedly taken for granted.

He said, “Professor Bello Abubakar has been arrested for making false statements. At this moment, Professor Bello Abubakar, El Rufai’s personal physician, has been taken into custody for further investigation.”

The development follows a ruling by the Kaduna State High Court on July 2, which rejected el-Rufai’s third application for bail in the ongoing trial over a nine-count charge filed by the ICPC.

Justice Darius Khobo held that the medical report presented by the former governor could not support his request because the National Hospital, Abuja, had disowned the document.

The court, however, directed the ICPC to grant el-Rufai unrestricted access to his personal doctors and allow them to take him to any specialised diagnostic or clinical facility of his choice within Nigeria while the trial continues.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Five people lost their lives in 30 fire outbreaks recorded across Kano State in June, according to the Kano State Fire Service.

The agency said the incidents also destroyed property valued at more than N120.4 million during the month. It added that its emergency response efforts prevented the loss of property estimated at N481.8 million.

The figures appeared in the Fire Service’s operational report for June, which the agency’s Public Relations Officer, Saminu Abdullahi, released on Monday.

Apart from responding to fire outbreaks, the report stated that the service handled seven rescue operations during the period. It also recorded one false alarm and successfully rescued three people from separate emergency situations.

The Director of the Kano State Fire Service, Alhaji Sani Anas, urged residents to be more careful when handling fire in order to reduce preventable incidents.

He said, “We urge members of the public to exercise caution when using fire and ensure that all sources of fire are completely extinguished after use to prevent avoidable fire outbreaks.”

Anas also called on parents and guardians to keep a close watch on their children to prevent drowning incidents.

He added, “Parents and guardians should closely supervise their children and prevent them from playing near puddles, ponds, rivers, or uncovered wells in order to reduce incidents of drowning, particularly among children and young people.”

The fire service director also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property through timely emergency response, public safety campaigns, and cooperation with communities.

By Uzair Adam

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has dismissed four senior police officers and sanctioned 31 others over various cases of misconduct.

The commission said the dismissed officers were found guilty of gross misconduct, unprofessional conduct, and acts unbecoming of public officers.

PSC Chairman, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Hashimu Argungu, disclosed the decisions on Tuesday while briefing journalists in Abuja after the commission’s plenary meeting.

Argungu said the disciplinary measures included the demotion of 10 senior officers. Three Superintendents of Police were reduced to the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police, while two Deputy Superintendents of Police were demoted to Assistant Superintendent of Police.

Five Assistant Superintendents of Police were also reduced to the rank of Inspector.

He added that two officers were compulsorily retired in the public interest, stressing that the commission would continue to take firm action against personnel who violate the rules of the Nigeria Police Force.

Other sanctions approved by the commission included severe reprimands for 10 officers, reprimands for five officers, warning letters for three officers, and a letter of advice issued to one officer.

Argungu also revealed that seven officers were exonerated after investigations cleared them of any wrongdoing.

He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to discipline within the police force, saying the current board would not tolerate misconduct by any officer.

“The current Board of the PSC under my watch will not condone any form of misconduct by police officers,” he said.

According to him, the commission will continue to uphold discipline by ensuring that every act of misconduct attracts appropriate sanctions while rewarding officers who demonstrate professionalism and dedication through its established reward system.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who are seeking re-election for a second term convened a private meeting on Tuesday at the Kebbi State Government House in Birnin Kebbi.

According to a report by Punch newspaper, the closed-door session focused on critical national issues and party policies aimed at strengthening the APC’s position ahead of future elections.

Among the governors in attendance were those from Kaduna, Plateau, Ekiti, Delta, Zamfara, Kano, Jigawa, Ebonyi, Edo, Ondo, Kogi, Sokoto, and Benue states. They were received by Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.

Speaking on the purpose of the gathering, Abuzaidu Yari, the Special Assistant to the Kebbi Governor on New Media, explained that the meeting would center on discussions regarding national development, strengthening inter-governmental cooperation, promoting good governance, fostering sustainable economic growth, and enhancing national cohesion.

The Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum is expected to brief journalists on the outcomes of the meeting following its conclusion today.

By Uzair Adam

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 150 suspected criminals during a coordinated operation targeting notorious criminal hideouts in the Igando-Idimu area of the state.

The raid, conducted in the early hours of Sunday under the Command’s ongoing Operation KO S’AYE, followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected hoodlums operating within the Area M axis.

Police spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said officers drawn from various formations stormed identified criminal hideouts at Boolar, Okofilling Bus Stop, Igando, and other black spots to dislodge criminal elements and improve public safety.

She said the operation led to the recovery of one double-barrel gun, two single-barrel guns, one locally fabricated double-barrel short gun, 100 unregistered motorcycles, 54 mobile phones, two military camouflage uniforms, six generators suspected to have been stolen, assorted charms, and substances believed to be Indian hemp and other illicit drugs.

According to Adebisi, all 150 suspects are currently in police custody while investigations continue to determine their level of involvement in various criminal activities. She added that those found culpable would be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Tijani Fatai, commended the operatives for their professionalism and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining Operation KO S’AYE to dismantle criminal networks and deny offenders safe haven across the state.

He also urged residents to continue supporting the police by providing timely and credible information to strengthen efforts aimed at combating crime and improving security in Lagos.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff has criticised Peter Obi’s call for President Bola Tinubu to resign over Nigeria’s security challenges. He alleged that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate supports the Biafra cause and therefore lacks the moral standing to make such a demand.

Sheriff made the remarks on Monday during an appearance on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme. He reacted to Obi’s recent call on President Tinubu to resign or step aside over the country’s worsening insecurity.

The former governor alleged that Obi had never condemned the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) or its ideology. He argued that Obi’s position on the issue makes him “the most unqualified person” to call for the president’s resignation.

“This country, Nigeria, fought a civil war. Our leaders sacrificed their lives to fight that war to keep the country together, both leaders from the north and the south,” the former governor said.

“The cause of the war was Ojukwu’s demand to secede. Peter Obi, up to this moment, is pursuing the division of Nigeria.

“How? Because he believes in Biafra. He never condemned Biafra. He never condemned IPOB.

“Biafra is secession. Our leaders fought to keep the country together. He wants to divide Nigeria.”

When asked how a politician seeking Nigeria’s presidency could also seek to divide the country, Sheriff challenged Obi to publicly reject the allegation.

“He should deny it,” the former Borno governor said.

“He should come to this station and say he doesn’t believe in dividing the country.

“He should deny it. I am confronting him, telling him this is what he stands for.”

Sheriff maintained that anyone aspiring to lead Nigeria must be committed to preserving the country’s unity.

“People like Obasanjo, General Yakubu Gowon, T.Y. Danjuma, General Shua, and General Abacha all have bullet wounds on their bodies because they fought to keep Nigeria together,” he said.

“Anybody aspiring to lead Nigeria must be someone who stands for Nigeria, not for any section.”

Obi has repeatedly called on President Tinubu to resign in recent weeks. On June 22, the former Anambra State governor described the administration as a “monumental failure” and urged the president to leave office. He said his position was influenced by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s resignation speech, which addressed public dissatisfaction over economic conditions and unfulfilled campaign promises.

On Sunday, Obi renewed the demand after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reportedly stated that Nigeria failed to record some public spending in various budgets. He said the development raised fresh concerns about what he described as widespread corruption under the Tinubu administration.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has warned that rising religious intolerance, hate speech and fake news pose serious threats to Nigeria’s unity and peaceful coexistence.

The Sultan made the remarks on Monday in Abuja through the NSCIA Deputy Secretary-General, Salisu Shehu, after receiving Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations.

He said the meeting centred on strengthening cooperation between Muslim and Catholic leaders, promoting mutual understanding and using dialogue to address insecurity and other national challenges.

“The essence of the visit was to promote mutual understanding and strengthen cooperation across religious communities in advancing peace, peaceful coexistence and improved security, not only in Nigeria but globally,” he said.

The Sultan expressed concern that hate speech has continued to deepen divisions among religious groups. He said the trend has weakened trust and damaged relationships between faith communities. He also condemned the growing practice of insulting respected religious leaders, irrespective of their faith.

“Hate speech has been most injurious to peaceful coexistence in the country. It has created perceptual and relational crises among faith communities,” he said.

He also identified fake news as a major factor behind many of the country’s tensions and conflicts.

“Fake news is another evil that is being used in the country to precipitate a lot of troubles, and therefore this is something that we need to fight.”

According to the Sultan, discussions during the meeting also covered concerns about declining moral values and what he described as the growing rejection of religion among young Muslims and Christians.

He said both delegations agreed that continuous dialogue, mutual respect and stronger collaboration through interfaith platforms remain essential for preserving national unity and addressing divisive narratives.

Gallagher described the meeting as productive and expressed confidence that religious leaders could play an important role in promoting national cohesion.

“We had a very frank and illuminating conversation, and it was good to hear that many of our positions regarding the role of religious leaders, both on the Catholic side and the Muslim side, coincide,” he said.

“For me, this is a reason for optimism regarding the religious cohesion of the country and our shared commitment to working for the good of all Nigerians.”

Gallagher added that Muslim and Christian leaders have a shared responsibility to work together in advancing peace and promoting the welfare of all Nigerians.