News

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has replaced the country’s service chiefs.The changes, which take immediate effect, were announced in a press release from the State House on Thursday.

The outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has been replaced by General Olufemi Oluyede. Other new appointments include Major-General W. Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshall S.K Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff.However, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P Undiendeye, will retain his position.

President Tinubu expressed his “most profound appreciation” to the outgoing service chiefs for their “patriotic service, and dedicated leadership.”

The President charged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them and to further enhance the “professionalism, vigilance and comradeship” of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

This restructuring is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the national security architecture amidst ongoing security challenges across the country.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Swiss Federal Council has ruled out introducing a nationwide ban on schoolgirls wearing the hijab in public schools, stating that existing laws sufficiently regulate issues of participation and equality in education.

In a statement issued this week, the Council emphasized that current legal frameworks already ensure that all students, regardless of religion or cultural background, take part fully in lessons, sports, and swimming classes. It added that individual cantons retain authority over education policies, including dress codes in schools.

The decision follows ongoing debates in several European countries over the wearing of religious symbols in public institutions. Swiss authorities reaffirmed their commitment to freedom of religion and expression while maintaining that integration and participation remain key priorities in the education system.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Army has achieved a significant breakthrough with the arrest of a notorious terrorist and violent extremist leader, Idris Idris, popularly known as Babawo Badoo.

The operation, which also led to the capture of 37 other criminal suspects, was part of a series of coordinated raids across different parts of the country.

According to a source at the Army Headquarters, the operations also resulted in the rescue of 15 kidnapped victims.

The source added that two terrorists were neutralised during the encounters, while troops recovered assorted weapons, ammunition, and logistics materials from multiple theatres of operation.

Babawo Badoo, believed to be behind several deadly attacks and abductions in the North-Central region, was arrested on October 20 by troops of Operation Enduring Peace at Lugere Village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

He was apprehended following credible intelligence that led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, a magazine loaded with 10 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a mobile phone, and N12,000 cash.

In another operation, troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace, working with the Nigeria Police and the Civilian Joint Task Force, raided a criminal hideout at Saya Village in Bassa Local Government Area, arresting 19 suspects who are now under investigation.

Meanwhile, troops of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and the Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, have killed two suspected kidnappers and rescued two abducted victims in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The operation, carried out on Wednesday, covered Kukawa, Shuwaka, Ganjuwa, and Tunga villages after the abduction of two individuals, Muhammadu Sani and Ibrahim Manman, along the Wanka–Dengi road.

Acting on intelligence, troops cordoned off the area and engaged the suspects on the outskirts of Tunga village.

According to a statement by Major Samson Zhakom, Media Information Officer of the JTF Operation Enduring Peace, the criminals opened fire on the troops, who responded with superior firepower, killing two of the suspects while others fled with gunshot wounds.

A search of the hideout led to the recovery of one pump-action gun, a locally fabricated rifle, eight cartridges, and other items used for their operations.

The rescued victims have since been reunited with their families after undergoing standard security checks.

Major Zhakom reaffirmed the Joint Task Force’s commitment to intensifying operations to dismantle criminal networks and safeguard lives and property across the region.

By Anas Abbas

The House of Representatives Committee on Banking Regulations has held a public hearing on two significant financial reform bills that are meant to strengthen Nigeria’s banking sector and improve access to finance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The bills are the Factoring Regulation Bill (HB. 516) which seeks to enable small businesses to access quick and reliable cash by selling their unpaid invoices and the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) Amendment Bill (HB. 1168), sponsored by Hon. Moses Oluwatoyin Fayinka, representing Mushin II Federal Constituency of Lagos State.

The latter aims to protect bank customers from fraudulent withdrawals and enforce greater accountability within the banking system.

The public hearing, described as “very productive” by the Chairman of the Committee and Member representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency, Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, drew wide participation from key financial and business institutions including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), NEXIM Bank, Afreximbank, NACCIMA, NASSI, and several development partners and private sector stakeholders.

Hon. El-Rufai also acknowledged the presence of Mr. Fabian Okoye, Special Adviser on Research, Documentation, and Communication to Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, who represented the Governor at the event.

Reflecting on his earlier legislative experience, El-Rufai recalled observing the Factoring Bill during his tenure as Senior Legislative Aide and Chief of Staff to Governor Uba Sani, when the latter chaired the Senate Committee on Banking and Other Financial Institutions in the 9th Senate.

According to him, despite the Central Bank’s progress in managing what he called its “policy trilemma” the exchange rate, inflation, and interest rate Nigeria’s economic realities underscore the urgency of passing the bills.

He noted that inflation as of September 2025 stands at 18.02%, interest rate (MPR) at 27%, unemployment at 4.3%, and poverty at 46% affecting over 139 million people.

A bag of rice now costs ₦70,000. These figures, he said, show why reforms like the Factoring Bill cannot wait.Bello explained that factoring would provide a much-needed financial lifeline for everyday Nigerians.

For traders, artisans, and shop owners, factoring means faster access to cash to restock and stay in business. For small manufacturers and exporters, it improves cash flow to expand production and create jobs.

He emphasized that the BOFIA Amendment Bill complements these efforts by ensuring stronger consumer protection and holding banks accountable for fraud and misconduct.

Across Africa, factoring has been recognized as a powerful tool to unlock working capital and sustain small businesses.

Experts estimate that if properly implemented in Nigeria, it could release over ₦2.7 trillion into the economy, directly boosting communities and livelihoods.

Reaffirming the committee’s commitment to financial reforms that protect consumers and empower SMEs, El-Rufai expressed gratitude to all participants and lauded the support of the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, GCON, for his leadership.

He concluded that the House Committee on Banking Regulations remains steadfast in its mission to drive reforms that protect consumers, empower SMEs, and grow the economy for everyone.

By Uzair Adam

Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has stated that his party is open to forming alliances with other political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In an interview with BBC Hausa, the former Kano State governor emphasised that the NNPP is willing to collaborate with any party that shares its commitment to improving the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.

Kwankwaso clarified that any potential alliance with the APC or other parties must come with clear, tangible benefits for the NNPP, highlighting the party’s nationwide structures and gubernatorial candidates in all states.

He said, “If you are asking us to join APC, you must tell us what NNPP will gain. We have gubernatorial candidates in all the states and full structures nationwide. What will you offer them if we join?”

The senator reiterated that alliances will be based on shared ideals that guarantee a better quality of life for Nigerians.

He described the 2027 elections as likely to be fiercely contested, noting that citizens are now more informed, concerned, and engaged than ever before.

“We’re ready for anyone, whether it is the APC, PDP, ADC, Jonathan, or Peter Obi. If we are satisfied with their competence, we will join forces to achieve success.

“The key thing is that whoever we ally with must be committed to the needs of Nigerians,” Kwankwaso said.

He also condemned the state of insecurity in parts of the country, including Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Kaduna, noting that ordinary citizens are the main victims while political elites live in luxury in Abuja.

On the recent proposal by the National Assembly to amend the 2022 Electoral Act, which would schedule presidential and governorship elections six months before the expiration of incumbents’ tenures, Kwankwaso said he is ready for elections to be held at any time, provided there is adequate notice for mobilisation.

Addressing claims of undue influence over the Kano State government, Kwankwaso dismissed the allegations as baseless, insisting that the current administration is acting independently and that time will reveal who is truly in charge.

“Our position is simple: if he seeks our counsel, we will gladly offer it. But if we notice anything wrong or harmful, we will call his attention to it. “That is why people claim they will defeat us, but the truth is, the youths are more aware now,” he clarified.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has announced the approval of thirteen new degree programmes for universities across Nigeria.

The move is part of an ongoing effort to modernize the country’s higher education curriculum and align it with global trends.

In an official memo signed by the Executive Secretary, Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, the Commission directed all Vice-Chancellors to circulate the newly approved Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) documents.

The new programmes reflect a focus on emerging technologies, security, and specialized fields.

The list includes cutting-edge courses such as B.Sc. Artificial Intelligence, B.Sc. Intelligence and Security Studies, and B.Eng. Nuclear Engineering. Also approved were programmes in Geomatics Engineering, Telecommunications Science, and Water Sanitation and Hygiene.

According to the NUC, the programmes were developed with input from experts within the Nigerian University System in March 2025.

The approval is intended to “strengthen quality assurance mechanisms and enhance academic relevance.”

Universities interested in offering these new degrees must develop their own 30% institutional component to complement the NUC’s 70% core curriculum.

The NUC stated that implementation can begin in the 2025-2028 academic session, pending a successful Resource Assessment Visit to the applying institutions.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Nigerian forces operating under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have thwarted a series of coordinated terrorist attacks across Borno and Yobe states, neutralizing over 50 fighters in fierce overnight battles.

According to a press release from the military, the assaults occurred between midnight and 4:00 a.m. on Thursday, targeting troops’ positions in Dikwa, Mafa, Gajibo, and Katarko.

The military stated that its troops “stood firm, fought gallantly, and professionally repelled the attacks, dealing the terrorists a heavy decisive and bloody blow.”

The defence was bolstered by air support from the Air Component, which provided precision strikes. Enhanced intelligence and reconnaissance assets also gave ground forces a critical advantage, enabling a lethal response.

The combined ground and air efforts led to the recovery of a significant cache of weapons, including 38 AK-47 rifles, 7 machine guns, 5 RPG tubes, and thousands of rounds of ammunition.

Intelligence reports suggest the terrorists who attacked Dikwa and Gajibo came from neighbouring Cameroon, while those in Katarko emerged from the notorious Timbuktu Triangle enclave.

While the military scored a major victory, it acknowledged some costs. Several soldiers were wounded but are reported to be in stable condition.

Additionally, terrorist attacks involving armed drones and RPGs set vehicles and buildings on fire, with defences in Mafa and Dikwa being “momentarily breached.”

The Military High Command has commended the troops for their gallantry and doggedness, stating that their performance reaffirms the military’s unwavering resolve to defend the nation’s territorial integrity.

By Uzair Adam

Former presidential candidate and activist, Omoyele Sowore, was on Thursday taken into custody by armed police officers shortly after attending a court session for the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Sowore, a prominent campaigner for Kanu’s release, was reportedly accosted by the officers who insisted that he accompany them to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command.

When he asked for the reason behind his arrest, one of the officers replied that they were acting on the instruction of the Commissioner of Police.

“The commissioner of police said we should bring you to the office,” the officer stated.

Despite questioning the lack of a formal invitation and insisting that his lawyer must be present, Sowore was eventually driven away in a police van.

It would be recalled that the Sahara Reporters publisher played a major role in organising the recent #FreeNnamdiKanu protest that took place in Abuja and other cities on Monday.

During the protest, police arrested 12 participants, including Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel, and one of his lawyers, Aloy Ejimakor. The detainees were later remanded at Kuje Prison.

According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed before a Chief Magistrate Court in Kuje, the police accused the protesters of criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, and public disorder.

The report alleged that the protest, which violated a subsisting court order, obstructed traffic and posed a threat to public peace.

The court is expected to take the plea of the 12 defendants on Friday.

However, it remains unclear whether Sowore will be added to the charge sheet.

Muhammad Isah Zng

Special Primary School in Zangon Gabas, Ungogo Local Government Area of Kano State, is struggling with insecurity and abandoned, burnt classrooms, leaving pupils and teachers in a difficult learning environment.

A resident and Islamic teacher, Abdullahi Ahmed, voiced concern that the school has been neglected by the government, leaving it vulnerable to vandalism and deterioration. He stated that youths often break onto the premises after lessons to play football, which frequently results in damage to school property and theft of valuable items.

“The major problem is insecurity. Youths come into the premises, deface classrooms, and steal items. If nothing is done, this school may one day become history,” Ahmed said.

Besides security breaches, classrooms that were burned several years ago remain unrepaired and unused, further reducing available learning space. Ahmed, who also uses the classrooms for Islamic lessons, disclosed that the headmaster had hired a security guard and was paying him from personal funds to protect the remaining facilities.

Community members are urging the Kano State Government to urgently repair the classrooms that were burned and to ensure security to protect the school. Education stakeholders warn that if no action is taken, the worsening conditions could jeopardise the future of pupils in Zangon Gabas. 

By Sabiu Abdulahi

The Customs Area Controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, has praised British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) for its long-standing collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and its consistent adherence to trade regulations.

A statement released by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs I, Abdulmalik Akintola, said Comptroller Aliyu gave the commendation during a familiarisation visit to BATN’s facility on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

He was warmly received by the company’s Director of Operations, Mr. Hasnain Ishtiaq.During the visit, the Customs chief lauded BATN’s operational excellence and its vital role in Nigeria’s tobacco manufacturing industry.

He acknowledged the company’s positive impact on the economy, stressing that its contributions extend to revenue generation, employment creation, and industrial growth.

“The company’s industrial activities have continued to promote economic growth and enhance industrial development within Oyo State and across the nation,” Aliyu stated.

He further called for continuous collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and BATN to sustain their shared objectives in promoting legitimate trade and industrial advancement.In his remarks, Mr. Hasnain Ishtiaq, Director of Operations at BATN, thanked Comptroller Aliyu and his team for the visit.

He applauded the Nigeria Customs Service for its dedication to supporting lawful trade and fostering a business-friendly environment.

Mr. Ishtiaq assured that BATN would maintain its commitment to regulatory compliance and strengthen its partnership with the Customs Service.