News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have killed at least three residents and abducted several others, including a Catholic priest, during a predawn raid on Karku village in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday and threw the community into grief amid growing concerns over insecurity in Southern Kaduna.

A family member of one of the victims, who spoke in a distress message from the village, said the attackers stormed the area suddenly and opened fire on residents. He stated, “The bandits entered our village around 3:20 a.m. and started shooting. People were running in different directions.”

He explained that local vigilantes mobilised and went after the assailants, which led to an exchange of gunfire. According to him, “When the vigilantes intercepted them, there was a gun battle. Six people were killed during the encounter, including two security personnel.” He added that some members of the vigilante group could not be accounted for after the clash. “As I am speaking to you now, three of our vigilantes have not returned. We don’t know their whereabouts,” he said.

The Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan confirmed the assault and the abduction of the Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku, Reverend Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, alongside 10 parishioners. In a statement, the Diocesan Chancellor, Reverend Father Jacob Shanet, said, “It is with deep sorrow that we confirm the abduction of our priest, Reverend Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, the Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku, and 10 other parishioners.”

The Diocese identified those killed as Mr. Jacob Dan’azumi, Mr. Maitala Kaura, and Alhaji Kusari. It added, “Among those killed in the attack are Mr. Jacob Dan’azumi, Mr. Maitala Kaura, and Alhaji Kusari. We condemn this act of violence in strong terms.”

The attack has heightened tension across Southern Kaduna, an area that has witnessed repeated assaults on rural settlements and places of worship. Residents have continued to decry what they describe as insufficient security deployment and slow response during emergencies.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Kaduna State Government nor security agencies had released an official statement, while community members urged authorities to intensify rescue efforts and strengthen protection in the area.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has rolled out a Smart Transport Solution aimed at enhancing security and improving efficiency within the state’s transport system through the use of modern tracking technology.

The Daily Reality reports that the programme was unveiled on Saturday at the Afficient Event Centre, where top government officials, transport stakeholders and security agencies gathered for the flag-off.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Transport, Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi, said the initiative, although new to Kano, is a globally tested system already deployed in major cities around the world.

“This is a system which is new in Kano, but not new in the world and not new in major cities,” Dederi said, explaining that the technology enables authorities to monitor transport activities in real time using cameras and satellite-based tracking.

He noted that the system would capture the movement of commuters and vehicles entering the state from designated points, with relevant data transmitted to appropriate authorities for monitoring and response.

According to the commissioner, security agencies including the police, the Ministry of Transportation and the Cabinet Office will have access to dedicated dashboards to track activities across the transport network.

“Everybody will be monitoring what is happening,” he said, adding that the initiative was informed by the growing influx of people into Kano due to its relative peace and economic opportunities.

Dederi stressed that while Kano remains one of the most peaceful states in northern Nigeria, there is a need to adopt modern technology to sustain security.

“That is why we just have to employ a lot of technological innovation, which will help us ensure absolute security in Kano,” he said, while commending the cooperation of security agencies in the state.

On the scope of the programme, the commissioner explained that the tracking system would initially cover all commercial vehicles, including tricycles, taxis, buses, trailers and tankers, with plans to eventually extend it to private vehicle owners.

“For the start, we are focusing on all commercial vehicles,” he said. “Eventually, it will come down to everyone.”

He added that the initiative is in line with the state’s comprehensive transport policy, which provides a legal framework for public-private partnerships and encourages investment in road and rail infrastructure.

“The government cannot go it alone. Partnership through public-private collaboration is the global trend, and Kano will benefit from it,” Dederi said.

Also speaking, the Head of Operations of As&Aj Company, Dr. Aminu Umar Maigari, explained that the firm is the technical partner responsible for deploying and managing the tracking technology used for the Smart Transport Solution.

He said the system was introduced to address security challenges in the transport sector and protect both commuters and their property, noting that As&Aj Company is providing the software platform and tracking devices required for effective monitoring.

Maigari described the initiative as part of Kano State’s efforts to embrace information technology in governance, adding that it would improve transparency and accountability in transportation operations.

He explained that the application required to access the system is free to download and use, with operators only expected to complete a Know Your Customer (KYC) process and install the tracker.

“The good thing about it is that it’s free. You don’t need to pay anything to download and use the application,” he said, adding that the combined cost of the KYC and tracker is N28,000, with a 10 per cent government subsidy for the first one million subscribers.

He noted that the flag-off ceremony was intended to create awareness among transport unions and local government stakeholders, adding that full deployment of the system would commence the following Monday.

In a show of support, the Chairman of the Vehicle Owners and Transporters of Nigeria (VOTOR), Comrade Nazifi Gidan Kudi, commended the initiative, describing it as timely and necessary.

He said the Smart Transport Solution would help check excesses among commercial vehicle operators, address unsafe driving and riding practices, and enhance security across the state.

The Daily Reality gathered that the Smart Transport Solution is expected to mark a significant step in Kano State’s drive to modernise its transport sector and strengthen public safety through technology-driven governance.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigerian Army Finance Corps (NAFC) held a vibrant valedictory parade on Friday to honour ten of its retiring senior officers, marking the end of their distinguished service.

The event, held at the Nigerian Army School of Signals Parade Ground in Apapa, Lagos, was praised by the Special Guest of Honour, retired Major General Kamal Ishola Yusuf. He described it as “one of the most colourful and dignified” ceremonies of its kind, highlighting the military’s role in upholding tradition as the backbone of its discipline and identity.

The retirees honoured were Major Generals KI Yusuf, AA Fayemiwo, J Mohammed, RN Ochei, MO Ihanuwaze, M Galadima, SA Gumel, and Brigadier Generals EA Obona, AS Maikano, and MK Baba-Mallam.

In his speech, Major General Yusuf expressed thanks for divine protection during their service and commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu NAM, for his support. He also acknowledged the efforts of Major General TT Sidick, the Chief of Accounts and Budget (Army), in organizing the successful event.

The ceremony drew a wide array of guests, including serving and retired officers, former army chiefs, commanders, industry leaders, bankers, and the families of the retirees.

The programme featured a formal pulling-out parade, a march-past, and group photographs. Attendees were later hosted to a reception at the Command Finance Office, featuring music, comedy, cultural displays, and refreshments.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Embassy of Israel in Nigeria has strongly condemned the recent massacre in Kwara State, which claimed the lives of over 160 people, describing the attack as a “horrific massacre” against innocent civilians.

In a statement shared on its X handle on Friday, the Israeli mission expressed “deep sympathy with the families of the victims and all those affected by the deadly attack, which is considered one of the worst mass killings in Nigeria in recent times.”

“The Embassy of Israel in Nigeria condemns the horrific massacre in Kwara State, in which over 160 innocent people were brutally murdered,” the statement read. The mission called the deliberate targeting of civilians “an affront to humanity and can never be justified no matter when or where it takes place.”

Israel also affirmed its solidarity with Nigeria, pledging support for the country’s efforts to combat insecurity and safeguard its citizens. “Israel stands in solidarity with the people and Government of Nigeria in their efforts to confront violence and protect innocent lives,” the embassy added.

The condemnation comes amid national and international outrage over the attack, which occurred in a rural community on Tuesday when armed men reportedly invaded the area, killing residents and burning homes. Humanitarian organizations and local residents have placed the death toll at over 160, with additional people still missing.

The massacre has drawn renewed criticism of Nigeria’s security situation, particularly in rural regions that remain vulnerable to armed attacks. President Bola Tinubu condemned the killings, ordered the deployment of security forces to the area, and promised that the perpetrators would face justice. However, civil society groups and residents continue to accuse the government of failing to prevent repeated attacks despite early warnings.

Security analysts warn that unless immediate and coordinated measures are taken to protect rural communities, strengthen intelligence, and address the root causes of violence, mass attacks like the Kwara incident may continue. Survivors and grieving families are calling for justice, accountability, and sustained security presence to prevent further bloodshed.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has stated he did not err in sharing a video on his official Truth Social account that showed former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama depicted as apes.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday, Trump insisted he “didn’t make a mistake” and said he does not need to apologize.

“I didn’t make a mistake,” he emphasized.

Trump acknowledged that he had not watched the entire video before it was posted. He explained:

“I didn’t see the whole thing. I looked at the first part, and it was really about voter fraud in the machines, how crooked it is, how disgusting it is. Then I gave it to the people. Generally, they look at the whole thing. But I guess somebody didn’t.”

When asked whether he condemned the video’s content, Trump replied, “Of course I do.”

The video, posted late Thursday, promoted a conspiracy theory about voting machines used during the 2020 election and included a racist portrayal of the Obamas. It remained on Trump’s account for about 12 hours before being deleted Friday morning after bipartisan calls for its removal.

Earlier, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the post in a statement, describing it as “from an internet meme video depicting President Trump as the King of the Jungle and Democrats as characters from The Lion King.”

She added, “Please stop the fake outrage and report on something today that actually matters to the American public.”

Hours after the statement, the video was removed from Trump’s Truth Social account.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has handed over the sum of $23,000 recovered from an alleged international romance fraud suspect to the British High Commission in Abuja for onward return to the victim in the Cayman Islands.

Police authorities said the money was retrieved from Achufusi Obioma, a Nigerian national who was under investigation for allegedly defrauding a resident of the Cayman Islands through an online romantic relationship scam.

In a statement issued on Friday, Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that the complaint was first received by the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service.

He explained that the recovered funds were later transferred to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service through Shaun McLeary, who represented the British High Commission in Abuja.

“The repatriation followed a request received from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service seeking assistance of the INTERPOL NCB Abuja to investigate a Nigerian national, Achufusi Obioma Ikenna, who defrauded a resident of the Cayman Islands through an online romance scam,” the statement reads.

“Acting on the request, INTERPOL NCB Abuja conducted discreet, intelligence-led investigations which led to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of the sum of $23,000.

“Following the completion of all necessary documentation and in collaboration with international partners, the recovered funds were formally handed over to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, through the British High Commission in Abuja, represented by Mr. Shaun McLeary, for secure delivery to the victim. Meanwhile the suspect will be arraigned at the conclusion of investigation.

“This successful repatriation underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s sustained commitment to intelligence-driven policing, effective international collaboration, and the disruption of transnational cybercrime networks.”

The Cayman Islands is a self-governing British Overseas Territory located in the western Caribbean.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kano Zonal Directorate, on Thursday, February 5, 2026, arraigned a former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Dutsinma (FUDMA), Professor Armaya’u Hamisu Bichi, before the Katsina State High Court over an alleged N19.7 million bribery scheme.

Bichi was docked before Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar alongside two others—Lawal Tukur Mani and Aliyu Lawal Jari—on a five-count charge bordering on bribery.

According to the EFCC, Bichi, while serving as Vice-Chancellor, allegedly received kickbacks from contractors through the two co-defendants in exchange for the award of contracts at the university. One of the charges alleged that he obtained N5 million in July 2023 from a contractor as gratification for contracts involving the supply of medical equipment and laboratory furnishing, with the funds paid into a bank account belonging to one of the co-defendants.

All three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following their pleas, prosecuting counsel, Salihu Sani, requested a trial date, while defence counsel moved applications for bail. Justice Abubakar granted each defendant bail in the sum of N5 million with one surety in like sum and adjourned the case to March 12, 2026, for the commencement of trial.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Former vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on Friday in Saudi Arabia, received a courtesy visit from Hajiya Aisha Buhari, the wife of the former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari.

The former First Lady was accompanied by her daughter, Hanan, and other family members during the meeting.

According to a statement from Atiku Abubakar, both he and the Buhari family are currently in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform the lesser Hajj, known as Umrah.

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar noted that he was honoured to host the visit, which underscores the continued cordial relationship between two the families.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In a major coordinated operation, Nigerian Army troops from 4 Brigade, alongside Air Force, Police, Civil Defence, and Edo State Security personnel, have arrested thirteen suspected kidnappers and drug peddlers in Edo North Senatorial District.

The operation, codenamed “Operation IGBO DANU 1,” was carried out on February 4, 2026, across Osara, Auchi, and Okpella communities in Etsako West Local Government Area.

According to a military press release, eight suspects were initially apprehended in the clearance raid. Items recovered from them included a pump-action gun, a locally made pistol, live cartridges, a POS machine, illicit drugs suspected to be cannabis, tramadol, and codeine syrup, as well as phones, a camera, and ₦87,550 in cash.

In a follow-up operation the same day, troops combed the Aviele Forest, leading to the arrest of five more suspects. Two motorcycles, phones, and a power bank were seized.

All arrested individuals and recovered exhibits have been handed over to the Edo State Police Command for further investigation.

The Commander of 4 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, praised the inter-agency collaboration and warned that Edo State will remain hostile to terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminals. He reaffirmed the commitment of security forces to protecting lives and property in the state.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Popular British rapper, Central Cee, has stirred widespread reactions on social media after revealing that he has embraced Islam.

The announcement shifted attention from his music career to his personal faith journey. Shortly after the revelation surfaced online, thousands of fans and followers trooped to his social media pages to express their support and goodwill.

During a live appearance, the rapper disclosed that he had formally entered the Islamic faith. He said, “I declared the Shahada, I have a new name, I am now a Muslim.”

Following the declaration, congratulatory messages poured in from supporters across different platforms. Many welcomed him warmly into the religion. Some of the messages read, “Welcome to Islam, brother,” “You have been honored with Islam,” and “Welcome, Muslim brother.”

The development also triggered conversations about a possible new identity for the music star. This came after he hinted about adopting another name. He had stated, “I have a new name.”

Fans quickly began suggesting options they felt would suit him. Among the various proposals, one name appeared repeatedly in comment sections. Several followers wrote, “Yusuf suits him well,” while others added, “I am curious about the Muslim name, but let it be Yusuf.”

Despite the wave of speculation, the rapper has not released any official confirmation regarding a new name. He has also not provided further clarification on the matter.

Online engagement around the announcement continues to grow, with many admirers still awaiting additional details about his conversion and identity within the faith.