News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United Kingdom has introduced new immigration regulations that may stop universities from recruiting foreign students if they fail to meet stricter compliance standards.

The Home Office announced the policy on Thursday. The new measures focus on reducing rising asylum claims linked to study, work, and tourist visas. Officials said foreign students make up the largest share of such claims.

Under the new framework, any university where more than five percent of student visa applications are refused risks losing its licence to recruit international students. The earlier threshold stood at 10 percent.

The Home Office said it monitors both visa refusal rates and the institutions linked to affected applicants.

Universities also face sanctions if a large number of students withdraw or fail to complete their programmes.

The updated policy requires foreign students to record at least a 95 percent enrolment rate and a 90 percent completion rate. These figures previously stood at 90 percent and 85 percent.

The Home Office explained its concern over poor compliance in the sector. It stated:

“High drop-out rates can indicate students have entered the illegal working economy rather than studied whilst high visa rejection rates or low enrolment figures suggest some institutions have not done enough due diligence on applicants,” the Home Office said.

The changes come about three months after the UK introduced an “emergency brake” on study visas for applicants from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan. The restriction followed a rise in asylum claims that officials described as an “unsustainable threat”.

According to the Home Office, asylum claims from students have dropped by 30 percent over the past year due to stricter enforcement.

The ministry also said it had contacted 306,000 students whose visas are due to expire. It warned that it will reject unfounded asylum claims quickly and that individuals without the right to remain must leave the country or face removal.

By Aisha Mohammed Usman 

The Abduction of Major General Rabe Abubakar (Rtd) and His Wife Should Concern Every Nigerian.

Major General Rabe Abubakar (Rtd) spent decades serving Nigeria, helping to protect its people and defend its sovereignty. A respected military leader known for his professionalism and patriotism, he represents the sacrifice and dedication of countless Nigerians who have devoted their lives to national service.

Now, the reported abduction of Major General Abubakar and his wife has sparked widespread concern. Beyond the pain endured by their family, this incident is a troubling reminder of the insecurity facing the nation and a matter that should concern every Nigerian who values service, sacrifice, and justice.

At a time when public conversations are often dominated by criticism of leadership failures, we must ask ourselves an important question: Have we become a society that only speaks about bad leaders while remaining silent about the good ones?

There is no doubt that Nigeria faces significant leadership challenges. Citizens have every right to demand accountability, transparency, and effective governance. However, while we criticise those who fail us, we must also recognise, celebrate, and support those who have devoted their lives to serving others. Recognition is not merely praise; it is encouragement. It sends a message that integrity, sacrifice, and dedication still matter.

Major General Rabe Abubakar represents those values.

Among his many distinguished accomplishments, Major General Rabe Abubakar served as Nigeria’s Director of Defence Information, a position that placed him at the forefront of military communications and national security engagement. Throughout his career, he became widely respected for his professionalism, patriotism, and commitment to strengthening the relationship between the Armed Forces and the Nigerian people. Even after retirement, he remained an influential voice, mentor, and statesman whose counsel and experience continued to benefit both military and civilian communities.

For decades, he served Nigeria with distinction. Like many military officers, he endured the hardships that come with wearing the uniform—extended periods away from family, exposure to danger, and the immense responsibility of protecting lives and national interests. While millions of Nigerians slept peacefully at night, brave men and women in uniform stood watch, often under difficult and dangerous conditions, safeguarding the nation.

Yet what makes Major General Rabe Abubakar particularly remarkable is that his service did not end with retirement. Through mentorship, community development, youth empowerment, and civic engagement, he continued contributing to the growth and progress of society. His influence extended far beyond military assignments. He became a mentor to many, a trusted voice in his community, and a source of inspiration to both military personnel and civilians alike.

His impact can be felt not only through the positions he held but through the countless lives he touched. From his hometown and village to communities across Nigeria, he has consistently demonstrated that true leadership is ultimately about service to humanity.

It is therefore particularly distressing that a man who devoted his life to defending Nigeria, together with his wife, reportedly became a victim of the insecurity he spent years working to combat.

Alongside him is his wife, who has undoubtedly shared in the sacrifices that military families endure throughout the years of service to the nation. Behind every distinguished military officer is a family that bears the burden of long absences, uncertainty, and the demands of national duty. Their ordeal is therefore not only a tragedy for two individuals but also a painful reminder of the sacrifices made by military families across Nigeria.

According to reports, Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife were travelling to Katsina for a family wedding when they were abducted in the Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. Their driver reportedly survived despite sustaining a gunshot injury, while the retired General and his wife were taken away by armed men. Security agencies and military authorities have since commenced efforts to secure their safe rescue and return.

To those holding Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife captive, this is an appeal to your humanity. Whatever circumstances may have led to this situation, there remains an opportunity to choose compassion over cruelty. This retired General dedicated his life to protecting fellow Nigerians. He served his country with honour and distinction. We appeal for his immediate and safe release, alongside that of his wife.

To the Federal Government, security agencies, and all relevant authorities, Nigerians are looking to you with hope and expectation. Every available resource must be deployed to ensure the safe rescue and return of Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife. The nation owes a special duty of care to those who have spent their lives safeguarding its people and institutions.

Beyond this particular incident, there is a broader lesson for all of us. We must learn to celebrate our heroes while they are still with us. Too often, recognition comes only after tragedy strikes. We must speak about the people making positive contributions to our communities. We must highlight examples of integrity, sacrifice, and patriotism. We must encourage the next generation to believe that service to the country remains a noble calling.

A society that constantly criticises but never appreciates risks discouraging those who are striving to do the right thing. Good leaders need support. Good examples need visibility. Good deeds deserve recognition.

Major General Rabe Abubakar is one such example.

At a time when insecurity continues to challenge communities across the country, Nigerians must unite in support of all lawful efforts to secure the safe return of Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife. Beyond differences of ethnicity, religion, region, or political affiliation, this is a moment that calls for collective concern, compassion, and national solidarity.

As Nigerians, regardless of tribe, religion, or political affiliation, this is a moment to stand together. It is a moment to pray for his safe return, support his family, and reaffirm our commitment to the values he represents.

The story of Major General Rabe Abubakar is ultimately a story of duty, sacrifice, and service. It is a reminder that true leadership is measured not by titles or ranks but by the positive impact one leaves on the lives of others.

As we await the safe return of Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife, let us remember a simple truth: a nation that honours its heroes strengthens its future, while a nation that forgets them risks losing the very values that hold it together.

May Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife return home safely. May justice prevail, amin.

And may Nigeria never stop celebrating those who serve her faithfully.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Significant progress has been recorded in the bid to establish state police in Nigeria, with a constitutional amendment expected to be presented shortly following months of high-level consultations among the executive, the National Assembly, and security agencies.

The Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing State House correspondents after a consultative meeting on state police convened by the Presidency at the State House, Abuja.

Gbajabiamila noted that deliberations on the proposed framework began several months ago following a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and that the process had since gained considerable traction.

He, however, cautioned that establishing state police requires careful consideration of constitutional and legal issues and cannot be implemented hastily.

“We started deliberations in the last three or four months on how to go about the establishment of state police as directed by Mr President,” Gbajabiamila said.

“Establishing state police is not something that you do with the snap of the fingers. There is a lot involved in terms of constitution and legalities, and thank God we have now gained a lot of traction. Hopefully, the amendment will come shortly, and the details of the amendment will come after that.”

According to him, discussions have advanced to the point of considering the necessary constitutional amendments, with the enabling legislation to follow afterwards.

“Right now, what we are looking at is the constitutional amendment itself, and then the enabling law would follow thereafter. That is what we have been deliberating on in the last couple of hours,” he added.

The Chief of Staff highlighted broad national support for the initiative, emphasising that the debate is no longer about whether state police should be established but about creating the appropriate legal and institutional framework for its operation.

He said President Tinubu, who has consistently advocated for state police as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, would receive a comprehensive report on the meeting’s outcome.

The meeting is part of a series of consultations convened by the Federal Government to develop a workable framework for the establishment of state police, an initiative aimed at strengthening internal security, improving local intelligence gathering, and enhancing the capacity of sub-national governments to address emerging security challenges across the country.

President Tinubu has maintained in recent months that state police is a necessary response to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, advocating that a decentralised policing structure would strengthen grassroots security, enhance intelligence gathering, and improve the protection of lives and property across the country.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau; the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; and the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, among other senior government officials.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Yoruba nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, has threatened to publicly reveal the names of politicians he accuses of sponsoring kidnapping gangs operating in parts of Oyo State.

Igboho specifically alleged that some political figures are backing the abductors who recently seized students and teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

In a strongly worded warning, the activist declared that he would expose the sponsors’ identities unless they immediately cease their criminal activities.

“The sponsors behind these kidnappings will no longer hide,” Igboho said. “If they do not stop now, I will make their names known to the public.”

His threat comes amid growing concerns over rising insecurity and abductions for ransom across southwestern Nigeria.

By Uzair Adam

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has argued that any vote cast for former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in the 2027 election would ultimately work in favour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election.

Speaking during an interview on Symfoni TV, Okonkwo said the opposition must unite behind a single candidate if it hopes to defeat the incumbent president in the next general election.

According to him, a divided opposition would only increase Tinubu’s chances of securing another term in office.

“Whether directly or indirectly, anyone dividing opposition votes is helping Tinubu. When coalition and opposition votes are split, it places Tinubu in a stronger position to win,” he said.

Okonkwo also criticised Obi’s reported withdrawal from coalition discussions within the ADC, alleging that the former Anambra State governor was unwilling to participate in a competitive primary election.

“Nobody compelled Peter Obi to join the ADC. He joined voluntarily, but just a week before the deadline, he withdrew and explained his reasons.

“You cannot avoid a primary election and still expect to lead a country facing serious challenges. Leadership requires confronting challenges, not running away from them,” he stated.

The former Labour Party spokesperson further claimed that Senator Victor Umeh had previously suggested that the South-East’s best chance of producing a Nigerian president would be through a political alliance with northern leaders.

“When we were joining the ADC, Victor Umeh told me clearly that the best opportunity for the Igbo to produce a president was to align with the North, with Peter Obi serving as vice president,” Okonkwo alleged.

He further claimed that Umeh had informed him that Obi was not receptive to such advice.

“I asked him if he had discussed it with Obi. He said yes, but described Obi as stubborn, saying he would rather continue pursuing his own approach,” Okonkwo added.

Reiterating his position, Okonkwo urged opposition supporters to carefully consider the implications of their choices ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

“To be clear, anyone voting for Peter Obi in 2027 is indirectly voting for Tinubu. Remember that I said this,” he maintained.

His remarks come amid ongoing consultations and coalition talks among opposition parties and political stakeholders seeking a united front ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A tragic road accident involving a military vehicle and a commercial Hummer bus has claimed six lives along the Girei–Song Highway in Adamawa State.

The fatal crash occurred on Wednesday afternoon and involved a military gun truck travelling from Gombi to Yola and a commercial bus heading from Yola to Mubi with five passengers on board.

Witnesses said the collision happened at about 1:50 p.m. and caused the bus to overturn before it caught fire. The flames reportedly consumed the vehicle and killed all its occupants.

Among those who lost their lives were four members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), a soldier and another passenger.

The Adamawa State Police Command confirmed the incident through its spokesperson, SP Suleiman Ngurore. He said the accident took place around the Narehi area in Girei–Song Local Government Area.

According to him, “Tragically, all five passengers aboard the Hummer bus were burnt to death after the vehicle caught fire following the collision.

“Preliminary identification shows that four of the deceased were members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) posted to Adamawa State.”

Ngurore identified two of the deceased corps members as Suleiman Juliet and Usman Shuaibu, both natives of Kaduna State. He added that authorities were still working to establish the identities of the remaining victims.

The police spokesperson also disclosed that a soldier travelling in the military vehicle died as a result of the crash.

He said police officers and emergency personnel responded promptly to the scene, while the remains of the victims were taken to the Specialist Hospital in Yola.

Ngurore stated that efforts were ongoing to identify all those affected and notify their relatives. He added that more information would be released as the investigation progresses.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

At least one person was killed and 63 others sustained injuries after an Iranian drone struck a passenger terminal at Kuwait International Airport on Wednesday, amid renewed hostilities involving Iran and US forces in the Gulf region.

Indian authorities confirmed that the victim was an Indian national, while several other citizens were among those injured in the attack.

Kuwait’s military strongly condemned the incident and described it as an act of “criminal Iranian aggression”. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, however, blamed US actions for the escalation. The group alleged that American forces had targeted a tanker and a communications tower on Qeshm Island, prompting a response.

The latest violence has raised concerns about the stability of the April 8 ceasefire that halted more than a month of fighting triggered by US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran. Although the truce has largely remained in place, occasional exchanges of fire have continued.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Tehran of “playing with fire”.

“Iran surely knows what the (US) president has said, that if necessary, there’ll be a full-scale return to military action,” Netanyahu warned in an interview with US channel CNBC, referring to threats made by Donald Trump.

Kuwaiti health ministry spokesman Abdullah al-Sanad said 63 people received medical treatment for injuries sustained in the attack. He noted that the casualties suffered “including head wounds, cerebral haemorrhages, amputations and injuries resulting from explosions”.

Following the strike, Kuwaiti authorities temporarily suspended air traffic and redirected incoming flights to alternative destinations. Flight operations later resumed through Kuwait Airways.

The airport has come under attack on several occasions during the conflict and had only returned to full operations earlier this week.

Kuwait said it detected 30 ballistic missiles and drones launched during what it described as “heinous Iranian aggression”. The country also rejected claims from Tehran that its territory and airspace had been used for attacks against Iran.

A resident living near the airport, Hassan Sheikh, recounted hearing multiple explosions overnight.

“For the first time, my children felt how serious the situation was,” he said.

Bahrain also reported overnight drone attacks, while the United Arab Emirates called for a “cohesive Gulf stance” among neighbouring states in response to Iran.

Although Iran’s Revolutionary Guards did not claim responsibility for the airport strike, they accused Kuwait and Bahrain of assisting US military operations. The group said it had targeted “the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, which hosts helicopters”.

Iran’s chief negotiator in talks with the United States, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, warned that any “aggression will be met with a decisive, regrettable, and proportionate response”.

Meanwhile, the US military said it had “successfully defeated” several Iranian missile and drone attacks directed at Kuwait and Bahrain. It also confirmed carrying out strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island.

Bahraini authorities reported intercepting three Iranian missiles and several drones.

The escalation coincided with diplomatic efforts in Washington, where US, Israeli and Lebanese officials held discussions aimed at ending the parallel conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

According to the Lebanese embassy in Washington, a proposed US-backed arrangement would initially cover Israeli attacks on Beirut and Hezbollah operations against Israeli territory.

Neither side has publicly endorsed the proposal. Senior Hezbollah official Mahmud Qomati said in a written statement that the group “will not accept a partial ceasefire”.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington wanted the Lebanon talks to remain separate from negotiations involving Iran, although Tehran has repeatedly linked both conflicts.

Israeli forces have expanded ground operations in Lebanon, marking their deepest advance into the country in two decades.

Lebanese authorities said Israeli strikes on Wednesday killed at least nine people in southern Lebanon, including two paramedics. Another airstrike reportedly targeted a vehicle near Beirut.

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a rocket attack against Israeli troops in northern Israel, stating that the action was a response to what it described as Israeli violations of an existing ceasefire.

A truce intended to halt fighting in Lebanon was scheduled to take effect on April 17, but both sides have continued military operations.

Israeli officials have maintained that attacks on northern Israeli communities by Hezbollah could trigger strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs. They say the position is supported by Washington.

Netanyahu also said Trump shared his objective of disarming Hezbollah in order to “save Lebanon”.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has taken delivery of the report submitted by an independent investigative panel that examined allegations of corruption, abuse of authority, torture and other forms of misconduct within the Nigerian Correctional Service.

Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the development in a statement published on his official page. He explained that the panel was inaugurated in November 2024 and completed its work after spending 18 months investigating the allegations.

The panel was headed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani.

Tunji-Ojo said the report would provide a roadmap for reforms aimed at improving correctional facilities and strengthening the rehabilitation of inmates across the country.

“The findings will serve as a strong foundation for transforming our correctional facilities from mere places of incarceration into true centres of rehabilitation, reformation, restoration and reintegration,” he stated.

The minister also pointed to progress recorded through rehabilitation initiatives in correctional centres. He said the number of former inmates who returned to custody after release had fallen sharply over the past few years.

According to him, recidivism cases reduced from 11,616 inmates in 2023 to 1,382 inmates in 2025.

He further disclosed that 62 inmates are currently enrolled in postgraduate programmes, while 261 are pursuing undergraduate degrees. In addition, 1,125 inmates are involved in various educational programmes and 9,582 others are undergoing vocational and skills acquisition training.

“As a government, we are committed to ensuring that no Nigerian, whether free or in custody, is left behind,” the minister said.

Tunji-Ojo added that the government would begin the process of implementing the panel’s recommendations through monitoring and evaluation mechanisms aimed at improving correctional administration nationwide.

“Our goal is clear. Never again should our correctional centres be associated with dehumanisation, corruption, or discrimination,” he added.

By Dahiru Kasimu Adamu

Rice farmers in Kebbi State are in a dilemma as quila birds, locally known as Buwa, continue to threaten food security by devouring their farm produce.

During a visit to rice clusters in the Argungu fadama land, including Dankwalli, Kuyar Masama, Janduma, Kwalaga, and others, farmers were seen shouting, wielding sticks, and using other materials to make loud noises to scare the birds away from their farms.

The farmers described the situation as disastrous. “Quila birds need only a short time to finish what farmers spend months cultivating. This forces us to move early to the farms and prevent the birds from ending our farming,” said Lauwali Usman, a farmer at the Dankwalli rice cluster.

Another farmer, Usman in Kuyar Masama,  explained how the quila bird “has caused some farmers to harvest their rice early because they can no longer keep moving to their farms every morning and evening to prevent the birds from eating their produce. They are afraid of losing what they spent months cultivating.”

Many farmers have stories to tell about the quila bird and how it threatens rice farming. What they share in common, however, is an appeal to authorities to assist them by spreading chemicals to eliminate the birds, arguing that traditional methods are too weak.

In a previous interview, Dr Aminu Aliyu, an agriculturalist who teaches at the Department of Agricultural Education, Adamu Augie College of Education, Argungu, said the best and most scientific method of addressing the quila bird problem is “locating their nesting environment and spreading chemicals. This can be achieved by collaborating with local farmers and extension agents, and is normally done by the state government or in conjunction with the federal government.”

Dr Aliyu described quila birds as “migratory birds that travel long distances and can cause havoc to any farm they stay on, even within a short period.”

Apart from rising input costs and the petrol price hike due to subsidy removal, the quila bird has been a major problem affecting rice farmers since the beginning of dry season farming, known locally as Katashi in Kebbi State.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Three former members of the Osun State House of Assembly have ended their membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking another development within the party in the state.

The politicians, Lekan Oyediran, Aleem Bakare and Folorunso Oladoyin, submitted separate resignation letters to APC local government chairmen between June 1 and June 2.

Bakare attributed his decision to what he described as a lack of internal democracy within the party. However, Oyediran and Oladoyin did not state any reasons for their departures in their letters.

Oyediran represented Odo Otin State Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2003. Bakare served as the lawmaker for Ejigbo State Constituency between 2003 and 2007.

Oladoyin represented Ife South State Constituency from 2011 to 2019. He later served as Osun State Commissioner for Education during the administration of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola until the government left office in November 2022. Bakare also worked in Oyetola’s administration as Special Adviser on Land Matters.

The three former lawmakers are known associates of former APC National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore, who has maintained a distance from party activities since the conclusion of the APC governorship primary in December 2025.

Speaking on the development, spokesperson for the Senator Iyiola Omisore Campaign Organisation, Jamiu Olawumi, acknowledged that the former lawmakers were close to Omisore. He, however, denied suggestions that the former deputy governor directed them to leave the party.

According to Olawumi, the politicians may have made the decision after assessing their political prospects.

He also dismissed speculation that Omisore was preparing to leave the APC.

“The anxiety is unfounded and baseless. We support Iyiola Omisore for his governorship ambition. Anyway, we went for him, we saw his capacity and capability, that is why we went to invite him to come and contest.

“So, if the outcome of the contest amounts to our strongest defence line being removed, people who cannot withstand the shock could leave the party, and could also leave his camp to join the winning camp.

“That does not mean Omisore is leaving the party, because Omisore was not our breadwinner. We are political associates. So, people who want to be mischievous, and who are taking the animosity that far, they say his men are leaving, that he was going to leave.

“Those who left are Oyetola’s men too. Bamisayemi (Oladoyin) was a Commissioner for education under Oyetola. While Oyetola is losing his cabinet member, Omisore is also losing his supporters. These are the inner members of the caucus of Oyetola now who are leaving the party. It is not about Omisore but about their conviction that the party had not fulfilled their dreams and they cannot realise their dreams and aspirations within the party.”

Responding to the resignations, Osun APC spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, said the party was not worried by the development. He noted that members have the constitutional right to join or leave any political party.

Olabisi also argued that the APC had attracted several prominent politicians, particularly from the Peoples Democratic Party, in numbers that exceeded those leaving the party.