Security

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

There has been outrage over the abduction of over 280 pupils and teachers of Government Secondary School and LEA Primary School at Kuriga, Kaduna State, by bandits on Thursday. 

The bandits reportedly invaded the Kuriga area of the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Thursday, shooting at their victims before taking away at least 280 of the pupils and teachers from both schools.

The secondary school had been relocated to the primary school due to insecurity in the council. 

Various organisations and authorities, including the Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Amnesty International, the Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria, the Nigeria Union of Teachers, and the House of Representatives, have condemned the attack, calling on the government to rescue the victims immediately. 

This incident occurred barely 24 hours after insurgents abducted 200 internally displaced women in Borno State.

The women were kidnapped in Ngala, the headquarters of Gambarou Ngala in Borno State, while fetching firewood in the bush. 

Sani Abdullahi, a teacher at Government Secondary School Kuriga, narrated the attack, stating that about 280 pupils and teachers were taken by the hoodlums.

He recounted the chaos that ensued as the bandits surrounded the school premises, forcing them to flee into the bush. 

State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, led senior government officials and heads of security agencies to the scene of the attack, assuring the community that efforts were underway to rescue those abducted.

The governor stated that security operatives had swung into action to search for the kidnapped pupils. 

Efforts to identify those kidnapped are ongoing, with the head teacher of the school and some staff members among those abducted.

According to reports, a pupil identified as Ahmed, who sustained gunshot wounds during the attack, succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment at Birnin-Gwari General Hospital.

The community is reeling from the shock of the incident, with residents describing the bandits as wielding dangerous weapons and taking their victims into the forest.

By Umar Sani Adamu

The recent public criticism by Governor Abba of the Hisbah board in Kano State has sparked controversy and raised concerns about leadership decorum and responsible governance. While it is crucial for leaders to address concerns and seek improvement within government agencies, the manner in which Governor Abba chose to express his dissatisfaction raises questions about his leadership style and the potential consequences of his actions.

First and foremost, criticizing a government agency publicly, especially one tasked with religious and moral enforcement like the Hisbah board, can create unnecessary tension and undermine public trust in the institution. Governor Abba’s decision to air his grievances in a public forum instead of handling them internally or through diplomatic channels demonstrates a lack of discretion and undermines the credibility of the Hisbah board.

Furthermore, by openly criticizing the Hisbah board, Governor Abba risks exacerbating existing tensions within the community and fueling resentment towards the agency. This could potentially undermine the effectiveness of the Hisbah board in carrying out its duties and could lead to a breakdown of law and order in the state.

Additionally, Governor Abba’s public criticism of the Hisbah board without offering concrete solutions or constructive feedback demonstrates a lack of leadership maturity. Effective leaders understand the importance of providing constructive criticism in a constructive and respectful manner, focusing on solutions rather than simply pointing out problems.

Moreover, Governor Abba’s decision to publicly criticize the Hisbah board instead of engaging in private dialogue with relevant stakeholders, such as Sheikh Mallam Daurawa, further highlights his disregard for diplomatic protocols and his tendency to prioritize personal agendas over the well-being of the community.

Adding the context of Murja Kunya’s situation provides further insight into the potential implications of Governor Abba’s public criticism of the Hisbah board. Murja Kunya, a social media influencer, has been accused by the Hisbah board of encouraging indecency and immorality. In this context, Governor Abba’s public condemnation of the Hisbah board could be interpreted as a form of protection for Murja Kunya.

By publicly criticizing the Hisbah board’s handling of the situation, Governor Abba may be perceived as undermining their authority and potentially shielding individuals like Murja Kunya from accountability. This not only weakens the effectiveness of the Hisbah board in enforcing moral standards within the community but also sends a troubling message about the government’s commitment to upholding moral values and protecting societal norms.

In light of these circumstances, Governor Abba’s public condemnation of the Hisbah board takes on an even greater significance. It not only raises questions about his leadership style and approach to governance but also calls into question his commitment to upholding moral standards and protecting the well-being of the community.

Therefore, it is imperative for Governor Abba to reconsider his approach and prioritize responsible leadership that fosters constructive dialogue and collaboration, while also upholding the values and principles that are essential for the well-being of society as a whole.

Umar Sani Adamu (Kawun Baba) 

By Nuraddeen Danjuma Maiwada

Mr. President sir, I hope this finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to bring to your attention the special relationship that exists between the people of Northern Nigeria and the Republics of Niger, Mali and Burkina faso, our beloved neighbors.

In Northern Nigeria, especially in towns and cities close to Niger Republic’s borders, Nigeriens are not just our neighbors, but also our relatives. The bond we share transcends borders, as we are interconnected through history, language, and culture. It is impossible to deny the fact that our roots run deep in both lands.

Our kingdoms, trade, religion, culture were the same untill colonialism and much beyond. The Frontline regions of Niger Republic namely Dosso, Tahoua, Maradi, Zinder and Diffa share common ancestry and culture with Nigeria’s Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe and Borno States. Emir of Maradi is still called Sarkin Katsinan Maraɗi

Despite the existence of artificial boundaries that separate us on maps, we are essentially the same people. Our shared histories and intertwined cultures make it evident that Niger, Mali and Burkina faso Republics hold a special place in our hearts. This kinship between our nations is based on a strong foundation of mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation.

In light of this, I implore you, dear President Tinubu, to adopt a peaceful approach instead of confrontation when it comes to dealing with neighbors. This approach recognizes the deep ties we share and seeks to strengthen the bonds between our nations rather than tear them apart.

By choosing dialogue and peaceful negotiations, we can establish a prosperous future for both our nations. Joint efforts in areas such as trade, education, healthcare, and security will not only benefit us but also foster a stronger sense of unity and collaboration among our people.

It is essential to remember that our shared interests and aspirations far outweigh any differences that may arise. By fostering peaceful relations, we can unlock tremendous potential for development, progress, and stability in the region.

As leaders, it is our duty to foster an environment that encourages harmony and collaboration. Let us set an example for the rest of the world by showcasing how two nations, intertwined by history and shared values, can resolve any differences through peaceful means.

I remain hopeful that under your leadership, our nations will continue to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and cooperation. Together, we can build a future where all countries in ECOWAS and Nigeria thrive side by side, united in peace and prosperity.

Nuraddeen Danjuma Maiwada
Bayero University Kano
25.02.2024

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Amid mounting concerns over insurgency in Zamfara State, Commissioner of Police, Kolo Yusuf, has made a bold declaration to eradicate the menace within three months.

Speaking during a meeting with various stakeholders including organised labour unions, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and journalists, Yusuf outlined the government’s commitment to tackling insurgency head-on. 

In a bid to dissuade the proposed nationwide protest by the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress scheduled for February 27 and 28, the Commissioner of Police highlighted the root cause of the unrest, attributing it to the removal of fuel subsidies by the administration.

He urged patience from the populace, noting that efforts were underway by both federal and state governments to address the underlying issues. 

Yusuf stressed the urgency of the situation, acknowledging the adverse impact of insurgency on the state’s economy and livelihoods.

He reiterated the government’s determination to restore peace and security, urging collective support from all sectors of society. 

However, amidst the call for restraint, tensions simmered as the Trade Union Congress expressed its determination to proceed with the planned protest, citing a lack of directive from its national leadership to suspend the action.

The local chairman of TUC, Saidu Mudi, affirmed their commitment to the cause, highlighting the need for a unified approach to addressing the prevailing socioeconomic challenges. 

As the dialogue between stakeholders continues, the fate of the proposed protest hangs in the balance, displaying the complex dynamics at play in Zamfara State’s quest for peace and stability.

With the assurance from the Commissioner of Police and the unwavering resolve of labour unions, the path forward remains uncertain yet fraught with hope for a resolution to the pressing issues facing the state.

Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, in a bid to bolster security measures and foster stronger ties, convened a collaborative meeting with the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Corporate Headquarters on February 19, 2024. 

During the session, CGC Adeniyi underscored the paramount importance of the collaboration, stating its role in maintaining and deepening existing relationships between the NCS and the DIA.

He reiterated the NCS’s commitment to partnership, citing cooperation with other customs administrations and government agencies as pivotal for growth. 

“The major objective of this delegation is to maintain and deepen the relationship between the Nigeria Customs Service and the DIA. For the records, the Nigeria Customs Service believes in collaboration. We believe that we can draw strength from collaborating with other government agencies,” said CGC Adeniyi. 

Highlighting past collaborative efforts, particularly in capacity building and security projects, CGC Adeniyi affirmed the NCS’s dedication to working hand in hand with the DIA.

He referenced initiatives such as the partnership with the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, aimed at enhancing the proficiency of customs officers. 

Expressing a keen interest in further cooperation, CGC Adeniyi stated the importance of robust intelligence sharing to effectively address significant security challenges along border areas and enhance the overall efficiency of customs officers. 

“It is our strong desire to deepen this kind of partnership to ensure that we benefit more from it,” he reiterated. 

In response, Air Vice Marshal Samuel Chinda, representing Chief of Defence Intelligence Major General Emmanuel Parker, lauded the collaboration with the NCS, highlighting its pivotal role in combating border threats.

AVM Chinda reiterated the DIA’s openness to partnerships in training and operational endeavours with the Nigeria Customs Service, underscoring the agency’s commitment to strengthening ties for future collaborations. 

The collaborative efforts between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Defence Intelligence Agency signify a proactive approach towards enhancing national security measures and fortifying the nation’s borders against emerging threats.

As both agencies continue to deepen their partnership, the prospects for improved intelligence sharing and coordinated operations are expected to contribute significantly to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.

By Ibrahim El-mu’azzam

It’s a very hard moment for Nigeria. It’s really unbelievable and unbearable to the extent that many Nigerians have forgotten the sweetness of life. Everything is turning from liquid to concrete. We are even getting used to it, only that we are poor in strength to withstand it.

Today, a Nigerian has taken the insecurity problem, with all its significance less valuable. The government has completely abandoned many people to their fate. It isn’t that we have removed the “in” from the “insecurity” but we are more focused on the gunmen and kidnappers that have all of us; hunger and poverty.

Everything is tough! Citizens are losing hope. To some, it’s lost already. Many prefer death than this tense navigation, in a country that we all know and believe to have excess and abundance of what is needed in terms of wealth and resources. We are very far from thinking of saving, everyone is after what he can get not even today but now.

Inflation has blocked the passage of oxygen to the lungs of Nigerians, removed food from their throats and chased away any positive thoughts from their mind. It’s onto the eyes and ears that people are seeing nothing but what suits and relieves them. The translation of this is that unlawful will be lawful, the strong will rule and the society will turn to a jungle.

Everything is drastically increasing price, and there is no control. You can buy a commodity for ₦10 and in an hour or less, it will be ₦20. Both the parties in the markets aren’t smiling, the transaction is dark as it’s done without pleasure.

Maize, rice, beans, millet, corn and even cassava are above the purchase of a common man, not to talk of meat, fish, milk or sugar. “Balance diet” has since been replaced with “living diet” in Nigeria. People today eat not to be satisfied but to retain their consciousness.

Where on earth can a Nigerian put his humble self?

Everywhere, everybody, this is the discussion, especially family men. These are usually family men with something, no matter how little, doing, what is your thought on those who will wake up in the morning without a single direction to follow?

Begging is now very normal and common, and no one questions. You will hear a person swearing that he and his family haven’t eaten for so long. Food, to pass through the throat and relieve hunger is now the problem of a Nigerian, in fact, a Northerner for that matter.

You will visit a house and come out no one will say “Please eat this”. Wives and children are no longer selecting food. It has reached to the extent that some humans are now eating the foods of animals.

I had to stop and rehear a statement yesterday when I heard someone begging people in a mosque to PLEASE BUY WHAT HE IS SELLING. He sells Qur’an and some other small Islamic books; Ƙawa’idi, Akhdari…, and similar stuff. He stood after Magrib prayer begging; “Don Allah a zo a yi min ciniki, don girman Allah”. For the first time in my life, I come across such type of begging.

I continue to ask myself, please where is the sympathy of our leaders? Where is the empathy of our producers and marketers? Where are the price-controlling institutions? Where are the leaders and where is the government as a whole? Please why are we going through this much? Who have we offended and what has been our offence? Please, are Nigerians entitled to suffering and discomfort? Where are we heading to?

It’snt long that we voted with the hope that things would be softened, pains would be relieved, and tears would be wiped, but the absolute reverse is the case. More and more terrific we are getting every day.

The government is careless. The budget has no direct aiding attention to the common Nigerians. Billions are spent on useless renovations, change of vehicles and leisure trips, but not a single unit directly for the common man of the nation.

And upon all these, one beautiful thing is that no one protested, broke any law, or did something illegal, yet. A Nigerian, as strong as he is isn’t so much complaining of the commodity prices, but the money to buy them. You will always hear; “Allah Ya ba mu abin saya”. See this extreme humbleness, humility and positivity.

To be honest, every Nigerian deserves an award of commendation. We have been navigating through a tough situation with increasing anger and frustration, yet quiet, peaceful, and even managing a fake smile. Weldone fellow countrymen, it’s getting over, it’s getting better, soon by the grace of God.

We urge, with a very loud voice, every Nigerian leader, scholar, producer, marketer, and every other stakeholder to remember that he or she will be accountable for this before God. He or she shall be fully responsible for the dying Nigerians, especially those who have what to do but chose not to do it.

Every stakeholder, from community leaders, councilors, religious figures, schoolers, elders, marketers, and others at the community level, moving to the local, state, to national level, this is the task now! People, move to them. Disturb them until we get their attention.

The government should as fast as possible intervene in these ravaging problems and provide solutions. Aid and humanitarian activities should be given extra priority under trusted custodians. If there is a need, I believe Nigerians will agree to the relocation of any project fund to address this problem. The government should reconsider its decision on the removal of fuel subsidy and all other subsidies it is removing. Nigerians are dying! Focus on Nigerians, focus on their condition, Nigeria will be better. PLEASE ITS URGENT!

Ibrahim El-mu’azzam
elmuazzammail@gmail.com

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) announced the arrest of Ahmad Mohammed, aged 42, for allegedly supplying drugs to insurgents in Borno State, as part of a recent crackdown on drug traffickers and dealers. 

According to Femi Babafemi, the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Mohammed was apprehended along with 23 other suspected traffickers and dealers. 

He was found to be supplying illicit drugs to insurgents in the border region of Banki, between Nigeria and Cameroon. 

Mohammed’s arrest took place on Friday, February 9th, at a checkpoint in Borno State. Upon inspection of his luggage, NDLEA operatives discovered 20,000 capsules of tramadol, intended for delivery to the border town. 

In a separate incident, NDLEA operatives intercepted a truck with registration number Lagos JJJ 64 YC on Sunday, February 4th.

The truck was transporting 367 jumbo bags of cannabis sativa, weighing 4,037 kilogrammes, from Akure, Ondo State, to the Shabu area in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State. 

Three suspects, identified as Shuaibu Yahaya Liman (35), Monday Audu (33), and Linus Samuel (42), were arrested in connection with the seizure.

By Mahmud Dambazau

With a new year, we were anxiously anticipating a renewed hope. Unfortunately, no. In this devastating economic dilemma, we have been overwhelmed with cries to crowd-fund to secure the release of various victims from kidnappers. 

The latest trending across social media, most especially on X (formally Twitter), was the case of Najeebah and her sisters, who were kidnapped alongside their father. He was later released to go and get 60 million naira for the release of his six daughters! They subsequently killed one of the sisters when the amount was not realised at the expected time to serve as a warning and even increased the amount to 65 million naira initially and then to 100 million naira. 

The kidnappers had the audacity to return her dead body because they were confident that they would escape scot-free,and unfortunately, they were not disappointed. I was delighted to read the news of their release this morning after the ransom of 100 million naira was paid.

There is yet another case seeking public support where 14 children were kidnapped along the Abuja – Kaduna highway on 6th January. One miss Praise God; a student from the Nasarawa State University was also kidnapped a few days ago. Ajeni Mary Olamide and her two friends, Mary and Miriam, from the same university, all 400-level students of Mass Communication, were also kidnapped on their way to Abia state for a wedding, with 15 million nairas requested before their release. 

I just came across another appeal on X where a Navy Officer was also alleged to have been kidnapped with 100 million requested by his kidnappers to secure his release. These are just a few of the numerous in the public domain. Fresh in my memory are the female students from the Federal University Gusau, approaching four months now in captivity. 

The Abuja–Kaduna highway was, at a time, the most dangerous road with incessant incidences of kidnappings. Still, we were all witnesses to its near absolute contentment when the runway of Abuja airport was closed for repairs, and Kaduna airport was used instead. There was constant and consistent patrol, which drastically tackled the issue then. The scourge has now returned when the elites no longer needed that road. 

Within this week, there has been a significant improvement by the security operatives, with several arrests made after several cries across all mediums. Why do we always have to be reactive rather than proactive? In many instances, the capacities and capabilities of our security are top-notch, but only when pressures have been mounted are such improvements seen. Why is it so difficult to maintain progress made?

The president has been commended when he recently suspended some officials of his government who were accused of corruption so that their investigation will go unhindered. That was a good move, undoubtedly sending other officials a strong message. Why can’t that be applied to security heads when results are negative? If corruption has repercussions, doesn’t non-performance have more? Besides, even the perpetrators may not have committed such crimes if all officials had done their duties accordingly. 

Security of lives and properties is the most essential duty of government. Everything else comes second. The fight must be sustained, the perpetrators apprehended should be tried and punished accordingly, and the security operatives should be given the modern gadgets required to confront such criminals as soon as possible. There should be increased collaboration between security agencies, and capital punishment should be introduced for crimes such as this and those responsible; the teams, heads of the security responsible, and ministers should be fired and replaced with those who can because security is not to be joked with! Can we count on you, Mr. President? 

By Uzair Adam Imam

In the Utako District of Abuja, a Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Hilux Van was involved in a collision with a car on Tuesday as officials pursued an erring driver.

The car, driven by Bashir Bashir, was carrying his pregnant wife, Olabisi, to her office at the time of the incident.

Bashir recounted, “We were coming from Lugbe to work when the road safety officials attempted to stop a vehicle ahead of us.

“The driver didn’t comply, prompting the officials to chase after it. Unfortunately, our car was caught in between the FRSC van and the fleeing vehicle, resulting in a collision from behind.

“My pregnant wife, seven months along, was in the car and has been taken to the hospital,” he added.

By Uzair Adam Imam

A 35-year-old man, James Emmanuel, has been remanded in prison by a magistrates’ court in Akure, Ondo State, for allegedly raping his co-worker, 55-year-old Deborah Abiodun, to death.

The incident took place on a poultry farm in the Oke-Odu area of Akure around 11pm on January, 2024.

According to the prosecutor, Inspector Anwana Josephine, the defendant allegedly raped Ms. Abiodun to death and then struck her with a stone on the forehead before dumping her corpse inside a waste pit.

Magistrate F.A. Aduroja adjourned the case to March 27th after ordering the remand of the accused.