Tech

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have taken a 50-year-old man into custody following the alleged sexual assault of a nine-year-old girl in the Katagum Local Government Area.

The arrest took place in the Bulkachuwa community. According to a statement issued on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Nafiu Habib, law enforcement officers at the Bulkachuwa Divisional Police Headquarters moved in on the suspect after the victim’s father filed an official complaint.

The incident reportedly occurred around 5:00 pm on June 14, 2026. The young girl was out hawking soya bean cakes when the suspect allegedly targeted her. Under the pretext of wanting to purchase her wares, he lured her into an uncompleted building where the assault took place.

Detailing the incident, Habib said, “According to a report received at the Bulkachuwa Divisional Police Headquarters on June 15, 2026, at about 5 p.m., the complainant, a resident of Bulkachuwa, reported that on June 14, 2026, at about 5 p.m., one Muhammadu Audu of the same address lured his nine-year-old daughter while she was hawking soya bean cakes.

“Subsequently, the suspect allegedly took the minor to an uncompleted building with the pretext of buying from her, and had unlawful sexual intercourse with her.
“As a result, the victim sustained injuries to her private parts.”

During police interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed that this was not an isolated incident. He also admitted that he used a knife to threaten the young girl’s life to prevent her from telling her parents.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to having committed the crime more than once and also admitted that he threatened to kill the victim with a knife if she disclosed the matter to her parents,” Habib stated.

Following the report, the survivor was rushed to the Primary Health Care Centre in Bulkachuwa for immediate medical attention and examination. Meanwhile, the suspect remains locked up in police custody.

State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has directed that a comprehensive investigation be launched into the matter.

“The Commissioner of Police condemned the act in strong terms and reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for sexual violence and crimes against children.
“The command further assures the public that the case will be diligently prosecuted and remains committed to protecting women and children across the state,” Habib added.

This development follows a similar incident in May, where the Bauchi State Police Command apprehended a 70-year-old man for the alleged assault of a 10-year-old girl in the Magama Gumau area of Toro Local Government Area.

By Anwar Usman

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a sweeping reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), marking the first major restructuring of the scheme since its establishment 53 years ago.

The reforms, approved during the FEC meeting in Abuja on Monday, are aimed at transforming the NYSC into a skills-driven and productivity-focused institution in line with the Federal Government’s economic development agenda.

A key feature of the overhaul is the restructuring of the scheme’s leadership, with a civilian set to head the NYSC for the first time, while the military will retain its role in providing security for corps members across the country.

The council also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to amend the NYSC Act and relevant regulations to provide legal backing for the approved changes and enable their implementation.

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, while announcing the approval on X, described the reforms as the first holistic review of the scheme in its 53-year history.

He said, “We are transforming the Scheme into a platform that not only unites Nigeria but also equips our young people with the skills, experience and opportunities they need to thrive in a fast-changing world.”

The Minister further revealed that the approved reforms would reposition the scheme as “a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy.”

According to the minoster, the reforms include “a technology-driven call-up process, risk-sensitive deployment to better protect corps members, a redesigned six-week orientation programme with stronger focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specialised career streams, skills-based primary assignments aligned with academic background and career pathways, modern governance with civilian operational leadership while the military continues to provide security support

Other things includes; “improved camp standards through a national grading and certification system, and a new graduation ceremony to replace the Passing Out Parade, alongside a redesigned NYSC uniform that reflects professionalism and national pride.”

The new reforms represent the first comprehensive review of the scheme since its creation, with the Federal Government saying the changes are designed to make the institution more relevant to Nigeria’s contemporary economic and youth development needs.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Vice Principal of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, Paul Namaske, has narrated how military intervention helped victims escape after terrorists attacked the community during NECO examinations.

Namaske spoke in a short video released on Monday after he and several students were rescued by troops of Operation Hadin Kai.

According to him, the attackers abducted teachers and students before taking them into the bush. He said the situation changed after a military aircraft arrived at the area.

“Today, being June 29, the terrorists took us into the bush. When a military aircraft started hovering over us, the insurgents started dispersing. While this was happening, we heard gunshots from the soldiers, so they (the terrorists) began to run while we started escaping. In the process, the soldiers rescued us,” he said.

The vice principal explained that two teachers and more than 20 students were among those abducted during the attack on candidates writing the National Examinations Council examination.

“We are two teachers and about 20-something students. I cannot give the precise number, but at one point during the movement, when they (the insurgents) gathered us in one place, I was able to make a rough estimate. They were about 20 students and two teachers,” he added.

Earlier, the Nigerian Army confirmed the rescue of 10 abducted victims, including students and teachers.

The Acting Military Information Officer of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.

He said troops launched a coordinated rescue operation shortly after receiving reports of the attack.

“Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully rescued 10 National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers abducted during an ISWAP attack on Lassa Community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State,” the statement said.

“Immediately upon receipt of the report of the incident, the Theatre Command scrambled both strike and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft from the Air Component of OPHK to support troops mobilised to the area for a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.”

Goni said troops, with support from military aircraft, intercepted the abductors around the Daggu area, which led to a gun battle and the rescue of some victims.

“The troops, with support from the air platforms overhead providing guidance, made contact around Daggu and, after the firefight, the operation has so far resulted in the successful rescue of 10 victims, who were unhurt and are currently receiving the necessary care and support, while efforts remain ongoing to rescue the remaining victims and bring the perpetrators to justice,” he added.

The military spokesperson also stated that troops recovered seven motorcycles from the fleeing terrorists after overpowering them during the operation.

He, however, confirmed casualties among security personnel.

“Regrettably, during the intense firefight, one gallant soldier of OPHK and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force paid the supreme sacrifice in the exchange of fire with the terrorists,” he said.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigerian military has rescued 10 students and teachers who were abducted by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists during an attack on a secondary school in Borno State.

According to a statement released by the acting spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, the incident occurred around 9:00 a.m. on Monday when militants stormed Lassa Technical Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area, where students were sitting for their NECO senior secondary examinations.

The statement said troops were immediately deployed alongside air support to conduct a rescue operation. Following an exchange of fire with the terrorists in the Daggu area, the military successfully rescued 10 individuals unharmed.

“Efforts are still ongoing to rescue the remaining one person, as well as to apprehend the perpetrators of the attack and bring them to justice,” the statement read.

The military reported that during the confrontation, several terrorists were neutralized and seven motorcycles used in the attack were recovered, which hindered the militants’ escape.

However, the operation came at a cost, with one soldier and one member of the civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) killed during the firefight.

Search and rescue operations continue as security forces work to secure the release of the remaining hostage.

By Uzair Adam

A civil society organisation, the Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy (CFRPA), has approached the Federal High Court in Kano, seeking an order disqualifying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from contesting the 2027 presidential election over allegations of certificate forgery.

The suit, filed under case number FHC/K/CS/312/2026, names President Tinubu, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Chicago State University (CSU) as defendants.

According to court documents, the plaintiff alleged that Tinubu submitted forged academic credentials from Chicago State University as well as a fake National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate to INEC during the 2023 general elections.

The group further claimed that Tinubu did not attend Government College Lagos as stated in his records, arguing that the institution was established in 1974, several years after he reportedly completed his secondary education.

CFRPA contended that the president lacks a valid secondary school certificate, which it described as the minimum constitutional requirement for contesting the office of president.

The organisation also accused INEC of failing to respond to a petition it submitted on June 19, 2026, requesting clarification on Tinubu’s eligibility for future elections.

In its statement before the court, the plaintiff referenced the 2023 United States court ruling in In Re: Application of Atiku Abubakar (No. 23 CV 05099), which directed Chicago State University to release Tinubu’s academic records.

According to the group, the documents released by the university contained inconsistencies and false entries, including what it described as a forged University of Cambridge General Certificate of Education.

Among the reliefs sought, the plaintiff is asking the court to declare Tinubu’s Chicago State University certificate forged, direct INEC to disqualify him from participating in the 2027 presidential election, and order Chicago State University to remove his name from its records.

The organisation is also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining INEC from accepting or publishing Tinubu’s name as a candidate in the 2027 election.

Supporting documents filed before the court include affidavits, witness statements, and correspondence addressed to the NYSC and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, requesting official clarification on the alleged NYSC certificate.

By Uzair Adam

Suspected bandits on Sunday night attacked several communities in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing three residents and injuring four others.

The injured victims reportedly sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving treatment at hospitals within the area.

Residents identified the affected communities as Gobirawa, Badole, Yammama and Dayi, where the attackers carried out coordinated assaults that triggered panic among villagers.

According to eyewitness accounts, the attacks occurred in two phases, with Gobirawa and Badole recording the highest casualties as the gunmen stormed homes and fired indiscriminately.

One of the residents, Abdul’aziz Abdul’aziz, described the incident as a major setback to the relative peace that communities in the area had enjoyed in recent months.

“We had started experiencing some level of peace, and many people had returned to their farms. Unfortunately, the bandits returned and launched the attack with heavy gunfire,” he said.

Abdul’aziz noted that residents attempted to defend their communities despite the superior firepower of the attackers.

“The people displayed remarkable courage. They stood up against the assailants even though they were heavily armed,” he added.

Residents praised security operatives for their swift intervention, saying the prompt deployment of police personnel and local vigilantes helped repel the attackers and prevent further loss of life.

Community members said security forces conducted overnight patrols across the affected areas, restoring calm and reassuring residents.

“We are grateful to the government, the police and the vigilantes for responding quickly. Their intervention helped save lives and prevented the situation from escalating,” another resident said.

Abdul’aziz also appealed for blood donations for the injured victims, saying they urgently require support to aid their recovery.

Residents further called on authorities to maintain a strong security presence in the area, expressing concern that the renewed attacks could discourage farming activities during the current rainy season.

“If farmers are unable to access their farmlands because of insecurity, it will worsen food shortages and deepen poverty in our communities,” a resident warned.

Efforts to obtain an official response from the Katsina State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the command’s spokesperson, DSP Sadik Aliyu, did not respond to calls or text messages before the report was filed.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have attacked Lassa town in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, where they reportedly abducted students writing the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) examination alongside some teachers.

The assault reportedly happened on Monday during a market day in the community. Residents said the attackers arrived in large numbers on motorcycles and wore military camouflage.

According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen invaded the town while students were taking their examinations. They allegedly took away several candidates and teachers to an undisclosed location.

Sources within the area also disclosed that at least one teacher lost his life during the attack. However, the exact number of casualties and abducted persons has yet to be confirmed, as some residents are still searching for missing relatives.

Residents accused security personnel stationed in the area of being absent when the attack occurred. They claimed soldiers had travelled to nearby Uba, which is about 16 kilometres from Lassa, before the insurgents entered the town.

“The soldiers were not around when the terrorists invaded. They came in large numbers, firing sporadically and causing panic everywhere. They took away students writing NECO and their teachers,” an eyewitness said.

Attempts to get a reaction from the spokesperson of the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, were unsuccessful as calls to his mobile phone did not connect.

The incident has raised fresh concerns over insecurity in parts of southern Borno State despite ongoing military operations against insurgent groups in the region.

The Senate has defended the recently passed State Police Bill, insisting that national security concerns should take priority over political disagreements.

Last Wednesday, the upper legislative chamber approved the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, which seeks to establish state police across the country.

The development followed criticism from some political figures and opposition leaders.

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), had called for the implementation of state police to be delayed until after the 2027 general election. He warned that politicians could misuse the structure if proper safeguards are not in place.

Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, national chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), also criticised the proposal during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme. He said the current administration lacked the credibility to implement such a system and described the moment as “this is the worst possible time” to introduce state police.

Reacting to the criticism, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said the legislation emerged from national necessity rather than political calculations.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Bamidele described the bill as “purely a child of necessity and not of political expediency as well as a product of national consensus and not of cynicism”.

The senator representing Ekiti Central explained that the proposal was not a recent initiative. According to him, the idea formed part of submissions presented before the Senate ad hoc committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution.

He said lawmakers consulted widely because of the sensitive nature of the issue.

Bamidele stated that the National Assembly engaged the executive arm of government, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures and the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, among other stakeholders.

He added that public hearings also took place across the six geopolitical zones in July 2025.

“At each level of our consultation, nearly all stakeholders embraced the State Police Bill in the light of stark realities we are facing today,” he said.

According to him, recommendations from the Nigeria Police helped lawmakers create oversight and accountability measures aimed at preventing abuse of state police by politicians.

“The resolve of the Nigeria Police to support the Bill obviously highlights its strategic national significance to deal with insecurity at local and state levels,” he said.

Bamidele also said the bill enjoyed support across party lines in both chambers of the National Assembly.

“Even though the APC is the majority, there are members of opposition parties – PDP, ADC, NDC and Labour Party – that exercised their discretion in favour of the Bill, mainly in the national interest and not on parochial basis,” he said.

“In the Senate, for instance, 84 out of 109 members voted clause by clause in support of the Bill. This accounted for 77.06% approval at the Senate alone.”

The Senate leader stressed that security issues should not be treated as partisan matters.

“Political actors elsewhere always throw off their togas of partisanship and parochialism to support initiatives that will boost and reinforce national security,” he said.

He urged opposition parties to offer constructive ideas that could improve peace and stability across the country instead of focusing solely on criticism.

“Even when they disagree on some grounds, they are under obligations to provide credible and useful ideas that can make our Nation better and greater. Unfortunately, they have not passed this critical test of opposition democracy,” he added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops attached to Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a man suspected to be working with the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) over an alleged plan to attack military facilities in Borno State.

The suspect, identified as Muhammad Shuaibu, was apprehended by soldiers of the 212 Battalion at the Forward Operating Base in Chabbol after security operatives received intelligence about a planned terrorist operation.

According to reports from military sources cited by Zagazola Makama, a publication that focuses on insurgency activities around the Lake Chad region, troops arrested the suspect during a routine patrol conducted near the protective anti-vehicle ditch surrounding the base.

The report stated that the operation followed credible intelligence reports about an impending attack on military formations in the area.

Preliminary findings reportedly connected the suspect to an alleged plan to target the 199 Special Forces Battalion, popularly known as Mosquito Camp, alongside the Forward Operating Base in Chabbol.

Military sources said the suspect confessed during interrogation that the planned operation existed and alleged that the attackers intended to continue with the mission despite his arrest.

Security officials said the development enabled troops to tighten security around the affected military formations and improve defensive arrangements against possible attacks.

The suspect has reportedly been transferred to the 7 Military Intelligence Brigade for further investigation.

The arrest forms part of ongoing intelligence-driven operations by Operation Hadin Kai aimed at disrupting insurgent activities, dismantling terrorist networks and improving security across Nigeria’s north-east region.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Aisha Hanan Buhari, daughter of late former President Muhammadu Buhari, has received recognition as one of Africa’s 100 Most Notable Peace Icons at a summit held in Marrakech, Morocco.

The honour came during the 2026 edition of the 100 Most Notable Africans Leadership and Business Summit. Davdan Peace and Advocacy Foundation organised the award programme to celebrate Africans who have distinguished themselves in peacebuilding, humanitarian activities, leadership and sustainable development.

Aisha, who serves as founder and chief executive officer of the Hanan Buhari Foundation, earned the recognition for her humanitarian efforts, advocacy for social justice and projects aimed at empowering communities.

Speaking after receiving the award, she described the recognition as both an honour and a call to greater responsibility.

“Receiving this honour is both a privilege and a responsibility,” she said.

“It serves as a reminder that meaningful change is possible when compassion, dedication, and service guide our actions.”

She stated that the award also reflected the commitment and contributions of the foundation’s staff, volunteers, partners and supporters.

According to her, leadership should be judged through service to humanity, support for vulnerable people and the pursuit of justice.

Aisha dedicated the award to her late father, whom she said inspired her devotion to public service and humanitarian work.

“I dedicate this recognition to my late father, may Allah be pleased with him, and to every individual who continues to work courageously for positive change, often without recognition or reward,” she said.

She also praised her husband, Muhammad Turad Sha’aban, who co-founded the Hanan Buhari Foundation with her. She said his support and leadership helped the organisation expand its humanitarian activities.

The foundation reaffirmed its commitment to widening programmes that focus on community empowerment, humanitarian intervention and sustainable development in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.