By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Federal and Edo State Governments have established a fact-finding committee to investigate the recent killings of 16 travellers in Uromi. 

Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo announced this during a meeting with a delegation from Kano State, led by Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo.

Okpebholo expressed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s discontent with the incident and emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all Nigerians. He also mentioned the need to address the underlying issues contributing to such violence.

Gwarzo thanked the governor for his response to the incident and shared that Kano has formed its own committee to verify the victims’ identities and next of kin. The governor assured that justice would be pursued transparently.

The meeting included various officials and culminated in a visit to Uromi, where they engaged with the local Hausa community.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) has welcomed back Augustine Madubiya, a final-year student recently rescued unharmed from kidnappers, thanks to local security agencies. This is stated in a press release by Jamilu M. Magaji, Head of Information and Public Relations.

Augustine was officially returned to the university on Thursday in a ceremony held at the Council Chambers. The event was attended by Kebbi State’s Deputy Governor, Sen. Umar Abubakar Tafida, along with the Commissioner of Police Kebbi State Command, CP Bello M Sani, who personally handed over the student to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Muhammad Zaiyan Umar.

In his remarks, the Deputy Governor attributed the successful rescue to the unwavering commitment of the State Governor, His Excellency Comrade Dr Nasir Idris. He emphasised the importance of the firm directives given to security forces to take urgent action in response to the kidnapping incident.

Augustine is currently receiving medical treatment, after which he will be reunited with his fellow students at the university. The Vice-Chancellor expressed profound gratitude to the state government and security operatives for their prompt response and mobilisation of resources in support of the university during this crisis.

The university community has extended its heartfelt appreciation to Governor Idris for his ongoing commitment to the safety and security of all residents in the state, highlighting a collective effort to safeguard lives and properties.

As the university continues its mission of providing a safe learning environment, this incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced and the resolve needed to overcome them.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Security operatives from the Kaduna State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser, have successfully rescued 17 individuals who were kidnapped on March 3, 2025, in Sarkin Pawa, Niger State.

According to the police, the operation was carried out using a non-violent method and reflects the determination of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to promote intelligence-driven strategies and cooperation among security agencies in combating crime.

The rescued individuals include Williams Ubadia (15), Samuel Ezekiel (15), Duza Ezekiel (13), Ishaku Ishaya (12), Sunday Ezekiel (8), Jessy Friday (6), Rebecca Ezekiel (32), Jummai Ishaya (32), Terriza Friday (30), Alice Ezekiel (35), Victoria Ishaya (32), Blessing Ezekiel (20), Gloria Ubadia (13), Gift Ubadia (10), Charity Ezekiel (9), Alheri Ishaya (5), and Favour Ezekiel (1).

All those rescued were taken to the Police Clinic in Kaduna for medical evaluation.

The police confirmed that they are in stable and healthy condition.

In a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi, he said: “In line with the operational directives and strategic vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, geared towards tackling violent crimes, dismantling criminal networks, and enhancing public safety across the country, the Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant breakthroughs in recent operations conducted in Kaduna State.”

He added: “On April 9, 2025, in a remarkable feat of inter-agency collaboration and strategic intelligence deployment, operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in conjunction with the Office of the National Security Adviser, successfully rescued 17 victims who had been abducted on March 3, 2025, from Sarkin Pawa, Niger State.”

On the same day, officers intercepted a commercial Volkswagen Sharan vehicle at Kawo Central Motor Park in Kaduna.

Following a detailed search, 21 fabricated AK-47 rifles were found hidden inside the vehicle.

The police arrested a 27-year-old man, Jamilu Suleiman, from Rafin Guza, Kaduna. During initial questioning, he reportedly confessed that he had been directed by a union member to transport the weapons to an unidentified individual in Kaduna.

Authorities have begun a thorough investigatio n aimed at uncovering the full network behind the arms trafficking.

In a separate incident on April 9, 2025, around 5:00 a.m., the police responded to a distress call about a robbery in progress at Doggi Farm along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway.

The Divisional Police Officer of the Tafa Division led a patrol team to the scene. Upon arrival, they exchanged fire with a gang of about 30 armed robbers who had stormed the premises.

Two suspects were shot dead during the confrontation, while others fled toward nearby hills.

Two additional suspects, who sustained injuries, were taken to Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Memorial Hospital in Sabon Wuse.

One of them later died, and the other remains in custody, aiding the investigation.

The police have assured the public that efforts are underway to capture the remaining members of the gang.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has banned Eedris Abdulkareem’s new song, “Seyi Tell Your Papa,” from all private and independent TV and radio stations in Nigeria, both on-air and online.  

The track, which criticises President Bola Tinubu’s administration, highlights Nigeria’s economic struggles with lyrics like: “Seyi, tell your papa, country hard. Tell your papa, people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jaga-jaga.” The song references Abdulkareem’s 2004 protest anthem, “Jaga Jaga,” further amplifying its political tone.  

In the banned track, the veteran rapper accuses Tinubu of failing to deliver on campaign promises, worsening socio-economic conditions. The NBC’s directive enforces a nationwide blackout of the song, citing possible violations of broadcasting codes.

By Uzair Adam

A high-powered delegation from the Kano State Government on Thursday departed for Edo State on a fact-finding and peace-building mission following the gruesome killing of 16 Kano travellers who were burnt to death in the Uromi community.

This was disclosed in a statement by Ibrahim Garba Shu’aibu, spokesperson to the Deputy Governor of Kano State, who said the visit aims to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and foster peaceful coexistence.

The Daily Reality reports that the committee was constituted in response to national outrage and concern over the violent attacks that led to multiple deaths and the displacement of residents, including indigenes of Kano living in the area.

The delegation is led by the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo. It includes notable figures such as the Emir of Rano, Ambassador Mohammad Isa Umar, and commissioners from various ministries, including Religious Affairs, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Special Duties, and Women Affairs. Also in the team are the Chairman of Bunkure Local Government Area and other top officials.

Speaking at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport before departure, Deputy Governor Gwarzo emphasized the committee’s dedication to justice and peace.

“Our mandate is clear — to investigate, consult, and recommend sustainable solutions. This is not just a fact-finding mission, but a peace-building initiative aimed at restoring confidence and preventing further violence,” he said.

He noted that the tragic event last month has escalated tension in the area. During their week-long stay, the committee will meet with the Edo State Governor, security chiefs, traditional leaders, and civil society groups.

The statement also mentioned that the mission aligns with the Northern Governors Forum’s broader efforts to promote unity and address insecurity nationwide.

It concluded that “Further updates will be provided as the committee progresses with its engagement in Edo State. “

_________________________________

Muhsin Ibrahim, PhD

Institute of African Studies, 

University of Cologne 

Blog: www.muhsin.in

By Ibraheem A. Waziri

On March 20, 2025, I shared my essay A Reflection on Dimensions, Death, and the Eternal Four: Ramadan 2025 with Dr. Abdullahi Dahiru, exploring the Qur’an’s seven heavens, the cosmic role of death, and the possibility of 19 dimensions in Allah’s creation. Perhaps inspired by those reflections, Dr. Dahiru shared a post, via his Facebook page, from Mechanical Engineering World, noting the observable universe’s vastness: 2 trillion galaxies, with the Milky Way containing 200 billion stars, and Earth as one of 3.2 trillion planets. This sparked a thought-provoking thread. I commented, suggesting this universe might be one of “7 universes (heavens) in Allah’s dominion.” Dr. Dahiru responded, questioning the “7 universes” idea, citing Prof. Maurice Bucaille’s view that the Qur’anic “7” often means “uncountable,” a convention in ancient cultures.

Hammad Abubakar Puma joined, thanking Dr. Dahiru and suggesting he watch the YouTube documentary, Allah and the Cosmos, if he hasn’t seen it. I replied, arguing that the observable universe lacks the layered demarcations for the Qur’anic seven heavens. I propose a multiverse model—seven distinct universes—that better aligns with the Qur’an’s boundaries, jinns’ exclusion, and the gated ascent of Isra wal Mi’raj. 

Hashem Al-Ghaili’s recent posts about scientific findings, including multiverse evidence in the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) and the possibility of our universe residing within a black hole, bolster this perspective. This exchange and my earlier reflections lead me to propose that the seven heavens may be seven separate universes, bridging divine revelation with modern cosmology.

The Qur’anic Foundation: Seven Heavens and Cosmic Barriers

The Qur’an describes “seven heavens in layers” (67:3, 41:12), often interpreted as hierarchical realms—atmospheric layers, celestial spheres, or spiritual planes. Yet, the “nearest heaven” is adorned with stars (37:6) and guarded against rebellious jinns by “burning flames” (72:8-9, 67:5). Jinns, beings of smokeless fire (55:15), lament, “We have sought [to reach] the heaven but found it filled with powerful guards and burning flames” (72:8).

This suggests a cosmic boundary separating the nearest heaven from what lies beyond. If this nearest heaven is our observable universe—spanning 93 billion light-years with 2 trillion galaxies, as Dr. Dahiru’s post notes—then the other six heavens could be separate universes beyond our cosmic horizon. Qur’an 55:33 reinforces this: “O company of jinn and mankind, if you are able to pass beyond the regions of the heavens and the earth, then pass. You will not pass except by authority [from Allah].” This implies the heavens are inaccessible without divine permission. Science, limited to the observable universe, cannot breach the cosmic light horizon, and jinns’ failure to penetrate the heavens suggests the higher heavens may be parallel universes in a multiverse framework.

Isra wal Mi’raj: Gated Realms Beyond the Observable

The ahadith of Isra wal Mi’raj, the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) Night Journey and Ascension, support this view. In Sahih Bukhari (Book 54, Hadith 429), the Prophet, guided by Angel Jibril, ascended through the seven heavens, knocking at each gate for entry. At the first heaven, Jibril requested access: “It was asked, ‘Who is it?’ Jibril answered, ‘Jibril.’ It was asked, ‘Who is with you?’ Jibril replied, ‘Muhammad.’… The gate was opened.” This repeated for each heaven, showing these are distinct, guarded domains, inaccessible even to an angel and the Prophet without divine approval. 

If the first heaven is our observable universe—where stars and meteors (the “flames” of 67:5) reside—its gate may symbolize the cosmic horizon, science’s limit. The higher heavens, requiring divine permission, lie beyond this horizon, potentially as separate universes with interdimensional thresholds, aligning with multiverse theories where universes are separated by barriers like inflationary boundaries or higher-dimensional branes.

A Multiverse Perspective: Seven Universes Under Divine Command

Modern cosmology supports this reimagining. The inflationary multiverse theory by Alan Guth suggests that rapid expansion after the Big Bang created “bubble universes” with different physical laws. String theory posits up to 10^500 possible universes, or “branes,” in higher dimensions. 

Hashem Al-Ghaili’s post from the Royal Astronomical Society notes a breakthrough: since 2004, scientists studying the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) have identified the “Cold Spot,” a region challenging standard cosmology. Initially considered a supervoid, the Cold Spot is now seen by some, like Ruari Mackenzie from Durham University, as evidence of a collision with another bubble universe—a hint of the multiverse.

The European Space Agency’s Planck mission confirmed its existence in 2014, fueling the multiverse debate. Could the Qur’an’s seven heavens be a divine simplification of such a multiverse, each heaven a distinct universe? The Qur’an’s emphasis on divine unity (41:12) ensures these universes remain under Allah’s command. 

The “nearest heaven” (our universe) is the first, where jinns are repelled by meteors (72:8-9). The higher heavens—universes 2 through 7—lie beyond, their gates symbolizing barriers science cannot cross. Each heaven’s “command” (41:12) may imply unique laws, like inflationary bubbles with varying constants, aligning with the jinns’ exclusion and the gated ascent of Isra wal Mi’raj.

Engaging the Thread: Addressing Traditional Interpretations

Dr. Dahiru cited Prof. Maurice Bucaille’s The Bible, the Qur’an, and Modern Science, noting the Qur’anic “7” often means “uncountable,” a convention in ancient cultures. While this aligns with traditional tafsir—viewing the seven heavens as symbolic—it doesn’t preclude a literal reading. The Qur’an’s specificity in naming “seven” heavens and Isra wal Mi’raj’s accounts suggest a structured cosmology. Bucaille’s point may highlight the Qur’an’s accessibility to its 7th-century audience, while its deeper truth—seven distinct universes—emerges through modern reflection.

Traditional tafsir, like Ibn Kathir’s, sees the heavens as layers within one creation, possibly atmospheric or spiritual. Yet, the observable universe lacks clear “layers” for 7, 70, or 70,000 demarcations. Planets don’t fit the gated structure of the heavens. A multiverse interpretation—seven universes—better accommodates the strict demarcations, jinns’ exclusion, and gated ascent, implying science’s reach is limited to the first heaven (Sama ta d’aya).

Dimensions, Death, and the Cosmic Graveyard

In my March 20 reflection, I proposed the seven heavens might enfold 19 dimensions, with black holes—mak’abartar taurari (the graveyard of stars)—as portals to these realms, tied to the Qur’anic number 19 (74:30, “Over it are nineteen”). Hashem Al-Ghaili’s post, citing the James Webb Space Telescope’s JADES survey, notes the rotation of 263 distant galaxies shows asymmetry—two-thirds spinning the same way, defying expected randomness. This supports black hole cosmology, suggesting our universe exists within a larger black hole, aligning with my concept of _mak’abartar taurari_ as a liminal space bridging dimensions or universes.

If each heaven is a universe, it might have a dimensional structure. Our universe is 4D, but higher heavens could harbor more dimensions, as string theory suggests (10 or 11 dimensions). The “gates” of Isra wal Mi’raj might be dimensional thresholds. Death could be the key to crossing them, carrying the soul through mak’abartar taurari into these universes, where nineteen angels of Jahannam (74:30) oversee dimensions, their number echoing the nineteen letters of Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim—a cosmic symmetry of divine order.

Conclusion: A Unified Vision of Allah’s Creation

With 2 trillion galaxies, the observable universe becomes the first heaven, a single bubble in Allah’s dominion—potentially within a larger black hole, as the JADES survey suggests. The higher six heavens, as separate universes, align with the Qur’anic narrative of inaccessibility (55:33), jinns’ repulsion (72:8-9), and the gated ascent of Isra wal Mi’raj, resonating with multiverse theories supported by evidence like the CMB Cold Spot and galactic rotational asymmetry.

As I break my fast this 27th day of Ramadan, I marvel at this possibility, inspired by Dr. Dahiru’s thread, the contributions of Hammad Abubakar Puma, and the scientific insights shared by Hashem Al-Ghaili. I also remember Qur’an 18:109, which speaks of the vastness of Allah’s words: “Say, ‘If the sea were ink for [writing] the words of my Lord, the sea would be exhausted before the words of my Lord were exhausted, even if We brought the like of it as a supplement.’” 

As I ponder the vastness of Allah’s words: read, His creations—the seven heavens, each a testament to His boundless power; Science, jinns, and humans are confined to the first heaven, but death—through divine mercy—might carry us beyond, through the _mak’abartar taurari,_ into realms where nineteen angels stand guard, and Allah’s Kursi spans all (2:255). Yet in this sacred month, the Qur’an bids us ponder, and the seven universes offer a vision of creation as vast as Allah’s mercy itself.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has received the “Public Service Person of the Year 2024” award at the 17th Leadership Conference and Awards, held in Abuja.

The recognition celebrates his impact since assuming office as head of the NCS.The Leadership Group, which hosted the event, said Adeniyi emerged as the winner following a thorough evaluation that considered the performance of more than ten high-ranking public officials.

In a statement released by the organisers, the award was conferred on him for his “transformative leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), ushering in a new era of transparency, operational efficiency, and improved revenue generation that has significantly contributed to Nigeria’s economic stability.”

Adeniyi attended the ceremony with his wife, Kikelomo Adeniyi, and some senior Customs officers. In his remarks, he thanked the organisers for the recognition and promised to intensify efforts toward trade facilitation, revenue improvement, and anti-smuggling initiatives.

Acknowledging the contributions of his colleagues, he said: “This award is not just about me; it reflects the collective commitment to transparency, efficiency, and national development.”

He restated his focus on modernization, enhancing trade processes, and raising revenue, while underlining the importance of accountable leadership and border control in ensuring national security.

Adeniyi received the award alongside notable figures such as Aliko Dangote, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and governors Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), and Abba Yusuf (Kano).

Also honoured were some senators and key players in the private sector.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Ekiti State Governor Mr Biodun Oyebanji has described sustainable forests as critical to his administration’s food security agenda.

Speaking in Ado Ekiti at the 2025 International Day of Forests, the Governor reaffirmed his commitment to sustainable forest management and environmental conservation.

Oyebanji, represented by the State Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, spoke on the theme “Forests and Food” and emphasized the crucial role of forests in biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and food security. 

The Governor stated that forests are not only sources of timber but also sustain livelihoods, ensuring food security for millions of people.

He urged a unified commitment to preserving the state’s forest resources to ensure the sector significantly contributes to the economic development of the state.

In his remarks, the Vice Chairman of the State House of Assembly Committee on Environment, Hon. Oladele Ogunsakin, hailed the inclusion of environmental sustainability as a sub-agenda in the 6-pillar of the Oyebanji-led administration.

Ogunsakin emphasised the importance of enhancing afforestation efforts, urging all stakeholders to engage actively in forest conservation.

Additionally, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Erelu Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe, praised the Governor Oyebanji-led administration for its dedication to forest preservation aimed at enhancing food production.

Aluko-Ajisafe, represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Mr. Tunde Balogun, praised the courage of Non-Governmental Organizations for raising awareness about the importance of discouraging deforestation and bush burning.

Earlier, the Chairman of the State Forestry Commission, Mr. Idowu Akinlabi, stated that the annual celebration aims to highlight the various values of forests and to share experiences on how forests and trees enrich lives and theenvironment.

Akinlabi, who noted that preserving the forest was necessary for food security, called on communities and individuals to support the government in protecting the ecosystem.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of Ekiti State Forestry Commission, Mr. Sunday Adekunle, thanked the governor for his steadfast support of forestry initiatives in the state. 

Adekunle raised concerns about deforestation and overlogging in some communities in the northern part of the state, warning that this could lead to environmental degradation.

While urging collaborative efforts to combat deforestation in the state, the Executive Secretary announced the distribution of 100 seedlings to each participating school to foster a culture of environmental conservation among young people.

The event was attended by key government officials, including the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun; the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Babatope Ojo; and his counterpart in the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, among others.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, recently claimed that the country has recorded over 90% improvement in security under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He made this assertion in Jos, Plateau State, during a press briefing following a strategic meeting with the Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Major General Folusho Oyinlola. The meeting was convened after a deadly gunmen attack on the Bokkos community, which tragically claimed the lives of hundreds of residents.

Given the context of recent violence, Ribadu’s statement sparked mixed reactions from across the political spectrum. Critics argue that the NSA’s comments are aimed at shaping public perception as politicking for the 2027 general elections approaches. They view the remarks as part of a broader political narrative to build confidence in the administration. On the other hand, supporters commend Ribadu for leading an effective national security strategy, asserting that the improvements are tangible and worth acknowledging.

However, beyond partisan sentiments and political interests, it is essential to examine Ribadu’s claim from an objective standpoint grounded in verifiable data and realistic context. Security issues are too critical to be reduced to rhetoric, hey must be measured by real outcomes that affect the lives of everyday Nigerians.

Regardless of our political leanings, there have been undeniable improvements in some of Nigeria’s most dangerous zones. For example, the Birnin Gwari–Lagos highway in Kaduna State, which was shut for nearly a decade due to the menace of armed bandits, has now reopened to motorists, especially heavy-duty vehicles that previously avoided the route. The once-abandoned Birnin Gwari cattle market, inactive for over ten years, is now gradually returning to life with commercial activity.

Similarly, the Abuja–Kaduna highway, previously infamous for rampant kidnappings and ambushes, is now operational 24 hrs under constant military and police surveillance. Other major highways, such as the Kaduna–Kano expressway and the Jos–Akwanga–Lafia–Abuja corridor, now also witness 24-hour vehicular movement, marking a sharp contrast to the fear and hesitation that characterized travel in these areas just a few years ago.

Still, it’s important to remember that security is both delicate and dynamic. A full year of relative peace can be overshadowed by a single horrific incident. Groups like Boko Haram, ISWAP, and various bandit factions, such as the Lakurawa and Ansaru cells, still carry out attacks on soft targets in rural and semi-urban areas. While the overall frequency and scale of these attacks may be decreasing, their sporadic nature continues to pose serious challenges.

Between 2022 and 2024, several Nigerian security and intelligence agencies have reported significant gains. The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) indicated a 65% reduction in overall crime and criminality nationwide since May 2023. This figure is based on cumulative data from military operations, police reports, and inter-agency assessments.

The Department of State Services (DSS), particularly in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), recorded a significant decline in high-profile crimes, including kidnappings, armed robberies, and terrorist threats, through 2023 and into early 2024.

The Nigeria Police Force also published extensive data on its security efforts: between 2023 and early 2024, police operations led to the arrest of 30,313 suspects linked to serious crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and banditry. In the same period, 1,984 illegal firearms were recovered, along with 23,250 rounds of ammunition. Additionally, 1,581 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued across various states.

The proliferation of small arms and light weapons has long fueled Nigeria’s insecurity. However, between 2022 and 2024, the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) recorded historic achievements. In February 2023, the Centre announced that it had recovered more than 10,000 small arms and light weapons from non-state actors during nationwide disarmament operations. By February 2024, the total number of retrieved weapons had increased to 20,000 firearms and over 60,000 units of ammunition.

Furthermore, in September 2024, the NCCSALW undertook the destruction of 30,132 recovered weapons, ranging from decommissioned and unserviceable arms to illicitly owned firearms.

The Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly the Army, have achieved notable success over the past three years. Between 2022 and 2025, military operations resulted in the neutralization of more than 8,034 terrorists across various theatres of operation, including the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions. In February 2024 alone, 105 terrorists were eliminated during targeted counterterrorism operations. and 140 capture

A total of 6,376 kidnapped victims were rescued from insurgent enclaves and bandit hideouts in 2024 alone, thanks to joint operations involving the Army, Air Force, and local vigilante groups. These successes have contributed significantly to restoring public confidence in the state’s ability to respond to threats.

Additionally, by December 2024, the Nigerian military had dismantled numerous terrorist camps and degraded the operational capabilities of insurgent groups in several flashpoints. More than 20 high-profile bandit leaders and commanders were eliminated in precision operations, including:

 1. Ali Kachalla (Ƙawaje)

 2. Kachallah Dogo Kwaddi

 3. Lawali Dodo

 4. Ɓoderi

 5. Sani Wala-birki

 6. Kachallah Hana-Zuwa

 7. Damina

 8. Kachalla Sani Dangote

 9. Kachalla Adamu

 10. Halilu Sububu

 11. Baleri

 12. Modi Modi

 13. Kachalla Mai Shayi

 14. Kachalla Tsoho Lulu

 15. Ibrahim Nagure

 16. Kachalla Makore

 17. Bulak

 18. Tukur Sharme

 19. Hassan Ɗantawaye

 20.Ɗan-Isuhu

These names had long terrorised communities, operated illegal taxation systems, and masterminded large-scale abductions. Their deaths signal a turning point in Nigeria’s war against insecurity—at least in the short to medium term.

Critics, supporters, and objective observers alike hold valid perspectives on Ribadu’s claim. Security cannot be judged solely by statistics or isolated incidents—it must be assessed holistically, with a view to sustainability. While it would be inaccurate to declare total victory over insecurity, the data and field reports suggest that Nigeria is making measurable, strategic progress.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with complex internal threats, public expectations remain high. Citizens want not just temporary relief but long-term stability. Ribadu’s statement may be politically timed, but the figures back up his assertion, at least in terms of trend and direction. Whether or not one agrees with the 90% figure, one thing is clear: the tide appears to be gradually turning in favour of the state.

The challenge now is to sustain these gains, institutionalise reforms, and ensure that security is perceived and lived by every Nigerian in every part of the country.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Uzair Adam

Two women have died after reportedly drowning in a pond in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State.

The Kano State Fire Service confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Public Relations Officer, Alhaji Saminu Abdullahi.

Abdullahi explained that the service received a distress call around 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday from a local vigilance group, reporting that two women had drowned.

According to the statement, relatives of the deceased told the vigilance group that the victims were workers at a hibiscus (Zobo) processing company and had gone to the pond after closing from work.

“Our rescue team was immediately dispatched to the scene, and we successfully recovered the corpses from the pond,” the statement said.

The remains of the victims were later handed over to Musa Garba, a police constable at the Gezawa Police Division.

The Fire Service urged residents to avoid open water bodies to prevent similar tragedies.