By Anwar Usman

Troops of the Nigerian Army, deployed for a special operation in Sambisa Forest, have eliminated 11 Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists.

The Nigerian Army, in a statement on its official Twitter handle, disclosed this on Saturday.

It said the feat was achieved in coordinated special clearance operations with a hybrid force against a terrorists’ enclave in Jongo Village within the notorious Sambisa Forest.

It stated that the troops targeted the portion and engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, killing some while others fled in disarray.

The army stated that its troops conducted further exploitation ahead of the enclave, leading to the capture of some weapons.

According to the post, the arms include 99 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm on a metal link, 19 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm, 3 AK-47 rifle magazines, two 36-hand grenades, and two locally made guns.

“This successful operation showcases the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian army in combating terrorism and securing in the region.

“The neutralisation of ISWAP terrorists and the confiscation of their weapons will undoubtedly contribute to enhancing security and stability in the area.

The post added that, “This further demonstrated the commitment of the Nigerian military to eradicating terrorism and protecting the citizens”.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has declared Monday a public holiday to commemorate the beginning of the new Islamic calendar, 1446 AH. 

The governor urged citizens to reflect on the past year and engage in activities that benefit the community. He also promised that his administration would continue to empower citizens through policies and programs. 

Additionally, he called on Muslims to intensify prayers for peace and progress in the state.

This move comes after the Sultan declared Sunday the commencement of the Islamic New Year 1446 AH. 

Other states like Jigawa have also declared Monday a public holiday for the same reason.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

The governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, has declared Monday, July 8, a public holiday to mark the beginning of the new Islamic calendar, 1st Muharram 1446 AH.

The state commissioner for establishment, Auwal Dogondaji, made this known in a statement issued to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, on Friday.

According to him, the 1st of Muharram is July 7, citing its importance, the government attributes it to the Islamic new year and has decided to shift the public holiday from July 7 to July 8. 

Manu-Dogondaji congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the advent of the new Islamic calendar, urging the Muslims to sustain fervent prayers for peace, security, and prosperity for Kebbi and the nation as a whole. 

“I extend the congratulation of the governor to the entire Muslim Ummah across the globe,” the commissioner said.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has called on customs officers to honor their oath of service and fulfill their national security mandate.

Speaking during an operational visit to Apapa on Thursday, June 4, 2024, Adeniyi emphasized the critical role of customs officers in safeguarding the nation’s borders. 

“The declarations made by these people who go through our desks are inside our system. What it means is that we have an onerous responsibility to address the national security emergency that we face in Nigeria,” he said. 

The CGC recalled recent seizures of arms and military accoutrements at Lagos Airport and Onne Port, stressing the need for officers to prevent illegal items from entering the country.

He urged officers to maintain the highest level of integrity, as their actions can be traced and attributed to them. 

“We work with a system that has track and trace. What each and all of you do with our system can be tracked. It can be traced. We can attribute them to you in the next seven years or beyond. What you do not do can also be attributed to you, so either way, we can be located and called upon to account for our actions and inactions,” he warned. 

Adeniyi stated that anyone traced or caught on the wrong side of the law would not be spared. He urged officers to live up to their responsibility, emphasizing that revenue, trade facilitation, and national security are crucial mandates that must not be failed. 

“I, therefore, urge you to live to your responsibility; this nation is ours, revenue is important, trade facilitation is important, we are getting it right on those ends, and we must not fail on our mandate of national security. So the responsibility lies with all of us to live up to the oath of service, the oath of allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he stressed.

By Ibrahim Yunusa 

The Labour Party won the 2024 UK general election after winning more than 326 seats. Keir Starmer is set to become the UK’s next prime minister, and the outgoing prime minister, Rishi Sunak, has already accepted defeat.

In his speech on defeat acceptance, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says his party lost the election due to his fault.

“The Labour Party has won this general election, and I’ve called Sir Keir Starmer to congratulate him on his victory.

“Today, power will change hands in a peaceful and orderly manner, with goodwill on all sides. That is something that should give us all confidence in our country’s stability and future.

“The British people have delivered a sobering verdict tonight. There is much to learn… and I take responsibility for the loss.

“To the many good, hard-working Conservative candidates who lost tonight, despite their tireless efforts, their local records and delivery, and their dedication to their communities. I am sorry.”

Speaking to a cheering crowd in central London, the next prime minister, Keir Starmer, says, “Change begins now. It feels good, I have to be honest.”

Labour’s victory is extraordinary, but results show that the party’s candidate has lost its aspirations in areas where Muslims dominate the votes. This gives Leicester East to Conservatives and Leicester South to an Independent candidate. Independent pro-Palestine candidates Iqbal Hussein Mohammed and Adnan Hussein won Batley & Dewsbury and Blackburn seats against Labour’s candidates, respectively.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Niger’s army said Thursday it had killed more than 100 “terrorists” during air and ground operations in response to a deadly attack against soldiers near the Burkina Faso border.

A coalition of armed groups killed 20 troops and one civilian in the region of Tera in jihadist-plagued western Niger on June 25, according to the army.

“More than 100 terrorists have been killed since,” the army said in its latest bulletin, adding that its operations were ongoing. The army had said in its previous bulletin that it had killed around 30 “terrorists” in the region the day after the Tera attack and had “destroyed their means of war” in an air raid.

Tera lies in the Tillaberi region bordering Mali and Burkina Faso where rebels linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group have waged a bloody insurgency for almost a decade.Civilians are frequently targeted in the area by jihadists, prompting many people to flee their homes.

Freight trucks from Niger also pass through Tera, arriving every month from the Togolese port of Lome, via northern Burkina Faso.

By Abdullahi Khairallah

Jaiz Bank of Nigeria has donated 10 million Naira to provide medical support to the victims of the recent Gwoza bomb blast in Borno State. The bank presented the cheque as part of its corporate social responsibility to the community.

Receiving the delegation at the Council Chamber Government House Maiduguri, Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur, received the cheque for onward disbursement to the victims of the bomb blast. He assured that the medical support would be channelled appropriately to the victims while thanking the bank’s board and management for their gesture and support to the people and government of Borno State.

Earlier, while presenting the donation to the Acting Governor, Dr Kadafur, the chairman of the bank’s Board of Directors, Alhaji Muhammed Mustapha Bintube, said the bank’s board and management considered it necessary to contribute their quota and complement the efforts of the state government in supporting the victims in this trying time.

“This unfortunate and needless loss of lives is indeed a colossal loss not only to the Gwoza community but also to Borno state and the county at large.

“We sincerely empathise with the affected families and extend our hands of affinity to the Gwoza Community and the entire people of the state,” Bintube said.

He commended the state governor and his deputy for their good work for the people and assured them of the bank’s continuous support for the government and the people of Borno State.

Malam Mustapha Bintube prayed to Allah to forestall future mishaps and ensure a quick return to peace in the state.

Present at the gathering include Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Bukar Tijjani, Acting Head of Service Dr. Abubakar Sadiq, Commissioner for Transport and Energy Hon. Aliyu Lawan Buba, Commissioner for Local Government And Emirate Affairs, Alhaji Sugun Mai Mele, Permanent Secretary Administration and General Services Governor’s Office Dr. Muhammed Ghuluze, APC Party chairman Gwoza local government, Abdullahi Danjatau, Council Secretary Hajiya Fatima Musa, Special Advisers, among others.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Kano State Network of Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) recently organized an event to foster dialogue on the critical importance of strategic investments in youth as a pathway to sustainable development in Kano State.

The event took place on Thursday at the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) in Nassarawa GRA, Kano. It was titled “Investing in Our Youth: Strategic Pathways for Sustainable Development in Kano State.” It saw the attendance of many important personalities.

Dr. Musa Abdullahi Sufi, the Chairman of the Steering Committee of KANET, emphasized that the event is part of their commitment to youth development in the state.

Speakers presented papers on key issues surrounding youth development and the potential benefits of meaningful investment in young people in the state.

Zainab Nasir Ahmad, the Executive Director of the Youth Society for the Prevention of Infectious Diseases & Social Vices (YOSPIS), addressed the menace of youth irresponsibility posed by drug abuse and lack of education. 

Presenting her paper titled “The Situation of Youth in Kano State and Neglect in Investing in Their Future,” Zainab lamented the reluctance to solve local problems, adding that she is currently writing a book about the menace.

She highlighted that the lack of access to capital, limited job opportunities for graduates, and substance abuse contribute to the deterioration of youth and hinder their development in the state. 

Zainab stated, “Again, poor parenting and lack of supervision also contribute to hindering youth development. However, it looks like we are not ready to address our problems because some parents are also into drug abuse.”

She urged government intervention through law enforcement and establishing youth initiatives to address these issues.

Hauwa Muhammad, the Chairman of the Kano State Children Parliament, also decried the menace of child labour that hinders children from pursuing their studies and sometimes results in them becoming victims of rape and maltreatment. 

Hauwa urged the Kano state government to support families and households by providing a sustainable minimum income to ensure financial barriers do not prevent children from going to school and unveiling their talents.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A Kano State High Court presided over by Justice Amina Aliyu, has restrained lawyers from granting reporters interviews in the ongoing Kano Emirates Tussle case.

Justice Aliyu gave the order on Thursday during the court proceedings.

“I am giving an order to lawyers not to grant any interview with journalists before and even after my ruling on the respondent stay of proceedings application pending the hearing and determination of the appeal,” the Judge said

The applicants in the case are the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice of Kano State, Speaker Kano State House of Assembly, and Kano State House of Assembly, through their counsel Ibrahim Isah-Wangida filed a motion exparte dated May 27.

The applicants are seeking the court to restrain the deposed Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, and four other dethroned emirs of Bichi, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye from parading themselves as emirs.

The respondents in the suit are Alhaji Aminu Ado-Bayero, Alhaji Nasiru Ado-Bayero Bichi emir, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar ll, Emir of Karaye, Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad-Inuwa, Emir of Rano and Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim-Gaya, Emir of Gaya.

Others are the Inspector General of Police, Director of State Security Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Nigeria Army.

By Anwar Usman

The Kano State Police Command has arrested 149 suspected criminals in a major operation to fight thuggery and other crimes in the state. 

In a press conference at Bompai Police Headquarters in Kano on Thursday, the spokesperson of the police in the state, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, said the arrest is part of the command’s achievements over the past ten days under the leadership of the Kano State Commissioner of Police Salman Garba.

Garba, who assumed office on June 24, 2024, has led targeted operations resulting in the arrest of 149 suspects, including 106 thugs. The operation has also led to the recovery of numerous arms, dangerous weapons, and large quantities of illicit drugs.

He added, “The re-emergence of these criminal activities is a matter of great concern for the Kano State Police Command, which we are fully committed to combating head-on.”

The crackdown is part of a broader strategy to address thuggery and other violent crimes in the state, in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.

“We have employed strong security measures to address the root causes of this violence and promote peace and harmony in the affected areas and the state at large,” the PPRO added.

The operations from June 24 to July 4 resulted in the following arrests: 106 suspected thugs, 25 armed robbery suspects, two suspected kidnappers, three suspected drug dealers, three suspected motor vehicle thieves, two suspected motorcycle thieves, and eight suspected thieves.

The police also recovered a range of items, including a pump-action rifle, motor vehicles, tricycles, motorcycles, knives, cutlasses, and significant quantities of illicit drugs.

Among the outstanding part of the arrests, Kiyawa highlighted the capture of two armed robbery suspects on June 26.

“These suspects attacked victims in their houses with dangerous weapons, inflicted injuries, and robbed them of valuable items,” he said.

In another operation, a notorious car theft cartel was dismantled, leading to the recovery of a stolen Toyota Carina II and the arrest of three suspects.

“The suspects confessed to a series of car snatchings in Kano State and localities,” SP Kiyawa revealed.

The police also intercepted significant quantities of illicit drugs and weapons during joint patrols with local vigilantes. On July 1, 87 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered from a suspect in Yankaba Quarters.

According to the police, Garba’s administration has intensified patrols, deployed additional personnel, and increased collaboration with community leaders and other security agencies.

In his address, the police commissioner urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with the police.

He added, “We must appreciate the law-abiding people of the state for their continuous support, prayers, understanding, and cooperation.

He also encouraged community involvement in reporting suspicious activities and ensuring a safe environment for all residents.