By Mallam Shamsuddeen Suleiman Kibiya

In the long and complex story of Islam in Nigeria, the tension between Salafi reformists and Sufi traditionalists has never been merely a clash of doctrines. It is, more often than we care to admit, a clash of tempers—of the tone one uses, the suspicion one bears, and the verdict one passes on those who practice religion a bit differently. What should have remained a quiet intellectual disagreement has, over time, metamorphosed into an extremism that thrives not on knowledge but on rhetoric.

When Dr Idris Abdulaziz Dutsen Tanshi passed on, the reaction from certain Salafi circles betrayed this peculiar tendency. His admirers saw his death as the painful exit of a righteous man who had lived his life fighting against innovation in religion and straightening the Umma along the path of Tawhid. On the other side, some Sufi-leaning critics responded not with mercy but with long-stored resentment—reminding the public of his “harshness,” his “excessive criticisms,” and his uncompromising, even combative sermons. The atmosphere felt less like the departure of a scholar and more like the settling of old, bitter scores.

And when Shaikh Dahiru Bauchi passed a few days ago, the pattern repeated itself, but this time in reverse. Sufi adherents elevated him beyond scholarship—into sainthood, into miracle, into myth. The outpouring was understandable, but in some corners it crossed into something else: a triumphalism that painted all those who disagreed with his spiritual path as misguided, cold, or spiritually weak. Some Salafi commentators, instead of exercising solemnity, used the moment to revisit old doctrinal disputes—reminding audiences of “bid’ah,” “ghuluw,” and “un-Islamic practices.” Even in death, the walls between both camps seemed eager to echo old hostilities.

What is common to both episodes is that the extremists on either side were saying the same thing without even realising it: that Allah’s mercy is exclusive to their camp; that the Ummah is too big to be shared, but too small to contain disagreement. And this, in its essence, is the extremism of our time—not the extremism of bombs and guns, but the extremism of the tongue.

The Salafi hardliner tends to imagine himself as the last defender of pristine Islam, wielding a vocabulary of denunciation: shirk, bid’ah, dalala, and ghaflah ad infinitum. Every disagreement becomes a deviation, every deviation a threat, and every Sufi becomes a suspect. Meanwhile, the Sufi extremist believes himself to be the custodian of spiritual truth, seeing the Salafi as spiritually blind, stone-hearted literalist, deprived of the inner sweetness of faith and to stretch it even further, an enemy of the beloved prophet SAW himself. Each side constructs a convenient caricature of the other —and then fights that caricature as if it were real.

The danger, however, is that rhetorical extremism does not remain rhetorical over the long run. It shapes communities. It hardens hearts. It turns mosques into enclaves, scholars into partisans and differences into hostilities. What begins as doctrinal rigidity becomes social fragmentation. And what should have been an Ummah becomes a map of feuding camps.

Yet, there is something instructive about how both Dr Idris Abdulaziz and Shaikh Dahiru Bauchi were remembered by their true students—not those who fight for them online, but those who actually sat with them. I mean, their real students, across divides, spoke about their scholarship, humility, discipline, and service. They remembered their knowledge—not their polemics. They recalled their character—not their controversies. This is a reminder that the extremists on both sides, loud as they are, do not represent the whole story.

Nigeria’s Muslim community must now decide what it wishes to inherit from its scholars: the softness of their manners or the sharpness of their debates; their mercy or their anger; their wisdom or their polemics.

To insist that disagreement must lead to division is itself an extremist position. To insist that every scholar must resemble one’s preferred tradition is another. And to pretend that Islam is too fragile to survive multiple approaches is perhaps the greatest of all.

In the end, the Ummah does not collapse because its members disagree. It collapses when disagreement becomes hatred, and hatred finds a pulpit.

May Nigeria’s Muslims learn to argue with knowledge, to differ with dignity, and to remember that Allah, in His infinite mercy, did not create only one path to Him—and certainly not only one temperament.

By Garba Sidi

Kannywood, like other film industries worldwide, depends on the emergence of new talent who capture audiences’ hearts and help transform the industry into a powerhouse. These actors often deliver exactly what is needed because of their talent and fame. However, relying solely on a few well-known stars can threaten the industry’s sustainability. If these actors age or fade away, will the industry collapse with them?

Among those challenging this pattern is filmmaker Salisu T. Balarabe, whose vision goes beyond just telling stories—he is committed to discovering and promoting new actors to grow the industry and create job opportunities.

A VISIONARY PERSPECTIVE ON KANNYWOOD

Salisu T. Balarabe is a key figure among AREWA 24’s directors and plays a major role in giving aspiring talents a platform to shine in Kannywood. His work on the long-running series Kwana Casa’in is a clear example of his commitment to this goal. Rather than relying solely on already-famous actors, Balarabe introduces fresh faces to the audience by integrating them into the show’s narrative. Before Kwana Casa’in, no one knew Safiya Yusuf, now popularly known as Safara’u Kwana Casa’in. The show brought her to prominence, and she has since launched a music career as well.

Now, as he produces another long-running series, Zaɓi Biyu, Balarabe is sticking to his principle of working with new talents, giving them a platform to show their skills to the audience. This strategy is evident when compared to other popular Kannywood productions like Garwashi, Labarina, Jamilun Jiddan, Manyan Mata and Allurar Ruwa, which mostly rely on a small circle of already-famous actors such as Sadik Sani Sadi, Abubakar Waziri (Baba Rabe), Adam Garba (Raba Gardama), Amal Umar, Momy Gombe, Minal Ahmad (Ya Kaka), Ruky Alim, Hadiza Saima (Maman Saima) and Rabi’u Rikadawa.

There’s no denying the talent, skill, and fame of these actors. Their appearances often guarantee high viewership and profits for any film or series they’re part of. Still, Salisu T. Balarabe has chosen a different route—one that takes longer to become profitable but is ultimately more sustainable.

PERSEVERANCE DESPITE AUDIENCE PRESSURE.

In an industry where producers and directors often prioritise famous faces to ensure quick financial returns, Balarabe deserves praise for his dedication. He understands that for Kannywood to grow and flourish truly, it must constantly introduce new talent and provide them with training and opportunities. This approach is not just about development; it’s a crucial long-term investment in the industry’s future.

Balarabe’s work is reminiscent of internationally acclaimed filmmakers who have taken similar paths in other parts of the world. In Bollywood, directors like Anurag Kashyap, Zoya Akhtar and Karan Johar have introduced fresh talents such as Vicky Kaushal, Siddhant Chaturvedi and Alia Bhatt. Likewise, in Hollywood, directors such as Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Greta Gerwig have played key roles in discovering actors who went on to achieve global fame.

These directors are celebrated not just for their storytelling abilities but for their impact in nurturing talent. Salisu T. Balarabe is doing something similar in Kannywood—showing great courage and commitment despite the pressure he faces from audiences who demand familiar faces. His vision of discovering gifted individuals and helping them reach their potential through AREWA 24’s productions is commendable.

COMMITMENT TO QUALITY AND MEANINGFUL STORYTELLING.

Beyond introducing new faces, Balarabe also ensures that these actors deliver performances that resonate with audiences. His long-running series, Kwana Casa’in and Zaɓi Biyu, are not small projects. They are rich in culture, politics, and the real-life struggles of Hausa society. This provides new actors the chance to shine while also educating and entertaining the audience.

This approach enriches the stories and gives the new actors a strong foundation to grow. These emerging talents often give their absolute best, using all their abilities to tell stories that leave a lasting impact. Balarabe’s consistent effort to showcase new faces in his films reflects his dedication to prioritising art over fame—a trait that distinguishes true filmmakers from mere trend-followers.

A NEW ERA FOR THE KANNYWOOD INDUSTRY.

Salisu T. Balarabe is showing the Kannywood industry that growth is possible when directors aim higher and embrace innovation. By doing so, they not only enrich the industry with talented and committed actors but also ensure that more talented people can benefit from the opportunities it offers.

If Kannywood were to follow this model, it would continue to progress—not just by elevating individual stars, but by fostering a culture of talent discovery, hard work, and quality production that will earn it global respect. Just like Nollywood in southern Nigeria has proven, an industry does not have to rely solely on a handful of celebrities to grow. When talent becomes the main focus, true and lasting success follows.

CONCLUSION.

At a time when fame dominates the storytelling landscape, Salisu T. Balarabe stands out as a beacon of hope for sustainable development in the Kannywood film industry. His commitment to nurturing and promoting new talent, as seen in series like Kwana Casa’in and Zaɓi Biyu, reflects his deep passion and long-term vision.

By Anwar Usman

The Jigawa State Police Command has killed one suspected armed robber and arrested three others during arm robbery at Hadejia and Sule-Tankarkar.

The operations were confirmed by the Public Relations Officer Jigawa State Police Command, SP Shi’isu Adam, in a statement released to journalists on Friday in Dutse, the state capital.

“These breakthroughs underscore our continuous efforts to combat crimes and ensure public safety across the state,” SP Adam stated.

According to the PPRO, the first incident unfolded around 3:35 a.m. on Thursday at Fruska Table Water Company in Hadejia Local Government Area.“

A gang of about eight unidentified armed robbers stormed the facility, but officers from Hadejia ‘A’ Division arrived swiftly to confront them,” SP Adam stated.

He revealed that the robbers opened fire, sparking a fierce gun duel with the police responders.

“In the intense exchange, one suspect took a fatal gunshot wound while his accomplices scattered into the night,” he said.

He further stated that, “the injured robber was rushed to Hadejia General Hospital for treatment, but he succumbed to his injuries there.

“On the other armed robbery case in Sule-Tankarkar Division, the second raid, according to SP Adam, hit even closer to home just 20 minutes earlier, at about 3:15 am on Thursday.”

He revealed that three armed men broke into the residence of Shamsu Muhd in Togai village, making off with two brand-new Boxer motorcycles.

“Alerted to the theft, Sule-Tankarkar Division operatives raced to the scene and cornered the fleeing trio,” said Adam.

The PPRO further revealed that, “the quick takedown yielded a locally made gun and the stolen motorcycles, key evidence in the brazen home invasion.”

“The two remaining robbers escaped, but ongoing probes aim to reel them in soon.”

The arrested suspect faces court charges once a thorough investigation wraps up, SP Adam assured, saying that “efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing culprits.”

SP Adam therefore reiterated the command’s readiness and dedication in combating terrorism across the state“We remain unwavering in our commitment to the protection of lives and property.”

He also urged Jigawa residents to be vigilant saying that, “The Command calls on the public to remain vigilant and provide timely information to aid our proactive crime-fighting efforts.”

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Government on Friday called for the arrest of former Kano State Governor and immediate past national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

The State Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, made the call while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting held on Thursday.

Waiya said bandits infiltrated a Kano community and abducted several people less than 48 hours after former Governor Ganduje’s outburst regarding the alleged plan to create a militia group in the state.

He disclosed that the Council resolved that Ganduje should be immediately investigated and arrested for allegedly attempting to form an illegal militia through the proposed Khairul Nas Corps.

The Commissioner noted that the Council also warned public officials, including Senator Barau Jibrin, to desist from making statements capable of inciting violence or causing unrest.

Comrade Waiya emphasized that the state government remains committed to maintaining peace and stability, adding that any attempt to instigate crisis in Kano will be met with lawful and decisive action.

He commended President Bola Tinubu and security agencies for their sustained support in safeguarding lives and property in the state.

By Abdullahi Adam Usman

I recently read an exposé on the life of the late Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, published by HumAngle.

The report, titled “The Making and Unmaking of Abubakar Shekau,” attributed the rise of Boko Haram partly to what it described as the influence of the teachings of the medieval Sunni scholar and jurist, Ibn Taymiyyah. HumAngle wrote that his ideas influenced Islamic reform movements such as Salafism and Wahhabism, and suggested that his thoughts on governance and rebellion helped shape extremist ideology in Maiduguri.

While HumAngle is widely respected for its investigative reporting, this conclusion is deeply problematic and requires more nuance. Whether due to insufficient historical context or oversimplified interpretation, such a claim risks misleading readers by forcefully linking terrorism with Wahhabism and, by extension, Ibn Taymiyyah (a narrative that has long been promoted in sectarian discourse).

During his lifetime, Ibn Taymiyyah was imprisoned multiple times by different rulers. However, none of these imprisonments were due to armed rebellion or terrorism; rather, they resulted from theological and intellectual disputes. In fact, several of his critics even described him as a scholar who emphasized obedience to authority to preserve social order. Portraying him centuries later as a direct ideological architect of terrorism therefore presents a historical contradiction.

It is true that some extremist groups have selectively misused or misinterpreted Ibn Taymiyyah’s writings to support their actions. However, this does not make his teachings their true foundation. In reality, many of Boko Haram’s earliest and most prominent victims were Salafi scholars who openly opposed the group.

One such figure was Sheikh Ja’afar Mahmud Adam, a respected Salafi cleric who was assassinated in 2007 while leading the Subh prayer in Kano. He had openly criticized Boko Haram during its formative years. Similarly, in 2014, Sheikh Albani Zaria, another Salafi scholar, was killed by Boko Haram while returning from a lecture. If Boko Haram truly shared the same ideological roots as Salafi scholars inspired by Ibn Taymiyyah, these assassinations would not have occurred.

Furthermore, in mourning the late Bauchi-based Salafi scholar Dr Idriss Abdulaziz Dutsen Tanshi, the Nigerian President described him as someone who played a significant role in countering violent extremism during the early stages of the Boko Haram crisis. This official recognition underscores the clear distinction between Salafi scholarship and terrorist ideology.

Journalism demands more than merely repeating how a group defines itself. As the saying goes: “If one person says it’s raining and another says it’s dry, it’s not your job to quote them both; your job is to look outside and find out which is true.” Responsible reporting requires context, depth, and historical accuracy.

We acknowledge HumAngle’s important contributions to terrorism reporting and public awareness. However, greater care is needed when making sensitive historical and religious attributions that could further inflame misunderstanding and division.

Abdullahi Adam Usman is a student of International Studies at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He can be reached via abdallahnangere@gmail.com.

By Ibrahim Yunusa

On Thursday, 27 November 2025, The Army Council approved the promotion of senior officers to the next rank of Major General and Brigadier General.

A total of 28 Brigadier Generals and 77 Colonels have been elevated to Major General and Brigadier General respectively.

Late Brigadier General ZA Saidu isposthumously promoted to Major General.

While felicitating the newly promoted senior officers, The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu tasks them to intensify their professional drive and prove beyond doubt that their promotion is well deserved.

He urged them to demonstrate exemplary leadership, engage their subordinates through personal conduct while cultivating bold, innovative and unconventional solutions capable of delivering swift and decisive responses to the nation’s evolving security threats.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a National Tax Policy Implementation Committee (NTPIC).

According to a press release from the State House, the committee will be responsible for the coordinated execution of the government’s new tax laws, aiming to build a “fair, transparent, and technology-driven tax system.”

The committee will be chaired by a seasoned tax expert, Mr. Joseph Tegbe, and will operate under the oversight of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun.

President Tinubu emphasised that the effective implementation of the new Tax Acts is critical to the nation’s economic transformation, strengthening public finance, and safeguarding the interests of investors.

The NTPIC’s mandate includes undertaking extensive nationwide consultations with the private sector, professional bodies, and subnational governments.

It will also focus on inter-agency coordination to harmonise existing frameworks with the new statutes.

The committee comprises experts from tax administration, finance, law, and the private sector. Mrs. Sanyade Okoli, Special Adviser to the President on Finance and Economy, will serve as its Secretary.

Chairman Joseph Tegbe pledged the committee’s diligence, stating they would “work closely with all stakeholders to ensure seamless implementation and build public trust in the tax system.”

Finance Minister Wale Edun described the committee as a pivotal step to “reset not just the tax system but the entire fiscal policy framework of Government,” aiming to deliver significant economic growth for Nigerians.

The NTPIC is expected to enhance revenue mobilisation, minimise leakages, and reinforce accountability, thereby supporting the government’s fiscal sustainability and national development goals.

By Ibrahim Yunusa

The Nigeria Police Force has debunk the viral document of withdrawing of police officers from VIPs duties circulating in social media.This in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin.

The statement said, “The Force wishes to categorically state that this document, allegedly signed by one CSP Suleiman Abdullahi, described as the Admin Officer of the squadron, is fake and should be disregarded by the public.

There is no officer by the name CSP Suleiman Abdullahi serving in 50 PMF Squadron, nor is the position of Admin Officer in any PMF squadron held by an officer of the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP).

This fabrication appears to be a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and create unnecessary confusion.”

The Nigeria Police Force confirms that the implementation of the Presidential Directive on the withdrawal of police officers from VIP duties has indeed commenced.

And the process is being carried out in a structured, phased, and professional manner to ensure that no security vacuum is created that could be exploited by criminal elements.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project has joined agricultural stakeholders at the 2025 National Agricultural Show holding in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State from November 24–28, 2025.

The ICT/Communications Unit of L-PRES disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, noting that the event serves as a strategic platform for government institutions, development partners, farmers, researchers and private sector players to showcase innovations and strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda.

Speaking at the exhibition booth, the State Project Coordinator of Kano L-PRES, Dr. Salisu Muhammad Inuwa, said the project’s participation is crucial in advancing the state’s livestock development priorities and deepening collaboration with national and international partners.

He explained that the show provides an opportunity for Kano to highlight its achievements, share knowledge and attract potential investments into the livestock sector.

Dr. Inuwa noted that Kano L-PRES is showcasing several key interventions, including artificial insemination techniques, the proposed Livestock Service Centre (LSC), pasture development projects, improved animal health systems and strengthened value-chain activities aimed at boosting livestock productivity across the state.

He added that the visibility gained at the national event will further enhance public awareness of L-PRES objectives and its contribution to improving livelihoods, resilience and sustainable livestock development.

Also speaking, the Animal Husbandry Officer of the project, Muhammad Abubakar Kabiru, said the team’s presence at the agricultural show demonstrates Kano L-PRES’ commitment to supporting livestock development through practical and community-based interventions.

“We are here to showcase the work we do in improving livestock productivity, resilience and commercialization in Kano State,” Kabiru said.

He explained that the project is built around strengthening national and state-level service delivery, improving pasture production and management, and enhancing value-chain performance.

According to him, the project teaches livestock-related techniques to women and youths, including pregnancy testing and the administration of essential treatments.

He added that equipment such as feed-processing machines—locally known as kara grinders—are provided to help farmers prepare feed for their animals.

“We also support them with milk-storage tanks and motorbikes to ease mobility and promote efficient livestock production,” he stated.

The Kano L-PRES team reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the state’s agricultural agenda and contributing to Nigeria’s broader goals of food and livestock security, economic growth and improved rural livelihoods.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has assured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the state’s total and unwavering support for the National Emergency on Security recently declared by the Federal Government.

This assurance was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

Speaking during the 34th Kano State Executive Council Meeting at Government House, Kano, the governor commended President Tinubu for taking bold and decisive steps to confront the escalating security challenges facing the country, particularly in the Northern region.

“I therefore reiterate the full cooperation of the Government of Kano State at this moment, and assure all security agencies operating in the state of our unwavering support and collaboration to ensure the success of this declaration,” he said.

Governor Yusuf also addressed internal security concerns within Kano State, restating his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of residents.

He expressed concern over reports of bandits infiltrating some Local Government Areas, especially within the Northern Senatorial District, but assured citizens that the state government, in synergy with security agencies, is taking proactive measures to neutralize the threats.

“Despite isolated challenges, citizens should remain calm and be reassured that the government is fully alert, proactive, and more determined than ever to counter all emerging threats,” he added.

The governor further appreciated the people of Kano for their continuous support and confidence in the administration.

He revealed that the 2026 budget would significantly improve the living standards of ordinary citizens, with strong emphasis on infrastructural development and human capital growth.