By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has retained Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election after submitting the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential nomination forms.

The development formally confirms that Tinubu and Shettima will once again fly the APC’s presidential ticket in the next general election.

The president’s Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Ibrahim Masari, announced the development and submitted the nomination forms on behalf of Tinubu during a brief event held at the Continental Hotel in Abuja.

The event attracted several senior figures of the ruling party, including Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma, who led APC governors to the occasion.

Members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC), the party’s caucus in the National Assembly, members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), as well as other party leaders and stakeholders, also attended the event.

Tinubu had initially nominated Masari as a placeholder running mate in June 2022 while the party concluded consultations on its vice-presidential candidate. He later selected Shettima as his substantive running mate ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

The submission of the nomination forms officially marks the beginning of Tinubu’s campaign for a second term in office on the platform of the APC, with Shettima remaining his running mate.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a 48-year-old Chadian woman who was allegedly transporting illicit drugs, alcoholic drinks and other prohibited items to terrorist groups operating in the Lake Chad Islands.

The arrest took place on Thursday during a search operation along the Maiduguri–Monguno road in Borno State, according to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Goni.

Goni said soldiers stopped a suspicious vehicle heading towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area, where they apprehended the suspect.

“The suspect, identified as Mrs Rachael Samuel (48), a Chadian national from Kelo in Chari-Baguirmi Province, Republic of Chad, was arrested while conveying the prohibited items,” the statement said.

He added that preliminary investigations suggested the items were meant for locations within the Lake Chad Islands, an area where terrorist groups are known to operate.

Security operatives recovered seven compressed bundles of suspected Cannabis sativa weighing about 30 kilogrammes, two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, popularly called “Suck and Die”, one carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin and 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages. The military said the seized items have an estimated street value running into millions of naira.

Other items recovered include a mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, personal belongings and cash.

The military said the suspect remains in custody, while the recovered exhibits have been secured ahead of their transfer to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Goni said the operation reflects the determination of Operation Hadin Kai to block supply routes that sustain terrorist activities. He explained that intelligence reports have consistently indicated that terrorist groups depend on illicit drugs and intoxicants to stimulate fighters, reduce fear and support violent attacks.

“By intercepting the consignment before it reached its destination, the troops have disrupted another critical aspect of the terrorists’ support network,” the statement added.

“The Theatre Command commends the vigilance and professionalism of the troops and assures the public that operations against terrorists and their collaborators will continue relentlessly.

“The public is encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies in support of ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the North East.”

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has inaugurated a committee chaired by Dr. Aminu Magashi Garba to draft the blueprint for his 2027 governorship campaign, with the mandate of reviewing the implementation of the administration’s 2023 manifesto, My Commitment for Kano, and producing a new policy document, Blueprint 2.0, to guide a possible second term.

The Daily Reality reports that the announcement was contained in a statement signed by the Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Friday.

He said the committee would work under the close supervision of Governor Yusuf and his deputy, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo, to develop a comprehensive policy framework for the administration’s next phase.

According to the statement, Dr. Magashi will serve as chairman of the committee, while the Executive Chairman of Strategic Governance and Policy Coordination, Dr. Yusuf Ya’u Gambo, will serve as secretary.

Other members of the committee are Dr. Ibrahim Musa, Special Adviser on Health Services and Personal Physician to the Governor; Mallam Haladu Muhammad, Technical Adviser on Education Reform; Muhammad Nazir Halliru, Director General of the Kano State Investment Promotion Agency (Kan-Invest); Nana Asma’u Jibrin, Director General of Research and Documentation; Dr. Bashir Abdu Muzakkar, Director General of the Kano State Information Technology Development Agency (KASITDA); Dr. Farouk Kurawa, Managing Director of the Kano Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA); Kabiru Sani Yakubu, Managing Director of the Kano Agricultural Supply Company (KASCO); Dr. Abdulhadi Zubairu Chula, Executive Chairman of Ajingi Local Government Council; Engr. Yesmin Mukhtar, Senior Special Assistant on Women Education; Dr. Halima Umar Sani of Bayero University; Dr. Kabiru Shehu; Barr. Musa Lawan Abdullahi; Dr. Nasiru Alasan Kabo; and Dr. Kabiru Ibrahim Getso.

Dawakin Tofa said the committee had been tasked with reviewing the implementation of the 2023 blueprint, identifying areas that had yet to be fully executed and incorporating them into Blueprint 2.0.

“The committee is mandated to review the implementation of the 2023 blueprint, My Commitment for Kano, identify areas yet to be fully implemented and incorporate them into Blueprint 2.0,” he said.

He added that the committee would also articulate Governor Yusuf’s priorities and strategic vision for a second term spanning 2027 to 2031.

According to the statement, the committee is expected to engage stakeholders from both state and non-state sectors to generate innovative ideas and policy recommendations for a comprehensive and inclusive blueprint.

“The blueprint will consolidate the gains of the present administration and accelerate Kano State’s development through a people-driven policy framework,” Dawakin Tofa said.

By Uzair Adam 

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has disclosed that he rejected a N300 million ransom demand made by kidnappers who abducted his brothers in 2019, insisting that paying criminals would only encourage further kidnappings.

The governor made the revelation on Thursday while speaking at the ARISE News and THISDAY Town Hall Conference in Abuja, where he also reiterated his support for the establishment of state police as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s growing security challenges.

Recounting the incident, Lawal said the abductors demanded N300 million for the release of his brothers, but he refused to negotiate or pay any ransom.

“My own brothers were kidnapped in 2019, and these criminals were demanding about N300 million. I said, ‘I’m not going to pay a dime. If you like, go and kill them.'”

He explained that despite his refusal to meet the kidnappers’ demand, his brothers were eventually freed after spending about three months in captivity.

The governor said the experience strengthened his belief that ransom payments only empower criminal groups and encourage more abductions.

“By the time we continue to pay ransom to these people, we are encouraging them to keep kidnapping more and more people,” he said.

Lawal maintained that he would never negotiate with criminals or reward them financially, regardless of the circumstances.

“I will not negotiate, and I will not pay ransom to any criminal, no matter what happens.”

The governor made the remarks while advocating the creation of state police, arguing that governors cannot be held fully accountable for security when they lack operational control over security agencies in their states.

He noted that although governors are regarded as chief security officers of their states, they have no constitutional authority to direct the operations of the police and other security agencies.

“In as much as I am being called the chief security officer of the state, I don’t have the command and control structure to determine what happens or give instructions to some of these security officers,” he said.

According to Lawal, the current arrangement places governors in a difficult position because they are blamed for insecurity despite lacking the authority to coordinate security operations.

He stressed that protecting lives and property remains the primary responsibility of every government, adding that meaningful development cannot be achieved without adequate security.

“Why is it difficult for people to understand that my primary responsibility is the protection of lives and property, and I don’t have that control? How do you hold me accountable?” he asked.

Lawal argued that establishing state police would improve accountability, as governors would have direct oversight of security operations and could be judged by residents based on their performance.

He added that state governments would also be better positioned to recruit, equip, train and fund security personnel according to their unique security needs.

The governor further observed that the Nigeria Police Force continues to face challenges such as inadequate funding, poor welfare and insufficient training, which have affected its effectiveness.

Highlighting his administration’s investment in security, Lawal disclosed that the Zamfara State Government currently finances more than 30 per cent of security operations within the state.

He said the government has procured over 500 operational vehicles for security agencies in the past three years and recently handed over 35 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles to strengthen the fight against banditry.

Lawal also revealed that the state has acquired both surveillance and combat drones to support security operations.

“We bought drones, both surveillance drones and attack drones, to aid the security forces in fighting these criminals in their respective areas,” he said.

The governor maintained that Nigeria’s insecurity can only be effectively addressed through improved funding, better welfare, enhanced training and the deployment of modern technology, rather than negotiating or paying ransom to criminal groups.

His comments come amid renewed national debate over the establishment of state police and broader reforms aimed at improving security across the country.

By Uzair Adam 

Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), Kano, has clarified that Dr Nasa’i Gwadabe, who has been linked to sexual harassment allegations circulating on social media, is no longer a member of its academic staff, while reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment, abuse and exploitation.

The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the university’s Registrar, Habibu Awaisu, who said Dr Gwadabe’s one-year appointment as a Visiting Lecturer expired in May 2026 and was not renewed.

The statement followed allegations that Dr Gwadabe attempted to sexually harass a female student who was reportedly under his academic supervision.

The allegations drew widespread public attention after a video circulated on social media showing the lecturer being assaulted by some men. 

Social media users alleged that the men were the student’s husband and his friend, who reportedly lured him to a location where he had allegedly arranged to meet the student.

“The Management of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria wishes to clarify recent reports circulating on social media regarding Dr Nasa’i Gwadabe,” the statement read.

“His one-year appointment ended in May 2026 and was not renewed. He is therefore no longer affiliated with MAAUN.”

The university explained that visiting lecturers are employed on one-year contracts, with renewals based on satisfactory performance, institutional needs and management approval.

According to the statement, Dr Gwadabe’s contract expired alongside those of several other visiting lecturers, stressing that the decision not to renew his appointment was unrelated to the allegations currently attracting public attention.

The management reiterated that MAAUN maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment, abuse and exploitation.

It added that the university’s founder had instituted a N5 million reward for any female student who reports and provides credible evidence of sexual harassment or sexual assault involving any lecturer or staff member through the appropriate reporting channels.

The university also dismissed claims circulating online that a student was delayed for two years because of the alleged misconduct or that one of the alleged victims was a postgraduate student.

According to the statement, both claims are false, noting that MAAUN only recently graduated its first set of students and has yet to commence postgraduate programmes.

The management urged journalists and members of the public to report the matter accurately and avoid referring to Dr Gwadabe as a current staff member, insisting that his affiliation with the institution ended in May 2026.

To support its position, the university released a letter dated April 27, 2026, signed by its President, Prof. Mohammad Israr, notifying Dr Gwadabe that his application for reappointment as a Senior Visiting Lecturer had been unsuccessful.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government intends to keep former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai in custody until after the 2027 general election.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made the allegation during an appearance on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television.

Abdullahi said the ADC does not oppose the prosecution of any individual with a legitimate case to answer. However, he argued that the conditions attached to El-Rufai’s bail raise concerns about the government’s intentions.

He said: “ADC is not opposed to anybody who has a legitimate case to answer from being prosecuted but when you are holding someone in custody for bailable offences and you proceed to arraign that person and make impossible conditions for bail to meet, it creates room for us to believe that you deliberate intend to hold this person in perpetuity.

“What I can tell you is that the thinking within the ADC is that the APC government has concluded that they will not release Mallam Nasir El-Rufai until after the election.

“That’s what we believe, that’s the plan, and that’s what they plan to do. They know that with Mallam Nasir El-Rufai freed, the opposition is stronger and they know that if they release him, he would remind them of certain things that they would rather forget.

“We in the opposition believe that they are doing everything to make sure that El-Rufai remains in custody until after the election.”

The APC had not publicly responded to the allegation at the time of filing this report.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The death toll from the powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 has increased to 3,889, according to updated figures released by the country’s authorities on Thursday.

Government officials said the twin earthquakes, which measured magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, also left nearly 17,000 people injured. The disaster displaced close to 18,000 residents after their homes were destroyed.

The latest report, which National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez shared on Telegram, showed that the number of confirmed deaths had risen from 3,811 to 3,889.

As relief efforts continue, interim leader Delcy Rodriguez has appealed for the release of Venezuelan assets frozen abroad to help fund humanitarian assistance and reconstruction projects.

The United Nations is seeking about $300 million to support recovery efforts in the country. The Venezuelan government is also in talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over access to its financial assets, according to IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack.

La Guaira, a coastal state that suffered some of the worst destruction, recorded extensive damage. Officials said more than 800 buildings sustained damage, while 190 structures collapsed completely.

Although emergency agencies have reduced search-and-rescue operations two weeks after the disaster, many families are still searching for missing loved ones.

One of them is Ciro Ocando, who believes he has identified the spot where his two teenage sons remain buried beneath the rubble in Playa Grande, La Guaira. Ocando said he no longer expects to find them alive and now hopes only to recover the bodies of his 13-year-old and 18-year-old sons.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, saying the move is necessary to tackle the country’s worsening security challenges.

The governor spoke on Thursday during an interview on Arise Television. He argued that the creation of state police was long overdue and would strengthen efforts to address insecurity across Nigeria.

Alia said the Nigeria Police Force is overstretched because of the growing security demands. He also noted that military personnel may not always have sufficient knowledge of local terrains, which makes effective security operations more difficult.

“State policing should have begun long before now. If we have our state police with the power to command and direct, it will be more beneficial.

“So I think it is ideal. I know that the National Assembly has done some bit of that, and the State Assemblies are also playing their own role and making it a continuum of conversation.

“It’s even going to be more improved on what people are thinking, the fears people are having, or the reservations they’re having on the establishment of the state policing.

“I have been one of the first advocates of state policing way before the national conversation began.

“As it is said, who feels it knows it all. For us in Benue State, we felt it, we know what it is, we understand insecurity, we understand what it means for some help, either to be on the way or little help that came our way.

“So the establishment of state police is something ideal that could have been done like yesterday,” he said.

The governor also acknowledged ongoing legislative efforts on the issue. He said both the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly have continued discussions on the proposal. He expressed confidence that concerns and reservations surrounding state policing would be addressed as the process progresses.

By Uzair Adam

A soldier has been killed after suspected ISWAP terrorists launched a coordinated attack on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Logomani, Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State.

The insurgents also set a police outpost and a primary healthcare centre ablaze during the attack on the community, according to local sources.

The Acting Military Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammed Goni, said the terrorists attempted to overrun the military base but were repelled after a fierce gun battle.

He explained that although the attackers briefly breached part of the base’s defensive perimeter, troops quickly reorganised and launched a counter-offensive that forced the insurgents to retreat with heavy casualties.

“The troops rapidly regrouped, mounted a determined counter-offensive and decisively expelled the attackers, inflicting significant casualties and forcing the surviving terrorists to flee with varying degrees of gunshot wounds,” Goni said.

He, however, disclosed that one soldier was killed during the encounter, while two gun trucks and some combat equipment were damaged.

Despite the attack, Goni said Operation Hadin Kai has continued to sustain pressure on terrorist groups across the North-East through intelligence-led operations and search-and-rescue missions.

He revealed that on July 7, troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion, while conducting a search-and-rescue operation in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, rescued two abductees from a terrorist hideout.

According to him, troops also recovered N1.2 million suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities, alongside food supplies and other logistics believed to have supported terrorist operations.

The rescued victims, he added, have been evacuated to a secure location where they are receiving medical treatment and psychosocial support.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has commissioned a new fleet of armoured vehicles and security equipment in Sokoto State, describing the move as a major step towards strengthening Nigeria’s internal security.

At the commissioning ceremony on Wednesday, the Minister praised Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his proactive leadership and investment in security assets, noting that peace remains the foundation for sustainable development.

General Musa stated that the newly deployed combat assets would enhance force protection, mobility, and rapid response capabilities for security personnel in the region.

“While modern equipment is essential, it must be driven by professionalism, discipline, and seamless inter-agency coordination,” the Minister said, commending the state government for complementing military operations with community-based intelligence.

He urged frontline troops to utilise the equipment responsibly and in strict adherence to the rule of law, charging them to justify public investment through selfless service and decisive action against criminal elements.

The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to safeguarding lives and fostering an environment for economic prosperity.