Abuja

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday received delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Rivers State at his residence in Abuja.

Those present at the meeting included the National Vice Chairman (South-South), Victor Giadom, who recently retained his position. Lawmakers from the National Assembly and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly also attended the gathering. Other party leaders from the state were equally present.

The meeting followed the APC South-South Zonal Congress held in Asaba, Delta State, a few days earlier.

At the congress, Giadom emerged again as the National Vice Chairman (South-South), while Samuel Nwanosike was elected as the South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary.

The gathering is seen as part of ongoing consultations within the party ahead of its national convention.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed a suspected kidnapper and rescued 19 people who were abducted in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The operation took place around Gidan Dogo after security forces received intelligence about the hideout of suspected terrorists linked to the recent abduction of residents in the Byazhin area of Bwari.

Captain Olawuyi Itunuoluwa, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the Headquarters Guards Brigade, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday. He said soldiers carried out the mission with support from personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes.

“The operation was launched following credible intelligence on the whereabouts of terrorists responsible for the recent abduction of residents from the Byazhin area of Bwari,” Itunuoluwa said.

According to him, troops confronted the suspects during the operation. The encounter led to an exchange of gunfire.

“During the operation, troops made contact with the bandits, leading to a firefight in which one of the criminals was neutralised, while others fled the scene with suspected gunshot wounds,” he said.

He stated that security personnel later searched the area and recovered weapons. All the kidnapped victims were also rescued during the operation.

“Further exploitation of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle and one locally fabricated firearm. Additionally, all 19 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued and evacuated to safety,” he added.

The army spokesman said the troops have returned to their base in Bwari. He noted that the rescued victims are currently receiving care.

Itunuoluwa also said the Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya, praised the troops and other security operatives who participated in the mission.

“The brigade will continue to intensify operations in collaboration with other security agencies to rid the territory and its environs of terrorism, kidnapping, and other criminal activities,” he said.

Onasanya also reaffirmed the brigade’s commitment to protecting residents of the Federal Capital Territory and ensuring the security of Abuja as the nation’s capital.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has warned of possible protests in Abuja today, March 4, 2026, and advised American citizens to take precautionary measures.

The alert, which was posted on the Embassy’s official Facebook page, highlighted concerns about demonstrations in the Federal Capital Territory. The mission linked the development to the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran.

“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja informs U.S. citizens that there is a high potential for protests in Abuja today, March 4, 2026, due to the current conflict with Iran.

Previous protests by some groups have resulted in violent clashes between the group and Nigerian security forces.

The Embassy strongly recommends that all U.S. citizens in Abuja remain in their residences on Wednesday, March 4.”

In its advisory, the Embassy outlined steps Americans should take to reduce risk. It urged citizens to avoid areas where protests may occur and to stay away from large crowds. It asked them to exercise caution if they find themselves near gatherings. The mission encouraged them to follow local media reports and stay conscious of their surroundings. It also advised them to keep a low profile and review personal security arrangements.

The alert further directed U.S. citizens to keep their mobile phones charged in case of emergency and to carry valid identification at all times. It warned them to remain vigilant in public places such as shopping centres, cinemas, and places of worship. The Embassy also asked individuals to take note of emergency exits whenever they enter buildings and to vary travel routes and times to reduce predictability.

Despite the warning, the Embassy confirmed that visa and other consular services remain operational.

“The Consular Sections of Embassy Abuja and Consulate General Lagos remain open. Please monitor our website for updates.”

For assistance, the Embassy provided contact details for its offices in Abuja and Lagos. The Abuja office is located at Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central District Area. It can be reached at +234 209 461 4328, while after-hours calls can be made to +234 209 461 4000 by pressing zero. Emails can be sent to AbujaACS@state.gov.

The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos is situated at 2 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island. It can be contacted at +234 201 460 3400 during and after business hours. Its email address is LagosACS@state.gov.

The State Department’s Consular Affairs office in Washington can also be reached at +1 888-407-4747 or +1 202-501-4444.

The Embassy encouraged Americans to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive security updates. It also asked the public to follow its official social media accounts for more information.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The All Progressives Congress has claimed three of the six chairmanship seats in the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections, while the Peoples Democratic Party took Gwagwalada, according to results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

In AMAC, the incumbent chairman, Christopher Maikalangu of the APC, polled 40,295 votes, defeating his closest rival from the African Democratic Congress, who scored 12,109 votes. The PDP candidate trailed with 3,398 votes.

In Bwari, APC candidate Joshua Ishaku won the chairmanship with 18,466 votes, while the ADC candidate came second with 4,254 votes. The Zenith Labour Party candidate received 3,515 votes.

The ruling party also prevailed in Kwali, where Daniel Nuhu of the APC scored 17,032 votes, defeating the PDP candidate, Haruna Pai, who garnered 8,575 votes.

The PDP secured a major win in Gwagwalada, where Mohammed Kasim defeated his APC rival, Yahaya Shehu, with 22,165 votes to Shehu’s 17,788. Other parties in the race included the Social Democratic Party with 432 votes, the New Nigeria Peoples Party with 175 votes, and the Young Progressives Party with 158 votes. Several smaller parties received minimal support.

INEC Returning Officer, Philip Akpen, described the Gwagwalada election as peaceful and orderly, noting that voting and collation proceeded without major disruptions. Out of 207,577 registered voters, 46,294 were accredited, with 43,960 valid votes and 1,521 rejected ballots.

The results sheets were signed by party agents, including those of APC, PDP, ADC, APGA, YPP, and NNPP. INEC is yet to announce results for the remaining two FCT Area Councils as collation continues.

The elections were closely watched amid a keen contest between the APC and PDP, while smaller parties struggled to gain traction in most declared councils.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Nigerian academic and writer, Dr. Aisha Musa Auyo, has announced the release of her new book titled Between Hearts and Homes. The book is a collection of articles drawn from her personal experiences, observations, and long-standing interest in human relationships.

In a post shared on her Facebook profile, seen by the Daily Reality on Sunday, Auyo stated that the book reflects her journey as an aspiring relationship expert and coach, with a strong focus on relationships between couples. She noted that her background played a major role in shaping her love for books and reflection.

Auyo recalled growing up in a home headed by librarian parents, where reading became a constant companion. She said her education spanned both secular and Islamic schools, and she devoted much of her free time to books. That lifestyle, she explained, affected her social interactions during childhood.

According to her, frequent bullying and repeated disappointments made her question her role in those experiences. That period later pushed her towards social psychology, as she sought to better understand herself and how people relate with one another.

Her studies and observations, she said, revealed the strong influence of family structures on individual behaviour. As divorce cases and unhappy marriages increased within her community, she developed a stronger desire to promote healthy relationships, especially among couples. She described happy families as the backbone of a stable society and a prosperous nation.

The author stated that the book draws lessons from her interactions with parents, siblings, husband, in-laws, friends, teachers, and students. She said she carefully reflects on these relationships, learns from them, and passes the lessons to her readers so they can gain insight without going through similar difficulties. Responses and discussions from readers, she added, have continued to deepen her understanding of relationship matters.

Auyo also revealed her experience in offering free marital and parenting coaching, which exposed her to the realities many families face. She said this experience expanded her understanding of the challenges linked to marriage and interpersonal relationships.

Through Between Hearts and Homes, the author said she aims to present a realistic picture of marital and other relationships, while encouraging more understanding and compassion in interactions between spouses and within society.

She added that her broader objective is to address common relationship issues and support the well-being of individuals and the community at large.

The book is available in paperback in Nigeria, while readers across the world can access it on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle formats.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has ordered the immediate closure of all public senior secondary schools in the capital, citing pressing security reasons.

In an urgent memo issued on Tuesday by Aishatu Alhassan, the Director of School Services at the FCT Secondary Education Board, principals were instructed to ensure all academic activities cease and students are dismissed in a safe and orderly manner on or before Friday, November 28.

The directive requires schools to immediately notify students, staff, and parents, and to adjust all scheduled academic work.

The administration stated that schools are expected to reopen on the next official school day unless further instructions are provided.

The memo reinstated that the directive must be treated as a matter of importance and urgency.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service has wrapped up its first Customs Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT) Summit after a three-day program in Abuja.

The event ended on 19 November 2025. It drew Customs heads, policy specialists and private sector stakeholders from across Africa. Discussions focused on deepening the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The closing ceremony took place at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton. The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, hosted the final session. He also oversaw key deliberations during the summit.

Addressing participants, Adeniyi said the gathering had given Africa “a credible platform to move from fragmented efforts to collective solutions.” He added that the resolutions would guide Customs administrations as they strengthen border procedures, improve compliance systems and reduce non-tariff barriers that slow cross-border trade.

He further explained that the C-PACT initiative, which Nigeria proposed and promoted, would now serve as “a working mechanism for African Customs administrations to engage regularly, share operational experiences and harmonise processes in support of AfCFTA.”

Earlier, Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu, had called on African nations to remove structural trade barriers. He urged leaders to embrace a continent-wide framework that promotes competitiveness, industrial expansion and stable cross-border commerce.

In the same vein, the Secretary-General of the World Customs Organisation, Ian Saunders, reminded participants that Customs agencies remain key to the success of AfCFTA because they “connect borders, enforce standards and determine the practical realities of trade.”

At the opening of the summit, Afreximbank’s Executive Vice President, Kanayo Awani, warned that without modern and interoperable Customs systems, Africa would struggle to unlock the full economic benefits of AfCFTA.

During the final session, delegations expressed satisfaction with the level of engagement recorded. They highlighted progress made on issues such as rules of origin, transit systems, risk management, digital documentation, gender inclusion and coordinated border operations.

Participants also resolved that the C-PACT platform should continue as a technical body. It would track progress and help align national Customs systems with evolving continental standards.

Private-sector representatives, including freight operators, manufacturers, logistics companies, port authorities and exporters, also made presentations. They drew attention to persistent delays, uneven procedures and documentation challenges that discourage intra-African trade.

In his remarks, the National President of the Association of Licensed Customs Agents, Emenike Kingsley, noted that the summit offered a rare opportunity for Customs administrators and economic operators to jointly assess operational constraints.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Executive Committee (NEC), led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has taken drastic disciplinary actions against several high-profile members.

At its 103rd NEC meeting held at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, the faction announced the expulsion of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed; and Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal.

Prominent chieftain, Chief Bode George, was also expelled.Furthermore, the committee ratified the suspension of several other leaders, including former Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara; Senator Kabiru Tanimu Turaki; and the Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja.

In a sweeping move, the NEC also ratified the dissolution of the State Executive Councils in Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, Edo, and Ekiti States.

Presenting the memo for the expulsion, the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, stated that the action was a consequence of the affected members’ disregard for court judgements.

He argued that their actions had brought the party into disrepute.These decisions mark a significant escalation in the internal crisis rocking the main opposition party.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A passenger train service from Abuja to Kaduna derailed on Tuesday morning, causing multiple carriages to overturn and creating a scene of panic and confusion among travellers.

The incident occurred along the busy transport corridor at approximately 11 a.m., shortly after the train’s departure from the nation’s capital.

Eyewitnesses aboard the train described a chaotic scramble for safety as the carriages left the tracks.

The precise cause of the derailment is currently unknown and is likely to be the subject of an official investigation.

At this time, there has been no official confirmation of injuries or fatalities.

Security sources indicate that military personnel have been deployed to the scene to aid in the evacuation of stranded passengers.

Authorities have not yet released an official statement regarding the incident.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A three-storey building collapsed on Saturday evening in the Lifecamp area of Abuja, trapping a 27-year-old man, Aliyu Salisu, beneath the rubble for several hours.

He was rescued alive in the early hours of Sunday following an extensive emergency operation.

Salisu, who is a citizen of Niger Republic, remained under the debris for nearly 10 hours before rescue teams successfully pulled him out at around 4:00 a.m., according to a statement from the Federal Capital Territory Police Command.

Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh confirmed the details of the rescue on Sunday. “The rescue teams worked tirelessly to extricate Aliyu Salisu from the rubble, and their efforts paid off at about 4am on Sunday,” she said.

The rescue operation began shortly after a distress call was received at approximately 6:15 p.m. on Saturday.

A team led by the Divisional Police Officer of Lifecamp swiftly arrived at the scene, secured the area, and initiated emergency procedures alongside other response agencies.

Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Ajao Adewale, oversaw the operation and praised the collaborative effort.

“We commend the swift response of the various agencies and volunteers who worked together to rescue Aliyu,” he stated.

Salisu was taken to Cedar Crest Hospital in the Gudu area for medical treatment. He is reportedly recovering well.

The police have urged residents to remain alert and take immediate action when emergencies occur.

“We urge residents to be proactive in reporting emergencies,” Commissioner Adewale said.

“Our control room lines are active round-the-clock, and we are committed to responding swiftly to distress calls.”

At the time of this report, authorities have yet to disclose what led to the building’s collapse.

An investigation is expected to follow.