Arewa

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Some passengers abducted along the Itobe-Ajegwu-Anyigba Road in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State have regained freedom after escaping from their captors inside a forest.

The incident occurred on Saturday after armed men reportedly attacked two commercial buses conveying passengers along the route.

One of the affected vehicles reportedly bore Ebonyi registration number NKE 737 XA.

Sources said the attackers also seized a motorcycle rider and took him away with the passengers to an unknown location.

A resident of the area, Ahiaba Michael, said local vigilantes, hunters and security personnel launched a search operation shortly after the attack. However, the gunmen escaped with the victims.

Security sources later disclosed that operatives arrested a suspect, identified as Monday Agi, about three hours after the incident.

According to the source, the suspect allegedly became stranded in the area due to pressure mounted by security operatives during the search.

The source said: “When interrogated, the suspect claimed to be on board of a trailer from Ekiti, but decided to alight around the scene of the incident to continue the journey by trekking to his destination.

“He said when he heard gunshot, he decided to flee into the bush with two herders whom he claimed he did not know.”

The source added that the suspect remains in police custody while security agencies continue efforts to track down the kidnappers.

Meanwhile, three victims identified as Micheal Adejo, Monday and Mariam Yakubu narrated how they escaped after their abductors slept off in the forest.

The victims said the gang consisted of about 10 armed men carrying AK-47 rifles and pump-action guns.

One of the escapees said: “The bus I boarded suddenly ran into their barricade. On stopping, they filed us out, wielding AK 47 rifles and pump Action guns . The second bus behind us was shot at and the driver rammed into cashew trees. All of us were taken to the bush thereafter.

“On our way, we were stopped, and asked to lay face down. In the process, they searched our pockets and evacuated everything in it , including, money, our cell phones and other valuables. We are many , all passengers from two Hummer buses.”

Another escapee, identified as Adaji, explained how they managed to flee from the forest.

“When I noticed that the hoodlums closer to my position started sleeping , I started crawling gradually. After a distance was covered, I got up ,and with luck I ran until I reach a village with these two others,” said Adaji.

Efforts to get a response from the spokesperson of the Kogi State Police Command, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, were unsuccessful as calls and text messages sent to her were not answered as of the time of filing this report.

By Ishaka Mohammed

The Arewa Business Support Fund (Arewa BSF) has announced its website accessibility ahead of the official launch of the investment initiative set for June 1, 2026.

The announcement was made through the official X handle of the Fund @ArewaBSF. Part of it reads, “We are excited to officially announce that the portal for Arewa Business Support Fund is now LIVE!”

Arewa BSF is a private-sector initiative aimed at supporting youth-led businesses in northern Nigeria, regardless of the ownersʼ origins.

THE DAILY REALITY earlier reported how Aliko Dangoteʼs son-in-law, Captain Jamil Abubakar, raised 100 million naira to support entrepreneurs in northern Nigeria.

This Paper also gathered that beneficiaries would enjoy free mentorship and consultancy in addition to interest-free business loans, which, when repaid, would be used to support more businesses. By implication, every financial contribution is a donation. At the time of filing this report, there are 12 financial contributors.

The website https://arewabusinessfund.com/ has more information for interested entrepreneurs and contributors.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially declared Dr. Jamilu Isiyaku Gwamna the winner of its governorship primary election for the 2027 general elections, following a landslide victory in Gombe State.

Dr. Gwamna dominated the poll, amassing a staggering 247,161 votes to defeat two of the state’s most prominent political figures. His closest rival, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, finished a distant second with 12,120 votes. Former Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Ahmed Alkali, came third with 11,612 votes.

The results, announced by the party’s electoral committee, confirmed that Gwamna secured over 90% of the total votes cast, cementing his position as the party’s standard-bearer for the 2027 governorship race.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A lecturer of Nigerian extraction at the University of Cologne in Germany, Dr. Muhsin Ibrahim, has raised concern over the worsening security situation in Northern Nigeria, stating that many Nigerians appear more focused on politics than the growing wave of violence across the region.

Dr. Muhsin, who hails from Kano State, made the remarks in a Facebook post on Sunday after reading several reports on insecurity published by an online news platform.

According to him, the reports detailed attacks on schools, abductions of travellers and students, as well as ambushes on security personnel in parts of Northern Nigeria.

“I read five news stories about insecurity, mostly in Northern Nigeria, this morning on an online news channel. They reported attacks on schools, abductions of innocent travellers and schoolchildren, and ambushes of our gallant security personnel. Scores remain unaccounted for, and several others have been killed. Things have fallen apart,” he wrote.

The academic expressed disappointment that discussions on social media appeared to revolve largely around the ongoing All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections instead of the security challenges confronting the country.

“Most of the posts I see on my timeline focus on the ruling party’s primary elections, the APC. Many people appear more concerned about their benefactors or their favourite politicians winning or losing their primary elections,” he said.

Dr. Ibrahim also criticised what he described as the poor handling of security by governments at different levels. He argued that the alliance between Kano State and the Federal Government had yet to translate into improved security in the state.

“The Kano State Government promised us improved security now that it is aligned with the Federal Government (FG). This has not happened yet,” he stated.

He further referred to recent comments by the Zamfara State Governor regarding insecurity in the state, noting that the situation had not improved despite political realignments.

“The Zamfara State Governor recently spoke passionately about the spiralling security situation in his state, shifting the blame to the FG. To my sheer shock, he joined the APC. Has anything changed for the better in the state? Heck, no,” he added.

Dr. Ibrahim said the worsening insecurity was making it difficult for many Nigerians to remain hopeful about the future of the country.

“Honestly, it is getting harder to be optimistic about Nigeria. Where can we get one thing fixed? Who will or can do it? When will that happen?” he queried.

He urged Nigerians to vote responsibly and prioritise leaders capable of addressing the country’s challenges.

“Fear God, and cast your votes for the right candidates. Wake up, folks,” the lecturer wrote.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have carried out a series of airstrikes that targeted ISWAP logistics networks along the Lake Chad waterways near Kaniram Island in northern Borno State.

The operation followed intelligence reports which indicated the presence of more than 30 terrorist boats and fighters coordinating movements in the area.

Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, confirmed the development in a statement. He explained that the military verified the targets in line with established Rules of Engagement before launching the strikes.

According to the statement, the air operations successfully destroyed several boats and disrupted the group’s supply structure in the area. The strikes also affected the group’s movement and operational capacity, as more than 30 fighters were neutralised.

“Surviving elements were observed escaping in disarray, reflecting a breakdown in their cohesion and command structure,” the statement claimed.

In another operation within the Sambisa Forest axis at Sowolwolo, troops carried out additional precision strikes. The exercise led to the destruction of three terrorist gun trucks and the elimination of more fighters in the vicinity.

Further assessment of the operation, supported by intelligence after the strikes, indicated heavy losses on the side of the insurgents. Reports also pointed to evidence of mass burials, especially among ISWAP elements around the Mallam Fatori axis.

The Military High Command praised the troops for their performance and urged them to maintain the momentum in ongoing operations across the region.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The federal government has released a list of 48 individuals and organisations alleged to have connections with terrorism financing across Nigeria.

The disclosure came on Saturday through the Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NIGSAC). The list contains names of persons and entities suspected to be involved in activities tied to extremist and banned groups. These groups include the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Ansarul Sudan (Ansaru), and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Among those identified is Simon Ekpa, a separatist figure based in Finland who is linked to a faction of IPOB. On September 1, 2025, the Päijät-Häme district court in Finland sentenced him to six years imprisonment over terrorism-related offences. The court held him liable for inciting terrorism and for taking part in the operations of a terrorist group.

Tukur Mamu, a publisher from Kaduna, also appears on the list. He is currently standing trial in Nigeria over allegations tied to terrorism financing. Mamu was arrested in 2022 and later charged by the federal government. The charges include claims that he supported terrorist groups through financial and logistical means. He has denied the allegations.

Other individuals named include Abdulsamat Ohida, Mohammed Sani, Abdurrahaman Abdurrahaman, Fatima Ishaq, Yusuf Ghazali, Abubakar Muhammad, Sallamudeen Hassan, Adamu Ishak, Hassana Isah, Abdulkareem Musa, Umar Abdullahi, Bashir Yusuf, Ibrahim Alhassan, Salihu Adamu, Surajo Mohammad, Fannami Bukar, Muhammed Musa, Sahabi Ismail, Mohammed Buba, Adamu Hassan, Hassan Mohammed, Usman Abubakar, Kubara Salawu, and Rabiu Suleiman.

The list also contains several names from the south-east. They include Simon Njoku, Godstime Iyare, Francis Mmadubuchi, John Onwumere, Chikwuka Eze, Edwin Chukwuedo, Chiwendu Owoh, Ginika Orji, Awo Uchechukwu, Mercy Ali, Ohagwu Juliana, Eze Okpoto, Nwaobi Chimezie, and Ogumu Kewe.

Entities listed by the committee include Jama’atu Wal-Jihad, Ansarul Sudan (Ansaru), Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Yan Group, and Yan Group NLBDG.

The development comes at a time when authorities have increased scrutiny of financial channels believed to support armed groups and separatist movements. The government has continued efforts aimed at cutting off funding sources linked to insecurity in different parts of the country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A woman believed to be mentally ill has delivered a baby girl by the roadside in Kwaita village, located in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to Daily Trust, the incident happened in the early hours of Saturday at about 12:30 a.m. The woman was said to have given birth without assistance.

A local resident, Saidu Musa, explained that the situation came to light after a neighbour spotted the woman, who is often seen around the roadside, and raised an alarm.

“It was my neighbour who first saw her. She usually stays around the road. When he realised she had delivered a baby, he immediately alerted the police patrol team,” Musa said.

Security operatives responded shortly after the report. They moved the woman and her newborn to the General Hospital in Kwali for treatment.

The FCT Police Command also confirmed the development. Its spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said officers on patrol from the Rapid Response Squad first reported the case at about 12:30 a.m.

She noted that the Gender Unit of the Kwali Division acted quickly after receiving the information and proceeded to the scene.

“The mother and her newborn were safely rescued and immediately conveyed to General Hospital, Kwali, where they received medical attention and were subsequently discharged in stable condition,” she said.

Adeh added that the authorities followed due process by informing the Welfare Officer of Kwali Area Council, Mr. Sadiq Kwali. She said both mother and child were later taken to the FCT Children’s Home in Gwako, within Gwagwalada Area Council, where they will receive proper care.

She further stated that the Commissioner of Police in the FCT, CP Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, praised the officers for their prompt response. He said they showed compassion and professionalism in handling the situation and ensured the safety of the woman and her baby before the arrival of the Gender Unit.

By Ishaka Mohammed

A son-in-law of Aliko Dangote, Captain Jamil Abubakar, has raised multimillion naira to support entrepreneurs in northern Nigeria. Captain Jamil, a pilot, is the son of former Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Dikko Abubakar.

On March 21, 2026, Captain Jamil tweeted his wish to attract investors to Arewa businesses, and by the end of the following day (March 22), he had already raised 100 million naira. He disclosed that he had asked other willing donors to wait until after the pilot phase of the initiative, the Arewa Business Support Fund. 

He revealed that beneficiaries would receive interest-free business loans, which, when repaid, would be used to support more businesses. Beneficiaries would also enjoy free mentorship and consultancy. 

Responding to concerns that fluency in English could be a barrier, the captain assured the public that local languages would feature prominently in the Fund’s activities, stressing that businesses domiciled in the North, regardless of ownership and owners’ language proficiency, would be considered. 

He mentioned names of other stakeholders, including the acting financial secretary of the Fund, Mohammed Jammal (aka White Nigerian), Khalil Nur Khalil (economic adviser to Katsina State Government), and Mohammed Bello El-Rufai (a member of the House of Representatives), among others.

During a discussion among the stakeholders on X, it was revealed that Saleem Abubakar Musa (simply called Saleem) had been like a personal assistant to Captain Jamil.

On March 27, Saleem (@AM_Saleeeem) tweeted the summary of the subsequent activities of the Fund as follows:

“Next Steps:

– The website will be launched to the public soon, featuring comprehensive details, business templates, and practical guides (how to, when to, and what to do).

– Formal registration of the Arewa Business Support Fund as a legal entity, including banking and all required documentation.

– Nomination of Board of Trustees.

– Rollout of the pilot phase.”

However, the Fund will consider only existing businesses in the pilot phase; business ideas alone would be rejected.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) under Operation Hadin Kai, working with civilian hunters and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), have arrested a suspected informant linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram terrorists in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The suspect, identified as Abdullahi Umar, 25, a native of Gwoza in neighboring Borno State, was apprehended on March 23 after security operatives received credible intelligence about suspected ISWAP elements within the 232 Battalion’s Tactical Area of Responsibility.

SaharaReporters gathered that Umar was arrested during a coordinated operation involving troops and local security volunteers in the area.

A security expert and counter-insurgency analyst, Zagazola Makama, confirmed the arrest and revealed that preliminary investigations showed the suspect had been assigned by insurgents to carry out reconnaissance around military formations.

According to the findings, Umar was allegedly tasked with surveying routes leading to the 232 Battalion and other military structures to identify potential entry points for future attacks by insurgents.

During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to participating in a recent attack on troops in Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

Military authorities are conducting further investigations while Umar remains in custody for possible prosecution and additional intelligence gathering.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has affirmed that no external power can prevent Muslims from observing Shariah.

The Secretary-General of SCSN, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, made the statement in response to a report recently submitted to former President Donald Trump by a United States congressional committee.

The report, presented by Riley Moore, representative for West Virginia’s 2nd congressional district, and Chris Smith, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Sub-committee, investigated alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria. It highlighted Shariah and blasphemy laws as key concerns.

According to the US lawmakers, “Blasphemy laws in Nigeria’s northern states are used to silence speech and dissent, target Christians and minorities, and justify so-called ‘convictions’ without due process.” The report also recommended repealing these laws, establishing a US–Nigeria security pact, and imposing penalties or visa bans on violators.

However, the Council rejected the claims, saying the report inaccurately portrayed Nigeria as a scene of “Christian genocide” and questioned the inherent rights of Muslims to practise Shariah.

“For clarity, Shariah constitutes a comprehensive way of life for Muslims, encompassing spiritual, moral, social, and legal dimensions. It is the divinely ordained framework through which Muslims regulate their personal and communal affairs,” the Council said in a statement.

The Council further emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, allowing citizens to conduct personal matters according to their faith. Shariah courts operate lawfully within constitutional limits, serving only Muslims. Any attempt to criminalize or dictate how Shariah is practised, it added, undermines Nigeria’s sovereignty and constitutional order.

“The Council therefore rejects any external interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs. Nigeria is a sovereign, multi-religious nation with a plural legal system and complex security challenges. Simplistic and bias driven narratives imported from abroad do not advance peace or justice; rather, they risk inflaming tensions, deepening mistrust, and undermining peaceful coexistence.”

The Council also condemned the notion of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, calling it false and misleading. “The violence confronting the nation stems from terrorism, banditry, organized criminality, and governance deficits. The government appears either indifferent or incapable of resolving the security problem which has claimed the lives of Muslims and Christians alike,” the statement said.

It reiterated its condemnation of all killings, regardless of the victims’ or perpetrators’ identity, urging the government to decisively tackle insecurity.

“Finally, as Muslims observe this blessed month of Ramadan, the council calls on the Ummah to intensify prayers, supplications, and acts of righteousness, seeking Allah’s intervention for peace, security, justice, and unity in Nigeria. We urge all Muslims to remain law-abiding, steadfast in faith, and committed to peaceful coexistence with all Nigerians.”

“Nigeria belongs to all of us. Our faith is not negotiable, our Constitution is clear, and our sovereignty must be respected by other nations and protected by our government.”