Arewa

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 Sabiu Abdullahi

Five people lost their lives in 30 fire outbreaks recorded across Kano State in June, according to the Kano State Fire Service.

The agency said the incidents also destroyed property valued at more than N120.4 million during the month. It added that its emergency response efforts prevented the loss of property estimated at N481.8 million.

The figures appeared in the Fire Service’s operational report for June, which the agency’s Public Relations Officer, Saminu Abdullahi, released on Monday.

Apart from responding to fire outbreaks, the report stated that the service handled seven rescue operations during the period. It also recorded one false alarm and successfully rescued three people from separate emergency situations.

The Director of the Kano State Fire Service, Alhaji Sani Anas, urged residents to be more careful when handling fire in order to reduce preventable incidents.

He said, “We urge members of the public to exercise caution when using fire and ensure that all sources of fire are completely extinguished after use to prevent avoidable fire outbreaks.”

Anas also called on parents and guardians to keep a close watch on their children to prevent drowning incidents.

He added, “Parents and guardians should closely supervise their children and prevent them from playing near puddles, ponds, rivers, or uncovered wells in order to reduce incidents of drowning, particularly among children and young people.”

The fire service director also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property through timely emergency response, public safety campaigns, and cooperation with communities.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have thwarted a terrorist ambush after an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded along the Damboa-Kumala road in Borno State.

According to security sources quoted by counter-insurgency publication, Zagazola Makama, the incident happened at about 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 4.

The report stated that soldiers, alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), were escorting 63 civilian vehicles to Kumala when the convoy encountered the explosive device on the major supply route connecting Damboa, Bulabulin and Kumala.

Makama reported that suspected terrorists attacked shortly after the explosion. The ambush reportedly occurred about two kilometres away from the blast scene.

However, troops responded with what the publication described as superior firepower. The attackers later retreated, while the convoy continued with the operation.

The report added that the explosion damaged the tyres of two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. No soldier or civilian sustained injuries during the incident.

According to Makama, troops later replaced the damaged tyres at the scene and successfully completed the escort mission. The security team also ensured the safe movement of 71 civilian vehicles from Kumala back to Damboa.

Military sources told the publication that the operation reflected the commitment of Operation Hadin Kai to keeping vital supply routes open despite ongoing terrorist threats in the North-East.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A video showing suspected bandits displaying large amounts of cash believed to have been obtained from kidnapping ransom payments has surfaced online.

The footage appeared on social media on Saturday and has triggered fresh concerns about insecurity and abductions across parts of Nigeria.

The video was shared by Bakatsine, a journalist known for reporting security issues and conflicts in the North-West region.

Posting the clip on his X account, he wrote: “This video shows bandits flaunting money obtained through ransom payments. May Allah bring an end to this tragedy and grant Nigeria lasting peace.”

Kidnapping for ransom has remained a major security challenge in several parts of the country, especially in the North-West and parts of the North-Central region.

Armed groups have continued to attack communities, travellers, farmers and schools despite ongoing military operations against criminal gangs.

Several states across the country still record cases of abduction and violent attacks linked to banditry.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Fresh tension has spread across parts of Benue State after unknown gunmen killed the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in the state, Alhaji Risku Muhammad, alongside his associate, Yakubu Isah.

The attack reportedly took place on Friday at Okudu community in Otukpo Local Government Area shortly after the victims attended a peace meeting in neighbouring Ohinmini LGA.

Sources said the meeting was organised by the Divisional Police Officer of Ohinmini. Community leaders and Fulani herders attended the dialogue to discuss ways to restore peace in Ayunne Community, where a recent attack claimed several lives.

Residents said the victims were travelling home after the meeting when armed men intercepted their vehicle and opened fire on them.

The eldest son of the deceased, Idris Muhammad, confirmed the incident during a telephone conversation with journalists on Friday night. He said his father came under attack while returning from the peace meeting.

The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, also confirmed the killing and expressed concern over the development.

“It is true that the state chairman of MACBAN was killed within Otukpo Local Government Area this afternoon. The killing has raised tension in the community and neighbouring areas,” Ogiri said.

He appealed to residents to remain peaceful and assured them that security agencies were handling the situation.

The Chairman of Ohinmini Local Government Area, Adole Gabriel, said the deceased participated actively in the peace dialogue before the attack occurred.

“You know there was a crisis at Ayunne Community where some people were killed some time ago, and the DPO of Ohinmini convened a peace meeting involving Fulani herders and members of the community.

“I was told the meeting was fruitful and, at the end of it, the man (MACBAN chairman) left. Unfortunately, I learnt that some gunmen ambushed his vehicle at Okudu Community in Otukpo Local Government Area and killed him alongside one other person,” Gabriel said.

The Benue State Police Command confirmed that it received a report of the incident. The command’s spokesperson, Udeme Edet, said an investigation had started.

“I have received the report and investigation is ongoing,” Edet said.

Communities in Otukpo and Ohinmini local government areas have recorded repeated violent attacks in recent months. Several of the incidents were linked to suspected armed herders.

Meanwhile, the national leadership of MACBAN condemned the killing. The association described the incident as a “dastardly and deeply disturbing act.”

In a statement signed by its National President, Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, the group said the circumstances surrounding the murder had raised serious concerns.

MACBAN stated that it was troubling that a leader who attended a peace meeting became a victim shortly afterwards. The association also raised concerns over reports that one of the deceased’s children, who is a lawyer, was allegedly attacked in a village about a week earlier.

The group urged security agencies to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter.

“The killing of community leaders and peace advocates threatens efforts towards reconciliation, dialogue and peaceful coexistence among communities. Those who seek to destabilise society through violence must not be allowed to succeed,” the statement added.

The association also sympathised with the family of the deceased and members of MACBAN in Benue State. It reaffirmed its commitment to peace and cooperation with security agencies in addressing insecurity across the country.

By Anas Abbas

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed as false and misleading claims circulating on social media that a police officer was seen interacting with armed bandits in Katsina State.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Force said the individuals featured in the viral video were not bandits but members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters assisting security agencies in ongoing operations within Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of the state.

According to the police, the footage captured a routine engagement between a police officer and the community security volunteers as they moved to an operational location to support efforts aimed at tackling crime and improving public safety.

The Nigeria Police Force described reports linking the volunteers to banditry as “entirely false, malicious and misleading,” stressing that the narrative was designed to create confusion among members of the public.

The police further condemned what it called the deliberate distortion of facts and the spread of misinformation capable of generating unnecessary fear, weakening public confidence in security institutions and disrupting ongoing security operations.

The NPF urged citizens to disregard the claims attached to the video and to rely on information released through its official communication channels and other authorised government sources.

It also warned individuals and groups involved in producing or disseminating false information that could threaten public peace and security to desist, noting that legal action may be taken against offenders.

The Force reiterated its commitment to collaborating with legitimate community-based security organisations and other stakeholders in the fight against crime and the protection of lives and property across the country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has approved a fresh six-month extension for the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.

Adeniyi’s current tenure was earlier extended by one year in 2025. The tenure was expected to end on August 1, 2026.

According to the Presidency, the latest extension will run until February 2027. The statement explained that the decision will allow the Customs boss to continue the implementation of the National Single Window project and also ensure a smooth leadership transition within the service.

The Presidency stated that during the transition period, Adeniyi will work alongside the Nigeria Customs Service Board to oversee the promotion of qualified officers to the rank of Comptroller of Customs.

He is also expected to supervise the compulsory retirement of officers who have either reached the age of sixty or completed thirty-five years in service.

Adeniyi joined the Nigeria Customs Service after graduating from Obafemi Awolowo University in the late nineteen eighties.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Senator Ali Ndume has said that his repeated electoral victories are the result of support from God, his constituents, and some political leaders, rather than influence from powerful figures within President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The senator made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, where he spoke about his political career and preparations for another election cycle.

Ndume explained that he has enjoyed consistent success at the polls throughout his political journey. He noted that he is heading into what would be his seventh election after serving two terms in the House of Representatives and four terms in the Senate.

According to the lawmaker, voters in his constituency are well-informed and capable of making independent political choices. He said their continued support for him and the All Progressives Congress (APC) reflects their belief that both he and the party represent their interests.

He also maintained that he secured the APC ticket through divine favour, the backing of his constituents, and support from some party leaders. Ndume added that he is not among those considered influential within the current corridors of power.

Despite occasionally criticizing the Tinubu administration, the senator said he believes public officials deserve praise whenever they make decisions that positively affect citizens.

Ndume said: “Well, you always ask me this question. By God’s grace, this is the seventh election I’m going into – two in the House of Representatives and four in the Senate – and I’ve always been winning.

“Our people are not fools. My people are mostly aware and educated. So, if you see them elect APC and Ndume is part of it, it is because they feel that APC is better for them and that’s why they vote for us or that Ndume is better.

“I don’t know tomorrow, but I know my people like me. I know if it is election that’s why I got the ticket.

“I got the ticket from God and my people and the support of some of our leaders. You know I’m not one of the popular guys on the corridor of power so far.

“You know that I’m one of the critical guys of this government, and when somebody does something that you expect or something good to you, you really have to commend him.”

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.