Arewa

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.

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.