Kaduna

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Security operatives from the Kaduna State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser, have successfully rescued 17 individuals who were kidnapped on March 3, 2025, in Sarkin Pawa, Niger State.

According to the police, the operation was carried out using a non-violent method and reflects the determination of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to promote intelligence-driven strategies and cooperation among security agencies in combating crime.

The rescued individuals include Williams Ubadia (15), Samuel Ezekiel (15), Duza Ezekiel (13), Ishaku Ishaya (12), Sunday Ezekiel (8), Jessy Friday (6), Rebecca Ezekiel (32), Jummai Ishaya (32), Terriza Friday (30), Alice Ezekiel (35), Victoria Ishaya (32), Blessing Ezekiel (20), Gloria Ubadia (13), Gift Ubadia (10), Charity Ezekiel (9), Alheri Ishaya (5), and Favour Ezekiel (1).

All those rescued were taken to the Police Clinic in Kaduna for medical evaluation.

The police confirmed that they are in stable and healthy condition.

In a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi, he said: “In line with the operational directives and strategic vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, geared towards tackling violent crimes, dismantling criminal networks, and enhancing public safety across the country, the Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant breakthroughs in recent operations conducted in Kaduna State.”

He added: “On April 9, 2025, in a remarkable feat of inter-agency collaboration and strategic intelligence deployment, operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in conjunction with the Office of the National Security Adviser, successfully rescued 17 victims who had been abducted on March 3, 2025, from Sarkin Pawa, Niger State.”

On the same day, officers intercepted a commercial Volkswagen Sharan vehicle at Kawo Central Motor Park in Kaduna.

Following a detailed search, 21 fabricated AK-47 rifles were found hidden inside the vehicle.

The police arrested a 27-year-old man, Jamilu Suleiman, from Rafin Guza, Kaduna. During initial questioning, he reportedly confessed that he had been directed by a union member to transport the weapons to an unidentified individual in Kaduna.

Authorities have begun a thorough investigatio n aimed at uncovering the full network behind the arms trafficking.

In a separate incident on April 9, 2025, around 5:00 a.m., the police responded to a distress call about a robbery in progress at Doggi Farm along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway.

The Divisional Police Officer of the Tafa Division led a patrol team to the scene. Upon arrival, they exchanged fire with a gang of about 30 armed robbers who had stormed the premises.

Two suspects were shot dead during the confrontation, while others fled toward nearby hills.

Two additional suspects, who sustained injuries, were taken to Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Memorial Hospital in Sabon Wuse.

One of them later died, and the other remains in custody, aiding the investigation.

The police have assured the public that efforts are underway to capture the remaining members of the gang.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kaduna State Police Command has responded to allegations made by former Governor Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, who claimed that his former Commissioner, Malam Jafaru Sani, was abducted by a group of kidnappers he referred to as the “Uba Sani Group,” allegedly connected to the police.

The police dismissed the claim, emphasizing that there is no such group within the Nigerian Police Force.

According to the police, the Nigerian Police Force was established under the 1999 Constitution, with the primary responsibility of maintaining law and order.

They further urged the former governor to verify the truth of any allegations before making public statements.In a press release issued by the police spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, he stated:

“We have taken note of a statement made by the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, on his X platform, where he accused his former Commissioner, Malam Jafaru Sani, of being abducted by a group of kidnappers known as the ‘Uba Sani Group,’ whom he claimed to be police officers.”El-Rufai also alleged that Jafaru Sani was detained in prison without any police report (FIR) or charges filed by the state Ministry of Justice.

“There is no such group of kidnappers within the Nigerian Police Force. The police is a lawful body established by the constitution to uphold law and order.”

The police further explained that they are authorized to arrest and investigate anyone accused of committing a crime under the provisions of the law.

They noted that any individual, company, or government body has the right to file a complaint with the police, and if a crime is committed, the matter will be taken to court for trial.

The police urged the public, especially those in positions of authority, to exercise caution and avoid making baseless accusations against security agencies.

They warned that such unfounded claims could create confusion and undermine the integrity of security institutions.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Ja’afar Ibrahim Sani, a former commissioner under the administration of ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has been arrested by security operatives in Kaduna State.

The arrest, which occurred in the wake of his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has raised eyebrows.

Sani, who served as Commissioner for Local Government, Education, and Environment, was reportedly detained on the orders of the state government.

While the full details of the arrest remain unclear, sources indicate that police officials were involved in the operation.

Notably, Sani was the individual nominated by El-Rufai to replace him as a Minister in 2023, but his nomination was blocked by the Senate following security reports from the State Security Service.

His political journey has been marred by controversies, including opposition from the current Governor of Kaduna, Uba Sani, who disagreed with El-Rufai’s choice for the position.

In a letter dated March 10, 2025, Sani announced his departure from the APC, citing his disillusionment with the party’s leadership, which he accused of drifting away from its founding progressive ideals.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A wave of resignations has struck the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State following the departure of former governor Nasir El-Rufai from the party.

Multiple resignation letters obtained on Monday indicate that several APC members, particularly those loyal to El-Rufai, have been leaving the ruling party in large numbers.

This development comes just hours after the former governor publicly announced his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Similarly, some former commissioners who served under El-Rufai have also withdrawn their membership from the APC.

Among them are Ja’afaru Ibrahim Sani, a former Commissioner for Local Government, and Hajiya Hafsat Mohammed Baba, who previously oversaw Human Services and Social Development.

Both submitted their resignation letters to their respective ward chairmen on Monday.

In his letter, Sani expressed disappointment with the way the party leadership treated its members.

He stated, “With the hatred and disdain shown to us by the leadership of the party we worked hard to nurture, it has become compelling to seek another platform in our desire to bring development and prosperity to our dear people.”

He further explained that after consulting with key stakeholders in Anchau, Kubau Local Government Area, and Kaduna State, he decided to leave the APC immediately.

“As I move on, I remain grateful to you and to all members of the APC, as well as the electorates in the Ward, Kubau Local Government Area, and the State for the support rendered to me as Chairman of the APC Stakeholders, Kubau LGA,” he added.

BySumayyah Auwal Usman

In a dramatic political development in Kaduna State, prominent loyalists of former Governor Nasiru Ahmed El-Rufa’i have defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Key figures among the defectors, including founding members of the APC, former legislators, commissioners and appointees, formally announced their decision at the SDP national secretariat in Abuja.

Hon. Nasiru Maikano, who emerged as the interim chairman of the SDP in Kaduna State stated that “We have decided to leave the APC and join the SDP because we believe that the party aligns more closely with our vision for the future of Kaduna State.”

The recent defections of political figures from the APC to the SDP in Kaduna State have been interpreted by many political pundits as a reflection of the deteriorating relationship between Governor Uba Sani and former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Kaduna State stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) convened on Thursday, 27 February 2025, at the Kaduna State Liaison Office in Abuja.

The meeting, chaired by Governor Uba Sani, focused on welcoming new and returning party members, reviewing recent zonal and state-level stakeholder meetings, and evaluating the performance of the APC-led administrations at both federal and state levels.

Key attendees included Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives; former Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero; Hon. Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal; and other prominent party leaders and officials.

After thorough discussions, the stakeholders resolved to organized caucus meetings at zonal, local government, and ward levels to introduce new and returning members before the administration’s second anniversary; revitalize or establish party offices at ward, local government, and zonal levels within the next three months.

They also unanimously pass a vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani, commending their exemplary leadership and people-focused governance.

The stakeholders expressed strong support for the current administration’s efforts and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the party’s grassroots presence.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Kaduna State is currently facing an extended power outage due to ongoing industrial actions linked to labor disputes at the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KAEDCO).

The power shortage has severely impacted the daily lives and economic activities of residents in the state.Governor Uba Sani has expressed his concerns over the power disruption, reaching out to the Chairman of the Board at Kaduna Electric.

In his communication, the governor urged the company to swiftly address the issues causing the outage.

Kaduna Electric has assured the governor that the situation will be resolved soon, and power supply will be restored.

While awaiting the resolution, residents are advised to remain calm and stay vigilant, as the situation may lead to security risks, with potential threats of vandalism and public unrest.

All parties involved have been urged to find a swift and peaceful solution to restore power to the state’s residents.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Former members of the Kaduna State Executive Council (2015-2023) have vehemently rejected corruption allegations leveled against them by the Uba Sani-led administration.

In a statement released on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, the ex-officials described the accusations as a politically motivated smear campaign.

The controversy stems from a report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which claims that N423 billion went missing under the leadership of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The report, which was first issued in June 2024, resurfaced this week, with some media outlets treating it as “breaking news.”

However, the former officials insist that they debunked the allegations in June and July of 2024, proving that the claims lack credibility.

According to the ex-officials, many of the loans listed in the report were not acquired during their administration, while others were disbursed after their tenure.

They further argue that certain loans were double-counted, and even a railway loan that was never contracted was included in the accusations.

In their statement, the former officials dismissed the idea that 40% of Kaduna’s earnings over eight years simply disappeared.

“Only those inclined to fiction can believe such a claim,” they remarked.

They also accused Governor Uba Sani’s administration of misrepresenting El-Rufai-era achievements, including projects funded by the AGILE initiative, the World Bank CARES infrastructure program, and the RAAMP roads program, all of which were initiated under El-Rufai’s tenure but are now being credited to Sani.

Beyond the allegations, the former officials claim that the Uba Sani government is targeting El-Rufai’s allies.

They cited the cases of Bashir Saidu and Jimi Lawal, both of whom have allegedly been detained unlawfully despite fulfilling bail conditions.

Furthermore, the government has reportedly blocked their release through administrative measures, including suspending land verification services.

The former officials argue that the real aim of these actions is to tarnish El-Rufai’s political legacy.

They contend that since the N423 billion claim remains unproven, the Sani administration is using media propaganda and criminal charges to create the illusion of corruption.

The statement concluded by highlighting the accomplishments of El-Rufai’s administration, including significant increases in Kaduna’s internally generated revenue (from N13 billion in 2015 to N58 billion in 2022), public service reforms, and key infrastructure projects.

“We will not be silenced,” the former officials declared. “We will continue to defend our legacy and expose this smokescreen of deceit.”

By Uzair Adam

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has dismissed notions that his political style is merely theatrical.

In a recent exchange on X (formerly Twitter), El-Rufai responded to a user’s praise of his memoir, Accidental Public Servant, by clarifying that he has no interest in playing a role akin to that of a “Nollywood actor” in governance.

The online user had remarked that after reading El-Rufai’s book, it was clear that no politician would invite him into their cabinet unless they were truly dedicated to national development.

El-Rufai thanked the tweep for the kind words, underscoring that his record speaks for itself. “I don’t know how to pretend. Being a Nollywood actor in governance is for some others, not for us committed to real service,” he wrote.

In recent public appearances, the former governor has been vocal in his criticism of the ruling party’s current direction. Reflecting on his role as a founding member of the APC, El-Rufai lamented the party’s drift from its foundational goals.

“I no longer recognize the APC,” he declared at an event in Abuja. “Our original mission was to combat corruption, revive the economy, and secure our nation. Yet, these priorities remain unaddressed, and the party’s internal structures have all but disintegrated.”

El-Rufai’s comments come amid ongoing debates about the nature of political engagement in Nigeria.

When questioned by Daniel Bwala—special adviser on policy communication to President Bola Tinubu—about whether his stance would be any different if he were serving in a cabinet position, El-Rufai reiterated his long-held position.

Citing his previous experience as a cabinet minister over two decades ago, he noted that he had always maintained a distance from positions that conflicted with his principles.

“I made it clear to Asiwaju that I was not interested in any future government role,” he stated, adding that his critique of the party’s current state would have been voiced regardless of his position.

El-Rufai’s forthright remarks and his commitment to authenticity continue to fuel discussions about the future of Nigerian politics and the need for leaders who prioritize substantive change over political theatrics.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Lawal Adamu Usman, popularly known as Mr. La, the senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, has reportedly survived an alleged assassination attempt.

Usman, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a prominent opposition figure, confirmed the incident via his verified Facebook account late Wednesday night.

The senator, elected to the Senate in 2023, did not provide detailed information about the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack.

In his statement, Senator Usman said, “I just escaped an assassination attempt by some thugs in Kaduna Central.”