Kebbi

By Ibrahim Yunusa

Kebbi State Police Command have arrested a 25-year-old woman allegedly kidnapping a four-years-old friend’s son, Abdulmumini Surajo, demanding a ransom of 5 million Naira from his family.

A security analyst, Zagazola Makama, has post on his X account that the boy was avowed missing 26th November, 2025.

Zagazola stated that hours after the missing of the boy, his father received a call from an unfamiliar number with a female’s voice demanding a ransom of ₦5 million.

According to the analyst, the number was traced by police detectives and found that the user’s name is Muhammad which hunted and arrested.

He wrote, “The victim, Abdulmumini Surajo, went missing on November 26, 2025. Later that day, the father received a call from an unknown female voice demanding a ransom of five million naira (N5,000,000). Police detectives traced the call and identified the caller as Maryam Muhammad, 25, a married woman from the same area.”

Makama added that after the woman was arrested, she was also reportedly confessed to the abduction.

The child was rescued unharmed by the police operatives by 6:08 pm in Mahuta of Fakai Local Government are of the state where the suspect allegedly kept him.

Confirming the incident when contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Nafi’u Abubakar, on Monday, has said, “The suspect had a misunderstanding with the mother of the boy and decided to retaliate by kidnapping him. She is currently in our custody, and an investigation is ongoing.”

This development is coming amid the wave of security tensions in the state where female students were abducted after bandits stormed and raided a girl’s secondary school in the state.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Chairman of Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area in Kebbi State, Hussaini Aliyu, has refuted a statement attributed to U.S. lawmaker Riley Moore, who alleged that the abduction of the Maga school girls occurred in a Christian community.

Aliyu stated that every one of the abducted students is Muslim.

He described the lawmaker’s remark as misleading and harmful, warning that such comments could stir needless religious tension at a period when authorities are concentrating on securing the girls’ release.

He explained that the Maga community falls under the Zuru Emirate, a district known for its long record of religious harmony. According to him, the area has never witnessed faith-related crises.

He urged the U.S. congressman to avoid issuing unverified claims that cast Nigeria in a negative light or threaten national cohesion.

The names of the abducted students released by the chairman are listed below:

Senior Secondary School 2A

1. Fatima Sani Zimri

2. Hafsat Ibrahim

3. Nana Firdausi Jibril

4. Masauda Yakubu Romo

Senior Secondary School 2B

5. Hauwa Saleh

6. Hauwa’u Umar Imam

Senior Secondary School 3A & 3B

7. Salima Garba Umar

8. Salima Sani Zimri

9. Amina G. Umar

10. Rashida Muhammad Dingu

11. Saliha Umar

12. Aisha Usman

13. Jamila Iliyasu

14. Maryam Illiyasu

15. Najaatu Abdullahi

16. Zainab Kolo

Junior Secondary School 3A

17. Surraya Tukur

18. Hafsat Umar Yalmo

19. Maryam Usman

20. Amina Illiyasu

21. Ikilima Suleman

Junior Secondary School

22. Khadija Nazifi

23. Hauwa’u Iliyasu

24. Hauwa’u Lawali

25. Ummu Kulsum Abdulkarim

By Sabiu Abdullahi

There was a lot of panic in communities of the Zuru Emirate of Kebbi State after armed bandits attacked Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in the Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area.

The assault claimed the life of the Vice Principal and resulted in the abduction of an unspecified number of students.The Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Yakubu Makuku, was said to have confronted the attackers in an attempt to protect the students.

Residents described his death as a heavy blow to the school and the entire community.

A local resident, Murjanatu Hassan Gishiri, confirmed the attack and said the gunmen moved into the school without any obstruction.

She said the community was plunged into fear as the bandits unleashed violence on the premises.

“It is a heartbreaking tragedy that has thrown the entire region into deep fear and mourning,” she lamented.

The number of students taken away has not been officially disclosed.

Families have expressed deep concern as they await updates from authorities.

Security agencies have yet to release an official statement on the incident.

Meanwhile, residents are urging the federal and state governments to intervene quickly to rescue the abducted students and strengthen security in schools across the region.

By Anas Abbas

The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested four suspected vandals in connection with the destruction of a transformer at Government Girls Secondary School, Bunza, Bunza Local Government Area.

The suspects,Sanusi Muhammad and Ibrahim Lawal from Sokoto State, as well as Tasi’u Abubakar and Tasi’u Abdullahi from Zamfara State,were caught following a joint operation by the Divisional Police Officer in Bunza and local vigilante groups.

Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, said in a statement on Saturday that the incident occurred at about 3 a.m. on September 10.

The gang allegedly tied up the school’s watchman before dismantling the transformer with chainsaws and other tools.

Recovered from the scene were a black Toyota Corolla with registration number KNT-359-SN, believed to have been used for the operation, as well as the vandalised armoured cables and equipment employed in the act.

“While two suspects were arrested at the scene, further investigations by the State CID in Birnin Kebbi led to the capture of the fleeing gang members,” the police spokesman said.

He confirmed that all suspects remain in custody and will soon be charged to court.Commissioner of Police, Bello M. Sani, lauded the prompt response of the Bunza DPO and vigilantes, describing the arrest as proof of the value of police-community cooperation.

He assured residents of the state that the Command remains committed to rooting out criminals and ensuring public safety, while urging citizens to remain vigilant and share credible intelligence with security agencies.

Meanwhile, the Command also announced progress in another high-profile case.

On September 10, six suspects were arrested over the theft of gold ornaments worth over ₦109.5 million in Ka’oje, Bagudo Local Government Area.

Among those apprehended was a serving Nigerian Correctional Service officer, Ibrahim Abubakar, who confessed to taking part in the heist.

The valuables, belonging to the family of Hajiya Amina Hassan Bello, included five necklaces, nine bangles, and four rings weighing 782.7 grams.

According to investigators, the suspects conspired to sell the stolen gold and channel the proceeds into land purchases.

The police said efforts are ongoing to track down additional suspects and recover more of the stolen property.

By Uzair Adam

The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old woman, Maryam Atiku, for allegedly attempting to kill her newborn baby girl by burying her alive in a bush in Dandi Local Government Area of the state.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, Bello M. Sani.

According to the statement, the incident happened on June 25, 2025, around 8:00 p.m., when Maryam, a resident of the Nasarawa area of Kamba, gave birth and allegedly tied three wrappers around the baby’s neck, covered her mouth, and buried her in a shallow grave at Malam Yaro bush.

The statement explained that on June 26, at about 12:30 p.m., a farmer, Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad, discovered a disturbed patch of soil resembling a fresh grave while working on his farm near Mallam Yaro village.

He raised an alarm, and with the help of nearby residents, the baby was exhumed alive.

The statement further noted that the baby was immediately rushed to General Hospital, Kamba, where she received medical attention and was certified to be in stable condition.

On receiving the report, detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Birnin Kebbi, swiftly arrested the suspect.

According to the statement, she confessed to the crime during preliminary investigation. The Commissioner of Police, as quoted in the statement, condemned the act and described it as barbaric.

He reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for child abuse, exploitation, and all forms of gender-based violence in the state.

The statement added that CP Bello urged parents, guardians, and community leaders to fear Allah in safeguarding children under their care and to resist compromising their future because of poverty or other factors.

It also acknowledged the support of the wife of the Kebbi State Governor, Hajia Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris, for her intervention in ensuring the rescued child’s welfare, as well as the efforts of Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad, whose quick action saved the baby’s life.

The statement concluded that upon completion of investigation, the suspect was arraigned in court for prosecution to serve as a deterrent to others.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded its largest seizure of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Kebbi State since the launch of Operation Whirlwind.

Speaking at a press briefing in Kebbi on Tuesday, the Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) of Financial Administration and Special Duty, as well as the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Hussein Ejibunu, made this known on behalf of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

Ejibunu noted the dangers posed by fuel smuggling, stating that it results in revenue losses, trade distortions, artificial scarcity, and national security threats.

He stressed that the operation reflects the NCS’s strong commitment to tackling illegal fuel diversion.

“This seizure marks a significant milestone in our efforts to protect Nigeria’s critical resources. The Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in tackling smuggling activities that undermine government policies and economic stability,” he stated.

According to him, the interception was carried out in the Tsamiya area of Kebbi State based on intelligence gathered after days of surveillance.

He disclosed that among the seized items was a truck with Nigerian plate number DC 7184 RB, which contained 766 jerrycans of 25 litres each and 18 drums of 200 litres each of PMS.

Another truck, with Republic of Benin plate number AT 2457 RUP, was found carrying 1,454 jerrycans of 25 litres each and 18 drums of 200 litres each of PMS. Similarly, a truck with Republic of Benin plate number BV C240 Arubi was intercepted with 1,350 jerrycans of 25 litres each and 18 drums of 200 litres each of PMS.

In addition, 805 jerrycans of 25 litres each were confiscated at various locations, including Dole Kaina, Zaria Kalakala, Tunga Waterside, Lolo, and Tsamiya.

Ejibunu reaffirmed the NCS’s determination to sustain efforts against fuel smuggling and strengthen collaboration with other agencies to secure Nigeria’s borders.

He also disclosed that the seized PMS was sold at a controlled price of ₦10,000 per 25-litre jerrycan to benefit citizens rather than smugglers.Speaking at the event, the Customs Area Controller of Kebbi Command, Comptroller Chidi Nwakureke, assured that his team remains committed to eliminating smuggling activities in the state.

He stated that the agency would continue to facilitate trade and ensure a smooth business environment for legitimate traders while intensifying operations to curb smuggling.

Nwakureke praised the efforts of Customs officers involved in the operation and acknowledged the support of other security agencies in the ongoing anti-smuggling drive.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

The governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, has declared Monday, July 8, a public holiday to mark the beginning of the new Islamic calendar, 1st Muharram 1446 AH.

The state commissioner for establishment, Auwal Dogondaji, made this known in a statement issued to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, on Friday.

According to him, the 1st of Muharram is July 7, citing its importance, the government attributes it to the Islamic new year and has decided to shift the public holiday from July 7 to July 8. 

Manu-Dogondaji congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the advent of the new Islamic calendar, urging the Muslims to sustain fervent prayers for peace, security, and prosperity for Kebbi and the nation as a whole. 

“I extend the congratulation of the governor to the entire Muslim Ummah across the globe,” the commissioner said.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Civil society organisations have unleashed strong criticism against Governor Nasiru Idris of Kebbi State following his decision to bestow brand new SUVs upon members of the state House of Assembly, executive members, and heads of parastatals. 

The move, initially perceived as a gesture of appreciation, has ignited widespread condemnation due to its ill-timed nature amidst prevalent economic hardship and hunger among residents. 

Comrade Ibrahim Ngaski, Secretary of the Coalition of Civil Society in the state, articulated the collective sentiment, noting that while the governor’s intent might have been noble, the gratuitous distribution of the vehicles, funded by taxpayers’ money, is contentious.

He advocated for either monetizing the vehicles or deducting their cost from the recipients’ transport allowances to ensure prudent use of public funds. 

Ngaski also underscored the populace’s discontent with the timing, stating that the distribution of luxury vehicles to government officials fails to address the pressing needs of ordinary citizens struggling to make ends meet. 

Gurusa Abubakar, Secretary of the Civil Liberties Organisation, echoed this disappointment, stating that the gesture fell short of people’s expectations, stating their desire for essential services like stable electricity rather than lavish gifts to already affluent individuals. 

In the midst of this outcry, Abubakar Aliyu, a vulcanizer in Birnin Kebbi, expressed his disillusionment, highlighting the disparity between the officials’ windfall and the citizens’ dire circumstances. 

Governor Idris defended his actions, asserting that the vehicles were essential tools to facilitate officials’ duties, citing previous allocations to security agencies and commissioners.

However, he faced further scrutiny as critics questioned the necessity of such extravagance amidst the state’s challenges. 

In response to mounting criticism, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Idris, clarified that the vehicles were not gifts but rather loans extended to officials to enhance their operational efficiency.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Sani Yakubu Noma, the Member of the House of Representatives for Argungu/Augie Federal Constituency in Kebbi State, has announced plans to give out 100 female orphans in marriage as part of his efforts to contribute to the welfare of orphans in his constituency.

 Addressing journalists in his hometown of Argungu, Noma revealed that the marriage ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Palace of the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, on Saturday. 

He explained that a committee has been established to oversee the event, and the selected individuals for marriage were chosen from the two local government areas he represents at the National Assembly. 

According to Noma, “Already, I have procured beds, mattresses, essential furniture, and other matrimonial commodities for the beneficiaries.” 

However, this initiative has sparked a wave of controversy, with varying opinions on the appropriateness of such a move. 

While the lawmaker frames it as a benevolent gesture toward orphans, critics argue that it raises ethical questions about the right to choose a life partner.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

The Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) has officially commenced its Post-University Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) Admissions Screening Exercise for the upcoming 2023–2024 Academic Session. 

The announcement was made by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Jamilu M. Magaji, during a press briefing held at the institution’s Main Campus in Birnin Kebbi on Monday. 

This highly anticipated screening exercise is set to span five days, running from Monday, September 25th, to Friday, September 29th, 2023.

Candidates from various academic faculties will undergo this rigorous evaluation process to secure their positions at FUBK. 

To streamline the screening process, the university has divided the candidates into groups based on their respective faculties. 

On Monday and Tuesday, candidates from the Faculty of Science and the College of Health Sciences will be screened.

Wednesday is reserved for candidates from the Faculties of Art and Social and Management Sciences, while Thursday and Friday will see candidates from the Faculties of Environmental Sciences and Education undergo their assessments. 

Muhammad Atiku, a candidate pursuing a B.Sc. in Geology, praised the screening exercise, emphasising its focus on academic and moral standards. 

Atiku’s sentiments echoed the positive feedback from other candidates, such as Hauwa Salihu Adamu, a Department of Microbiology applicant, who described the process as “perfect” and an excellent opportunity for interaction with fellow applicants from across the nation. 

The Federal University Birnin Kebbi, established in 2013, is a federal government-owned institution with a strong commitment to academic excellence. 

Currently, the university boasts three campuses and offers a wide array of academic programmes, including thirty-seven undergraduate and twenty postgraduate programmes, making it a preferred choice for aspiring scholars in Nigeria. 

As the screening exercise unfolds over the next five days, candidates are eager to showcase their qualifications and secure their places at FUBK, contributing to the university’s legacy of academic excellence and growth.