Nigeria

By Anas Abbas

Families in Tsanyawa Local Government Area of Kano State are in a race against time after bandits threatened to kill ten abducted residents unless a ransom is paid.

The situation was brought to light by the father of one of the victims, who spoke to a local radio station on Sunday.

He revealed that the kidnappers have designated him as their messenger, using him to relay their demands to the other affected families.

“They call me three or even four times daily, warning me to abide by their requests or they would kill our family members,” the distraught father stated.

He expressed the families’ helplessness in the face of the enormous sum demanded, telling the bandits, “We have never seen that kind of money. All we have are our farmlands and a few small animals.”

The man begged Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for immediate intervention.

“We ask you, our Governor, in the name of God, please help us. They are killing our sons,” he lamented, fearing that time is running out to save the victims.

Kano State Police Command has not issued an official statement regarding this specific threat.

The incident has heightened fears of worsening insecurity in the state’s rural communities.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ex-Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has dismissed the Kano State Government’s call for his arrest, describing the move as baseless and irresponsible.

The former governor made his position known through a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu.In the statement, Ganduje faulted the approach of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration, insisting that the government had failed to address the worsening security situation in the state.

“It is deeply unfortunate that rather than addressing the escalating insecurity ravaging the state, Governor Yusuf has chosen to chase shadows while searching for scapegoats to conceal his glaring failures,” he said.

Ganduje noted that residents in Bagwai, Shanono, Tsanyawa, and other communities had suffered repeated assaults from criminals.

He said the governor had not visited the affected areas or shown concern for the victims.

“His continued absence in moments that require leadership speaks volumes of his disconnect from the people he claims to serve,” the statement added.

The former governor emphasised that he had never been associated with violence. He stated that the accusations were an attempt to mislead the public and divert attention from the government’s shortcomings.

He called on Governor Yusuf to concentrate on his constitutional responsibilities, especially the protection of lives and property, instead of engaging in political distractions.

The development followed the Kano State Government’s announcement on Friday, calling for the immediate arrest of Ganduje over alleged inciting statements and attempts to form an illegal militia group in the state.

By Anwar Usman

The Jigawa State Police Command has killed one suspected armed robber and arrested three others during arm robbery at Hadejia and Sule-Tankarkar.

The operations were confirmed by the Public Relations Officer Jigawa State Police Command, SP Shi’isu Adam, in a statement released to journalists on Friday in Dutse, the state capital.

“These breakthroughs underscore our continuous efforts to combat crimes and ensure public safety across the state,” SP Adam stated.

According to the PPRO, the first incident unfolded around 3:35 a.m. on Thursday at Fruska Table Water Company in Hadejia Local Government Area.“

A gang of about eight unidentified armed robbers stormed the facility, but officers from Hadejia ‘A’ Division arrived swiftly to confront them,” SP Adam stated.

He revealed that the robbers opened fire, sparking a fierce gun duel with the police responders.

“In the intense exchange, one suspect took a fatal gunshot wound while his accomplices scattered into the night,” he said.

He further stated that, “the injured robber was rushed to Hadejia General Hospital for treatment, but he succumbed to his injuries there.

“On the other armed robbery case in Sule-Tankarkar Division, the second raid, according to SP Adam, hit even closer to home just 20 minutes earlier, at about 3:15 am on Thursday.”

He revealed that three armed men broke into the residence of Shamsu Muhd in Togai village, making off with two brand-new Boxer motorcycles.

“Alerted to the theft, Sule-Tankarkar Division operatives raced to the scene and cornered the fleeing trio,” said Adam.

The PPRO further revealed that, “the quick takedown yielded a locally made gun and the stolen motorcycles, key evidence in the brazen home invasion.”

“The two remaining robbers escaped, but ongoing probes aim to reel them in soon.”

The arrested suspect faces court charges once a thorough investigation wraps up, SP Adam assured, saying that “efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing culprits.”

SP Adam therefore reiterated the command’s readiness and dedication in combating terrorism across the state“We remain unwavering in our commitment to the protection of lives and property.”

He also urged Jigawa residents to be vigilant saying that, “The Command calls on the public to remain vigilant and provide timely information to aid our proactive crime-fighting efforts.”

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Government on Friday called for the arrest of former Kano State Governor and immediate past national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

The State Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, made the call while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting held on Thursday.

Waiya said bandits infiltrated a Kano community and abducted several people less than 48 hours after former Governor Ganduje’s outburst regarding the alleged plan to create a militia group in the state.

He disclosed that the Council resolved that Ganduje should be immediately investigated and arrested for allegedly attempting to form an illegal militia through the proposed Khairul Nas Corps.

The Commissioner noted that the Council also warned public officials, including Senator Barau Jibrin, to desist from making statements capable of inciting violence or causing unrest.

Comrade Waiya emphasized that the state government remains committed to maintaining peace and stability, adding that any attempt to instigate crisis in Kano will be met with lawful and decisive action.

He commended President Bola Tinubu and security agencies for their sustained support in safeguarding lives and property in the state.

By Abdullahi Adam Usman

I recently read an exposé on the life of the late Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, published by HumAngle.

The report, titled “The Making and Unmaking of Abubakar Shekau,” attributed the rise of Boko Haram partly to what it described as the influence of the teachings of the medieval Sunni scholar and jurist, Ibn Taymiyyah. HumAngle wrote that his ideas influenced Islamic reform movements such as Salafism and Wahhabism, and suggested that his thoughts on governance and rebellion helped shape extremist ideology in Maiduguri.

While HumAngle is widely respected for its investigative reporting, this conclusion is deeply problematic and requires more nuance. Whether due to insufficient historical context or oversimplified interpretation, such a claim risks misleading readers by forcefully linking terrorism with Wahhabism and, by extension, Ibn Taymiyyah (a narrative that has long been promoted in sectarian discourse).

During his lifetime, Ibn Taymiyyah was imprisoned multiple times by different rulers. However, none of these imprisonments were due to armed rebellion or terrorism; rather, they resulted from theological and intellectual disputes. In fact, several of his critics even described him as a scholar who emphasized obedience to authority to preserve social order. Portraying him centuries later as a direct ideological architect of terrorism therefore presents a historical contradiction.

It is true that some extremist groups have selectively misused or misinterpreted Ibn Taymiyyah’s writings to support their actions. However, this does not make his teachings their true foundation. In reality, many of Boko Haram’s earliest and most prominent victims were Salafi scholars who openly opposed the group.

One such figure was Sheikh Ja’afar Mahmud Adam, a respected Salafi cleric who was assassinated in 2007 while leading the Subh prayer in Kano. He had openly criticized Boko Haram during its formative years. Similarly, in 2014, Sheikh Albani Zaria, another Salafi scholar, was killed by Boko Haram while returning from a lecture. If Boko Haram truly shared the same ideological roots as Salafi scholars inspired by Ibn Taymiyyah, these assassinations would not have occurred.

Furthermore, in mourning the late Bauchi-based Salafi scholar Dr Idriss Abdulaziz Dutsen Tanshi, the Nigerian President described him as someone who played a significant role in countering violent extremism during the early stages of the Boko Haram crisis. This official recognition underscores the clear distinction between Salafi scholarship and terrorist ideology.

Journalism demands more than merely repeating how a group defines itself. As the saying goes: “If one person says it’s raining and another says it’s dry, it’s not your job to quote them both; your job is to look outside and find out which is true.” Responsible reporting requires context, depth, and historical accuracy.

We acknowledge HumAngle’s important contributions to terrorism reporting and public awareness. However, greater care is needed when making sensitive historical and religious attributions that could further inflame misunderstanding and division.

Abdullahi Adam Usman is a student of International Studies at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He can be reached via abdallahnangere@gmail.com.

By Ibrahim Yunusa

On Thursday, 27 November 2025, The Army Council approved the promotion of senior officers to the next rank of Major General and Brigadier General.

A total of 28 Brigadier Generals and 77 Colonels have been elevated to Major General and Brigadier General respectively.

Late Brigadier General ZA Saidu isposthumously promoted to Major General.

While felicitating the newly promoted senior officers, The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu tasks them to intensify their professional drive and prove beyond doubt that their promotion is well deserved.

He urged them to demonstrate exemplary leadership, engage their subordinates through personal conduct while cultivating bold, innovative and unconventional solutions capable of delivering swift and decisive responses to the nation’s evolving security threats.

By Ibrahim Yunusa

The Nigeria Police Force has debunk the viral document of withdrawing of police officers from VIPs duties circulating in social media.This in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin.

The statement said, “The Force wishes to categorically state that this document, allegedly signed by one CSP Suleiman Abdullahi, described as the Admin Officer of the squadron, is fake and should be disregarded by the public.

There is no officer by the name CSP Suleiman Abdullahi serving in 50 PMF Squadron, nor is the position of Admin Officer in any PMF squadron held by an officer of the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP).

This fabrication appears to be a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and create unnecessary confusion.”

The Nigeria Police Force confirms that the implementation of the Presidential Directive on the withdrawal of police officers from VIP duties has indeed commenced.

And the process is being carried out in a structured, phased, and professional manner to ensure that no security vacuum is created that could be exploited by criminal elements.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project has joined agricultural stakeholders at the 2025 National Agricultural Show holding in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State from November 24–28, 2025.

The ICT/Communications Unit of L-PRES disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, noting that the event serves as a strategic platform for government institutions, development partners, farmers, researchers and private sector players to showcase innovations and strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda.

Speaking at the exhibition booth, the State Project Coordinator of Kano L-PRES, Dr. Salisu Muhammad Inuwa, said the project’s participation is crucial in advancing the state’s livestock development priorities and deepening collaboration with national and international partners.

He explained that the show provides an opportunity for Kano to highlight its achievements, share knowledge and attract potential investments into the livestock sector.

Dr. Inuwa noted that Kano L-PRES is showcasing several key interventions, including artificial insemination techniques, the proposed Livestock Service Centre (LSC), pasture development projects, improved animal health systems and strengthened value-chain activities aimed at boosting livestock productivity across the state.

He added that the visibility gained at the national event will further enhance public awareness of L-PRES objectives and its contribution to improving livelihoods, resilience and sustainable livestock development.

Also speaking, the Animal Husbandry Officer of the project, Muhammad Abubakar Kabiru, said the team’s presence at the agricultural show demonstrates Kano L-PRES’ commitment to supporting livestock development through practical and community-based interventions.

“We are here to showcase the work we do in improving livestock productivity, resilience and commercialization in Kano State,” Kabiru said.

He explained that the project is built around strengthening national and state-level service delivery, improving pasture production and management, and enhancing value-chain performance.

According to him, the project teaches livestock-related techniques to women and youths, including pregnancy testing and the administration of essential treatments.

He added that equipment such as feed-processing machines—locally known as kara grinders—are provided to help farmers prepare feed for their animals.

“We also support them with milk-storage tanks and motorbikes to ease mobility and promote efficient livestock production,” he stated.

The Kano L-PRES team reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the state’s agricultural agenda and contributing to Nigeria’s broader goals of food and livestock security, economic growth and improved rural livelihoods.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has assured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the state’s total and unwavering support for the National Emergency on Security recently declared by the Federal Government.

This assurance was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

Speaking during the 34th Kano State Executive Council Meeting at Government House, Kano, the governor commended President Tinubu for taking bold and decisive steps to confront the escalating security challenges facing the country, particularly in the Northern region.

“I therefore reiterate the full cooperation of the Government of Kano State at this moment, and assure all security agencies operating in the state of our unwavering support and collaboration to ensure the success of this declaration,” he said.

Governor Yusuf also addressed internal security concerns within Kano State, restating his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of residents.

He expressed concern over reports of bandits infiltrating some Local Government Areas, especially within the Northern Senatorial District, but assured citizens that the state government, in synergy with security agencies, is taking proactive measures to neutralize the threats.

“Despite isolated challenges, citizens should remain calm and be reassured that the government is fully alert, proactive, and more determined than ever to counter all emerging threats,” he added.

The governor further appreciated the people of Kano for their continuous support and confidence in the administration.

He revealed that the 2026 budget would significantly improve the living standards of ordinary citizens, with strong emphasis on infrastructural development and human capital growth.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar

Bandits have reportedly kidnapped six young girls and a 16-year-old boy from the Gidan-Bijimi settlement in Abuja’s Bwari Area Council.

The assault, which occurred around 9:47 pm on Wednesday, has intensified fears over the capital’s worsening security situation.

Armed with AK-47 rifles, the assailants targeted two homes, firing repeatedly into the air before escaping with their captives into the night.

The victims, young women aged 17 to 23 and the teenage boy, are yet to be contacted by their abductors.

A local resident confirmed that community vigilantes attempted to intervene but were overpowered by the bandits’ superior firepower.

The area, which borders Kaduna State and is near forests known as criminal hideouts, has seen a spike in such attacks.

This incident follows a similar raid in the nearby Guto community just one week prior, where a police officer was killed.

In response to the escalating crisis, the FCT Administration has announced the full activation of “Operation Sweep,” a multi-agency security initiative.