Nigeria

By Anas Abbas

Troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces have dealt a significant blow to fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during offensive operations in Borno State, military sources confirmed on Thursday.

According to a statement issued by the theatre command of Operation Hadin Kai, soldiers engaged ISWAP elements in coordinated actions across insurgent-held terrain in the early hours of the day. The engagements resulted in several militants being killed, with additional insurgent positions disrupted.

Military officials said the operations are part of an ongoing campaign to suppress extremist activity in the northeast and degrade the capabilities of ISWAP and allied groups.

In recent weeks, troops have maintained pressure on insurgent lines, repelling attacks and seizing weapons and logistics materials during clearance patrols.

The Defence Headquarters reiterated its commitment to sustaining momentum in counter-terrorism efforts until lasting stability returns to affected communities in Borno and neighbouring states.

Taqdeer (Divine Decree), a 2025 Nigerian Islamic film directed by Ruben Reng, is a captivating tale of love, fate, and cultural heritage. Starring Ibrahim, Sakina, Mustapha, and Zainab as leading characters, this film weaves a narrative that explores the intricacies of human relationships against the backdrop of Nigerian and Hausa traditions.

The film’s plot revolves around themes of destiny, faith, and choices, unfolding a story that keeps viewers engaged. The narrative delves into the lives of its characters, exploring their struggles and triumphs in a way that resonates deeply. 

Watching Taqdeer is a visually immersive experience. The cinematography captures the vibrant essence of Abuja, blending traditional and modern elements harmoniously. The film’s use of Hausa language and Islamic cultural references adds authenticity, making the story feel both personal and universal. The performances by the cast are compelling, bringing depth to their characters.

Taqdeer’s formal techniques, such as its cinematography and sound design, effectively enhance the narrative’s emotional impact. The film’s portrayal of Islamic moral themes and traditions provides a rich context for the story, making it relatable and thought-provoking. The blend of music and story-based sound adds to the film’s atmosphere, drawing viewers into the world it creates.

Analytically, while Taqdeer is strong in many areas, certain scenes linger longer than necessary, which can detract from the story’s overall momentum. Nevertheless, these moments are outweighed by the film’s strength, particularly its moral richness.

In conclusion, Taqdeer is worth watching for its engaging narrative, moral richness, and strong performances. It offers a glimpse into Nigerian Muslim culture and explores universal themes of love and fate, making it a compelling watch for audiences interested in diverse storytelling.  

Reviewed by

Rexford Asamoah Adu

radu@smail.uni-koeln.de

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A journalist in Bauchi State, Muhammad Sani Mu’azu, has expressed deep concern over the plight of some retired government workers, especially former journalists, who are yet to receive their gratuities.

Muhammad Sani Mu’azu made the remarks in a post on his Facebook page, noting that the will left by the late veteran journalist, Malam Dalhat Hamid Bello, deeply troubled him. The will urged Bello’s children to use his gratuity to settle debts owed to him, highlighting the difficult circumstances the late journalist faced after retirement.

According to Muhammad Sani, Malam Dalhat Hamid Bello often called him to give advice on work and life, particularly on reducing stress and workload. However, Bello never openly expressed regret for dedicating his life to public service. Muhammad Sani said the frequent advice indicated that Bello had faced challenges after leaving government service.

He emphasized that no work he has done at the radio station, or may do in the future, could match the level of sacrifice shown by Malam Dalhat Hamid Bello. What surprised him, he added, was that the late journalist often advised him to take things easy. He described this as a valuable lesson for young journalists.

Muhammad Sani noted that if Malam Dalhat Bello’s gratuity had been paid on time, it would have prevented the need to publicize his will on social media or wait until the government made a posthumous payment.

He praised the Bauchi State Government for its promise to settle the late journalist’s gratuity, calling it commendable and expressing good wishes for the governor. However, he added that “there is still a long way to go.”

The journalist also pointed out that many retirees, like Malam Dalhat, are still alive but desperately in need of their gratuities. Some of these are former journalists who dedicated their lives to public service but now live in hardship.

He explained that a typical trait of retired journalists is to hide their struggles. Even in difficult circumstances, they often appear cheerful and well-dressed, while close family members know the hardships they endure.

Muhammad Sani Mu’azu appealed to the Bauchi State Governor to show compassion to other retirees yet to receive their gratuities. He urged the government to act promptly, even if it means borrowing funds, so that these workers can be paid while still alive, rather than waiting until death to release large sums to their heirs.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Sector 7 under Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have dismantled a kidnappers’ hideout in Badurum Kasa Forest, located in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and rescued eight abducted persons.

This is contained in a statement released by the Nigerian Army today via their official Facebook handle.

The operation took place on January 28, 2026, after the troops received credible intelligence on the activities of the criminal group.

Acting swiftly, the soldiers moved into the forest in a coordinated mission alongside operatives of the Zango Kataf Police Area Command, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, Forest Guards, and local hunters.

According to military sources, the joint team advanced deep into the forest and made contact with the kidnappers at about 5:59 p.m. The criminals reportedly became overwhelmed by the firepower and tactical advance of the security forces. They abandoned their captives and escaped into nearby bushes.

As a result of the operation, eight victims were rescued without injuries and later reunited with their families. Those freed are Mrs Rashida Musa (19), Mrs Hafsat Nuhu (18), Mr Zakari Saleh (52), Miss Hasiya Yahaya (13), Mr Ahmed Yahaya (14), Mr Ibrahim Saiba (11), Miss Salma Yahaya (14), and Mr Sophan Idris (18).

The operation highlights the Nigerian Army’s continued cooperation with other security agencies and local support groups. It also reflects ongoing efforts to safeguard lives, secure key areas, and limit the activities of criminal groups within Kaduna State and beyond.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nigerians resident in Norwich, United Kingdom, have commenced a fundraising drive to facilitate the return of the remains of Uchenna Okirie, popularly called “Common Man,” who was stabbed to death in his student residence in November 2025.

Okirie, a Nigerian citizen, was reportedly killed under circumstances that unsettled both residents of the area and members of the Nigerian community in the UK. A 27-year-old Congolese national, Benjamin Katabana, has been charged in connection with the incident.

To raise funds for his repatriation and burial in Nigeria, the Nigerian Community Norwich set up a GoFundMe campaign titled, “Rest in Peace, Uche: Help Us Return Him to His Family.”

As of Wednesday, the appeal had attracted £1,149 from 67 donors, out of a target of £7,000.

In the message accompanying the fundraiser, organisers paid tribute to Okirie, describing him as a kind-hearted and selfless individual who dedicated himself to helping others.

“We are heartbroken to share the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Uchenna Okirie, fondly known by many as ‘Common Man’… Uche was tragically stabbed to death in his home. He was a remarkable soul—steady, genuine, and deeply compassionate,” the statement read.


The community disclosed that Okirie earned a Master’s degree in Development Economics from the University of East Anglia during the 2021/2022 academic session. During his time at the institution, he also served as an international student ambassador.

He was said to be well known among students for assisting newcomers to the UK as they settled into their new environment.

“When friends arrived in the UK with nowhere to stay, he opened his home without hesitation… When someone needed help setting up a bank account, searching for a job, or navigating a new environment, Uche showed up,” the organisers stated.


They further noted that his calm nature, sincerity, and habit of placing others first earned him deep respect, adding that he would be remembered for his “unique smile, quiet generosity, and habit of placing others’ comfort above his own.”

According to the Nigerian Community Norwich, Okirie left behind friends, classmates, and colleagues who were deeply affected by his death. The group explained that the funds would cover the cost of transporting his body to Nigeria and support burial arrangements, as he had no immediate family members in the UK.

“This is our way of giving back to someone who gave so freely of himself. No contribution is too small, and every donation brings us closer to giving Uche the farewell he deserves,” the organisers added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A major in the Nigerian Army has died following an attack by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on a military patrol in Damasak, the headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area in Borno State.

Sources said that the officer, who commanded the Damasak military base, was leading a foot patrol of approximately 30 soldiers early on Friday when the team came under explosives and gunfire from the insurgents.

“From what I gathered the commander of the Damasak base led a foot patrol of 30 troops early on Friday. They came under explosives and gun attack from ISWAP, forcing them to disperse. Only eight soldiers returned to base while 22 are unaccounted for, including the commander, a major,” a source said.

Reports indicated that attempts to reach the major by phone were answered by an unknown individual, leading to speculation that he might have been captured. “Someone answers his phone each time his base tries to reach him, indicating he is in the hands of ISWAP,” the source added.

However, another security source disputed the claim of abduction, asserting that the officer was killed during the ambush.

The incident follows a similar attack last year when Brigadier General M. Uba was killed by ISWAP fighters after they ambushed a convoy of soldiers and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) operatives along Damboa Road in Borno while transporting military equipment.

This attack shows the ongoing threat posed by ISWAP in the region and the continuing risks faced by Nigerian military personnel in the northeast.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kano State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old man, Ididiong James, over an alleged assault on his mother and the possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The command said the suspect was arrested after operatives attached to the Panshekara Division responded to a distress call on January 25 concerning his actions.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said officers who arrived at the residence discovered that the suspect was “mercilessly beating his mother at their residence in Panshekara Quarters, Kano.”

According to the statement, the suspect escaped when the police officers got to the scene. His mother later handed over an English Beretta pistol and eight rounds of ammunition to the officers. She told the police that she found the items inside her son’s bag and refused to return them to him, which allegedly triggered the attack.

“She also expressed concern over her son’s changed behaviour since his return from a New Year celebration,” the statement added.

The police spokesperson said the suspect was later apprehended and is now in custody, while investigations continue.

“The suspect was subsequently arrested and is currently in police custody. The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD, commends the mother for her courage and urges parents to be vigilant,” the statement said.

The police assured members of the public of their commitment to maintaining peace and safety across the state.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The first group of Gwoza community refugees has returned home from the Republic of Cameroon.

The Daily Reality gathered that the group, consisting of 300 individuals, arrived in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area, after spending nearly 11 years in a refugee camp in Cameroon.

The return was confirmed in a statement issued by the Borno State Governor’s spokesman, Dauda Iliya.

The statement explained that the repatriation program follows the visit by Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, to the refugee camp in Cameroon on December 8, 2025. During that visit, Governor Zulum pledged to facilitate their safe, orderly, and dignified return home.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have uncovered an illegal arms manufacturing site in Nasarawa State, leading to the arrest of a suspect and the recovery of weapons and cash.

This is contained in a statement signed by AHMAD ZUBAIRU ZUBAIRU, Lieutenant, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, on 26 January 2026.

The operation took place in Agwatashi, Doma Local Government Area, where troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Idadu carried out a fighting and confidence-building patrol. The patrol formed part of ongoing efforts to restrict the activities of criminal elements in the area.

During the operation, the soldiers discovered a hidden location believed to be used for the production of locally made firearms. Several suspects reportedly fled when they sighted the patrol. One of them, identified as Baba Ogar, a 26-year-old male from Arusu village in Kokona Local Government Area, was arrested while attempting to escape by hiding on top of a tree.

Items recovered from the site included six locally fabricated pistols, various tools suspected to be used for weapon production, the sum of ₦40,500, and a mobile phone found with the suspect.

Initial findings suggest that the site functioned as an illegal arms factory that supplied firearms to criminal groups within and outside the area. The suspect remains in custody, while security forces have stepped up efforts to locate and arrest other suspects who escaped.

The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, praised the troops for their alertness, discipline, and sustained pressure, which led to the discovery of the illegal facility. He urged them to sustain the operational drive and rely on intelligence-based actions to dismantle criminal networks across the Joint Operations Area.

Major General Gara also highlighted the importance of public support, calling on residents to continue providing timely and credible information. He noted that useful intelligence remains key to lasting security and economic development.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, has announced that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf will enjoy full backing of the party ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Kano State.

Ganduje made the declaration while formally receiving Yusuf back into the APC. He stated that all other aspirants interested in the governorship seat had agreed to step aside in favour of the governor.

According to him, “I can categorically tell you that you are going to wins 2027 with a landslide because all those contesting for the same seat have agreed to allow you alone go for it.”

He described Yusuf’s return as a historic moment for the party. “To us, leaders of the APC, this is a memorable occasion we are all waiting for. I strongly welcomed Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf back to his home,” Ganduje said.

The former party chairman recalled the governor’s earlier exit from the APC and expressed appreciation over his return. He said, “We were in APC together with you, it was formed with you, but later on because of some political differences, political redirection, you left the party to NNPP. But now we are thankful that you are back to our party and your home.”

Ganduje also praised Yusuf’s leadership style and governance approach. “You as our brother, the Governor of Kano State, you are a progressive politician from your utterances, your policies and the implementation of those policies,” he added.

He stressed that within the APC structure, Governor Yusuf now occupies the position of party leader in Kano State. Ganduje noted that the declaration was meant to end speculation and internal disagreements over the party’s leadership in the state.

He further spoke on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as a leader who does not discriminate. Ganduje said the president treats Nigerians equally, without regard to religion or ethnicity, and expressed confidence that Yusuf would secure victory in the 2027 election.

In his remarks, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, praised Governor Yusuf for his decision to return to the APC. He maintained that the move was firm and irreversible.

The development has continued to draw attention within political circles as preparations gradually begin ahead of the 2027 polls.