Nigeria

By Anas Abbas

Fear has enveloped residents of Zango Biyu in Rimin Gado Local Government Area of Kano State following the gruesome killing of two children in separate incidents over the weekend.

The daily post gathered that the first victim, five-year-old Muhammad Gambo, was found dead on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said his mother had sent him to a nearby shop to buy powder worth ₦50, but the shopkeeper turned him away because the money was insufficient.

Instead of returning home, Muhammad reportedly set out for his grandparents’ house but was ambushed on the way.

A community member, Laminu Ahmad, described the shocking discovery.

“His mother sent him to buy powder, but the shopkeeper rejected the money. On his way to his grandparents’ house, some wicked people stopped him and slaughtered him like a ram,” Ahmad said.

He added that many residents suspect the killing was ritual-related.

“We suspect ritualists because there was no blood on the ground. They must have collected it in a bowl and even cleaned the knife before fleeing,” he lamented.

While the community was still mourning Muhammad, tragedy struck again.

A 13-year-old girl, Fatima Sule, was found dead in her family’s residence at Dandinshe Quarters, Dala Local Government Area.

Witnesses said she was strangled, her neck broken, and her body hanged on a window.

Her distraught mother told reporters that she had left her children at home and asked them to join their elder sister later.

“Before I returned, I received a call that Fatima had been killed,” she said in tears.

The back-to-back killings, which occurred between Saturday and Sunday, have left residents in shock and fear, as such incidents are unprecedented in the area.

The Kano State Police Command reportedly allowed the immediate burial of the victims after preliminary investigations.

Security operatives have since launched a manhunt for the culprits.

Efforts to reach the command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, were unsuccessful, as his phone was switched off at the time of filing this report.

By Anas Abbas

A Magistrate Court sitting in Normansland, Kano, has convicted four men for engaging in illegal tree felling at Sharada Municipal.

The convicts, Jibril Adamu and three others were prosecuted by the Kano State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change under the provisions of the Kano State Forestry Law, which prohibits cutting down trees without official authorization.

The case was heard by His Worship Auwalu Yusuf, who found the defendants guilty after reviewing the evidence presented by the prosecution counsel, Barrister Bahijjah H. Aliyu.

The court sentenced the four men to three months imprisonment each, with an option of a ₦40,000 fine.

They were also ordered to pay ₦50,000 in compensation for the damage caused.Reacting to the judgment, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru M. Hashim, welcomed the ruling, describing it as a victory for environmental protection in the state.

“Every tree cut down illegally robs our city of clean air, shade, and climate resilience,” Dr. Hashim said.

“This ruling sends a strong message that Kano will not tolerate environmental vandalism.”

The Ministry further urged residents to report cases of illegal logging and other environmental offences through its official channels, assuring that it remains committed to preserving a greener and healthier Kano State.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Chadian authorities have arrested Muslim Muhammad Yusuf, identified as the son of Boko Haram’s late founder, Muhammad Yusuf. Muslim, believed to be 18 or 19 years old, was captured along with five others while leading an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) cell.

Analyst Bulama Bukarti confirmed Muslim’s identity after speaking with family friends and relatives, who said he is the son of Bintu, Muhammad Yusuf’s first wife. His arrest reportedly followed a tip-off from Nigerian intelligence.

The development comes in the same week Nigeria announced the capture of two top leaders of Ansaru, a Boko Haram offshoot, and the head of the Mahmuda Group, active in parts of North Central Nigeria.

Security experts describe the arrest as a turning point, marking the first time a major faction leader has been taken alive. They warn, however, that Nigerian authorities must now focus on dismantling bandit groups wreaking havoc in the North West and North Central regions.

By Uzair Adam

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 55-year-old drug kingpin, Mohammed Ali Abubakar, popularly known as Bello Karama, along with five members of his syndicate operating at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano.

The arrest followed investigations that linked the group to the shipment of illicit substances that led to the detention of three unsuspecting Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia on drug trafficking allegations.

The Agency disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, addressed by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, alongside Dr. Abdul Ibrahim, Director of Assets and Financial Investigation, and Theresa Asuquo, Director of Prosecution and Legal Services.

NDLEA explained that the development came after its Chairman, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), received complaints from three families whose relatives—Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Mrs. Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddiq—were detained in Jeddah following their lesser hajj pilgrimage.

The detainees were accused of trafficking drugs after being linked to six additional bags not belonging to them, three of which contained illicit substances.

Investigations traced the bags to the syndicate led by Abubakar, who checked them into an Ethiopian Airline flight ET940 on August 6, 2025, the same flight boarded by the three innocent pilgrims.

Members of the group, including staff of Skyway Aviation Handling Company, were said to have illegally tagged the bags against the names of the pilgrims without their knowledge.

Six suspects are currently in NDLEA custody, with four already charged to court. Confessional statements revealed that the bags were checked in for monetary rewards, with transfers of N200,000 linked to the operation.

The NDLEA said it has initiated discussions with Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) to secure the release of the detained Nigerians.

Marwa is also expected to personally meet with Saudi authorities during an international drug conference to press for their exoneration.

The Agency assured that while it remains committed to fighting drug trafficking, it will not allow innocent Nigerians to suffer for crimes they did not commit.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

The Ulama Forum in Nigeria has condemned the reported Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Government and the State of Israel on security cooperation, describing it as “a dangerous and insensitive diplomatic move.”

In a statement signed by its Convener, Aminu Inuwa Muhammad, and Secretary, Engr. Basheer Adamu Aliyu, the Forum accused the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, of unilaterally engaging Israel despite global outrage over its alleged genocide against Palestinians.

“At a time when the world of conscience is against Israel, Nigeria should be at the forefront of supporting South Africa’s genocide case at the International Court of Justice, not courting a state increasingly isolated for human rights violations,” the statement read.

The Forum warned that involving Israel in Nigeria’s internal security would erode national sovereignty, risk human rights abuses, and entrench dependence on foreign powers. It argued that “internal security issues require homegrown solutions that prioritise community engagement, social cohesion, and inclusive governance.”

Instead of seeking external assistance, the group urged the government to strengthen security institutions, address poverty and corruption, and ensure justice for offenders. It further called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to “call the erring minister to order” in the interest of national unity and public sensitivity.

The Forum reaffirmed its confidence in Nigeria’s security personnel and pledged continued prayers for “Allah’s guidance and support to our gallant forces.”

By Uzair Adam

The National Commission for Colleges of Education has discovered and closed 22 unapproved tertiary institutions operating in different parts of the country.

The move followed a nationwide crackdown on illegal institutions, according to details contained in the commission’s achievement report obtained by Punch Newspaper.

“The NCCE identified and shut down 22 illegal Colleges of Education operating across the country. The commission also conducted personnel audits and financial monitoring in all 21 federal colleges of education,” the report stated.

President Bola Tinubu had recently directed regulatory bodies, including the National Universities Commission, the National Board for Technical Education, and the NCCE, to intensify efforts in eliminating illegal higher institutions undermining the integrity of Nigeria’s education system.

Speaking at the 14th convocation of the National Open University of Nigeria in Abuja, Tinubu, represented by the Director of University Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Rakiya Ilyasu, warned against compromising academic standards.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening the synergy among educational agencies, including the NYSC, JAMB, NUC, NBTE, and NCCE, to ensure the quality of education and eliminate certificate forgery and unrecognised institutions within and outside the country.

By Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu

The fight against hunger in Nigeria has entered a critical phase. With rising food prices, climate-induced disasters, and conflicts crippling agricultural production, food security is no longer a distant policy concern but an everyday reality for millions of households. What was once viewed as a seasonal challenge has now become a national emergency, demanding a shift from reactive relief to proactive preparedness.

At the forefront of this shift is the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), which is redefining its role beyond post-disaster interventions. Through the newly unveiled Food and Nutrition Security Crisis Preparedness Plan (FNSCPP), NEMA is laying the groundwork for a coordinated, data-driven framework designed to detect and respond to food security threats before they spiral into full-blown crises.

For NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, the stakes could not be higher. “Nigeria is at a critical juncture in its food security landscape,” she observed during a recent consultative session. “We must transition from reactive to anticipatory response models. This collaboration presents a pathway toward a more structured, timely, and impactful system of intervention.”

The new preparedness plan signals a significant departure from the traditional cycle of emergency relief. It recognises that food insecurity is not an isolated problem but a complex challenge worsened by flooding, drought, armed conflicts, and economic shocks. Seasonal floods, for example, continue to devastate farmlands in states like Anambra, Benue, and Niger, erasing months of hard work and leaving rural communities vulnerable to hunger.

The FNSCPP seeks to address this challenge by integrating early warning systems with national emergency operations, setting up clear crisis escalation protocols, and ensuring that federal, state, and community-level agencies respond in unison. This aligns with NEMA’s broader strategy, which has included launching the 2025 National Preparedness and Response Campaign (NPRC) and conducting large-scale flood simulation exercises in high-risk zones such as the South East.

Experts agree that timely action is the difference between a manageable disruption and a nationwide crisis. Dr. Ritgak Tilley-Gyado, Senior Health Specialist at the World Bank and one of the key technical leads behind the FNSCPP, highlighted this during a consultative visit to NEMA’s headquarters. “This is more than just an emergency response plan,” she explained. “It is a long-term preparedness blueprint. Once indicators are triggered, every institution must understand its role and act without delay.”

The stakes are particularly high for vulnerable populations, where food crises often translate into chronic malnutrition, displacement, and loss of livelihoods. Nigeria’s recent qualification for crisis response financing underlines the urgency of establishing a clear and unified response framework. Without it, resources risk being delayed, duplicated, or mismanaged — leaving those most affected to bear the brunt of avoidable suffering.

To counter this, NEMA is also championing community-level sensitisation, ensuring that disaster preparedness is not merely a top-down directive but a collective effort. By engaging local leaders, grassroots organisations, and youth groups, the agency aims to bridge the gap between policy design and on-the-ground realities.

Yet, significant challenges remain. Adequate funding, political will, and inter-agency coordination will determine whether this bold plan succeeds or falters. Beyond the federal effort, state and local governments must embrace their roles in creating food-resilient communities. Environmentalist Mayokun Iyaomolere captured this sentiment aptly when he remarked, “Preparedness is not just about government plans. Communities must also take ownership of the process, particularly in areas where local action can prevent disasters from escalating.”

As Nigeria faces a future marked by unpredictable weather patterns and growing food demands, the real question is not whether crises will occur but how effectively the country can respond. With the FNSCPP, anchored by NEMA’s leadership and supported by multi-sector partnerships, Nigeria has an opportunity to shift from a culture of reaction to one of anticipation and prevention.

The blueprint has been laid out. What comes next is the test of execution, coordination, and the political courage to ensure that no Nigerian is left to go hungry simply because the warning signs were ignored.

Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu writes on disaster management, humanitarian response, and national development.

By Khadija Hamisu Daninna 

Across Nigeria, kitchens are changing. Gas cylinders stand neatly in urban homes, while charcoal bags fill market stalls. Yet, despite these alternatives, firewood still burns in countless households. Its smoky flames carry taste, memory, and tradition that neither gas nor charcoal can fully replace. For some families, it is also the more affordable choice.

Zainab, a 31-year-old resident of Daura, has never known another way of cooking. “I have never cooked with gas before. All my life, I have been using firewood. I don’t even know how food tastes on gas, but I prefer my firewood. Maybe it is because I grew up with it. I use charcoal sometimes, but firewood is easier for me. Firewood is what I know.”

For Mariam, a 39-year-old housewife, firewood is tied to her husband’s nostalgia. “My husband always says the fried eggs his mother made tasted better on firewood. So I fry eggs on firewood, just to remind him of his childhood.”

Hajara, a 26-year-old food vendor, said firewood gives food a flavour no other fuel can provide. “When I cook jollof rice for parties, I always use firewood. It brings out a special flavour. Gas and charcoal cannot give you that same smoky taste. My customers expect it.”

But even warnings from doctors cannot keep some people away. Amina, a 37-year-old married woman, recalled: “There was a time I was sick, and the doctor told me to avoid smoky areas because of my eyes. But how can I stop? Firewood is what I grew up with. It is not just about cooking. It is about sitting together as a family, sharing stories, and working around the fire. That memory cannot be replaced.”

Cost is another factor. Mallam Usman, a 42-year-old man, explained: “I use both charcoal and firewood. The least charcoal I can buy is ₦200, while firewood is more expensive, up to ₦500. But I prefer firewood. My wife is already used to it. Sometimes I buy charcoal to ease the work, but mostly we use firewood because that is what we have always been using.”

Abdulmumin, a firewood seller in Rumfar Shehu who is over 40, said many people still depend on his trade. “People still come to buy firewood every day. Even though the price is high, food vendors, households, and event caterers still buy it. Firewood is something people cannot abandon. We have been using it since the time of our grandparents, and it still holds memories.”

But experts warn that firewood comes at a cost. According to a 2024 report from the National Bureau of Statistics published in Punch newspaper, 67.8 per cent of Nigerian households still cook with firewood. In Bauchi State, the figure is as high as 91 per cent. Doctors interviewed by Punch Healthwise have cautioned that prolonged exposure to smoke can lead to lung disease, eye problems, and respiratory infections. They noted that women and children, who spend long hours near smoky kitchens, are especially at risk. One pulmonologist, Dr. Abiona Odeyemi of Osun State University Teaching Hospital, explained that smoke from firewood damages the lungs over time, leading to serious health conditions.

Experts have also raised concerns about the environmental impact. Firewood use contributes to deforestation, worsens climate change, and adds to indoor air pollution.

Still, the flames continue to glow. For some, firewood carries memory and tradition. For others, it remains the more affordable choice. And for many, it is simply the way they were raised. Gas may be quicker and charcoal less smoky, but in countless Nigerian homes, firewood still burns, not just as fuel, but as a link between the past and the present.

Khadija Hamisu Daninna wrote via khadijahamisu2003@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam 

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command, says it has arrested a 27-year-old man in possession of nine kilograms of Cannabis Sativa (Colorado) valued at more than N10 million.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday in Kano by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari.

He explained that the suspect, a resident of Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State, was arrested on August 6 along the Zaria–Kano Road by operatives of the Kiru Area Command while transporting 19 parcels of the substance from Lagos to Kano.

According to Muhammad-Maigatari, the suspect confessed to his involvement in the illicit trade and had been on the command’s watchlist before his arrest.

He noted that the seizure inflicted a major financial loss on the drug network, disrupting their supply chain and denying them revenue for further criminal activities.

“Removing this quantity from circulation also helps protect vulnerable communities from the social and economic harms associated with the trade in narcotics,” he said.

The spokesperson added that under the leadership of Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, the Kano Strategic Command will continue to strengthen patrols and intelligence-driven operations to curb drug trafficking in the state.

By Uzair Adam 

The Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), in collaboration with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre and the Al-Balsam Association from Saudi Arabia, has successfully conducted free open-heart surgeries for patients in Kano.

Speaking to journalists about the development, the Head of the Cardiothoracic Surgery Unit at AKTH and team lead for the local medical team, Dr. Jamil Ismail Ahmad, said the initiative has brought relief to many patients who cannot afford treatment abroad.

“Normally, open-heart surgery costs between eight to ten million naira in Nigeria. But here, patients are getting it almost free of charge. 

“Outside the country, it would cost between 25 to 30 million naira, including logistics. This partnership is therefore very important,” Dr. Ahmad explained.

He noted that patients with heart diseases who require surgery but have no high-risk complications are usually considered for the program, stressing that safety remains a top priority.

“Some patients are excluded because their cases were neglected for too long, and operating on them would be too risky. Our key watchword is safety — we want to ensure that after surgery, patients are in much better condition than before,” he said.

Dr. Ahmad commended the partnership with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, describing it as highly supportive in both service delivery and local capacity building.

“Such collaborations are important globally, not only for providing services but also for building local capacity. The visiting team shares its expertise, which enhances our training and helps us sustain these services,” he added.

On patient outcomes, he revealed that survival rates in previous missions with the same team ranged between 80 and 90 per cent, and similar results are expected this time.

Dr. Ahmad also called on the government, philanthropists, and the private sector to support such initiatives, noting that investment in infrastructure, human resource training, and collaboration would strengthen healthcare delivery.

On his part, Dr. Abdullah, the team leader of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, emphasised the challenges of delivering such care in underserved regions like Nigeria, Sudan, and Yemen.

“Patients often present late because they were neglected for years. Some should have undergone surgery 10 or 20 years ago before developing complications that now make operations riskier. 

The best approach is continuous local services and proper screening. This saves lives and is more cost-effective than patients spending millions abroad in Europe, India, or North Africa,” he said.

He disclosed that so far, five patients had undergone surgery in Kano, with plans for six more cases in the following days. 

Dr. Abdullah praised the dedication of AKTH staff, including doctors, nurses, technicians, blood bank staff, and even cleaners, saying their support was crucial to the success of the program.

One of the beneficiaries’ relatives, Fatima Muhammad, expressed gratitude, saying her family could not have afforded the surgery if they had been asked to pay.