Nigeria

By Uzair Adam

The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has called on Nigerian professionals and public servants to uphold integrity, shun corruption, and embrace ethical standards in their respective fields.

Sanusi made the remarks on Thursday during the 60th anniversary celebration of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) and the inauguration of its Kano State Chapter.

Speaking at the event, the Emir stressed that financial success can be achieved through legitimate business ventures without resorting to corruption or abuse of public office.

“People can make money without being corrupt. People can make money without breaking the law. People can award contracts without taking bribes. Roads can be built without people making illegal money,” he said.

He maintained that corruption persists when individuals view public offices as avenues for personal enrichment rather than platforms for service.

“If you want to make money, go into business. You don’t go to the civil service to make money. You don’t go into government to make money. You go into government to serve people,” Sanusi stated.

The monarch expressed concern over what he described as a decline in ethical values, discipline, and accountability within public institutions, noting that such challenges have hindered national development.

He recalled the pivotal role once played by permanent secretaries in ensuring continuity, professionalism, and adherence to due process within government ministries.

“There was a reason they were called permanent secretaries. They held ministries together, ensured rules were followed, and often stood firm even against unlawful political instructions,” he said.

According to him, reforms introduced over the years weakened the civil service structure, resulting in the loss of institutional memory and reduced efficiency. He urged a return to professionalism and strong governance practices.

Sanusi further encouraged members of ICSAN to promote ethical leadership not only within the private sector but also across government institutions.

“This institute has a role to play. I hope your members in banks, companies, and ministries will become examples of integrity and lead a return to ethical standards across the country,” he said.

He expressed confidence that corruption-free governance remains attainable if citizens and leaders commit themselves to honesty, discipline, and professionalism.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has welcomed 270 Nigerian citizens who returned from South Africa under an ongoing voluntary return initiative coordinated through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

The development was announced in a statement issued by the Head of Operations at the NEMA Lagos Operations Office, Mohammed Olatunde, and made available to journalists in Lagos on Thursday.

According to Olatunde, the returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja after completing registration and screening procedures required under the programme.

He said officials of NEMA, alongside representatives of other government agencies and relevant stakeholders, were present at the airport to receive the returnees and assist with their reintegration process.

Olatunde explained that the Federal Government arranged transportation for the returnees to enable them to travel to their various destinations across the country.

He added that ambulance services and emergency medical support were also provided for individuals who required urgent healthcare attention upon arrival.

The NEMA official reiterated the agency’s commitment to offering humanitarian assistance and ensuring the safe reception of Nigerians who choose to return home from other countries.

He noted that the initiative was established to guarantee the safe, orderly and dignified return of Nigerian citizens.

Olatunde further stated that NEMA would continue working with relevant stakeholders to support the welfare and reintegration of the returnees.

The returnees arrived amid ongoing concerns over xenophobic tensions in parts of South Africa. The voluntary return programme is aimed at assisting Nigerians who wish to come back home. (NAN)

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has announced Friday as a public holiday to mark Democracy Day and commemorate 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria.

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani.

According to the statement, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, approved the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government.

Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to protecting democratic principles, the rule of law, transparency, accountability and inclusive governance across the country.

He also stated that the Ministry of Interior, in partnership with relevant security agencies, would continue efforts aimed at safeguarding and enhancing internal security.

The minister stressed that peace and security remain critical to sustaining democracy and promoting national development.

He called on Nigerians to use the occasion to reflect on their civic responsibilities and the progress of the nation’s democratic journey.

“As we mark this historic day, every Nigerian is encouraged to remain law-abiding, uphold the institutions that sustain our democracy, and remember that the strength of any democracy lies ultimately in the character of its citizens,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo further noted that June 12 occupies a special place in Nigeria’s history because it honours the courage, resilience and sacrifices of citizens whose struggles paved the way for democratic rule.

“Their legacies continue to inform the values and responsibilities of the Nigerian state,” Tunji-Ojo added.

The annual Democracy Day celebration commemorates the country’s democratic progress and recognises individuals who played key roles in the restoration and preservation of democratic governance. (NAN)

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has praised the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating that the achievements recorded in Abuja and other parts of the country should give the President confidence about public support.

Wike made the remarks on Wednesday during the inauguration of Arterial Road N5 in Abuja. He challenged residents of the FCT to point out any area where they believe the government has failed to make an impact.

According to the minister, the ongoing reforms and infrastructure projects undertaken by the administration have brought visible development to the nation’s capital.

He said: “If we truly believe that good governance is what will make people want to bring you back to office, then I don’t think Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be sleeping with one eye open. No, he should sleep with both eyes closed.

“I challenge anyone in this FCT to come forward and say they do not feel the presence of government or see its impact.

“When we were working on this road, and thank God it is good to come out and see what is happening instead of staying in the office, Julius Berger was facing a challenge.

“The community said the company would not proceed with the road project because they had not been compensated for the demolition.”

Wike noted that despite the initial concerns raised over compensation issues, the project was successfully completed and has now been delivered for public use.

The minister maintained that the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development and service delivery continues to reflect the government’s efforts to improve the lives of residents in the Federal Capital Territory.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Troops from the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have thwarted a brazen attempt by terrorists disguised in military uniforms to abduct pupils from a primary school in Iluke Community, Kabba Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The dramatic rescue operation, which unfolded on 10 June 2026, came after vigilant community members alerted troops on patrol to suspicious activities in the area.

According to military sources, the terrorists had already assembled pupils of Iluke Primary School with the intent of kidnapping them when soldiers arrived at the scene.

Troops immediately engaged the assailants, forcing them to abandon their mission and flee. One terrorist was neutralised during the confrontation, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.

Tragically, before troops could intervene, the attackers had already killed a teacher and a resident of the community.

“The prompt response of the troops prevented what could have been a large-scale abduction of school children and undoubtedly saved many lives,” said Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 12 Brigade.

Security forces are currently pursuing the fleeing bandits. Authorities have also alerted security outfits in neighbouring Kwara and Niger States to block potential escape routes.

The Nigerian Army has emplaced additional measures aimed at denying terrorists freedom of action and reassuring residents. Members of the public are being encouraged to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.

“This operation reflects the commitment, vigilance and professionalism of troops of 12 Brigade in safeguarding lives and protecting vulnerable communities,” Abdullahi added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

No fewer than 10 people sustained injuries after a violent clash between residents of Chirif Magaji and Chirif Dikko communities in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State over a disputed piece of farmland.

Reports indicated that both communities have been locked in a disagreement over the ownership and use of the land for almost three years. The dispute escalated on Tuesday and resulted in violence.

A security source told journalists that the conflict centred on which of the two communities had the right to cultivate the farmland. The source explained that authorities had previously stepped in and brokered an agreement that allowed both sides to use the land.

“Earlier today, we received a distress call reporting a violent confrontation between the communities. Security personnel were immediately deployed to restore order,” the source said.

According to the source, the trouble began when members of one community moved to clear the farmland. They were allegedly attacked by rivals armed with Dane guns and machetes.

“The attackers opened fire, injuring six people. Upon learning of the incident, members of the affected community mobilised and launched a reprisal attack, during which four people from the opposing community were injured,” the source added.

All those injured were taken to medical facilities for treatment. The source dismissed claims circulating on social media that bandits were responsible for the incident, stressing that the violence stemmed from the prolonged land dispute.

As of the time of filing this report, no fatalities had been recorded.

Sources said some victims suffered gunshot injuries, while others sustained machete wounds. Several of the injured are receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Rabah. Those with more serious injuries have been transferred to the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital for further care.

Confirming the incident, Chairman of Rabah Local Government Area, Yusuf Muhammad Rabah, said security efforts had helped restore calm in the affected communities.

“It is true that the incident occurred, but we have been able to calm the situation,” he said.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufai, said he had not yet received an official briefing on the matter.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Armed men have killed a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer, Mr. Ayo Olukotun, and kidnapped his daughter alongside several other residents during an attack on Odo-Ere, the headquarters of Yagba West Local Government Area in Kogi State.

The incident reportedly occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Monday when the assailants invaded the community and fired gunshots, which caused fear among residents and forced many to flee their homes.

Residents said the attackers later targeted the residence of the NSCDC officer. They allegedly shot Olukotun before taking his daughter and several other victims into a nearby forest.

A source within the community said the officer was taken to a hospital after the attack. However, medical personnel confirmed him dead upon arrival.

Reacting to the incident, Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area and Chairman of the Kogi State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Tosin Olokun, described the killing as a painful loss to the victim’s family, the Odo-Ere community and the entire local government area.

“We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident. On behalf of the government and people of Yagba West, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr. Ayo Olukotun, the people of Odo-Ere and all those affected by this attack,” he added.

The attack has heightened concerns over security in the area as residents await efforts by security agencies to secure the release of those abducted and bring those responsible to justice.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A popular Kaduna-based musician and social media influencer, Mycah Dangata, widely known by his catchphrase “Take Over Kaduna,” has been reportedly arrested by security operatives in Kaduna State.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the entertainer, whose real name is Zamani Musa, was picked up on Tuesday.

As of this report, authorities have not issued any official statement explaining the reason for his detention.

The arrest has sparked reactions from his supporters and followers, many of whom are calling on relevant agencies to provide clarity and transparency regarding the incident.

By Uzair Adam

Prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has alleged that Islamophobia is influencing political developments in Nigeria’s South-West, following criticism surrounding his recent visit to Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Gumi made the allegation amid the controversy over the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, where reports had claimed that the kidnappers demanded the implementation of Shari’ah law as part of the conditions for the release of the victims.

The claim was strongly rejected by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), which described it as false and aimed at tarnishing the image of Islam.

The group argued that enemies of Islam deliberately introduced the allegation into negotiations to create a negative narrative.

The position was later supported by Mrs. Rachael Alamu, the abducted principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

In a video message, Alamu denied reports that the kidnappers requested the establishment of Shari’ah law in exchange for the release of the pupils.

Reacting in a post on his verified Facebook page, Gumi said he attended the event in Ibadan as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama and not at the invitation of any individual or Muslim group from the South-West.

“I quite understand now how Islamophobia is shaping politics in the South-West and why I was unnecessarily dragged into their dirty local politics,” he wrote.

The cleric explained that his visit was purely in his capacity as a representative of the coalition and questioned efforts to politicise his presence in the state.

“I was in Ibadan not by the invitation of any South-West Muslim individual or group but as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama,” he stated.

Gumi also questioned why his visit had generated controversy, asking whether anyone could prevent him from travelling to any part of Nigeria.

“Can anybody stop me from going anywhere in Nigeria? It’s strange how some people think,” he said.

He further alleged that the reactions to his visit were part of a broader effort by both local and foreign interests to deepen divisions within the country.

“I believe the whole saga is tele-guided by both foreign and local interests to promote a narrative and polarise the country,” Gumi added.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu commended Nigerian military personnel and security forces for their sacrifices in the ongoing fight against terrorism, describing them as a “shield” protecting millions of citizens from violent extremists.

In a statement titled Terrorism in the Land, the President praised troops operating in forests, roads, forward bases, air zones, creeks, and other difficult terrains across the country. He acknowledged the emotional and physical toll of the campaign, including long absences from families and the ultimate sacrifice paid by fallen heroes.

“You carry the burden of national protection so that millions of Nigerians can sleep, work, worship, farm, trade, and raise their children in hope,” Tinubu said. “This fight has not been easy. It has come with pain, pressure, and sacrifice. But your courage has remained firm.”

The President extended his gratitude not only to the Armed Forces but also to the police, Department of State Services (DSS), Civil Defence, intelligence agencies, and local security formations. He also recognized the families of service members, saying, “Nigeria remembers that sacrifice, too.”

Tinubu called on citizens to support security efforts by providing timely and useful information, urging: “When you see something, say something. When you know something, report it.”

He rejected any notion that Nigeria would surrender to fear, insisting that terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and violent extremists would not define the nation’s identity. “Their violence is not our identity. Their hatred does not represent Nigerians of any faith, creed, or community,” he said.

The President concluded with a prayer for the protection of troops, reaffirming that the fight against terror remains a national duty.