Author: Gabby

A prominent figure within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Sani, has asserted that Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, does not hold any of the party’s official documents. Sani made this statement during an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Morning Show’ on Thursday.

His remarks were a direct response to Wike’s earlier comments during a media parley on Wednesday, where Wike challenged the faction led by Taminu Turaki to open a bank account or establish an office, threatening to seal such premises. Sani dismissed Wike’s claims, emphasizing that according to the PDP’s constitution, the responsibility of safeguarding party documents lies with the Board of Trustees (BoT).

“Wike cannot even claim to have the documents of the party, because by our party constitution, that responsibility is bestowed on the Board of Trustees,” Sani stated. He further explained that while some members have formed a separate BoT, the legitimate BoT, led by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, remains the custodian of the party’s assets.

Sani questioned where Wike could have obtained documents to justify his assertions. “So where does Wike have documents to say that he is holding the documents? He does not have any documents. He’s just on national television trying to impress Nigerians,” he added.

A prominent figure within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Sani, has publicly challenged the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, asserting that his attempts at intimidation are futile. Sani accused Wike of leveraging his ministerial role to target political adversaries within the party, labeling these moves as desperate actions before an inevitable downfall.

During his appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday, Sani claimed that Wike has repeatedly misused government authority to block meetings organized by rival PDP factions. He emphasized that his group remains undeterred, positioning themselves as the party’s authentic leadership.

Sani revealed that they are awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the recent Supreme Court ruling, which he believes will solidify their standing and force the opposition to vacate the party’s headquarters. He noted that Wike is fully aware of the locations where their meetings are held yet has been unable to disrupt them.

Drawing comparisons to past actions, Sani alleged that similar tactics were employed when Umar Damagum served as acting National Chairman. He recalled that the party’s secretariat and annex office were often sealed under the pretext of unpaid ground rent or tenement rates whenever gatherings unfavorable to Wike’s camp were organized.

“He knows exactly where we gather, yet he hasn’t shut us down. His efforts are nothing but empty threats,” Sani stated. “This is like the final struggle of a sinking ship because he acknowledges our legitimacy. Once we receive the Supreme Court’s CTC, they must pack up and leave Wadata Plaza. That’s why he’s using his position as FCT minister to target us.”

A Taraba State High Court, located in Jalingo, has postponed proceedings in the legal battle between Arewa24 Network Limited and the Northern Broadcast Media Owners Association (NBMOA) until June 4, 2026. The decision was reached on Wednesday during a session presided over by Justice Nuhu Adi at Court Two of the Jalingo Judicial Division.

The lawsuit, initiated by Arewa24, targets the registered trustees of NBMOA along with other parties. During the hearing, the defendants raised a preliminary objection, arguing that the suit lacks legal merit. This objection was filed under Order 11 Rule 1 of the Taraba State High Court Civil Procedure Rules 2026, requesting the case to be dismissed or struck out.

Following the session, Ibrahim Effiong, counsel for the plaintiff, informed journalists that the case was originally set for arguments on various motions, including an injunction that could affect his client’s interests. He noted that the defense lawyers requested additional time to prepare their response, citing a lack of readiness, which the court allowed.

Bilyaminu Lukman Maihanci, representing the defendants, explained to the court that the matter was not yet ripe for hearing. He attributed the delay in part to challenges posed by the newly implemented electronic filing system, which slowed the receipt of relevant case documents.

After hearing both parties, Justice Adi adjourned the case to June 4, 2026, for a ruling on the preliminary objection.

The Kano State Government has strongly refuted claims made by Amnesty International that five individuals lost their lives during the swearing-in ceremony of Deputy Governor Murtala Sule Garo. In an official statement issued on Wednesday, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, labeled the allegations as misleading, baseless, and malicious.

According to the government, no such incident involving the reported fatalities was documented by any security agency or state official. The statement emphasized that the purported event did not take place within the premises of the Kano Government House, and therefore should not be linked to the official ceremony.

The administration accused certain elements of fabricating the story to damage its reputation. It further criticized Amnesty International for failing to verify the information before publication, noting that the organization relied solely on social media clips without contacting Kano authorities.

Waiya called on the global leadership of Amnesty International to monitor the activities of its Nigerian branch to prevent the spread of disinformation. He reiterated the state’s commitment to transparency and urged the public to disregard the report.

The government also highlighted ongoing efforts to combat youth violence, including the Safe Corridor Kano Model program, which has profiled over 2,030 repentant youths for rehabilitation. The state has approved more than ₦600 million for the first phase of the initiative, targeting 1,000 beneficiaries.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration reaffirmed its dedication to protecting lives and property through collaboration with security agencies and called for continued public support in maintaining peace.

In a troubling development, armed groups loyal to the infamous bandit leader Isiya Kwashen Garwa have placed new financial demands on the Garin Lamido and Yan Shuni communities in Katsina State’s Bakori Local Government Area. Each community is being required to pay N10 million.

This renewed levy comes after several so-called peace agreements were reached between local authorities, community leaders, and representatives of the armed groups. The agreements, which were intended to bring stability, have not prevented further extortion.

The information was shared by Bakastine, a security analyst and crisis journalist, on his X account. He expressed deep concern about the ongoing vulnerability of rural inhabitants in the state, noting that the latest demand has sparked panic. Many families have already fled their homes to avoid potential violent reprisals.

Sources within the affected communities report that the demand has escalated tensions in an area already plagued by persistent insecurity and a scarce security presence. Residents have voiced frustration over what they view as a repetitive cycle of broken agreements and fresh violations, casting doubt on the real effectiveness of past peace deals.

Meanwhile, even as security operations continue in parts of Katsina, bandits are said to retain control over many rural zones. This worsens fears among farmers who need safe access to their farmland. According to Daily Post, this pattern is common across several communities in the North-West region: armed groups impose levies and then attack if their demands are not met.

Security observers caution that the continued payment of such levies only empowers the armed groups further, potentially enabling them to extend their influence to more rural settlements. Bakastine has questioned whether current security strategies are sustainable and whether there are sufficient enforcement mechanisms to safeguard vulnerable communities.

The Chairman of Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Buba Marwa, has declared that trafficking illicit substances through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos has become an almost insurmountable challenge, thanks to reinforced security measures and intensified anti-narcotics operations.

Marwa emphasized that the Lagos airport now ranks among the most rigorously monitored air travel hubs worldwide in the battle against drug smuggling. He shared these insights during a meeting at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, where he hosted a delegation from Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission, led by Director-General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, who were on a study tour to observe the agency’s operational methods.

The NDLEA chief stressed the critical need for stronger collaboration between Nigeria and Ghana to effectively counter the growing threat of drug trafficking and associated criminal networks across West Africa. He stated, ‘By pooling our resources and sharing expertise in intelligence-driven operations and interdiction techniques, we are systematically reducing the operating space for criminal syndicates in our sub-region.’

Marwa noted that the visit transcends a mere routine study program; it represents a deliberate effort to fortify strategic partnerships between the two anti-drug bodies. He explained that the engagement would facilitate the exchange of ideas on intelligence gathering, digital forensics, and institutional best practices. He added that such enhanced cooperation would accelerate efforts to dismantle illicit drug networks, curb the production of psychotropic substances, and combat money laundering tied to narcotics trafficking.

A key outcome of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between NDLEA and NACOC, formalizing their partnership. Marwa hailed this agreement as a major milestone in strengthening coordinated action against drug syndicates in the region. ‘This pact to combat the illegal production of psychotropic substances, their precursors, and related money laundering gives us both a legal and operational framework. It transforms our relationship from informal dialogue into a structured, aggressive, and united front against drug barons,’ he declared.

In his remarks, Mantey underscored that the visit aimed to reinforce the existing bond between the two countries and enhance operational synergy. ‘For us, this is not about starting a new chapter but about building on a solid foundation—deepening trust, sharing experiences, and making our collaboration more practical and impactful,’ he said. He further observed that drug trafficking activities in the region are growing increasingly complex, necessitating robust cross-border alliances to tackle emerging threats effectively.

In a targeted operation against insurgent supply chains, military forces in Borno State have detained six individuals believed to be involved in providing logistics support to terrorist groups. The arrests occurred during a routine road maintenance exercise conducted by the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai.

The operation was carried out by troops from the 5 Brigade under the auspices of Operation Desert Sanity. According to security analyst and counter-insurgency specialist Zagazola Makama, who shared details on his X handle, the suspects were taken into custody around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Those apprehended include Madu Bagoni Bunu, 32; Kaka Hana, 28; Kwado Bukar, 25; Modu Goni Musa, 28; Lahari Hassan Taira, 30; and Bulama M. Kiari, 25. They were traveling in an Isuzu pickup with registration number YOBE AF 106 GDM and attempted to flee upon noticing the troops. However, they abandoned the vehicle and tried to escape on foot but were pursued and captured.

Authorities recovered several items from the suspects, including five mobile phones of brands such as Redmi, Infinix, Tecno, and Itel, as well as two new sewing machines. Additionally, ten bundles of assorted clothing materials were seized, which are suspected to be intended for manufacturing terrorist uniforms. Other items include five 25-liter containers of groundnut oil, two sacks of different green tea varieties, seven large wraps of kola nuts, an empty jerrycan, two ATM cards from OPay and Moniepoint, the Isuzu pickup, and a sum of N5,077,700 in cash.

The suspects are currently being held at the 5 Brigade facility, where preliminary investigations are underway. This operation is part of broader efforts to dismantle terrorist logistics networks and cut off supplies to insurgent factions operating in the North-East region. The military noted that while the overall security situation remains calm yet unpredictable, troop morale and operational effectiveness continue to be satisfactory.

On Wednesday, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, convened at the Force Headquarters in Abuja to devise a comprehensive security blueprint for the upcoming elections. The high-level meeting, which included top police brass and INEC commissioners, focused on ensuring peaceful and credible polls amid ongoing security challenges.

Professor Amupitan underscored the necessity of proactive security measures and specialized training for personnel. He particularly highlighted the need to create a safe voting environment for internally displaced persons and individuals with disabilities, enabling them to exercise their franchise without intimidation.

In response, IGP Disu described the meeting as a vital step for democratic stability. He outlined the Nigeria Police Force’s strategic initiatives, including intelligence mapping to curb political violence and cultism, secure logistics for election materials, coordinated multi-agency operations, and counter-disinformation efforts. He affirmed that all officers deployed for election duties would operate strictly within constitutional and electoral legal frameworks.

Disu assured that personnel are undergoing rigorous training on rules of engagement and human rights protection. He reiterated a zero-tolerance policy for professional misconduct, warning that any officer found wanting would face disciplinary action. The IGP pledged full police support to INEC and called for unwavering collaboration from all stakeholders to ensure a smooth electoral process.

The Katsina State Government has officially launched a new policy aimed at ensuring the safety and security of schools across the state. Governor Dikko Umaru Radda introduced the Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools Policy, emphasizing the importance of protecting students, teachers, and educational facilities from various threats.

During the launch event, Governor Radda described the initiative as a significant step forward in safeguarding education and securing the future of children in Katsina. He highlighted that education is fundamental to development and peace, and meaningful learning can only thrive in safe and secure settings.

The governor expressed deep concern over the growing challenges facing schools, including insecurity, gender-based violence, bullying, gang activities, substance abuse, and environmental hazards. He noted that schools in Katsina have experienced incidents that disrupt learning and endanger lives.

“This is not just the unveiling of a policy document, but a clear declaration of our commitment to ensuring that every school in Katsina becomes a safe haven for learning,” Radda stated.

The policy is adapted from the 2021 national framework on safe schools, tailored to address local realities and challenges within the state. According to the governor, the framework prioritizes prevention and preparedness, strengthens early warning systems, emergency response, and recovery mechanisms, and provides psychosocial support for affected learners and teachers.

Radda further explained that the policy integrates school safety into planning, budgeting, and implementation processes at all government levels. It clearly defines the responsibilities of key stakeholders, including government agencies, schools, security institutions, parents, and community leaders, in creating safer learning environments across the state.

In a decisive operation, troops from the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army successfully intercepted a terrorist logistics network and secured the release of kidnapped individuals in Kogi State. The efforts, detailed in a statement by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 12 Brigade, highlight the military’s ongoing commitment to combating insecurity in the region.

During the operation, personnel rescued nine individuals from the Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage, comprising five boys, two girls, and two adult females believed to be the orphanage proprietor’s wives. All survivors were swiftly transported to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre, where they received necessary medical care and first aid.

In a separate but related incident on the same day, troops acting on actionable intelligence about an arms syndicate apprehended a suspected ammunition courier along the Obajana–Lokoja road in Lokoja Local Government Area. The suspect, identified as Yahaya Umar, was caught with 500 rounds of 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition cleverly hidden inside a bag of maize to avoid detection.

Preliminary investigations reveal that Umar served as a key logistics courier for terrorists, facilitating the movement of arms and ammunition across states in the North Central region. Interrogations suggest the ammunition was handed to him at the Obajana Forest, intended for transport to Dikko Junction in Suleja, Niger State, for a yet-to-be-identified terrorist recipient.

The suspect remains in custody, undergoing further questioning as part of efforts to dismantle the broader criminal network and apprehend additional syndicate members.