Category: News

In Cross River State, various groups are urging the government to significantly boost the number of forest guards and rangers. They argue that the region’s extensive forest zones need stronger security to combat illegal activities such as mining and other environmental risks.

This renewed push follows President Bola Tinubu’s recent approval to recruit 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State after a school abduction incident. Observers believe similar programs should be rolled out nationwide, especially in heavily forested states like Cross River.

Mr George Oben-Etche, Chairman of the Cross River State Forestry Commission, stated that the state government is already working to tap into the federal forest security scheme. He mentioned that about 300 rangers were hired after he took office, with plans to increase that number.

According to Oben-Etche, the presidential directive should be seen as a national security move, not limited to Oyo State alone, and Cross River intends to expand its personnel.

Commander Joseph Omini Ogburuwa of the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Services in Cross River welcomed the federal decision, calling it a positive step against insecurity in forest regions. He urged the government to officially involve his organization, noting their local expertise and capacity to address criminal activities.

“We have about 2,000 members in Cross River, and some states have up to 5,000. We can help fill security gaps in forests and contribute to national security,” Ogburuwa said.

Forest ranger Mr Efiok Emmanuel highlighted the understaffing problem, noting that only about 400 rangers patrol the state’s vast reserves despite growing challenges. He recalled that Governor Bassey Otu ordered the recruitment of 2,000 additional rangers in 2024, but the plan was never fully carried out. Similarly, proposals for local government-level recruitment were shelved.

Emmanuel stressed that new hiring would significantly improve security operations and conservation efforts across Cross River.

Security forces under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have recorded significant achievements in their ongoing campaign against crime in Benue and Taraba states. In a series of coordinated actions, four armed individuals were neutralized, several hostages were freed, and a narcotics distribution network was dismantled.

The military reported that these outcomes resulted from intelligence-led patrols, targeted raids, and clearance operations aimed at criminal hideouts across the two states. During separate confrontations, troops engaged and eliminated four suspects. Additionally, individuals who had been abducted by kidnappers were successfully recovered.

In a parallel development, soldiers uncovered an illegal drug trafficking operation, seizing multiple substances and arresting persons connected to the trade. The authorities noted that these efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance security and stability in the North-Central region.

The military has reiterated its dedication to sustaining pressure on criminal elements. They also called on residents to assist by providing timely and credible information to security agencies, which is vital for combating kidnapping, banditry, and drug-related offenses.

The Kwara State Police Command has received a strong directive from its Commissioner, Ojo Adekimi, to eliminate any form of indiscipline and unprofessional behavior among officers. During a strategic meeting with top-ranking officials, including Deputy Commissioners, Area Commanders, DPOs, and Tactical Commanders, Adekimi made it clear that the era of impunity is coming to an end. He emphasized that every member of the force must conduct themselves with integrity and professionalism, or face strict disciplinary measures.

Adekimi highlighted the importance of adhering to the guidelines set by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. He warned that officers who engage in misconduct, incivility, abuse of power, extortion, harassment, or any act that tarnishes the image of the police force will be dealt with according to regulations. The commissioner also pointed out that in today’s digital age, officers are constantly under public scrutiny, with their actions easily recorded and shared on social media, making it even more critical to uphold high standards.

Furthermore, Adekimi delivered a detailed lecture on the Force’s Social Media Policy, cautioning officers against careless online behavior, unauthorized sharing of official information, and activities that could compromise operational security or the reputation of the force. He stressed that violations would attract appropriate sanctions, reinforcing the message that discipline must be maintained both on and off duty.

As part of efforts to strengthen community policing, the commissioner instructed all Divisional Police Officers to intensify collaboration with religious leaders, school proprietors, principals, and other key stakeholders within their areas of responsibility. This collaboration aims to protect places of worship, educational institutions, and other vulnerable public spaces from emerging security threats. Adekimi reaffirmed the command’s dedication to professionalism, accountability, intelligence-led policing, and community partnership, assuring Kwara residents of the command’s resolve to deliver effective services, protect lives and property, and enforce discipline among its personnel.

In a strongly worded statement, Amnesty International has denounced the brutal attack on Dangulbi community in Tureta Local Government Area, Sokoto State, where at least 17 people lost their lives. The international rights group is calling on Nigerian authorities to ensure accountability and enhance security measures for at-risk communities.

The assault occurred on June 1, 2026, when armed men stormed the town while many residents had returned home to celebrate Eid al-Kabir with loved ones. According to the organization, some victims were visitors who had come specifically for the festivities, making the tragedy even more heartbreaking.

Amnesty International is urging immediate action, including a thorough investigation into the incident, identification of perpetrators, and prosecution through fair legal processes. The group also emphasizes the need for support—both psychological and material—for survivors, those displaced, and families who lost members.

The rights body point to the ongoing failure of authorities to protect communities from repeated armed attacks. The organization states that it is unacceptable for rural and remote areas to remain under constant fear of violence, which devastates lives, livelihoods, and access to essential services. In particular, they highlight that communities should be able to gather, worship, and celebrate without the terror of gunmen descending with impunity.

The attack spotlights a broader security crisis affecting eastern Sokoto and neighboring states, where cycles of killings, abductions, and displacement have disrupted everyday life and economic activities, especially farming. Amnesty International accuses both federal and Sokoto State governments of failing to meet their fundamental responsibility to protect citizens from such recurring violence.

The organization calls for sustained, coordinated measures to prevent future tragedies, ensure justice, and help affected communities rebuild their lives in safety and dignity. The statement underscores that without urgent action, more communities will remain vulnerable to similar atrocities.

Mudashiru Obasa, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has called on the federal government to prioritize addressing the nation’s escalating security challenges. Speaking on Tuesday, Obasa emphasized the need for collaborative efforts among all stakeholders to achieve lasting peace and safety in communities across Nigeria.

The Speaker made this appeal while meeting with a delegation of teachers who were protesting the abduction of 39 students and seven educators in Oyo State. The protest was led by Comrade Hassan Akintoye, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Lagos State.

During the gathering at the Assembly complex, Obasa expressed solidarity with the teachers, stating, “We share your pain and stand with you. This is a collective struggle, and we cannot remain passive. Every stakeholder must work together to find enduring solutions that restore security to our schools and neighborhoods.”

Obasa also reiterated the legislature’s commitment to the establishment of state police as a long-term measure to curb insecurity. He urged social media users to avoid spreading unverified information that could heighten public fear and panic.

The abduction incident, which occurred on May 15, 2026, in parts of Oriire Local Government Area, has sparked widespread concern and protests from educators and civil society groups.

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal forecasts a decisive victory for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. Lawal shared his views during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today program shortly after announcing his departure from the African Democratic Congress via Facebook.

Lawal revealed he is stepping back from active political involvement because he feels disillusioned with Nigeria’s political landscape. He expressed a desire to concentrate on other endeavors like agriculture and church work. “I’ve concluded that Nigerian politics is something I no longer understand or wish to be part of,” he said.

According to Lawal, Tinubu appears invincible in the coming election. He stated that if election rigging is considered a factor, no opponent can match Tinubu’s perceived prowess. “If Atiku relies on manipulating results, he will face a master in this arena next year. It will be worse for them,” Lawal asserted.

Lawal also clarified that he will not back Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress. He reiterated his decision to stay away from all political activities.

Hon. Muhammad Ahmad Tomas, a member of the Kano State House of Assembly representing Makoda Constituency, has officially returned to the All Progressives Congress (APC) after departing from the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). The announcement was made on Monday during a meeting with the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, at his residence in Abuja.

Tomas was accompanied by the chairmen of Makoda and Dambatta local government areas, Alhaji Isa Currency and Alhaji Jamilu Abubakar Dambatta. Senator Barau welcomed the lawmaker back to the APC, describing the move as a positive step that strengthens governance and political stability. “This is a timely and commendable decision. It shows commitment to development and good governance,” Barau stated.

The Deputy Senate President assured Tomas of equitable treatment within the party, emphasizing that the APC remains open to returning members and is dedicated to providing equal opportunities for all. He expressed confidence that Tomas’s return will enhance the party’s influence in Kano North and across the entire state.

In a Facebook post, Barau noted his optimism that this development would further solidify the APC’s presence in the region. Tomas’s defection comes after he lost the NDC ticket for a second term in the state assembly, a decision reportedly reached through consensus within the party. The lawmaker had initially left the APC for the NDC, where he was welcomed by party leaders including Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, before choosing to rejoin the ruling party.

Babachir Lawal, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has explained why he called former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ‘Kachalla’, stating that the term is widely used by bandits like Bello Turji to address their local leaders. He made this known during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, shortly after resigning from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Lawal argued that Atiku, being a Fulani man, should not find the label offensive because it is a common title in the bush. He further alleged that certain Fulani groups are celebrating Atiku’s emergence as a presidential candidate, believing it would increase their chances of producing Nigeria’s next leader.

The former SGF accused Atiku of failing to publicly condemn killings, kidnappings, and violent attacks across the country, especially in the North and his home state of Adamawa. He pointed to recent incidents where 18 people were killed and questioned why Atiku has not spoken out or visited the affected communities.

Lawal also referenced the murder of Deborah Samuel in Sokoto in 2022, claiming that Atiku initially issued a condemnation but later retracted it, saying his aide had acted without authorization. He emphasized that a presidential aspirant must clearly denounce violence and ongoing massacres.

‘I called him Kachalla because that is what people like Bello Turji call their local leaders. Is he not a Fulani? Fulanis are celebrating now that their brother has a ticket… Have you ever heard Atiku condemn any of these kidnappings? Not even talking about going there,’ Lawal stated.

The Labour Party (LP) has officially selected Hon. Juliana Obetta, a former chairperson of Okpokwu Local Government Council, as its running mate for the 2027 Benue State governorship election.

Obetta was introduced to party faithful and supporters on Monday in Makurdi by the LP governorship flagbearer, Dr. Matthias Byuan, at a ceremony that drew a large crowd.

Her nomination makes history as she becomes the first woman in Benue State to be chosen as a deputy governorship candidate by any political party.

Byuan, who previously served as Executive Director (Finance and Accounts) at the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), emerged as the Labour Party’s consensus governorship candidate last Saturday after a statewide affirmation exercise where he garnered 231,124 votes from delegates across all 23 local government areas of the state.

During the unveiling, Byuan stated that Obetta’s selection reflects the party’s commitment to gender equality and expanding women’s involvement in governance.

“This is the first instance a woman has been picked as a deputy governorship candidate in Benue State. Our party believes that women must have a meaningful role in government,” he remarked.

The governorship candidate voiced optimism that the Labour Party would triumph in the 2027 election and laid out a vision for transforming the state through industrialization, tuition-free education, enhanced security, and comprehensive reforms across key sectors.

“Once we assume leadership of Benue State in 2027, we will generate employment by shifting the economy from a civil service base to an industrial hub. We will implement free education at every level, address insecurity decisively, and overhaul all sectors to ensure Benue takes its rightful place among Nigeria’s leading states,” he explained.

Byuan noted that Obetta’s nomination followed extensive consultations with party leaders and stakeholders throughout the state, adding that she was the most qualified candidate for the role.

Earlier, Hon. Philip Agbese, the member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency and Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, praised the party’s primaries as peaceful and transparent.

“Our primaries were conducted without conflict, making them the finest among all political parties in the state. The Labour Party is prepared to assume leadership in Benue, and we urge the people to support us,” Agbese said.

In her acceptance address, Obetta dedicated her nomination to the women of Benue State, calling it a significant milestone for gender inclusion in governance.

“I wholeheartedly accept this nomination, and I want to tell the women of Benue that this is for you,” she declared.

She decried the underrepresentation of women in governance despite their substantial voting power.

“Women make up over 80 percent of the voting population in the state, yet after elections they are often pushed aside. This is the first time a political party in Benue has given women such recognition. I will be a voice for women and ensure their issues are addressed,” she affirmed.

Obetta, who made history as the first female chairperson of Okpokwu Local Government from 2012 to 2014, vowed to collaborate closely with Mrs. Matthias Byuan to advance women’s interests and foster greater inclusion in government.

“We will work together to ensure women have a stronger voice in governance and that the 35 percent affirmative action women have long demanded becomes a reality,” she added.

Also speaking, the Labour Party’s Benue South senatorial candidate, Hon. Samuel Onuh, and the state party chairman, Mr. William Okefe Ochonu, commended the national leadership of the party, particularly National Chairman Senator Nenadi Usman, for facilitating the successful primaries and candidate selection process.

They expressed confidence that the Byuan-Obetta ticket positions the Labour Party as a formidable contender in the 2027 governorship race and affirmed that Obetta’s nomination enjoyed broad support during statewide consultations.

The upcoming 2027 governorship election in Kano State promises to be a fiercely contested battle, with analysts forecasting a tight race between incumbent Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and challenger Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Political observers note that Kano’s electorate has a history of unseating incumbents, making predictions uncertain.

Political analyst Hassan Ibrahim emphasized that incumbency does not automatically secure victory in Kano. He pointed to the state’s tradition of voting out sitting governors when voters perceive a better alternative. This pattern could influence the 2027 election, where Gwarzo, a former deputy governor, is positioning himself as a credible challenger.

Ibrahim praised the NDC’s use of consensus to select candidates, which he said prevented internal strife. The party, still consolidating after defections from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other parties, managed to unite behind Gwarzo. Key figures like Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna and Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya stepped down for the sake of unity, a move Ibrahim described as a significant achievement for party leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

However, another analyst, Kabiru Ojo, expressed skepticism about the NDC’s chances. He argued that internal divisions, including a split within the Kwankwasiyya movement, weaken the party’s prospects. Some supporters of Gawuna, who was expected to be the gubernatorial candidate but settled for a Senate ticket, are reportedly discontented. Additionally, the departure of some Kwankwasiyya members to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has fragmented the political bloc.

Ojo noted that the 2023 victory was a collective effort involving multiple stakeholders, many of whom are now aligned with Governor Yusuf in the APC. This shift, combined with Gwarzo’s perceived lack of influence compared to other figures, could narrow the NDC’s path to victory. Yet, he acknowledged that Gwarzo was chosen through consensus, not imposition, and retains strong backing in some quarters.

Ibrahim countered that Gwarzo’s experience as local government chairman, commissioner, and deputy governor makes him a formidable candidate. His familiarity to voters, stemming from his previous joint ticket with Yusuf in 2019 and his tenure as deputy governor under the NNPP, could work in his favor. Ibrahim described the race as a 50-50 contest, where voter sentiment, including perceptions of betrayal by Yusuf, might tilt the scales.

Both analysts agreed that the election will be highly competitive. Undecided voters, estimated to be a significant bloc, could determine the outcome. Ibrahim stressed that the Kwankwasiyya movement’s loyalty to Kwankwaso remains a powerful force, capable of swinging votes. Ojo, however, warned that internal cracks in the NDC could undermine its campaign, leaving the party with an uphill battle.

In summary, the 2027 Kano governorship election is expected to be a closely watched contest, with no clear favorite. The interplay of incumbency, voter history, party unity, and individual candidate appeal will shape the final result.