The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Disclose locations of killers, other criminals in Zamfara, group tells Lawal

    Disclose locations of killers, other criminals in Zamfara, group tells Lawal

    The Coalition of Citizens Against Banditry and Insecurity in Nigeria (CABIN) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal, urging him to take decisive action in addressing insecurity across the state.

    In a statement on Wednesday signed by its president, Comrade Solomon Charles Abutu, the group said Governor Lawal’s recent remarks acknowledging awareness of the presence of criminal groups in Zamfara require immediate collaboration with security agencies to restore peace and stability.

    CABIN noted that failure to act within the stipulated period would lead to mass protests and a call on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in Zamfara.

    Read Also: Banditry: Zamfara group urges Governor Lawal to collaborate with security agencies

    The organisation, which describes itself as a national coalition of civic advocates, security analysts, and community leaders, stressed that Zamfara has become one of the epicentres of Nigeria’s banditry crisis, with repeated cases of abductions and attacks on communities.

    It further urged President Bola Tinubu to closely monitor developments in Zamfara, ensure adequate federal support, and hold state leadership accountable in the collective effort to strengthen national security.

    The group vowed to mobilise residents, civil society organisations, and student unions for peaceful demonstrations in Gusau and Abuja should the ultimatum expire without concrete action.

  • Three die in Niger IDP camp amid hunger, poor healthcare

    Three die in Niger IDP camp amid hunger, poor healthcare

    Three persons have died at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State due to poor healthcare and food shortages.

    The Desk Officer of Gwada Camp, Hussaini Alhassan, made this known during the distribution of N30 million humanitarian relief materials donated by the North South Power Foundation (NSPF).

    Alhassan explained that two babies recently died during childbirth at the camp, while an elderly woman also lost her life at the Kuta Camp. He said IDPs from Kaore and Bassa communities had been living at the camp for more than six years because of insecurity.

    He lamented that despite the long stay, the camps still lack adequate healthcare, food, and other basic necessities, making life difficult for displaced families.

    READ ALSO; Open letter to the Northeast Development Commission

    Similarly, the Coordinator of Kuta Camp, Yusuf Kuta, said about 300 displaced persons which include mostly women and children were battling hunger. He praised the NSPF for its intervention, describing it as timely.

    Presenting the donation, Head of NSPF, Dr. Kemi Adekanye, represented by Dr. Samson Esumeh, said the gesture was part of the organisation’s contribution to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on food security and hunger elimination.

    “We have a commitment to the welfare of these IDPs as they are from our host communities. It is a routine for us and we want to ensure they are happy and healthy,” she said.

    Chairman, Munya Local Government, Alhaji Aminu Najume, and Secretary of Shiroro Council, Sanusi Musa, commended the foundation for the support. They said the government was working on plans to resettle the IDPs back to their communities.

    However, the Director-General, Niger State IDPs Agency, Danjuma Nalango, said the agency had not received any reports of deaths in the camps. He added that IDPs in Kuta and Gwada had been directed to return to their communities following what he described as improved security.

    The relief materials were distributed to IDPs in Erena, Gwada, Kuta, Dangunu, and Sarkin Pawa across Shiroro and Munya local government areas.

  • FG reaffirms commitment to closing gender gap in agriculture

    FG reaffirms commitment to closing gender gap in agriculture

    The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to closing the gender gap in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

    The ministry noted that achieving food security requires empowering women and people with special needs who depend on agricultural value chains, by improving access to production resources and support systems.

    Mrs. Damaturu Kachallazara, Director of Special Duties at the ministry, stated this yesterday in Lafia during the North Central Zonal Consultative Forum on the review of the National Gender Policy in Agriculture and its Strategic Plans (2025–2030).

    She highlighted key focus areas including access to knowledge, skills, technologies, land, seeds, fertilizer, and markets—covering price policies, market information, processing, storage, infrastructure, and market intelligence.

    The review meeting, hosted in Nasarawa, was organized in collaboration with AGRA, ActionAid, FMAFS, GIZ, and Care International.

    Mrs Kachallazara said, “I want to acknowledge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who has shown vital interest in the Agricultural Sector, especially in the areas affecting women. The President, during the women affairs ministry program on October 15th 2024, reiterated that women empowerment in agriculture should be given priority especially in Agricultural training, access to land and financial services.

    “We gather today to build up on the momentum generated by the maiden review of the policy, which took place on 24th January 2025 in Abuja, and that land mark event set the stage for our ongoing efforts to promote gender inclusivity and equality in Agricultural Sector” he said 

    Also speaking, the representative of ActionAid Nigeria, Blessing Akhile said the forum provides a vital opportunity to ensure that the voices of small holder women farmers, young people and persons with disabilities are meaningfully captured in shaping a more inclusive and equitable food system.

    “Since it’s launch in October 2019, the policy has made notable progress in addressing gender gaps, promoting equity in access to resources, and enhancing productivity across Agricultural value chains.

    “These achievements have contributed significantly to food security, poverty reduction, and improved livelihoods for millions of Nigerians. Yet, as our food systems evolve, new challenges continue to emerge making this review both timely and necessary” she said 

    Speaking earlier, Dr Esther Afu Ibrahim who represents The Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) said the organization intervention focus on closing the gender gap by improving access to finance, inputs, markets, and training for women and youth.

    “Initiative such as VALUE4HER, generations Africa and the Gender Consortium directly support women farmers, entrepreneurs, and innovators, while our broader work in seed system, policy and sustainable farming integrates gender responsive strategies.

    “In Nigeria, this approach has already reached over 1.2 million farmers, with 37% being women and 47% youth, and we continue to work with partners such as LANW and synergos to domesticate the policy at state level, including Kaduna, Niger, and now Nasarawa” he said 

    Our correspondent gathered that mainstreaming gender in agriculture is a means by which both women and people with special needs will have equal access to opportunities in the sector so that both parties can fully benefit from the outputs and outcome from Agricultural value chains.

  • Northern Christian forum hails Tinubu for standing by Shettima

    Northern Christian forum hails Tinubu for standing by Shettima

    The Northern Christian Youth Forum (NCYF) has commended President Bola Tinubu for publicly acknowledging Vice President Kashim Shettima’s loyalty and reaffirming confidence in him ahead of the 2027 elections.

    The group, led by Rev. Pinot Atuluku, said Tinubu’s stance put to rest speculations that Shettima might be dropped from the ticket.

    Read Also: Tinubu congratulates Shettima, Iyabo Masha, on NES fellowship

    It pledged to mobilise 20 million Northern Christian votes in support of the President’s re-election bid.

    NCYF praised Shettima for his role as the most senior political leader from the North, noting his efforts in fostering peace, harmony, and inclusion across religious lines.

  • N6.5bn allegation: Kano government introduces reforms on accountability, warns blackmailers

    N6.5bn allegation: Kano government introduces reforms on accountability, warns blackmailers

    Kano state government on Sunday hinted that Governor Abba Yusuf has introduced reforms and practices on transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources.

    Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, who briefed reporters, noted that accountability in governance is an essential ingredient and pillar of any responsible government, and the Abba Yusuf administration was doing its best in that regard.

    Comrade Waiya was responding to media reports by a section of the media that the Protocol Director General of the State Government House, Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo, diverted N6.5 billion state funds.

    “With reference to recent developments in the media concerning an allegation against some government officials, the matter that is before the court, and being investigated by the anti – graft agencies, the handling of the news item by some sections of the media is worrisome as it has fallen short of established journalism standards.

    “Worthy of note is the reckless and continuous manipulation of the innocent citizens recycling the same story through different patters and faces

    “Moreover, since the story started to trend especially on the digital platforms, it was clear for every discerning mind to observe that there is a carefully orchestrated plan by some desperate, faceless, and unpatriotic elements who are hell-bent on discrediting the Abba Kabir Yusuf led administration by maliciously painting it in the bad light.

    “The promoters of such negative stories and their paymasters have shamelessly continued to recycle the same story in different forms in order to deceive the public into believing that the NNPP led government harbours corrupt officials which is suggestive of a government that condones corruption.

    “In indeed, this narrative is contrary to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s public declaration of zero tolerance for corruption.

    “Examples abound of the government’s fight against corruption through institutional reforms as well as decisive actions on some corruption related cases,” he said.

    The commissioner said it was “reprehensible” for journalists to engage in recycling one story with the sole aim of sustaining an onslaught on Kano government that is committed to serving the citizens diligently, transparently through judicious utilization of public funds.

    “Clearly, the news item that is making a round about the former Accountant General of the state and now Commissioner of Rural and Community Development, Abdulkadir Abdulsalam over alleged return of 1.17 billion Naira was part of the earlier narration in the initial story of the ICPC and EFCC investigations, which is now a subject of litigation.

    “Therefore, presenting the former AG’s side of the story as fresh is clearly malicious and a desperate attempt at discrediting Abba Kabir Yusuf’s government, thereby diverting public attention from its outstanding achievements.

    Read Also: NUJ’s correspondents’ chapel vows to boycott Kano government’s activities

    “To this end, I must remind and admonish media practitioners to operate within established professional standards and protocols so as to safeguard the noble profession by insulating it from selfish and primordial sentiments being peddled by faceless unpatriotic elements,” Waiya said.

    He said it was “reprehensible” for journalists to engage in recycling one story with the sole aim of sustaining an onslaught on Kano government that is committed to serving the citizens diligently, transparently through judicious utilization of public funds.

    “Clearly, the news item that is making a round about the former Accountant General of the state and now Commissioner of Rural and Community Development, Abdulkadir Abdulsalam over alleged return of 1.17 billion Naira was part of the earlier narration in the initial story of the ICPC and EFCC investigations, which is now a subject of litigation.

    “Therefore, presenting the former AG’s side of the story as fresh is clearly malicious and a desperate attempt at discrediting Abba Kabir Yusuf’s government, thereby diverting public attention from its outstanding achievements.

    “To this end, I must remind and admonish media practitioners to operate within established professional standards and protocols so as to safeguard the noble profession by insulating it from selfish and primordial sentiments being peddled by faceless unpatriotic elements,” Waiya said, adding that the case was before the court of law.

  • Shinkafi urges security agencies to strengthen collaboration with Zamfara govt on insecurity

    Shinkafi urges security agencies to strengthen collaboration with Zamfara govt on insecurity

    Former National Secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Alhaji Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has called on security agencies to work more closely with the Zamfara State government to tackle insecurity in the state.

    In a statement issued in Abuja, Shinkafi stressed the need for synergy between federal security operatives and state authorities, noting that recent remarks by the Chief of Defence Staff during his visit to troops in Jos provided a clear directive for more proactive action at the state level.

    He highlighted that with the right political will and cooperation, security agencies could take decisive steps to curb banditry, kidnapping, and related crimes.

    According to him, the Zamfara State government has already invested in advanced technology such as environmental remote sensing, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to track bandit activities, in addition to providing 150 operational vehicles to security agencies.

    READ ALSO: How Nigeria can achieve ICT’s 21% GDP target – MTN boss

    Shinkafi further noted that the government has engaged 2,000 members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and hunters from Borno and Yobe States to complement the efforts of security personnel and the Community Protection Guard (Assakarawa), who are deployed across all 14 local government areas.

    He appealed to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to support these efforts in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, ensuring improved security, safety, and public order in Zamfara State.

    He said, “It is obvious that banditry in the state can end within two months if there is collaboration between the military and the state government to flush out these criminal elements. What is lacking is the political will to crush them. The Nigerian military and other paramilitary personnel are well trained and equipped as demonstrated in their various peacekeeping operations around the world. 

    “Bandits in Zamfara State are not up to 20,000 across the 14 local government areas of the state with 50 – 70 camps. This was contained in our report submitted by the Former Inspector General of Police M D Abubakar Committee for Finding Lasting Solution to Armed Bandits in the previous administration of Gov. Bello Matawalle. 

    “Our report listed names of armed bandit kingpins who were in the military wanted list, locations of their hideouts and number of fighters. This is why a synergy between the military and the state government is critical to end banditry in Zamfara State. 

    “Why Governor Dauda Lawal’s deployment of advanced technology to track bandits is essential to win the battle against them and set Zamfara State free again. Sadly, opposition politicians in the state who are ignorant of Gov. Lawal’s deployment of environmental remote sensing, Geographical Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) mischievously insinuate that the action governor knows where bandits are and refuses to share the information with the military. 

    “But the governor is focused and strongly determined to build a new Zamfara State anchored on peace, security, economic prosperity, infrastructure development, efficient civil service, women and youth empowerment, and delivery of dividends of democracy to residents. 

    “It is this shared vision of a greater and better Zamfara State that motivates citizens to support the governor against reactionary and anti-demicratic forces in the state that tend to frustrate his government, often displaying federal might and control of security apparatus. 

    “The need to review and rejig the nation’s security architecture cannot be overemphasized. Security is everybody’s business. Life has no duplicate. We must value the sanctity of human life. 

    “Let us set aside partisan politics and resolve to build a strong, united, progressive, prosperous and inclusive democratic nation”. 

  • NTAC DG congratulates Ribadu on conferment of Sardaunar Adamawa title

    NTAC DG congratulates Ribadu on conferment of Sardaunar Adamawa title

    The Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, has congratulated National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on his conferment with the prestigious title of Sardaunar Adamawa.

    In a congratulatory letter by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Nkem Anyata-Lafia on Saturday, Yakub described Ribadu as a man whose preparation, lifestyle, and hard work have earned him trust, honour, and dignity across the globe.

    The DG noted that the conferment of the Sardauna title on Ribadu, a former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is seen as a mark of recognition for his service to the nation and contributions to the development of Adamawa State.

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    According to him, the recognition did not come as a surprise, given Ribadu’s numerous contributions to national service and the diligent roles he has played over the years. 

    “To suggest that this was unexpected would be to deny the inevitable, for you have, by preparation, lifestyle, and hard work, positioned yourself for every form of trust, honour, and dignity across the globe,” the NTAC DG stated.

    While rejoicing with the NSA, Yakub expressed confidence that the honour would be the beginning of many more recognitions to come. 

    He extended congratulations on behalf of his family, as well as the management and staff of NTAC, noting, “We also pray that you are granted strength, wisdom, good health, and prosperity to discharge, with your characteristic forthrightness, the responsibilities of the office of Sardaunar Adamawa. Allah ya taya riko. Ameen”.

  • NNPP expels Reps member over unpaid dues, anti-party activities

    NNPP expels Reps member over unpaid dues, anti-party activities

    The Kano State chapter of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has announced the expulsion of House of Representatives member, Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa from the party.

     The party is accusing the lawmaker of anti-party activities and failure to meet his financial obligations to the party.

    State Chairman of NNPP, Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa, who made the disclosure while briefing journalists in Kano yesterday, said the decision followed Jibrin’s repeated media outbursts against the party and its leadership.

    Dungurawa described Jibrin as a “weak politician” whose electoral success was only made possible through the Kwankwasiyya movement and NNPP platform, not personal strength.

    “If he was truly strong politically, he would have won his election under the APC, but he failed. It was when he joined NNPP through Kwankwasiyya that he became a House of Reps member. Now he is deceiving himself thinking he is strong,” Dungurawa said.

    Dungurawa disclosed that a reconciliation committee was initially set up to engage Jibrin after his interview with Channels Television, “however, a subsequent media outing proved he has crossed the line.”

    READ ALSO: North frantic about 2027

     “Instead of dialogue, he went further to work against our interest, openly declaring loyalty outside the party. That is why we expelled him. He has no value to add,” the chairman said.

    Dungurawa further accused Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa of defaulting in the payment of mandatory party dues, vowing that NNPP would institute legal action to recover the funds.

     “We are taking him to court to recover what he is owing the party. It is a party constitutional requirement for every member to pay dues, but he has consistently failed to do so,” the chairman added.

    On speculations that the expelled lawmaker may return to the APC, Dungurawa said such a move would not affect NNPP’s strength.

    Reacting to the news of his expulsion, Jibrin said his recent  interview was not enough to warrant  such a “heavy penalty,” and described dissenting  views as  part of the party’s core principles.

    “I strongly believe the contents of the interview I granted few days ago should not warrant such a penalty because it is in tandem with the core principles of our party and movement which allows for dissenting views,” he said.

    He claimed he was not served any  by the party  to explain himself.

    “Even under military dictatorship, an accused is subjected to a court martial,” he said.

    Jibrin said he accepted the party’s decision in good faith and would not challenge it in court.

    On the allegation  of  defaulting in his payment of dues, Jibrin said  he never refused to fulfill his obligations, saying he was ready to clear any outstanding payments if presented with an invoice.

    “There is no need to go to court. I respectfully request the party to send me the invoice and I will promptly pay,” he said.

    Taking a swipe at the party’s leadership style, the former Director-General of the Tinubu Support Groups accused the NNPP of failing to value its members.

    “The party does not believe anybody has political value and comes short in treating people with respect. No matter what you bring on board, you are a nobody,” he said.

  • Reps member, senatorial aspirant disagree over insecurity in Kwara

    Reps member, senatorial aspirant disagree over insecurity in Kwara

    House of Representatives member representing Moro/Patigi/Edu Federal Constituency and 2027 Kwara South senatorial aspirant, Saba Adamu and Temitayo Abolarin have disagreed over the security situation in Kwara state.

    Adamu hailed Governor Abdulraman AbdulRazaq’s ongoing efforts to rid the state of banditry and kidnappings.

    Abolarin however said that kidnappings and banditry are now commonplace in Kwara South.

     Abolarin said: “Kidnappings, killings, and violent crimes have become daily occurrences. Farmers are chased from their farmlands, traders are robbed, and innocent citizens are murdered in cold blood.

    “Families mourn without justice, and entire communities are abandoned to their fate. Under this government, Kwara South has been reduced to a hunting ground for criminals.

    “This is not the Kwara we once knew. When Baba Saraki and later Dr. Bukola Saraki were in charge, government meant protection, governance meant compassion, and the people could sleep with both eyes closed. Kwara South deserves better than negligence, incompetence, and propaganda.

    “As a son of this soil, I will continue to raise my voice until security returns to every village, town, and city in Kwara South. Enough is enough.”

    READ ALSO: How long can Wike walk the tightrope?

     However, Adamu applauded security agencies and Kwara state Governor Abdulraman AbdulRazaq’s ongoing efforts at riding the state of banditry and kidnapping.

    Adamu added that the current efforts of the governor to secure the state from criminals has shown he is a leader who takes the security of lives and property of the residents seriously.

    The lawmaker through his media aide Bello Hamidu, said: “Our governor and leader, is performing incredibly well in every aspect of life, and he needs to be seriously encouraged and commended to do more.

    “From the privilege information that I have ,the c  efforts and perseverance of his excellency in coordinating all the local and federal security agencies to rid our state of harmony of present banditry and Kidnappings challenges is  top notch, exactly what anyone would do to protect his own life and properties.

    “From time immemorial, I have not seen or heard a leader painstakingly taking efforts from all angles to fully secure, to truly confirm our status of state of harmony.

    “It is reasonable that the achievements he has recorded in the area of industrial revolution since he assumed office and urban renewal  shouldn’t be allowed to be tainted when residents are allowed to be troubled by banditry and kidnappings.

    “As our leader, I stand with you, at this time and always as you forge ahead I’m advancing cause in securing the state while you consolidate on your achievements to leave a legacy that will last Kwara and indeed Nigeria a lifetime.”

  • Firm targets 40,000 youths in solar kiosk fabrication and assembly training

    Firm targets 40,000 youths in solar kiosk fabrication and assembly training

    A technology and innovation company, Elite Logistics and Development Services Limited, has announced plans to embark on a training programme for at least 40,000 youths in the North Central region of the country on the fabricating and use of its solar-powered kiosk, called Elite Smart Kiosk. 

    The training programme which commences in the last quarter of the year will have at least 1,000 beneficiary from each of the 36 States, including the FCT. 

    In a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, Mr. David Adesanya, the Group Managing Director of the company, said this is a strategic plan by the organization to ensure that the youths end the year on a positive note, with a skill that will usher them into robust economic opportunity in the new year. 

    According to him, the solar-powered kiosk has a humongous economic value chain that can lift people from obscurity to prosperity, urging that governments, non-governmental organizations and MDAs should adopt it as an empowerment tool. 

    The solar kiosk, which is a compartment designed for diverse purposes, from mobile healthcare dispensary units to exhibition stands, unisex salons, convenience stores, display retail outlets, ICT booths, security centers, multimedia centers, barbing shops, POS banking services and more.

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    Several others opportunities are inherent in this empowerment scheme as people would be trained in all skills for local fabrication and construction of the Solar kiosk. Different fabricating process of setting up of the Smart solar kiosk will involve carpentry handwork, electric connections, solar panel installations and others which would be a form of employment through skill acquisition training, aimed at providing manpower engagements for Nigerian youths.

    Highlighting the advantages of the innovation, Mr. Adesanya said the Elite Smart Kiosk is efficiently reliable, powered by solar, aesthetically designed with low maintenance costs and supports direct employment and empowerment opportunities for young Nigerians. 

    He noted that it will provide solutions to political office holders, NGOs, philanthropists, humanitarian organizations, federal, state, and local governments, as well as notable personalities across Nigeria and Africa seeking means to revolutionize empowerment for the teeming unemployed youths in the country. 

    He added that young Nigerians of all ages, including 40 and above have no reason to fail as the solution they are looking for to unlock their potentials is available with this smart kiosk.

    According to him, the training programme will teach beneficiaries how the kiosk is constructed, depending on the peculiar purposes they could be used for. 

    He called on youths of Kogi, Benue, Niger, Plateau and Kwara to come out in their large numbers and take advantage of this great opportunity to economically empower themselves.