The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Zamfara APC disowns bandit kingpin Turji

    Zamfara APC disowns bandit kingpin Turji

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed the purported membership registration slip of the notorious bandit kingpin, Mohammed Bello Turji, that portrayed him as member of the party in Zamfara State as fake.

    The party declared that the notorious terrorist has no association or link with the party’s membership register and database.

    The social media has been awash with the APC membership slip of the bandit leader presenting him as a registered member of the ruling party.

    APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, in a statement in Abuja, said the digital parameters represented on the fake slip bear no connection to the party’s membership register.

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    Highlighting the fault lines on the slip, Morka said: “For example, the slip purports to be registered in a nonexistent “Ward 13” of Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State which only has 10 Wards,” adding that “all other information paraded on the fake slip are nonexistent and certainly not contained in our membership database.

    “This vile fabrication is the handiwork of mischief makers out to hoodwink and confuse members of the public for their sinister objectives.”

    Earlier, the Zamfara State chapter of the party had distanced itself from the purported membership registration of the notorious bandit kingpin.

    The party insisted that the temporary membership slip on display was forged.

    The state Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris Gusau, in a statement yesterday said the fake membership slip in circulation on social media was a calculated attempt by mischievous elements to smear the party’s image and discredit its ongoing electronic registration in the state.

    Gusau noted that the membership card was full of detectable forgery. He cited the photograph of the hardened criminal on the slip as the same popular picture known to security agencies and Nigerians.

    The party argued that no person could be duly registered without a NIN number, a critical item the party expressed doubt if Turji has, therefore making nonsense of the efforts of the mischief makers for failing to realise that APC programmes are mostly flawless.

    According to Gusau, “the forgers forgot that before any person is enrolled by NIMC he must fill a form that will contain his full information before he is captured how then could NIMC capture him with military uniform and gun on his shoulders or are they blind or had forgotten that such features are not acceptable.

    “Also, from our records of today’s (Tuesday) registration from Kware ward, we did not have the ID number with the initial ID code ‘26’ which is for  Niger state but forged for Zamfara membership card, talkless of the name.’’

  • DHQ denies neglect of wounded soldiers

    DHQ denies neglect of wounded soldiers

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has debunked reports circulating on social media alleging that it has neglected personnel wounded in action.

    The military high command maintained that, contrary to a viral video alleging “lack of care and institutional indifference to the welfare of military personnel wounded in action,” the welfare of its personnel, especially those wounded in action, remains a top moral priority.

    According to a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen Samaila Uba, yesterday personnel injured during operations or combat are entitled to comprehensive medical care, locally and abroad, depending on the nature and severity of injuries, under established Armed Forces medical policies.

    The statement said: “The Armed Forces of Nigeria routinely facilitates advanced treatment for critically wounded personnel in reputable medical facilities outside Nigeria where such care is required.

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    “Within Nigeria, wounded personnel receive treatment across the Armed Forces’ network of military hospitals and medical centres, complemented where necessary by referrals to specialised civilian facilities at government expense. Medical evacuation, surgery, rehabilitation, prosthetics and long-term care are integral parts of this framework.

    “The Armed Forces also maintain favourable discharge and medical boarding conditions for personnel whose injuries prevent further service, ensuring access to pensions, gratuities and other statutory benefits in line with extant regulations.

    “In addition, families of personnel killed in action are not abandoned. They are supported through death benefits, insurance payouts, pensions, educational support initiatives for dependants and continuous engagement by military authorities.”

    The DHQ noted that beyond medical treatment, wounded personnel benefit from structured welfare support, including rehabilitation programmes, counselling, family support mechanisms and sustained command oversight.

    It stated that the soldiers shown in the viral video were clear evidence of the military’s efforts to rehabilitate those wounded in action, as they were all living witnesses. This, it said, also proved that the report’s insinuation that “nobody cares” about injured or fallen soldiers was inaccurate and unfair.

  • Benue APC family unites through e-Registration

    Benue APC family unites through e-Registration

    For the first time in three years, stakeholders of the All Progressive Congress (APC), under the administration of Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, and supporters of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, have put aside their differences and are working together in unity.

    This new found harmony is attributed to the ongoing APC e-registration across the 23 local government areas in the state.

    Previously, the party was divided into two factions, with the masses holding significant influence while the stakeholders struggled to assert their relevance.

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    However, with the e-registration, both groups have set aside their differences and are working together seamlessly,using a portal.

    Those who spoke with The Nation welcomed this development and urged the parties to sustain the peaceful atmosphere within the party and put aside their differences in the interest of the people.

    Meanwhile, there has been a massive turnout of party members for the e-Registration at the local governments and wards.

    Alia kicked off the exercise two weeks ago, and Akume has deployed over 500 personnel to fast-track the process, with both groups working in peace and harmony.

  • Radda orders renovation of NYSC camp facilities

    Radda orders renovation of NYSC camp facilities

    • Compensates three Corps members

    Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda yesterday ordered the renovation of the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp facilities in Katsina.

    The governor also compensated the three youth Corps members who were victims of the recent fire disaster which razed part of the camp with N500,000 each.

    Radda gave the order when he sent a team from the Ministries of Youth and Sports Development and Works to the camp to assess the level of repairs.

    The camp was built by the government of the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and was inaugurated by Governor Shehu Shema’s administration.

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    The facilities have since breakdown, especially the male hostels and staff quarters.

    Successive governments have neglected the renovation of the camp and thus allowed it to deteriorate and be ravaged  by vandals.

    The facilities used for female hostels in the camp were renovated by the immediate past  government  in 2019.

    The camp faced the problem of gross inadequate mattresses and old beddings, and lack of plastic chairs for sitting during lectures.

    The decision of the government to renovate the camp, and build a training centre, was received with joy by the Corps members as it offered better conveniences.

    The three Corps members affected by the fire in their places of primary assignment and lost their belongings to it, were also gladdened by the compensation from the governor.

  • Yari to distribute 746 trucks of food for Ramadan

    Yari to distribute 746 trucks of food for Ramadan

    Former Zamfara state Governor and Senator representing Zamfara West Senatorial District, has authorised the delivery of 746 trucks of assorted food items for distribution to the people as part of this year’s Ramadan welfare package.

    Chairman of Senator Abdulaziz Yari Palliatives’ State Distribution Committee, Dr. Lawal M Liman, announced this in Gusau, the state capital.

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    Liman said out of 746 trucks, 628 are for the people of the state irrespective of their political alignment.

    In a statement, the Chairman Publicity Committee of Sen. Yari Palliative, Ibrahim Danmadamin Birnin Magaji, gave the breakdown of the distribution as follows: “118 trucks of rice will be given to Polling Unit Committees through the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC across 147 political wards in Zamfara State as phase one.

    He explained that each of the 14 local government areas of the state would receive 45 trucks.

    The chairman further explained that a total of 315,000 beneficiaries were captured for the distribution which is expected to start before the beginning of the Ramadan.

    The Gabon Naura implored executives of the distribution chain to ensure strict compliance with the procedures.

  • Pantami hails Governor Yahaya on honorary doctorate, Gombe’s Tsangaya reforms

    Pantami hails Governor Yahaya on honorary doctorate, Gombe’s Tsangaya reforms

    Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has congratulated Gombe Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, on his Honorary Doctoral Degree conferred by Lincoln University College, Malaysia.

    Pantami said the honour reflects measurable achievements recorded under Yahaya’s administration, particularly in the education and health sectors, which he noted are increasingly being viewed as reference points for reform across the region.

    He highlighted the recruitment of 1,000 teachers to address manpower gaps, improvements in students’ performance in WAEC examinations in recent years, and the construction of modern school facilities in rural and underserved communities.

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    Drawing from his background in the Tsangaya system, Pantami hailed Gombe’s Almajiri Tsangaya programme under the Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) initiative, which has put many thousands of out-of-school children into learning environments.

    The establishment of modernised Tsangaya Mega Schools across all 11 local government areas stands out as an inclusive reform that harmonises traditional Islamic education with modern learning systems, Pantami added.

    He also commended the construction of a 1,000-capacity Gombe State School of Nursing and Midwifery and the rehabilitation of 114 Primary Healthcare Centres—one in each ward—to strengthen the healthcare workforce and expand access to basic medical services.

    The former minister noted that the Governor’s approach demonstrates the importance of synergy between government, academia, and industry in building a future-ready society.

    “Education remains the most reliable instrument for bridging gaps,” Pantami stated, offering prayers for continued wisdom and guidance for Governor Yahaya, who holds the traditional titles of Dan Majen Gombe and Dan Amanan Daular Usmaniyya.

  • GIZ, ACF target 1.4 million vulnerable persons in Borno, Adamawa

    GIZ, ACF target 1.4 million vulnerable persons in Borno, Adamawa

    The German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), in partnership with Action Against Hunger (ACF), has kick-started the support of 1.4 million vulnerable persons in Borno and Adamawa States through the expansion of the social register and strengthened social protection systems, it emerged on Tuesday

    The €1 million, one-year project funded by BMZ and the European Union (EU) was launched in Abuja on Tuesday, with a kick-off meeting outlining objectives such as technical alignment on methodology, timelines, roles, quality standards, safeguards, risk mitigation, and coordination among partners including ACF, the National Programme Manager of the National Social Safety-nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO), State Operations Coordinating Unit (SOCUs), GIZ, and civil society groups.

    Andualem Fekadu, Deputy Country Director of Action Against Hunger Nigeria, revealed that the intervention will target communities affected by protracted conflict and insecurity, while also including a cash support component to strengthen resilience.

    “This project is designed to support and strengthen the most vulnerable members of communities in Borno and Adamawa States whose livelihoods have been severely affected by prolonged security challenges,” Fekadu said, adding that the project will be implemented in close coordination with state governments.

    He disclosed that one million euros has been allocated specifically for the expansion of the Social Protection and Outreach (SOQ) component, with robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms in place.

    “Both GIZ and Action Against Hunger have strong monitoring and evaluation teams that will work closely with state governments and beneficiaries. We will also collaborate with state-level monitoring and evaluation departments from the beginning to the end of the project,” he said.

    Fekadu acknowledged widespread humanitarian challenges across North-East, North-West, and North-Central Nigeria but noted that funding limitations currently restrict the project to Borno and Adamawa.

    He highlighted Action Against Hunger’s track record in Jigawa and Kano, where Jigawa became the first state to develop and implement a social protection policy with budget allocations for vulnerable groups.

    Speaking on behalf of the GIZ Head of Programme, Mrs. Ana Vanambres, Bolaji Aina, the Deputy Commission Manager – Supporting Sustainable Social Protection, Participation and Economic Resilience in Northeast, Nigeria, said the project aims to expand, update, and improve the social register by approximately 1.4 million people.

    She explained that insecurity, displacement, climate shocks, and economic hardship place heavy pressure on vulnerable households and social service institutions.

    “The project will use geographical targeting, Community-Based Targeting (CBT), and proxy means testing to identify vulnerable households,” Aina said.

    She emphasized that a credible and inclusive social register is essential for shock-responsive interventions, better targeting, policy coordination, and efficient use of public and donor resources.

    Aina added that the project supports Nigeria’s broader social protection reform agenda and strengthens state systems, integrating women, internally displaced persons, returnees, and host communities into government structures rather than parallel mechanisms.

    CBT, according to her, is central to enhancing transparency, accountability, and community trust.

    “Success will be measured not just by the number of people registered, but by how well state systems are strengthened and how effectively the data is used to guide social protection and future policy decisions,” Aina said.

    Mohamed Bala, speaking on behalf of NASSCO National Coordinator Funmilola Olotu, highlighted efforts to link households to foundational national identification systems.

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    “All 19 million households captured in earlier phases of the Social Register are currently undergoing validation and updates. Over 10 million households have been visited, with at least one member per household linked to a verified identity through the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

    “In terms of individuals, we have submitted over 11 million records to NIMC, and about 10 million have been successfully verified. This reform is not only identifying poor and vulnerable households but also giving them identity,” Bala added.

    He noted that household coordinates are being captured to strengthen accuracy and credibility.

    Bala explained that while the National Social Safety Nets Project (NASSP) updated only 10.2 million households, the Federal Government aims to reach 15 million, leaving a gap of 4.8 million households, adding that partnerships with programs like SPIN and SUSI are helping bridge this gap.

    “The government will be glad to report that partners are supporting the expansion,” he said, noting that future interventions will be fully digitized and implemented at the local government level, with NASSCO coordinating and supervising.

  • Tinubu’s aide targets return of 10,000 Almajiri kids to schools in Northwest

    Tinubu’s aide targets return of 10,000 Almajiri kids to schools in Northwest

    Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement for the Northwest, Abdullahi Tanko, has announced a new drive to get at least 10,000 out-of-school Almajiri children back into classrooms, and rehabilitate dilapidated public schools across the region.

    He launched the effort by handing out uniforms, exercise books, school bags and other learning materials to pupils at Kawaji Yankaba Primary School in Kano.

    Tanko explained that during the school break his team identified 200 Almajiri children living near Hadejia Road, and he decided to get a list of them and discussed with headmistress about enrolling them in two schools.

    “So, we enrolled them in the school and provided them with uniforms, school bags and exercise books and other learning materials.

    “The teachers also received notebooks, chalk, cardboard papers and other essentials to reduce their challenges,” he said.

    He noted “this is just the Phase 2 of a larger revamping of education in the North-West.”

    According to Tanko, the programme started last year, and similar interventions will continue every term.

    On infrastructure, the president’s aide said engineers have assessed the school’s broken windows, missing roof sections, and a dilapidated admin block, and a bill of quantities has been prepared for the presidency.

    “The plan is to fix not just this school but many public schools in the North-West, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President, which prioritises education,” he assured.

  • Police inaugurate RRT to enhance operations in Jigawa

    Police inaugurate RRT to enhance operations in Jigawa

    The Jigawa State Police Command has inaugurated Rapid Response Team (RRT) to enhance security operations in the state.

    The command’s spokesperson, SP Shiisu Lawan, made this known in a statement issued on Tuesday in Dutse.

    “The Jigawa Police Command, under the visionary and proactive leadership of its Commissioner of Police, Mr Dahiru Muhammad, has established a Special Tactical Unit code-named the Rapid Response Team (RRT).

    “This is part of strategic efforts to further strengthen security operations and improve rapid response across the state,” the statement said.

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    The statement said that  officers posted to the newly established unit underwent rigorous tactical and operational training conducted by operatives of the 35 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Dutse.

    It explained that the intensive training covered combat operations, tactical maneuvers, and weapons handling, including practical training at the command’s shooting range to enhance operational efficiency and professionalism.

    The statement added that in addition to the trainings, several lectures were delivered to equip the officers with vast knowledge in the rudiments of police operations, investigative techniques, human rights standards, and ethical policing.

    According to the statement, the Command also emphasised on the dangers of bribery, corruption, assault and extortion, in line with the Nigeria Police Force’s zero-tolerance policy on misconduct.

    The statement said that the CP, Muhammad,  while addressing the officers, underscored the importance of strict adherence to the Police Code of Conduct, Rules of Engagement, and Force Order 237 on the use of firearms.

    Others are the rights of human beings and the need for continuous self-development and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

    It added that the CP also charged the officers to remain disciplined, patriotic and people-oriented while carrying out their assignments.

    “The CP assured the public that the team is designed to improve swift response to distress calls, violent crimes, handle farmer/herder conflicts, conduct special operations, control crowds and enhance public confidence in policing.

    “Following the launch, the Rapid Response Team personnel have been deployed across the seven Area Commands of the State, with the Office of the Overall Commander located at the State Headquarters, Dutse, to ensure effective coordination and statewide coverage,” the statement said.

    The statement also reiterated the command’s commitment in safeguarding lives and property, while urging members of the public to continue to support the police with timely and credible information. (NAN) 

  • LEADERSHIP Award a call to greater service, says First Lady Tinubu

    LEADERSHIP Award a call to greater service, says First Lady Tinubu

    First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu (CON) has described her emergence as LEADERSHIP Person of the Year in 2025 as a renewed call to service, declaring that there is still more work to be done.

    Senator Tinubu spoke after the management of LEADERSHIP Newspaper formally presented her with the award letter during a courtesy visit.

     She expressed appreciation to the organisation for the recognition, describing it as both encouraging and motivating.

    “With this, I am fired up for the year,” she said, stressing that her focus remains on serving ordinary Nigerians rather than pursuing accolades.

    The First Lady noted that she was encouraged by the recognition of her efforts as a woman in leadership as the current administration approaches the midpoint of its first term. 

    She acknowledged the male-dominated nature of society but said it only strengthens her resolve to work harder.

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    “I have never seen men as a challenge,” she said. “But it makes me know that I have to work three times as hard to get ahead. I always tell young girls to be confident, focused and hardworking.”

    Senator Tinubu also paid glowing tribute to the late founder of LEADERSHIP Group, Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah, describing him as a man of integrity and vision. She commended the organisation’s current leadership for sustaining his legacy and thanked them for their continued commitment to excellence.

    Chairman of LEADERSHIP Group, Mrs Zainab Nda-Isaiah, said the selection of the First Lady as Person of the Year 2025 was a unanimous decision of the newspaper’s nomination board.

    She explained that the choice was based on the impact of Senator Tinubu’s interventions across the country, particularly through the Renewed Hope Initiative, since the inauguration of the Tinubu administration in 2023.

    Group’s Senior Vice Chairman, Mr Azu Ishiekwene, said Senator Tinubu had redefined the office of the First Lady, transforming it into a platform for stewardship, compassion and national development.

    According to him, her philanthropic and humanitarian interventions have touched lives across Nigeria, cutting across ethnic, religious and political lines.

    LEADERSHIP unveiled its 2025 award recipients in November 2025, with Senator Tinubu emerging as Person of the Year. 

    The Board of Editors, however, announced that no Politician of the Year was selected despite the country approaching another election cycle.

    Six Governors were named Governors of the Year 2025 for commitment to people-centred governance. 

    They include Governors Uba Sani (Kaduna); Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti); Dauda Lawal (Zamfara); Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta); Hope Uzodimma (Imo) and Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa).

    Governor Oyebanji was recognised for inclusive leadership that has transformed Ekiti State, while Governor Lawal earned the award for restoring security and investing heavily in education, healthcare and infrastructure in Zamfara State.

    Governor Sani was honoured for his reconciliatory leadership in Kaduna State, Governor Oborevwori for implementing Delta State’s ‘MORE Agenda,’ and Governor Sule for prioritising infrastructure and human capital development in Nasarawa State.

    The Banker of the Year award went to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Development Bank of Nigeria, Dr Tony Okpanachi, for expanding access to finance and empowering over 700,000 MSMEs. Providus Bank emerged Bank of the Year for its role in driving digital innovation in the financial sector.

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) was named Government Agency of the Year for expanding enforcement and recovering over N10 billion for Nigerian consumers.

    The Environmental Impact Agency of the Year award went to the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) for advancing sustainable industrialisation and climate-friendly technologies.

    Green Energy International Limited (GEIL) clinched the Oil and Gas Local Content Champion of the Year 2025 award for developing Nigeria’s first onshore crude export terminal.

    Other winners include OPay (Fintech Company of the Year), Nestlé Pure Life (Product of the Year), and the Trade Modernisation Project (Company of the Year).

    Nafisa Abdullahi Aminu emerged Young College Person of the Year 2025 for her outstanding academic achievements, while Justine Madugu won Sports Person of the Year for leading the Super Falcons to a record 10th WAFCON title.

    All awardees will be honoured at the LEADERSHIP Conference and Awards Ceremony scheduled for February 12, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.