The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Kano

  • BREAKING: Ganduje invites Yusuf, as APC warms up to welcome Kano Gov

    BREAKING: Ganduje invites Yusuf, as APC warms up to welcome Kano Gov

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano state, under the leadership of the immediate past national chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has invited Governor Abba Yusuf, urging him to feel free and join the ruling party.

    The state APC chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, disclosed this in a statement in Kano on Tuesday.

    Governor Yusuf’s planned defection to the APC has divided the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), on whose umbrella the governor was elected.

    The NNPP national leader and the governor’s benefactor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, does not want the governor to join the APC.

    Read Also: Sule, Otti, Soludo, Adeleke, Aiyedatiwa, Abiodun, Zulum, Yusuf sign 2026 budgets into Law

    Speaking on behalf of Ganduje, the state APC chairman (Abbas) described Yusuf’s planned defection to APC as a move guided by unity, reconciliation, and in the collective interest of Kano State.

    Abbas stressed that the call for Governor Yusuf to join the APC aims to build a more united and prosperous Kano State.

    “The APC is ready to receive Governor Abba Yusuf with open arms so that, together, we can combine our strengths for the progress of the state,” Abbas said.

    Upon his formal entry, Governor Yusuf and other NNPP stalwarts would be received into the APC under Dr. Ganduje’s leadership, in an atmosphere of mutual respect and collective responsibility, Abbas said.

  • Kano mourns as two Assembly lawmakers die on Christmas eve

    Kano mourns as two Assembly lawmakers die on Christmas eve

    Kano State has been thrown into mourning following the sudden deaths of two members of the State House of Assembly, who were reported dead almost at the same time on Wednesday.

    The spokesperson of the Kano State House of Assembly, Kamaludeen Sani Shawai, confirmed the development in a statement to journalists. 

    He disclosed that one of the lawmakers, Aminu Sa’adu, fell ill shortly after arriving at the Assembly complex earlier in the day.

    According to Shawai, Sa’adu was immediately rushed to the hospital, where medical personnel later confirmed his death in the evening. 

    The late lawmaker represented Ungoggo Local Government Area, and his funeral prayers were scheduled to hold by 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

    Read Also: Barau pays N7m entitlements withheld from Ex-Kano LG chairman

    Moments after news of Sa’adu’s death broke, another lawmaker, Sarki Aliyu Daneji, was also reported dead. Daneji represented Kano Municipal Local Government Area in the State Assembly.

    The tragic incident was also confirmed by the spokesperson to Governor Abba Yusuf, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, who announced the deaths on his official Facebook page, describing them as occurring in quick succession.

    Kano State remains in deep shock over the sudden loss of the two legislators on Christmas Eve. Lawmakers, party leaders, government officials, and constituents have continued to express disbelief and profound grief, describing the development as a major setback to legislative activities in the state.

  • Barau pays N7m entitlements withheld from Ex-Kano LG chairman

    Barau pays N7m entitlements withheld from Ex-Kano LG chairman

    The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has paid the sum of N7 million to a former chairman of Kano Municipal Local Government Area, Fa’izu Alfindiki, whose entitlements were allegedly withheld by the Kano State Government.

    A statement on Wednesday by Senator Barau’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, said the cheque was presented to Alfindiki at the National Assembly, Abuja.

    Senator Barau, while handing over the cheque, described the withholding of the former council chairman’s entitlements as unjust, stressing that constructive criticism remains central to democratic governance.

    He said it was wrong for any individual to be denied legitimate benefits on account of political affiliation or opinion, noting that such actions undermine freedom of speech and association.

    “Constructive criticism, like that of Fa’izu Alfindiki, is the lubricant of democracy. Without it, this system of government will not flourish,” the Deputy Senate President said.

    Barau, who also serves as the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, expressed concern that Alfindiki’s entitlements were withheld because of his political stance and support for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Speaking after receiving the cheque, Alfindiki thanked the Deputy President of the Senate for what he described as a show of solidarity, saying he had no regrets about speaking out.

    He said the intervention reaffirmed his confidence in the APC, adding that the party stood by its members in difficult times.

    Alfindiki also expressed gratitude to Senator Barau for what he described as a personal and political encouragement, noting that the gesture had restored his faith in the party’s leadership.

    The presentation took place on Tuesday evening at the National Assembly, according to the statement.

  • Housing Minister empowers over 100 non-indigenes in Kano

    Housing Minister empowers over 100 non-indigenes in Kano

    The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Yusuf Atah, has empowered more than 100 economically vulnerable non-indigenes residing in Kano State as part of efforts to promote social inclusion and poverty alleviation.

    The minister provided each beneficiary with undisclosed cash support to either start small businesses or improve their living conditions, describing the gesture as part of his sustained commitment to grassroots engagement and support for the less privileged.

    A statement by his publicity aide, Seyi Olorunsola, said the empowerment exercise formed part of Atah’s End-of-Year outreach programme, aimed at assisting economically disadvantaged individuals from various non-indigenous ethnic nationalities living in Kano State.

    According to the statement, the beneficiaries were drawn from low-income groups who have contributed to the social and economic life of the state but often lack access to structured support systems.

    Atah explained that the initiative was driven by his belief that governance must translate into tangible relief for ordinary Nigerians, regardless of ethnic background, faith, or state of origin.

    “This initiative is a modest but deliberate effort to make life a little better for the ordinary Nigerian, particularly those who live and work outside their ancestral homes and are often the most vulnerable to economic shocks. Every Nigerian deserves dignity, opportunity, and a fair chance to survive and thrive,” he said.

    The minister noted that the government alone cannot address poverty nationwide, calling on privileged individuals to see supporting the less fortunate as both a civic and moral responsibility.

    “Eradicating poverty requires a collective crusade that cuts across government, individuals, and communities,” he added.

    Atah said the empowerment programme aligns with his long-standing approach to public service, which prioritises identifying vulnerable segments of society and implementing practical interventions to support them.

    He added that he has remained actively engaged with grassroots communities in Kano State over the years, listening to their challenges and responding with targeted assistance.

    The minister emphasised that the End-of-Year empowerment initiative is not a one-off event but part of a broader philosophy aimed at narrowing the gap between the haves and the have-nots through compassion, shared responsibility, and collective action.

    The beneficiaries, in turn, expressed appreciation to the minister for what they described as his inclusive approach.

  • JUST IN: 11 survive private plane crash in Kano

    JUST IN: 11 survive private plane crash in Kano

    Three crew members and eight passengers survived a private plane crash landing at the Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, on Sunday.

    The incident involved a Hawker 800XP aircraft marked 5N-ISB.

    The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) is investigating the incident.

    The aircraft, operated by Flybird Aircraft Management Services Limited, departed Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for Kano on Sunday, approximately 09:20 am, The Nation learnt.

    Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, in a statement, said that the nose gear collapsed during landing.

    “All three crew members and eight persons on board disembarked safely,” he said.

    Oladeji stated, “During the approach phase into Kano, the flight crew reported a landing gear indication anomaly and requested multiple low passes over the runway to allow air traffic controllers to visually confirm the landing gear position. Kano Tower confirmed on each low pass that all three landing gears appeared fully extended.

    “The aircraft was subsequently positioned for landing on Runway 06 and touched down at about 10:34 hours local time. During the landing roll, the nose landing gear collapsed. All eight persons on board disembarked safely, with no injuries reported.

    “Upon notification, the NSIB activated its Go-Team. NSIB investigators will examine the aircraft systems, operational procedures, maintenance records, and crew actions to determine the circumstances that led to the occurrence.”

    An eyewitness at the airport said the jet experienced difficulties while landing and eventually crash-landed on the runway.

    Read Also: Akinnadewo urges Christian, Nigerian leaders to deepen humanitarian efforts

    Confirming the incident, the Flybird Aircraft Management Services Limited, said that the operational incident occurred during arrival at the airport.

    The Management said the passengers and crew involved in the incident disembarked safely, and no injuries were recorded.

    According to Flybird Aircraft Management Services Limited, “The flight crew followed all established operational and safety procedures, and the aircraft was brought to a safe stop.

    “The aircraft has been secured, and the incident has been formally reported to the relevant aviation authorities. A detailed technical inspection and investigation are ongoing in line with regulatory requirements,” the company said in a statement.

    The company, however, reiterated its commitment to safety and operational excellence and said it will continue to cooperate fully with authorities as the investigation progresses.

  • Insecurity: Yusuf establishes task force to secure motor parks, public spaces in Kano

    Insecurity: Yusuf establishes task force to secure motor parks, public spaces in Kano

    Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has approved the immediate establishment of a Special Task Force to decisively tackle security threats at motor parks and other strategic public spaces across the state.

    This was contained in a statement by the governor’s spokesman, Sunusi Bature, on Sunday.

    The governor said the decision underscores his firm resolve to prevent criminal infiltration and safeguard Kano State, particularly at key entry and exit points within the metropolitan area.

    Read Also: Church’ll laugh last amid rising insecurity, Adeboye assures Nigerians

    The statement identified motor parks as high-risk locations due to increased human movement and recent security developments, including the arrest of suspected miscreants at Kofar Ruwa Motor Park.

    “The task force will conduct intensive surveillance, intelligence gathering, and coordinated security operations at motor parks and other vulnerable locations.

    “Its operations will also extend to ancillary areas such as filling stations and public spaces where transient populations often congregate,” the governor said.

    Yusuf said the measure is a proactive step aimed at neutralising threats before they escalate, strengthening inter-agency coordination, and restoring public confidence.

    He reaffirmed his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on criminality and its unwavering commitment to fully support security agencies in protecting lives and property.

  • Court sentences man to three years imprisonment for diversion, forgery in Kano

    Court sentences man to three years imprisonment for diversion, forgery in Kano

    A Federal High Court in Kano, presided over by Justice Musa Sale, on Wednesday sentenced Abdulrahman Sani Adam to three years in prison for diversion and forgery.

    The court, however, offered him an option of a ₦3 million fine.

    It also ruled that the diverted containers be forfeited to the Federal Government for auctioning.

    Adam was prosecuted on charges of criminal diversion and forgery after he was found to have diverted containers under customs supervision and falsified official documents to conceal the act.

    Director of Legal Services of the Nigeria Customs Service, Smart Akande—who served as prosecution counsel—said the convict’s actions denied the Federal Government revenue that should have been remitted.

    Speaking with journalists, Akande said the successful prosecution and sentencing serve as a strong deterrent to others who may engage in similar offences.

    He noted that diversion of customs-controlled containers and the bypassing of due procedures are criminal acts that must be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

    Akande expressed satisfaction with the judgment, saying it aligned with legal provisions.

    “This landmark judgment reeinforces.the NCS’s commitment to tackling revenue leakages, document forgery and other offences within the import‑export chain” Akande said.

  • Yusuf visits Kano bandit-hit communities

    Yusuf visits Kano bandit-hit communities

    Kano state governor, Abba Yusuf, visited Tsanyawa and Shanono local government areas of the state to assess the security situation following recent bandit attacks in the communities.

    The governor, who was accompanied by heads of security agencies in the state and top government officials, described the attacks as “strange and unacceptable,” assuring residents that his administration would deploy all necessary measures to end the menace.

    Addressing troops stationed in the affected areas, Yusuf pledged full government support, including welfare, logistics, and resources needed to restore peace and protect lives.

    He also condoled with the families of those killed during the attacks and expressed optimism that the victims currently in captivity would soon regain their freedom.

    The governor assured residents that, by God’s grace, the security challenge would soon be resolved and normalcy restored in the communities.

    The Kano governor, also on Tuesday, visited the Joint Task Force (JTF) operational base in Tsanyawa Local Government Area, assuring security personnel of his administration’s continued support in tackling emerging threats in the area.

    Yusuf said his visit was aimed at assessing the security situation, encouraging the personnel, and strengthening collaboration between security agencies and the state government.

    He assured the security operatives that his administration would continue to prioritise their welfare and provide necessary logistics to enable them to deal decisively with criminal elements.

    “We are here in the Tsanyawa Local Government Area purposely to assess the situation as far as these security challenges are concerned and to motivate you to put in your best,” Yusuf said.

    He described the recent incidents of kidnapping and banditry in parts of Tsanyawa and Shanono as alien to the state, expressing confidence that ongoing operations would restore peace in affected communities.

    “These security challenges in Kano State are something new, something alien. By the grace of Allah, we will do whatever it takes to end these challenges, especially the activities of bandits and kidnappers.

    “We are aware of attacks on innocent communities. Many lives were lost, and others were abducted. We want to assure you that, insha’Allah, those kidnapped will be rescued and reunited with their families,” he said.

    The governor commended the security personnel for their commitment and urged them to sustain the momentum.

    “I thank you most humbly on behalf of the government and the people of Kano State. We will continue to do our best to support you. Well done,” he added.

    The commander, 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed  Tukur, while receiving the governor, said the JTF team comprising troops of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Police, DSS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and vigilante groups had been conducting daily operations in vulnerable locations across the council area.

    “Standing before you are members of the Joint Task Force comprising troops of the Equatorial Steel Brigade, Nigerian Air Force, Police, DSS, Civil Defence, and Vigilante.

    “They operate daily within vulnerable positions in Kanyawa. These areas have witnessed security threats in recent days.

    “It is a great privilege to have Your Excellency with us this morning. The troops are very happy to see the Executive Governor himself. We will appreciate one or two words of advice from you, sir,” Tukur said.

  • CSO calls for proactive measures to halt bandit incursions into Kano

    CSO calls for proactive measures to halt bandit incursions into Kano

    A civil society organisation (CSO) has called for urgent and coordinated action to prevent further bandit incursions into Kano State, warning that the recent attacks pose a serious threat to the security and economic stability of Northern Nigeria.

    Addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday, Comrade Bishir Dauda Katsina, Executive Director of the Citizens Participation Against Corruption Initiative, said the penetration of bandits into Kano, long regarded as the most secure state in the North, should prompt immediate intervention from security agencies and political leaders.

    He said the attacks in Shanono, Bagwai, and Tsanyawa council areas signal a dangerous escalation that could destabilise the entire North-West if not swiftly contained.

    He noted that Kano’s role as the most populous state and as the commercial, cultural and educational hub of the North makes the situation particularly alarming.

    Katsina warned that any breakdown of security in the state would have far-reaching consequences for regional peace and economic survival.

    The group also accused some politicians of attempting to exploit the rising insecurity for their own political advantage, stating that recent allegations by the Kano State Government implicating unnamed actors must be thoroughly investigated.

    He warned that politicising insecurity has become a major obstacle to tackling terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

    Katsina criticised calls by a political figure for the creation of a militia-style group under the guise of Hisbah, describing the proposal as reckless and capable of fuelling internal conflict.

    He also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to distance himself from individuals allegedly hiding behind his image to evade corruption allegations while weaponizing insecurity.

    Linking the attacks to movements of bandits from neighbouring Katsina State, he said eyewitness accounts showed criminals crossing into border communities in Kano.

    He suggested that recent peace arrangements in Katsina may have prompted criminal activities to shift into adjoining states.

    According to Katsina, the situation shows that existing negotiation models with bandits are ineffective.

    He called for a new approach that prioritises disarmament, rehabilitation, and reintegration for genuinely repentant fighters, adding that such talks must no longer be handled informally at the community level without the involvement of government and credible organisations.

    Katsina urged federal troops to intensify operations against unrepentant bandits and kidnappers, insisting that any non-kinetic measures must be transparent, comprehensive, and supported by all tiers of government.

  • Troops rescue seven kidnap victims in Kano

    Troops rescue seven kidnap victims in Kano

    Troops of Operation MESA under the 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have rescued seven kidnap victims during a late-night operation in Tsanyawa Local Government Area of Kano State.

    However, four of the kidnap victims remain unaccounted for. 

    Although, efforts have continued to locate them, the army said.

    Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Captain Babatunde Zubairu, in a statement, said the incident occurred on 29 November 2025 at about 11:00 p.m. after troops received a distress call from Yankamaye Cikin Gari village over bandits’ activities.

    “The troops, operating alongside personnel of the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigeria Police, swiftly moved to the scene, made contact with the bandits, and rescued seven abductees.

    Read Also: Barau urges security agencies to prevent bandits’ incursion into two Kano LGAs

    “However, a 60-year-old woman was reportedly killed by the bandits before the arrival of security forces.

    “Following the initial engagement, troops pursued the fleeing bandits along their withdrawal route toward Rimaye, engaging them with heavy gunfire, which enabled the successful rescue operation,” he said.

    The bandits were said to have escaped toward Kankia Local Government Area in Katsina State, with security forces intensifying efforts to track their movement.

    The Commander of 3 Brigade commended the troops for their bravery and quick response, urging the public to continue supporting ongoing operations with timely and credible information.