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Insecurity: Tinubu Pushes for State Police, Hails Civilian JTF

Insecurity: Tinubu Pushes for State Police, Hails Civilian JTF

•Badaru says terrorists exploiting porous borders to wreak havoc in West Africa
•ov Lawal: With control over security agencies, I can end banditry in two months
•North-east governors canvass resumption of oil exploration
•President to inaugurate 6,000MT lithium plant in Nasarawa

Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Linus Aleke and Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu yesterday reviewed the security situation in the North-east geo-political zone, saying the efforts of the civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) in curbing insecurity in the region had further reinforced his belief in the creation of state police.

This is coming on the heels of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) call on the President to declare a state of emergency in Northern Nigeria, citing the ‘extraordinary’ scale of insecurity and the government’s constitutional and international obligations to protect lives.

In the same vein, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara state has said that banditry would become history in his state in just two months if he had control over federal security outfits, stressing that he is aware of the movements of every bandit kingpin operating in the state.

Tinubu also commended the resilience and collaboration of governors in the North-east zone, noting that despite daunting security and developmental challenges, the region has recorded remarkable progress in stabilisation, resettlement, and social services.

“I have looked more carefully at the security situation. I see the efforts of civilian JTF and communities. This has again provoked my thinking on state police. We can work with the National Assembly to design a framework that guarantees local ownership while ensuring political neutrality,” the President declared.
Speaking while receiving members of the North-east Governors’ Forum led by Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, at the State House, Abuja, Tinubu said his administration had, in just two years, turned the economy around, supported resettlement of displaced persons, and prioritised infrastructure, health, and education.

“Our history since we came into office has been about facing challenges with determination. We campaigned, convinced Nigerians, and won elections. Ever since, we have confronted the realities of governance.

“Together, we can beat our chest that the economy has turned around and displaced citizens are returning to their homes under roofs provided by resettlement and housing programmes,” he said.

Particularly, the President lauded Yobe State for producing outstanding students despite disruptions and praised regional efforts in security, housing, and agriculture and also assured the governors of continued federal government’s support to consolidate the gains already made.

On food security, Tinubu highlighted his administration’s push for mechanisation saying that the nation is currently driving towards food sovereignty.
“Soon, each zone of Nigeria will have a training and maintenance centre for mechanised agriculture. This is the path to achieving food security,” he noted.
Besides, he stressed that despite distractions from early political manoeuvres, he remains “laser-focused” on governance and on delivering dividends of democracy.

NEF urges Tinubu to declare state of emergency in North

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Northern Nigeria, citing the ‘extraordinary’ scale of insecurity and the government’s constitutional and international obligations to protect lives.

The forum lamented that state security agencies remain overstretched, under-resourced, and in some cases complicit through inaction, leaving citizens vulnerable while eroding public trust in government.

In a communiqué signed by the spokesperson of NEF, Prof. Abubakar Jiddere, the forum expressed grave concern over the spate of violent attacks, abductions and killings across the region, warning that continued inaction could threaten Nigeria’s stability and regional peace.

The NEF recalled the August 19 attack on a mosque in Unguwan Mantau village, where armed assailants killed at least 27 worshippers during early morning prayers, leaving several injured and displacing hundreds

The prolonged insecurity in Northern Nigeria remains one of the country’s most pressing challenges, marked by a mix of violent extremism, banditry, communal clashes, and farmer-herder conflicts.

“In light of the above disturbing concerns, the Northern Elders Forum calls upon the Federal Government of Nigeria to urgently fulfill its constitutional responsibilities and international obligations by: Declaring a State of Emergency in Northern Nigeria, acknowledging the extraordinary scale of the crisis,” the communiqué stated.

Over the past decade, the region has been destabilised by the Boko Haram insurgency and its splinter group, the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), which continue to stage attacks, particularly in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.

Beyond insurgency, large parts of the North-west and North-central zones face widespread banditry, with armed groups engaging in mass abductions, cattle rustling, and attacks on rural communities, creating a humanitarian crisis and displacing thousands.

Despite government efforts, including military operations, peace dialogues, and security collaborations with neighbouring countries, progress has been uneven. The insecurity continues to undermine economic activity, discourage investment, disrupt education, and weaken social cohesion across the North.

Besides, NEF, in the statement, condemned the execution of 35 abductees in Zamfara State despite ransom payments, as well as two separate attacks in Kaduna State’s Kauru and Kudan LGAs, which left eight dead and eight others severely injured.

NEF said: “These incidents are not isolated cases, rather they are part of a persistent pattern of organised criminal violence and banditry that have claimed thousands of lives, displaced hundreds of thousands of citizens, undermined food security, economic cripple activity, and
Inflicted deep psychological and social trauma on individuals and several communities.

“The NEF observes with deep regret that the state security architecture remains inadequate, overstretched, and in some cases complicit through inaction and silence, leaving citizens vulnerable and helpless while eroding public trust in government institutions.”

Citing the 1999 Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, NEF argued that Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), states that the inherent right to life shall be protected by law, and no one shall arbitrarily be deprived of life.

“The recurring atrocities in Northern Nigeria constitute serious breaches of these obligations, and in their scale and persistence, will amount to crimes against humanity under international law and humanitarian cases,” it added.

As part of its demands, the forum urged the federal government to deploy adequately trained, armed, and equipped security forces with clear rules of engagement to protect civilian populations and secure international border regions.

In addition, it urged the government to: “Provide adequate compensation, rehabilitation, and humanitarian assistance to victims including displaced persons, in line with international humanitarian standards.

“Strengthen border control and regional cooperation with neighbouring states under ECOWAS and the African Union protocols, to stem cross-border incursions by armed criminal groups and “Engage international partners, including the African Union (AU) and United Nations (UN), for technical and humanitarian support.”
The NEF emphasised that continued inaction or insufficient responses to all the security challenges will not only exacerbate human suffering, but also jeopardise national cohesion, democratic sustainability, stability of the polity, and regional peace.

The elders forum called on the government to act immediately, decisively, transparently and in full alignment with Nigeria’s domestic and international obligations, pledging to continue monitoring developments while engaging stakeholders nationally and internationally to ensure urgent relief for affected Northern communities.

Badaru says terrorists exploiting porous borders to wreak havoc

Still on insecurity in the North, the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, yesterday said that terrorists were exploiting porous borders, weak governance, and deep socio-economic disparities to wreak havoc in West Africa and the Sahel region, stating that modern-day terrorism has assumed a more complex and dangerous character.

Declaring open the Regional Conference on “Combating Emerging Terrorist Groups and Strengthening Sustainable Security in the ECOWAS Region and the Sahel” – organised by the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA) in collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission, the minister also noted that terrorism has become one of the greatest threats to peace and stability in West Africa and the Sahel.

He stressed that terrorism takes root in communities where grievances are left unaddressed and spreads through ungoverned spaces where institutions are absent.

While acknowledging that these realities are stark, the minister emphasised that they do not define the region’s destiny. Rather, he stated that they are challenges that governments must confront collectively with determination, innovation, and solidarity.

He said: “We are dealing with adversaries who are adaptive, highly networked, and increasingly sophisticated in their methods. Their collaboration with international terrorist organisations has created a web of instability that stretches across borders. They exploit encrypted communication platforms, deploy unmanned aerial systems, and radicalise vulnerable youth online.

“This evolution underscores the urgency of our meeting today. Terrorism, insurgency, and insecurity are not abstract threats – they are existential challenges that endanger our people, our economies, and our shared future.

“This conference is therefore more than an opportunity for dialogue; it is a call to action. We are gathered here to forge consensus, mobilise resources, and design strategies that are both proactive and region-specific. The future stability of ECOWAS and the Sahel will depend on the decisions we take here – and the commitments we follow through afterwards.”

Proferring workable solutions, the minister said the operationalisation of the ECOWAS Standby Force must be pursued with renewed vigour.
He added: “Harmonisation of legal frameworks across member states will ensure that terrorists and their support networks find no safe haven. The creation of a regional counterterrorism task force, fully trained and equipped for rapid deployment, is an initiative we must embrace.

“At the same time, capacity building is essential. Our forces require not only modern equipment but also advanced training to meet the evolving challenges of counterterrorism. Thirdly, we must address the root causes of radicalisation. Military force is necessary but not sufficient.

“Poverty, unemployment, exclusion, and poor governance provide fertile ground for extremist ideologies. Investing in education, strengthening community resilience, and ensuring good governance are equally critical to our long-term security. Winning the hearts and minds of our populations will deny extremist groups the local support they seek to exploit.”

In his welcome address, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, stressed that these groups are not only multiplying but also exploiting digital spaces and new technologies to fight, radicalise, and recruit—especially among the youth.

This evolving threat, Laka said, demands that the region match their adaptability with resilience, innovation, and stronger collaboration across borders.
Noting that sustainable security is not solely about military action but about winning hearts and minds, restoring trust in governance, and investing in human development, Laka stated that it is in this spirit that Nigeria established the NCTC under the Office of the National Security Adviser, to coordinate the country’s counterterrorism efforts.

Gov Lawal: I can end banditry in two months with control over security agencies

Besides, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara state has said that banditry would become history in his state in just two months if he had control over the security outfits in the country, stressing that he is aware of the movements of every bandit kingpin operating in the state.

In a viral video clip, the governor explained that his major constraint in the ongoing fight against banditry is the lack of direct control over security agencies.
He emphasised that the security chiefs in the state only take orders from Abuja, lamenting that although the state has dozens of tracking facilities which it has fixed across the state just to help security in tracking the bandits, it still has limitations.

“I swear to Almighty Allah, wherever a bandits’ leader is located within Zamfara state, I know it and if he goes out, I know. With my mobile phone, I can show you where and where these bandits are today. But we cannot do anything beyond our powers.

“If today, I have the power to give orders to the security agencies, I can assure you, we will end banditry in Zamfara state within two months. Most of the time, I shed tears for my people because I can see a problem but because I don’t have control over the security agencies, I cannot order the security operatives to act in time.

“There was a time, the bandits invaded Shinkafi local government and I was sitting here when the security operatives were alerted but they refused to go to Shinkafi simply because they were not given orders from Abuja. This is the problem we are facing but we trust God and surely, He will come to our rescue,” he added.

The governor lamented that despite these challenges, the state government has continued to support security agencies with logistics and running costs, adding that records are available for anyone who wishes to verify.

He further recalled that about two months ago, the Zamfara state government distributed 150 patrol vehicles to the security agencies including police, army, the Department of State Service (DSS) and civil defence with a view to helping them improve in doing their jobs.

The governor added that apart from the thousands of personnel recruited as Community Protection Guards (CPG), his administration had also hired over 2,000 local hunters from Borno and Yobe and brought them into Zamfara to complement the conventional security operatives fighting banditry in the state.
“I am doing all these despite the fact that I have no control over the security agencies. But because it’s my responsibility to protect the lives and properties of the people of Zamfara as the chief security officer of the state.

“I have said it on several occasions that if the bandits are fighting because they lack some basic needs, I will provide them with whatever they lack; if they are lacking water I will provide them with water, if they are lacking schools, I will build schools for them just to have peace in the state,” he said.

He said that despite the challenges his administration faces in tackling banditry, he would not relent in his efforts to end the menace, while appealing to the people of the state to be patient as the government continues to do all it can to address the problem.

He further lamented that the major problem was the politicisation of the banditry issue in Zamfara State by certain individuals.

“I want to remind those undermining our efforts in the fight against banditry that their actions are destroying the state, not Dauda Lawal as governor,” he stated.
Lawal recalled that during the just concluded bye-election, a large number of soldiers and other security personnel were deployed to the state with all sorts of war equipment to cover an election that took place in six wards.

Banditry: El-Rufai can’t disown APC, declares Baba-Ahmed

Similarly, the vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has faulted former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over his recent allegation that the government is paying bandits, claiming that the former minister cannot absolve himself from the blame.
Baba-Ahmed, who spoke during a television programme monitored by THISDAY, accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using insecurity as a political tool.

“El-Rufai cannot run away because he is part of it. My grudge with Nasir’s statement is that he was part and parcel of the APC from 2013. Like he told you, he was one of the architects of it all. All of a sudden, he has come to absolve himself. No. Nasir is part and parcel of all that has been going on. We suffered, we are victims of Nasir’s misrule in Zaria,” he alleged.

Baba-Ahmed alleged that insecurity had been “politicised and orchestrated” by the ruling APC.

“I am in so much pain, believe me. Nigeria should be a great country, yet we have people destroying us by the hour. Insecurity has been part of APC’s game, and Nasir is saying it.

“I think he is right, the government has been paying them. Insecurity has been the APC’s way of staying in power. That is my candid, firm opinion, strengthened by the kind of unfortunate comments like that of Nasir,” he said.

He also criticised the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for dismissing El-Rufai’s remarks.

“The reaction of ONSA is not disputing what Nasir has said. Nasir should be writing some comments and statements by now. If the Office of the National Security Adviser will take this statement with levity, then Nuhu Ribadu was never a policeman. Nasir should be writing to the police, to the court. If the position of the government is to be paying bandits, then we don’t have a nation,” Baba-Ahmed added.

El-Rufai had sparked controversy when he alleged recently that both the federal government and Kaduna State Government were worsening insecurity by empowering bandits.

UN: 1,364 children recruited by armed groups in W/Africa in 2024

Meanwhile, the United Nations (UN) has said that no fewer than 1,364 children were recruited by armed groups in 2024 across six countries in West Africa. The global body also revealed that there were 466 cases of sexual violence and 14,364 school closures in the region due to insecurity within the period under review.
UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, Leonardo Santos Simão, made this revelation while delivering a keynote address at the Regional Conference on Combating Emerging Terrorist Groups and Strengthening Sustainable Security in the ECOWAS Region and the Sahel.

Simão, who stressed that West Africa and the Sahel have become the epicentre of global terrorism, regretted that these numbers represent stolen futures, fractured communities, and deepening fragility.

He said: “The global terrorism landscape is shifting at an alarming rate. According to the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, West Africa and the Sahel accounted for most of the fatalities in 2024—an increase from the previous year. Among the 10 countries most impacted by terrorism globally, five are in our region. The increase is not only in the number of attacks and victims, but also in sophistication, as groups forge alliances and expand their operational reach.

“Terrorist activities are also spreading into sensitive border zones, such as the Tambacounda region between Mali, Senegal, Guinea, and Mauritania, and into protected areas like Park W, Arly, and Pendjari, which straddle Benin, Burkina Faso, and Niger. These incursions threaten livelihoods, biodiversity, and eco-tourism—proving that no space is beyond the reach of violent extremism.

“We cannot ignore the impact of political tensions between neighbouring states in the region. These disputes undermine governance, erode cooperation, and create security gaps that terrorist and criminal networks exploit. Meanwhile, climate change continues to act as a threat multiplier—driving displacement, intensifying resource conflicts between farmers and herders, and forcing entire communities into precarious livelihoods.”

Terrorist groups, he said, exploit these vulnerabilities, embedding themselves in marginalised communities and using local grievances as recruitment tools.
In this context, the UN commended ECOWAS for its recent successful demarche with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to preserve the free movement of goods and people.

“This achievement shows that dialogue can still prevail, even amid profound political and security crises. The cooperation between ECOWAS and the African Union in counter-terrorism is showing positive developments, with the recent initiative to establish a Joint Threat Fusion and Analysis Cell to coordinate information and intelligence sharing between states,” he said.

He highlighted that terrorist organisations have shown a troubling ability to adapt—exploiting ungoverned spaces, inflaming community grievances, and employing advanced technologies such as drones, encrypted communications, and cyber tools to execute strikes with greater precision and heightened psychological impact.

The Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security at the ECOWAS Commission, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, represented by Dr Cyriaque Pawoumotom Agnekethom, said that fighting terrorism remains one of ECOWAS’s top priorities in achieving collective security as a foundation for regional stability, prosperity, and deeper integration.

“As a region and a continent, we must continually intercept and suffocate the supply chains on which terrorist networks thrive—such as weapons and ammunition, fuel for their vehicles, the illicit flow of funds through conventional and non-conventional platforms, drugs, and the control of dual-use items like fertilisers and batteries used to fabricate Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and other accessories,” he stated.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, stated that the activities of terrorists—ranging from kidnappings and banditry to transnational trafficking and violent radicalisation—pose direct threats to individual states and to the security and stability of West Africa and the Sahel as a whole.
For Nigeria, he said, the Armed Forces have been at the forefront of confronting these threats.

Represented by the Chief of Defence Operations, Maj. Gen. Emeka Onumajuru, the CDS revealed that from sustained counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations in the North-East, to combating banditry in the North-West and violent extremism in the North-Central, Nigerian troops continue to make sacrifices to safeguard lives and preserve stability.

North-east governors canvass resumption of oil exploration

Earlier, during the meeting Tinubu Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Borno Governor, Zulum , thanked the President for sustaining the fight against insurgency and supporting environmental mitigation in the region.

He outlined priority demands, including sustained military operations in the Lake Chad basin, funding for the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), completion of critical road projects, and renewed oil exploration in Kolmani and Lake Chad.

He said: “The region having suffered so much environmental and developmental setbacks arising from long periods of neglect and abandonment, we wish to leverage on Mr. President’s renewed hope agenda to reverse these ugly trends by giving special attention to us in the following areas.

“Resumption of oil exploration in the frontier wells in particular Kolmani and Lake Chad wells; continued military operations in the shores of the Lake Chad, Dajin Madama, Mandara Hills, Sambisa Game Reserve, Mansur, Yelwa, Futuk, Kolmani areas, Karin Lamido Forest among others and provision of funding to MNJTF for military operation in the Tumbus of the Lake Chad.”

The Borno governor also pledged the support of North-east governors to the President in his bid to provide good governance in the country.
He said: “The North-east governors hold you in high esteem and all of us have resolved to partner with you in your determination to provide good governance for Nigeria with a view to leaving behind lasting legacies and landmarks for the country.”

President to inaugurate 6,000MT lithium plant in Nasarawa

Also, Tinubu will visit Nasarawa State later this month to inaugurate a newly completed 6,000-metric-ton lithium processing plant, in what government officials described as another milestone in Nigeria’s push to curb raw mineral exports and expand domestic value-addition, it was learnt yesterday.
Governor Abdullahi Sule, who disclosed this to reporters on Wednesday evening after a closed-door meeting with the President at the State House, Abuja, said the new plant, located in Nasarawa Local Government Area, was built by Chinese investors and is twice the size of the 3,000MT facility launched in the state in 2023.

Sule explained that the President promised to perform the inauguration immediately after returning from his upcoming visit to France.

He said: “They said they were going to build a bigger one…they have just concluded building it, and it is ready for commissioning. Mr. President promised that on his return from his short vacation, he’s going to come to Nasarawa to commission the project”.

The Nasarawa plant, he said, is one of several Chinese-backed projects springing up across the state after exploratory surveys confirmed commercial-grade lithium deposits.

The federal government had in recent years adopted beneficiation policies to ban unprocessed lithium exports and encourage investors to set up in-country processing hubs, following examples in Indonesia’s nickel and Zimbabwe’s lithium sectors.

Sule noted that the investors were drawn by the sheer quality and scale of deposits in Nasarawa, describing the plant as a step toward positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for lithium-ion battery and solar panel manufacturing.

“Because of how excited they were with the quality of lithium and the commercial deposit they noticed, they fulfilled their promise to build something bigger,” he added.

Sule also linked the investment flow to reforms implemented under Tinubu’s administration, including the removal of petrol subsidy and the unification of the naira’s exchange rate, which he said had boosted states’ revenues.

“Instead of borrowing from the banks, we are now utilising the improved resources that we have,” the governor said, adding that infrastructure expansion in Nasarawa is benefitting directly from federal fiscal reforms.

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Benue, Plateau Killings: DSS Arraigns Nine Prime Suspects

Benue, Plateau Killings: DSS Arraigns Nine Prime Suspects

•One pleads guilty to unlawful possession of firearms
•Files fresh charge against suspected gunrunner arrested with seven M16 rifles

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Department of State Services (DSS) yesterday arraigned nine individuals before a Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged complicity in recent killings in Benue and Plateau states.

The nine, named as defendants in six separate charges, took turns to enter their pleas to the allegations raised against them, including unlawful possession and dealing in firearms, assisting in terrorism activities, among others.

Those arraigned were Terkende Ashuwa (46 years) and Amos Alede (44 years), named in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/448/2025; Haruna Adamu (26) and Muhammed Abdullahi (48) in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/449/2025; and Halima Haliru Usman (32) in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/450/2025.
Others were Timna Manjo (46) and Nanbol Tali (75 years) in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/451/2025; Danjuma Antu (62) in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/452/2025 and Silas Iduh Oloche, named in a six-count charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/453/2025.

Out of the nine, only Manjo pleaded guilty to two out of the four counts contained in the charge on which he was arraigned with Tali.
Manjo pleaded guilty to counts one and three on the charge sheet.

The counts, two of which Manjo pleaded guilty, were, “That you, Timnan Manjo of First Baptist Church, Mangu LGA, Plateau State and Nanbol Tali of Cocin LCC, Heipang, Barkin Ladi LGA, Plateau State, Adults, males, sometime between July and August, 2025, at Barkin Ladin LGA, Plateau State, without licence, did engage in buying and selling of two locally fabricated AK47 rifles at the rate of N3,000,000, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 9 of Firearms Act 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) of the same Act.

“That you, Timnan Manjo of First Baptist Church, Mangu LGA, Plateau State, adult, male, sometime in July, 2025, at Mangu LGA, Plateau State, without licence, did engage in buying of three long-range Revolver Rifles at the rate of N60,000 each, from one Chomo, for resell, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 9 of Firearms Act 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) of the same Act.

“Ashuwa of Ukpam village and Alede of Akawe Tokula Polytechnic (both of Guma Local Government Area of Benue State) are alleged, in a three-count charge, to have, in July, attended at Couch Bar, Daudu village, a meeting in connection with acts of terrorism.”

They were also said to “knowingly solicit or render support by receiving material assistance of locally-made guns and AK47 rifle from one Alhaji Uba for the commissioning of acts of terrorism to wit: causing destruction to private property resulting in an economic loss of 12 cattle in Ukpam age, Benue State.
“Adamu of Kasono village and Abdullahi of Jangar Gare village, both in Awe Local Government Area, Nasarawa State are, in a four-count charge, said to have, on June 13 “participated in a meeting alongside Musa Beniyon, Bako Malowa, Ibrahim Tunga, Azara Ahmlnadu, Legu Musa, Adamu Yale, Boddi Ayuba and Pyeure Damina among others, which in your knowledge is concerned and connected to the commissioning of acts of terrorism and killings in Abinsi and Yelwata Villages, Guma LGA, Benue State.”

Adamu and Abdullahi were also accused of “knowingly concealing information about planned acts of terrorism and killings in Abinsi and Yelwata Villages, Guma LGA, Benue State between 13th and 14th June, 2025, which you know to be of material assistance in apprehending and preventing the commissioning of acts of terrorism, but failed to disclose the information to any law enforcement or security officer.”

Mrs. Umar of Unguwan Boka, Faskari LGA, Katsina State, was alleged, in a four-count charge, to have on July 7 at Barkin Ladi LGA and Jos North LGA of Plateau State, of attempting to render support for the commission of acts of terrorism by providing material assistance and transportation of 302 rounds of AK-47 rifle live ammunitions.

She was also said to have, on the same date, had in her possession 302 rounds of AK-47 rifle live ammunitions.

In a four-count charge, Manjo of First Baptist Church, Mangu LGA and Tali of Cocin LCC, Heipang, Barkin Ladi LGA, both of Plateau State, were said to have sometime in August 9 at Barkin Ladin LGA, Plateau State, had in their possession a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle without a license.

Manjo was, in count three, accused of engaging in the buying of three long-range revolver rifles at the rate of N60,000 each, from one Chomo, for resell.
He was also said to have engaged in buying of two locally-fabricated AK-47 rifles at the rate of N300,000 from one Vom, which he allegedly “resold to an unidentified Reverend at the rate 400,000.”

In a five-count charge, Antu of Jos North, Plateau State was alleged to have, “sometime on 27th June, 2025, along Kabong Primary School, Jos North LGA, Plateau State, without licence, did have in your possession three live rounds of 9mm ammunition, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8(1) of Firearms Act 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) of the same Act.”

He is also alleged to have “sometime on 27th June, 2025, along Kabong Primary School, Jos North LGA, Plateau State, knowingly render material support for the commission of acts of terrorism in Plateau State, by transporting two locally fabricated pistols firearms capable of discharging 9mm ammunition calibre, three live rounds of 9mm ammunition and one five round of 8mm ammunition and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 13 (1) of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”

After the defendants pleaded to the charges, Justice Emeka Nwite ordered that they should be remanded in DSS custody and be granted access to their lawyers.
As it relates to the charges involving Ashuwa, Alede and Halima Umar, Nwite adjourned till October 2 for trial.
He adjourned the charge involving Adamu and Abdullahi to October 9 for the commencement of trial, while the charges involving Manjo, Tali, Antu and Oloche were adjourned till October 17 for trial.

Similarly, on Wednesday, DSS filed a fresh five-count charge against suspected gunrunner, allegedly arrested with seven M16 assault rifles – Huzaifa Ahamad Haruna (aka Huzaifa Dogo).

Some counts in the charge read, “That you, Huzaifa Ahamad Haruna (aka Huzaifa Dogo) of Dogo village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA), Plateau State, Adult, male, sometime on 30% August, 2025, at Barkin Ladi LGA and Mangu LGA of Plateau State, did knowingly render support for the commission of acts of terrorism by providing material assistance for and transportation of seven M-16 assault rifles with serial numbers:0700422; 24006914; 00513011; 07000135; 24007165; 07000417; and 07000822, as well as seven empty magazines in a green coloured Opel Vectra vehicle with Reg No: BSA-732-AE (Plateau), and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 13 (1) of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

“That you, Huzaifa Ahamad Haruna of Dogo village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA), Plateau State, adult, male, sometime in March, 2025, at Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State, did knowingly render support for the commission of acts of terrorism by providing material assistance for and transportation of five M-16 assault rifles from Dogo Village, Barkin Ladi LGA to one Wakili Julde in Wase LGA, Plateau State, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 13 (1) of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”

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Parallex Bank Secures ISO Recertification, Reinforces Leadership in Security, Others

Parallex Bank Secures ISO Recertification, Reinforces Leadership in Security, Others

Parallex Bank Limited has once again raised the bar in operational excellence and risk management, following its successful recertification for three global ISO standards.

In a statement, the bank noted that the certifications reaffirm the Bank’s commitment to innovation, resilience, and service quality in the ever-evolving financial services landscape.

The statement further explained that the bank was recertified for ISO 27001:2022 (Information Security Management System), ISO 20000:2018 (IT Service Management System), and ISO 22301:2019 (Business Continuity Management System).

Parallex Bank first secured these certifications in 2022 and has now sustained compliance after a rigorous three-year review process, demonstrating its ability to continuously meet international benchmarks.

The statement added that the recertification carries significant implications for the Bank and its stakeholders. It reaffirms continued compliance with global standards and reduces the risk of regulatory non-compliance. It also strengthens customer and stakeholder confidence by underscoring the Bank’s ongoing commitment to security, service quality, and business continuity.

Speaking during the ceremony, Odejide emphasized that: “The theme for the future is Artificial Intelligence,” stressing the importance of organizations moving into the technological shifts that will define the next decade. In his own remarks, Olufemi Bakre expressed appreciation for the certification and acknowledged the collective effort of the team and partners that made it possible.

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Tinubu Reverses Appointment at NTA, Reinstates DG, Executive Director News

Tinubu Reverses Appointment at NTA, Reinstates DG, Executive Director News

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday directed the reinstatement of the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Mr Salihu Abdullahi Dembos, who briefly vacated the post following some management changes in the agency.
Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga said Dembos, who was appointed DG of the TV network by President Tinubu in October 2023, will now return to complete his three-year tenure.
The President similarly directed the recall of the Executive Director of News, Mr Ayo Adewuyi to complete his three-year tenure, which ends in 2027.
Adewuyi was appointed by President Tinubu in 2024.
The new directive effectively reversed the previously announced appointments of Rtimi Pedro as director-general, executive director of news, executive director of marketing, and managing director of NTA Enterprises.

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Tinubu: We Met Revenue Target For 2025 in August

Tinubu: We Met Revenue Target For 2025 in August

. Dismisses pressure from Trump

. Assures Nigeria will not borrow again

. x-CPC leaders declare support for APC in 2027

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday declared that his government has met its revenue generation target for year 2025 through non-oil sector in August.
Addressing members of The Buhari Organisation (TBO) led by former governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Tanko Almakura who were on a courtesy visit to him at the State House, Abuja, he said he had met his revenue target for the year through the non-oil sector ahead of schedule.
He added that he will remain focused on Nigeria’s progress despite external pressures, including actions from US President Donald Trump.
According to him: “Nigeria is not borrowing. We have met our revenue target for the year, and we met it in August.”
Projecting confidence against international challenges, President Tinubu dismissed concerns over United States President Donald Trump’s activities, saying, “If non-oil revenue is going well, then have no fear of whatever Trump is doing on the other side.”
Shedding more light on his government’s
economic achievements, the President emphasized the stabilisation of the Nigerian economy, with exchange rates improving from N1900 to a dollar to N1450 at present.
His words: “The economy is stabilised; nobody is trading pieces of paper for exchange rate anymore. When I took over, it was N1900 to a dollar. It’s N1,450 now. Rates have been stabilising now.”
He promised continued efforts to create jobs through export, import, and industrial growth.
On food security, the President unveiled plans for a nationwide mechanisation programme, with farm centres established in every region to boost productivity, ensure food sovereignty, and lift millions out of poverty.
“Our path to food security is clear. Every region will have a mechanised farm centre. We are committed to removing poverty from our land, and that is the work we have already started,” the President stated.
President Tinubu urged supporters not to be distracted by political noise ahead of 2027, assuring that his administration remains focused on reforms that will deliver prosperity.
“Don’t let anybody threaten you with uncertainty. We know the direction we are going, and we are certain of success. The legacy you will inherit from me is total commitment to justice, transparency and progress. At the end of this journey, it will be a house of joy and prosperity for all,” he said.
The President reflected on the early political alliance with Buhari, emphasising mutual respect and dedication to a progressive government.
“Let me first apologise for coming late. That’s the difference between Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Tinubu. If it were him, he would be here right on time,” Tinubu joked, before expressing heartfelt thanks to those in attendance, including Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abass; former Katsina State Governor and former Speaker, Hon Aminu Masari, Almakura, and others.
He recounted the challenging beginnings of their alliance, noting spirited debates on symbols—“He insisted on parliament and I insisted on broom. He’s so stubborn.”
The President reassured his supporters not to be swayed by threats but to draw strength from unity and shared belief in a progressive government building on Buhari’s legacy. “Don’t worry about the threats. When I see people like you, my determination is to work harder,” he said.
President Tinubu also gave a pledge rooted in Buhari’s principles saying “Part of what we inherited from Buhari was his honesty, transparency, justice, that’s all. “You won’t have anything less than that. You will have joy at the end of this journey, and we will definitely put something together to build a Buhari House; that house will be a house of joy and prosperity.”
The delegation assured the President that the CPC bloc within the APC remained firmly behind his administration and would mobilise nationwide to secure the party’s victory at the next polls.
Senator Al-Makura, who spoke on behalf of the group, commended Tinubu for steering the country through challenging economic times, sustaining peace and stability, and for honouring the memory of their late leader and mentor, former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“We are with you in loyalty, in person, and in purpose. May Almighty God grant you the wisdom and strength to continue leading our nation,” he declared.
Recalling the CPC’s struggles before the 2013 merger that birthed the APC, Al-Makura described Tinubu and Buhari as visionaries whose political partnership laid the foundation for justice, equity, and national renewal.
“Mr. President, you and President Muhammadu Buhari shared more than a political alliance; you shared a vision of a Nigeria built on justice, economic sovereignty, and good governance. Together, you conceptualised and built a platform that remains our pride and our cause,” he said.
Al-Makura pledged that the CPC family, comprising former governors, ministers, lawmakers, women leaders, and party executives, would work tirelessly to consolidate Tinubu’s reforms and sustain the APC legacy beyond 2027.
Also speaking, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas, declared that the CPC bloc remains intact and is solidly behind the President.
“Indeed, today is the very first time that former members of the CPC have gathered in such large numbers to visit our President, to show support and appreciation for what he has been doing. I want to seize this opportunity, Mr. President, to assure you of the unconditional support of all former members of the CPC,” Abbas said.
Dismissing insinuations that the bloc was fragmented, the House Speaker insisted that over 90 percent of CPC’s pioneer leaders remained active and loyal.
He also praised President Tinubu’s partnership with Buhari in 2010, which eventually paved the way for Buhari’s presidency.
Abbas further commended Tinubu for the unprecedented respect shown to Buhari during his passing, noting the state support accorded his family and the President’s personal involvement.
“CPC in every state will go back home and mobilise support for Asiwaju. That movement will cascade down to local government areas, wards, and units. Insha Allah, CPC members will be at the forefront of ensuring your re-election in 2027 so you can continue the good work you are doing,” Abbas assured.

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APC: Presidential Ticket Open to All Members Despite Tinubu Endorsement

APC: Presidential Ticket Open to All Members Despite Tinubu Endorsement

*Says party won’t print single presidential nomination form for Tinubu

•To hold interactive session with national, state Assembly members

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Despite its endorsement of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said the party will give opportunity for anyone who wishes to contest in the presidential primary.

The National Organising Secretary of the party, Sulaiman Argungu, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja while briefing journalists on the success the party recorded at the just-concluded August 16, 2025 legislative by-elections.

He stressed that the APC as a democratic party would give other members the opportunity to express themselves.

Argungu states: “The aspiration of the people would be the wish of the party. As leaders of the party today, the NWC have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the next presidential candidate of the party. By extension, other organs have done similar things. Governments in most of the states, zones in most of the six political zones, have also adopted the same.

“But that does not mean that the door is closed. That does not mean that when time comes, like we did always, we will make our timetable known so that for anybody who wants to aspire to be the next President of this country, under the platform of All Progressives Congress, we will not deny him that opportunity to come and purchase form. We will allow him to come and pay. So that he can exercise his franchise as a member of the APC.

“We have never said it for any time, for any day that we have closed the door. But we are only telling people that we appreciate what Mr. President is doing to the good people of this country.”

Argungu also revealed that the party would schedule an interactive session with all elected Senators, members of the House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly members in Abuja.

He added that the session would serve as a platform to share ideas, build trust and also help chart a common course for engagements at both national and state levels.

According to him, This is a remarkable achievement and a reaffirmation of the confidence Nigerians continue to repose in the APC.

Argungu noted: “These victories are not just statistics; they are a reaffirmation of the trust Nigerians continue to place in the APC.

“They demonstrate the strength, resilience, and growing acceptance of our party nationwide. They reflect the belief of the Nigerian people in our capacity to deliver purposeful leadership and good governance.

“The APC will schedule an Interactive Session with all elected Senators, Members of the House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly Members soonest, in Abuja.

“This session will serve as a platform to share ideas and build trust. Help chart a common course for engagements at both national and state levels. Strengthen the alignment of our elected representatives with the vision of the APC and the expectations of Nigerians.”

Argungu reaffirmed the party’s commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The party also assured Nigerians that both the President and the APC remain dedicated to their welfare, security, and prosperity.

He said the ruling party-led federal government would continue to deliver dividends of democracy and uphold the trust placed in us by the people.

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Tinubu Orders Six-month Ban on Raw Shea Nut Export

Tinubu Orders Six-month Ban on Raw Shea Nut Export

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday ordered, with immediate effect, a six-month ban on the export of raw shea nut to curb informal trade, boost processor utilization, capture higher export value and stabilize the sector.
The ban is specifically aimed at boosting Nigeria’s shea value chain to generate around $300 million annually in the short term.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, made this known at the State House, Abuja.

Details later…

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Breaking: PDP Zones 2027 Presidential Ticket to South

Breaking: PDP Zones 2027 Presidential Ticket to South

The Peoples Democratic Party has zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South.
The decision was reached during it National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Monday.

Debo Ologunagba, the PDP national spokesman, while presenting the communique issued after the meeting, said the NEC approved recommendations of the zoning committee after extensive deliberation.

He said that the existing zoning arrangement for NWC positions would remain in place for the national convention in November to elect a new national working committee (NWC).

“That all PDP national office positions currently in the northern region of the country remain in the northern region,” he said.

“That all PDP national office positions currently in the southern region of the country remain in the southern region.

“That having retained the position of the national chairman in the northern region of the country, the presidential candidate of the party for the 2027 general election is hereby zoned to the southern region.

“That the regions should immediately micro-zone positions within its region for implementation.”

Details to later.

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