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BREAKING: Northern governors and traditional rulers meet as insecurity worsens nationwide

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The Northern States Governors’ Forum and the Northern Traditional Leaders Council on Monday convened an emergency joint meeting at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna amid mounting security concerns across the region.

The high-level session, held behind closed doors, is being chaired by the Forum’s Chairman and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, alongside the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, who is leading the traditional council. Discussions are centred on the alarming rise in banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and persistent farmer–herder clashes that have claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands in recent months.

Nigerian Newssphere reports that insecurity in northern Nigeria has sharply escalated in recent weeks. At least 24 schoolgirls were abducted by bandits in Kebbi State but were freed days later. In another disturbing incident, about 200 pupils were kidnapped from a Catholic private school in Niger State, although 50 of them managed to escape and have since been reunited with their families.

The ongoing meeting is expected to produce new strategies aimed at restoring stability and strengthening regional security collaboration.

Nigerians hunted like animals- Aisha  Yesufu accuses Senate of gross failure 

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Activist and co-convener of the #BringBackOurGirls movement, Aisha Yesufu, has issued a strongly worded open letter to the National Assembly, accusing federal lawmakers of abandoning their constitutional responsibilities amid worsening insecurity across the country.

In the letter titled “Open Letter to the National Assembly,” Yesufu said the legislature—considered the “bedrock of democracy”—has failed to uphold its mandate of representing the people and holding the executive arm accountable.

According to her, Nigerians are “being hunted like animals,” abducted and killed in their homes, schools, places of worship, farms and markets, yet the National Assembly has remained silent instead of raising its collective voice to demand action.

“The Nigerian people are being hunted like animals… Nowhere is safe in Nigeria and no one is safe,” she wrote. “With all of these happening, the National Assembly members have not deemed it fit to raise their collective voices for the people that sent them there. Instead, they have raised their voices in defending the executive they should be holding accountable.”

Yesufu described the current legislature as a “rubber stamp assembly,” accusing lawmakers of prioritising “fancy dinners” over tackling insecurity, poverty and corruption, which she said continue to push the country deeper into crisis.

“Every member of the National Assembly should bow his or her head in shame, for you all have collectively failed the people of Nigeria,” she stated.

The activist outlined several actions she said the lawmakers must take urgently, including Convening an emergency session on national insecurity; Investigating the causes of rising violence and the failures of security agencies; Holding the executive accountable for its inability to protect citizens; Passing laws to strengthen security institutions and address root causes of insecurity and summoning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appear before a joint session to explain what his government is doing to protect Nigerians.

Yesufu insisted that citizens would not relent in demanding accountability and better governance.

“The National Assembly must wake up to its responsibilities and act in the best interests of Nigerians. We will not be silenced or intimidated,” she wrote.

Again Terrorists attack Kano community, abduct 25 residents

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Again, bandits have raided Unguwar Tsamiya in Faruruwa village and the Dabawa community, both in the Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, abducting at least 25 residents and injuring two others.

The attack, which occurred on Sunday night, came less than 24 hours after a similar incident in Yan Kamaye, Tsanyawa LGA, another community near the Katsina border.

 

The latest incident was reported on Monday by Bakatsine, a conflict and crisis journalist who covers insecurity across Nigeria’s northwest.

 

Bakatsine expressed concern over the recurring assaults in areas close to Katsina, questioning the effectiveness of the state’s peace deal with bandits.

He wrote: “SAD NEWS: Yesterday night, bandits attacked Unguwar Tsamiya in Faruruwa village and the Dabawa community, both in Shanono LGA of Kano State. Two people were injured, and at least 25 residents were abducted. This incident occurred less than 24 hours after a similar attack on Yan Kamaye in Tsanyawa LGA, another community bordering Katsina State.

 

“With these repeated attacks, one is left wondering: What is the real value of the peace deal in Katsina State, especially in the LGAs bordering Kano State?”

EPL: Arsenal Slip in Title Race After 1–1 Draw With Chelsea

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Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday dropped crucial points following a 1–1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal were at advantangous position to defeat Chelsea  at Stamford  Bridge after Moises Caicedo was sent off in the first half.

Caicedo was shown a straight red for a lunge on Mikel Merino following a VAR review.

However, it was Chelsea who took the lead through Trevor Chalobah, before Merino headed in the equalizer for Arsenal.

The Gunners are now have 30 points, while Chelsea have 24 points after 13 matches.

Arsenal came into the game knowing that their rivals Manchester City and Liverpool picked up maximum points.

Manchester City pulled off a narrow 3-2 victory over Leeds United on Saturday, while the Reds beat West Ham 2-0.

Two CPG members killed, one injured in Zamfara bandit attack

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Two members of the Civilian Protection Group (CPG) were shot dead, while another was injured in an ambush by armed bandits in Dansadau, Zamfara State.

Zagazola Makama reported that the attack occurred on Saturday at about 5:00 p.m. while the CPG members were travelling from Dantudu to Dansadau.

The injured member, identified as Kamal Yaron Malam, sustained gunshot wounds and was taken to Dansadau General Hospital for treatment.

The bodies of the deceased were also taken to the hospital for autopsy before being released to their families for burial according to Islamic rites.

Local residents expressed concern over the growing spate of bandit attacks in the area

Tension as Niger republic Army convoy enters Nigeria illegally

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The recent incursion of Niger Republic military troops into Nigerian territory has renewed calls for closer diplomatic and security cooperation between Nigeria and Niger amid rising insecurity in the Sahel.

Security sources, told Zagazola Makama that a convoy of four Niger military gun trucks and a Toyota Jeep, led by CPT Salifou Mono, crossed into Mazanya Village, Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State on Saturday at about 2:00 p.m., firing sporadically upon entry. The convoy was heavily armed, causing panic among residents.

Joint Nigerian security Forces, including the troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, police, DSS, and Civilian Joint Task Force, quickly traced the intruders and escorted them back to the Danmasani Border. The Nigerien commander later apologised for the unauthorized entry and pledged that such actions would not recur.

Zagazola said the illegal incursion pointed to the fragility of the Nigeria–Niger border corridor amid rising jihadist activity in the wider Sahel region. Although the Nigerian government has recently appointed ambassadors to strengthen diplomatic engagements with neighbouring countries, experts believe much more is required particularly in synchronising military operations along shared borders.

Zagazola noted that the active counter-terrorism operations on both sides, Nigeria’s Operation Farautar Bauchiya and Operation Fansan Yanma in the North-West, and Niger’s ongoing campaigns against ISGS, JNIM and other Al-Qaeda-linked networks, there is an urgent need for more structured and harmonised joint operations.

Zagazola warn that lack of coordination between the two countries’ forces could lead to civilian casualties, operational misunderstandings or unintended confrontations, as seen in the Mazanya incident.

Clearer communication lines, shared intelligence, and harmonised border operations are critical as Lakuwa Al-Qaeda and Islamic State affiliates, Boko Haram and ISWAP attempt to exploit poorly governed spaces stretching from southern Libya through Niger into the North-West region of Nigeria.

Zagazola insist that the two nations must urgently establish protocols for cross-border hot pursuit, joint patrols, and real-time information sharing to prevent mistaken incursions and strengthen the fight against terrorism.

With Nigeria and Niger facing similar security threats ranging from banditry to extremist infiltration, only a coordinated and organised approach can protect border communities and sustain regional stability.

He argue that Saturday’s incident should serve as a strong reminder that diplomacy and joint security cooperation are no longer optional, but essential tools for safeguarding both nations against the expanding networks of Sahelian insurgents

Why we suspended nationwide strike- NARD

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The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) says it suspended its ongoing nationwide strike to allow the Federal Government time to address its outstanding demands.

The decision followed an extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Saturday.

NARD President, Muhammad Suleiman, confirmed that the industrial action has been suspended for four weeks, warning that the strike would resume if the government fails to meet the agreed terms.

“The strike has now been suspended for four weeks,” Mr. Suleiman told Premium Times.

Resident doctors had been on an indefinite strike since November 1, a development that severely disrupted services across federal hospitals nationwide.

Gov Adeleke reacts as Former APC Chairman, Monarch, Famodun dies

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The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has reacted to the death of the former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and traditional ruler of Igbajo, Oba Adegboyega Famodun.

Famodun passed away at the age of 67.

His son, David Famodun, announced the news in a statement issued on Sunday in Osogbo, revealing that the monarch died on Friday after a brief illness.

Oba Famodun, who was installed and presented with the staff of office on November 24, 2022, by former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, had briefly faced a dispute over his position following a white paper issued by Governor Ademola Adeleke. However, the Osun State High Court reinstated him on January 30, 2025.

The family’s statement described the late monarch as a unifying leader committed to peace, progress, and the development of Igbajoland.

“His leadership and vision left an indelible mark on the community,” the statement read. “He will be remembered for his peaceful nature, exceptional wisdom and tireless contributions to community development.”

Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke has extended his condolences to the Famodun family and the APC. In a statement by his spokesperson, Malam Olawale Rasheed, the governor expressed shock at the news, noting that Famodun was a close family friend.

“We mourn his sudden death and pray for strength for the family and members of the APC in this difficult time. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” Adeleke said.

Tinubu Names Ugwuanyi, Omokri, Fani-Kayode, 29 Others as Ambassadorial Nominees

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President Tinbu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has transmitted a fresh list of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for screening and confirmation, just days after submitting an initial batch of three names.

The development was announced in a statement on Saturday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

 

According to the statement, Tinubu, in two separate letters to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, requested the “expeditious” confirmation of 15 career ambassadorial nominees and 17 non-career nominees.

Onanuga noted that the list includes four women among the career nominees and six among the non-career nominees.

Among the prominent non-career nominees are former Enugu State governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; former presidential aide Reno Omokri; former INEC chairman Mahmud Yakubu; former Ekiti First Lady Erelu Angela Adebayo; and former deputy governor of Lagos State, Otunba Femi Pedro.

Also listed are former aviation minister Femi Fani-Kayode; ex-Abia governor Victor Okezie Ikpeazu; former Oyo First Lady Florence Ajimobi; former Lagos commissioner Lola Akande; former senator Grace Bent; and former Nigerian envoy to the Holy See, Ambassador Paul Oga Adikwu.

Others include Tasiu Musa Maigari, former speaker of the Katsina House of Assembly; Yakubu N. Gambo, a former commissioner in Plateau State; UBEC’s former deputy executive secretary; and Professor Nora Ladi Daduut, a former senator from Plateau.

The career nominees include Enebechi Monica Okwuchukwu (Abia), Yakubu Nyaku Danladi (Taraba), Miamuna Ibrahim Besto (Adamawa), Musa Musa Abubakar (Kebbi), Syndoph Paebi Endoni (Bayelsa), Chima Geoffrey Lioma David (Ebonyi), and Mopelola Adeola-Ibrahim (Ogun).

Others are Abimbola Samuel Reuben (Ondo), Yvonne Ehinosen Odumah (Edo), Hamza Mohammed Salau (Niger), Ambassador Shehu Barde (Katsina), Ambassador Ahmed Mohammed Monguno (Borno), Ambassador Muhammad Saidu Dahiru (Kaduna), Ambassador Olatunji Ahmed Sulu Gambari (Kwara), and Ambassador Wahab Adekola Akande (Osun).

 

Tinubu said the nominees will be posted to countries with which Nigeria maintains key diplomatic ties, including China, India, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, the UAE, Qatar, South Africa, and Kenya. Others will serve in permanent missions such as the UN, UNESCO, and the African Union.

 

Last week, the President forwarded three ambassadorial nominees—Ambassador Ayodele Oke (Oyo), Ambassador Amin Mohammed Dalhatu (Jigawa), and retired Colonel Lateef Kayode Are (Ogun)—who are under consideration for postings to the UK, USA, or France.

 

Tinubu added that more ambassadorial nominations will be announced soon.

 

Fani-Kayode, Omokri, 30 others make list as Tinubu nominates more ambassadors

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Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent the names of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation, days after he sent the first batch of three names.

Bayo Onanuga, media aide to President Tinubu made this known in a statement on Saturday.

According to the statement, President Tinubu, in two separate letters to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio asked the Senate to consider and confirm expeditiously 15 nominees as career ambassadors and 17 nominees as non-career ambassadors.

Onanuga stated that there are four women on the career ambassadors’ list and six women on the non-career ambassadors’ list.

The statement reads, “Among the non-career ambassador designates are Barrister Ogbonnaya Kalu from Abia, a former presidential aide, Reno Omokri (Delta), former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmud Yakubu, former Ekiti first lady, Erelu Angela Adebayo, and former Enugu governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

“Others are Tasiu Musa Maigari, the former speaker of the Katsina House of Assembly, Yakubu N. Gambo, a former Commissioner in Plateau State and former deputy executive secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

“Professor Nora Ladi Daduut, a former senator from Plateau; Otunba Femi Pedro, a former deputy governor of Lagos State; Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, a former aviation minister from Osun State; and Barrister Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu from Anambra State are on the nomination list.

“Also on the list are former First Lady of Oyo, Fatima Florence Ajimobi, former Lagos Commissioner, Lola Akande, former Adamawa Senator, Grace Bent, former governor of Abia, Victor Okezie Ikpeazu, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, businessman, lawyer and Senator from Ondo State, and the former ambassador of Nigeria to the Holy See, Ambassador Paul Oga Adikwu from Benue State.

“Among the nominees for career ambassador and high commissioner-designates are: Enebechi Monica Okwuchukwu (Abia), Yakubu Nyaku Danladi (Taraba), Miamuna Ibrahim Besto (Adamawa), Musa Musa Abubakar (Kebbi), Syndoph Paebi Endoni (Bayelsa), Chima Geoffrey Lioma David (Ebonyi) and Mopelola Adeola-Ibrahim (Ogun).

“The other nominees are Abimbola Samuel Reuben (Ondo), Yvonne Ehinosen Odumah (Edo), Hamza Mohammed Salau (Niger), Ambassador Shehu Barde (Katsina), Ambassador Ahmed Mohammed Monguno (Borno), Ambassador Muhammad Saidu Dahiru (Kaduna), Ambassador Olatunji Ahmed Sulu Gambari (Kawara) and Ambassador Wahab Adekola Akande (Osun).

“The new nominees are expected to be posted to countries with which Nigeria maintains excellent and strategic bilateral relations, such as China, India, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, South Africa, Kenya, and to Permanent Missions such as the United Nations, UNESCO, and the African Union. All the nominees will know their diplomatic assignments after their confirmation by the Senate.

“Last week, President Tinubu sent three ambassadorial nominees for screening and confirmation. The nominees were Ambassador Ayodele Oke (Oyo), Ambassador Amin Mohammed Dalhatu (Jigawa), and Retired Colonel Lateef Kayode Are (Ogun). All three are in the pot for posting to the UK, USA, or France after their confirmation.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said more nominees for ambassadorial positions will be announced soon”.

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