Author: user user

The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested 16 suspected kidnappers, three alleged gunrunners and six suspected counterfeit currency dealers, while recovering firearms, stolen property worth millions of naira, livestock and hard drugs during operations across the state over the past two weeks.

The Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, disclosed this during a press briefing in Kaduna on Tuesday, saying the command also neutralised several notorious kidnappers in separate operations during the period.

He said the command recovered 10 firearms of different calibres, 190 solar inverters valued at about N69 million, one stolen vehicle, 83 packs of hard drugs, 32 stolen mobile phones, two plasma televisions, 410 cattle and 170 counterfeit United States dollar notes.

According to the commissioner, the successes were recorded through intelligence-led operations carried out in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups.

‘Within the two weeks under review, the Kaduna State Police Command neutralised notorious kidnappers, arrested 16 suspected kidnappers, six suspects found in possession of 170 counterfeit US dollar notes, three suspected gunrunners and recovered 10 firearms of different calibres,’ he said.

Muhammad said operatives arrested a 20-year-old woman, Aisha Barau, in Ramin Kura village on July 21 after she was allegedly caught attempting to exchange suspected counterfeit US dollar notes for naira.

He said the suspect confessed that the fake currency had been given to her by Abdullahi Muhammad and Danbala Jibrin, leading to the arrest of other members of the alleged syndicate.

The commissioner also disclosed that operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested three suspected gunrunners in Jos, Plateau State, following credible intelligence.

The suspects, identified as Luka Samuel, John Paul and Musa Elisha, were allegedly found in possession of two locally fabricated pistols and reportedly confessed to supplying arms and ammunition to bandits.

In another operation, Muhammad said security operatives arrested Abdullahi Mohammed, popularly known as ‘Aala’, during a joint operation involving officers from the Anchau Division and members of the Yan Sa Kai vigilante group in Kargi village.

Police alleged that the suspect confessed to masterminding several kidnappings in Kuzuntu village, Ikara Local Government Area, and parts of Kano State, as well as participating in the killing of two Yan Sa Kai members last year.

Police said an AK-47 rifle and five rounds of live ammunition were recovered during the investigation.

The commissioner further disclosed that detectives from the Anti-Car Theft Section recovered a stolen Toyota Sienna in Zaria shortly after it was stolen from the premises of a Juma’at Mosque in Ungwan Rimi.

He said the arrest of one Mohammed Shehu led to another suspect, Zakari Abubakar, who allegedly specialised in producing duplicate vehicle keys for car thieves.

Muhammad also said police recovered 80 cattle and 10 sheep after engaging suspected cattle rustlers in a gun battle at Damanko village in Zaria Local Government Area.

He added that two livestock owners sustained gunshot injuries before police arrived and are receiving treatment at a hospital.

The commissioner also announced the recovery of 190 solar inverters and 10 lithium batteries from a store in Zaria, adding that investigators suspect the items were stolen from a container in transit.

On August 15, 2026, eligible voters across Osun State will head to the polls to elect a governor who will lead the state for the next four years.

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), 14 candidates-including the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, who is vying for a second term-have been cleared to contest the election. Notably absent from the list are the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), two major parties that participated in the state’s previous governorship election.

This election marks the first time in recent years that an incumbent governor in Osun will seek re-election on the platform of a different political party, following Governor Adeleke’s defection from the PDP to the Accord Party (A). His defection has fundamentally altered the political landscape, transforming what was expected to be a straight contest between the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC) into a far more competitive race.

A competitive race

An Osogbo-based political scientist, Samson Elesho, confirmed to Daily Trust via phone that the governorship election has evolved into a fiercely contested three-way battle.

The frontrunners are incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party (A), Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

A major factor shaping the competition, Elesho noted, is the geographical origin of the main contenders: Governor Adeleke, APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, and ADC candidate, Najeem Salaam, all hail from the Osun West Senatorial District.

Specifically, Governor Adeleke is from Ede North Local Government Area (LGA), Oyebamiji hails from Irewole LGA, and Salaam comes from Ejigbo LGA.

Other candidates are Farinloye Olarenwaju of the Action Alliance (AA); Esan Olajide of the African Action Congress (AAC); Adeagbo Opawoye of the African Democratic Party (ADP); Adesina Adeyemi-Doro of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA); Saliu Oyelami of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP).

Also in the race are Ogunsakin Olalekan of the Young Progressives Party (YPP); and Adefemi Adesuyi of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP); Adewale Adebayo, Allied People Movement (APM); Clement Adesuyi of the Action Peoples Party (APP); Masilo Adeleke of Boot Party (BP); and Taofeek Adeleke of New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

High voter registration, declining turnout

Election data from INEC illustrates two contrasting realities in Osun’s electoral landscape. While the number of registered voters has grown steadily across the last three governorship election cycles, voter turnout has consistently declined.

According to INEC statistics, registered voters grew from 1,411,373 in 2014 to 1,678,985 in 2018, reaching 1,952,387 in 2022.

Accredited voters saw modest gains from 764,582 in 2014 to 775,687 in 2018, and 827,218 in 2022 while Voter turnout percentage dropped steadily from 54.17% in 2014 to 46.20% in 2018, and fell further to 42.37% in 2022.

Despite the drop in percentage turnout, total votes cast followed a modest upward trend-rising from 750,021 in 2014 to 769,495 in 2018, and 823,124 in 2022.

Valid votes also increased from 717,321 to 804,450 over the same period.

Meanwhile, rejected votes dropped significantly from a peak of 47,874 in 2018 to 18,674 in 2022.

The collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) also expanded, rising from 1,213,026 in 2014 to 1,518,303 in 2022.

However, political analyst Jimoh Eruobami observed that higher PVC collection has not translated into active voting.

He cited insecurity, electoral distrust, and unfulfilled political promises as key drivers of voter apathy.

Adeleke’s defection reshapes the race

Since its creation in 1991, Osun has earned a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most fiercely contested governorship battlegrounds.

Governor Ademola Adeleke enters the 2026 governorship election with both the advantages and the uncertainties that come with incumbency.

His victory in the 2022 election was widely attributed to a combination of public dissatisfaction with the then APC administration and his own personal appeal.

In 2022, he contested on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and won 17 of Osun’s 30 local government areas, while the APC secured the remaining LGs.

Four years later, Adeleke is running under the Accord Party. His defection poses a critical test: Did voters elect the PDP platform in 2022, or did they vote specifically for Ademola Adeleke? If a significant portion of the electorate remains loyal to the PDP rather than the individual, his party switch could open doors for opponents.

Moreover, securing a simple majority is not enough. Under Nigerian constitutional law, the winning candidate must also secure at least 25% of the valid votes cast in at least two-thirds (20 out of 30) of the state’s local government areas.

INEC urges grassroots awareness, inclusive participation

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stepped up preparations for the August 15 poll with a renewed focus on voter education, inclusive participation, and addressing voter apathy.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun state, Mrs. Oluwatoyin O. Babalola, stated that elections should be viewed as an ongoing process rather than a one-day exercise, emphasizing the need for sustained civic engagement.

She cautioned that without consistent voter education, public participation in the electoral process could decline.

Also, she identified voter apathy as one of the key challenges facing the electoral system despite improvements in election administration.

According to her, factors such as misinformation, lack of confidence in the electoral process, political disinterest, and limited access to credible election information continue to discourage voter participation.

She noted that citizens should not only be informed about election dates but also understand the importance of exercising their voting rights.

To strengthen voter awareness, Babalola directed Electoral Officers and Assistant Electoral Officers to expand grassroots sensitization efforts by engaging residents in markets, motor parks, schools, and places of worship.

She also encouraged collaboration with traditional rulers and religious leaders to help spread voter education messages across communities. She urged election officials to ensure that women, young people, senior citizens, and Persons with Disabilities have equal opportunities to participate in the electoral process.

Suspected bandits, on Tuesday, attacked a Point of Sale (POS) shop in Galadimawa community, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing three villagers and injuring two others.

The attack occurred at about 4:30 pm, according to residents.

Local sources said the assailants arrived in the community on two motorcycles armed with AK-47 rifles and headed straight to the POS shop.

‘They rode into the town on two motorcycles and went directly to the POS shop, where they opened fire on people.

‘Five people were shot. Sadly, three of them died, while two others sustained gunshot injuries before the attackers carted away an undisclosed amount of cash and fled,’ a resident said.

The source added that the injured victims were rushed to a hospital for treatment. The deceased were identified as Alhaji Hassan Abdullahi, Yakubu Muazu and Magaji Sarauta. The injured victims, Aliyu Rufai and Umar Mohammed, are currently receiving treatment for gunshot wounds.

Following the attack, residents appealed to the Kaduna State Government to deploy more security personnel, particularly soldiers, to the area.

A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said many neighbouring communities had been displaced by repeated bandit attacks, forcing residents to relocate to Galadimawa and making the town increasingly vulnerable.

Effort to speak with the police command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansur Hassan, failed as he could not be reached on the phone as of the time of filing the report.

In a stirring tribute to resilience, vision, and trailblazing leadership, Women in Logistics and Transportation (WILAT) Nigeria has officially launched its commemorative book, ‘The Birth Before the Spread,’ at an exclusive luncheon in the nation’s capital, Abuja.

The landmark publication chronicles the inspiring journey of WILAT, from its modest beginnings in Nigeria to its emergence as a formidable global force redefining the supply chain and transportation industry. More than a historical record, the book stands as a living testament to the courage, tenacity, and professional excellence of women who have carved a path where few dared to tread.

Dr. Ogochukwu Ugboma, Global Vice Chairperson of WILAT for North and West Africa, described the book as a long-overdue archive of women’s contributions to a sector often dominated by male narratives.

‘This book fills a significant gap in documenting the role of women in logistics and transport for future generations,’ she said, adding, ‘It ensures that our stories, struggles, and victories are not lost to time but serve as a beacon for young girls and women aspiring to lead in this space.’

Hajia Aisha Ali Ibrahim, a pioneering founder of WILAT and MD/CEO of Confluence Logistics and Transport Consult Limited, spoke with palpable emotion, calling the book ‘a monument to the collective strength of women who boldly faced the boardroom tasks.’

She lauded the indomitable spirit of WILAT members, adding, ‘We built networks where none ever existed.’

Khadija Saidu Shabi, WILAT Chairperson in Nigeria, emphasized the organization’s deliberate focus on legacy, noting that mentorship remains at the heart of their mission. ‘WILAT has intentionally focused on mentoring the next generation,’ she said. ‘This book is not just about our past; it is a roadmap for the future leaders who will carry this torch even farther.’

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Owusu Fianko, Global Chairperson of WILAT, hailed the organization as ‘the most sought-after forum for advocacy, professionalism, and the empowerment of women in the logistics and transportation supply chain.’ He underscored the growing global recognition of WILAT’s work and called on stakeholders to invest in gender-inclusive policies that sustain the momentum.

The event also drew high-level government acknowledgment, with Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, Nigeria’s Minister of Steel Development, commending the organization for its transformative impact.

He stressed that women have a vital role to play in national development and praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s deliberate appointment of women to many strategic positions across the country.

‘This administration recognizes that no nation can achieve its full potential without the full participation of its women,’ Audu said.

‘WILAT’s story is a powerful reminder that when women are given the opportunity, they don’t just participate, they lead, they innovate, and they inspire,’ he added.

‘The Birth Before the Spread’ is now set to become a reference point for policymakers, academics, and industry leaders, offering both a historical account and a forward-looking blueprint for inclusive growth in the logistics and transportation sector. As WILAT continues to expand its footprint across continents, one message rang clear at the Abuja launch: the spread has only just begun.