Category: PM News

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has urged Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to provide clear legal justification for his recent decision involving its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

In a statement issued by the group’s spokesperson, Comrade Emma Powerful, IPOB said it intends to scrutinise the ruling and draw public attention to what it considers constitutional issues raised by the judgment.

The organisation maintained that throughout the court proceedings, no firearms, explosives, or related materials were tendered as evidence against Mr Kanu. It further claimed that no witness had directly accused him of committing any offence under Nigerian or international law. According to IPOB, its observations stem from the conduct of the trial and the legal submissions made in court.

Reaffirming its long-standing position, the group argued that the demand for self-determination is anchored in internationally recognised rights, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the UN covenants on civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights.

Citing Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution, which stipulates that no individual may be convicted for an act not defined as an offence in written law, the group called on Justice Omotosho to identify the specific statute relied upon in reaching his decision and to clarify whether the law is currently valid.

IPOB said it would continue to review the judgment and raise what it regards as important constitutional and procedural questions, noting that the case has far-reaching implications for human rights, judicial integrity, and the rule of law in Nigeria.

The group restated its commitment to peaceful advocacy and said it will continue engaging international institutions in pursuit of its objectives through lawful and diplomatic means.

In a startling disclosure, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has called for an urgent investigation into why military personnel stationed at Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, withdrew from their post just one hour before bandits stormed the school and abducted 25 girls.

overnor Idris made the appeal while receiving the State Minister for Defense, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, at Government House, Birnin Kebbi, on Friday.

Matawalle had arrived in the state on directives from President Bola Tinubu to oversee and coordinate the rescue of the abducted students.

“Why did the military personnel stationed at the college withdraw from their duty post by 3:00 a.m., when intelligence clearly indicated an imminent attack, and the bandits struck at 4:00 a.m.?” Governor Idris asked.

The governor said the state government had received prior intelligence warning of a potential attack on the school, prompting an emergency security meeting that led to the deployment of security personnel at the institution.

“This withdrawal at such a critical time is deeply troubling. I am appealing to the Minister of Defense to thoroughly investigate the circumstances that led to this lapse,” Idris added.

Highlighting the state’s efforts to bolster security, the governor noted that his administration had distributed 100 Hilux vehicles and 1,000 motorcycles to various security agencies to support crime-fighting operations across Kebbi.

He urged citizens to intensify prayers for the safe return of the abducted girls and for enduring peace in the state and the nation.

Matawalle, speaking alongside the Theater Commander of Operation Fansan Yamma, Maj.-Gen. Idris Warrah, said their presence in Kebbi was mandated by the Commander-in-Chief to ensure a coordinated rescue operation.

“We are here to work with all security agencies and the community to secure the safe return of the girls. We are not here to sit idly or sleep. Every resource and strategy will be deployed to accomplish this mission,” he said.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Friday departed Abuja to represent President Bola Tinubu at the G20 Leaders’ Summit holding in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The G20 Summit will hold from Saturday, Nov. 22 to Sunday, Nov. 23, in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Shettima’s trip to South Africa was necessitated by the decision of President Tinubu to stay back in Nigeria and attend to security concerns in the country, Mr Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice-President, said in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

Nkwocha explained that Tinubu had postponed his earlier scheduled trip to Johannesburg, South Africa to await further security briefings on the recent security incidents in Kebbi and Kwara States.

ccording to the statement, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South African, who also serves as the current President of the G20 group had invited President Tinubu to participate in this year’s edition.

Nkwocha noted that the event will brings together leaders from the world’s top 20 economies, including the European Union, the African Union, financial institutions, among others.

He added that Shettima will return to Nigeria at the end of the engagements.

Four senior officers of Bill and Melinda Gate College of Health Sciences Technology in Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi state have been sanctioned by the government for serious act of gross misconduct in the discharge of their service.

The Bauchi State Civil Service Commission (CSC) sanction of the four senior officers in a statement made available to newsmen in Bauchi on Friday by Mr Saleh Umar, the Public Relations Officer of the commission.

ccording to him, the decision to sanction the officers was made during the commission’s plenary session as part of continued effort to sanitise the state’s civil service.

He listed the names of the affected officers to include; Garba Hussaini, a Director, Education and former Provost, Haruna Umar, a Deputy Director, Administration and Human Resources.

Others were; Umar Yusuf, Chief Executive Officer (Account) Bursar and Mohammed Usman, Chief Clerical Officer Cashier.

Umar explained that the interdicted officers have been placed on 50 per cent of their salaries with effect from Oct. 28, 2025 until the end of full investigation.

“The commission’s decision was taken to allow further investigation into the allegations laid against the officers.

“The officers were accused of misconduct that contradict Bauchi State Public Service Regulations 0327 (x) and (xxii) and interdicted under rules 0329 (i), (ii) and (iii) to further distance them from their duty posts for seamless and smooth investigation.

“In a light-hearted part, the commission has promoted 21 officers to their next grades of Deputy Chief Librarian, Assistant Chief Librarians and Principal Librarians to grade levels 15, 14, 13, 12 and 10 respectively.

“Others are; Assistant Chief Executive Officer and Chief Confidential Secretary on grade levels 13 and 14,” said Umar.

The public relations officer added that Dr Ibrahim Muhammad, the Chairman of the commission, reiterated the commission’s unwavering commitment to the rules of law under his watch.

While promising to continue to uphold integrity, transparency and fairness in the commission, the chairman also expressed dismay over the nonchalant attitude of some civil servants for being adamant to the disciplinary procedures in civil service and its consequences.

The chairman also called on all workers to be conversant with the dos and don’ts in carrying out their assignments to avoid unnecessary offense.

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the passing of Mr Olusegun Awolowo, the grandson of the Premier of the Western Region and nationalist, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

He described the deceased, who was a former Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, as a patriotic Nigerian who served his country with vision, integrity, passion and unwavering commitment.

overnor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, on Thursday sympathised with the Awolowo family on the passing of the late Olusegun Awolowo.

Sanwo-Olu, also condoled with friends and associates of the late Olusegun Awolowo, describing his death as shocking and great loss to the country.

He said: “It is with a deep sense of sorrow that I commiserate with the family, friends and associates of the late Olusegun Awolowo. He was undoubtedly a great Nigerian, who served his country passionately. He was also a good ambassador of the Awolowo family.

“On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Lagos State, I express my heartfelt condolences to the Awolowo family, as well as friends and associates of the deceased. I pray that God will give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and grant Olusegun Awolowo eternal rest.”

The Federal Government of Nigeria has appointed iconic music starNational Fire Safety Ambassador, tasking him with leading a new wave of public enlightenment on fire prevention across the country.

The appointment was announced by the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Samuel Adeyemi, on Friday during the closing ceremony of the National Fire Safety Week held at the Service Headquarters.

Adeyemi said 2Baba was chosen to inspire behavioural change among Nigerians, noting that many still believe fire incidents are “distant possibilities,” an attitude he described as dangerous and responsible for avoidable losses.

The Fire Safety Week featured a series of nationwide activities aimed at deepening public awareness on fire prevention. These included a virtual town hall meeting that set the tone for the campaign, the presentation of Life Insurance Scheme cheques to families of fallen and injured officers, and the awarding of the 11CG’s Cup and medals.

Throughout the week, fire officers conducted sensitisation tours in schools, markets, major commercial centres, and communities nationwide. Roadshows, safety drills, and practical demonstrations were also held to equip citizens with hands-on fire-prevention skills.

Adeyemi said Nigerians responded enthusiastically to the campaign, describing the engagement as “remarkable” and a sign of “renewed national commitment to fire safety.”

The closing ceremony also recognised organisations and individuals who demonstrated exceptional dedication to fire safety compliance and risk reduction.

ddressing the audience, Adeyemi congratulated participants who received certificates, urging them to take the fire-safety message back to their homes, workplaces, and networks.

Speaking on 2Baba’s new role, the CG added:

As a National Fire Safety Ambassador, we expect him to inspire a new generation to embrace a culture of safety.”

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command said it arrested 230 suspects during 30 days coordinated operation in collaboration with the police and other security agencies, in collective efforts to rid Kano State of drug abuse and other crimes linked to it.

NDLEA achieved the feat in continuation of its intensified efforts under the Kano State Joint Taskforce for Peace Restoration and Youth Rehabilitation, led by Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofar Mata.

The outgoing Commander, A.I. Ahmad told journalists on Friday that the NDLEA in synergy with the police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, and Nigeria Correctional Service, conducted a comprehensive 30-day non-stop operation across Kano State.

ccording to him, the operation led to the arrest of 230 suspects involved in various drug-related offences and the recovery of significant quantities of illicit substances and weapons.

“The raids were strategically targeted at notorious drug hotspots across the state, including Kofar Ruwa, Tashar Rami, Rijiyar Lemo, Kurna, Mil Tara, Zage, Dorayi Karshen Waya, Dawanau, Filin Idi, Research, Rimi Market, Zango, Kofar Mata, Kano Line, and Ladanai, among other identified drug joints.

“During the operation, our operatives confiscated a variety of illicit substances, including cannabis sativa, EXOL-5, diazepam, “suck and die,” rubber solution, and codeine syrup, alongside several locally made weapons,” he said.

He further stated that: “The operation underscores the commitment of the NDLEA and our partner security agencies to eliminate drug abuse, which remains a major enabler of crimes such as thuggery, phone snatching, and other social vices. The positive impact of this operation is already evident, with residents of Kano witnessing a noticeable reduction in substance abuse and related criminal activities.

“This remarkable success is a testament to the effectiveness of synergy among security agencies. The peace and safety currently being enjoyed in Kano State are direct results of this collaboration, and we are determined to sustain these gains.

“Let me take this opportunity to appreciate the outstanding leadership and support of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD, sfipma, mnim, mnips, masis, whose guidance has been instrumental in fostering unity among security agencies. I also commend the Department of State Services for their surveillance and invaluable contributions to the success of this operation.”

hmad expressed gratitude to the Kano State Government and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, for their unwavering support in curbing substance abuse and thuggery.

“The visible efforts of the State Government in this regard have significantly bolstered our ongoing security and rehabilitation initiatives.

“I must also commend the dedication and professionalism of the officers and men of the NDLEA, the Nigerian Police Force, and all our partner security agencies who participated in this operation. Your tireless efforts have made this achievement possible.

“As we move forward, I call on community leaders, parents, civil society organizations, and members of the public to join hands with security agencies in this fight against drug abuse and its associated crimes. Together, we can create a safer, healthier, and more prosperous Kano State,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ahmad, on Friday, handed over duty to the new narcotic officer of the state, CN Dahiru Yahaya Lawal.

hmad said he had eventful period commanding NDLEA in Kano for about four years.

He said: “I will be moving to my new appointment as Deputy Director, Directorate of Assets and Financial Investigations. This is a moment of great significance for me personally and a moment to reflect on what we have achieved together for the people of Kano State.

“When I assumed this responsibility our mandate was clear: to reduce both the supply of and demand for illicit drugs across Kano. We met that mandate with determination, intelligence-led operations, and sustained community engagement.

” During my tenure more than 3,000 suspects were arrested and many successfully prosecuted. Landmark convictions tell the story of our resolve: the 12 dealers from the notorious Filin Idi drug den received a combined 41 years’ imprisonment, and a May 2025 prosecution resulted in a total of 33 years’ imprisonment for four high-profile traffickers, while one notable dealer was sentenced to life imprisonment.”

ccording to him: “Operation ‘Hana Maye’ became the symbol of our offensive against traffickers, dismantling networks, arresting over 400 suspects and recovering a wide range of illicit substances. Across multiple operations we seized in excess of 25 tonnes of assorted illicit drugs, including a single, decisive interception of 5,000,000 tramadol tablets destined for illegal distribution among our youths. We recovered and publicly destroyed 15 tonnes of illicit drugs and uncovered and eradicated more than five cannabis plantations, directly preventing future harvests and supply.

“Enforcement alone is not enough; prevention anchors long-term success. Our “Catch Them Young” programme reached deep into schools, communities and vulnerable neighbourhoods, equipping parents, teachers and young people with awareness that reduces demand and strengthens resilience. These combined measures have begun to turn the tide: Kano State, which since 2018 recorded some of the highest drug-related case numbers nationally, is now showing meaningful declines — proof that consistent operations, community partnerships, prayers and prosecutorial follow-through work.”

hmad further stated that, “the elevation of the Kano State Command to Kano Strategic Command marks another milestone. This recognition expands our operational scope, raises our responsibilities and positions us better to confront evolving threats posed by traffickers. None of this would have been possible without trust and collaboration.

“I am grateful to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa, for his confidence and for the opportunity to serve in an expanded capacity. I thank His Excellency Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Kano State Government for steady support, our security partners for shared intelligence and coordinated action, and media houses, NGOs, traditional and community leaders, and philanthropists for amplifying our War Against Drug Abuse messages and for their tireless work in prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.

“As I move to the Directorate of Assets and Financial Investigations I carry with me valuable lessons from Kano and confidence in the solid foundations our team has laid. I call on government agencies, security services, civil society, faith and community leaders, the media and all citizens to extend the same cooperation and support to CN Dahiru Yahaya Lawal. He inherits a mission and a momentum: to sustain, deepen and accelerate the progress we have made.

“The war against drugs is not the task of one person or one unit; it is the responsibility of every sector of society. It has been an honour to serve the people of Kano State. The torch is passed, the fight continues, and with unity of purpose we will protect our youth, restore our communities and secure a safer future for all.”

Nigeria is at a pivotal moment. Across the country, insecurity has escalated, ambushes on soldiers, kidnappings, banditry, and attacks on civilians. Recent incidents, including the alleged church attack in Kwara State and ambushes in Borno and Kaduna, highlight the urgent need to confront the root causes of violence.

Frustration has led many Nigerians to believe that the government arms or shields terrorists, but this conclusion oversimplifies a far more complex problem. More importantly, it shifts attention away from the real issue: dysfunctional systems, not necessarily the personality in office.

fter an in-depth conversation with Moyosore Sotimrin, a member of the Old Grammarian Society and fellow CMS Grammar School alumnus, this article seeks to clarify common misconceptions, unpack the real drivers of insecurity, and propose a practical and sustainable path forward.

Nigeria’s security problems did not begin today. Under President Goodluck Jonathan, Boko Haram terrorized the Northeast and kidnappings surged. Under President Muhammadu Buhari, despite several military operations, banditry and mass abductions continued. Now under President Bola Tinubu, the pattern remains, revealing that insecurity is a structural national issue, not a personality-driven one. No administration gains anything from chaos. The persistence of insecurity is rooted in weak institutions and structural failures, not deliberate sabotage.

Incompetence vs. Complicity: Understanding the Difference A clear national conversation must distinguish between incompetence — poor coordination, slow response, and weak intelligence. Official silence or delay are sometimes necessary for verification or to prevent panic. But criminal and extremist groups take advantage of corruption and weak governance. When these are mixed together, myths grow and real solutions become harder to see.

How criminal groups obtain weapons Despite monitored borders and airspace, weapons still slip into criminal hands due to corruption among certain border and port officials. Rogue security personnel also divert arms for personal gain. Regional smuggling networks freely move weapons across West Africa. There are also loopholes in aid and development programs that criminal groups exploit. These problems point to systemic weaknesses, not intentional government involvement.

Way Forward: Realistic, Multi-Layered Solutions Fixing insecurity requires a broad strategy that includes immediate actions, policy reforms, community involvement, and long-term structural change.

1. Immediate Security Measures

Strengthen intelligence sharing among the military, police, and civil authorities. Deploy rapid-response units to major hotspots prone to ambushes and kidnappings. Establish community alert systems linked to local vigilante groups under government regulation.

2. Structural Governance Reforms Build an integrated intelligence framework to reduce fragmentation. Ensure leadership in security agencies is based on merit rather than politics. Enforce transparency in security spending.

3. Border and Port Security Overhaul Introduce digital tracking systems for cargo and passenger clearance. Conduct regular audits with strict penalties for corrupt customs and border officials. Strengthen collaboration with neighboring countries.

4. Socio-Economic Interventions Expand access to education, vocational training, and job opportunities. Launch community development initiatives in vulnerable regions. Invest in youth programs that redirect energy toward productivity and innovation.

5. Public Awareness and Civic Engagement Encourage citizens to report suspicious activities. Promote responsible public discourse based on verified information. Strengthen partnerships between communities, traditional leaders, and security agencies.

6. Long-Term Institutional Reform Reform the justice system to ensure timely prosecution of offenders. Develop a national strategy for equitable resource distribution and infrastructure growth. Provide continuous modern training for security personnel.

Conclusion: Reform Is Essential Nigeria stands at a decisive moment. The belief that government actors support terrorism distracts from the real issues: weak institutions, corruption, poor coordination, and socio-economic disparities.

More importantly, constantly condemning the President–any President–keeps Nigeria trapped in a cycle of hoping a new leader will magically fix the country. Leadership matters, but Nigeria’s insecurity will not end simply by replacing one occupant of Aso Rock with another. Real progress depends on confronting and reforming the bad eggs within the system, the corrupt officials, compromised security personnel, ineffective institutions, and structural bottlenecks that have outlasted multiple administrations.

Debates like the one I had with Moyosore Sotimrin remind us that progress begins with honest, fact-based dialogue. Nigeria’s future depends on comprehensive reform–stronger intelligence systems, accountable leadership at every level, empowered communities, and meaningful economic investment.

Only by addressing both the structural and human dimensions of insecurity can the country finally break the cycle of violence and move toward lasting peace and prosperity.

Solomon Ogo-Oluwa Oyerinde, a political strategist and advocate for positive national branding, writes from Lagos. He could be reached on

The Nigerian Army has dismissed claim in a viral publication that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu was planning to forcefully recruit Nigerians aged 18 and above into military service.

The Nigerian Army denied this in a statement by the Acting Director, Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia on Friday in Abuja.

nele noted that the viral post had alleged that the COAS threatened compulsory conscription for youths who fail to voluntarily enlist.

The post further claimed that 10,000 soldiers recruited last year had gone missing.

But the Army spokesperson said the claims was “malicious fabrication” deliberately crafted to mislead the public and incite fear.”

nele added that the allegations were entirely unfounded, adding that the COAS never made such remarks at any time or in any forum.

She warned individuals and groups circulating false and inciting information to desist, saying those found culpable would be tracked, apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

nele urged the public to disregard the rumour and rely only on verified official communication channels and social media accounts for credible information.

The Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges across Nigeria following escalating security threats to students and staff.

The directive, issued on Friday through a circular from the Federal Ministry of Education, affects schools in the North-West, North-East, North-Central, and parts of the South.

Principals of the affected institutions were instructed to suspend academic activities immediately.

“Sequel to the recent security challenges in some parts of the country and the need to prevent any security breaches, the Honourable Minister of Education has approved the immediate closure of the listed Federal Unity Colleges (FUCs) with immediate effect.Principals of affected Colleges are to ensure strict compliance,” the circular read.

The move comes amid a spate of recent abductions in Nigerian schools, highlighting persistent vulnerabilities in the country’s education sector.

The shutdown of 41 Federal Unity Colleges marks one of the most sweeping responses yet to Nigeria’s deepening security crisis, coming amid an alarming resurgence of school attacks and mass abductions across several states.

The decision follows similar measures in Katsina, where the state government ordered all public schools to close immediately after intelligence reports warned of imminent threats to students and teachers.

The urgency of the situation was underscored on Friday in Niger State, where armed men stormed St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School in Papiri. The attackers, travelling on more than 60 motorcycles, overpowered security personnel and shot the school’s gatekeeper before abducting an unknown number of pupils and staff.

Residents described the assault as one of the most coordinated witnessed in the area in recent months.

The Papiri incident is the latest in a string of violent attacks that have rattled northern communities. Earlier in the week in Kwara State, bandits invaded a Christ Apostolic Church parish in Eruku, killing three worshippers and abducting at least 30 others. The kidnappers have reportedly demanded 100 million ransom for each hostage.

In Kebbi State, 25 schoolgirls were seized on Monday during a pre-dawn raid on Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga–an attack that has drawn national outrage and intensified scrutiny on the country’s security architecture.

Panic spread further on Friday when reports circulated about the alleged abduction of two pupils in Nasarawa. However, the Nasarawa State Police Command swiftly dismissed the claims as false, urging the public to avoid spreading unverified information.