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Education, Feature, National

Insecurity and School Closures in Northern Nigeria – By Comrade Wali, mni

The recent abductions of schoolgirls in Kebbi, Niger and Borno State, have brought to the forefront the urgent and worsening insecurity in Northern Nigeria. Today, we are witnessing the closure of Federal Unity Schools nationwide, while states such as Katsina, Niger, and Plateau have shut their schools. This situation threatens the educational foundation of millions of children. These attacks are not only a security catastrophe; they carry dangerous international implication. The abduction of Christian schoolgirls in Niger State, for example, risk feeding a global narrative especially the U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial comments that Christians are being systematically targeted in Nigeria. This narrative is inaccurate. The truth is that insecurity affects children of all faiths across the North, Muslims and Christians alike and Nigeria must address this challenge collectively. But beyond condemning the criminals, the Northern Nigeria must also confront a difficult reality: we cannot continue depending entirely on Abuja. Other regions have taken their destinies into their own hands — the South-West established Amotekun, the South-East mobilised community security, and the South-South reinforced its local structures. The North must do the same. Northern Nigeria has produced the highest number of retired military generals, ex-police officers, intelligence experts, technocrats, wealthy business leaders, and respected traditional rulers. It is time for these assets to be mobilized. The region must take its destiny into its own hands. Read Also: Gunmen Kidnap Residents in Kano’s Tsanyawa Local Govt Food Waivers Threaten Northern Agriculture, Says Wali The Green Imperative Is Not Just a Federal Government Project — It Is a Lifeline for Northern Nigeria’s Agricultural Future State Governments, traditional institutions, community leaders, and Northern elites must collaborate to strengthen community policing, improved intelligence gathering, secure school environments, coordinated local vigilante structures, and united leadership across political, traditional, and religious lines. The Federal Government must continue its rescue efforts and accelerate the Safe Schools Programme. But long-term peace will only come when Northern leaders and communities work hand-in-hand to defend their land and protect their children. Let us stand together — not as Muslims or Christians, not as politicians or tribes — but as people united by a shared destiny. Our children deserve to go to school without fear. Our region deserves peace. And our nation deserves stability. This is the time to act with sincerity, courage, and unity. By Comrade Mustapha Nuhu Wali, mni Veteran Union Leader & Development Advocate mustiwalimni@gmail.com  

National, News, Politics

NNPP Urges INEC, Public to Disregard ‘Illegal’ Congresses by Kwankwasiya Group

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) on Monday called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the general public to disregard the purported congresses announced by the Kwankwasiya Movement led by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, describing the initiative as unconstitutional and of no effect. In a statement issued by its National Secretary, Ogini Olaposi, the party said the NNPP-court-ordered congresses had already been held and concluded in line with existing judicial directives. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Kwankwaso-led group had written to INEC to notify the commission of plans to conduct fresh congresses and a national convention from November 25 to January 2026. The NNPP, however, insisted that the group has no authority to conduct congresses on behalf of the party, noting that the Memorandum of Understanding entered into with the Kwankwasiya Movement before the 2023 presidential election had since expired. Read Also: 2027: Kano APC Stakeholders Unanimously Back President Tinubu According to the statement, Kwankwaso—its 2023 presidential candidate—and some members of the Kwankwasiya group remain expelled from the party over alleged anti-party activities. “We are still amazed that a man of Kwankwaso’s standing insists on hijacking a party that offered him a platform—free of charge—to contest the 2023 presidential election,” the NNPP said. The party urged INEC to uphold court orders and immediately update its website to reflect the authentic leadership of the NNPP. “The Abia State High Court and the Federal Capital Territory High Court affirmed the expulsion of Kwankwaso and his group from the NNPP’s internal democratic processes. It is unfortunate that he continues to conduct himself in a manner that disrespects and abuses court judgments,” the party added. The NNPP also criticised the Commission for what it described as a lack of timely response to its letters seeking enforcement of judicial pronouncements. “As an umpire, INEC cannot continue to sit on the fence. It must not encourage actions capable of causing a crisis in our democracy,” it stated. The party further urged its members nationwide to disregard what it called “fake congresses and conventions” allegedly being organised by the Kwankwasiya Movement. “Once again, we appeal to INEC to help democracy succeed. The Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration can only thrive where laws are obeyed and respected,” the statement added.

Kano, National, Politics

Ganduje Strengthens APC Structures as Kano Stakeholders Endorse Tinubu for 2027 — Says Ally

In an exclusive interview, a close political ally of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Umar Idris Shuaibu, provided detailed insights into what transpired during the recent three-day APC Caucus Meeting held at Ganduje’s Miango Road residence. According to Umar, the meeting, which brought together stakeholders from all 44 local government areas and 484 wards of Kano State, culminated in a unanimous endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the APC’s sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. He said the endorsement reaffirmed Kano’s position as a major stronghold of the ruling party and reflected the stakeholders’ confidence in Tinubu’s leadership and the Renewed Hope Agenda. Umar explained that Dr. Ganduje, the immediate past National Chairman of the APC, used the meeting to reinforce internal party structures, emphasise unity, and outline strategies for effective mobilisation ahead of 2027. He said discussions centred on strengthening ward and local government offices, preparing for the party’s e-registration exercise, and ensuring seamless communication across party organs. Read Also: 2027: Kano APC Stakeholders Unanimously Back President Tinubu He disclosed that Ganduje directed the 44 local government chairmen and 484 ward leaders to keep party offices open, functional, and accessible, especially as new members continue to defect from the opposition. According to him, this instruction is part of a broader effort to maintain APC’s dominance and expand its grassroots support base. Umar added that Dr. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, during the Caucus meeting, provided all 44 local government APC offices with the sum of N5 million each. He said the funds were given to strengthen party operations at the grassroots, improve office conditions, and support continuous party activities as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections. He further noted that the meeting also reviewed the party’s readiness for the upcoming e-registration, confirming that computers and digital tools had already been supplied to local offices. He recalled that Kano recorded the highest registration figures during the previous APC membership exercise and expressed confidence that the state would maintain this lead. Umar concluded that the resolutions reached at the meeting reflect Ganduje’s strategic leadership approach and his commitment to positioning Kano APC for sweeping victories in 2027, including delivering a decisive win for President Tinubu.

National, News

Tinubu Orders Police Officers Off VIP Duty, Onto Streets as 30,000 Recruitment Begins

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of police officers currently providing security for Very Important Persons (VIPs) in the country, according to a statement from the State House. In a meeting with security chiefs in Abuja on Sunday, President Tinubu directed that police officers guarding VIPs be redeployed to focus on core police duties. The President has instructed that VIPs who require police protection should instead request armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. Read Also: Tinubu Holds Emergency Security Meeting With Service Chiefs in Abuja The move is aimed at boosting police presence in communities, particularly in remote areas where policing is currently limited. The President has also approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers and is working with states to upgrade police training facilities nationwide. The meeting was attended by top security officials, including the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Waidi Shaibu, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

National, News

Tinubu Holds Emergency Security Meeting With Service Chiefs in Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has convened an extended high-level security meeting with Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and heads of other intelligence agencies at the State House in Abuja. According to the Presidency, the meeting is reviewing fresh security reports from affected areas across the country and evaluating ongoing operations. President Tinubu is receiving continuous briefings from the top security commanders as part of efforts to stabilise vulnerable communities and protect citizens. The President has also directed all security agencies to act with speed, precision, and total resolve in confronting criminal elements threatening national peace. Read Also: President Tinubu Confirms Rescue of 38 Kwara Worshippers, 51 Niger Schoolchildren Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to the safety of every Nigerian, stressing that those undermining the country’s security would face the full weight of the law. He added that his administration remains focused on restoring peace and ensuring that Nigeria prevails over all forms of insecurity.

National, News

President Tinubu Confirms Rescue of 38 Kwara Worshippers, 51 Niger Schoolchildren

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says he cancelled his planned trip to the G20 Summit in South Africa to directly coordinate ongoing security operations following recent incidents of abductions across the country. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the President confirmed that all 38 worshippers kidnapped in Eruku, Kwara State, have been rescued by security forces after intensified operations in the past few days. He also disclosed that 51 of the missing students abducted from a Catholic school in Niger State have been recovered. Read Also: FG Orders Immediate Closure of 41 Unity Schools Over Insecurity Tinubu noted that he has been receiving continuous updates from frontline security commanders, adding that he is closely monitoring developments nationwide. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring the safety of every Nigerian. “Let me be clear: I will not relent. Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety — and under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people,” he said. Tinubu assured citizens that ongoing security operations will continue until all abducted persons are accounted for and criminal networks are dismantled.

Kano, National, Politics

2027: Kano APC Stakeholders Unanimously Back President Tinubu

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State have unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the party’s sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general election. The announcement was made by the APC leader in the state and immediate past National Chairman of the party, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, shortly after a three-day stakeholders’ meeting held at his Miango Road residence in Kano. Ganduje said the endorsement was agreed upon by stakeholders drawn from all 44 local government areas and 484 wards of the state. He noted that party leaders reaffirmed their commitment to unity, progress, and continued support for President Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda, which they believe is positively impacting Nigerians. Read Also: Yilwatda, Ganduje, Gbajabiamila, Barau Witness Defection of Two Kano NNPP Lawmakers to APC He explained that discussions during the meeting focused on strengthening party structures and ensuring cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections. Stakeholders also resolved to work toward securing victory for the APC in all elective positions within the state and delivering a decisive win for President Tinubu. “We have directed the chairmen of the 44 local government branches and the 484 ward chairmen to ensure that party offices remain accessible and functional,” Ganduje said. He added that this measure would help accommodate new members defecting from opposition parties. Ganduje further revealed that party executives at all levels have been instructed to publicly announce President Tinubu as the APC’s sole presidential candidate for 2027. He noted that the meeting also reviewed preparations for the party’s e-registration exercise, disclosing that computers had already been supplied to party offices for the exercise. Ganduje recalled that Kano State recorded the highest number of party members during the last APC registration exercise and affirmed the resolve of the state chapter to sustain that record.

National, News

Two Defence Ministry Directors Feared Dead as Four Others Regain Freedom After Kogi Kidnap

Four senior female directors of the Ministry of Defence abducted in Kogi State have regained their freedom after spending almost two weeks in captivity, while Mrs. C.A. Ladoye and Mrs. J.A. Onwuzurike were feared dead during the ordeal. The officials, who were travelling to Abuja for a promotion course and examinations, were ambushed by armed men along the Kabba–Lokoja highway and taken into the forest. They reportedly trekked through remote bush paths in Kogi State before eventually reaching Kaduna State. The six directors kidnapped during the incident were identified as Mrs. Ngozi Ibeziakor, Mrs. C.A. Emeribe, Mrs. C. Helen Ezeakor, Mrs. C.A. Ladoye, Mrs. J.A. Onwuzurike, and Mrs. Catherine O. Essien — all senior staff members of the Ministry of Defence. According to a report by Sahara Reporters, a source close to the situation confirmed that four of the women were released alive, while two were feared dead. Their deaths were said to have resulted from severe exhaustion during the prolonged trek imposed by their abductors, although the online newspaper noted that it could not independently verify the claim. Read Also: FG Orders Immediate Closure of 41 Unity Schools Over Insecurity Katsina and Plateau Govts Order Temporary School Closures Over Insecurity Kwara Church Attack: Abductors Contact Families, Demand N100m Ransom Per Victim “I learned they have been released, but two of them unfortunately couldn’t make it,” the source said. “They died from exhaustion after trekking from Kogi to Kaduna through the forest. The remaining four are undergoing medical examinations.” The victims were reportedly subjected to harsh conditions in captivity, including minimal access to food, water, and rest — factors believed to have contributed to the fatalities. Attempts to reach the Defence Headquarters spokesperson, Brigadier General Samaila, were unsuccessful, as calls and messages were unanswered. The abduction earlier triggered panic within the Ministry of Defence and the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN). The union, in a statement signed by President Shehu Mohammed and Secretary-General Joshua Apebo, condemned the attack and confirmed the identities of the kidnapped officials. Security sources had described the November 10 ambush as a “well-coordinated attack,” raising renewed concerns over the safety of government personnel travelling through the area. (Platinum Post)

Abuja, National, News

DICON–D7G Begins Local Assembly of DG-103 Rifles, Eyes African Export Market

The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria–D7G (DICON–D7G) has announced a major breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to boost local weapons manufacturing, revealing that it has successfully assembled nearly 1,000 units of the DG-103 rifle—an upgraded variant of the AK-103—within just two months of commencing production in Kaduna. This milestone was disclosed during a media briefing at the company’s Abuja headquarters by the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Osman Chennar. According to him, all rifles in the first production batch have undergone comprehensive testing and certification, fully meeting the operational standards required by the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies. He added that the company is simultaneously producing drones and anti-drone systems equipped with early-warning features designed to enhance military field operations. Read Also: Explosion Rocks Defence Industries Facility in Kaduna, One Dead, Several Injured “With full operations now underway, our target is to achieve an annual production capacity of sixty million rounds of ammunition,” he stated, reaffirming DICON–D7G’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defence ecosystem. Speaking on behalf of the CEO, retired Major General M. A. Masanawa revealed that the company is finalizing plans to acquire a military jetty in Lagos by February 2026. The proposed facility, he said, will house a production line, warehouses, and staff accommodation. He explained that the acquisition is projected to significantly enhance local production capacity and create new prospects for exporting defence equipment to neighbouring African countries. Furthermore, DICON–D7G plans to establish a shipyard at the facility to provide maintenance and servicing for naval vessels. DICON–D7G, a central player in Nigeria’s renewed hope agenda for defence industrialization, noted that these developments represent only the beginning of broader initiatives aimed at reducing foreign dependence and strengthening national security readiness.

Education, National, News

FG Orders Immediate Closure of 41 Unity Schools Over Insecurity

The Federal Government has announced the immediate closure of 41 Federal Government Colleges (Unity Schools) located across the northern region of the country due to rising insecurity. The directive was contained in a circular issued on Friday by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Binta Abdulkadir, on behalf of the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman (or Maruf Alausa—depending on the accurate officeholder), citing the need to forestall security breaches and protect students. Read Also: Matawalle Arrives Kebbi on Tinubu’s Directive Over Abduction of Maga Schoolgirls According to the circular addressed to principals of the affected institutions: “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). Principals of affected colleges are to ensure strict compliance.” List of Affected Schools FGGC Minjibir FTC Ganduje FGGC Zaria FTC Kafanchan FGGC Bakori FTC Dayi FGC Daura FGGC Gwandu FGGC Tambuwal FSC Sokoto FTC Wurno FGC Gusau FGC Anka FGC Kiyawa FGC Birnin Yauri FTC Zuru FGGC Kazaure FTC Hadejia FGGC Bida FGC New-Bussa FTC Kuta-Shiroro FGA Suleja FGC Ilorin FGGC Omu-Aran FTC Gwanara FGC Ugwolawo FGGC Kabba FTC Ogugu FGGC Bwari FGC Rubochi FGGC Abaji FGGC Potiskum FGC Buni Yadi FTC Gashua FTC Michika FGC Ganye FGC Azare FTC Misau FGGC Bajoga FGC Billiri FTC Zambuk The closure comes amid recent attacks by armed bandits on educational institutions, leading to the abduction of students and staff in some northern states.

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