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Education, Katsina, News

Katsina private school owners laud operational policy review

The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) in. Katsina State, has commended Gov. Dikko Radda for reviewing the private and community schools operational policy. The commendation is contained in a statement signed and issued to newsmen on Wednesday in Katsina by its Chairman, Mansur Sani-Jibia. The Chairman in the statement, said the review will re-position private and community schools to uplift the standard of education in the state. Read Also: Katsina, UNDP train officials on climate security “We assure the government of our readiness to comply with the state’s extant laws and regulations. “We would also work with relevant stakeholders to strengthen the state’s education sector in line with the governor’s ‘Building Your Future’ agenda,” he said. Sani–Jibia, equally appreciated the members of the state House of Assembly for its critical role in the review process. He added,”We recognise the fatherly role played by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abdullahi Faskari, in handling the negotiation between us and the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.” (NAN)

National, News

Brigadier General, 15 Others Held Over Alleged Coup Plan — Military Sources

The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) has detained 16 senior military officers, including a Brigadier General, over an alleged plot to overthrow the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to top military sources, 12 of the 14 Army officers in custody belong to the Infantry Corps — the Army’s frontline combat unit — while one serves in the Signals Corps, which oversees communications, and another in the Ordnance Corps, responsible for weapons and logistics. The detained officers include Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq (N/10321), who is alleged to be the suspected leader of the plot. He was previously detained in 2024 for alleged diversion of rice palliatives and illegal sale of military equipment. Read Also: Photos: Senate Confirms President Tinubu’s New Service Chiefs After Security Screening Others on the list are Colonel M.A. Ma’aji from Niger State; Lieutenant Colonel S. Bappah from Bauchi; Lieutenant Colonel A.A. Hayatu from Kaduna; Lieutenant Colonel P. Dangnap from Plateau; Lieutenant Colonel M. Almakura from Nasarawa; and Majors A.J. Ibrahim, M.M. Jiddah, M.A. Usman, D. Yusuf, and I. Dauda from different parts of the country. Also detained are Captain Ibrahim Bello, Captain A.A. Yusuf, Lieutenant S.S. Felix, Lieutenant Commander D.B. Abdullahi of the Nigerian Navy, and Squadron Leader S.B. Adamu of the Nigerian Air Force. Sources disclosed that the officers are being held at a DIA facility in Abuja pending the outcome of investigations. The agency has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, but military insiders say the arrests followed weeks of intelligence gathering on suspicious meetings and communications among the officers. The alleged coup plot reportedly triggered heightened security operations in Abuja, including the raid on the residence of former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, in Maitama. Security operatives reportedly linked a “former South-South governor” to the meetings held with some of the detained officers. Sylva later confirmed the military raid but denied any involvement in a coup plot, describing the operation as “misguided.” Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters has dismissed claims of a brewing coup, assuring Nigerians of the military’s loyalty to President Tinubu and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Security analysts have described the development as one of the most serious internal probes in recent years, warning that it underscores rising tensions within the security establishment.

Business, National, News

Fuel Import Duty Hikes: Tinubu Approves 15% Ad-Valorem Tariff

President Bola Tinubu has given his approval for a 15 percent ad-valorem import duty on diesel and premium motor spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. According to a letter dated October 21, 2025, the President’s private secretary, Damilotun Aderemi, informed the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) of the decision. Read Also: Photos: Senate Confirms President Tinubu’s New Service Chiefs After Security Screening The approval follows a request by FIRS to apply the 15 percent duty on the cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) to align import costs with domestic realities. The President has also directed NMDPRA to issue relevant regulations to guide the policy, prioritizing local production before issuing import licenses. Additionally, he ordered a periodic review of the tariff rate and its necessity, including provisions for scaling or sunset measures as domestic refining capacity expands.

Kano, News

Kano Police Arrest Two Armed Robbers, Recover Vehicle Stolen From Air Force Officer in Abuja

The Kano State Police Command has arrested two suspected armed robbers and recovered a motor vehicle stolen at gunpoint from an Air Force officer in Abuja. According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the suspects were apprehended following coordinated intelligence efforts and swift response by operatives of the Command. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, October 29, 2025, when a gang of armed robbers invaded a residence in Karu, Abuja. The suspects allegedly carted away an undisclosed amount of money, mobile phones, and a Ford Escape SUV belonging to an Air Force officer. Read Also: Kogi Police Command Welcomes New Commissioner Naziru Bello Kankarofi  Kano Police Declare New Offensive Against Crime, Recover Arms, Arrest 107 Suspects Photos: Senate Confirms President Tinubu’s New Service Chiefs After Security Screening Acting on credible intelligence that the suspects were heading toward Kano, the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad intercepted the stolen vehicle along the Kano–Zaria Expressway near Salbas Filling Station. Upon sighting the police, the suspects reportedly opened fire, prompting a gun duel that led to the arrest of two gang members while another escaped with a pistol and part of the stolen items. The arrested suspects were identified as Adamu Adam Abubakar of Zoo Road, Kano, and Umar Bello of Nasarawa Dirkania, Kaduna State. The police confirmed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect, identified as one Dan Malam (surname unknown). Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended the operatives for their professionalism and the Intelligence Unit of the Force Headquarters, Abuja, for their coordination in the operation. He reiterated the Command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property in the state. CP Bakori urged residents to continue providing timely and useful information that could assist in tackling criminal activities, assuring that the police will leave no stone unturned in bringing the remaining suspect to justice.

Kano, Kogi, News

Kogi Police Command Welcomes New Commissioner Naziru Bello Kankarofi 

The Kogi State Police Command has announced the assumption of duty by its newly appointed Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello, who becomes the 40th officer to head the command. He succeeds CP Miller G. Dantawaye, who has been redeployed to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command. The development was confirmed in a statement issued in Lokoja by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP William Aya, on Wednesday. CP Naziru Bello, who hails from Kano Municipal Local Government Area of Kano State, brings over 30 years of distinguished service to his new role. He joined the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (C/ASP) on June 10, 1994, after training at the Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State. A versatile and well-educated officer, CP Bello holds a B.Sc. in Economics and Political Science (Combined Honours), Bachelor of Laws (LLB, BL), and a Master of Laws (LLM). He is currently pursuing a PhD in Law. Read Also: Meet Rear Admiral Idi Abbas From Kano, Nigeria’s New Chief of Naval Staff BUK Alumni Celebrate Kankarofi’s Elevation, Describe Him as Pride of 1992 Set Madrasatu Ansarul Islamiyya Graduates 24 Quranic Memorizers in Kano Throughout his career, he has served in various command, operational, and administrative capacities across multiple states. His previous assignments include Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the Governor of Kwara State (1999–2003), Squadron Commander of the Police Mobile Force in Kano, Bauchi, and Rivers States, and Area Commander, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom (2019–2022). He also held senior leadership roles at the Zone 1 Headquarters in Kano and Zone 3 Headquarters in Yola. A graduate of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, CP Bello completed the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 46/2024 and has attended numerous tactical and leadership training programmes, including the Combat Operations Course, Tactical Leadership Course, and Strategic Command Course. He is a member of several professional associations, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN), and the National Institute of Police Studies (MNIPS). According to CSP Aya, the new commissioner is renowned for his discipline, professionalism, and effective crime-fighting strategies, which have consistently led to improved security outcomes in his previous commands. Aya noted that CP Bello is poised to build on the successes of his predecessor while implementing innovative measures to strengthen policing and public safety in Kogi State. CP Bello, who enjoys reading and travelling, is married with children.

News, Taraba

Two Feared Dead in Taraba Mosque Leadership Tussle

A leadership dispute over the position of Imam at the Central Mosque in Donga, Taraba State, has reportedly claimed at least two lives and left several others injured. The violent clash, which broke out on Tuesday, also resulted in the destruction of properties within the area, sending residents fleeing for safety. Eyewitnesses said the confrontation erupted after a section of the Muslim community disagreed over who should lead prayers at the mosque located opposite the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Donga Chiefdom. “The argument started during a meeting but later turned violent. Before security operatives arrived, two people had already lost their lives, and many others were wounded,” a resident told Daily Trust on Wednesday. Read Also: Political Realignment: Taraba’s Kefas Eyes APC for Greater Federal Inclusion The crisis threw the town into confusion as rival groups engaged in a free-for-all, forcing businesses and schools in the area to shut down temporarily. It was gathered that soldiers and other security personnel have since been deployed to restore calm and prevent further breakdown of law and order. When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Taraba State Police Command, ASP Leshen James, neither answered calls nor responded to text messages regarding the incident as of the time of filing this report.  

Abuja, National, News

Photos: Senate Confirms President Tinubu’s New Service Chiefs After Security Screening

The Nigerian Senate has screened and confirmed the new Service Chiefs appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marking a major step in the administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national security and improve coordination among the armed forces. The confirmed Service Chiefs include General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General Waheedi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff. President Tinubu’s letter requesting their confirmation was read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary, urging lawmakers to give “expeditious consideration” to the nominees. According to the Presidency, the appointments form part of a strategic realignment designed to deepen professionalism, boost morale, and enhance inter-agency cooperation in tackling security challenges across the country. Read Also: Meet Rear Admiral Idi Abbas From Kano, Nigeria’s New Chief of Naval Staff Maj. Gen. Waidi Shaibu: A Seasoned Commander Taking Charge of the Nigerian Army Meet Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Nigeria’s New Chief of Air Staff The Service Chiefs, accompanied by senior military officers, arrived at the National Assembly Complex at about 10:00 a.m. for the screening, which was conducted under tight security. Senators held both open and closed sessions to assess the nominees’ qualifications and readiness for the roles. Presiding over the session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the process as a constitutional responsibility aimed at ensuring that only the most competent and patriotic officers are entrusted with protecting the nation. “The screening is part of our constitutional duty. It is aimed at ensuring that only the most competent and patriotic officers are entrusted with safeguarding the nation. There is no need to ask them too many questions because we will be having a closed-door session with them,” Akpabio said. Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, urged the nominees to remain loyal to the President and the Constitution, stressing that discipline and unity of command are key to achieving national security objectives. “We urge all the nominees to be loyal to the Commander-in-Chief and loyal to our Constitution. This is the underpinning in service—loyalty. We are confident that, with your commitment and the zeal of Mr. President, total security will be achieved,” Barau stated. During the screening, the nominees pledged their readiness to serve the country with dedication and professionalism. Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke, the new Chief of Air Staff, said: “As the Chief of Air Staff, my duties are clear—to secure the lives, liberties, and aspirations of Nigerians through the power of air operations, in collaboration with my colleagues in the military and other security agencies.” Following the interactive session, the Senate moved into a closed-door meeting in line with parliamentary tradition to discuss sensitive security matters before officially confirming the nominees. It would be recalled that President Tinubu had met with the new military leaders on Monday, where they reportedly discussed current security challenges ahead of their formal assumption of duty. On October 24, President Tinubu approved a shake-up in the nation’s military hierarchy, appointing General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff to replace General Christopher Musa. Major-General Waheedi Shaibu was named Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff. Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye retained his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence. With the Senate’s confirmation, the new Service Chiefs are now expected to immediately assume office and drive forward the President’s agenda for a safer and more secure Nigeria.

Feature, News

Young Africans Champion Health Sovereignty at 8th Galien Forum in Dakar

Faced with a global disease burden of 24 percent but only 3 percent of the world’s health professionals, Africa continues to grapple with the challenge of meeting its health needs. Yet, a new wave of young Africans is rising to the occasion—driving innovation and advocacy for the continent’s health sovereignty. This theme resonated strongly at the 8th Galien Africa Forum, which opened on October 28, 2025, in Dakar, Senegal. The first day of the three-day conference was held under the theme: “Rethinking Health Leadership: Preparing a Generation Capable of Defending Africa’s Health Sovereignty in a Technological and Globalised World.” More than 2,500 participants—including scientists, policymakers, health professionals, students, and development partners—attended the forum both physically and virtually. The gathering seeks to re-examine Africa’s role in global health leadership and reaffirm its commitment to shaping its own priorities in the healthcare sector. One of the forum’s major attractions was an exhibition by young African scientists showcasing innovation-driven technological solutions to some of the continent’s most pressing health challenges. Among the most discussed projects were those focused on Universal Access to Healthcare Leveraging Biometrics and AI, Safe Water Hubs, and Integrated Health Systems. Read Also: Stakeholders Meet in Kano to Address Health Workers’ Attitude Towards Immunization Two medical students—Samuel Afolabi from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and Lydia Ankomah Obeng from the University of Ghana Medical School—led a team of ten innovators to present their project on Universal Access to Healthcare Leveraging Biometrics and AI. Speaking to Emefa Ewoenam Atiamoah-Eli, West and Central Africa Regional Coordinator (Maternal, Newborn and Child Health) of the Africa Media Network for the Promotion of Health and Environment (REMAPSEN), Afolabi explained that technology holds the key to closing Africa’s healthcare gaps. “Many people in Africa lack the proper data needed to access quality healthcare. Some spend hours in hospitals for consultations that should take minutes, while others walk several kilometres to see a doctor. Our solution aims to bridge that gap through digital innovation,” he said. Their innovation proposes a simple mobile application designed to streamline healthcare access while helping Africa take ownership of its health systems. Lydia Ankomah Obeng added that “education and awareness in rural communities are crucial for adoption. With proper government and partner support, this innovation can be scaled across Africa.” Echoing the call for health autonomy, Prof. Dr. Bamba Gaye, a research scientist in preventive cardiology at the Institute of Health and Development (ISED), University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, emphasized the importance of local data ownership. “Africa must become an active contributor to AI systems by feeding them with its own data,” he said. “Otherwise, we risk having our realities misrepresented by externally generated data that do not reflect our context.” Under the leadership of Prof. Marie Coll Seck, President of Galien Africa, the forum attracted high-level dignitaries, including researchers, development partners, and government officials. In her address, Prof. Seck remarked that “Africa is not just a continent—it is the driving force of innovation.” She urged African nations to scale up local production of health products and mobilize resources to achieve true health sovereignty. Officially declaring the forum open, Senegal’s Minister of Health, Dr. Ibrahima Sy, called for collective responsibility in reclaiming Africa’s health independence. “Reclaiming autonomy over Africa’s health requires deliberate action—investing in youth training and fostering technological innovation in healthcare delivery,” Dr. Sy said. The 8th Galien Africa Forum continues to serve as a platform for inspiring a new generation of African health leaders—young innovators determined to make the continent self-reliant, data-driven, and globally competitive in healthcare advancement.

News, Politics, Taraba

Political Realignment: Taraba’s Kefas Eyes APC for Greater Federal Inclusion

Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, is reportedly on the verge of defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), in what has been described as a strategic political realignment to enhance the state’s inclusion in national development programs. The development was confirmed by the governor’s Special Adviser on Political Matters and Special Duties, Josiah Kente, in a statement made available to journalists. According to Kente, Governor Kefas’s planned defection to the ruling APC is not motivated by personal ambition but by the “collective interest of the people of Taraba State.” Read Also: APC Consolidates Strength Across Nigeria Ahead of 2027 Elections “The governor’s decision is driven by the desire to ensure Taraba’s full participation in federal initiatives and access to national development opportunities,” Kente said. He added that Governor Kefas’s impressive record in healthcare, education, and infrastructure development requires greater synergy and federal support for sustainability. Kente further emphasized that the move should not be seen as partisan, but as “a collective aspiration of the people of Taraba for sustainable progress, transformational infrastructure, and active involvement in national affairs.” He explained that joining the APC at the national level would open the door to more development opportunities for the state, including federal projects, enhanced security collaboration, and access to donor-funded programs. The development comes amid reports that several PDP governors are planning to defect to the APC — a move that could significantly weaken the opposition party’s presence, particularly in northern Nigeria. Sources have hinted that governors from Plateau (Caleb Mutfwang), Zamfara (Dauda Lawal), and Adamawa (Ahmadu Fintiri) may also be considering switching allegiance to the ruling party. The PDP, which once governed Nigeria for 16 years after the return of democracy in 1999, currently controls just eight of the 36 states in the federation. Political analysts warn that the increasing wave of defections could push the country closer to becoming a de facto one-party state, as the ruling APC continues to consolidate its dominance across regions.

National, News

Senate Confirms Major General Waheedi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff

The Nigerian Senate has confirmed Major General Waheedi Shaibu as the new Chief of Army Staff, marking a key step in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent appointment of new military service chiefs. The confirmation was conducted during Wednesday’s plenary session at the National Assembly in Abuja, where senators directed Shaibu to “take a bow” and assume duty immediately. His confirmation came shortly after the Senate approved General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff. The exercise, which took place under tight security, involved both open and closed-door sessions. Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the confirmation process as a constitutional responsibility aimed at ensuring that only qualified and patriotic officers lead the nation’s defence institutions. Read Also: Meet Rear Admiral Idi Abbas From Kano, Nigeria’s New Chief of Naval Staff “There is no need to ask too many questions because we will be having a closed-door session with them,” Akpabio stated. Senator Isah Jubrin, representing Kogi East, expressed confidence in Shaibu’s leadership qualities, noting that he had known the officer for over three decades. “Shaibu is humble and highly disciplined. I believe he has what it takes to move Nigeria forward in addressing its security challenges,” he said. President Tinubu had earlier written to the Senate requesting the screening and confirmation of the new service chiefs, including General Olufemi Oluyede (Chief of Defence Staff), Major General Waheedi Shaibu (Chief of Army Staff), Rear Admiral Idi Abbas (Chief of Naval Staff), and Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke (Chief of Air Staff). Originally scheduled for next week, the Senate brought forward the screening to Wednesday, October 29, to enable the new military chiefs to resume their duties without delay.

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