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Kano, News, Security

Kano Police Declare New Offensive Against Crime, Recover Arms, Arrest 107 Suspects

The Kano State Police Command has introduced a new security initiative, Operation Kukan Kura, to enhance community policing and combat crime through both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches. Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, announced the initiative during a press briefing on Monday. He said the operation aligns with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to promote community-centered policing. According to him, the initiative is designed to encourage public participation and foster collaboration with security agencies, leveraging residents’ roles as the “eyes and ears of the Police” across the state. He noted that similar strategies had previously yielded positive results, particularly in curbing thuggery, locally known as Fadan Daba, in Kano. Read Also: PSC Approves Promotion of Senior Police Officers Across Ranks Bakori highlighted the Command’s achievements in August, disclosing that 107 suspects were arrested for various offences including armed robbery, kidnapping, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and theft. Items recovered include an AK-47 rifle, seven fabricated guns, 11 live rounds of ammunition, motor vehicles, motorcycles, cows, cutlasses, knives, and large quantities of illicit drugs. He further stated that in 2025 alone, the Command had recovered hundreds of dangerous weapons and significant quantities of narcotics. While commending officers for their efforts, he said digital tools and technological innovations had also boosted police operations in the state. Bakori pledged that the Command would continue to introduce new strategies to stay ahead of criminal elements and maintain peace. He also thanked residents and the media for their vigilance and support. “The willingness of our people to share information has greatly enhanced our operations and strengthened our capacity to safeguard the state,” he said. The Commissioner urged residents to promptly report crimes or suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency hotlines.

Abuja, News

FCT Head of Civil Service, Grace Adayilo, Passes Away at 58

The Head of Civil Service of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mrs. Grace Adayilo, has died. Adayilo reportedly slumped in the early hours of Monday, September 1, 2025, and passed away shortly after. The cause of her death has not yet been disclosed. Her passing was confirmed in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Anthony Odey, who described it as a great loss to the FCT Administration and Nigeria as a whole. Read Also: FCTA Elevates 49 Deputy Directors After First-Ever CBT Promotion Exam Appointed on October 6, 2024, by President Bola Tinubu, Adayilo made history as the first-ever Head of Civil Service of the FCT and the first woman to occupy the position. Prior to her appointment, she served as the Permanent Secretary of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, where she earned respect for her dedication and professionalism. She was an indigene of Abuja, marking another milestone as the first native of the capital city to hold the prestigious office. Adayilo’s last official assignment was on Thursday, August 28, 2025, where she represented the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, at the G7 Security Meeting in Abuja. Her sudden death has thrown the FCT civil service and wider public sector into mourning, with tributes expected from colleagues, leaders, and residents who admired her trailblazing role in public administration.

National, News

House of Reps Denies Plot to Oust Speaker Abbas Amid Lawmakers’ Grievances

Discontent is reportedly growing in the House of Representatives following allegations that some lawmakers are plotting to move against Speaker Abbas Tajudeen over claims of being denied certain privileges. The grievances, which have largely played out on lawmakers’ WhatsApp platforms, center on complaints of exclusion and neglect. Some lawmakers alleged they were sidelined in a recent National Assembly recruitment exercise, where 785 new staff were reportedly hired without their knowledge. Frustration has also mounted over delays in payments to contractors handling constituency projects, with some members accusing the leadership of poor transparency and favoritism. They warned that the non-payment of contractors could hurt their chances of re-election in 2027. Read Also: El-Rufai Accuses Kaduna Governor Uba Sani of Sponsoring Political Violence In addition, some lawmakers faulted what they described as the poor performance of the national budget, its selective implementation by the executive, and the worsening insecurity in the North. However, the House leadership has dismissed reports of a plot against the Speaker. In a statement on Sunday, House spokesman Akin Rotimi described the reports as “misleading and sensational,” stressing that informal exchanges on WhatsApp cannot be mistaken for official caucus resolutions. Rotimi clarified that the recruitment exercise was conducted by the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), an independent statutory body, and not by the House leadership. He added that Speaker Abbas had already directed the Committee on Public Service Matters to investigate the process. “Contrary to insinuations of an impending showdown, the House remains united under Speaker Abbas Tajudeen. Informal conversations are normal in a vibrant democracy but cannot represent official positions,” Rotimi said. He further explained that delayed contractor payments were a nationwide challenge, not peculiar to constituency projects, and that the Appropriations Committees were already engaging the Minister of Finance to clear outstanding 2024 obligations. Rotimi stressed that the 10th Assembly has sustained unity despite Nigeria’s political, ethnic, and religious diversity, with consensus-building as its hallmark. The House is expected to reconvene on September 23 after its annual recess.

Business, National, News

Union Bank Completes Merger with Titan Trust Bank

Union Bank of Nigeria, one of the country’s oldest and most respected financial institutions, has officially completed its merger with Titan Trust Bank Limited, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s banking sector. The announcement followed the final approval of the transaction by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), bringing to a close a process that began in 2021 with the signing of a Share Sale Agreement. In a statement, Union Bank’s Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aluko, described the merger as a strategic move to consolidate the bank’s market position and strengthen its service delivery. Read Also: ICPC, EFCC Probe Kano Governor’s Aide Over Alleged ₦6.5bn Fraud Under the arrangement, Union Bank has fully absorbed Titan Trust Bank’s operations and assets. The combined entity will continue under the Union Bank brand, while Titan Trust ceases to exist as a separate institution. With a network of over 293 service centres and 937 ATMs nationwide, supported by upgraded digital platforms, the bank said it is well-positioned to provide enhanced value across retail, SME, and corporate segments. The merger, according to the bank, combines Union Bank’s heritage with Titan Trust’s innovation to drive financial inclusion and sustainable growth. Union Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Mrs. Yetunde Oni, described the merger as “a pivotal moment in our 108-year journey, and a launchpad for delivering greater value to our customers. By blending stability with innovation, we are better positioned to meet the evolving needs of Nigerians and to be their most trusted financial partner.” Chairman of the Board, Mr. Bayo Adeleke, added: “This is a new era of growth, collaboration, and shared prosperity. By bringing together the strengths of both institutions, we are committed to creating lasting value for our customers, shareholders, and communities while advancing Nigeria’s financial inclusion agenda.” The bank assured customers that their accounts and services remain unaffected by the merger, with an accelerated rollout of improved digital solutions. Union Bank said the consolidation not only strengthens its competitive edge but also underscores its ambition to deliver a modern, inclusive, and customer-focused banking experience.

News, Zamfara

15 Drown, 3 Missing as Villagers Flee Bandit Attack in Zamfara

Panic turned to tragedy in Zamfara State on Friday when a canoe overloaded with fleeing villagers capsized in Gummi Local Government Area, killing at least 15 people, while three others are still unaccounted for. Residents of Danmaga, Tungar Maigunya, Nasarawar Kifi, and nearby communities had rushed to escape advancing bandits by crossing a river in the only canoe available. Eyewitnesses said the vessel, meant for 16 passengers, was overcrowded as desperate villagers scrambled to board. Read Also: Zamfara Rep. Renovates 80 Cemeteries as Constituency Project “The canoe was already full, but two more women jumped in, afraid they would be left behind. That was when it overturned,” recalled Malam Bashiru Gago Yan Kifi. Local volunteers recovered 12 bodies on Friday and three more the next day. The victims, including eight women, three infants, and four youths, were buried in a mass grave after funeral prayers. Search efforts are still ongoing for the missing. “This is a double tragedy for us—bandits attacked our homes, and in trying to escape, we lost even more lives,” said Alhaji Muhammadu Chigari, village head of Nasarawar Kifi. Confirming the incident, Zamfara State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mahmud Dantawasa, condoled with the affected families and said the government is taking urgent steps to support the communities.

News, Taraba

Marriage No Obstacle to Women’s Success – Prof. Ummu Jalingo

Professor Ummu Ahmed Jalingo, Northern Nigeria’s first female Professor of Economics, has urged women not to see marriage as a barrier to their ambitions. Speaking in Kano at the Inspiring Leadership Reflection Interactive Series (ILERIS), organised by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), Prof. Jalingo shared her personal story of getting married at 16 and rising to become a professor after decades of dedication. Read Also: CITAD Marks Development Data Day, Calls for Inclusive, People-Centered Data Systems in Nigeria “With commitment and determination, women can achieve their goals regardless of marital status,” she said, adding that being organized and prayerful also makes the journey easier. She recalled her father’s role in encouraging her education, noting that while she did not become the medical doctor he once hoped for, she attained an even higher milestone as a professor. Prof. Jalingo, who has taught at Bayero University Kano (BUK) for over 30 years, currently serves as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

News, Religious, Sokoto

Sokoto Governor Announces Monthly Stipends for Imams, Mu’azzins, and Jumu’at Mosques

Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has unveiled new monthly stipends for Imams, their deputies, and Mu’azzins, along with fresh cash allocations to Jumu’at Mosques across the state. The governor made the announcement on Saturday during the graduation ceremony of 111 Qur’an memorisers at the Sokoto branch of the Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation. Aliyu said the initiative was part of his administration’s efforts to promote Islamic scholarship and encourage children to memorise the Qur’an. Read Also: EFCC Detains NAHCON Chairman’s Brother, a.k.a Defacto Chairman Sirajo Usman Over N50 Billion Fraud in Hajj Expenditure “We have also introduced monthly cash allocations to all our Jumu’at Mosques, ranging from ₦300,000 to ₦500,000 depending on their category. In addition, monthly allowances have been introduced for Imams, their deputies, and Mu’azzins across the state to support them in the discharge of their duties,” he stated. The governor stressed that religious development holds a central place in his Nine-point Smart Agenda, ranking just after security. He added that encouraging Qur’anic memorisation among children would help raise a generation that upholds Islamic teachings in line with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Aliyu also directed the school’s management to secure land for a permanent site, pledging state government support for its development. Speaking at the event, Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, commended Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi for establishing the foundation and praised scholars in the state for fostering peace and religious growth. Former Sokoto governor, Aliyu Wamakko, represented by Aminu Sufi, urged parents to encourage their children to embrace Qur’anic memorisation. Senator Abdulaziz Yari, represented by Lawal Liman, pledged continued support for the foundation and announced a donation of ₦22 million and food items for the graduands and the school. Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, represented by Ibrahim Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, said the foundation’s expansion into other states aims to provide structured Qur’anic education and curb street begging. During the ceremony, each of the 111 graduating students received ₦20,000 and clothing materials from the Sokoto State Government. The event concluded with Qur’anic recitations and prize presentations.

Kaduna, News, Politics

El-Rufai Accuses Kaduna Governor Uba Sani of Sponsoring Political Violence

Former governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has accused his successor, Governor Uba Sani, of sponsoring terrorism and political violence in the state. El-Rufai, who described the governor as his “godson,” alleged that Sani had abandoned the principles of peace he claimed to have inherited from him. Read Also: ICPC, EFCC Probe Kano Governor’s Aide Over Alleged ₦6.5bn Fraud The former governor made the allegation in a video while reacting to an attack on members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) during a political gathering in Kaduna. The incident occurred on Saturday during the inauguration of a transition committee formed by opposition parties in the state, when suspected thugs invaded the venue. The hoodlums, armed with cutlasses, clubs, and stones, reportedly attacked participants, injuring several people and vandalizing vehicles. Condemning the violence, El-Rufai said: “We don’t stop people from enjoying their freedom, but unfortunately, my godson, Governor Uba Sani, whom I thought had been following my principles of peace, is the one sponsoring this kind of terrorism.”

International, News

ICRC Registers Over 284,000 Missing Persons Globally, Raises Concern Over Nigeria

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has registered more than 284,000 missing persons worldwide as a result of disasters and armed conflicts—a figure the organization describes as only a fraction of the actual number of people unaccounted for. According to the ICRC, the figure represents only documented cases within its Family Links Network as of the end of 2024, underscoring the scale of the humanitarian challenge posed by conflicts, disasters, and migration globally. The ICRC identified armed conflicts, disasters, and migration as the main drivers of disappearances across communities worldwide. Read Also: Over 24,000 Nigerians Declared Missing, ICRC Reveals In Nigeria, the organization expressed concern over the fate of 23,659 missing persons linked to armed conflicts. Benson Lee, Family Links Officer of the ICRC, disclosed this during the commemoration of the 2025 International Day of the Disappeared held in Yola at the weekend, describing the figures as deeply disturbing. Lee revealed that no fewer than 13,595 families are still searching for their loved ones across Nigeria. She added that 59 percent of those missing were minors at the time of their disappearance, while 67 percent of the cases were recorded in Borno State. “Behind each missing person is a family living in anguish and uncertainty, struggling with the pain of not knowing what happened to their loved ones,” she said. Lee explained that the commemoration of the International Day of the Disappeared seeks to promote empathy by highlighting the devastating impact of missing persons on families and communities. Meanwhile, the United Nations, alongside organizations such as the ICRC and the Syrian Network for Human Rights, is working to address the issue through legal commitments, improved search mechanisms, and support for victims and their families.

National, News

Former IGP Solomon Arase Reportedly Dies in Abuja

Former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Arase has reportedly passed away at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja. As of press time, there has been no official confirmation from his family or the Nigeria Police Force regarding the development. Arase, who served as Nigeria’s 18th Inspector-General of Police, was appointed in April 2015 by then-President Goodluck Jonathan and retired from the Force in 2016. Read Also: PSC Approves Promotion of Senior Police Officers Across Ranks Following his retirement, he continued to take on national assignments, most notably as Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), a position he assumed in January 2023 under President Muhammadu Buhari. He was relieved of the role in June 2024 by President Bola Tinubu. A seasoned intelligence officer, Arase once headed the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, the apex intelligence unit of the Force. He also served as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State and later as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of intelligence. His distinguished career also included international service in Namibia on a United Nations peacekeeping mission.

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