FG - Nigeria Will Not Bow to Criminal Elements, Moves to Restore Peace in Plateau

The Federal Government has reiterated its resolve to protect lives and property across the country, declaring that Nigeria will not bow to criminal elements or acts of violence as it moves to restore lasting peace in the Plateau.

In a statement signed by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister, Rabi'u Ibrahim, said the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known on Tuesday, during a press briefing in Abuja, while addressing the security situation in Plateau State following the recent attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North. “Nigeria will not yield to criminal elements. We will protect our people, and we will prevail,” the Minister stated.

“Nigerians must not allow criminal elements to divide communities. Nigeria’s unity remains strong, and we must all work together to sustain peace and stability across the country,” he added

The Minister expressed deep concern over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of Plateau State. He assured Nigerians that security agencies responded swiftly to the attack. According to him, troops under Operation Enduring Peace were immediately deployed, while the military and other security agencies secured the area and launched operations to track down those responsible.

“These swift actions ensured that the situation was quickly contained and prevented further escalation,” said Idris, noting that the response forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security across Plateau state and the wider North-Central region.

Idris explained that the Federal Government has sustained military and intelligence-led operations in vulnerable communities, supported by increased surveillance, troop deployments, and joint patrols involving the military and the police. He added that these measures are aimed at preventing further attacks and maintaining stability.

Idris also assured that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully committed to addressing security challenges through targeted operations and strategic coordination among security agencies. He disclosed that the President has already met with top security and intelligence chiefs to review the situation and take further decisive steps.

He also noted that the Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has been invited for further consultations to strengthen collaboration and ensure a coordinated response towards lasting peace.

The Minister acknowledged steps taken by the Plateau State Government, including the imposition of a 48-hour curfew in Jos North to stabilise the situation and support ongoing operations. He stressed that federal and state authorities are working closely to prevent reprisals, restore calm, and facilitate investigations.

While describing the attack as deeply regrettable, Idris stated that it does not represent a breakdown of national security, but a criminal act in a conflict-prone area that is being actively addressed. He assured Nigerians that those responsible will be brought to justice. “There will be no safe haven for criminal elements anywhere in Nigeria,” he said.

The Minister reassured Nigerians that the situation in Plateau State is under control and urged Nigerians to remain calm and law-abiding. He also cautioned against the spread of unverified information, noting that such actions could worsen tensions and undermine security efforts.

The Federal Government, he said, will continue to strengthen intelligence gathering, operational readiness, and inter-agency coordination to stay ahead of emerging threats and ensure lasting peace nationwide.

Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar resigns as Nigeria’s foreign Minister

The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar has resigned as Nigeria’s Minister of Affairs. 

In his letter of resignation, the Minister expressed his profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the nation and to contribute to the implementation of the President’s 4D foreign policy strategy as a guiding framework for Nigeria’s foreign policy.

Ambassador Tuggar also expressed his sincere appreciation to the management and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as members of the diplomatic community, for their cooperation and support throughout his tenure.

During his time in office, the Minister demonstrated strong leadership and commitment to advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives. His tenure was marked by several notable achievements, advancing people-centred diplomacy through humanitarian evacuations, scholarship facilitation, and sustained support

THE TRIALS OF DASUKI AND MALAMI — A STUDY IN NEMESIS: WHAT YOU DO UNTO OTHERS - By Yushau A Shuaib

Some call it the law of karma. I prefer the older formulation: what you do unto others shall, in time, be done unto you. Nigeria’s recent political history offers few more instructive illustrations of this truth than the parallel fates of Sambo Dasuki and Abubakar Malami.

Those expressing sympathy for former Attorney‑General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, over his current ordeal with the EFCC and the DSS may have conveniently forgotten what befell former National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Colonel Sambo Dasuki—arrested barely a day after handing over office. His story remains one of the most troubling indictments of executive overreach in Nigeria’s democratic era: a case study in how personal vendetta, political score‑settling, and institutional disregard for judicial authority can be disguised as the pursuit of justice.

THE ROOTS OF BITTER FEUD

The roots of the Dasuki saga run deep into Nigeria’s military past. Dasuki played a significant role in financing and facilitating the 1983 coup that brought General Muhammadu Buhari to power according to retired Colonel Mustapha Jokolo, Buhari’s former ADC. He was also involved in the 1985 countercoup that removed Buhari and installed General Ibrahim Babangida, though he was not among those who physically arrested Buhari. Colonel Abdulmumini Aminu, who led that operation, confirmed that he and three others actually carried out the arrest without Dasuki. These historical details matter because the bitterness they produced never fully disappeared.

Dasuki was arrested in late 2015 and charged with money laundering over the alleged diversion of arms‑procurement funds during the Jonathan administration. What his accusers refused to acknowledge, however, was that during his tenure as NSA dozens of towns were successfully reclaimed from terrorists. It was also a period when banditry had not yet taken root in the Northwest or North‑Central—an insecurity trend that escalated only later under the Buhari administration.

While the allegations against Dasuki appeared serious on paper, what followed was far worse: a systematic assault on the rule of law.

Multiple courts granted him bail. He met every condition. Yet each time, he was immediately re‑arrested without any new charges. This cycle continued until he became the only public official in Nigerian history to remain in detention despite bail orders from four different courts, including the ECOWAS Court.

MEDIA TRIALS AND INSTITUTIONAL IMPUNITY

In a particularly troubling twist, Malami falsely claimed in a VOA interview that Dasuki had killed 100,000 people and justified his continued detention—despite multiple bail orders—on national‑security grounds. This misinformation and media‑trial posture led to his summons before the LPDC in 2019, where he eventually recanted.

President Buhari later made the administration’s stance explicit during a televised media chat, declaring that Dasuki would not be released regardless of court orders and describing him as a security risk. It was a rare moment when executive contempt for judicial authority was openly acknowledged.

Beyond the physical detention, the Buhari era normalised media trials—where citizens were convicted in the court of public opinion long before any judge had ruled. The EFCC and the DSS were the most notorious instruments of this strategy.

The case of Colonel Nicholas Ashinze illustrates this vividly. Ashinze, a military intelligence officer who played a key role with technical partners in operations that reclaimed territories from Boko Haram, found himself facing charges even as the EFCC issued a statement so inaccurate that it provoked a rare judicial rebuke.

Justice Gabriel Kolawole condemned the EFCC’s conduct, describing its statement against Ashinze as “scandalous and prejudicial to fair trial.” He ordered the agency to apologise publicly to the officer and suspended the trial. The EFCC complied, attributing the falsehoods to an internal “mix‑up.”

Similarly, the arms probe panel under ONSA, chaired by one Air Vice Marshal Jon Odeh, was disbanded after members were themselves indicted for receiving bribes from individuals they were investigating. These episodes underscored the institutional impunity that characterised the period.

SULTAN WHO DIED WITHOUT SEEING HIS SON AND ELRUFAI’S ORDEAL

Perhaps the most heartbreaking dimension of Dasuki’s ordeal was the treatment of his father, the late Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki—former Sultan of Sokoto and one of Nigeria’s most revered traditional and Islamic leaders. Despite repeated appeals, he was denied permission to visit his son in detention. He died without seeing him.

This act was widely condemned as unnecessary cruelty—an example of how political rivalry had crossed into something far more callous.

By contrast, when the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu detained former Kaduna Governor Nasir el-Rufai over corruption charges, he was immediately released following his mother’s death. I welcomed the gesture, while wishing that the mercy had come earlier and that no public official should spend more than a month in custody merely awaiting trial. The standard of decency we apply must be consistent, regardless of who occupies the dock.

Dasuki was eventually released on Christmas Eve 2019, after Buhari’s re‑election. His freedom—coming after more than four years in detention—felt less like justice and more like a political calculation that had finally run its course.

MALAMI: THE ARCHITECT MEETS HIS OWN ARCHITECTURE

Contrast this with the treatment of Abubakar Malami, who served as Attorney‑General and Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2023. In 2025, Malami was arrested by the EFCC on allegations ranging from corruption and acquisition of exotic properties to terrorism‑related offences and illegal possession of firearms.

The irony is unmistakable. Malami was the chief law officer who authorised and supervised the prosecution of Dasuki. He wielded the machinery of state prosecution against perceived opponents for eight years. Now he sits where they once sat—on the receiving end of the same system he helped to shape.

Yet there is a crucial difference. Within two months, Malami was granted bail by both the EFCC and the DSS. There were no sensational media trials. No re‑arrests after meeting bail conditions. No presidential declarations that he would remain detained regardless of court orders. Whatever one thinks of the current administration’s handling of the matter, the contrast with the Dasuki precedent is stark.

THE MILITARY VICTIMS OF EXECUTIVE OVERREACH

The Buhari administration’s disregard for due process extended beyond political opponents. On June 9, 2016, the Nigerian Army summarily retired 38 senior officers—nine major generals, eleven brigadier generals, seven colonels, and eleven lieutenant colonels. They learned of their retirement through the media. Despite vague allegations of “professional corruption,” none was formally accused, charged, or tried under military law.

These were decorated officers. Colonel Mohammed Suleiman had foiled a Boko Haram attack on Aso Rock. Colonel Danladi Hassan had led troops in reclaiming territories, while Lt. Colonel Mohammed Abdulfatai commanded a special counterinsurgency operation in Konduga that resulted in the elimination of more than 200 terrorists in December 2014. Yet they were dismissed without the dignity of a fair hearing.

The National Industrial Court ruled six times that the retirements were unlawful and ordered reinstatement with full benefits. The Senate and House of Representatives reached the same conclusion. The Army ignored them all. One officer, Ojebo Ochankpa, died in 2017 still awaiting justice.

Nearly a decade later, most remain unreinstated—vindicated by every court, yet denied the justice those courts prescribed.

A MOMENT FOR REFLECTION

This is the legacy of the administration that Malami served and defended. By any honest measure, it was one of the most lawless periods in Nigeria’s democratic history.

While we must insist that Malami receive the fair trial that Dasuki was denied, we must also demand accountability for those who orchestrated the abuses of the past—not through fresh lawlessness, but through the very institutions they once undermined.

What you do unto others shall be done unto you. The real question is whether, this time, we will do it better.

Yushau A. Shuaib is the author of "An Encounter with the Spymaster" Email: yashuaib@yashuaib.com

Governor Yusuf Felicitates President Tinubu on 74th Birthday

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has extended warm birthday greetings to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, on the occasion of his 74th birthday anniversary.

This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Saturday.

On behalf of the Government and the good people of Kano State, Governor Yusuf described the President’s birthday as an opportunity to celebrate his leadership, commitment, and dedication to the service of the nation.

The Governor commended President Tinubu for his vision and efforts towards strengthening Nigeria’s unity, stability, and socio-economic development.

He noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration continues to inspire confidence among Nigerians.

Governor Yusuf prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the President good health, wisdom, and strength to continue steering the affairs of the country.

He also prayed for divine guidance and support for the President in delivering more dividends of democracy to Nigerians.

The Governor reaffirmed Kano State Government’s continued support and cooperation with the Federal Government in the collective effort to move the country forward through the Renewed Hope Agenda in line with Kano First Agenda.

Governor Yusuf Storms APC National Convention in Abuja with Thousands of Supporters

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, on Friday led thousands of supporters to the Eagle Square, Abuja, to attend the 8th National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Saturday.

The convention, held ahead of the 2027 general elections, marked a significant milestone in the party’s preparations for the next political cycle.

Governor Yusuf described the event as peaceful, well-organised, and a clear indication of the APC’s strength and dominance as the largest political party in Africa.

He expressed confidence that the party is well-positioned for victory in the forthcoming general elections.

The Governor noted that the massive turnout of party faithful and stakeholders from across the country reflects unity and renewed commitment among members.

He further observed that key political figures from Kano State were in attendance, demonstrating cohesion and solidarity within the party in the state.

Governor Yusuf commended party leaders and supporters who travelled from far and near to witness the historic convention.

The Governor also congratulated the new national executives under the leadeeship of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda who emerged as the National Chairman of the party.

Governor Yusuf prayed for the safe return of all delegates and participants to their respective states particularly those from Kano.

He added that the successful outcome of the convention signals the APC’s readiness to face future electoral challenges with confidence and unity.

Gov Yusuf Commends DSS Over Rescue of Kibiya LG Scribe

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for its swift and professional response leading to the successful rescue of the Administrative Secretary of Kibiya Local Government Area, Alhaji Hamza Durya, who was recently abducted.

This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Wednesday.

The victim was abducted at his residence in Durya village, Kibiya Local Government Area, an incident that triggered immediate concern and response from security agencies across the state.

Following the development, security operatives were promptly mobilised to ensure the safe rescue of the victim and the arrest of those responsible for the act.

In a swift and well-coordinated operation, operatives of the DSS Kano State Command successfully rescued Alhaji Hamza Durya unhurt.

The operation also led to the arrest of two suspected kidnappers, who sustained injuries during the encounter with security operatives.

Governor Yusuf described the rescue as a significant breakthrough and a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of the state’s security architecture.

He commended the DSS for their prompt action, professionalism, and dedication to duty, noting that their efforts have further strengthened public confidence in security agencies.

The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies through the provision of necessary logistics and resources to enhance their operational efficiency.

He also reassured residents of Kano State of the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across all parts of the state.

Governor Yusuf urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and useful information on suspicious activities.

The Kano State Government reaffirmed its resolve to continue working closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure lasting peace and security in the state.

The Cap That Stopped a Boy’s Tears: Remembering Sadiq Modibbo - By Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa

Fifteen years have passed since I last held my son, Sadiq Modibbo, in my arms. Even now, the memory of his laughter and the warmth of his tiny hand remains vivid in my mind. There was something remarkable about him, a light that shone through even in moments of fear or pain.

I remember the first time I realized how deeply he loved the simple things that connected him to me.

 Whenever he cried, I would gently remove my cap, and just like that, his tears would stop. It was as if the gesture spoke to him in a language only he and I shared—a language of love, trust, and comfort.

Sadiq was often unwell, and our visits to the hospital were frequent. Yet, despite his fragile health, he carried himself with an unusual courage. The doctors, nurses, and other caregivers grew to know him well. They would smile at his little jokes, or nod knowingly when he quieted at the sight of me.

In those hospital rooms, I learned to see him not just as my son, but as a symbol of resilience. Every day, I watched him endure injections, treatments, and long hours of discomfort, yet he faced it all with a quiet strength. Even then, the cap—the small, unassuming piece of cloth—became a tool of love, a reminder that he was never alone.

Sadiq’s love for Kwankwasiyya was another remarkable part of his personality. It was a fascination that seemed larger than his years, and it sparked countless conversations between us. I would watch him with wonder, seeing how a young boy could find joy and meaning in something so vibrant, even in the midst of illness.

I often imagined what he would be like today if he were still alive. Would he be arguing with me as passionately as ever? Would his laughter fill our home in the way it did when he was a boy? The “what ifs” are endless, but in my heart, I carry the certainty that his spirit lives on in every memory, every smile, every small gesture of love that he shared.

Birthdays were special for Sadiq. He would light up at the smallest celebration, reminding us all of the beauty in simple joys. Even as a child who faced health struggles, he found light in each day. I can still see him running toward me, his eyes shining, his cap slightly askew from excitement.

Mourning him has been a lifelong journey. The world continued around us, but I learned that grief is a quiet companion. It is in the small moments—the empty chair at the table, the quiet hospital rooms, the cap that no longer needs to be removed to stop tears—that his absence is most felt.

Yet, even in sorrow, there is comfort. I tell myself that Sadiq’s courage, his love, and his laughter have left a lasting imprint. The lessons he taught me—about patience, joy, and unconditional love—remain guiding lights in my life. Every time I see a child comforted by a parent, I am reminded of him.

Today, I remember Sadiq not with despair, but with gratitude. The cap that stopped his tears symbolizes so much more than a simple gesture; it is a testament to the bond between father and son, to the small acts of love that shape a life. May Allah grant him eternal peace, and may his memory continue to inspire those who knew him—even for just a moment.

SAKEF Partners with SEEWELL AND CARE CONSULT to Provide Free Eye Care Services in Kano

The Saleh Adamu Kwaru Education Foundation (SAKEF), in collaboration with SEEWELL AND CARE CONSULT, has successfully conducted two rounds of free eye medical outreach programs, offering FREE Eye Medical Check-Ups and FREE Glasses to residents of Kano State.  

In a statement signed by the Director of the Medical Outreach, Dr Jabeer Sale Adamu Kwaru, said the sessions were held at AR-RAYHAN International School, opposite the WAEC Office - Kano, on Saturday–Sunday, 21st–22nd February 2026, and Friday–Sunday, 6th–8th March 2026. Over the course of five days, 1,115 individuals received medical attention. Of these, over 1,000 pairs of corrective glasses were distributed, while several participants were referred for further specialized care.  

The initiative was designed to address the growing need for accessible eye care services within the community. The overwhelming turnout and positive response underscore the importance of such interventions in improving public health and educational outcomes.  

Speaking on the success of the program, Chairman  of SAKEF, Saleh Adamu Kwaru emphasized their commitment to expanding the outreach:  

“The demand for these services has been remarkable. In response, the Foundation will continue to organize similar sessions across multiple locations within Kano State after Ramadan, ensuring that more people benefit from quality eye care.”  

This initiative reflects SAKEF’s broader mission of promoting education and well-being by removing barriers to learning and personal development, including health challenges that affect vision.  

About SAKEF  

The Saleh Adamu Kwaru Education Foundation (SAKEF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing education and community development in Kano State. Through scholarships, outreach programs, and partnerships, SAKEF strives to empower individuals and strengthen communities.  

Our Focus Is On Addressing The Unique Challenges of Nigeria's Diverse Regions" - Uba Maigari

The Honourable Minister of State for Regional Development, H.E. Uba Maigari Ahmadu, has stated that the Ministry’s priority is addressing the unique challenges facing Nigeria’s diverse regions. He made this remark while receiving the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Bambang Suharto, during a courtesy visit on Friday 6th March 2026 at the Ministry’s headquarters.

According to the Head of Information and Public Relations of the Ministry, Sani Datti, said the Minister emphasised that while specialised commissions exist for these regions, the Ministry’s responsibility is to formulate policies and supervise these bodies to ensure they deliver on the mandates assigned by the President.

“The President has directed that resources be prioritised based on immediate regional needs. In the North East, for example, we collaborate closely with security agencies to tackle emerging challenges,” the Minister said.

“Our priority remains infrastructure, renewable energy, capacity building, education, health, and agriculture,” he added.

Hon. Uba highlighted a signature pilot initiative involving solar off-grid solutions for local government areas across Nigeria, with emphasis on the North East, North West, and North Central regions, which have been severely affected by insurgency. He explained that insurgents often target power infrastructure to isolate communities before carrying out attacks. By providing stable and renewable electricity, the government aims to empower citizens to engage in small-scale manufacturing and other household economic activities, thereby strengthening community resilience.

In his remarks, the Indonesian Ambassador, H.E. Bambang Suharto, noted the striking similarities between the two nations, particularly their population sizes, each estimated at around 230 million, as well as shared geographical challenges. Indonesia, an archipelago comprising over 17,000 islands, faces development realities similar to those of Nigeria, which require extensive infrastructure expansion.

The Ambassador expressed Indonesia’s eagerness to invest in Nigeria’s agricultural and infrastructure sectors. He highlighted ongoing initiatives in livestock and husbandry for dairy and beef production, as well as a recent successful infrastructure project in Sokoto, where Indonesian-backed efforts recorded a 70 per cent success rate.

The Ambassador also introduced the Danantara Indonesia Project, a government-owned sovereign wealth fund. He revealed that the Nigeria-Indonesia partnership under the initiative intends to invest a minimum of $100 million. He added that the fund, supported by partners including France, Qatar, the United States, and Saudi Arabia, will prioritise development across eight strategic sectors to drive economic growth. These areas include Renewable Energy, Minerals, Digital Infrastructure, Infrastructure and Utilities, Real Estate, Financial Services, Food and Agriculture, and Healthcare.

Speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mary A. Ogbe, expressed deep appreciation for the proposed interventions. She stressed that infrastructure and energy remain the backbone of development and highlighted the need for collaboration in addressing critical health and social challenges, particularly Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) and malnutrition-related conditions affecting underserved communities.

The visit centred on strengthening bilateral relations, with particular emphasis on infrastructure development, renewable energy expansion, and human capital advancement, especially in regions impacted by insurgency.

NAHCON, Mashariq Aldhahabiya Move to Streamline Processes Ahead of Hajj - By Shafii Sani Mohammed

By Shafii Sani Mohammed

The Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ambassador Ismail Yusuf Abba, has reiterated NAHCON's resolve to enhance efficiency in the delivery of pilgrims services by alligning its operations with its Service Provider Company to prevent challenges experienced in 2025.

He made this known in Abuja during a strategic meeting with officials of Mashariq Aldhahabiya, led by its Board Chairman, Mr. Mohammed Amin Hassan Andangiri. The Saudi-based firm that will oversees all services provided to Nigerian pilgrims' under Government quota in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Ambassador Abba mentioned that lessons have been learnt from the challenges recorded in the previous exercise such as data mismatch between flight manifests, contract numbers and accommodation allocations which disrupted smoth processing of pilgrims.

Both parties agreed to prioritise strict visa processing timelines, accurate data uploads and verification of accommodation contracts before departure. NAHCON will intensify compliance checks at departure centres to ensure manifest and building allocations correspond with approved records.

It was also agreed that a joint Situation Room will be established to provide real-time updates and swiftly address operational issues.

The engagement forms part of NAHCON’s broader strategy to ensure a smooth Hajj operation for Nigerian pilgrims.