Photos from the ongoing rehabilitation of the Bauchi–Gombe Road under the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks a significant step toward transforming one of the most neglected federal roads in the North-East. For years, the Bauchi–Gombe corridor was widely regarded as one of the worst roads to travel on, causing hardship for motorists, traders, and communities that rely on it for daily movement and economic activities. Today, that narrative is changing, as extensive rehabilitation work is visibly underway. This progress is a testament to the dedication of Engr. David Umahi, the Honourable Minister of Works, whose leadership reflects the Federal Government’s strong commitment to delivering quality infrastructure, enhancing regional connectivity, and driving national development. With this project, the administration is not only easing transportation challenges but also boosting commerce, safety, and socioeconomic growth across the region.

Verydarkman ~ “Harrison was arrested last night, in all honesty i made the call that led to his arrest. I am really disappointed in everything, but i will wait for him to come out and use his mouth to say the truth about what happened in Auchi."

NEWS FLASH SENATE RECONSTITUTES SOME STANDING COMMITTEES The senate selection committee chaired by the president of the senate, Godswill Akpabio has reconstituted some standing committees of the senate. The committees affected are senate committee on National security and intelligence, now chaired by senator Yahaya Abdullahi, from Kebbi state. Senator Yahaya was before now heading the committee on national planning. Also reconstituted is the senate committee on livestock and animal husbandry, with senator Shehu Buba, from Bauchi, as chairman, after being removed last week, from the position of chairman senate committee on national security and intelligence. Senator Mustafa Musa, from Yobe state is appointed chairman committee on national planning. Senate committee on airforce, has as acting chairman, the senate minority whip, Osita Ngwu, from Enugu state. Before this appointment, senator Ngwu was the deputy chairman of the senate committee on airforce, previously chaired by senator Akwashiki, who has been indisposed.

VP Shettima Arrives Bauchi To Attend Funeral of Late Sheikhh Dahiru Usman Bauchi

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Bauchi State to attend the burial ceremony of the revered Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi.

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has presented a ₦878 billion proposed budget for 2026, with 65% for capital projects and 35% for recurrent spending. Speaking at the State House of Assembly, he said the budget focuses on completing ongoing projects, initiating new ones, and reducing unnecessary overhead costs. The Economic Sector received the biggest share at over ₦400bn (49%), followed by the Social Sector with over ₦300bn. The Administration Sector got ₦120bn, while Law and Justice received ₦12bn. Governor Mohammed also pledged to clear all outstanding gratuities owed to retirees. He described the proposal—tagged the “Budget of Consolidation and Sustainability”—as a plan to finish key infrastructure including roads, schools, hospitals, water projects, and major state facilities. The 2026 proposal marks a 40% increase from the 2025 budget, which achieved 79.1% performance.

Five police officers were killed and two others injured when bandits ambushed a patrol team in Sabon Sara village, Darazo LGA, Bauchi State, on Saturday, November 22, 2025. The fallen officers include DSP Ahmad Muhammad, ASP Mustapha Muhammad, Inspector Amarhel Yunusa, Inspector Idris Ahmed, and Corporal Isah Muazu. Injured officers are Inspector Isah Musa and Inspector Yusuf Gambo. According to Police Spokesperson CSP Ahmed Wakil, the attack occurred during an intelligence-led patrol responding to reports of suspicious armed youths. A combined team from the RRS, 10 PMF, AKU, and SID came under heavy fire but reportedly neutralised several attackers in a fierce gun duel. Reinforcement led by DPO SP Auwalu Ilu evacuated the casualties. CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu later visited the scene, condoled the families, and assured that efforts to track down the fleeing bandits are ongoing.

PDP Crisis Deepens as Wike-Backed Faction Expels Governors Makinde, Balance Mohammed & Dauda Lawal. The internal turmoil within the PDP escalated sharply on Tuesday as the factional National Executive Committee (NEC) aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, ratified the expulsion of several high-profile party figures, including Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara). Also expelled were former Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara; former National Vice Chairman, Bode George; and the recently elected National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki, SAN. Tuesday’s actions follow last weekend’s contentious PDP national convention in Ibadan, where Wike and his loyalists were themselves expelled—sparking a fresh wave of confrontations.  The tension peaked at the PDP national secretariat in Wadata Plaza, Abuja, where rival factions attempted to hold parallel NEC and Board of Trustees meetings, resulting in a heated standoff. During its meeting at the secretariat, the Wike-backed factional NEC also dissolved the state executive councils in Oyo, Bauchi, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, and Ekiti, directing that caretaker committees be set up and new congresses conducted. Reading the communiqué, National Secretary Senator Sam Anyanwu said, “NEC received the report of the Acting National Chairman, Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed, detailing breaches of Articles 58(1) and 59(1), including anti-party activities, disobedience to court orders, and conduct bringing the party into disrepute.” He added that NEC had approved disciplinary proceedings against several members, including Adolphus Wabara, Olabode George, Ben N. Obi, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, Bala Mohammed, Oluseyi Makinde, Dauda Lawal, Taofiq Arapaja, Setonji Koshoedo, Okechukwu Obiechina Daniel, Woyengikuro Daniel, Mohammed Kadade Suleiman, Emmanuel Ogidi, Sumaila Adamu Burga, Umar Sani, Udom Emmanuel, and Emmanuel Enorden.

PDP Breaks Silence: Why Wike, Fayose & Others Were Suspended The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has finally explained why it suspended former Rivers State Governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, along with several top party figures. According to VANGUARD, the party said the affected leaders engaged in activities harmful to the PDP, prompting decisive action during its national convention in Ibadan on Saturday, November 15, 2025. Party officials revealed that Wike, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose were accused of taking steps that directly worked against the party’s interests. The motion for their suspension was moved by Chief Bode George and seconded by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, receiving unanimous approval from PDP members. This decision came shortly after Wike’s widely criticized altercation with an armed soldier in Abuja—an incident many believe worsened tensions within the party. The announcement triggered intense online debate. While some Nigerians felt the sanctions were long overdue given the internal crises linked to Wike and others, others argued that the decision was abrupt and politically charged. PDP outlines why Wike and key figures were suspended — sparking shockwaves and sharp reactions nationwide.

UK warns against travel to six Nigerian states over rising insecurity. The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office has issued a fresh warning against travel to parts of Nigeria, citing escalating insecurity, violent crime, terrorism, and kidnappings across multiple regions. In its latest Foreign Travel Advice published on GOV.UK and sighted by our correspondent on Sunday, the FCDO stated, “Insecurity is increasing across Nigeria. Kidnapping, violent crime, and intercommunal violence occur throughout all regions of Nigeria.” The advisory urged British nationals to exercise extreme caution, review safety procedures, and ensure they have contingency plans in place. The FCDO advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara states, citing a “high and increasing threat from Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa, particularly around transport hubs, religious areas and large gatherings.” The statement warned that “humanitarian personnel, vehicles, supplies, and infrastructure can be targeted by terrorists and criminals.” In addition, the UK government advised against all but essential travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, and Taraba states, as well as the outer suburbs of Abuja within the Federal Capital Territory. The FCDO said, “Violent crime, often involving firearms, has increased and spread from the outer suburbs to more central, wealthier areas of the city.” It added that “British Government staff in Nigeria have been advised to restrict travel to an area broadly within the Abuja metropolitan area.”

"Bandits Are On a Revenge Mission But They’re Ready for Peace Talks Unlike IPOB That Wants To Leave Nigeria" – Sheikh Gumi. Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has once again stirred controversy by defending armed bandit groups operating across northern Nigeria, insisting that their attacks are driven by “revenge missions” rather than unprovoked violence. Speaking in an interview on Trust TV on Friday, monitored by SaharaReporters, Gumi argued that Fulani herdsmen and bandit groups “do not attack people without cause.” He referenced a past visit by former Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda to meet thousands of bandits in the forest, claiming the armed groups complained of losing family members and suffering various forms of hostility. “Yes, I know they have killed, and it’s wrong to kill anybody innocent. This is absolutely an obnoxious thing to do. We don’t support that. But if you know their psychology, they are on a revenge mission,” Gumi stated. While acknowledging the violence perpetrated by the groups, the cleric insisted they were motivated by grievances rooted in perceived injustices, stressing that Fulani herdsmen had lived peacefully with other communities for centuries. He urged the Tinubu administration to prioritize dialogue, rehabilitation, and reintegration, rather than relying heavily on military offensives. “What the government needs to do is bring them together in a holistic form so that there is peace. They are ready for that. If you call them for peace, they come,” Gumi added. The cleric also sparked further debate by contrasting the bandits with members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), whom he accused of rejecting dialogue and pursuing secession. “It’s unlike IPOB. The government has been trying to dialogue with them; they refuse. They are secessionists. Besides being terrorists, they are secessionists. Well, these people (bandits) are not secessionists. They want peace,” he said. Gumi has repeatedly advocated for amnesty and negotiation with bandits, a position that has drawn widespread criticism amid escalating insecurity in the North.

16 Senior Officers Detained Over Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu. Military authorities are continuing investigations into a foiled coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, and PREMIUM TIMES has obtained exclusive details on 16 officers currently detained in connection with the plot. According to security sources, 14 of the detained officers are from the Nigerian Army, with two others from the Navy and Air Force. Of the army personnel, 12 are from the Infantry Corps, one from the Signals Corps, and one from the Ordnance Corps. The ranks of those in custody include a brigadier general, a colonel, four lieutenant colonels, five majors, two captains and a lieutenant. The Navy officer is a lieutenant commander, while the Air Force officer holds the rank of squadron leader. Authorities have not issued a formal statement on the alleged plot, offering only a denial that it was linked to the scaled-down Independence Day celebrations on October 1. Key Officers Identified are: Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq, believed to be the alleged ringleader, is from Nasarawa State and a member of NDA Regular Course 44. He was previously detained in 2024 over alleged diversion of relief materials and military equipment. Colonel M.A. Ma’aji, from Niger State and a member of the 47 Regular Course, is suspected of playing a strategic planning role. He formerly commanded the 19 Battalion in Ondo State and served under Operation Delta Safe. Other officers include: Lt. Col S. Bappah (Signals Corps), Bauchi State, Lt. Col A.A. Hayatu (Infantry), Kaduna State, Lt. Col M. Almakura (Infantry), Nasarawa State, Majors A.J. Ibrahim, M.M. Jiddah, M.A. Usman, D. Yusuf, and I. Dauda, Captains Ibrahim Bello and A.A. Yusuf, Lt. S.S. Felix, Lt. Commander D.B. Abdullahi (Navy), Squadron Leader S.B. Adamu (Air Force) Sources say interrogations are ongoing, and details of alleged roles and motives have not yet been made public. The Defence Headquarters and the Presidency have remained silent. More updates are expected as investigations progress.

Police Foil Robbery, Arrest Two Suspects in Bauchi Police operatives in Bauchi State have thwarted a robbery attempt and apprehended two suspects in Azare town, Katagum Local Government Area. According to the Command’s spokesperson, the suspects were found with two locally made guns and a stolen Bajaj motorcycle.

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has appointed his elder brother, Alhaji Adamu Mohammed, as the Emir of the newly created Duguri Emirate in Alkaleri Local Government Area. The appointment letter was presented at the Duguri palace on Friday by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Aminu Hammayo, on behalf of the governor. He urged the new emir to support government policies & programmes aimed at achieving sustainable growth & development. In his remarks, Alhaji Adamu Mohammed thanked the governor for the honour & pledged loyalty to the State Government & the Bauchi Emirate Council, praying for Allah’s blessings on the state leadership. At the same event, Alhaji Jibrin D. Hassan was presented with his appointment letter as the Emir of Bununu Emirate. The SSG advised him to uphold the rule of law, promote peace among all tribes & contribute to the state’s progress. Emir of Bununu expressed gratitude to the governor, promising to serve both the government & the people with dedication & integrity. In its ruling, the court wrote: “Rape is, in many cases, considered an exceptionally serious offense that could lead to the deportation of a refugee, but an assessment must be made based on all circumstances in the individual case. Given the nature and duration of the offense in question, the Court of Appeal finds that while the crime is serious, it does not constitute an exceptionally serious offense that would warrant a deportation order for Yazied Mohamed. The request for deportation is therefore rejected.” The decision has provoked widespread outrage, with critics describing it as another example of Sweden’s overly lenient approach toward offenders with refugee status.

WATCH: Bauchi’s First-class Emirs Parade Multi-million Naira Cars As Citizens Battle Poverty, Hunger

Nigerian Students Union NANS Begins Mass Mobilisation For October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest. In an official statement signed by its National President, Comrade Atiku Isah, and dated October 13, 2025, the students body said the coordinated protest, themed “Free Mazi Nnamdi Kanu”, would take place on Monday, October 20, 2025, with students from all geopolitical zones mobilising to Abuja. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced plans to embark on a nationwide protest demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. In an official statement signed by its National President, Comrade Atiku Isah, and dated October 13, 2025, the students body said the coordinated protest, themed “Free Mazi Nnamdi Kanu”, would take place on Monday, October 20, 2025, with students from all geopolitical zones mobilising to Abuja. According to the statement, the decision followed resolutions reached at the NANS executive meeting presided over by the president himself. “Following the resolution reached at the recent executive meeting of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the leadership of NANS hereby calls on all Nigerian students to participate in the ‘Free Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’ nationwide protest scheduled to hold on Monday, 20th October, 2025,” the statement read. To ensure effective coordination and a united front, NANS explained that students from across the country would first assemble at designated convergence points within their respective geopolitical zones before proceeding en masse to Abuja for the nationwide demonstration. In the South West, students are expected to gather in Ekiti State, while those from the South East will converge in Enugu. The South-South zone will meet in Edo State, just as students from the North East are to assemble in Bauchi State. Their counterparts from the North West will gather in Kano State, while those in the North Central zone will converge in Lokoja, Kogi State, before the collective movement to the Federal Capital Territory. The association disclosed that ten buses have been allocated to each zone to facilitate transportation of protesters, adding that logistics and other arrangements would be handled through Students’ Union Government (SUG) Presidents in the respective states and campuses. “This mobilisation is part of the collective demand for justice, civil rights, and democratic accountability,” Isah declared. “As students, we affirm that freedom is achieved through struggle, and we remain committed to peaceful advocacy for what is right.” The planned demonstration marks a national alignment by NANS on a politically sensitive issue, as Nnamdi Kanu’s continued detention by the Nigerian government has remained a flashpoint of agitation, especially across the South East.

Meet Notorious Kidnap Kingpin Pardoned by President Tinubu. A wave of outrage and disbelief has trailed the release of 44-year-old Kelvin Prosper Oniarah — the infamous Delta-born kidnap kingpin once declared one of Nigeria’s most dangerous criminals — following his inclusion in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s latest round of presidential pardons. Oniarah, also known by his aliases Kelvin Ibruvwe and Kelvin Ezigbe, was arrested on September 25, 2013, in a joint operation by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army. He was subsequently convicted for multiple counts of kidnapping, armed robbery, and terrorism-related offences that terrorised parts of Delta, Edo, Anambra, and Rivers States for years. Trail of Violence and Terror Before his arrest, Kelvin was the leader of a feared criminal syndicate responsible for high-profile kidnappings and killings. Among his victims was renowned human rights lawyer, Barrister Mike Ozekhome (SAN), abducted on August 24, 2013, along the Auchi–Benin expressway. Other victims linked to his gang included: A serving judge of the Edo State Judiciary, A female Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) official, Dr. Chudi Nwike, former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, who was killed in captivity, Several National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and security personnel. Kelvin’s network operated from camps in Warri and Kokori (Delta State), Ugbokolo (Benue), Benin City (Edo), and Aba (Abia State). His reign of terror also saw the killing of numerous policemen and soldiers during deadly ambushes. Defiance Against the State In a chilling episode that underscored his notoriety, Oniarah publicly issued a 60-day ultimatum to the Federal Government in September 2013, demanding the release of his detained gang members or face nationwide bloodshed — a threat that prompted one of the most extensive manhunts in Nigeria’s history. Conviction and Release Oniarah was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment in October 2023, with his sentence backdated to 2013. It was later reduced to 13 years for what prison officials described as “good conduct” and participation in the National Open University of Nigeria correctional education programme. His sudden release under the Tinubu administration’s controversial amnesty programme has sparked a storm of criticism from security analysts and victims’ families, who argue that granting clemency to an unrepentant criminal undermines justice and the fight against violent crime. Kelvin’s freedom, after 12 years behind bars, now raises serious questions about the moral compass of the nation’s justice system

You killed my sister and still abandoned her children - Phyna resumes fresh attack on Dangote. Reality TV star, Phyna has accused Dangote Group of negligence in the case of her late sister, Ruth Otabor. In a series of posts on her Instagram story, the former Big Brother Naija housemate claimed that the company failed to take full responsibility for hospital and burial expenses after publicly stating otherwise. According to Phyna, Dangote Group only paid hospital bills at Lagoon Hospital, while other expenses incurred during her transfer from Auchi to Irrua were handled by the family without any refund. She alleged that the company did not assist with other pressing needs, including mortuary and burial costs, despite earlier promises. On the day of the burial, September 13, Phyna said several calls placed to the company were ignored, leaving her family to cover all pending payments. This, she claimed, contradicted public statements issued by the company that all hospital and burial bills had been settled. The reality star further revealed that a letter was later sent to her father, written by the company, asking him to sign an acknowledgment for funds allegedly provided for the burial. She accused the group of impersonating her father by drafting the letter themselves instead of requesting the family to prepare one, describing the move as disrespectful and deeply hurtful. Phyna also expressed concern about Ruth’s children, stating that no form of support has been extended to them since their mother’s death.

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has sacked his Commissioner for Women’s Affairs and Child Development, Zainab Baban-Takko, from office. A statement from the government on Monday confirmed the development. According to it, the governor made a slight adjustment in the State Executive Council. “In that respect, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Hajiya Zainab-Baban Takko, has been relieved of her appointment with immediate effect. “The governor thanks the honourable commissioner for her services to the State and wishes her success in her future endeavours,” the statement read. Hajiya Zainab was appointed as commissioner in 2019 at the beginning of Governor Mohammed’s first term and had served in the cabinet until her removal. The dismissal takes effect immediately.

Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed Sacks Women’s Affairs Commissioner. Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has sacked his Commissioner for Women’s Affairs and Child Development, Zainab Baban-Takko, from office. A statement from the government on Monday confirmed the development. According to it, the governor made a slight adjustment in the State Executive Council. “In that respect, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Hajiya Zainab-Baban Takko, has been relieved of her appointment with immediate effect. “The governor thanks the honourable commissioner for her services to the State and wishes her success in her future endeavours,” the statement read. Hajiya Zainab was appointed as commissioner in 2019 at the beginning of Governor Mohammed’s first term and had served in the cabinet until her removal. The dismissal takes effect immediately.