Just in: President Tinubu fires service chiefs, retains Chief of Defence Intelligence in new shake-up.

President Bola Tinubu has approved a major shake-up in Nigeria’s military leadership, making key appointments across the armed forces while retaining the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, despite widespread calls for his removal.

The restructuring, described as part of efforts to reinforce the nation’s security framework, saw General Olufemi Oluyede appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding General Christopher Musa. Major-General W. Shaibu now serves as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke becomes the Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas assumes office as Chief of Naval Staff.

According to a statement issued on Friday by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, will continue in his current role, and the police leadership remains unchanged.

President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff and other departing Service Chiefs for their contributions to national security. He urged the new appointees to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, vigilance, and unity within the Armed Forces.

“All appointments take immediate effect,” the statement concluded.

"I Will Testify in Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial if Subpoenaed" — Nyesom Wike.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says he is ready to appear as a witness in the ongoing trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu—if officially summoned by the court.

Wike made this known during his monthly media chat on Friday in Abuja, following questions about his inclusion on Kanu’s list of witnesses.

Earlier in the week, Kanu had filed a motion at the Federal High Court, Abuja, indicating plans to open his defence on October 24, 2025. The IPOB leader named 23 witnesses, including Wike, former Minister of Defence Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd), and former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd).

Reacting to the development, Wike said he was unaware of his inclusion and had not received any formal notice.

Nnamdi Kanu Dismisses Legal Team, Defends Himself in Terrorism Trial.

Lead counsel for detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, Kanu Agabi (SAN), has withdrawn from representing him, stating that Kanu had taken back control of his case.

All the Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) on the defence team also withdrew from the suit — a move Kanu confirmed in court. The IPOB leader told Justice James Omotosho that he would represent himself “for now,” declining the judge’s offer to assign him a lawyer.

Defending himself, Kanu argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him. Outside the courtroom, Agabi told reporters, “A number of voices have been defending Nnamdi, and he has decided to conduct his defence by himself. He has the right to do so, we respect that decision and we wish him well going forward.”

Kanu appeared before the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday to open his defence in the terrorism charges filed by the Federal Government. When the case was called, Agabi announced that he and other SANs — Onyechi Ikpeazu, Joseph Akubo, Paul Erokoro, Emeka Etiaba, and one unnamed — were withdrawing from the matter.

Following Kanu’s confirmation of his lawyers’ exit, Justice Omotosho ordered the remaining members of the defence team in court, except the SANs, to vacate the courtroom. He then directed Kanu to proceed with his defence.

Kanu began by contesting the court’s jurisdiction but was overruled. Ikpeazu later informed the court that their withdrawal took effect Thursday morning and requested time for Kanu to “gather his thoughts.” The prosecution did not object, prompting Justice Omotosho to adjourn the case to Friday, October 24, for Kanu to open his defence.

In a motion he personally filed, Kanu said he was ready to begin “pursuant to the order of this honourable court made on October 16, 2025.” He told the court he planned to call 23 witnesses — “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable” ones to be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.

“We Won’t Pay Ransom or Negotiate with Bandits” — Niger Governor Bago Declares, Orders Statewide Mining Ban.

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has vowed that his administration will neither negotiate with bandits nor pay ransom for kidnapped victims, insisting that such actions only empower criminals and fuel insecurity across the state.

Bago made the declaration during a condolence visit to residents of Rijau and Magama Local Government Areas, where several communities were recently attacked by bandits in the Kontagora axis.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Print Media, Aisha Wakaso, the governor said Niger State had reached a critical point that demands collective resistance from its people. He warned that ransom payments would only commercialise kidn+pping and make the cr+me more lucrative.

“I will not negotiate with bandits. I will not pay ransom. The moment we start paying, they will open shop on our heads and keep kidnapping people,” Bago said. “This is a war situation, and we must all rise to defend ourselves. The constitution empowers us to protect lives and property, and we will not back down.”

In addition, Governor Bago declared a total ban on mining activities across Niger State’s Zone C, which includes Magama, Kontagora, Rijau, Wushishi, Mariga, Borgu, Mashegu, and Agwara LGAs. He linked illegal mining to the rising wave of insecurity, alleging that many miners operate freely in forest zones that are unsafe for residents.

“It is suspicious that miners can enter the forests freely, yet the bandits don’t touch them,” he stated, directing the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to arrest anyone caught engaging in mining activities.

Nnamdi Kanu Opens Defence, Lists 23 Witnesses Including Wike, Sanwo-Olu and Ex-Military Chiefs.

Detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has agreed to open his defence, marking a major turn in his long-running trial.

This comes just hours after protests in parts of Abuja led by Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 elections, calling for Kanu’s release.

Kanu had earlier filed a motion challenging the court’s jurisdiction, but in a fresh application on Tuesday, October 21, he informed Justice James Omotosho that he was ready to defend himself, citing a previous court order directing him to begin on October 24, 2025.

He revealed plans to call 23 witnesses divided into two groups—“ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses”—to testify under Section 232 of the Evidence Act.

He also requested 90 days to conclude his defence, indicating he may now be representing himself instead of his legal team led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN).

Among those he intends to summon as witnesses are former Defence Minister Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), ex-Army Chief Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Imo Governor Hope Uzodinma, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Works Minister Dave Umahi, former Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami (SAN), and ex-NIA DG Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.

Kanu said he would personally testify to “deny the allegations” and explain the political context of his actions, assuring the court that he would not waste its time and that “justice must be seen to be done.”

Meanwhile, on the same day, a magistrate court in Abuja ordered the remand of Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and 12 others who joined the protests demanding his release. 

They face charges of conspiracy, unlawful assembly, and public disturbance, and will appear in court again on October 24.

Judgment creditor petitions CJN, accuses SAN of misconduct.

A judgment creditor, Mr Kunle Rotimi, has petitioned the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, accusing a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) of alleged professional misconduct and deliberately obstructing justice in his long-running case against the National Universities Commission (NUC).

In a letter dated October 2, 2025, addressed to the CJN and copied to the Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC), Rotimi alleged that the SAN who represents the NUC had filed “frivolous motions” and “false affidavits” to delay enforcement of final court judgments delivered in his favour.

According to Rotimi, his legal battle with the NUC dates to 1996, culminating in victories at both the National Industrial Court (July 6, 2020) and the Court of Appeal (June 28, 2024).

He accused the Commission of failing to comply with the appellate court’s orders more than 16 months after the final judgment.

Rotimi claimed that, despite serving Form 48 and Form 49 (the statutory notices for contempt proceedings) on five principal officers of the NUC, the Commission, through the SAN, he has been

“wilfully obstructing” justice by filing motions aimed at frustrating contempt proceedings.

“He has filed motions in defence of criminal contempt and impunity against the Constitution, which mandates obedience to court orders,” Rotimi wrote.

He further alleged that two affidavits filed by the SAN in April 2025 contained “perjury and forgery” by claiming that some NUC officials were no longer in the Commission’s employment and that the judgment had been fully complied with—claims Rotimi described as “false and misleading.”

Sowore Alleges Security Operatives Fired Gunshots, Tear Gas at #FreeNnamdiKanu Protesters.

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has accused Nigerian security operatives of opening fire and releasing tear gas on peaceful protesters during Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanu rally in Abuja.

Speaking on The Morning Brief on Channels Television, Sowore claimed that the protest had barely begun in front of the Transcorp Hilton when security forces arrived in large numbers and launched an unprovoked attack.

“There were about 10 trucks that arrived as soon as we started the protest. There was no provocation on our part, like we had promised, it was an orderly and peaceful protest,” he said.

“Suddenly, from nowhere, they started shooting at us, tear gas, some live bullets were f+red. Luckily, I don’t think anybody was hit with live bullets, but they were just shooting all around us.

Eventually, they did arrest some people. I heard Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother was arrested and beaten, and his lawyer was also arrested and beaten. They’ve all been taken to the FCT Command,” Sowore added.

He alleged that a combined team of police, army, and civil defence personnel carried out the operation but confirmed that none of his team members was hit by live rounds.

The protest, led by Sowore, went ahead despite a court injunction restricting demonstrations around Aso Rock, the National Assembly, and Eagle Square. Protesters chanted, “Free Nnamdi Kanu now,” and “Don’t tear gas us,” before being dispersed by the gunfire and tear gas.

Security was heavy across central Abuja, with roads barricaded and Unity Fountain sealed off. Witnesses also reported security forces firing tear gas near the Nigeria Union of Journalists secretariat in Utako, scattering a nearby crowd.

Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), remains in custody as his trial on terrorism charges continues. Sowore has described his prolonged detention as “a sham designed to obstruct justice.”

Israel Halts Gaza Aid, Launches New Strikes After Accusing Hamas Of Violating Ceasefire.

Israel has launched a new wave of air strikes in southern Gaza and suspended humanitarian aid deliveries into the territory, accusing Hamas of carrying out attacks in “blatant violation” of the ongoing ceasefire agreement.

An Israeli military spokesperson confirmed late Sunday that the strikes targeted what the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described as “terrorist infrastructure” in Rafah and other parts of southern Gaza.

“Hamas carried out multiple attacks against Israeli forces beyond the yellow line, the area our troops have withdrawn to in accordance with phase one of the US-brokered deal,” the spokesperson said.

“This is a bold violation of the ceasefire, and we will respond firmly.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly ordered defence and security officials to “act forcefully against terrorist targets in the Gaza Strip.”

In a swift response, Hamas denied any involvement in the alleged attacks and accused Israel of breaking the agreement.

“We affirm our full commitment to implementing everything that was agreed upon, foremost among which is the ceasefire in all areas of the Gaza Strip,” Hamas said in a statement.

“We are unaware of any events or clashes taking place in the Rafah area… Contact with our remaining groups there has been cut off since the resumption of war in March of this year.”

16 Nigerian Military Officers Arrested Over Alleged Coup Plot to Oust President Tinubu.

At least sixteen senior military officers have been detained by the Nigerian Armed Forces over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government, top security sources confirmed.

Though the military publicly described the arrests as disciplinary actions linked to “failure in promotion examinations” and “career stagnation,” insiders revealed the officers were actually accused of plotting a coup d’état.

The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, had said the arrests followed a “routine military exercise,” citing “indiscipline and breach of service regulations.”

However, intelligence gathered by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) reportedly uncovered plans led by a Brigadier General to seize power from “selfish politicians.” The officers, ranging from Captains to senior commanders, were picked up at various locations across the country.

Sources added that the October 1 Independence Day parade was cancelled after authorities discovered the conspirators planned to strike during the ceremony — allegedly targeting the President and other top officials.

The officers are currently being held at the DIA facility in Abuja.

Nigeria has recorded five successful coups since 1960, and rising reports of corruption and mismanagement within the armed forces have recently fuelled frustration and low morale among some ranks.

16 Military Officers arrested over alleged Coup Plot against President Tinubu.

At least sixteen senior military officers are currently in custody following allegations of a coup plot to topple President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, SaharaReporters has revealed.

Arrests and Official Denial
According to the online publication, the officers, ranging from the rank of Captain to Brigadier General were picked up from various locations across the country in a coordinated operation by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and other security bodies.

While the Defence Headquarters initially described the arrests as part of a “routine military exercise” involving “issues of indiscipline and breach of service regulations,” sources within the military said the official explanation was a smokescreen to avoid panic.

“The 16 officers were planning a coup. The military authorities were just being diplomatic in the statement released by the spokesperson,” a senior DIA official was quoted as saying. “They had begun holding secret meetings to overthrow the President and announce a military government.”

Official Statement
In its earlier release, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said the officers’ detention followed internal investigations into misconduct and disobedience.

“Investigations have revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations, among other issues,” Gusau stated. “Some of the apprehended officers had been under jurisdiction for various offences, either awaiting or undergoing trial. Their conduct was deemed incompatible with the standards of military service.”

Foiled Plot and Security Concerns
However, insiders insisted that the arrests were linked to an attempted coup that was foiled after intelligence agencies intercepted communications and meeting plans.

A top source disclosed that the conspirators planned to execute the coup during the October 1 Independence Day parade, targeting President Tinubu and other senior officials in attendance.

“Yes, they were arrested for planning to stage a coup and take over government,” the source confirmed. “That was why the Independence Day parade marking the country’s 65th anniversary was abruptly cancelled. Intelligence indicated they intended to strike during the event.”

Court okays DSS medical facility for Nnamdi Kanu.

The Federal High Court Abuja has okayed the Department of State Services, DSS, medical facility for Nnamdi Kanu’s medical care.

This is even as the court told the detained leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, he has until 30th October to close his defense.

One of the Kanu’s lawyers, Aloy Ejimakor, disclosed on X, that the judge held that the Department of State Services, DSS, medical facility is adequate for his medical care.

The court adjourned the ongoing Kanu’s trial to 23rd October 2025 for commencement of his defence.

“MAZI NNAMDI KANU’s case has just been adjourned to 23rd October 2025 for “commencement of his defence”. The Judge further held that the DSS medical facility is adequate for his medical care and that MNK has until 30th October to close his defense,” Ejimakor said.

Kanu is currently undergoing trial at the country for an alleged terrorism offence brought against him by the federal government.

Nnamdi Kanu’s ailment not life-threatening, he’s fit to stand trial – NMA Panel.

The team empanelled by the President of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, has said that the ailment complained about by detained self-acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, is not life-threatening.

The medical team was ordered by Justice James Omotosho, midway into Kanu’s terrorism trial before a Federal High Court in Abuja, to ascertain Kanu’s actual health status following conflicting claims on the issue by medical experts engaged by the prosecution and the defence.

In the panel’s report, submitted to the court on October 13 by the prosecution team led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), part of which was read in open court during Thursday’s proceedings, it was stated that Kanu’s ailment is not life-threatening.

The team concluded that Kanu is fit to stand trial.

Based on the information contained in the report and in the absence of any objection from lawyers to the parties, Justice Omotosho said the court was convinced that Kanu could proceed with the trial.

Justice Omotosho subsequently granted the defendant six consecutive days, beginning from October 23, to open and close his defence.

The judge granted an oral application by defence lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN), that Kanu’s legal team be granted a private consultation opportunity with the defendant outside the premises of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Agabi said the defendant’s legal team was afraid that its consultation with him (Kanu) could be tapped or recorded by the DSS.

UK Court Jails Transgender Woman for Deceiving Man About Gender.

A British court has sentenced a transgender woman, Ciara Watkin, to 21 months in prison for deceiving a man into sexual activity by falsely presenting herself as a biological female.

According to the reports, the victim told Durham Crown Court he would never have consented to the encounter had he known Watkin was biologically male.

Watkin, 21, from Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees, was convicted of sexual assault after a jury dismissed her claim that the man “would have realised” her true gender identity.

Recorder Peter Makepeace KC said he was “certain” the victim believed Watkin was a woman “from start to finish,” describing her actions as deliberate “lies and deception.”

The court heard that Watkin, who had identified as female since childhood but had not undergone medical transition or surgery, met the victim on Snapchat when both were 18.

She reportedly used a female cartoon avatar as her profile picture and later claimed to be menstruating to stop the man from touching her below the waist.

When Watkin later revealed she was biologically male, the victim said he felt “physically sick” and reported the incident to the police. He told the court he was “shocked, embarrassed, and humiliated,” adding that he faced ridicule online and felt part of his masculinity was “taken away.”

Defence lawyer Victoria Lamballe argued that Watkin’s actions were not malicious but rooted in “shame and deep discomfort” with her body. Watkin, diagnosed with gender dysphoria, had reportedly faced years of bullying and used deception as a way to cope.

“It is hardly surprising that Watkin built a façade to mask her turmoil,” Lamballe said. “She simply wanted to be loved.”

However, the judge ruled that Watkin’s deception was intentional and self-serving, adding that she showed “no remorse” and appeared “flippant and disinterested” throughout the trial.

Watkin will serve her sentence in a male prison, where officials have promised protective measures for her safety. She will remain on the sex offenders register for 10 years and is subject to a lifetime restraining order prohibiting contact with the victim.

Ex-Jigawa Lawmaker Jailed Over ₦5 Million Fraud.

A former lawmaker in Jigawa State, Hon. Shu’ibu Kashim Dila, has been convicted and sentenced for offences bordering on conspiracy, breach of trust, and cheating after a six-month trial at the Chief Magistrate Court II in Dutse.

Dila, who hails from Malam Madori Local Government Area, was found guilty by Chief Magistrate Abdullahi Ibrahim Aliyu after the Jigawa State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (JSPCACC) brought charges against him.

According to the Commission’s spokesperson, Yusuf Suleiman, the case was triggered by a petition filed on February 17, 2025, by Aisha Yusuf of Hadejia Local Government.

She accused Dila, working in concert with his wife, of deceitfully obtaining ₦5 million from her with a written agreement that the money would be repaid within a month.

When the deadline passed, the defendant allegedly sent his wife away to an unknown location to avoid honouring the agreement.

Following an investigation, the Commission said Dila confessed to the act, and evidence showed clear intent to defraud.

He was arraigned on a three-count charge.

During the trial, the prosecution team, led by Barrister Zubairu Haladu, called three witnesses and presented two exhibits. The defence, on the other hand, produced two witnesses but offered no exhibits.

Emefiele: Court admits WhatsApp conversation in alleged $4.5bn fraud
An Ikeja Special Offences Court on Thursday admitted into evidence the WhatsApp conversation indicting the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, of $4.5 billion fraud and abuse of office.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Rahman Oshodi overruled the objections of the defence and admitted the WhatsApp conversation presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into evidenc

Ex-FCTA Director Sentenced to 24 Years in Prison for ₦318m Fraud.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Mr. Garuba Duku, a retired Director of Finance and Administration with the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), to 24 years in prison for diverting ₦318 million in public funds.

The conviction was announced in a statement by the Director of Public Enlightenment and Education at the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mr. Demola Bakare, on Thursday.

According to the ICPC, Duku was arraigned on a six-count charge of corruption and money laundering in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/608/2022. Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case, found him guilty on all counts after the prosecution successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Investigations revealed that between 2012 and 2013, Duku fraudulently diverted ₦318,250,000 belonging to AMMC into his personal Fidelity Bank account. The court heard that the stolen funds were received in several tranches — ₦56.25 million, ₦71 million, ₦53 million, ₦54 million, ₦46 million, and ₦36.3 million and subsequently laundered through Bureau de Change operators.

The ICPC stated that Duku’s actions violated public financial regulations and constituted a gross abuse of office. During trial, the defendant claimed he transferred the funds to his superiors, but the court dismissed the defence as unsubstantiated.

In his judgment, Justice Omotosho ruled that the prosecution’s evidence was “credible, consistent, and sufficient to establish the offences charged.” He sentenced Duku to four years’ imprisonment on each of the six counts, to run concurrently, or an option of fine amounting to about ₦1.6 billion — five times the total amount involved.

Reacting to the verdict, ICPC spokesperson Bakare hailed the judgment as a significant victory in the agency’s ongoing war against corruption and financial misconduct in the public sector.

Alleged $4.5bn fraud: Emefiele’s phone forensic test stalled as EFCC, defence clash.

The forensic examination of a mobile phone central to the $4.5 billion alleged fraud trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has stalled following a sharp disagreement between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the defence team over how to carry out the court-ordered test.

At the resumed hearing before Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Special Offences Court on Tuesday, both parties traded accusations over who was responsible for the failure of the forensic process, which had been scheduled for September 24 and 25, 2025.

Emefiele, alongside his co-defendant, Henry Omoile, is facing a 19-count charge of alleged fraud, corruption, and abuse of office.

The EFCC had tendered an iPhone 12 containing WhatsApp messages as part of its evidence against the former apex bank chief.

The court had earlier ordered that the device, marked as “iPhone 2”, be subjected to a scientific forensic analysis by experts representing both sides to determine the authenticity of the WhatsApp conversations in dispute.

However, Emefiele’s lawyer, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, told the court that the exercise could not proceed because the EFCC repeatedly obstructed efforts to access the device.

According to him, despite the presence of representatives from the prosecution, the defence, and the court’s Registrar, the commission refused to produce the phone for examination.

Ojo said: “The first obstacle was that the EFCC insisted the device could not be fully exposed to the team.Then, on the second day, even when the Registrar clarified that your lordship’s order covered both the phone and its WhatsApp contents, the EFCC representatives refused to produce it when the Apple expert demanded it. We were told a categorical ‘No.’”

Adamawa State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has intercepted a trailer containing stolen pipes belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL.
@DailyPostNGR

Boko Haram Not Driven by Hunger, Sometimes Better Armed Than Nigerian Army — Ex-President Goodluck reveals they once nominated Buhari as negotiator.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that Boko Haram insurgents are not motivated by poverty, stressing that they often wield more sophisticated weapons than the Nigerian Army.

Jonathan spoke on Friday at the launch of “Scars: Nigeria’s Journey & the Boko Haram Conundrum”, a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (rtd).

Recalling past efforts to end the insurgency, Jonathan revealed that during his presidency a committee set up to negotiate with the group was surprised when Boko Haram nominated Muhammadu Buhari to represent them in talks.

“So I was feeling that, oh, if they nominated Buhari to represent them & have a discussion with the government committee, then when Buhari took over, it could have been an easy way to negotiate with them & they would have handed over their guns. But it was still there till today,” he said

He noted that the insurgency began in 2009 when he served as Vice-President under the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. “Even when I took over power in 2010 as president, I battled with it until I left office in 2015. I thought immediately I left, within a reasonable time, late President Muhammadu Buhari was going to wipe them out, but till today, Boko Haram is still here. So the issue of Boko Haram becomes more complex,” he added.

Jonathan urged the current administration to adopt a carrot-and-stick approach, stressing that the sophistication of the sect’s weapons points to external support. 

“Issue of carrots and the stick may be adopted, and yes, probably the needs are there, but if you look at the weapons they use, and you value the weapons, then you know that these are not hungry people. Sometimes the soldiers capture some of the weapons and see they are even better. The weapons they use, the ammunition they use, sometimes they even have more ammunition than our soldiers,” he said.

Islamism isn’t aimed at seizing power — Sultan of Sokoto says, stressing that Islam is about promoting good governance in society.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged Nigerians to rise above religious divides and embrace unity in order to build a stronger country.

He made this call in Abuja on Friday during the public presentation of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor.

The Sultan explained that Islam should not be misconstrued as a quest for political power but rather as a faith built on justice, fairness and good governance. “Islamism is not aimed at seizing power at any particular forum. Islam is after good governance in society,” he stated.

He cited the example of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure, noting that Muslims gave him full support without bias. “President Goodluck Jonathan was President; we gave him 100 per cent support.

Throughout his presidency, nobody said anything negative against him; he knows that, and he is here. So, Islamism is not what you think it is. It is a wrong notion… We’re after good governance,” the monarch said.

The Sultan, regarded as the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims, also emphasized that Islam has a clear code of conduct that rejects v+olence and fanaticism. “We have ways and means of life. Anybody coming outside these to say things that he really doesn’t know about is not for Islam because Islam abhors extremism. You cannot be an extremist and then claim to be a good Muslim,” he stressed.

He cautioned Nigerians to be mindful of their words when discussing insecurity, warning that careless statements could further divide the country. Instead, he called for unity, saying: “Let’s come closer as one big family with different backgrounds to forge ahead to make this country a better country, because there is nothing anybody can do.”

According to him, his interventions on governance and national issues are never targeted at individuals but are guided by the conviction that religion must always promote justice, peace and social harmony.