“A Brother in Struggle and Service” — President Tinubu Celebrates Senator Abu Ibrahim at 80 with Heartfelt Tribute

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has showered praises on his longtime friend and political ally, Senator Abu Ibrahim, as the elder statesman marks his 80th birthday.

In a touching message from the Presidency on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Tinubu described Senator Ibrahim as “a principled statesman, trusted ally, and patriot whose loyalty and wisdom have inspired generations.”

Reflecting on their decades-long friendship, the President recalled first meeting Senator Ibrahim in the Senate during the Third Republic in 1992, where their shared commitment to democracy and justice forged an unbreakable bond.

“Abu has been more than a friend — he is my brother,” Tinubu said, recounting how they stood together during the struggle against the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election.
“He stood in the line of fire when we reconvened the Senate in Lagos to condemn that criminal annulment. Even when released, he refused to leave until we were all free.”


Tinubu hailed Senator Ibrahim’s exceptional record of public service, including his two-term tenure in the Senate (2003–2019) representing Katsina South, and his key role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013.

“Senator Abu Ibrahim is a man whose integrity, courage, and loyalty remain unshaken,” the President said. “He embodies what Nigeria needs more of — principled leadership and selfless service.”

President Tinubu concluded by praying for long life and good health for the octogenarian, noting that his legacy will continue to inspire future leaders.

JUST IN: Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda appoints new heads for road maintenance agency, others

A Customs officer, identified as Assistant Superintendent of Customs Lawal Tukur was discovered dead in a hotel room in Katsina metropolis.

According to Zagazola Reports, the incident took place on October 15 at Murjani Hotel, where Tukur had checked in. Hotel workers reportedly found him lifeless around 8:30 a.m & immediately alerted the authorities.

Sources said empty sachets of unidentified substances were found in a wastebasket in the room. 3 women Khadija Ali, 34, from Dutsin Amare Quarters, Katsina; Aisha Lawal, 30, from Ingawa LGA; & Hafsat Yusuf, 22, from Brigade Quarters, Kano were said to have been at the hotel during the incident.

It was gathered that Khadija & Aisha spent the night with the officer, while Hafsat joined them later & also stayed at the hotel.
The deceased’s body was taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Katsina where doctors confirmed his death before it was moved to the mortuary for autopsy.

The Nigeria Customs Service has reportedly been notified, & investigations are ongoing.

Weeks after a peace agreement between the Katsina State Government and armed bandit groups, the Chairman of Sabuwa Local Government Area, Engr. Sagir Tanimu, has come under scrutiny for attending the wedding ceremony of children belonging to some of the bandits.

The ceremony, which took place in Kadawan Dandume village, was reportedly part of the state’s ongoing reconciliation efforts with the bandits operating in the region. Tanimu, alongside other dignitaries including the Prince of Kogo Emirate, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello Kogo, and the District Head of Sabuwa, joined Fulani residents in the forest to mark the occasion.

However, critics have expressed concern over the gesture, noting that despite the peace pact, the armed groups have yet to renounce their criminal activities or surrender their weapons. Locals insist that genuine peace can only be achieved when the bandits formally disarm and abandon violence.

Arise News anchor’s murder suspects got arms from Niger Republic Police.

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has revealed that the armed robbery gang responsible for the killing of ARISE News anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, sourced their weapons from a supplier in the Niger Republic.

The Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed this in a statement on Friday while announcing the arrest of 12 suspects linked to the September 29, 2025, robbery and murder at Unique Apartments, Katampe Extension, Abuja, where Maduagwu and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, lost their lives.

Adeh said preliminary investigations showed that the syndicate procured its firearms including a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, a pump-action gun, and a pistol — from an arms dealer operating across the Nigeria–Niger border.

“All the suspects are from Kaduna and Katsina States and have confessed to obtaining their weapons from a yet-to-be-identified supplier in the Niger Republic,” Adeh said.

The police listed the arrested suspects as Shamsudeen Hassan, Hassan Isah (22), Abubakar Alkamu (27), Sani Sirajo (20), Mashkur Jamilu (28), Suleiman Badamasi (21), Abdulsalam Saleh, Zaharadeen Muhammad (23), Musa Adamu (30), Sumayya Mohammed (27), Isah Abdulrahman (25), and Musa Umar (31).

Adeh said the suspects confessed to carrying out operations at Katampe 1, a hotel in Apo and Zuba, before the robbery that claimed the lives of Arise News anchor and the security guard.

“They have also confessed to participating in other armed robbery operations at Katampe 1, a hotel in Apo, and another in Zuba, all within the FCT, ” the statement added.

Adeh said further investigations confirmed that Hassan Shamsudeen fired the shot that killed the security guard during the attack.

Governor Radda Visits Ismaeel Ahmed in Abuja — Talks on Expanding CNG and EV Projects in Katsina

According to a media post on Monday, October 6, 2025, former APC National Youth Leader, Hon. Ismaeel Ahmed, had the honour of receiving the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda, on a personal and official courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.

During the visit, Governor Radda congratulated Ismaeel Ahmed on his new appointment and engaged in strategic discussions aimed at advancing the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicles (EVs) in Katsina State and across Nigeria.

Dr. Radda, widely recognized for his progressive and eco-conscious leadership, has already begun implementing CNG and EV infrastructure projects in Katsina. These include partnerships with private sector investors to establish gas refilling stations and electric vehicle charging hubs across the state.

Hon. Ismaeel Ahmed noted that the Presidential Initiative on CNG (PiCNG) will play a critical role in supporting these developments, helping to fast-track Nigeria’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.

He expressed optimism that major milestones will be achieved before the end of the year, as both federal and state governments continue to embrace green innovation and environmental sustainability.

‘This Is Terrorism’ - Bukarti Warns Against Peace Talks With Bandits, Public Display Of Weapons

News reports that recently, communities in Jibia and Batsari Local Government Areas held peace dialogues with bandits who attended the meetings openly carrying sophisticated weapons.

Videos and pictures from the gatherings showed the gunmen displaying heavy arms in full view of villagers.

Reacting to the development, Bukarti said the scenes were nothing short of intimidation and a calculated attempt to frighten the public.

“Bandits are coming out with heavy and dangerous weapons during peace talks, tying them to their bodies, giving speeches, and allowing themselves to be recorded on video. They do this deliberately to frighten people. That is exactly what terrorism is, creating fear to achieve political, religious, or ethnic goals,” he said.

He likened the display to military parades in other countries.

“When you see them stepping out with heavy weapons as if they are going to a world war, it is a calculated attempt to scare the public and send a message to the Nigerian government that nothing can be done to them,” Bukarti said.

‘Peace Meetings With Terrorists Are Illegal’
The lawyer further stressed that both the possession of such weapons and the so-called peace meetings contravene Nigerian law.

“This is completely forbidden. No one is allowed to own such weapons, let alone display them. Even these peace dialogues with terrorists are unlawful because there is no legal framework that allows it,” he explained.

News understands that recently, Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, who is known for engaging with armed groups, advised security agencies not to disrupt such meetings, warning that it could escalate tensions.

However, Bukarti disagreed, saying what is happening amounts to surrendering to criminals.

“The public and the government must understand that these meetings are not peace. They are submission. And the more terrorists are allowed to show off their weapons, the weaker the state looks in the eyes of citizens,” Bukarti said.

He urged the government to take direct control of any negotiations, if it believes talks are unavoidable.

“If the government feels it cannot fully protect communities from these attacks, then it should at least lead the talks, set clear conditions, and make sure the criminals are disarmed and rehabilitated. Leaving citizens to negotiate on their own only strengthens the bandits,” he said.

His warnings come amid rising insecurity in Katsina, where rural communities continue to suffer repeated attacks, killings, and abductions by armed gangs.

Police Launch Nationwide Manhunt as Official Vehicle Goes Missing from Force Headquarters.

The Nigeria Police Force has declared a nationwide manhunt following the disappearance of an official vehicle from its Force Headquarters in Abuja, raising concerns over possible internal security lapses.

The missing SUV, a Toyota Buffalo Land Cruiser with registration number NPF 5594 D and chassis number JTELU71JX0B027126, was reported stolen on July 28, 2025. An internal memo from the Commissioner of Police (DFA, Katsina Command), relayed through the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), confirmed the development.

Assigned to the Department of Operations at Louis Edet House, the vehicle was discovered missing after it was allegedly taken from the official parking lot.

A police signal obtained by reporters read in part:
“The vehicle attached to the Department of Operations, FHQ Abuja, was declared missing/stolen or removed from where parked on 28/07/2025 from the parking lot of FHQ, Louis Edet House, Abuja. Case is under investigation. Grateful disseminate to formations, area commands, and divisions for possible recovery.”

In response, the Force has directed all area commands, divisional police officers, and tactical units nationwide to remain on high alert and treat the case as “very important.” Security agencies have also been instructed to provide immediate updates on any leads that could aid the recovery of the vehicle.

Police Disclose Identities of Imam, Worshippers Killed in Zamfara Mosque.

Tragedy struck in Zamfara State on Friday when gunmen stormed a mosque in Yantodon Daji village, Tsafe Local Government Area, killing the Imam and four worshippers during morning prayers.

Three other people were abducted in the raid.

The State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Maikaba, who confirmed the incident, said the attackers deliberately targeted the mosque to provoke public outrage.

“We believe the bandits deployed this method just to draw attention. They have seen the reaction when a mosque was attacked in Malumfashi, Katsina State, and that is why they carried out a similar act here in Zamfara,” Maikaba told journalists.

According to him, the armed men opened fire indiscriminately on worshippers, killing five people before whisking away three others to an unknown destination.

Those killed were identified as:
Sale Dangero, 75
Mamman Yaro, 72
Malam Lawali Bataribas, 67
Malam Jafaru, a retired ASP, 68
Malam Safiyanu, 55

The abducted victims were named as Danyaye Alh. Gambo, Malam Basiru, and Ibrahim Bello.

Maikaba added that preliminary investigations traced the assault to a notorious bandit leader, Bakin Malam, and his loyalists operating around the Makera axis.

He assured residents that security operatives were already on the trail of the attackers and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice

11 security operatives confirmed dead, ASP still missing in Benue militia clash.

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the recovery of seven additional bodies of security personnel killed during a violent confrontation with suspected herdsmen and local militia at Agu Centre in Katsina Ala Local Government Area.

The latest recovery brings the total death toll to 11 security operatives, comprising nine police officers, one hunter, and one Civil Protection Guard. Their remains have been deposited at Katsina Ala General Hospital.

Police also confirmed that ASP John Aledu, attached to Operation Zenda, remains missing as search and rescue efforts continue.

“The recovered bodies have been preserved as efforts are ongoing to contact their families,” sources told Zagazola Makama.

In response to the attack, police tactical teams, supported by local hunters and vigilantes, have intensified operations to rescue the missing officer and pursue the attackers.

So far, 15 additional suspects have been arrested in Ukum Local Government Area, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to 21, following six earlier arrests in Katsina Ala.

The police assured that, in collaboration with other security agencies, they remain fully committed to bringing all perpetrators of the attack to justice

Katsina Govt Reveals Bandits are Demanding Schools, Hospitals, Grazing Reserves in Peace Talks.

The Katsina State Government has confirmed that bandits are demanding the construction of schools, hospitals, and grazing reserves as part of ongoing peace negotiations in the state.

According to the State Commissioner for Security, Nasiru Mu’azu, the demands surfaced during community-led talks with the gunmen in several local government areas, including Dan Musa, Jibiya, Batsari, Kankara, Kurfi, and Musawa.

Mu’azu noted that the collapse of the previous amnesty programme worsened insecurity, with attacks spreading from five LGAs between 2011 and 2015 to 25 LGAs by 2023. He clarified that the initiative to dialogue with the bandits was not government-driven but rather led by community leaders seeking to end years of killings, cattle rustling, and kidnappings.

Army Arrest IPOB/ESN Commander, Rescues Kidnap Victims Across States.

The Nigerian Army has announced the arrest of Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, alias Gentle de Yahoo, a notorious commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, working with other security agencies, captured him at a hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe LGA of Imo State. 

Recovered items included an English pistol, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, a cartridge, six mobile phones, police and military uniforms, and a German flag. A workshop for dismantling stolen vehicles was also discovered, while 10 motorcycles were destroyed.

Beyond Imo, troops rescued 11 kidnap victims in coordinated operations across Adamawa, Katsina, and Kogi States.

Five victims were freed in Madagali (Adamawa), five in Malumfashi (Katsina), and one in Lokoja (Kogi). Two terrorist were also killed in Katsina, with troops seizing an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and a motorcycle.

In Benue, soldiers neutralized a violent extremist, recovered charms and a phone, and arrested 11 suspects for armed robbery, gunrunning, and extremism across Benue, Kogi, and Kaduna. In Plateau State, 40 stolen cattle were recovered and returned to their owners.

The Army credited these successes to enhanced collaboration with sister security services and agencies.

Nigerian Army Captures Notorious ESN/IPOB Commander, Gentle De Yahoo.

The Nigerian Army has announced the arrest of a notorious commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), identified as Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, popularly known as Gentle de Yahoo.

Okorienta was captured by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade in a joint operation with sister security agencies at his hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.

According to the military, the operation led to the recovery of a cache of arms and items, including one English pistol, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, a cartridge, six mobile phones, military and police uniforms, as well as a German flag.

Troops also uncovered a workshop used for dismantling stolen vehicles for resale and destroyed 10 motorcycles found at the scene.

Beyond the Imo operation, troops carried out coordinated missions in Adamawa, Katsina, and Kogi States, rescuing 11 kidnap victims. Five persons were freed in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa, another five in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina, while two were rescued in Lokoja, Kogi State.

The Army further reported that two terrorists were neutralised in Katsina, with an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and a motorcycle recovered. In Benue, soldiers killed a violent extremist and seized charms and a mobile phone. Eleven suspects linked to armed robbery, gunrunning, and violent extremism were also arrested across Benue, Kogi, and Kaduna States.

Troops in Plateau State recovered 40 rustled cattle, which have since been returned to their owners.

The Nigerian Army credited these successes to sustained collaboration with sister services and security agencies.

JUST IN: Nigeria’s wanted bandit kingpin accepts peace deal in katsina

A notorious bandit leader, Isiya Kwashen Garwa, who was declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters, was among top bandits who reportedly accepted a peace deal in Katsina State.

Bandit Leader Allegedly Behind Killing Of Over 30 In Katsina Mosque Attack Attends Peace Meeting In Faskari |fintter

Gumi Warns Nigerian Army, Security Agencies Against Provoking Terrorists After Katsina Peace Deal

Bandit Leader Linked to Katsina Mosque Massacre Spotted at Peace Meeting in Faskari

September 15, 2025

Barely days after allegedly orchestrating the massacre of 32 worshippers at Mantau Mosque in Malumfashi Local Government Area, notorious bandit leader Babaro was seen on Sunday at a peace meeting in Faskari, Katsina State.

The dialogue, convened to ease tensions between armed herders and farming communities, brought together traditional rulers, security representatives, community leaders, and herder group leaders.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama revealed on X that Babaro—long on security watchlists for kidnappings, extortion, and deadly raids—was among those in attendance, raising serious concerns over impunity and governance failures.

For years, Babaro has terrorised communities in Kankara and Malumfashi, leaving trails of abductions, killings, and destruction. His open presence at a high-level forum has sparked outrage among locals still grieving the recent mosque massacre.

Peace meetings of this nature have become common across the northwest, where banditry and farmer-herder violence have displaced thousands. Supporters see dialogue as a path to stability, but critics argue it legitimises violent actors and undermines justice.

As of Sunday night, the Katsina State Government had not commented on reports of Babaro—and other wanted bandit leaders—attending the meeting. For many residents, the development has deepened fears that victims of the massacre may never see justice.

Peter Obi Urges War On Insecurity, Decries Soaring Casualties
Obi’s call follows reports that over 100 people were killed in a wave of violent attacks across Borno, Sokoto, Katsina, and Edo states over the weekend.

Gov Radda Pledges Support For Traditional Institutions At Sallar Gani Festival In Daura

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Radda, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preserving culture and supporting traditional institutions.

He gave the assurance on Sunday while attending the annual Sallar Gani Festival in Daura, a centuries-old durbar marking the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Radda noted that his government is working to elevate the festival into an international cultural event and highlighted the recently signed Emirate Council Law, which increased the salaries of district and village heads.

He praised traditional rulers for their role in fostering peace and stability and commended the Emir of Daura, Umar Faruq Umar, for upholding Hausa heritage.

The event drew dignitaries, tourists, and indigenes from within and outside Nigeria. Riders on horseback, drummers, and title holders paraded in colorful displays of Daura’s cultural heritage at Kangiwa Square, the climax of the festival known as Hawan Magajiya.

Sallar Gani, unique to the Daura Emirate — has grown into a major tourist attraction, with visitors converging yearly to witness the fanfare and strengthen social ties.

Seven Feared Killed, Others Injured As Police Repel Bandits In Katsina

At least seven people were killed when suspected bandits attacked Magajin Wando village in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State late Friday night.

State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Danmusa, confirmed the incident, saying the attackers were believed to be avenging the deaths of their members previously neutralized by the Community Watch Corps (CWC).

Residents injured during the raid were reportedly ambushed again on their way to the hospital, with their vehicle riddled with bullets and a CWC vehicle burnt.

Danmusa commended the CWC for their swift intervention, stressing that their action prevented greater casualties. He extended condolences to families of the victims and assured that the government, in collaboration with security agencies, will intensify operations to dismantle criminal networks.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and share information to aid ongoing security efforts.

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