Kebbi State Government Approves N10bn Loan To Secure Extra 1,300 Hajj Slots

The Kebbi State Government has approved a N10 billion loan to secure an additional 1,300 Hajj seats for intending pilgrims from the state for the 2026 pilgrimage. The Chairman of the State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Faruku Aliyu-Yaro, disclosed this on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi while briefing journalists.

He explained that the intervention was necessary to meet the December 5 deadline earlier fixed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria. Aliyu-Yaro praised Governor Nasir Idris for what he described as a timely and people-focused decision, noting that many prospective pilgrims were already distressed over f£ars of losing their slots.

According to him, the loan not only protected the state’s full allocation but also created opportunities for more residents to participate. He also announced that the payment deadline for intending pilgrims has now been extended to December 16. With the extension, pilgrims can now complete payment of the N7,696,769.79 Hajj fare without pressure.

He added that all 21 local government areas in the state would benefit equally from the new arrangement. Aliyu-Yaro further revealed that preparations for the 2026 Hajj had already been underway for several months, stressing that Kebbi remains one of the leading states in early planning and coordination for the pilgrimage.

Bandits Attack Sokoto Mosque, Kill Imam and Worshipper, Abduct Several Others During Dawn Prayers

Bandits launched a deadly pre-dawn attack on a mosque in Kiba Ruwa, Sabon-Birni LGA of Sokoto State, killing the imam and one worshipper during the Subh prayer. Several congregants were abducted, with the exact number still unknown. The incident comes amid heightened insecurity in the Northwest, following a recent attack on a Kebbi girls’ school where 26 students were kidnapped after soldiers reportedly withdrew from the area shortly before the assault. Authorities have been alerted as rescue efforts begin.

Kebbi Govt Donates 10 Hilux Vehicles to Boost Security on Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway

The Kebbi State Government has handed over 10 brand-new Hilux vehicles to the Federal Ministry of Works to strengthen security for personnel working on the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway project.

The vehicles were formally received by the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, who praised Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasiru Idris (Kauran Gwandu), for the donation.

Goronyo described the gesture as a clear demonstration of the state government’s commitment to protecting workers and contractors on the strategic highway corridor.
He explained that the vehicles will be deployed exclusively to security operatives providing cover for construction teams along the section of the super highway passing through Kebbi State.

The Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway is a multi-state infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity and economic activities across northern and southern Nigeria.

Kebbi Police Command Appoints SP Bashir Usman as New Spokesperson

The Kebbi State Police Command has named SP Bashir Usman as its new Police Public Relations Officer after a routine administrative posting approved by the Force. Usman takes over from Nafiu Kotarkoshi, who has been redeployed to lead the General Investigation unit of the State CID. Known for professionalism in his previous role as Officer in Charge of General Investigation, Usman has pledged to promote transparency, public engagement and strengthen police–community relations. The Command urged residents to support the new PPRO in carrying out his duties effectively.

UMZA Air Launches Abuja–Ilorin Flights With Fares Up to 60% Lower Than Market Rates

UMZA Air has officially launched its Abuja–Ilorin route, offering fares between N145,000 and N180,000—about 60% lower than current market prices. The airline says the discounted rate is permanent and not a promotional offer, triggering strong early ticket demand.
The carrier plans to deploy a G-400 XR turboprop and has met all regulatory requirements of the NCAA. Analysts say UMZA’s entry could break existing fare monopolies on the route and provide long-awaited relief for travellers across Kwara, Kogi, Ekiti, and neighbouring states. The airline currently operates across Lagos, Kano, Yola, Sokoto, Maiduguri, and Kebbi, expanding affordability in domestic air travel.


#UMZAAir

#Abuja–IlorinFlights

#CheapFlightsNigeria

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.

JUST IN: The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old woman, Maryam Muhammad, for allegedly abducting her friend’s four-year-old son, Abdulmumini Surajo, and demanding a N5m ransom from his family.

Abaribe demands investigation into troop withdrawal minutes before Kebbi school abduction, warning that lack of accountability fuels insecurity.

What Nigerians Can Do To Help President Tinubu Make Nigeria Secure Again

It is not an overstatement to say that President Tinubu was created to lead our nation at a time like this. His declaration of a National Security Emergency and the powerful, actionable steps contained therein show that we finally have a leader with the political will and tactical ability to bell the cat that has proven most stubborn and elusive in the past.

For too long, we have had a numbers challenge—i.e., we did not have enough troops to physically secure a population of 235 million with a landmass of almost 1 million square kilometres.

Today, the President has provided strong leadership to address this lacuna in our national security architecture. And right-thinking Nigerians are grateful for this step to address this hateful scourge.

Already, we have seen results in the recent and decent rescue of students in Kebbi State and worshippers in Kwara State. It is certain that more Tinubu wins will come.

This recruitment into our military and paramilitary forces, along with the recall of 100,000 police officers previously on VIP protection detail, is a welcome development and step in the right direction that all Nigerians should support.

I urge our people to enlist in our Army, Airforce, Navy, Police and paramilitary agencies.

Furthermore, President Bola Tinubu taking the issue of State Police to the National Assembly in his National Emergency on Security is the most radically progressive step a Nigerian leader has done in the War on Terror since 1999. I not only commend the President, but also join in appealing to Parliament to make haste and hearken to, as well as hearten to, the President's call.

If they do this, this tenth National Assembly will be the greatest Legislature in the history of democratic governance in Nigeria.

I call on all Nigerians who want a secure country to contact their Senators and Representatives and ask them to support President Tinubu's initiative. Together, we can help the President fulfil his vision to secure Nigeria.

Once again, we plead with the National Assembly to employ all means, including the Doctrine of Necessity. The nation will be on a sounder footing if our Parliament gives the right hand of fellowship to the President and helps make Nigeria Secure Again!

Reno Omokri

Gospeller. Deep Thinker. #TableShaker. Ruffler of the Feathers of Obidents. #1 Bestselling author of Facts Versus Fiction: The True Story of the Jonathan Years. Hodophile. Hollywood Magazine Humanitarian of the Year, 2019. Business Insider Influencer of the Year, 2022. 21st Most Talked About Person in Africa, 2024.About Person in Africa, 2024.

Gunmen Kill Three Immigration Officers in Deadly Attack at Kebbi Border Checkpoint


Suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group launched a midnight assault on a Nigeria Immigration Service checkpoint in Bakin Ruwa, Bagudo LGA of Kebbi State, killing three officers and heightening fear among border communities. The attackers, who arrived in large numbers, opened fire on personnel before fleeing through nearby bushes. Local sources and security officials confirmed the incident, which follows a similar attack weeks earlier in the same border axis that claimed a Customs officer’s life and saw official vehicles burned. Authorities say investigations are ongoing as insecurity intensifies along the Nigeria–Benin border corridor.


#KebbiSecurity #BorderAttack #NigeriaNews

Defence Headquarters Launches Probe Into Soldiers’ Withdrawal Before Kebbi School Abduction

The Defence Headquarters has opened a full investigation into the sudden withdrawal of soldiers from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, shortly before bandits abducted 26 students. All personnel previously deployed to the school have been summoned to Abuja for interrogation as authorities seek to uncover who authorised the withdrawal despite prior intelligence warning of an attack. Kebbi officials say they await clarity from Abuja, while military sources confirm the probe now covers every officer linked to the school. The state government insists those responsible must be held accountable.
#KebbiAbduction #DefenceHQ #SecurityInvestigation

Suspected Lakurawa Terrorists Kill Three Immigration Officers in Kebbi

Gunmen suspected to be members of the Lakurawa terrorist group attacked a Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) checkpoint in Bakin Ruwa, Maje border, Bagudo LGA, Kebbi State around midnight, killing three officers. The incident has intensified fear and tension among residents of border communities.

No Ransom Paid For Release Of Kidnap Victims —Senate Spokesperson
Adaramodu warned against assuming that military engagement did not occur simply because no bodies or images of arrest were presented.
The Senate spokesman, Yemi Adaramodu, has maintained that the Federal Government paid no ransom to secure the release of the recently kidnapped persons in Kebbi and Niger state.

Suspected Lakurawa Terrorists Kill Three Immigration Officers In Kebbi
The attack, which occurred around midnight, has heightened fear and tension among residents of border communities.
Gunmen suspected to be members of the Lakurawa terrorist group have attacked a Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) checkpoint in Bakin Ruwa, along the Maje border in Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi State, killing three officers.

The Senate has begun amending the Terrorism Act, passing a bill for first reading to classify kidnapping as terrorism punishable by death. Lawmakers also set up an 18-member ad hoc committee, led by Senator Orji Kalu, to investigate the Safe School Initiative amid concerns over misused funds and rising school attacks. This follows recent violent incidents, including mass abductions in Niger and Kebbi states. Meanwhile, President Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency, ordering fresh military and police recruitment and authorising NYSC camps to be used as training centres.

DECLARATION OF NATIONWIDE SECURITY EMERGENCY & RECRUITMENT OF ADDITIONAL ARMY AND POLICE PERSONNEL

Fellow Nigerians,

Today, in view of the emerging security situation, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency and order additional recruitment into the Armed Forces.

By this declaration, the police and the army are authorised to recruit more personnel. The police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total to 50,000.

Although I had previously approved the nationwide upgrade of police training facilities, the police authorities are, by this statement, authorised to use various National Youth Service Corps camps as training depots.

The officers being withdrawn from VIP guard duties should undergo crash training to debrief them and deliver more efficient police services when deployed to security-challenged areas of the country.

The DSS also has my authority to immediately deploy all the forest guards already trained to flush out the terrorists and bandits lurking in our forests. The agency also has my directive to recruit more men to man the forests. There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.

My fellow Nigerians, this is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas. The times require all hands on deck. As Nigerians, we should all get involved in securing our nation.

Let me take this moment to commend our security agencies for working together to secure the release of the 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and the 38 worshippers in Kwara State. We will continue to sustain the efforts to rescue the remaining students of Catholic School in Niger State and other Nigerians still being held hostage.

To the leadership and rank and file of our Armed Forces, I commend your courage and your sacrifice. This is a challenging moment for our nation and for the military institution itself. I charge you to remain resolute, to restore peace across all theatres of operation, and to uphold the highest standards of discipline and integrity. There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you, and this administration will provide the support you need to succeed.

"Flush out these bandits"- Tinubu orders Police, DSS to storm forests in Nigeria.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency, directing security agencies to intensify operations against terrorists and armed groups hiding in forests across the country.

In a national address on Wednesday, the President ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy trained forest guards to comb and secure wooded areas where bandits and insurgents are believed to be operating. He also authorised the agency to embark on fresh recruitment to strengthen manpower for the operation.

“There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” Tinubu warned, instructing the DSS and police to storm forested regions and flush out criminal elements responsible for recent deadly attacks.

As part of the emergency measures, the President approved the recruitment of an additional 20,000 police personnel, increasing the force to 50,000 officers nationwide. He further directed that National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps be used as temporary training facilities to fast-track the process.

Tinubu also ordered the withdrawal of police officers attached to VIPs, saying the personnel would undergo rapid retraining and be redeployed to areas facing heightened security threats.

“My fellow Nigerians, this is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground,” he said, urging citizens to support security agencies and report suspicious activities.

The President commended security operatives for securing the release of kidnapped schoolgirls in Kebbi State and worshippers abducted in Kwara, assuring that efforts to rescue remaining hostages including students kidnapped in Niger State would continue.

While praising the Armed Forces for their sacrifices, Tinubu cautioned against indiscipline, collusion, or negligence, stressing that the military must restore peace across all operational zones.

He also encouraged states with established security outfits to intensify local efforts and called on the National Assembly to begin reviewing laws that would allow states to create their own police structures where necessary.

Addressing the long-running clashes between herders and farmers, Tinubu urged herder groups to embrace ranching and take advantage of the newly created Livestock Ministry, warning against continued open grazing and illegal possession of weapons.

The President extended condolences to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara, and paid tribute to military personnel who lost their lives, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.

“Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness,” he stated.

BREAKING: Twenty-four students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, who were rescued after last week’s abduction, were on Wednesday formally handed over to the First Lady of Kebbi State, Hajiya Zainab Nasare Idris.

Rufai Oseni is calling out the government, questioning why terrorists who abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi were allowed to walk free while Nnamdi Kanu faces heavy punishment.

The Nigerian military has handed over 24 rescued students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, to Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris.

The girls, abducted by bandits and later freed, were presented on Tuesday night in Birnin Kebbi by Theatre Commander Major General Idris Warrah, following the directive of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.

Warrah explained that troops quickly mobilised after the kidnapping, traced the victims to Bagega Forest, and sealed off the area before successfully rescuing all 24 girls without any deaths or injuries. He recommended full medical examinations to assess their health.

Governor Idris thanked President Bola Tinubu, the military, and security agencies for their coordinated efforts. He assured that the girls would undergo comprehensive medical checks before reuniting with their families and expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their prayers and support.