Northern leaders demand sack of security chiefs, cabinet overhaul. Abuja — The Northern Ethnic Nationality Forum (NENF), a coalition of socio-cultural and political leaders from the 19 northern states, has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately reshuffle his cabinet and overhaul the nation’s security architecture in response to Nigeria’s worsening crises. In a strongly worded statement issued Sunday in Abuja and signed by its Convener, Dominic Alancha, the Forum said it had “deeply examined the painful conditions of the people of Northern Nigeria and the nation at large” and, after wide consultations, resolved to demand urgent and transformative action. The group expressed dissatisfaction with what it described as the “glaring underperformance” of several ministers, warning that the current cabinet lacks both competence and political capital to effectively drive the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. “A ministerial appointment is not merely a reward for loyalty; it is a critical assignment. We therefore call on President Tinubu to immediately dissolve and reshuffle the Federal Executive Council (FEC), replacing underperforming ministers with individuals of proven integrity, exceptional capability and significant political influence,” the statement read. According to the Forum, a stronger cabinet is essential not only for national development but also for the President’s political survival ahead of the 2027 elections. On insecurity, NENF lamented that banditry, terrorism and kidnapping had crippled farming, commerce, and transportation across many states, describing the situation as a “full-blown catastrophe.” It declared that the current Service Chiefs had failed despite enormous resources at their disposal, and therefore demanded their immediate dismissal. The Forum also called for the appointment of new military leaders with a clear, results-driven mandate and urged the declaration of a state of emergency on security in Northern Nigeria. “This is not a call for militarization but for a targeted, multi-agency emergency operation to flush out terrorists, dismantle their networks, and restore order,” it stressed.

Governor Adeleke Urges Security Agencies to Stay Neutral in Osun Politics Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has appealed to security agencies in the state to remain neutral and professional in the unfolding political atmosphere, stressing that Osun, as the home state of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, must not be turned into a political battleground. The governor made this call during the decoration ceremony of his Aide-De-Camp (ADC), DSP Ahmed Bio Abdulraman, who was recently promoted. The event, held at the Government House, Osogbo, was attended by the state’s Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, the NSCDC State Commandant, Igbalawole Sotiyo, FRSC Sector Commander, Leye Adegboyega, and other top security chiefs. Governor Adeleke commended the Nigeria Police Force for its professionalism, particularly praising the Inspector General of Police and the Osun State Command for maintaining discipline and due process. He singled out CP Gotan for his leadership style, which he said has fostered peace and order across the state. “We should continue to maintain a level playing field. This is the home state of Mr. President. Mr. President belongs to all of us. Osun should not be turned into a battleground,” Adeleke emphasized. The governor also expressed delight at DSP Abdulraman’s promotion, describing him as a disciplined and loyal officer who exemplifies the values of the Nigeria Police. He noted that the Force remains a critical institution for Nigeria’s stability and deserves greater appreciation for the sacrifices of its personnel nationwide. In his goodwill message, CP Ibrahim Gotan congratulated Abdulraman and reminded him that promotions come with added responsibilities. He urged the officer to remain committed to discipline, professionalism, and the ideals of effective policing. Gotan reaffirmed that the Osun Police Command will continue to uphold fairness, human rights, and respect for the rule of law. He also assured Governor Adeleke of the command’s readiness to sustain peace and security across the state. The commissioner further encouraged officers to emulate the hard work and dedication of DSP Abdulraman, whom he described as a role model within the Force.

Empower Me and I’ll End Banditry in 2 Months-Gov. Dauda Lawal to FG. Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has thrown a big challenge to the federal government. He has sensationally declared that banditry would be a thing of the past if the federal government gives him direct and complete control of security agencies in the country. He’s not done. He also declared categorically that he knows the movement of every single bandit leader operating in Zamfara State as he can track them on his mobile phone! But in a viral video that has sent social media buzzing, the governor lamented that he is seriously handicapped in the fight against banditry in the state because he lacks direct control over security agencies and outfits operating in Zamfara. The governor lamented that the situation where security chiefs in the state only take orders from Abuja could be counter-productive. “We have dozens of tracking facilities which we fixed across the state just to help security in tracking the bandits.,’ he disclosed. “I swear to Almighty Allah, wherever a bandits’ leader is located within Zamfara state, I know it and if he goes out, I know, “With my mobile phone, I can show you where and where these bandits are today. But we cannot do anything beyond our powers. “If today, I have the power to give orders to the security agencies, I can assure you, we will end banditry in Zamfara State within two months.

UPDATED: Katsina Mosque Attack Death Toll Rises To 32 The Katsina State Government has confirmed that the death toll from Monday’s mosque attack in Malumfashi LGA has risen to 32. A government delegation, led by Secretary to the State Government Abdullahi Faskari, visited Unguwar Mantau where the attack occurred. He described the killings as a “deeply painful and heartbreaking tragedy”, assuring residents of strengthened security measures. The state said the exact number of those kidnapped is still being verified. According to the statement, a swift airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force disrupted the bandits while moving with captives, leading to confusion in which some victims scattered while others were rescued. Governor Dikko Radda, currently on medical leave, directed Acting Governor Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe to dispatch officials to condole with the bereaved and assess urgent needs. Meanwhile, angry youths blocked the Malumfashi–Funtua highway on Tuesday, protesting the killings and worsening insecurity, leaving travellers stranded for hours. Police earlier reported 17 deaths, while a state lawmaker, Aminu Ibrahim, claimed 30 worshippers were killed during dawn prayers. He wept during plenary as he described his constituents’ ordeal, urging for permanent military bases in Karfi and Yaba wards. Security chiefs, including the Police Commissioner, Army Brigade Commander, and DSS Director, were part of the delegation to Malumfashi. #KatsinaAttack #MosqueAttack #Banditry #Insecurity #NigeriaNews #Malumfashi

Kaduna Govt Denies Abducting PDP Candidate, 25 Others The Kaduna State Government has denied claims that security forces loyal to Governor Uba Sani abducted PDP House of Reps candidate Princess Esther Dawaki and 25 others in Malali during the Chikun/Kajuru by-election. PDP accused a joint security taskforce, Operation Fushin Kada, of breaking into City Den Hotel to arrest its campaign chairman but instead detaining Dawaki and others. The party described it as “an assault on democracy” and called for Tinubu and security chiefs to intervene. #Kaduna #NigeriaDecides #ElectionIntegrity #Democracy

JUST IN: President Bola Tinubu has directed security chiefs to implement his earlier directive to bring lasting peace and security to Benue State.   President Tinubu renewed his order in the wake of the latest round of reprisal attacks that led to the death of many people.

See what is posted on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu X handle. “ Two years ago, you entrusted me with the sacred responsibility to lead our nation at a time of historic challenges. Together, we faced those headwinds with courage and determination. The economic and general situation I inherited required that we redirect the country’s affairs with a bold and new vision. I immediately implemented two necessary policies—to stop our country from drifting into the precipice. We removed decades-long fuel subsidies and dismantled the corruption-ridden multiple exchange rate windows. These were no longer sustainable and had become a chokehold on our nation’s neck, strangling our future. Let me be clear: the only alternative to the reforms we initiated was a fiscal crisis—runaway inflation, external debt default, crippling fuel shortages, a plunging Naira, and an economy in free-fall. Despite the bump in the cost of living, we have made undeniable progress. Inflation has begun to ease. Rice prices and other staples are declining. Our oil and gas sector is recovering—rig counts are up by over 400%, and over $8 billion in new investments have been committed. We have stabilised our economy. We’re better positioned for growth and prepared to withstand global shocks. Gross proceeds per barrel are aligned with forecasts. Fiscal deficit narrowed from 5.4% of GDP in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024. We recorded over N6 trillion in revenue in Q1 of this year. We have discontinued Ways & Means financing. The NNPC, no longer burdened by unsustainable fuel subsidies, is now a net contributor to the Federation Account. We are achieving fuel supply security through local refining. Our debt service-to-revenue ratio dropped from nearly 100% in 2022 to under 40% by 2024. We paid off IMF obligations. Our net external reserves grew from $4 billion in 2023 to over $23 billion by the end of 2024. Under our bold tax reform agenda, our tax-to-GDP ratio rose from 10% to over 13.5% in just one year. Food, education, and healthcare now attract 0% VAT. Rent, public transport, and renewables are fully exempted. We’re eliminating multiple taxation and protecting disposable incomes—especially for low-income households and small businesses. This is not just about revenue. It is about inclusive economic growth. This is about economic justice. This is the movement we promised—a government of action powered by the energy and innovation of young Nigerians. From Innovate Naija and NASENI’s digital reboot, to electric vehicle assembly and drone engineering, we are restoring dignity to work and opening a future of possibilities. I told security chiefs: up your game and collaborate to end this plague of evil men. Every Nigerian deserves to live without fear. We shall remain vigilant. We are preparing to welcome the world to Nigeria for the Motherland Festival—a landmark gathering that will spotlight our rich heritage, vibrant creative industries, and the beauty of our people. It will showcase Nigeria’s promise—inviting the world to rediscover our nation. Our journey is not over, but our direction is clear. So is our resolve. By the Grace of God, the worst is behind us. The real impact of our governance is beginning to take hold. The future is bright—and together, we will build a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria. Bet on Nigeria. ~ PBAT #HopeRenewed #NigeriaRising #BetOnNigeria