A civil society organisation (CSO) has accused Governor Dauda Lawal Dare of failing the people of Zamfara following his recent remarks on banditry in the state. The group expressed alarm after the governor reportedly swore by Allah that he knows the whereabouts of every bandit leader in Zamfara and is aware of their movements. In…
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service is seeking collaboration with Yakubu Gowon University to enhance the rehabilitation of inmates through skills acquisition and education. Controller of Correctional Service, Mr Christopher Jen, said during a courtesy call on Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adamu Matthew, that the goal was to keep inmates productively…
Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated he is prepared to meet his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, but only under conditions that ensure substantive negotiations rather than symbolic gestures. Addressing reporters in Beijing at the close of his state visit to China on Wednesday, Putin said any such meeting would require “proper preparation” and a realistic…
Authorities in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have cancelled all public park licences in Abuja, citing widespread violations of urban planning rules. Mukhtar Galadima, head of Development Control, said operators must resubmit their papers for review before licences are reissued. “This is not a witch-hunt. It is about restoring order. All park allocations were withdrawn…
Nigeria’s drive to end open defecation by 2025 hinges on behavioural change and community-led action, not merely building toilets, according to the Federal Government. Speaking at a workshop for Open Defecation-Free (ODF) validators in Nasarawa on Wednesday, Mrs Elizabeth Ugoh, Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, said sustainable sanitation requires citizens to adopt toilets…
Britain has sanctioned a group of Russian officials and organisations linked to the abduction and re-education of Ukrainian children, in what London called a systematic attempt to erase Ukraine’s cultural identity. Eight individuals and three groups were named in the sanctions list, including Aymani Kadyrova, mother of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, and her Akhmat Kadyrov…
Yobe State has launched a specialised procurement cadre within its civil service as part of reforms aimed at strengthening transparency and reducing financial mismanagement. Head of Service, Alhaji Tonga Betara, said 150 officers had been inducted into the new structure and were undergoing training in Damaturu to enhance accountability in Ministries, Departments and Agencies. “The…
Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has urged state and local governments to intensify anti-corruption measures, describing them as the “true frontline” in the national fight against graft. At a one-day strategic roundtable in Abuja on Wednesday, ICPC Chairman Dr Musa Aliyu said mismanagement of resources at sub-national…
Nearly 850,000 Syrian refugees have returned from neighbouring countries since December, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said on Wednesday, even as Lebanon and Syria continue to grapple with a protracted displacement crisis. UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees, Kelly Clements, concluded a visit to both countries where she met officials, returnees, and refugees…
The 444th Combat Brigade, one of the key military units aligned with Libya’s UN-recognised Government of National Unity, has come under attack in the town of Bani Walid. According to a statement released by the brigade, a suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden vehicle outside its headquarters on Tuesday. Images published online showed the aftermath of…
