Speaking through Abbas Tajudeen, speaker of the house of representatives, at the 25th anniversary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the launch of its endowment fund on Saturday in Kaduna, the president said the security challenges inherited by his administration were grave but not insurmountable.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by Musa Krishi, special adviser on media and publicity to the speaker, Tinubu said the dysfunction accumulated over decades had fractured bonds and strained national unity.

“Nothing troubles me more gravely than the security crisis bedevilling Nigeria, especially northern Nigeria,” he said.

“Affliction in any part of the country is a setback for every part. We cannot prosper when one limb of the national body is paralysed.”

Tinubu noted that the layers and sophistication of insecurity facing the country were daunting, but insisted his administration was pursuing solutions with urgency.

He cautioned that the north must not abandon its responsibility to protect the vulnerable, adding that neglecting widespread poverty and fear would amount to collective failure.

“But let no one believe that hope is lost,” he said. “The dysfunction inherited over decades fractured bonds and strained unity.

“Yet the ethnic and religious diversity gathered here today is a declaration of the collective resolve to overcome polarisation and resist any agenda designed to divide.”

On the situation in the region, Tinubu reaffirmed: “We are not only determined to ensure that terrorist and bandit groups tormenting the North are eliminated, but we are also equally committed to reversing the region’s economic decline.”

He added that every generation has its own distinct calling — from resisting colonialism to shaping a democracy capable of holding Nigeria’s diversity together.

The post Tinubu: We’ll eliminate terrorists, reverse north’s economic decline first appeared on The Times of Abuja.

The delegation was led by Bashir Dalhatu, the ACF board of trustees (BoT) chairman, who said the visit was to commend the administration’s governance approach and to brief the governor on the forum’s activities, including its forthcoming 25th anniversary.

Sani said he was honoured to receive the delegation, describing the meeting as “thoughtful and forward-looking”.

He said their engagement underscored shared priorities around inclusive governance, rural transformation, social reconciliation, and policies aimed at supporting vulnerable groups.

The governor welcomed the ACF’s acknowledgment of the state government’s support in securing the forum’s national headquarters in Kaduna, calling it “an important institutional anchor for Arewa’s collective voice”.

He also expressed appreciation for being named chief host of the ACF’s 25th anniversary celebration scheduled to hold in Kaduna.

The forum has invited President Bola Tinubu as special guest of honour for the milestone event.

Sani encouraged the forum to continue deploying its “moral authority and intellectual depth” to promote peace, unity, and sustainable development in the region.

He reiterated that the Kaduna state government remains open to partnerships with regional stakeholders committed to strengthening social cohesion, improving stability, and advancing the prosperity of northern Nigeria and the country as a whole.

The post PHOTOS: Uba Sani meets Arewa Consultative Forum leaders in Kaduna first appeared on The Times of Abuja.

The federal government signed agreement on behalf of the Kaduna state government, which forms part of a broader $62.8 million blended financing package with international development partners designed to expand access to quality and inclusive education in one of the country’s most affected regions.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Mohammed Manga, the director of information and public relations at the federal ministry of finance, said the loan is expected to finance the reaching out-of-school children programme.

“In a significant step towards improving access to quality education in Nigeria, the federal government and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development have partnered to support the Reaching Out-of-School Children programme in Kaduna State,” the statement reads.

“This partnership is built on a $25.35m concessionary loan agreement signed today between the Federal Government of Nigeria, on behalf of Kaduna State and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development.

“The facility forms part of a wider $62.8m blended package with international partners that will expand access to quality, inclusive education and improve learning outcomes for some of Nigeria’s most vulnerable children.”

Wale Edun, the minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, who was represented at the signing by Doris Uzoka-Anite, the minister of state for finance, said the programme highlights the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and measurable outcomes in social sector investments.

Edun pointed out that every dollar of assistance must result in tangible and noticeable development because millions of children are still not attending school, especially in northern Nigeria.

He expressed optimism that the project could be replicated in other states and praised Kaduna State for its strong engagement with partners and aggressive leadership.

Uba Sani, the governor of Kaduna, reiterated the state’s emphasis on education and revealed his administration had already met its $1 million counterpart financing promise.

He said the state had increased the education sector’s share of the 2025 budget to 26 percent as part of a broader commitment to human capital development.

Wahid Al-Bahar, the director-general of the Kuwait Fund, described the project as an investment in hope, noting that its goals extend beyond infrastructure.

He said the fund was proud to support an initiative that aims to guarantee access to learning for every child, stressing that success would be judged by improved enrolment, stronger learning outcomes, and community engagement.

The other partners in the financing structure include the Islamic Development Bank, which is contributing a $10.5 million loan; the Global Partnership for Education, offering a $15.45m grant; the Education Above All Foundation, with a $10 million grant; and Save the Children International, which is providing $0.5 million in technical assistance. Kaduna state’s contribution stands at $1million.

The post FG secures $25.35m Kuwait loan to address out-of-school crisis in Kaduna first appeared on The Times of Abuja.

Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA), says there is a significant improvement in security along the Abuja-Kaduna highway, attributing the development to a sustained military campaign against bandits in the region.

Ribadu spoke in Kaduna on Wednesday at the two-day interactive forum organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation

The NSA said he and other top officials deliberately drove the notorious Abuja-Kaduna route at night to send a clear message, saying “the area has been cleared of major threats”.

“You can now drive from Abuja to Kaduna safely at night because we have killed those bastards,” referring to notorious bandit leaders such as Kachalla Boka, Dogo Issa, and Kachalla Shekau,” he said.

“They were in control of those areas; we cleared them.”

He added that air and ground forces have been actively targeting gunrunners and militant strongholds, confiscating and destroying thousands of weapons in the process.

“Every day we are collecting weapons, eliminating their sources, and neutralizing threats in battle,” Ribadu said.

The NSA also referenced multiple foiled attacks on the Abuja-Kaduna train line, thanking the Nigerian Air Force for its efforts.

“They tried two or three times while we were in office, and we repelled them. But we don’t talk about it, we act.”

Ribadu added that government officials have been directed to avoid air travel on such routes to demonstrate confidence in the restored security.

“We stopped everyone from flying. Next time, when we go to Issa or Shinkafi, we will drive,” he said.

“Politics may not allow people to give us credit, but Nigerians — especially Northerners — will feel the difference. Things are changing.”

The post Ridadu: We drove from Abuja to Kaduna… we’ve killed those bastards terrorising the road first appeared on The Times of Abuja.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA spokesperson, said Ayuba had previously been arrested and prosecuted by the agency for drug dealing offences.

Babafemi said the suspect was convicted and served 10-year jail term between 2014 and 2024, before he was again arrested on May 14 at Barazana street, Dogarawa area of Sabon Gari LGA, Kaduna.

According to the NDLEA spokesperson, the suspect claimed to have been in the illicit drug trade for the past 46 years.

Also, Babafemi said NDLEA operatives arrested 82-year-old grandma Uloma Uchechi and her daughter Chisom Uchechi, 32, at Umuaguma Ntigha Uzor village, Abia state, where different quantities of methamphetamine, tramadol and skunk, a strain of cannabis were recovered.

He added that a cash exhibit of N130,600 was recovered also recovered from mother and daughter.

“The grandma confessed that she and her daughter took over the drug trade after her son who started the business died two years ago,” the statement reads.

“At the Port Harcourt Ports complex in Onne, Rivers state, a total of three million (3,000,000) pills of tapentadol and carisoprodol royal 225mg worth N2.1billion in street value were intercepted in one of the containers watch-listed by the Agency based on intelligence.

“The seizure was made on Wednesday 14th May during a joint examination of the container by NDLEA officers, men of Customs Service and other security agencies.

“In like manner, NDLEA operatives at the Apapa seaport in Lagos on Tuesday 13th May intercepted another watch-listed container declared to have new car parts and accessories from India.

“During a joint examination with other security agencies, a total of 169,800 bottles of codeine syrup worth over N1.1billion in street value were discovered concealed in the shipment.

“In Kwara state, no fewer than 199,200 pills of tramadol were recovered from two suspects: Abdulwahab Quadir and Abdulraheem Ismail on Friday 16th May following their arrest at Gegele area of Ilorin by NDLEA operatives who also raided Favour Lodge in the state capital where an HND 1 student of the Department of Laboratory Science Technology, Kwara State Polytechnic, Ibrahim Oladimeji Abdulateef was arrested with 650grams of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis already measured in 149 cups, which he sells to other students.

“At a courier company in Lagos, NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) on Friday 16th May intercepted 250grams of cocaine concealed in female headgear going to Australia.

In Niger state, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Mokwa-Jebba road on Thursday 15th May intercepted a Toyota Carina car marked AGL 945 BK conveying 316 blocks of skunk weighing 143kg while a suspect, Idris Kamal, 35, was arrested. Same day, operatives on patrol at Chachi junction along Kaduna road arrested Emmanuel Hassan, 26, with 14.3kg Loud. A swift follow up operation led to the arrest of the actual owner of the consignment, Bello Aliyu (alias Liti), 39.

While a 60-year-old suspect, Welman Kengbo was nabbed by NDLEA officers with 594.8kg skunk at Karu area of Nasarawa state on Friday 16th May, another suspect Oyenuga Toheeb
was arrested along Lekki/Epe expressway, Lagos on Thursday 15th May with 67.5kg of the same psychoactive substance.

“In Taraba state, 5,350 pills of tramadol and diazepam were recovered from a suspect, Shafiu Ismail, 22, when he was arrested on Thursday 15th May at Sabonlayin, Jalingo LGA, while Tijjani Mohammed, 35, was nabbed with 198kg skunk at Malamawa, Garki LGA, Jigawa state same day.”

He added that NDLEA operatives on patrol along Abuja – Kaduna highway on May 16 intercepted a 29-year-old Ismail Isah with an AK 47 rifle and two magazines concealed in a sack of maize.

Babafemi said the suspect would be transferred to the appropriate security agency for further investigation.

The post NDLEA arrests 80-year-old ex-convict, 82-year-old woman with ‘illicit drugs’ in Kaduna, Abia first appeared on The Times of Abuja.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA spokesperson, said operatives of the agency on patrol along the Kaduna-Zaria expressway on May 3 discovered the explosives during a stop and search operation in the bus coming from Nasarawa.

“A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a total of Nine Hundred and Forty-Two (942) explosives concealed in a sack and the subsequent arrest of a 30-year-old suspect, Nura Sani Muhammad (alias Nura Hariji),” the statement reads.

Babafemi added that operatives also intercepted no fewer than 3,500,000 pills of opioids and 163,000 bottles of codeine syrup with a combined street value of over ₦3,428,000,000 in Port Harcourt, Rivers and Lagos states.

“The bulk of the seizures – two million pills of tafrodol 225mg and 163,000 bottles of codeine syrup – was made on Tuesday, 29th April 2025, during a joint examination of a watch-listed container by NDLEA officers, men of Customs Service and other security agencies at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne, Rivers state,” he said.

“In Lagos, a total of 1,500,000 pills of a controlled opioid were recovered from a suspect, Olarenwaju Wahab, at the Alaba-Rago area of Ojo on Tuesday, 29th April, while the source of the consignment was traced to Q104B Road 25, Victoria Garden City, Lekki, which is the residence of one Obinna Kenneth, who is now at large.

“Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives at the import shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja, Lagos, have intercepted 42 parcels of Canadian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis weighing 20kg, concealed in tins of chocolate, Milo beverage, white kidney beans and dark red kidney beans packaged as part of cargo that came into the Lagos airport onboard a British Airways flight from Canada.

“At least three suspects, including the receiver of the consignment, Monsurat Ewawunmi Lawson, have been arrested between Wednesday, 30th April, and Saturday, 3rd May.

“In like manner, a businessman, Bobby Morris Osas, was on Friday, 2nd May, arrested at the Lagos airport while attempting to board a Turkish Airlines flight to Italy. A thorough search of his luggage led to the seizure of 8,130 pills of tramadol (225mg, 200mg and 100 mg).

“An attempt by another syndicate to ship 104 104grams of tramadol and skunk concealed in bottles of body cream to Iraq through a courier company in Lagos was also thwarted on Monday 28th April by NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI).”

Babafemi said Buba Marwa, the chairman of NDLEA, directed that the suspect and exhibits be transferred to the appropriate security agency for further action.

He added that five members of a syndicate led by Aminu Musa (a.k.a. Kadagi) were on April 30 arrested by NDLEA operatives at Dangoro market, Kano, with 50 blocks of skunk weighing 21.6kg recovered from them.

“In Edo state, operatives acting on intelligence on Thursday, 1st May, intercepted at Uromi, Esan North-East, a white Toyota bus conveying assorted opioids from Onitsha, Anambra state, heading to Auchi,” Babafemi said.

“Recovered from the vehicle were 314,020 pills of tramadol, Rohypnol, diazepam, and Exol 5; 638 bottles of codeine syrup; and 200 ampoules of pentazocine injection, while a suspect

Dare Adeyemo was taken into custody. A Mazda commercial bus marked XA343TSE was equally intercepted at Agu-Awka junction, Awka, Anambra state by NDLEA operatives on Wednesday, 30th April, while a total of 50,400 capsules of tramadol, 500 tablets of co-codamol and 300 ampoules of pentazocine injection were recovered and a suspect, Chinedu Eneh, arrested.

“In Niger state, NDLEA officers on patrol along Kontagora-Mokwa Road on Saturday, 3rd May, intercepted a Mitsubishi Canter truck marked RBH 104 ZY.

“A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 5,500 capsules of tramadol and 2,300 ampoules of pentazocine injection as well as the arrest of a suspect, Yusuf Abubakar, 30.

“After 10 months of painstaking investigation, NDLEA operatives on Saturday, 26th April, arrested a wanted drug kingpin, the 52-year-old Managing Director of Ovidaq International Ltd, Dominic Chiegozie Obijiaku, over his involvement in the importation of a consignment of 2,616,060 pills of tramadol 225mg intercepted by NDLEA at Apapa seaport in Lagos on 28th July 2024.

“A follow-up operation at his house in Lekki led to the seizure of 51 wraps of Canadian Loud weighing 34 grams.”

The post NDLEA intercepts Zamfara-bound ‘492 explosives’, seizes ‘N3.4bn worth of illicit drugs’ in Lagos first appeared on The Times of Abuja.

The police command in Kaduna says its operatives have arrested 523 suspected criminals and rescued 102 kidnapped victims.

Ibrahim Abdullahi, the commissioner of police in Kaduna, said in a statement on Monday that those arrested include 26 suspected kidnappers, 12 cattle rustlers, 97 phone snatchers and 17 car snatchers, among others.

Abdullahi said the arrests were made within one month since he assumed office.

The police commissioner said some of the items recovered from the suspects include five AK-47 rifles, two pistols, one submachine gun, 105 rounds of live ammunition, 283 rustled cows and 20 sheep.

“As we embark into the ember months, efforts have been intensified to tackle crime across the State. Black spots known for criminal activities were raided, leading to the arrest of over 350 suspects,” the statement reads.

“On 24th November 2024, the command received a distressed call reporting suspicious activities of bandits in large numbers attempting to kidnap farmers harvesting beans in a farm at Idasu village, Kidandan in Giwa LGA of Kaduna state.

“Upon the report, a combined teams of police mobile force and conventional police personnel, swiftly mobilised to the location and engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle.

“The operatives successfully rescued 89 kidnapped victims.”

He said the police, on November 10, arrested one Abdulmalik Aliyu, who attacked Isah Musa, along Layin Wanki, Ungwan Shanu, Kaduna, and cut off his wrist and robbed him of his VINO Motorcycle, valued at N450,000.

“Similarly, on November 20, the Anchau police division arrested a suspected kidnapper, Danladi Lawal, for abduction and collecting N4.5 million from the victim,” he added.

“These achievements underscore the Kaduna state police command’s dedication to tackling crime and safeguarding lives and property.

“The command will not relent in its efforts to maintain law and order across the state.

“We will continue to strengthen community policing and remain resolute in the fight against all forms of criminality.”

The post Police arrest 523 suspected kidnappers, cattle rustlers in Kaduna first appeared on The Times of Abuja.

Edward Gabkwet, the NAF spokesperson, said in a statement on Sunday that a team of special forces received intelligence that terrorists were planning to carry out attacks on the people of Kaduna.

Gabkwet said the operation which took place on August 31 while the troops were combing the forest.

He said the troops overpowered the terrorists, killing their leader and five other members.

“Following an intelligence report received on August 31, 2024, that a known terrorist kingpin, Mustapha Abdullahi, and five members of his group were sighted near the Sabon Gida forest along Sabon Birni road in Igabi local government area, Kaduna State, with likely intent to kidnap, harm, or kill innocent civilians, a team of special forces from the Nigerian Air Force 413 Force Protection Group was dispatched to comb the location,” the statement reads.

“After making contact with the terrorists who were on motorcycles, on sighting the Special Forces, the terrorists immediately opened fire and were met with superior firepower by the troops, eliminating all the terrorists.

“Items recovered from the terrorists included five dane guns, locally fabricated submachine guns, and live ammunition. Others include assorted charms, lighters, SIM cards, and phone cases.

“Efforts by the troops to rid Igabi, Birnin Gwari, and environs of criminals and their activities remain ongoing.”

The NAF spokesperson commended the troops for their dedication and urged them to intensify efforts to secure the lives and properties of citizens.

The post NAF troops kill ‘terrorist kingpin, five fighters’ in Kaduna first appeared on The Times of Abuja.

Samuel Aruwan, the overseeing commissioner of the ministry of internal security and home affairs in Kaduna, said the curfew is now between 6pm and 8am, noting that citizens can move from 8am to 6pm.

In a statement on Wednesday evening, Aruwan said the Kaduna state security council took the decision after a “thorough review of the security situation in Kaduna, Zaria and environs”.

He added that the council “unanimously agreed to relax the 24-hour curfew earlier imposed on Monday 4th August 2024”.

“By this review, the curfew will now be in effect from 6pm to 8am daily,” the statement reads.

This implies that citizens may move freely and carry out their legitimate activities between 8am and 6pm and will revert to the curfew from 6pm to 8am.

“The Kaduna State Security Council reiterates its total commitment to the peace and security of the state and will continue to take all steps deemed necessary for their preservation.

“Furthermore, the security forces will continue to vigorously enforce the curfew from 6pm to 8am and will be decisive in confronting actions which may lead to a breakdown of law and order during periods of movement as well as restriction.

“This is with effect from tomorrow, Thursday 8th August 2024.”

Signed Samuel Aruwan Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State.

The post Uba Sani relaxes curfew in Kaduna, Zaria — now 6pm to 8am first appeared on The Times of Abuja.

In a statement, Mansir Hassan, the police spokesperson in Kaduna, said the suspects were arrested while displaying Russian and Chinese flags.

Hassan added that the suspects also engaged in the vandalisation of private and public properties.

“Among the damaged properties were a Hilux vehicle belonging to Kaduna State Vigilante Service (KADVS), a Toyota Yaris owned by a journalist, and the Zaria offices of the Kaduna State Traffic Law Enforcement Agency (KASTLEA), which was set on fire,” the statement reads.

“The police, in collaboration with other security agencies, intervened to restore order.

“During the confrontation, the suspects became hostile and resorted to using stones, catapults, and other weapons. The police managed to calm the situation with the minimal use of tear gas.

“In total, 39 suspects were arrested at the scene, including a tailor who was sewing the foreign flags for the group.”

The police spokesperson said 38 Russian flags, one Chinese flag, two catapults with a bag of stones, and various vandalised items were recovered from the suspects.

He added that Audu Ali Dabigi, the commissioner of police in Kaduna, commended the operatives for their efforts and urged the residents to obey the 24-hour curfew.

He warned that violators will be arrested and prosecuted under the law while appealing to citizens to cooperate with the police and other security agencies during this critical period.

“The curfew is in place to protect lives and property and ensure the swift restoration of peace in Kaduna state,” the commissioner said.

The post Police arrest 38 suspects, tailor sewing Russian, Chinese flags in Kaduna first appeared on The Times of Abuja.