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The Kano State Government has announced plans to establish additional military bases in security-prone parts of the state following growing concerns over the infiltration of armed bandits from neighbouring states.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf disclosed the development after meeting with the Minister of Defence, saying the Federal Government had agreed to strengthen military presence in vulnerable areas of the state.

The proposed military bases are expected to cover areas considered vulnerable to bandit attacks, including Shanono, Bichi, Gwarzo, Doguwa and Tudun Wada, among others.

The move comes amid increasing security concerns in communities located close to Kano’s borders with neighbouring states, where residents have reportedly faced attacks by armed criminals, resulting in deaths, injuries and disruption of economic activities.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Taju Usman, disclosed the latest government resolutions after a September 5, 2026 meeting involving Governor Yusuf and the chairmen of the 44 local government councils.

Also at the meeting were the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and the state Accountant-General.

Usman said security dominated the meeting, alongside discussions on infrastructure and human capital development.

According to him, Governor Yusuf’s meeting with the Defence Minister produced an agreement on the need for additional military bases in local government areas identified as vulnerable to security threats.

He said the proposed bases would complement existing security structures involving the Nigeria Police Force, Neighbourhood Watch and Forest Guards.

The commissioner said the initiative was aimed at improving rapid response to attacks, strengthening security coverage, protecting communities and safeguarding lives and property.

N27.8bn ICT Centres for 44 LGAs

Beyond security, the state government announced a series of development initiatives targeted at the 44 local government areas.

Usman said contracts had been awarded for the construction and provision of Computer-Based Test and Information and Communication Technology centres in all 44 LGAs.

The project, valued at N27.8 billion, is expected to improve students’ access to internet-enabled facilities for Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board examinations and other computer-based tests.

The commissioner said implementation would commence immediately.

Rural Ambulances for Every Ward

The government also resolved to provide one rural ambulance to each ward across the state as part of efforts to improve access to emergency and basic healthcare services.

According to Usman, two drivers would be employed for each ambulance, with preference given to qualified residents of the affected wards.

Solar Streetlights, EV Charging Points

The state government is also planning a pilot scheme for electric vehicle charging stations at strategic locations across the Kano metropolis.

Usman said the charging infrastructure would initially be introduced as a pilot project before possible expansion based on its performance.

He added that the installation of solar-powered streetlights across the 44 LGAs would begin immediately, following facilitation by Honourable Abba Bichi.

The project, he said, would improve public lighting, enhance security and support the state’s sustainable development efforts.

More Grassroots Appointments

The government also approved the appointment of 50 special reporters for each local government area and 35 advisers for local government chairmen.

Usman said 15 of the adviser positions would be allocated to members of the former APC structure.

He said the appointments were designed to improve grassroots communication, public engagement and administrative effectiveness.

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The Nigerian Army has redeployed senior officers to key command and operational positions to strengthen operational effectiveness and enhance its response to Nigeria’s evolving security threats.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, approved the strategic postings, according to a statement by Col. Appolonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, on Wednesday.

Under the new dispensation, Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose moves from Army Headquarters Department of Army Operations to Theatre Command Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, as Theatre Commander.

Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, former Theatre Commander, moves to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre as Dean, Faculty of Operational Research.

Other senior appointments include Maj.-Gen. Aminu Umar, who moves from Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs to Army War College Nigeria as Commandant.

Maj.-Gen. GS Muhammed moves from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to Nigerian Army Finance Corporation as Director-General.

Maj.-Gen. Julius Osifo moves from the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation to the Military Pension Board as Chairman, while Maj.-Gen. IE Ekpenyong moves to Defence Headquarters Department of Defence Logistics as Director, Engineering Services.

The Army also announced several brigade-level appointments aimed at strengthening operational and formation commands.

Brig.-Gen. MS Adamu moves from Nigerian Army Women Command to the newly established 8 Brigade as Commander, while Brig.-Gen. MS Sule moves from Special Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE to 27 Task Force Brigade.

Brig.-Gen. I. Sule moves from the Directorate of Recruitment Management to 6 Division Garrison as Commander, while Brig.-Gen. E Azenda moves from the Land Forces Simulation Centre to 2 Division Garrison.

According to the statement, the postings were designed to place the right leadership, experience and expertise in critical operational theatres and strategic appointments.

It said the exercise was part of ongoing efforts to align the Army’s command structure with the country’s evolving security environment.

Shaibu charged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them through exemplary leadership, operational innovation and professionalism.

He urged them to remain committed to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authority in maintaining peace and security.

The COAS said the Army remained committed to a dynamic leadership and force-employment framework that would improve operational outcomes and strengthen joint and inter-agency coordination.

He pledged to enhance its capacity to respond decisively to contemporary and emerging threats in furtherance of Nigeria’s national security objectives.

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The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President of the Senate, Rt. Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, has dismissed as a “desperate and dangerous lie” a viral statement allegedly attributed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, claiming he threatened that Northerners would suffer if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu loses the 2027 presidential election.

Eyiboh said Akpabio “never made such a statement” and challenged those circulating the alleged quotation to produce verifiable evidence showing where, when and before whom the Senate President supposedly made the remark.

In a statement, the aide said there was no authentic video, audio recording, speech, interview, press release, transcript or credible media report establishing that Akpabio uttered the alleged words.

He specifically challenged Engr. Ibrahim Umar Ammar, whom he identified as being associated with the Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organisation and ADC-NYAF in Kano State, to release the original and unedited recording of the purported statement.

«“Produce the original and unedited video or audio recording showing precisely where, when and before whom Senator Akpabio made the alleged statement,” Eyiboh demanded.»

He also asked those behind the allegation to identify the occasion, date and venue where the statement was supposedly made, as well as the journalists or media organisations that allegedly witnessed or reported it.

According to Eyiboh, a photograph of Akpabio with words superimposed beneath it cannot constitute credible evidence.

He described such material as “merely an allegation wearing typography” and urged anyone who merely reposted the claim to disclose its original source and provide the first publication from which it was obtained.

Aide Accuses Critics of Ethnic Incitement

Eyiboh accused those circulating the alleged quotation of deliberately exploiting ethnic sentiments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“This is not legitimate political opposition. It is calculated incitement designed to manufacture fear, resentment and hostility between Northern Nigerians and a national leader from the South,” he said.

The Senate President’s aide argued that Akpabio’s political relationships and legislative record also contradict attempts to portray him as hostile to Northern Nigeria.

He cited Akpabio’s political relationship with Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin of Kano, the presence of Northerners among his aides and his backing for legislative measures targeted at development across Northern communities.

Among the initiatives he highlighted were the establishment of the North-West Development Commission and North-Central Development Commission, as well as the Federal Polytechnic in Rano, Kano State, and the Federal University of Health Sciences in Tsafe, Zamfara State.

Eyiboh also recalled Akpabio’s visit to Borno State following the devastating floods in Maiduguri and the National Assembly’s intervention to support victims.

He said the Senate contributed ₦74 million to the relief effort, while the two chambers of the National Assembly provided a combined ₦174 million.

According to him, the Senate under Akpabio has also supported legislation covering student loans, minimum wage, security, education and economic development, which he said were designed to benefit Nigerians regardless of region.

‘Produce Evidence or Withdraw the Claim’

Eyiboh urged Nigerians to verify the authenticity of politically sensitive claims before sharing them online, stressing that the burden of proof rests with those making the allegation.

“The demand is therefore straightforward and categorical: produce the original video, produce the original audio, produce an authenticated transcript, name the occasion, give the date and venue, and identify the media organisations that witnessed or reported the statement,” he said.

He called on political parties and their supporters to focus on records, policies, achievement