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Katsina gov denies negotiating with bandits
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Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Radda, has reaffirmed that his administration is not negotiating with bandits, stressing that the state seeks only genuine and sustainable peace.
He made this declaration during the inauguration of 100 new officers of the Community Watch Corps (C-Watch), which will extend the security outfit’s operations to 20 of the state’s 34 local government areas.
Speaking at the passing-out ceremony of the third batch of C-Watch officers in Katsina, Radda reflected on his administration’s steady progress toward restoring lasting peace across the state.
There had been reports of a supposed peace meeting between bandits and government officials in the state, but the governor dismissed the claims as false.
“The headlines say the Katsina State Government is negotiating with bandits, but that is far from reality. I have publicly maintained that the government will not negotiate with bandits but will always welcome peace,” Radda said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s determination to decisively end banditry in Katsina State, describing what he called the “Katsina Model” as a fully community-driven approach.
According to him, the model allows members of affected communities to initiate and negotiate peace pacts with repentant bandits who agree to lay down their arms.
“The role of the state government is to encourage and support the peace process while maintaining law and order in these communities. Our focus is to ensure that communities that enjoy peace also benefit socio-economically, giving our people a dignified existence,” he said.
Radda highlighted the successes recorded through the community peace accord initiative, noting that Jibia had enjoyed eight months without a major attack, while Batsari had recorded seven months of uninterrupted peace.
“Other local government areas — Danmusa, Safana, Faskari, and Sabuwa — have also witnessed relative calm since adopting the initiative,” he added.
The governor explained that the Community Watch Corps was established to combat banditry and entrench lasting peace in the state.
“When we launched the Community Watch Corps over two years ago, we were in uncharted territory. The learning curve was steep, and the uncertainty was high.
We were a new administration with the arduous task of bringing peace and security to many parts of the state.
The only thing I was certain of was my administration’s determination to bring an end to banditry in Katsina State. I campaigned on it, and the trust of the people was not going to be forsaken.”
The newly graduated officers will be deployed to Kankia and Dutsin-Ma local government areas, with 50 officers assigned to each.
Dutsin-Ma, which shares boundaries with Safana, Danmusa, and Matazu, remains one of the epicentres of banditry in the state.
Radda affirmed that kinetic operations by federal security agencies remained central to Katsina’s overall security architecture.
“This ceremony is proof that the state government will not relent in fighting insecurity and banditry wherever they exist. Those who wish to return to crime will face the full force of the law,” he warned.
He commended the Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Army, and Nigeria Police Force for their strong collaboration with the state government, noting that the synergy with federal agencies had improved intelligence sharing, response times, and coordinated operations.
The governor charged the new officers to uphold professionalism and respect for human rights at all times.
“You are entrusted not only with maintaining security but also with representing the shared goals of a peaceful and prosperous Katsina State.
It is essential to uphold integrity, professionalism, and respect for human rights in the discharge of your duties,” he said.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, lauded the initiative, saying:
“No doubt, he saw, he analysed, and he conquered — using a homegrown, community-based approach in which able-bodied young men from their various communities were selected, screened, trained, and deployed to serve as the first line of defence for their mothers, fathers, wives, daughters, sisters, brothers, and friends.”
Mu’azu noted that the event marked the third phase of the C-Watch training, following the first in October 2023 and the second in November 2024.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Standing Committee on the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, Maj. Gen. Junaidu Bindawa (retd), said the recruits underwent intensive training in minor tactics, weapon handling, communication, arrests, community policing, rules of engagement, and intelligence gathering.
He said the goal was to produce disciplined, professional, and community-focused operatives.
Bindawa, however, identified areas requiring improvement, particularly in command and control from the lowest levels to the state headquarters, to ensure better coordination and accountability.
By Francesca Hangeior
The Federal High Court has issued the Federal High Court (Pre-Election) Practice Directions, 2026, aimed at ensuring the speedy, efficient and fair determination of pre-election cases across the country.
In a statement signed by the Director of Information, Dr. Catherine Oby Christopher, the court said the new Practice Directions were approved by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Terhemba Tsoho.
According to the statement, the Practice Directions are designed to strengthen the handling of pre-election matters in line with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2026, and other relevant laws.
The court noted that the Federal High Court (Pre-Election) Practice Directions, 2026 have repealed the 2022 edition.
The statement urged members of the Bar, political parties, litigants and other stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the new provisions.
The court also announced that copies of the new Practice Directions are available for download on the Federal High Court’s official website.
The statement was issued on June 29, 2026, by Dr. Catherine Oby Christopher, Director of Information, Federal High Court of Nigeria.
By Francesca Hangeior
The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Sonny Echono, on Tuesday challenged Nigerian scientists to identify the fastest pathway towards developing the country’s first Lassa fever vaccine, describing the recurring disease as a major public health burden requiring urgent scientific solutions.
Echono gave the charge in Abuja during the presentation of the outcomes of a TETFund-sponsored Mega Research Project on Lassa Fever conducted by the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo.
Speaking after receiving the findings, Echono said the research had reinforced the need for Nigeria to move beyond generating scientific evidence to developing practical interventions that directly improve the lives of citizens.
He urged the research team to prioritise vaccine development, stressing that immunisation remains the most effective strategy for controlling infectious diseases.
He said, “What is the shortest route towards developing a vaccine? How can we ensure that the burden on our people is reduced? Every year, thousands of Nigerians die from Lassa fever. How can we reduce this burden?
“I know a vaccine is usually the most effective mode of disease control. You vaccinate people, and they become almost immune. What is the fastest path, and how can TETFund support that drive so that we can achieve direct benefits and direct impact on the lives of Nigerians?”
The TETFund boss assured the researchers that the intervention agency would work with relevant government institutions to ensure the findings translate into national health policies and interventions.
“We will escalate these findings to the relevant authorities, including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and the Federal Ministry of Health. If we receive the validation we expect, it will strengthen our case for establishing a vaccine development centre in Nigeria,” he said.
He commended the researchers for producing findings capable of improving healthcare delivery, adding that defeating diseases such as Lassa fever would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s health system.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Francis Uba, described the project as one of the institution’s most significant research investments.
According to him, TETFund demonstrated remarkable foresight about four years ago by awarding the university a N250 million Mega Research Grant to investigate Lassa fever.
“This significant investment was not merely financial support; it was an expression of confidence in the capacity of Nigerian scientists and institutions to generate evidence-based solutions to one of our nation’s most persistent public health challenges,” he said.
Uba noted that recurrent outbreaks of Lassa fever continue to impose heavy medical, social and economic costs on Nigeria and other West African countries by claiming lives, overstretching health facilities and threatening national health security.
He added that the project had generated valuable evidence on the epidemiology, diagnosis, management and control of the disease while strengthening the university’s research infrastructure, laboratory capacity and collaborations with local and international partners.
A veteran Nollywood actor and respected cleric, Pastor Taiwo Adeshina, popularly known as Elegbeje Ado.
According to family sources, the beloved actor passed away on Monday, June 29, 2026, after a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable performances and a lifetime of service to both the entertainment industry and the Christian faith.
Pastor Taiwo Adeshina was widely admired for his exceptional talent, humility, and dedication to promoting Yoruba culture through film. Over the years, he earned the admiration of colleagues, fans, and movie lovers with his memorable roles, which showcased his versatility and passion for storytelling.
Beyond the screen, he was alsoknown for his commitment to ministry, touching countless lives through his faith, guidance, and words of encouragement.
His passing marks the end of an era for the Yoruba film industry, where he remained a respected figure whose contributions helped shape and preserve indigenous filmmaking. Tributes have continued to pour in from fellow actors, filmmakers, friends, and admirers, all remembering him as a man of integrity, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to his craft and calling.
As family members, friends, colleagues, and fans mourn this painful loss, they also celebrate a life well lived and a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
May God grant Pastor Taiwo Adeshina eternal rest and strengthen his family, loved ones, and the entire Nollywood community during this difficult time. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
Federal High Court Issues New 2026 Pre-Election Practice Directions
TETFund challenges scientists to fast-track Nigeria’s first Lassa fever vaccine
Sad: Popular Yoruba actor is dead
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