By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

In a shocking revelation, authorities in Katsina State have arrested a young man named Falalu, who confessed to orchestrating the abduction of his own mother.

The incident has left the community in disbelief, raising concerns over the lengths to which individuals might go for financial gain.

In a video released by authorities, Falalu openly admitted his involvement. “I arranged for the abduction of my mother,” he stated without remorse. “We worked on it together with one Nakande and another accomplice. We were three in total.” His casual confession and tone sent a wave of outrage and sorrow throughout Katsina, as he described how he meticulously planned his mother’s ordeal.

According to local sources, Falalu was motivated by financial issues. By working with Nakande, a known figure in the region, and another unnamed associate, they devised a scheme to demand ransom from their own family members. While such incidents have tragically become common across some parts of Nigeria, family involvement has added a new dimension of horror to this case.

The Katsina State Police have since taken Falalu and his accomplices into custody, assuring the public that justice will be served.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has commanded the mass production of attack drones, signaling a major escalation in the nation’s military capabilities.

The directive comes as concerns grow about the strengthening military ties between North Korea and Russia, which have sparked international scrutiny.

State-run media outlet KCNA reported that Kim’s decision to ramp up drone production follows a series of developments aimed at boosting North Korea’s defense capabilities. In August, Pyongyang first unveiled its attack drones, a move that experts believe is linked to its growing alliance with Russia, which has been providing technical support for North Korea’s weapons programs.

During a recent demonstration on Thursday, Kim Jong Un personally oversaw a test involving drones designed to strike both land and sea targets. The test reportedly showed the drones’ effectiveness, as they successfully hit their designated targets after flying along pre-programmed flight paths.

KCNA emphasized that Kim Jong Un expressed the urgent need to establish a serial production system for these drones, with the aim of achieving full-scale manufacturing in the shortest time possible. These unmanned drones, which are equipped with explosives, function as “suicide drones,” deliberately crashing into enemy targets and acting as guided missiles.

The state media further detailed that the new drones will be capable of operating across various ranges, allowing them to target both ground and maritime adversaries with precision. The continued development and deployment of such weaponry underline North Korea’s ongoing efforts to enhance its military deterrence capabilities amidst rising tensions in the region.

With these drones set to play a central role in future military strategies, North Korea’s investment in unmanned aerial technology marks a significant shift in its defense posture, potentially altering the balance of power in East Asia.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

President Bola Tinubu on Friday conferred a post-homous award of the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) on the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.

He made the declaration during the interment in honour of the late senior officer at the National Cemetery in Mogadishu, Abuja.

The President extoled the virtues of the late warrior, eulogising his contributions to national security.

According to Tinubu, the appointment of Lagbaja as the COAS was one of his finest made so far.

President Bola Tinubu on Friday conferred a post-homous award of the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) on the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.

He made the declaration during the interment in honour of the late warrior at the National Cemetery in Mogadishu, Abuja.

The President extoled the virtues of the late warrior, eulogising his contributions to national security.

According to Tinubu, the appointment of Lagbaja as the COAS was one of his finest made so far.

“As an eternal symbol of our appreciation, I have granted the late Chief of Army Staff, the post-humous national honour of the Commander of the Federal Republic of the Niger (CFR),” Tinubu declared.

He after that invited the wife of the late COAS, Mariya who collected the award on behalf of the Lagbaja family amid applause from the congregation.

The President urged the officers of the military not to allow “death defeat us. Lift your heads in pride in memory of your army chief.”

Tinubu also reiterated his administration’s commitment to support members of the armed forces who work hard to defend the nation.

He expressed gratitude to the Lagbaja family for allowing the late COAS to serve with honour, saying that the works of the late warrior would continue to serve generations yet unborn.

The event had in attendance Vice President Kashima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Defence Minister, governors and top military officials.

Last week, Tinubu announced Lagbaja’s death, saying the late warrior passed away in Lagos after a period of illness.

Born on February 28, 1968, Lagbaja served as the Chief of Army Staff for one year and four months. President Tinubu appointed him to the role in June 2023.

He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.

(Channels TV)