News
Sheikh Gumi Outlines Plan for FG to Tackle Lakurawa Terrorist Group
Islamic scholar and prominent preacher, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has urged the Nigerian government to create a specialized paramilitary force to effectively address the growing threat posed by the Lakurawa terrorist group in the northern region of the country.
Speaking during a program on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Gumi emphasized that the ideology of the Lakurawa group is similar to that of other extremist organizations, pointing to their recent violent activities, particularly in Mera Community, Kebbi State.
Gumi criticized the Nigerian military’s capacity to handle the unique challenges of counter-terrorism, asserting that the current military structure is not designed to tackle insurgencies like Lakurawa. He argued that the military is more equipped to confront traditional state-to-state conflicts rather than non-state actors like terrorists or bandits. “Our military is modeled on the British Army system, designed for conventional warfare, not counter-terrorism operations. It excels in traditional battles against other nations, but when it comes to fighting bandits or terror groups, it’s not suited to the task,” Gumi explained. He suggested that a new, specialized force composed of personnel more familiar with the local terrain and dynamics of insurgency would be more effective in addressing the threat posed by the Lakurawa group.
Sheikh Gumi also raised concerns about the involvement of foreign powers in the ongoing violence, citing Nigeria’s rich mineral resources and fertile lands as potential incentives for external actors to destabilize the region. He suggested that some foreign entities may intentionally incite chaos to create a justification for intervention, after which Nigeria could be forced to seek their protection. “These foreign powers are aware of Nigeria’s wealth, and their interference can further exacerbate local conflicts, which ultimately leads to a situation where the country feels compelled to seek external protection,” he noted.
The scholar also touched on the socio-economic factors that contribute to the rise of extremism, particularly among the youth. Gumi attributed the recruitment of young people into terrorist groups like Lakurawa to widespread illiteracy and economic hardship. He called on the government to establish more educational institutions, similar to the Almajiri schools introduced by former President Goodluck Jonathan, as a means of addressing the root causes of radicalization.
Furthermore, Gumi emphasized the need for the government to secure Nigeria’s borders and reduce the economic difficulties that many Nigerians face, as these conditions make the population vulnerable to recruitment by extremist groups. He warned that the ongoing insurgencies, including the Boko Haram and ISWAP conflicts, already stretch the military’s resources, and the emergence of another terrorist faction would further destabilize the country. “Nigeria is already battling several insurgent groups. Another terror group could overwhelm our already stretched military and deepen instability,” he said.
In conclusion, Sheikh Gumi urged the Nigerian government to take immediate and strategic action to address these pressing security concerns, arguing that without targeted efforts to combat terrorism and its underlying causes, the country’s military and its citizens will continue to face significant threats.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is preparing for a pivotal meeting today to finalize arrangements for the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) gathers momentum.
This meeting takes place amid escalating tensions over the party’s national secretaryship, a dispute that has deepened divisions within the PDP.
The crisis has intensified as the South-East zonal caucus has threatened to withdraw from the party unless their nominee, Sunday Ude-Okoye, is officially confirmed for the national secretary role.
At the heart of the conflict is the leadership tussle between Samuel Anyanwu and Ude-Okoye. Despite a general agreement among PDP governors to replace Anyanwu, who lost the 2023 Imo State governorship election, the matter remains unresolved.
However, a key PDP figure, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, insists that Anyanwu should be allowed to complete his tenure. Wike has even threatened legal action, warning that any communication with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)—including the notice for the NEC meeting scheduled for May 27—must bear Anyanwu’s signature.
The forthcoming NEC meeting, set for May 27, is viewed as a crucial opportunity to address the party’s internal challenges and lay the groundwork for the national convention slated for August.
To help mediate the crisis, PDP governors and stakeholders have formed a seven-member committee, led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki, tasked with finding a resolution.
Besides tackling the leadership dispute, today’s NWC meeting will also address ongoing security issues at the PDP national secretariat, Wadata Plaza in Abuja. The secretariat has been repeatedly targeted by thugs amid the secretaryship conflict, raising safety concerns among staff, some of whom have requested that meetings be held offsite in the past.
The NWC is expected to consider restructuring the security arrangements to enhance protection. The recent endorsement of acting national secretary Setonji Koshoedo by 83 PDP administrative staff underscores the urgency of resolving these matters.
Sources within the party, speaking to Daily Trust, say the NWC is committed to ensuring the NEC meeting proceeds as planned despite attempts by some factions to obstruct it.
“One faction is still working to block the NEC meeting, but the NWC is focused on getting the process started and making sure the meeting happens,” one source said.
The source added, “Security concerns are also high on the agenda. The secretariat has been invaded multiple times during the secretaryship dispute. Staff safety remains a serious issue — at one point, even the Board of Trustees had to hold meetings outside the secretariat. The NWC aims to implement a comprehensive security overhaul.”
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
As of Wednesday, May 14, 2025, the exchange rate for the US Dollar to the Nigerian Naira on the Lagos Parallel Market (commonly referred to as the black market) stands at ₦1,625 for buying and ₦1,630 for selling.
This information is based on data obtained from reliable sources within the Bureau De Change (BDC) community.
It is important to emphasize that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not endorse or recognize the black market. The apex bank has consistently advised individuals and businesses seeking foreign exchange to make use of official channels by contacting their respective commercial banks.
USD to NGN (Black Market) Exchange Rate
Buying Rate ₦1,625
Selling Rate ₦1,630
Official CBN Dollar to Naira Rate – May 14, 2025
USD to NGN (CBN Rate) Rate
Highest Rate ₦1,600
Lowest Rate ₦1,595
Please keep in mind that the rates listed here are subject to market fluctuations and may vary depending on the location, time of transaction, and volume of currency exchanged.
Exchange rates are constantly changing due to market dynamics. This article provides indicative rates and should not be considered as financial advice. For the most accurate and up-to-date rates, consult with your bank or a licensed Bureau De Change operator.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The family of Nnamdi Kanu has again demanded an outright ban of the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN from coverage of Kanu’s trial on alleged terrorism related crimes over alleged biased reportage.
In the alternative, the aggrieved family asked the court to permit live streaming of trial proceedings to guarantee fairness, transparency and accountability.
A statement signed by Prince Emmanuel Kanu for the Kanu Family, expressed the family “deep concern and outrage over what it called the continuous shameless manipulation of court proceedings by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in the ongoing trial of their son and brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”
“It is now beyond question that NAN has abandoned any pretense of professional journalism. They have become the unofficial megaphone of the State Security Services (SSS) and the prosecuting authority, spreading one-sided propaganda, while deliberately ignoring crucial courtroom developments that dismantle the Government’s case.
“Today’s distortion is a case in point. Instead of reporting on the damning cross-examination of government witness PW-BBB—who embarrassingly admitted that no investigation report exists to support the charges against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, NAN chose to publish a useless story about a death certificate.
This document has zero evidentiary relevance, and its tendering was clearly a diversionary tactic to cover up the implosion of the prosecution’s case.
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“We find it unacceptable and improper that NAN is given exclusive access to report court proceedings—particularly when their reports serve only to mislead the public and undermine judicial transparency.
“We therefore call on Justice James Omotosho to immediately ban the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) from further courtroom access in this matter for repeated, unethical conduct and biased reporting;
” In the alternative, the court should permit live streaming of the trial proceedings to guarantee fairness, transparency, and accountability.
“Furthermore, we reject the spin being spread regarding DSS allegedly denying Kanu Agabi SAN access to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
What occurred in court today was a moment of statesmanship by Kanu Agabi SAN—a respected legal elder, former Senator, Attorney-General, and Minister of Justice—who chose not to expose the DSS’s misconduct openly to save the court and its officers from scandal. His restraint should not be misrepresented by a discredited press agency.
“This trial is not just about Mazi Nnamdi Kanu—it is a test of the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary, the independence of the media, and the rule of law in a democracy. Continued distortion of proceedings can only serve to deepen national division and erode public trust.
The eyes of the world are on Nigeria. Let justice be done—openly and without propaganda” the family said.
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