Author Archives: News All Around

By Moses Duwai

The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum (NSCF) has congratulated Honorable Yazid Shehu Danfulani, Turakin Zamfara, on his recent appointment as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC).

In a statement issued by the Chairman of the Forum, Comrade Danjuma Paul, the NSCF described the appointment as a major step forward not only in the career of Hon. Danfulani but also for the agricultural sector in Nigeria.

“Honorable Danfulani, your leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication to excellence make you the ideal choice to guide NAIC toward greater heights,” the statement read.

The Forum praised Danfulani’s academic and professional qualifications, noting that his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Master’s degree in Arts and Management from the University of Hertfordshire, UK, demonstrate his dedication to education and leadership development. His broad experience in banking, computing, and business administration was also highlighted as a foundation for success in his new role.

The NSCF further cited Danfulani’s previous service at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and his tenure as Zamfara State’s Commissioner for Commerce and Industry as key experiences that have prepared him to address the complex challenges in Nigeria’s agricultural and financial systems.

“Your previous roles have equipped you with a deep understanding of both the private and public sectors, positioning you to lead NAIC in providing cutting-edge agricultural insurance solutions that empower farmers and bolster food security,” the statement said.

The Forum emphasized that agriculture is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy, providing jobs for millions and playing a crucial role in ensuring food sufficiency. It expressed confidence that under Danfulani’s leadership, NAIC would evolve to better protect farmers from risks while promoting innovation and sustainability.

“Your appointment comes at a time when the need for comprehensive agricultural insurance is more urgent than ever. We are confident that your leadership will rise to meet this challenge,” the statement continued.

The NSCF also stated that Danfulani’s vision for NAIC would inspire renewed confidence among stakeholders, encourage collaboration, and drive positive impact across the agricultural value chain.

“We are optimistic that your tenure will lead to transformative outcomes for farmers, agribusinesses, and the entire agricultural economy,” the Forum added.

In conclusion, the Forum pledged its support for Danfulani’s administration and expressed readiness to partner with NAIC on initiatives that advance the interests of farmers and the agricultural sector at large.

“We commend you on this well-earned appointment. It reflects your unwavering dedication to national progress. The NSCF stands with you and looks forward to supporting your efforts. Congratulations once again, and we wish you continued success in your new role,” the statement concluded.

By Sarah Akatu
Kaduna

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as a progressive and forward-thinking decision in appointing Dr. Yazeed Shehu Danfulani as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC).

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Salifu Suleiman, the group said Dr. Danfulani’s appointment reflects the President’s commitment to youth inclusion in governance and strategic leadership in the agricultural sector.

“The appointment of Dr. Yazeed Shehu Danfulani as the head of NAIC is not just a political gesture; it is a strategic move aimed at bolstering agricultural productivity and ensuring food security nationwide,” the statement read.

The group described Dr. Danfulani as a distinguished young political figure and a rising star in Zamfara State politics, known for his innovative thinking, resilience, and dedication to public service. NAN emphasized that his experience and in-depth knowledge of the agricultural landscape make him well-suited to lead NAIC, especially at a time when Nigeria is confronting significant agricultural challenges.

“In a nation where agriculture is the primary livelihood for millions and forms a substantial part of our GDP, institutions like NAIC play a vital role. The impact of climate change, unpredictable weather patterns, pest infestations, and other natural disasters make agricultural insurance indispensable,” Suleiman said.

NAN further highlighted that Dr. Danfulani’s appointment signifies the Tinubu administration’s awareness of these pressing realities and its resolve to address them through competent and youth-driven leadership.

“Dr. Danfulani’s youth and energy are expected to inject a new dynamism into the operations of NAIC. His leadership offers hope for reform, transparency, and enhanced service delivery that will benefit farmers across the country,” the statement continued.

The group expressed confidence that with Dr. Danfulani at the helm, NAIC will be restructured to not only expand its insurance coverage but also make its services more accessible and beneficial to the rural farming population.

Beyond the technical and managerial expectations, NAN said the appointment sends a powerful message to the Nigerian youth — that merit, hard work, and dedication are still pathways to national leadership.

“This is a call to action for other public and private institutions to recognize and harness the potential of young professionals who have what it takes to move the nation forward,” the statement added.

The group congratulated Dr. Danfulani on what it called a well-deserved elevation and urged him to continue demonstrating the commitment and drive that have characterized his public service career.

“As he steps into this critical role, we urge Dr. Danfulani to remain focused and proactive. The task ahead is enormous, but with determination and innovation, he can lead NAIC to become a model institution in agricultural insurance,” NAN concluded.

ENDS

*Accuses Gov of propaganda, brinkmanship

A former political ally of Governor Alex Otti, Prof. Moses A. Orji, has asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to honour an invitation by the Abia State Governor to commission just one project.

The President is reportedly scheduled to visit Abia State on May 23, to among other things, commission the 6.5 kilometre Port Harcourt Road in Aba, which was rebuilt by the administration of Governor Alex Otti administration.

Responding to the development through an open letter to the President, released to newsmen on Tuesday, Prof. Orji said: “it could even be in the personal interest of Governor Otti that the President doesn’t come now. Perhaps Otti needs time to put his house in order.”

According to Orji, It is not enough to be dragging the President of the Federal Republic about just because the governor’s cousin is a Federal Minister, and ‘one of those who has the ear of Mr. President.

” In which state in the Federal Republic of Nigeria has the president gone to commission just a single completed project, and nothing more?

” Why would Mr. President go to Enugu state to inaugurate seven (7) different key projects completed (by a fellow first termer with Otti), and then feel the same sense of duty to be called upon to inaugurate just one in Abia?

” Why would the President go to commission the dazzling wonderland called Funcity built by Governor Soludo of Anambra state, and not ask us questions about the whereabouts of Abia’s “Recreational Facilities” which was completed last year at the cost of over N7 billions but is nowhere to be found? Or do we think the presidency is not aware?

“Why would we want to drag the President into our numerous cases of “flag-offs” when work has not commenced on any of the previous flag-offs?

“What about our flagged-off Seaport, Fertilizer Plants, Refineries etc at the proposed Owazza Integrated Industrial Park? Has anybody seen the feasibility study report, or the Environmental Impact Assessment Report of any of them? But they have been flagged-off.

“What about the Pensioners who are proposing to come out in their numbers to make their case before the President? What are we going to tell Mr President? That we are the only state in the South East still owing Pensioners their arrears. What would be our governor’s excuse for wanting Abia pensioners to forfeit their earned pensions when our monthly inflows has quadrupled?.”

While accusing Alex Otti led administration of employing propaganda and brinkmanship, Prof. Orji recalled that Governor Otti, about a year ago, nearly pulled off a similar stunt when he tried to drag Governor Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state to Abia state.

“Our Governor wanted his colleague from Lagos state to come and commission a 200 metre track road (Yellow Avenue) on the outskirts of Aba, a street leading to the private residence of one of his business friends. Of course his intended guest caught wind of it, and refused to show up.

“I am therefore of the opinion that this make-believe approach to scoring dubious political points by an administration that is grossly underperforming should be exposed and discouraged.

“For example, what if the President decides to have a breather at the Government House, Umuahia which has a Presidential Lounge? Would Mr Otti tell the President to follow him to his private residence at Isiala Ngwa? Remember the President is not coming on a social visit? Or would our Governor tell his august guest that tortoise, vulture and other animals were used to lay the foundation of our Government House?

“Again the Abia “Medical City” at Owerrinta is within the precincts of our Owerrinta Rice Complex.

“What if the President decides to have a glimpse of the ‘Owerrinta Rice Mill. The proximity of the “two projects” could tempt the President to kill two birds with one stone.”

Orji submitted that Abia state have been wallowing in the morass of propaganda and brinkmanship while states like Enugu and Anambra have taken a quantum leap forward.

“Yet we may not have learnt our lessons as our governor continues to fire broadsides at his predecessors, and as he continues to blame the rate of the Dollar to the Naira for the inflated value of his contracts.”

Ahead the 2027 general elections , the core stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in the Northwest geo-political zone converged on Kaduna on Saturday to declare a vote of confidence on the leadership and administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The event was lit up by arrival of the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, Kaduna Governor, Senator Uba Sani, Speaker of House of Representatives , Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas and Senator Shehu Sani ,whose return to party excited the large crowd of party supporters present at the event.

The arrow heads of the party have not only decided to mobile support for President Tinubu but work ensure his resounding victory across the zone

At the meeting,the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abas, moved the motion for the endorsement of the President, while Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, seconded the motion, passing a vote of confidence in Tinubu for the second term in 2027.

The event took place at the Indoor Sports Hall of the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Hall, Murtala Square, Kaduna on Saturday.

This was after the Kaduna State Governor and APC North-West Co-ordinating Governor, Senator Uba Sani, called upon Speaker Abas to step forward before the gathering to move a motion for the endorsement.

Abas said, “Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to witness a history. My name is Abas Tajudeen, the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives and I move on behalf of the entire APC family of the North-West Zone Stakeholders emphatically a motion of a vote of confidence in our dear President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR, for his progressive governance, improving leadership and his unwavering support for the socio-economic development of the North-West geo-political.

“In so doing, unequivocally, endorse him as our only preferred candidate for the 2027 elections. I so do!”

The Speaker later put the motion to a voice vote for the stakeholders, where they all overwhelmingly affirmed the endorsement of the president for continuity in 2027.

In return, all the APC governors in the NorthWest Zone were offered automatic tickets for second term in the 2027 governorship elections as announced by the National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, in his address to the gathering.

According to Ganduje, there is “no vacancy” in Aso Rock, come 2027.

Thereafter, a communique on behalf of stakeholders from the zone was read by the Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani.

The party leaders including Ganduje, three governors of Kaduna, Uba Sani, Jigawa, Namadi and Kebbi, Nasir and Speaker of the House of Representatives, ministers as well as party executives, overwhelmingly declared their supports for the president during the APC North-West Zone Stakeholders meeting.

Governors of Katsina and Sokoto states sent their representatives.

Among other party faithful at the gathering are Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, and Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal.

Others are a former Speaker and governor of Katsina, Bello Aminu Masari, a former senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial, Shehu Sani, a former Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Ahmed Yerima, former House of Representatives members from the zone, former governor of Zamfara, Mahmud Shinkafi, former governor of Kebbi, Senator Adamu Aliero.

The chairman of state chapters, state and federal legislators, as well as ministers, heads of federal agencies, including senior political appointees, were also at the meeting, themed: “Consolidating on our gains, facing the future together.”

The foundation for the endorsement of the President was laid when the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, while addressing the stakeholders, asked: “Aso Rock”? with the stakeholders responding by saying” no vacancy.”

With the response from the gathering, Barau said, “So it is clear in 2027, we are going to have a landslide victory, inshallah. So let us continue on the way we are going. Let us continue to cooperate, work with the president, work with everybody, cooperate amongst ourselves so that we have the desired victory.”

He said the defection of stalwarts of the opposition political parties to the party (APC) was as a result of the performance of Tinubu in addressing the challenges bedevilling the country.

Arewa Professionals Forum has resolved to back the Registrar of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor I shaw Oloyede after the accepting the issue technical glitch and subsequent public apology to that effect.

According to the Forum, the JAMB Boss has demonstrated high sense of responsibility to own up the examination technical errors and decision to make amends immediately.

The JAMB registrar had broke down in tears as he offered an apology to candidates affected by technical errors in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Exam (UTME) and admitted that mistakes made by one of the service providers led to distorted results for nearly 380,000 candidates in 157 centres across Lagos and Owerri.

In a six paragraph communique issued after a meeting held at Arewa House Kaduna today, the Arewa Professionals Forum stated , ” That we stand to be corrected, this is the first time we can recall that the head of agency in Nigeria can come out openly to accept faults and apologize to Nigerians accordingly.

The Communique jointly signed by the Coordinator and Secretary , Comrade Usman Ibrahim and Comrade Peter Bege further stated: “And the good part of the apology was the fact that he provided a timely solution to address the issues raised as a result of examination glitch.

“That oloyede has been prudent with management of JAMB funds over the years and has also demonstrated that he has the capacity and administrative prowess to make JAMB a model of excellence.

“In this regard,we appeal to affected candidates; parents and Nigerians to consider his performance above this recent technical glitch that hitherto has stirred public anger against him .”

The Koro people in Kaduna State on Saturday rolled out drums to celebrate what could be described as a ‘Great and colourful’ maiden Cultural Day Festival.

The event attended by large number of dignitaries within and outside Kaduna was the first of its kind since the creation of Koro Chiefdom in the State.

In his speech during the occasion held at Government Secondary School,Kubacha, Kagarko local government areas of Kaduna State the President of Koro Community Development Association (KCDA), Prof. John Yakubu Magaji said the theme: Revitalizing Koro Cultural Heritage, Bridging Generations and Uniting Communities reflects the collective aspirations of the Koro people.

Speaking further on the theme, Prof Magaji said, “It speaks to our long-held desire to deliberately revive our rich cultural and traditional values, build sustainable connections across generations, and foster unity in the pursuit of progress, development, and peaceful coexistence with our neighbours.”

Though he acknowledged that this first attempt to organize the Koro Cultural Festival came with its own challenges and unintended outcomes, he gave assurance that subsequent events would be better.

While reflecting on the history and journey of our association, he explained: “The Koro Community Development Association began as individual units at village levels. The idea of coming together as a collective started in Kaduna town, where all Koro indigenes residing in Kaduna began to meet as a group—what is today known as “the Koro Community Development Association Kaduna Branch”. It was this branch that took the crucial step of registering the association with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), giving it formal recognition.

“The unification of all village development associations was spearheaded by Mr. Emmanuel Ejah, fondly known as Polude, who served as the first president. He was succeeded by L.L. Lamba, under whose leadership the Koro Chiefdom was created—a foundational milestone that laid the groundwork for the democratic dividends we are witnessing today. The mantle of leadership then passed to Dr. Kurah of blessed memory. After his passing, the Association nearly went into extinction, until it was revived in 2022 under my leadership, with me, Prof. J.Y. Magaji, emerging as the elected president. It is by the grace of God and the resilience of our people that we are standing strong today.

“Nevertheless, today is a day of pride for every son and daughter of the Koro nation. This annual cultural day festival has come to stay, and we pledge to build upon the strong foundation that has now been laid.”

He however, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani for the commendable development work they are doing across the nation and the State and prayed to God to grant them good health as well as the opportunity to continue and accomplish all the positive agendas they have set for the country and State.

He also commended the Kagarko Council Chairman, Hon. Muhuyideen, who according to him wholeheartedly embraced the event as his own.

He didn’t end his speech without extending appreciation to the Executive Cabinet of the Koro Community Development Association for their unwavering support and dedication to the vision of their community and the 2025 cultural Day Board members;all the sub-committees and those,who helped in one-way or the other for their nurturing spirit, energy, creativity, commitment and consistent contributions, to the success of the festival

Change headline and author

Planned Protest: Nigerians in Diaspora Withdraw Action Against Kyari

Nigerians based in United States under the umbrella of Nigerians in Diaspora for Peace and Unity today withdrawn its earlier decision to embark on Protest against for Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engineer Mele Kyari on suspicion that it was sponsored.

According to group with its headquarters in Washington D.C, it didn’t get its facts right,when the decision to embark on the Protest was made, thus was misled to believe that Kyari mismanaged the country’s oil company.

“We were ready to move to the street to protest because we were made to believe Kyari fled Nigeria to avoid accountability for financial misconduct during his six-year tenure at NNPCL from 2019 to 2025.” It stated .

It was widely reported that that hundreds of Nigerians had protested at the Nigerian High Commission and the UK Home Office in London, calling for the deportation of former Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) boss, Mele Kyari, to face corruption investigations in Nigeria.

In a statement issued and made available to journalists today, the Nigerians in Diaspora for Peace and Unity announced that it has withdrawn from the planned protest schedule for Friday and orders members across United and United Kingdom to comply with the directive.

The group in the statement signed by the Chairman ,Chief Sebastian West Lokpobiri explained: “We did set a 10-man fact finding committee ahead of the scheduled date for the protest and later discovered that the former NNPCL boss rather did well to reposition the company and shouldn’t be ridiculed

The statement further reads : “We also discovered that NNPCL under Kyari was not only revived to produce refined Petrol for our teeming population,but it operational lines were transparent; effective and profit oriented.

“As group,we don’t take actions blindly without digging up the facts behind any issue raised from public discourse or disenchantment. It is against this background that we have decided to suspend action to embark on protest.

“We therefore advise other groups that have been misled or sponsored to protest to suspend action and commend Kyari efforts to resuscitate our once comatose oil company.”

By Mike Odeh James

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has expressed strong disapproval of comments made by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, during his recent condolence visit to Benue State Governor, Father Hyacinth Alia, following deadly attacks by armed men identified as Fulani herdsmen.

In a press statement issued on May 15, 2025, and signed by Luka Binniyat, the Forum’s National Spokesman, the MBF described Ribadu’s remarks as “callous” and “inaccurate,” accusing him of downplaying the scale of devastation in Benue and other parts of the Middle Belt.

According to the MBF, Ribadu’s visit—which should have offered comfort and solidarity—took a controversial turn when he dismissed the severity of the crisis by framing it as part of a global trend. The NSA reportedly referenced conflicts in Sudan and Mauritania as comparisons, while denying that any parts of Nigeria are under the control of armed groups.

“This denial flies in the face of evidence,” the MBF stated. “In Benue State alone, where Ribadu made these claims, many communities remain under the occupation of armed Fulani militants who violently displaced the original inhabitants.”

The Forum noted that similar conditions exist across Southern Kaduna, Plateau, Niger, Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina, and Zamfara states. It also referenced a public admission by Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno, who acknowledged that Boko Haram had retaken some previously liberated territories.

“The MBF is therefore alarmed and puzzled by the NSA’s statements. Who is briefing him? On what basis is he dismissing credible reports of occupation and atrocities?” the statement asked.

The MBF further criticized Ribadu’s comments as being insensitive to the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs), many of whom continue to live in “subhuman conditions—stripped of their dignity, homes, and livelihoods.”

“To suggest no one occupies their lands is to deny them justice and hope of return to their homes and restitution paid in the future,” the Forum asserted.

In addition to condemning the NSA’s remarks, the MBF expressed skepticism over the ongoing “North Central Workshop on Developing a National Framework on Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration” in Makurdi, which is being organized under Ribadu’s office.

While the Forum acknowledged the importance of such frameworks, it pointed to a “glaring omission” and linked the initiative to a controversial amnesty program previously implemented in Kaduna State.

“Last year, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State granted amnesty to so-called ‘repentant’ terrorists in Birnin Gwari,” the statement recalled. “He said that it was an outcome of robust collaboration with the NSA’s office. He pledged to rehabilitate them for dropping their arms.”

The MBF lamented that no consideration was given to the victims of those terrorists—families destroyed, communities ruined, and lives upended.

“We suspect that the ongoing workshop may align with the Kaduna model, which had no consideration to the victims and has no space for justice,” the Forum warned.

Raising further alarm, the MBF questioned whether the disarmament process might be extended to local communities that have armed themselves with rudimentary weapons for self-defense.

“Would this not contradict the February 2025 call by the Director General of the Department of State Services, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, urging communities to act as first responders in self-defense?” the Forum asked.

The MBF used the opportunity to restate its policy positions:

No Blanket Amnesty for Terrorists: “The government must not allow murderers and destroyers of communities to simply surrender weapons and walk away free. Justice must be served.”

Right to Self-Defense: “Communities under siege should be supported—not disarmed. The government should help them legally procure light weapons, train youth volunteers, and place them under the supervision of vetted military or security personnel, serving or retired.”

State and Local Policing: “The MBF reiterates its call for the establishment of State Police, as well as Local Government and Ward Police structures. Security must be localised to be effective.”

No Unilateral Forgiveness of Criminals: “Amnesty and reintegration programs must follow legal processes and legislative backing. The Federal and State Governments must not unilaterally pardon terrorists without public accountability.”

Concluding the statement, the Forum called for “serious, responsible, and empathetic governance that truly reflects the pain and suffering of affected communities.”

“The NSA must offer leadership that reassures victims, not pamper terrorists. The hundreds of thousands of ‘repentant’ Boko Haram terrorists granted amnesty has not solved the insurgency in the North East,” the MBF added.

By Ezekiel Sunday

The North-East Youth Revival Movement (NEYM) has voiced deep grief and growing anger following a brutal Boko Haram attack on a military base in Marte, Borno State, which claimed the lives of five soldiers.

In a statement issued by the group’s Chairman, Abbarious Lawal, NEYM condemned the attack and held the leadership of Nigeria’s defense sector accountable for the persistent insecurity ravaging the North-East. The group demanded the immediate resignation of Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar, citing glaring failures in strategy, preparation, and military support.

“In light of this devastating event, we hereby call for the immediate resignation of Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar,” Lawal said. “This demand reflects a growing frustration among the citizens of Nigeria regarding the government’s failure to provide adequate security and effectively combat the escalating threat posed by insurgents.”

The group recounted that the attack on the forward operating base saw Boko Haram insurgents overwhelm the stationed troops, loot weapons, and seize military vehicles. The chaos reportedly left soldiers demoralized, some abandoning their posts and fleeing to nearby villages.

“This alarming behavior illustrates a critical crisis of confidence within our military ranks,” NEYM stated. “The harrowing sight of a commanding officer’s vehicle, along with essential military resources, falling into the hands of insurgents further compromises our operational capacity and undermines morale.”

Beyond the military implications, the group drew attention to the attack’s impact on civilians. Fearful residents of Marte and surrounding areas have fled to safer towns such as Dikwa, Lukumani, and Mafa. NEYM warned that the ongoing displacement is worsening the humanitarian crisis in the region, with overcrowded IDP camps now overwhelmed and under-resourced.

According to a report by SBM Intelligence, more than 2,000 Nigerians were killed in violent incidents across the country between January and March 2025. Borno State recorded the highest death toll, including 892 civilians, 462 bandits, and 234 Boko Haram insurgents.

“Our call for the resignation or retirement of Minister Badaru Abubakar by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is emblematic of a broader demand for accountability within our government,” the statement emphasized. “The perception of incompetence in handling the escalating insecurity in the region is not unfounded.”

NEYM criticized the federal government’s counterinsurgency approach, citing a lack of strategic planning, inadequate resources, and poor community engagement. The group stressed that troop withdrawals and desertions stem from systemic failures, not individual cowardice.

“Our soldiers are often thrust into perilous situations without adequate training, equipment, or support,” the group said. “It is essential to address the root causes of this crisis—such as inadequate funding, lack of morale, and insufficient strategic planning.”

Concluding its statement, NEYM called for immediate reforms and accountability at the highest levels of Nigeria’s defense sector.

“The call for the resignation of Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar is a reflection of deep-seated frustration with the status quo and a demand for meaningful change,” the group declared. “As our nation grapples with the consequences of ongoing violence, we must prioritize accountability, reform, and a renewed commitment to the safety and security of all Nigerians.”

“Only through concerted efforts to address these pressing issues can we hope to overcome the challenges posed by insurgency and restore peace and stability to the North-East and beyond,” NEYM concluded.

Musa Maye

The North-West Alliance for Security (NWAS) has called for the immediate resignation of Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, over what it described as his persistent failure to address the escalating crisis of insecurity in the North-West region of the country.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Musa Zakaria, the group declared that it “stands resolute in its commitment to the safety and well-being of the citizens of the North-West region of Nigeria,” and expressed deep concern over what it described as the “unrelenting activities of bandits and violent extremists.”

“The North-West has tragically become synonymous with lawlessness, as criminal gangs known as ‘bandits’ wreak havoc on our communities,” Zakaria said. “The situation has deteriorated to such an extent that, as highlighted by military officials, these bandits have formed alarming alliances with violent extremist organizations, blurring the lines between banditry and terrorism.”

According to NWAS, infiltration by jihadist and terrorist elements into the ranks of criminal gangs has raised the stakes, posing an existential threat to the entire region. The statistics, the group said, paint a grim picture: thousands have been killed, millions displaced, and economic life across the region is on the brink of collapse due to the unrestrained activities of bandits.

The group pointed to states such as Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara as epicenters of the crisis. “An estimated 30,000 bandits operate across nearly 100 gangs,” the statement noted. “Radicalization, long-standing disputes over land and resources, worsening environmental conditions, and an influx of weapons have only deepened the crisis.”

Zakaria lamented the breakdown of traditional conflict-resolution systems. “The traditional systems of mediation that once preserved harmony in our communities have been undermined, leaving a vacuum now filled by violence and terror,” he said.

NWAS expressed dismay over what it called the Defence Minister’s “woefully inadequate” response to the crisis, accusing him of failing to follow through on promises of increased military presence and strategic operations.

“The situation continues to deteriorate, with communities living in daily fear and uncertainty. This failure to protect our people is not merely a political oversight; it is a grave dereliction of duty,” the group stated.

NWAS emphasized that accountability must remain central to governance. “Minister Badaru Abubakar has had ample time to demonstrate his commitment to securing our region. Yet, the violence persists and his inaction speaks volumes,” the statement said.

The group called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act swiftly by relieving Badaru of his duties and appointing a “capable and dedicated leader who can bring fresh ideas and a renewed resolve to combat the security challenges in the North-West.”

“This is not just a political demand,” Zakaria stressed, “it is a moral imperative. Our people deserve safety, stability, and the assurance that their government is working in their best interest.”

NWAS concluded by calling on civil society, traditional institutions, and the wider public to rally behind its call. “The time for decisive action is now. We will not relent until our communities are free from the shackles of fear and violence,” the statement said.

ENDS