Author Archives: News All Around

Kaduna, Nigeria – May 13, 2025 — The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has officially announced the commencement of its screening process for applicants seeking admission into the 77 Regular Course for the 2025 academic session. The announcement, made by the Academy’s Public Relations Officer, Major Mohammed Maidawa, outlines the requirements and key dates for prospective candidates.

According to the statement, all applicants who participated in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and selected the NDA as their first-choice institution are eligible for consideration—provided they meet the minimum score requirements.

“A minimum UTME score of 180 is required for all courses, while candidates applying for engineering courses must have scored at least 210,” the release stated. Only those who meet these criteria will be allowed to select a screening centre and sit for the NDA Screening Test.

The nationwide NDA Screening Test is scheduled for Saturday, 24 May 2025. Candidates who are successful in the screening phase will proceed to the Armed Forces Selection Board (AFSB) held at the Academy in Kaduna. There, they will undergo comprehensive evaluations including medical, physical, and psychological tests, as well as other assessments.

The final list of successful candidates is expected to be published in national newspapers and on the official NDA website in due course.

Meanwhile, the Academy has raised an alarm over a growing trend of online fraudsters impersonating NDA officials through fake social media accounts. These individuals reportedly disseminate false information and solicit payments under the guise of facilitating admission.

“The NDA has not authorized any individual or group to collect money on its behalf. Admission into the Academy is strictly based on merit, and the process is transparent,” warned Major Maidawa.

Prospective applicants and the general public are urged to rely only on the NDA’s verified communication channels for authentic updates. Official information is available on the Academy’s social media platforms, including:

TikTok: @ndefenceacademy

Facebook: facebook.com/@ndefenceacademy

Twitter (X): x.com/ndefenceacademy

Instagram: instagram.com/ndefenceacademy

YouTube: youtube.com/@ndefenceacademy

For direct inquiries, applicants may contact the NDA Registry via email at academyregistrar@nda.edu.ng.

The NDA remains committed to upholding the highest standards of training, discipline, and academic excellence, and looks forward to welcoming the next generation of officer cadets.

Opelola James

Coalition of Arewa Civil Society Organizations has taken a swipe on Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, saying rather than him concentrating on developing the state, he instead choose to engage in blame games and attacks on those he considered political threats.

Addressing a press conference in Kaduna, convener of the coalition Aminu Abbas Arabi averred that since the assumption of office, Governor Lawal, a man who contested elections with a clear manifesto and blueprint has suddenly become overtly obsessed with the administration of his predecessor Bello Muhammed Matawalle without anything tangible to show for the huge allocations coming into the state.

Arabi further noted that it is on record that with the removal of subsidy, State allocations have more than doubled and no Governor or state has any excuse not to deliver democratic dividends to its people.

“In Zamfara State, instead of continuity and good governance, Governor Dauda Lawal has focused his attention on trying to demarket his predecessor pursuing imaginary probes and writing petitions upon petitions against a man who has never been found guilty or indicted of any crime.

“Instead of showing his scorecard and justifying the billions of naira allocated to Zamfara State since assumption of office, he has chosen to chase shadows and abandon the task he was elected to perform. This is a pure distraction from his core mandate and we find it not only repulsive but repugnant. It is, therefore, our firm position that his behavior is unbecoming of a sitting Governor, and if he feels inadequate to perform his duties, he should resign with immediate effect”.

The coalition also posited that under Governor Lawal’s administration, Zamfara has turned into an open abattoir and cemetery of sorts, adding that as the chief security officer of the State, the Governor has failed to stop the killings, stressing “all he does is blame others for his lapses. Communities are being sacked and terrorists have gained a foothold in many communities to the extent of collecting taxes and levies from vulnerable indigenes.

“Less than 72 hours ago, an imam and his son were killed in cold blood. His inability to act should be an embarrassment to everybody who identifies with good governance, and this is the time to tell Dauda the truth – he should either resign or act as a sitting Governor for once.

“It is also troubling that instead of concentrating on improving the internally generated revenue base of Zamfara State, the inefficient Dauda has rather prioritized bashing his predecessor about loans that were taken to develop the state. If he feels the funds accruable to Zamfara State are not enough, he should work towards increasing the internally generated revenue and attracting investors. It is sad to note that no investor has pitched a tent in Zamfara because of the widespread insecurity and unfavorable government policies since Dauda Lawal took over the mantle of leadership.

“Based on our objective observation, Governor Lawal Dauda is in no way interested in developing the state. His interest at this material time is to accumulate as many resources as possible to prosecute his reelection bid come 2027. This is totally unacceptable and we cannot sit idle and watch our Governor convert our revenue and resources to his personal estate at the expense of the suffering masses.

“Let us reiterate that Zamfara has no business with underdevelopment because the State is blessed with resources

By Simone Oladodu

The Concerned Northern Forum (CNF) has cleared a misconception surrounding recent attacks on Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, through a sponsored fake protest calling on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate him.

Addressing a press conference in Kaduna, the Chairman of the forum, Alhaji Aliyu Muhammad Sani, described the protest as another shameless and dishonest act perpetrated by a so-called faceless and non-existent group that claimed to be the All Progressives Congress Young Leaders Alliance (APC-YLA), which staged a protest demanding the probe of Matawalle.

“This is nothing but another episode in the series of sponsored, devilish, and character-damaging campaigns by certain unpatriotic, dishonest enemies of democracy threatened by the gigantic successes achieved by the Minister. The opposition has allegedly set aside a sum of 2 billion naira for such purposes.

“All their campaigns are nowhere close to the truth but are full of jargon, falsehoods, and devilish notes meant for destructive purposes. This is not the first attempt — they have tried using different organizations and persons, all of which have failed, yet they refuse to back down.”

He added, “We are here to expose them to Nigerians, reveal their real identities as the criminals and frauds that they are, and bring an end to their sponsored and unpatriotic plot. The APC-YLA is non-existent and nonfunctional, created solely for this smear campaign against Minister Matawalle.

“The address they provided is fake; it is merely a marketplace with no proper location. The protest itself was a farce — only a few participants were above 18, while the rest were minors, hired and paid peanuts to carry placards and chant slogans they did not understand.”

CNF also reported the matter to the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressing concern that the party’s name was being used in vain. The forum called on the APC and security agencies to investigate the group and publish a full list of its alleged members and affiliates.

The group expressed confidence that the ruling party would not allow itself to be used as a tool for witch hunts or personal vendettas and urged security agencies to act swiftly to expose and stop the imposters.

“We maintain that this madness must stop, sanity must return, and the normal status quo must be followed,” it stressed.

ENDS

By Adam Luka

Concerned Northern Forum (CNF) has withdrawn earlier allegations made against former Zamfara State Governor and current Minister of State for Defense, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, admitting that the group acted on misleading information fed by political opponents.

Speaking at a press briefing in Kaduna on Monday, CNF Chairman Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed said he had since realized that the claims were part of a targeted smear campaign designed to damage Matawalle’s reputation.

“I wish to unequivocally state that I was misled by the information presented to me, and the content of the press text was blown out of proportion,” Mohammed said. “It was a political witch hunt, deliberately orchestrated and propagated by the opposition who are envious of the Minister’s achievements.”

Previously, Mohammed had called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate Matawalle for alleged financial mismanagement during his time as governor. He has now backtracked, denouncing the call as politically motivated and baseless.

Highlighting Matawalle’s achievements, Mohammed cited significant developments in infrastructure, health, education, and security. These included the commencement of a new airport project, road construction, and major upgrades to the state’s water supply.

He also noted the procurement of over 200 Hilux vehicles and ambulances, solar-powered streetlights for the state capital, and healthcare investments including the construction of primary health centres across all 147 wards in Zamfara.

In education, the former governor was credited with settling examination fees for NECO and WAEC, as well as investing in technology infrastructure such as the Digital World ICT Center and a Command and Control Room in Gusau.

Mohammed further stated that Matawalle’s administration renovated the State House of Assembly, built a governor’s lodge in Kaduna, invested in liaison offices including one in Abuja, and purchased Best Premier Hotel in Abuja as a state-owned asset.

He alleged that over two billion naira had been released by the current Zamfara State Government to finance a misinformation campaign against the Minister.

“We call on the general public to disregard such toxic news and any future press conferences sponsored to malign the Minister,” he said. “Matawalle to the best of our knowledge did well as Governor and is presently doing extremely well in the security sector towards actualizing the Renewed Hope agenda of President Tinubu.”

Mohammed concluded by urging Nigerians to support the federal government’s efforts: “We deeply acknowledge and commend the efforts of this administration in restructuring and ultimately building a new Nigeria.”

ENDS

By Mercy Dambai

A youth advocacy group, Zamfara Youth for Progress (ZYP), has raised alarm over an alleged plan to stage a politically motivated press conference aimed at discrediting the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. The group described the move as a dangerous distraction from the fight against insecurity in the North.

In a press statement issued on Monday in Gusau, signed by its chairman, Tijjani Musa Tsafe, the group alleged that the planned press briefing is being orchestrated with the support of Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, and warned that the action could destabilize recent gains in security across the region.

“We hereby issue this statement as a clarion call to the youth and citizens of Zamfara, urging them to reject any attempts to destabilize the ongoing fight against insecurity in our region,” the statement read.

The youth group noted that, in recent months, the Northern region has experienced a significant reduction in banditry and violent crimes—a development it credited to the strategic leadership of Minister Matawalle.

Tsafe said the minister’s approach has led to the neutralization of several bandit leaders and the recovery of previously terrorized communities. “It is imperative that we recognize and celebrate these achievements rather than allow ourselves to be drawn into divisive politics that serve only the interests of a few,” he added.

ZYP condemned the alleged planned press conference as “ill-timed and counterproductive,” saying it was being driven by groups with no legitimate claim to represent the youths or people of Zamfara State. “They are hungry for attention and recognition, but their actions threaten to derail the progress we have made in combating insecurity,” the group stated.

The statement further urged all well-meaning citizens to resist attempts to politicize security issues at a time when stability is gradually being restored. “The people of Zamfara deserve leaders who prioritize the welfare of their constituents above personal ambitions,” Tsafe said.

He urged the alleged sponsors of the smear campaign to desist, adding that Minister Matawalle deserves support, not sabotage. “It is crucial for us to allow Minister Matawalle and the federal government to concentrate on their mission of enhancing national security without undue distractions. The stakes are too high, and the consequences of such distractions could be dire for our communities.”

The group described Matawalle as a “beacon of hope” for Northern Nigeria, citing the tangible results of his leadership in the ongoing anti-banditry campaign. “The reduction in banditry and violence is not merely a statistic; it is a testament to the lives saved and the families reunited,” the statement added.

The group concluded by calling on Zamfara residents and Northern citizens at large to unite in support of leaders making real progress in security and governance.

“We must focus our energies on supporting those who are genuinely working to improve our lives rather than engaging in futile political squabbles,” Tsafe said. “Let us stand together in solidarity, championing the cause of peace and security for Zamfara and the North as a whole.”

By Christina Ocholi

The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum (NSCF) has accused the Zamfara State Government of sponsoring a well-funded smear campaign aimed at discrediting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle.

In a press statement signed by the forum’s Chairman, Comrade Danjuma Paul, the group alleged that a staggering sum of about two billion naira has been released to various groups tasked with organizing press conferences and disseminating negative narratives targeted at both the President and the Defence Minister.

The NSCF, a group known for its advocacy for peace and unity in Nigeria, said the alleged campaign is designed to tarnish Matawalle’s reputation and call into question President Tinubu’s judgment in appointing him into the federal cabinet.

“These are orchestrated attacks with the sole aim of undermining a key figure in Nigeria’s fight against insecurity,” the statement read. “Matawalle’s track record in public service is well documented. These recent attempts to damage his image are politically motivated and based on no verifiable facts.”

The group said the alleged plot includes plans to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to reopen investigations into Matawalle’s tenure as governor of Zamfara State. It emphasized that these calls lack credible justification and appear to be driven by political vendettas.

“Matawalle has always been committed to the fight against insecurity, especially during his time as Governor of Zamfara,” Comrade Paul stated. “Now, as Defence Minister, he remains focused on national service. These baseless attacks only serve to distract from that mission.”

According to the NSCF, opposition to Matawalle’s appointment stems from local political rivalries within Zamfara. The group accused certain elites of feeling threatened by the minister’s rising national profile and seeking to diminish his influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The timing of these smear campaigns is telling,” the forum noted. “As political interests clash ahead of 2027, some factions are trying to control the narrative by launching coordinated attacks against their perceived opponents.”

The group condemned what it described as the deliberate spread of misinformation, warning that such actions have far-reaching implications beyond personal reputations.

“At a time when Nigeria is battling severe security threats, engaging in divisive and false campaigns is both reckless and dangerous,” the forum said. “Such rhetoric not only targets individuals but undermines national unity and the fight against insecurity.”

The forum stressed that sabotaging efforts at the federal level—especially in the Defence Ministry—could worsen the already dire security situation in Zamfara and other northern states grappling with armed banditry and insurgency.

Comrade Paul called on security agencies, including the police and other intelligence institutions, to investigate those allegedly behind the smear efforts.

“Political blackmail must not be tolerated,” he said. “Those behind these defamatory activities must be exposed and held accountable. Disinformation is a form of political violence, and it must be treated as such.”

Zamfara State has long been one of the epicenters of insecurity in Nigeria, with ongoing conflicts between criminal groups and security forces. The forum said Matawalle’s appointment was widely regarded as a strategic move by President Tinubu to bring in someone with field experience to help coordinate better responses to the crisis.

Despite ongoing political tension, the forum noted that Matawalle has remained focused and undistracted by attacks on his character.

In an earlier statement, the Defence Minister described the campaigns against him as baseless and politically motivated. He reaffirmed his commitment to securing Nigeria and working collaboratively with state governments and local communities.

“My focus remains the safety and protection of all Nigerians,” Matawalle said. “These attempts to derail our national efforts will not succeed.”

The NSCF concluded its statement with a call for unity, urging political actors across the country to set aside self-interest and prioritize the nation’s stability and security.

“The road to lasting peace is paved with collective responsibility,” the forum said. “We must come together—regardless of political affiliation—to face the real enemies of our nation: insecurity, division, and misinformation.”

ENDS

The Kaduna Youths for Peace and Development (KYPD) group has denied reports of the arrest of Nura Usman, a self acclaimed youth activist and advocate for good governance, by the Kaduna government.

According to the group ,Usman was invited by the police to explain a malicious Facebook post, but he evaded arrest and switched off his phone to create a false narrative.

Sahara Reporters claimed Usman was abducted and tortured by security operatives over his Facebook posts criticizing government policies.

But in a reaction, KYPD denies Usman’s arrest and torture, calling the report false and a cheap blackmail.The group claimed Usman posted a false and inciting statement capable of breaching public peace in the state.

In a Statement jointly signed by the Chairman,Comrade Musa Lere and Secretary,Comrade Joseph Maigari the group which expressed sadness over
the Sahara Reporters’ story on Kaduna Government Critic, Nura Usman Abducted, Tortured Over Facebook Post As Wife reported is nothing but false.

It stated further, “He was never arrested and still on the run.He is running away from the law. He posted a false and inciting statement capable of breaching public peace in the state. He couldn’t substantiate his claim. His invitation by the security operatives has nothing to do with Kaduna State Government as reported.”

Nura Usman had posted on Facebook handle:”Information reaching my desk just now has revealed that some aides of a governor from Kaduna State have met with some selected student leaders of the state-owned university.

“These aides have commissioned the student leaders to hold a press conference and publicly condemn the ongoing strike by lecturers, who are urging the state government to fulfill outstanding demands after multiple unmet promises.

“Sources indicate that the student leaders have received the sum of N20,000 from the aides in question to facilitate this press conference. We shall see”.

On those behind Nura Usman inciting post ,the group averred,” We see him as someone allegedly being sponsored by former Kaduna State Governor,Mal. Nasiru Elrufai against Governor Uba Sani.

However, the Sahara Reporters quoted , a petition dated May 2, 2025,where he stated that ” a law firm alleged that Mr. Usman was abducted on the night of April 30 by heavily armed operatives of Operation Fushin Kada, a joint security task force comprising personnel from the Nigerian Army, Navy, DSS, Police, and other agencies.

“The law firm in the petition claimed the arrest was ordered by powerful officials within the Kaduna State Government, allegedly in retaliation for Facebook posts made by Mr. Usman on April 28 and 29 that criticized certain government policies.

“This is untrue and should be disregard by the public.”it stressed.

The Forum for Good Governance in Nigeria (FGGN) has called on Nigerians to ignore what it described as “sponsored groups” mobilized to discredit the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engineer Mele Kyari.

In a statement made available to journalists, the group said Kyari had served the nation with dedication and patriotism, and therefore did not deserve the wave of attacks being orchestrated against him.

“Nigerians must learn to reward hard work and commitment to service, as is the practice in most developed countries,” the group stated.

The FGGN expressed disappointment that the protesters had failed to acknowledge Kyari’s significant contributions, particularly his efforts to revive the country’s ailing refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna.

Describing Kyari as the most outstanding GCEO in the history of NNPCL, the group dismissed those behind the attacks as “jobless individuals with no vision for the future.”

The statement, signed by its Chairman, Comrade Bala Usman Sani, highlighted some of Kyari’s key achievements during his tenure. It noted that Kyari inherited a struggling NNPC but succeeded in transforming it into a more efficient and credible institution.

“He was recognized as the Outstanding Employer of the Year 2022 by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria,” the statement noted. “He maintained a national strategic fuel reserve that served the country effectively during fuel shortages and worked tirelessly to stem the smuggling of petroleum products across borders.”

The group also credited Kyari with encouraging private investments in refinery development—such as the Dangote Refinery and other modular refinery projects—and for pushing forward the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s four state-owned refineries.

It added that Kyari played a pivotal role in implementing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which led to the successful incorporation of NNPC under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA).

“Under Kyari, the national oil company recorded significant progress, including increased domestic natural gas consumption, an oil production boost to 1.8 million barrels per day, and the revival of two major refineries,” the statement read.

The group also pointed to the introduction of the Transparency, Accountability, and Performance Excellence (TAPE) agenda under Kyari’s leadership, which it said helped address inefficiencies and restore public trust in the national oil firm.

FFGN concluded its statement by calling on Nigerians to remain vigilant and not allow “politically motivated distractions” to undermine the achievements of those who have genuinely served the country.