Author Archives: News All Around

By Agatha Odeh

The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has reached a significant milestone in its mission to strengthen Nigeria’s defence sector, unveiling the first batch of its locally manufactured DG-103 rifles.

The upgraded version of the AK-103, produced in Kaduna, marks a critical step in reducing the country’s reliance on imports for weapons and ammunition.

Within just two months of launching production, DICON–D7G has successfully assembled nearly 1,000 units of the DG-103, with all rifles passing rigorous operational tests and meeting the high standards set by the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies.

This achievement underscores the company’s growing capacity to meet the country’s security needs with domestically produced equipment.

In addition to small arms, DICON–D7G is expanding its production capabilities to include drones and anti-drone systems, which are set to bolster the military’s early-warning capabilities during field operations.

The company’s CEO, Mr Osman Chennar, revealed that their long-term target is to reach an annual production capacity of 60 million rounds of ammunition, reinforcing Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in defence.

“DICON–D7G’s commitment to advancing the country’s defence industry does not stop with firearms and ammunition.

“In a bold move to further boost local production, we are on track to acquire a military jetty in Lagos by February 2026.

“This facility will house a production line, warehouses, and staff accommodation, in addition to a shipyard for servicing and maintaining naval vessels,” he said.

The acquisition is expected to enhance Nigeria’s defence manufacturing capabilities and open new avenues for exporting defence equipment across Africa.

“These developments reflect DICON–D7G’s role in Nigeria’s broader strategy to reduce foreign dependency and enhance national security.

“By investing in local production, we are not only addressing the country’s immediate defence needs but also laying the foundation for long-term security readiness,” he stressed.

In January 2024, both DICON, a Nigerian-run defence manufacturer based in Kaduna, and D7G a private, indigenous Nigerian defence technology company, formalised a strategic partnership by signing an MoU to establish DICON-D7G Nigeria Limited, a joint venture that combines DICON’s government-backed institutional mandate with D7G’s technical expertise and innovation capacity to strengthen Nigeria’s domestic defence production.

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has dismissed as “false and ridiculous” the claim by ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai that the Kaduna State Government under Governor Uba Sani paid N1 billion to bandits.
In a strongly-worded statement issued and made available to Journalists today , Senator Sani said the allegation attributed to the former governor lacked credibility and amounted to “politically motivated falsehood.”

In the statement personally signed by Senator Shehu Sani accused the former governor of establishing what he described as a “culture of appeasement to terrorists” during his administration. According to him, El-Rufai had previously admitted to engaging in “conditional cash transfers” to bandits, a claim which, he noted, led to the arrest of journalist Luka Biniyat at the time.

The former lawmaker argued that Kaduna State witnessed some of its worst security incidents under El-Rufai’s leadership, citing several high-profile attacks including the Kaduna–Abuja train attack, the Greenfield University abductions, and the kidnapping and killing of students from the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Bethel Baptist High School, and other institutions.

“Under his watch, bandits and terrorists operated freely like lords and kings,” Sani said, adding that large portions of Southern and Central Kaduna became “slaughterhouses where criminals operated unchallenged.” He noted that even the Kaduna airport was shut down at some point due to escalating insecurity.

Sani also referenced El-Rufai’s withdrawal of his son from a public school over safety concerns, arguing that such actions contradict the former governor’s present claims on security.

Challenging El-Rufai to present evidence of any alleged payment by the current administration, Sani said: “If he has images or videos showing cash being handed to bandits, he should make them public.”

The former senator further alleged that El-Rufai is driven by “envy” over what he described as Governor Uba Sani’s success in fostering unity between the predominantly Christian Southern Kaduna and the Muslim-majority Northern Kaduna.

He accused the former governor of presiding over an era marked by “religious and ethnic discrimination, division, persecution, torment and terror.”

While acknowledging that Kaduna, like other northern states, continues to grapple with security challenges, Senator Sani argued that Governor Uba Sani has made notable progress in “building bridges across religious divides and dismantling the structures of banditry allegedly inherited from his predecessor.”

“No sensible or responsible person conscious of history will give credence to the stream of lies that have become habitual in the life of a man in his mid-60s,” he added.

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has dismissed as “false and ridiculous” the claim by ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai that the Kaduna State Government under Governor Uba Sani paid N1 billion to bandits.
In a strongly-worded statement issued and made available to Journalists today , Senator Sani said the allegation attributed to the former governor lacked credibility and amounted to “politically motivated falsehood.”

In the statement personally signed by Senator Shehu Sani accused the former governor of establishing what he described as a “culture of appeasement to terrorists” during his administration. According to him, El-Rufai had previously admitted to engaging in “conditional cash transfers” to bandits, a claim which, he noted, led to the arrest of journalist Luka Biniyat at the time.

The former lawmaker argued that Kaduna State witnessed some of its worst security incidents under El-Rufai’s leadership, citing several high-profile attacks including the Kaduna–Abuja train attack, the Greenfield University abductions, and the kidnapping and killing of students from the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Bethel Baptist High School, and other institutions.

“Under his watch, bandits and terrorists operated freely like lords and kings,” Sani said, adding that large portions of Southern and Central Kaduna became “slaughterhouses where criminals operated unchallenged.” He noted that even the Kaduna airport was shut down at some point due to escalating insecurity.

Sani also referenced El-Rufai’s withdrawal of his son from a public school over safety concerns, arguing that such actions contradict the former governor’s present claims on security.

Challenging El-Rufai to present evidence of any alleged payment by the current administration, Sani said: “If he has images or videos showing cash being handed to bandits, he should make them public.”

The former senator further alleged that El-Rufai is driven by “envy” over what he described as Governor Uba Sani’s success in fostering unity between the predominantly Christian Southern Kaduna and the Muslim-majority Northern Kaduna.

He accused the former governor of presiding over an era marked by “religious and ethnic discrimination, division, persecution, torment and terror.”

While acknowledging that Kaduna, like other northern states, continues to grapple with security challenges, Senator Sani argued that Governor Uba Sani has made notable progress in “building bridges across religious divides and dismantling the structures of banditry allegedly inherited from his predecessor.”

“No sensible or responsible person conscious of history will give credence to the stream of lies that have become habitual in the life of a man in his mid-60s,” he added.

The Yari Roundtable for Inter-Religious Harmony has convened a major interfaith summit in Abuja, bringing together leading Christian and Muslim clerics to develop practical strategies for addressing the persistent insecurity troubling Northern Nigeria.

The high-level meeting drew religious figures, dignitaries, and community representatives from across the 19 northern states—all committed to forging a united front for peace, stability, and social cohesion in the region.

Speaking at the opening session, former Senator Shehu Sani said the worsening violence in the North made such a gathering both timely and necessary. He stressed that leaders must confront the root causes of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes if the region is to reclaim peace.

According to Sani, the Roundtable was designed to listen directly to clerics and community voices, gather grounded insights, and produce a harmonised report that relevant authorities can act upon.

“We must stop being reactive as leaders,” he said. “The bold step we are taking today is driven by a bottom-up approach. The North cannot develop under the weight of insecurity. We must confront the issues honestly and find lasting solutions once and for all.”

He also urged clerics to use their places of worship to amplify messages of peace, harmony, and mutual respect. Expressing satisfaction with what he described as “robust and enriching discussions,” Sani said the testimonies shared by participants reflected the lived realities of communities across the region.

According to him, the Yari Roundtable seeks to create a collaborative space where Christian and Muslim leaders can jointly explore pathways to peace and collectively combat the terrorism that continues to destabilise Nigeria.

Participants unanimously agreed that terrorism and banditry pose a shared threat to all communities, regardless of faith, and therefore require a united, coordinated response.

Religious leaders at the event commended Senator Abdul Aziz Yari—former Zamfara State governor and founder of the Roundtable—for initiating what they described as a courageous and timely interfaith intervention. They emphasised the critical role of clerics in shaping public opinion, bridging divides, and discouraging radicalisation within their congregations.

The leaders expressed optimism that the discussions held during the summit had identified key drivers of insecurity. They stressed that if the recommendations generated are implemented by federal, state, and local authorities, Northern Nigeria could witness significant progress in reducing insurgency and banditry.

They further called on political leaders, security agencies, and citizens to embrace interfaith collaboration and sustain such engagements as an enduring pathway to peace and development.

Among the prominent religious leaders in attendance were Archbishop James Mafita, Sheikh Salisu Abdullahi Maibarota, Rev. Gideon Mutum, Dr. Umar Zaria, Dr. Sadiq Doka, Bishop Salisu Bala (JP), Bishop Livingston Achili, Bishop Obadiah Gideon Bako, and Sheikh Adam Binani, among others.

Senator Abdul Aziz Yari founded the Yari Roundtable for Inter-Religious Harmony to create a platform that promotes unity, peace, and understanding across the 19 northern states—a mission the summit reaffirmed with renewed energy and commitment.

Nigeria’s participation at the ongoing COP30 in Belēm, Brazil, witnessed a tremendous boost when Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), delivered a keynote address at the High-Level Buildings and Cooling Pavilion Side Event.

The DG ECN used the platform provided to highlight Nigeria’s commitment to a smarter, energy-efficient cooling transition aligned with global climate goals.

Dr. Mustapha, alongside global partners which included Daikin Industries, UNEP-U4E, and the International Energy Agency, explored practical solutions to expand access to cooling while minimizing environmental impact.

At the global event, discussions emphasized the role of Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and modern cooling technologies in reducing emissions across emerging economies, with side discussions held with staff of the NNPC on how this initiative can be further promoted by the Government of Nigeria.

The ECN Director-General, an avowed and committed believer in the country’s solarization project, reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to harmonize standards, deepen collaboration, and accelerate sustainable cooling innovations under the Global Cooling Pledge.

He told listeners that “ECN remains focused on advancing technologies and policies that enhance comfort, boost productivity, and protect the environment”.

Similarly, the ECN DG engaged with Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy and Climate Change, to discuss fostering a just and equitable energy transition for developing nations.

The conversation focused on responsibly harnessing natural resources to accelerate sustainable growth, reflecting a shared commitment to collaboration, innovation, and a future where energy development benefits people while protecting the planet.

Dr. Mustapha at the global event who comes to an end today, joined other distinguished Nigerians at the Nigeria Pavilion to celebrate Nigeria Day at the ongoing COP30 in Brazil, where a brief remark was delivered.

The delegation included the Minister for Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh; the Minister of Livestock and Fisheries Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha; and the Chairman of the House Committee on Science and Technology, Hon. Adelegbe Emmanuel Oluwatimehin.

Several other eminent Nigerian representatives were also present, demonstrating the nation’s strong commitment to climate action and sustainable development on the global stage.

David Onyilokwu

Nigeria’s Middle Belt politics exploded on Thursday after the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) issued a blistering attack on Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, accusing him of “dancing on the graves” of thousands killed in years of terror attacks across the state.

In one of its strongest statements yet, the influential regional body said Governor Alia’s recent claim that no religious genocide was taking place in Benue was not just false but “a crude insult to the dead” and “an affront to survivors who live every day under the shadow of slaughter.”

The MBF pointedly reminded the governor of his own viral video from April 20, 2025, where he declared that Benue was under “well targeted, well planned and religiously executed” attacks. “How does a man contradict himself so spectacularly?” the Forum asked. “Who benefits from his sudden amnesia?”

“This is genocide — and everyone knows it”

The Forum invoked the UN Genocide Convention, arguing that the pattern of killings, mass burnings, and forced displacement in Benue mirrors every element of a religiously targeted campaign against predominantly Christian farming communities.

“What is happening in Benue is not a ‘clash’,” the Forum said. “It is organised, systematic destruction carried out by Fulani Ethnic Militia (FEM). Calling it a clash is the propaganda of perpetrators — and the comfort of politicians too timid to confront them.”

Accuses Alia of undermining U.S. scrutiny

The MBF hinted at a darker motive behind the governor’s remarks, alleging that Alia may be playing a role in efforts to blunt growing international pressure on Nigeria. The attack comes just as the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa holds hearings on President Donald Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over Christian genocide.

“Governor Alia’s statements are too conveniently timed,” the MBF said, warning that his denial could be used to confuse Washington and weaken global action.

“The numbers alone prove the governor wrong”

The Forum laid out figures it says the governor cannot wish away:

5,138 people killed in Benue between 2015 and March 2023, according to state emergency authorities.

Hundreds more massacred in repeated attacks in 2024–2025.

Over 500,000 Benue residents displaced by late 2024, with humanitarian agencies reporting even higher numbers through 2025.


“Every one of these numbers is a story of a burnt village, a widowed woman, a mutilated child,” the statement noted. “Denying this reality is not just immoral — it is outrageous.”

“Faith is not a shield for failure”

The MBF also hit back at Alia’s invocation of his priesthood. “Being a priest does not absolve him from political duty,” the Forum said. “Faith is not a cloak for denial.”

They accused the governor of sanitising mass murder, shielding perpetrators with soft language, and abandoning communities that trusted him to bring moral clarity to governance.

Four demands to the governor

The Forum called on Governor Alia to:

1. Stop trivialising mass killings with euphemisms.


2. Invite independent investigators to determine whether international crimes are being committed.


3. Demand stronger humanitarian protection for Benue’s displaced.


4. Cease making statements that “mislead Nigerians and deceive the world.”



“History is watching,” the MBF warned. “And it will not be kind to those who use the pulpit to hide political cowardice.”

Barrister Aminu Hussaini – Examines How Triple Threats of Money, Might, and Chaotic Litigations Sets Nigeria’s Democracy at Risk

As Nigeria moves steadily toward the 2027 general elections, a familiar and troubling pattern is resurfacing: our democracy is being contested long before citizens approach the polling booths. Increasingly, political battles are fought not in town halls, rallies or debates, but in courtrooms, party secretariats, private villas and the shadows of unchecked financial influence.
When democracy goes to court before the voter arrives, the heart of electoral legitimacy is compromised; unless we confront this drift, 2027 risks becoming another election decided by judicial technicalities, power blocs and influence peddlers—not the will of the Nigerian people.
The Courtroom Is Not a Campaign Ground
Certainly, there is no democracy without an independent judiciary; but there is also no healthy democracy when litigation replaces voter persuasion and legal technicalities overshadow voter decisions. In this dispensation, pre-election court cases have mushroomed to unprecedented levels. Instead of focusing on policies, candidates invest in legal teams to disqualify opponents, overturn primaries or secure favorable interpretations of party rules, electoral law and election guidelines.
While the courts play a vital role in resolving disputes, their increasing involvement before and after elections weakens the mandate that should come from the electorate. When judges determine who appears on the ballot and who occupies position more than voters do, democracy becomes distorted.
Money: The Invisible Voter
Financial influence has become one of the most determining factors of Nigerian electoral process and outcomes. The monetization of the political process—from party forms that cost millions, to delegates’ primaries drenched in cash, to open vote-buying on election day—has made public office obviously purchasable.
In the buildup to 2027, there is already evidence of an arms race of money. But democracy should not and cannot be an auction. When the candidate with the deepest pockets surpasses the candidate with the best ideas and pedigree, the entire nation pays the price.
Might and Intimidation: The Dark Edge of Nigerian Politics
Nigeria’s elections are often marred by a subtle but powerful coercive force: the deployment of political thugs, the misuse of security agencies and the intimidation of both voters and electoral officials. If citizens cannot cast their votes freely, without fear of intimidation or manipulation of their votes, then we do not have elections—what we have are simply rituals of staged participation. As 2027 approaches, Nigerians must insist that the ballot paper not the bully or manipulation, remains the instrument of choice. Stakeholders’ manipulative tendencies must be resisted and totally rejected. We must understand and believe that our destiny would not be served on a platter of gold. True freedom is always wrested not given!
Manipulation From Within
Manipulation does not only occur at polling units. It often begins much earlier—through compromised party primaries, doctored delegate lists, parallel congresses and last-minute candidate substitutions. These internal manipulations set the stage for disputed outcomes and post-election chaos.
Regrettably, when the foundations are shaky, the entire democratic structure trembles.
Why the Popular Vote Must Be Supreme in 2027
For Nigeria to move forward, the legitimacy of leaders must come from the people—not from court rulings, kingmakers or financial powerhouses. The 2027 season provide a crucial opportunity to reinforce the principles of free, fair and credible elections which require transparent and technology-backed electoral processes that prioritize voters over power brokers; political finance reforms to curb the corrupting force of money; internal party democracy that is credible, inclusive, and free from manipulation; judicial restraint and speedy processes ensuring courts do not become substitutes for elections as well as security neutrality to guarantee voter safety and trust.
To succeed, we must believe in being strong even when it seems to be impossible. It is said that if you really want to eat, keep climbing; the fruits are on the top of the tree; stretch your hands and keep stretching them; success is on the top. One cannot score a goal when sitting on the bench; to do so, one has to dress up and enter the game. Yes, WE CAN DO IT by securing our PVCs and getting set and determine to change the impossible with it! Democracy thrives when the ballot box speaks louder than any court order or political godfather.
2027: A Defining Moment
Nigeria is at a decisive crossroads.
Citizens are increasingly aware, vocal and determined to reclaim their democratic power. But the system must make space for their voices to matter. If the results of the 2027 elections are to enjoy national and international respect, they must reflect the true will of the Nigerian people—not the interests of a privileged minority.
Our democracy must not go to court before the voter arrives. This cherished democracy must go to the polling booth—where it truly belongs. The power to shape Nigeria’s future lies with its citizens. In 2027, the popular vote must not merely be counted; it MUST be respected, protected and allowed to decide.

This opinion was contributed by Barrister Aminu Hussaini Sagagi, Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, on Justice & Constitutional Matters.

Mike Odeh James

CLEEN Foundation has launched a three-day Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Stakeholder Inception Training and commenced the formal inauguration of State Multi-Stakeholder Implementation and Monitoring Committees (SMIMCs) across five project states—Kaduna, Nasarawa, Imo, Plateau, and Benue.

The initiative, implemented in collaboration with state-level partners, is designed to strengthen the domestication and execution of Nigeria’s National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace and Security. It seeks to tackle the persistent gendered impacts of conflict, insecurity, and governance gaps that continue to disproportionately affect women and girls, particularly in the North-Central and South-East regions.

Speaking during day one of the training in Kaduna State, the Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, Peter Maduoma—represented by Programme Manager, Chigozirim Okoro—said that despite Nigeria’s national commitments to the WPS agenda, implementation at the sub-national level remains weak, fragmented, and poorly coordinated.

“Several states either lack functional State Action Plans or have inactive implementation structures, resulting in minimal progress on key WPS pillars, including participation, protection, prevention, relief, and recovery,” he said.

The newly inaugurated SMIMCs are expected to serve as inclusive coordination platforms that bring together government institutions, security agencies, civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders, women mediators, youth groups, and the media. Their responsibilities include planning, overseeing, and monitoring WPS interventions in their respective states. Each committee is also tasked with ensuring that state-level actions align with national frameworks while adapting approaches to local realities.

CLEEN Foundation noted that these committees will track state-level commitments through the Security Accountability Project (SAP), strengthen collaboration among institutions, and promote gender-sensitive decision-making within peace and security processes.

The ongoing workshops focus on building the technical capacity of committee members on WPS principles, monitoring tools, reporting frameworks, and coordination mechanisms. Participants will also develop state-specific implementation roadmaps to guide the operationalization of WPS commitments.

Each state training is expected to host at least 30 participants drawn from the Ministries of Women Affairs, Justice, and Internal Security; gender committees of State Houses of Assembly; security agencies including the Police, DSS, Civil Defence, Correctional Service, and the military; faith-based organisations; traditional institutions; media stakeholders; and members of the WPS network, He4She ambassadors, and SIC networks.

The inception workshops took place in Imo, Nasarawa, and Benue States from November 11–13 and are ongoing in Plateau and Kaduna States from November 18–20, 2025.

Across the five project states, CLEEN Foundation anticipates strengthened coordination, improved accountability, increased visibility of WPS commitments, and enhanced engagement of women and youth in peace and security decision-making processes.

Christian and Muslim organisations under the umbrella of the Coalition for Peace and Justice have concluded plans to convene a National Mega Peace Summit aimed at promoting unity and strengthening the fight against insecurity across Nigeria.

The interfaith summit, scheduled to hold next week Saturday in Kaduna and Abuja, is expected to attract grassroots religious leaders from across the country, particularly from the northern region.

In a press statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary, Dr. Othman Musa Idris and Pastor John Simon Jita, the coalition reaffirmed that unity, mutual understanding and collective action remain essential to overcoming the forces threatening the nation’s peace and development.

According to the organisers, the summit will provide a strategic platform for Christian and Muslim leaders to engage in dialogue, exchange perspectives and develop joint approaches to tackling the rising threats of terrorism, banditry and violent extremism.

They noted that faith leaders play a critical role in shaping public attitudes and influencing community responses to security challenges. The gathering, therefore, seeks to harness their influence in mobilising communities toward peacebuilding, conflict resolution and improved security cooperation.

Discussions at the summit will also focus on practical steps to end violence, foster peaceful coexistence and reinforce the shared commitment of both religions to safeguarding lives and restoring stability in affected communities.

At the end of the deliberations, a joint communiqué is expected, outlining agreed positions, recommendations and a coordinated framework to support national security efforts and advance sustainable peace across the country.

The International Peace Advocacy Forum (IPAF) has commended Senator Abdul Aziz Yari for what it described as his exceptional and consistent contributions toward promoting peace, unity, and religious tolerance across Northern Nigeria.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Emmanuel Haruna, the forum praised the former Zamfara State Governor for demonstrating exemplary leadership through deliberate and sustained engagements with both Christian and Muslim communities aimed at building trust and fostering harmony.

According to the group, Senator Yari’s continued outreach to churches, victims of banditry, and survivors of insurgency attacks reflects his deep compassion and unwavering commitment to the welfare of all Nigerians regardless of religious or ethnic background.

“As a former governor and now a serving senator, Senator Yari has shown courage and empathy in defending vulnerable communities. His efforts to protect Christian populations during periods of heightened insecurity remain commendable and worthy of national recognition,” the statement read.

IPAF noted that Yari’s interventions over the years have helped calm tensions in several affected communities, encouraging dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence at a time when the region faces complex security challenges.

The forum urged political, religious, and community leaders across the country to emulate Senator Yari’s inclusive leadership style, which it described as essential for strengthening national unity.

It further reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to advance peace-building initiatives and enhance social harmony across Nigeria.