Author Archives: News All Around

Habu Galore

The Northern Integrity and Security Forum (NISF) has described recent remarks made by former Foreign Affairs Minister and Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, calling for the removal of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle as an unfortunate.

According to the security forum, such call coming amid the troubling climate surrounding the abduction of the Emir of Gobir of Gatawa District in Sokoto state, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa and his son is not only ill-informed but also irresponsible, unstatesmanlike and alarmingly disingenuous.

The statements from the forum which was signed by the Chairman Tijjani Auwalu said, it was crucial to affirm that while the situation in Sokoto and other parts of Northern Nigeria is of utmost concern, the challenges faced are national in scale, engulfing various facets of our society—from urban centers to rural localities.

It stressed that Lamido’s attempt to limit Matawalle’s responsibilities solely to Sokoto or the North is a gross misrepresentation of the reality that security is an ongoing national issue, requiring collective efforts and shared accountability across government tiers.

“The timing and target of Lamido’s critique raise significant questions regarding his underlying motives. It is disconcerting that Lamido chose to single out Matawalle, a junior minister, while overlooking Badaru Abubakar, the senior Defence Minister, who coincidentally shares the same home state of Jigawa with Lamido.

“We must ask: why direct unrelenting attacks towards a loyal ally of President Tinubu, while seemingly absolving a senior counterpart? Such selective criticism indicates a strategic maneuver aimed at undermining the political framework supporting our President, rather than a genuine concern for the nation’s security.

“Moreover, the contrasting nature of Lamido’s recent expressions of empathy for a singular Emir in captivity stands in stark contradiction to his silence throughout the years of suffering endured by ordinary Zamfara communities and other ordinary Nigerians”.

The forum noted that thousands have fallen victim to heinous acts of abduction, torture, extortion, and displacement over the past two decades and the absence of Lamido’s voice in addressing these widespread tragedies all this while raises concerns about his commitment to empathy and meaningful advocacy for the Nigerian people.

This singular attack on Matawalle cannot be detached from the backdrop of emerging investigations of Bashir Hadejiya, linked to serious criminal activities including, terrorism sponsorship, gun running, and cross border crimes, the.forum stated.

“The growing panic among certain political figures, including those aligned with Lamido, reflects a desperate attempt to destabilize the current administration as these investigations unfold. NISF expects that as this inquiry progresses, more personalities with dubious affiliations will be brought to light, further revealing the motivations behind such orchestrated smear campaigns.

“It bears noting that the relentless criticism directed at Matawalle is indicative of a concerted effort by a faction of inconsequential northern politicians—of which Lamido is a prominent member—to weaken the integrity and growing influence of President Tinubu in the North”.

NISF posited that Matawalle’s unwavering allegiance to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu embodies the support necessary for a resilient governance and political structure. Hence, these attacks serve as a testament to Matawalle’s reliability and dependability, which must be subdued if these politicians wish to see President Tinubu rendered vulnerable.

“We solemnly caution that in the fullness of time, the extent of involvement of several figures in the crimes of Bashir Hadejiya would be exposed. The ongoing investigation into Bashir Hadejiya’s criminal activities will inevitably blow open the cover of those whose actions contradict their public personas”.

The forum therefore urged President Tinubu to remain steadfast and resolute against attempts to incite division within his solid support base in the North, adding that the loyalty embodied by figures such as Minister Matawalle, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Director-General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi, is indispensable to the integrity of the current administration and national security.

“The NISF stands firm in our commitment to supporting our President’s efforts of fortifying the Northern region’s security and integrity. We shall not waver in promoting a united front against any efforts to undermine our collective strength in pursuing a safer and more prosperous Nigeria” the statement added.

By Tunji Salami Adeou

The rising tide of political unrest and criminal activities in Nigeria has reached a pivotal juncture with the ongoing investigation of Bashir Hadejiya, a figure now embroiled in a web of allegations that ranges from treason to transnational crimes. The Federal Capital Territory’s Police Command recently issued a search warrant, dating August 12, 2024, which outlined Hadejiya’s purported offenses, including subversive activities and gun-running.

The ramifications of this investigation extend beyond Hadejiya himself, reaching deep into the networks of individuals believed to have facilitated these alleged crimes. Among those individuals is Tijjani Ramalan, a Kaduna-based media practitioner who now finds himself enmeshed in palpable anxiety as the investigation unfolds.

The accusations levied against Hadejiya are grave. He stands charged with treason—a charge that underscores the severity of his alleged actions against the State. Such accusations carry profound legal ramifications, with the potential for extensive prison sentences if found guilty. His involvement in treason and subversion poses significant questions about the stability of governance in Nigeria and the roles individuals play in fostering dissent.

Hadejiya’s purported activities, particularly his role in inciting the recent #Endbadgovernance protests, have drawn scrutiny, illuminating how media manipulation can stir public unrest and lead to violence. The consequences of such orchestration reverberate throughout society, making Ramalan’s connection to Hadejiya all the more concerning.

Tijjani Ramalan’s role is perceived as pivotal in this narrative. As an established media practitioner, he has allegedly acted as a conduit for disseminating fabricated propaganda materials that bolster Hadejiya’s agenda. The relationship between Ramalan and Hadejiya suggests not only complicity but an extensive network of influence that has the potential to engage and mobilize public sentiment against the Nigerian government. In this context, Ramalan’s panic can be understood as a survival instinct, a reaction to the tightening noose of an investigation that threatens to expose the intricacies of his involvement in potentially illicit activities.

The unfolding investigation represents a turning point not just for Hadejiya, but for individuals like Ramalan who may have enabled, directly or indirectly, the alleged subversion of state authority. The anxiety that Ramalan feels is amplified by the understanding that law enforcement agencies are keenly aware of the interconnected webs of relationships that suggest coordination in these alleged criminal activities. The crackdown on Hadejiya raises the specter of further investigations into his associates, thereby creating an atmosphere of distrust and paranoia among those who have navigated the same circles.

Furthermore, the implications of Ramalan’s situation extend into the broader context of civil discourse and media integrity in Nigeria. The #Ebdbadgovernance protests, in which many citizens voiced their grievances, highlight an increasingly frustrated population seeking accountability from their government. However, when figures in the media, like Ramalan, are alleged to propagate misinformation or incite violence, the credibility and ethical responsibilities of the media as a pillar of democracy are brought into question. Ramalan’s involvement may thus not only implicate him in a legal sense but could also serve as a cautionary tale regarding the dissemination of information and the potential perils of partisanship that color journalistic practice.
The origins of Ramalan and Hadejiya’s collaboration can be traced to an underhanded arrangement during President Buhari’s term, wherein Hadejiya and Tunde secretly orchestrated benefits that favored personal ambitions over national interests. The central piece of this political chess game was the appointment of Ramalan’s son to a prominent role within the Nigerian Ports Authority—a move that was met with both opportunism and skepticism. This placement was more than mere nepotism; it was a calculated strategy that effectively positioned Ramalan’s family as gatekeepers of key information.
The lucrative posting not only gratified personal ambitions but also established Ramalan’s son as a critical asset in Hadejiya’s network. By exploiting his son’s role, Hadejiya gained unprecedented access to confidential materials—intelligence that could be weaponized against Tinubu’s administration. Such access is invaluable in political maneuvering, where knowledge is power and information can dictate narratives and influence public opinion.
The collaboration between Ramalan and Hadejiya has not been limited to passive intelligence gathering. Their partnership is characterized by active participation in various machinations directed against President Tinubu’s emergence in 2023. Throughout the election cycle, it became apparent that Hadejiya, with Ramalan’s backing, was deploying a series of tactics aimed at undermining Tinubu’s credibility and political capital. This included orchestrated smear campaigns, misinformation, and strategically timed leaks that sought to destabilize the incoming administration.
Hadejiya’s role as the orchestrator of these antagonisms was bolstered by the privileged information siphoned through Ramalan’s son. This relationship fostered an environment where political subterfuge was not only tolerated but encouraged as a means to achieve desired political outcomes. The ramifications of this collaboration mean that Tinubu’s administration has had to navigate a landscape fraught with deceptive narratives and politically motivated disruptions—a reality that serves as a testament to the potency of alliances based on ulterior motives.
The ramifications of Ramalan and Hadejiya’s alliance extend beyond immediate political conflicts. The antagonisms established during the 2023 electoral contestants are poised to carry through to the 2027 elections. The strategic nature of their collaboration indicates a long-term plan aimed at not merely destabilizing the current administration but also shaping the narrative and conditions under which future elections will unfold. By embedding themselves in the opposition narrative, Ramalan and Hadejiya have positioned themselves as pivotal players in a game that transcends the present administration, seeking to influence the political landscape for years to come.
The intensity and implications of the relationship between Ramalan and Hadejiya highlight the unique complexities of Nigerian governance, where alliances often forego ideological coherence in favor of self-serving ambitions. As the political climate intensifies in preparation for the forthcoming electoral cycle, the roles of Ramalan and Hadejiya will remain crucial, carrying their antagonisms forward as they attempt to shape the narrative surrounding Tinubu’s administration and beyond.
The relationship between Ramalan and Hadejiya serves as a poignant case study of the dynamics of Nigerian politics, where strategic alliances, underhand deals, and the manipulation of information can significantly alter the political landscape. Their collaboration, rooted in opportunism and driven by a desire to undermine President Tinubu, underscores the challenges of governance in a system rife with competing interests and power struggles. As the intrigues unfold in the years leading up to 2027, it will be essential for stakeholders to remain vigilant to the machinations that could potentially destabilize the fabric of governance and impede the pursuit of genuine national progress. Ultimately, the blend of personal ambition with political strategy presents a critical challenge for Nigeria as it navigates its path towards a more accountable and transparent political future.
As the investigation of Bashir Hadejiya progresses, it serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within the political landscape of Nigeria. A polarizing environment can lead to the exploitation of public sentiment by those with ulterior motives. Tijjani Ramalan’s anxiety is emblematic of a broader reckoning—one that necessitates introspection within the media industry and accountability among those who wield the power of information. It underscores the necessity for vigilance both legally and ethically as society grapples with the consequences of actions that blur the lines of dissent and crime.
In conclusion, the investigation into Bashir Hadejiya is more than an inquiry into his alleged crimes; it is a critical juncture that challenges the relationship between governance, media, and public discourse in Nigeria. For Tijjani Ramalan, the implications are immediate and personal, as the specter of legal retribution looms large. It remains to be seen how this complex situation will unfold, but one thing is certain: the repercussions of these events will be felt far beyond the confines of the investigation, shaping the future of both public trust in the media and the intricate dance between authority and dissent in Nigeria.

Musa Bello

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has brought to public’s attention disturbing developments concerning the planned dissemination of a press statement by the Arewa Integrity League, allegedly sponsored by Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State.

The said statement is expected to contain false claims and fabricated allegations aimed at discrediting key figures in Nigeria’s national security architecture, including the National Security Adviser, Mr. Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector General of Police; the Director-General of the Department of State Security, Mr. Yusuf Bichi; and the Minister of State for Defence, Mr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle.

According to the Chairman NAN, Salihu Suleiman, in the planned offensive by the Arewa Integrity League, its spokesman, Comrade Musa Garba, would seek to create a narrative suggesting that these esteemed officials have engaged in manipulative tactics to engineer false reports implicated in a high-profile ongoing investigation tied to the arrest of Bashir Hadejiya.

He said, such unfounded attack aims primarily to tarnish the reputations of individuals who are steadfast in their commitment to national security and the principles of justice, while simultaneously seeking to obfuscate the real issues surrounding the investigation.

“We, at NAN, firmly believe that any attempts to distort the truth for political leverage are not only unethical but also detrimental to the integrity of our national institutions. The nature of these allegations raises serious concerns regarding the intentions behind such a coordinated smear campaign against responsible officials who are executing their duties to ensure law and order within our great nation”

NAN therefore called on the public to remain vigilant and discerning when consuming information that may serve as propaganda rather than fact. The role of the media and the public is crucial in upholding our democratic values and ensuring that truth prevails over deceitful narratives.

It also called on Law Enforcement Agencies to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability. We encourage these bodies to diligently pursue the ongoing investigations without political interference and to ensure that those who promote falsehoods face the necessary legal repercussions.

NAN further called on political leaders to conduct their affairs with integrity and honor, refraining from engaging in character assassinations that detract from the greater good of society. It is imperative for leaders to focus on genuine issues affecting our communities, rather than resorting to underhanded tactics that threaten our unity.

” We also call on Civil Society Organizations to play their part in safeguarding the integrity of our governance systems by calling out misinformation and holding accountable those who perpetuate falsehoods for their own ends”.

The NAN also declared their stand in solidarity with the individuals targeted by this nefarious campaign, recognizing their dedication and service to our nation’s security and stability. We will not shy away from advocating for truth and justice while exposing those who choose to weaponize falsehoods for personal or political gain.

NAN reiterated their commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and the pursuit of truth in governance and implored all citizens and leaders to reject division and embrace integrity, prioritizing the collective interest of our nation above all else.

By Josiah Onne

The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum (NSCF) has alerted the public to a plan by Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, to disseminate baseless allegations against national security officials.

According to the NSCF, Governor Lawal is orchestrating a press release through a group known as the Arewa Integrity League, aimed at leveling unfounded allegations against esteemed national security officials, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector General of Police; the Director-General of the Directorate of State Security, Yusuf Bichi; and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle.

The NSCF described the intended allegations as irresponsible and damaging to the integrity of the national security apparatus, and called for them to be condemned unequivocally.

The forum emphasized the importance of conducting investigations grounded in facts, rather than responding to politically motivated smear campaigns, and urged the public, media, and all relevant stakeholders to remain vigilant and discerning in the face of such spurious allegations.

The NSCF also called on security agencies to be proactive in acting quickly to checkmate the maneuvers of those involved and bring them to justice, to serve as a deterrent.

In conclusion, the Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum stood resolutely in solidarity with those devoted to the truth, and pledged to continue advocating for transparency, accountability, and integrity in all matters concerning the nation’s security and governance.

Comrade Aliyu Sani,
Spokesperson,
Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum (NSCF)

A group, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Credibility Movement, has described the series of allegations against the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, in recent weeks as baseless.

The group’s Chairman, Musa Sadauki, said in a statement on Friday that Mele Kyari has faced a barrage of unsubstantiated accusations from a shadowy group known as the Tinubu Legacy Coalition (TLC) over the past week.

According to Sadauki, this group, led by figures such as Bala Abu, Princess Ajibola, and Dr. Thomas, has launched a campaign to tarnish Kyari’s reputation with unfounded claims.

Musa labeled the attacks a “campaign of calamity” destined to fail.

The APC supporters argued that Kyari’s track record as a transformative leader in the oil and gas sector is undeniable.

Sadauki said, “Through his implementation of the TAPE synergy—an initiative aimed at curbing corruption and waste within the NNPCL—Kyari has proven himself a formidable administrator.”

The Chairman argued that these attacks are driven by disgruntled elements whose illegal activities, including oil bunkering, have been thwarted under Kyari’s leadership.

“We contend that these individuals are attempting to destabilize the NNPCL to pave the way for their own economic interests, but emphasize that their efforts are futile,” he said.

Musa reminded the attackers that Nigeria’s interests are far greater than any individual’s personal gain.

Meanwhile, the statement called on those behind the smear campaign to abandon their efforts and instead contribute positively to the nation.

“As Nigeria continues to face numerous challenges, including economic hardship and insecurity, President Bola Tinubu remains focused on his mission to address these issues,” the statement said.

It stressed that undermining key figures like the NNPCL boss will only hinder the nation’s progress.

The group expressed confidence in Kyari’s leadership and commitment to transparency and accountability.

They urged Nigerians to disregard the baseless allegations and support the NNPCL’s efforts to transform the oil and gas sector.

The APC Credibility Movement pledged to continue supporting Kyari and the NNPCL in their efforts to promote Nigeria’s economic growth and development.

In conclusion, the group emphasized that the allegations against Kyari are unfounded and will not distract him from his mission to transform the NNPCL and promote Nigeria’s interests.

By Jonathan Itodo

The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) in collaboration with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has condemned in strong terms recent calls for the removal of the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Mele Kyari, describing it as mischievous.

Speaker AYAGL, Ambassador Abdul DanBature in a statement said, the call for Kyari’s sack was yet another subtle way to get at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after their failed efforts to hijack the peaceful protests to destabilize the country.

He averred that those sponsoring and clamouring for his sack are those who engaged in oil theft who no longer have the opportunity to continue with such business and are committed to getting at the President using the call for Kyari’s sack as a cover in the first instance.

According to Danbature, it is in public space that from a low of 900,000 barrels monthly oil production in the last quarter of 2022, under the Kyari-led NNPCL, Nigeria in July 2024 hit 1.53 million barrels per day, including condensates, according to data from the upstream regulator.

He recalled that, “When Kyari assumed duty as the head of NNPC on July 7, 2019, it was at a critical period not only in the life of the corporation but for the entire Nigerian oil and gas sector as well as the national economy. It was a turbulent period characterized by low production, burgeoning vandalism of oil pipelines, oil theft on a grand scale, and demoralized staff of the corporation”

The Speaker also averred that Kyari has been a beacon of transparency and accountability. “His scorecard is impressive, and his efforts have not gone unnoticed. However, with great success comes great envy, and Kyari is now facing opposition from forces of evil who seek to tarnish his reputation.

“When Kyari took over as GMD in 2019, he inherited a company plagued by questions about its business practices. But he has since turned things around with his Transparency, Accountability, and Performance Excellence (TAPE) initiative.

“He has published audited financial statements, made monthly financial and operations reports available to the public, and has been instrumental in the rehabilitation of refineries.

“Despite these achievements, some individuals are bent on destroying Kyari’s reputation. It is clear that these forces of evil are motivated by jealousy and a desire to bring Kyari down. But their efforts will not succeed. Kyari’s achievements speak for themselves, and he has the support of the government and the people,” he said.

He therefore appealed to progressive Nigerians not to listen to such calls for the sack of a man who is committed and giving his best in the oil sector, adding that their efforts to destabilize the oil sector through such envious calls has failed.

“As a group committed to good leadership, we have seen a capable hand in the person of Mele Kyari and we will do whatever it takes legitimately to support him to continue to achieve success in the oil sector” he stressed.

Northern based Group, Arewa Development Forum (ADF) has commended the Minister of Works , Engr. Dave Umahi for his unwavering commitment to ensuring speedy work and visible progress made so far on the Lagos- Badagry to Sokoto Super Highway road projects.

According to the group, the excellent job of combining the expertise of the critical terrain with the political will by the Minister to push through the different land mines without compromising standards is a feat worthy of commendation.

“We observed with keen interest that despite being from the southeast part of Nigeria, the Minister of Works is leaving now stone unturned to ensure speedy completion of the protracted work of the Abuja to road projects in northern areas”. It stated .

In statement made available to journalists in Kaduna today, Arewa Development Forum, which made the commendations said , the decision to single out the Minister of Works was informed by quality of work being done on the ongoing road projects

While thanking President Bola Tinubu for the bold initiative to construct the 1000-kilometre Sokoto-Badagry superhighway,the Forum described the project as another evidence of his commitment to driving phenomenal socio-economic growth across the country.

The Forum noted that the road will not only create thousands of jobs ,but will also open up the North western economy to the rest of the country and the World.Adding that Umahi is the best Works minister in the history of the country.

It stated , “We can recall that the Sokoto-Badagry road has been in the pipeline for the past 48 years, without considerations from successive administrations, including immediate past Buhari led administration to kick start the project. But today,it is a reality and we are not in doubt that the legacy projects will be complete within time scheduled.

“For us as northerners, we view the bold vision of President Tinubu as an evidence of the priority placed on development that commensurate with infrastructure to connect northern regions to all parts of Nigeria.”

By Bayo Dosunmu

Yoruba youths under the umbrella of the Yoruba Youth Council have commended the nation’s security apparatus for the arrest of Bashir Hadejia, a suspected mastermind of treason, gun-running, and transborder crimes. The youths also expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

In a statement by the leader of the Yoruba Youth Council, Comrade Eric Oluwole, the youths described the arrest as “a loud testimony of the vigilance of our country’s security network being coordinated jointly by the National Security Adviser; Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Defence Minister; Bello Matawalle, the Armed Forces, Police and other security agencies.”

Oluwole noted that the arrested Hadeja is one of the suspected most dangerous transnational criminals with strong local connections which they allegedly exploit to fuel unrest in Nigeria.

“Hadejia’s confession of sponsoring the recent #EndBadGovernance protests confirms the fear in some quarters that unscrupulous individuals with means could infiltrate and exploit well-intentioned protests by aggrieved Nigerians, to perpetrate their criminal, unpatriotic and selfish agenda of destabilising the Country and discrediting the government in power,” he said.

The Yoruba Youth leader also called for a thorough investigation into the activities of the arrested suspect and his collaborators, saying it should be done in collaboration with security agencies of neighbouring countries and possibly with INTERPOL.

“We the Yoruba youths note that the economic hardship being experienced by all Nigerians across the country predated the present administration. Therefore, it would be wrong to blame the Tinubu administration for the present hardship which accumulated over the years,” Oluwole said.

“While we commend the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for its efforts to protect the sovereignty of our Country, we call on the Federal Government to provide the fund and materials needed for the security agencies to function optimally. We declare our unwavering support for the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.”

By Nuhu Kalgo

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN), compelled by a profound sense of outrage and resolve, wishes to address the appalling revelations surrounding the arrest of one Bashir Hadejiya—a man whose nefarious activities pose a severe threat not only to the sovereignty of our great nation but also to the very fabric of our society. This flagrant case of treason, gun-running, and transnational crime serves as a clarion call for all Nigerians to confront the alarming reality we face: a sinister nexus of criminality that extends beyond our borders and threatens the stability of our Republic.

First and foremost, we commend the Nigerian security agencies for their extraordinary success in apprehending Bashir Hadejiya. This arrest reflects the unwavering commitment and diligence of our defense and law enforcement agencies, who deserve our unequivocal support as they confront these criminal elements.

According to a statement issued by Salifu Suleiman, Chairman NAN, the ability of the security agencies to unravel such an intricate web of deceit and treason is commendable and must be acknowledged. However, we must not simply rest on the laurels of this significant achievement; the roots of this menace run deep, and we must act decisively.

The cross-national implications brought to light by Mr. Hadejiya’s confession are alarming. His links to the gun-running trade, combined with his involvement in the smuggling of gold believed to be stolen from the Central Bank of Libya, reveal a dangerous partnership with international criminal networks. These conspirators are not only undermining our national integrity but also facilitating the flow of arms and financial resources that fuel terrorism and instability across the West African region. This is an affront to our sovereignty and an invasion of our peace.

Reports surrounding Hadejiya’s arrest paint a grim picture of a man entangled in a web of criminality that transcends national borders. The insidious nature of his activities—money laundering, arms smuggling, and support for terrorism—should serve as a wake-up call for all of us. His confessions unveil a shadowy underbelly that threatens not only the stability of Nigeria but poses a significant threat to regional and global security.

Criminal networks, such as the one Hadejiya is part of, do not recognize borders; their implications ripple through societies, fostering violence, fear, and socio-economic decay. Moreover, the fact that Mr. Hadejiya has openly confessed to sponsoring various protests, including the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations that erupted across our nation, is a cause for grave concern. Such activities, twisted and corrupted by ulterior motives, threaten to undermine legitimate calls for accountability and reform.

Instead of addressing the grievances of the people, they have precipitated chaos on the streets, destabilized communities, and compromised the security of our nation. It is shocking, infuriating even, to learn that Hadejiya was connected to the devastations of the recent #EndBadGovernance Protests across northern Nigeria, where young people, driven by pent-up grievances, were manipulated and sponsored by a criminal element seeking to exploit their frustrations.

Not only did Bashir Hadejiya fund these protests, but he also engineered violence by spearheading attacks on political entities, including the assault on the Jigawa State APC headquarters, and the destruction in Kano, Kaduna, and Abuja. This exploitation of legitimate dissent by criminal conspirators underscores the need for greater vigilance and accountability in our political arena.

The gravity of Bashir Hadejiya’s confessions cannot be overstated. He has admitted to associations with sponsors of his treasonous activities, some of whom are said to reside in the very corridors of political power. It is particularly disconcerting to learn that links extend to a former Director of the Department of State Security Service (DSS). These connections are indicative of a broader systemic failure within our political and security institutions, which have allowed criminal enterprises to infiltrate our governance structures.

The very individuals sworn to safeguard our nation’s security seem to be complicit, if not outrightly supportive, of these criminal factions. Furthermore, the disturbing connection between Bashir Hadejiya’s operations and stolen wealth from the Libyan Central Bank—specifically, bars of gold—reveals the complex and entrenched relationships between our national security, global economics, and the threats posed by international crime syndicates.

These actions affect not just Nigeria, but our neighbors and the broader international community. We must recognize that transnational crime does not occur in isolation; it is part of a larger network of destabilization efforts that threaten peace and prosperity. We must identify and dismantle not just the visible structures of criminal enterprise but also the invisible networks of political and economic complicity that allow these crimes to flourish.

The involvement of individuals purportedly linked to high-ranking officials and former heads of security services is an indictment of our institutions. It reeks of corruption, collusion, and complicity that

By Esse Adoma

The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) today addresses a matter of grave national concern, yet one which provides an avenue for unity and enhanced commitment to our shared future. Our recent collective focus on the security of the Nigerian state has been underscored dramatically by the arrest of Bashir Hadejiya. This operation, orchestrated by our diligent security agencies, represents a remarkable achievement in safeguarding the integrity and sovereignty of Nigeria.

We commend the Nigerian Police and the myriad security agencies involved in this extraordinary success. Your commitment to upholding the law and ensuring the safety of our communities is exemplary. The apprehension of individuals like Bashir Hadejiya not only protects our borders but also underscores the importance of vigilance in combating increasingly sophisticated networks of crime.

The confession of Bashir Hadejiya has unveiled a disturbing nexus of criminality that transcends national boundaries, posing significant threats not only to Nigeria but to the broader West African region and beyond. His involvement in the gun-running trade and the smuggling of gold pilfered from the Central Bank of Libya underscores a perilous partnership with international criminal networks.

These entities do not merely undermine our national integrity; they provide the very resources necessary for exacerbating terrorism and instability across West Africa—a situation that represents a severe affront to our sovereignty and a pronounced invasion of our peace. The implications of Hadejiya’s criminal endeavors are profound and far-reaching.

Reports surrounding his arrest paint a grim portrait of a culprit enmeshed in a web of illicit activities, including arms trafficking, money laundering, and the facilitation of terrorism. Such actions should function as a harbinger of concern for citizens and lawmakers alike.

Hadejiya’s confessions illustrate a shadowy underbelly that not only threatens the stability of Nigeria but also serves as a bellwether for the broader security landscape, as these criminal networks operate beyond geographical constraints. The ripple effects of their operations have generated an environment rife with violence, fear, and socio-economic decay—equally damaging to individual nations and to the wider international community.

Compounding these alarming developments is Hadejiya’s admission of funding and orchestrating protests, notably the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations that erupted across Nigeria. While the original intent of such protests—calling for accountability and reform—may be noble, the infiltration of criminal elements into these movements poses a serious danger.

It has led to the corruption of legitimate dissent, precipitating chaos and disorder across our communities. The stark reality that vulnerable populations can be manipulated in their moments of frustration reveals the exploitation of genuine grievances by those with ulterior motives. This manipulation is particularly evident in the recent disturbances across northern Nigeria, where young demonstrators, driven by long-standing frustrations, were co-opted and funded by criminal conspirators intent on advancing their own chaotic agendas.

The gravity of the implications of Bashir Hadejiya’s actions cannot be overstated. His confessions, particularly regarding his connections to influential figures in the political sphere, reveal deeper, systemic failings within our governance structures. These connections are not merely incidental; they indicate a troubling state of affairs in which the very institutions tasked with ensuring the safety and integrity of the nation appear to harbor, or at the very least tolerate, criminal enterprises.

This complicity—or, at best, the negligence of duty—exposes a vulnerability in our political and security frameworks that must not be ignored. In essence, the cross-national implications illuminated by Hadejiya’s confession provide ample justification for alarm. The interconnected nature of global criminal networks means that incidents of this sort cannot be treated as isolated cases.

Rather, they form part of a larger tapestry of chaos that jeopardizes national security and regional stability. The implications ripple outward, threatening democratic processes and undermining the rule of law. The ability of individuals like Hadejiya to not only navigate but exploit the gaps within our governance structures serves as a clarion call for more stringent measures to ensure accountability and transparency in our political arenas.

To stem the tide of these insidious influences, it is imperative that we remain vigilant and proactive. Policymakers, security agencies, and civil society must engage in robust discourse on how to fortify our political institutions against the encroachment of organized crime. This includes enhanced accountability mechanisms to ensure that political actors are not only transparent in their dealings but also held liable for any complicity in illegal activities.

The integrity of our democratic processes and the safety of our communities depend on a comprehensive approach that addresses the multifaceted challenges presented by figures like Bashir Hadejiya. In light of these events, we take this opportunity to remind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the numerous communiqués and calls urging him to acknowledge the ongoing machinations against his administration driven by malicious elements, both within and outside our borders.

These tactics are directed not just at the President, but at his steadfast