COVER
Killings: Crush Bandits, Terrorists, Others Now, Tinubu Orders Military
asBy David Torough, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has given the Nigerian military full authorization to take decisive action against terrorists, insurgents, bandits and separatist elements threatening the unity and territorial integrity of Nigeria.Tinubu, who spoke through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the grand finale of the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) held at Murtala Square, Kaduna, reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering support for the Armed Forces and all security agencies in their mission to secure the country.
“To the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, I say this with absolute clarity: the time to rise is now. You have my full authorization and the trust of the Nigerian people to confront and defeat those who seek to undermine our nation,” Tinubu declared.He described terrorism, banditry, insurgency, and separatism as existential threats that must be defeated, assuring the military of robust government backing in terms of modern weaponry, actionable intelligence, and improved welfare.“These evils do not discriminate. They destroy churches and mosques alike, and orphan children without asking their tribe or faith,” the President noted. “But under this administration, the welfare and strength of our armed forces remain paramount.”President Tinubu also paid tribute to fallen heroes and wounded personnel, acknowledging their sacrifices in defense of the nation.“Many of our finest have fallen in the line of duty. Some now lie in silence beneath the soil of a grateful nation, others carry the wounds of oath as living reminders of sacrifices made in our name. Their blood will not be shed in vain.”He further commended military families for their resilience, particularly praising the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) and Nigerian Army Soldiers’ Wives Association (NASWA) for their unwavering support on the home front.“We have no other country but Nigeria. We must not mortgage our future to division, indifference, or delay. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria and long live our Armed Forces.”In his address, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, reiterated the Nigerian Army’s historic role as a pillar of national unity since its founding in 1863. He emphasized that the ongoing transformation within the Army is centered on professionalism and troop welfare.“This year’s NADCEL theme, ‘Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for the Nigerian Army Transformation Drive’, reflects our renewed focus on building a motivated and professional force.”Lt. Gen. Oluyede assured Nigerians that the Army, working in synergy with the Navy, Air Force, and other security agencies, is determined to neutralize all security threats and safeguard the country’s sovereignty.The grand finale of NADCEL 2025 featured a military parade, tactical demonstrations, an exhibition of military hardware, and displays showcasing the operational readiness of various Army corps.The ceremony was attended by several high-profile dignitaries, including former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon; Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani; Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa; and former Army Chiefs Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, and Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya.Also in attendance were the Emir of Dass (Bauchi State), top military brass, traditional rulers, members of the diplomatic corps, lawmakers and other dignitaries from across the country.The 2025 NADCEL celebration not only showcased the strength and professionalism of the Nigerian Army but also reaffirmed the government’s resolve to secure the nation and support its defenders.Over 20 Parish, Others Injure in Zaria-Kano Expressway Auto CrashThe Federal Road Safety Corps has confirmed the death of 21 people following a fatal head-on collision involving a heavy-duty truck and a commercial passenger bus along the Zaria-Kano Expressway.In a statement yesterday by the Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, the FRSC said the accident occurred at about 8:20AM at Kasuwar Dogo, Dakatsale and blamed the crash on a “route violation” by the bus driver.According to the statement, the tragic incident involved “a heavy-duty DAF truck and a commercial Toyota Hiace passenger bus.”“Preliminary investigations by FRSC rescue and crash investigation team revealed that the crash was caused by route violation on the part of the commercial Toyota Hiace Bus driver, who contravened established traffic regulations and drove against traffic flow, resulting in a fatal head-on collision with the oncoming truck,” the statement said.The Corps added that 24 people were involved in the crash, with only three surviving with injuries.“Regrettably, out of the 24 people involved in the crash, a total of 21 persons, comprising 19 male adults and two female adults, were killed in the crash, while the remaining three were rescued with injuries,” the statement noted.As of the time of the report, the bodies of the deceased had been deposited at the Nasarawa Hospital in Kano, the FRSC said, while rescue efforts ensured the road was cleared and traffic restored.“The remains of the victims have been deposited at Nasarawa hospital in Kano, while FRSC rescue teams worked with other emergency responders to clear the road and restore normal traffic flow,” Ogungbemide said.In his reaction to the tragedy, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, offered condolences to the families of the deceased and assured the public of ongoing investigations.The agency also used the occasion to issue another strong warning to commercial and truck drivers against reckless road use.“The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, expresses heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and assures the public that full investigations are ongoing into the full cause of the crash.“The FRSC once again warns all motorists, especially truck and commercial drivers, to desist from dangerous practices such as route violations, driving against traffic, speeding, and reckless overtaking, which continue to claim innocent lives on Nigerian roads.“Drivers are reminded that road traffic regulations are in place to protect lives and properties, and strict adherence remains the only guarantee for safety,” the statement added.The Corps said it would intensify enforcement operations and public education across the country, while calling on commuters and the motoring public to report dangerous driving behaviours through the FRSC Mobile Application, or to call the FRSC toll-free number 122, or report to any FRSC patrol team.q
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
As part of efforts to reposition the newspaper for optimum corporate performance, the management of Asset Newspapers Limited, Publishers of DAILY ASSET, has announced the appointment of David Torough as the Editor of the Abuja-based national daily.
A statement by the management said the appointments were part of the company’s new strategy to further penetrate the various states in the country and raise its readership and patronage.
“DAILY ASSET is widely acceptable across the country and to maintain our leadership position, we need to increase management presence, hence the need to create new Bureau offices in some locations outside Abuja and Lagos,” the statement quoted the Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief, Dr Cletus Akwaya to have said.
In a statement yesterday, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the fast-growing daily, Dr. Cletus Akwaya said the appointment was part of the new strategy to properly situate the paper for better productivity.
“DAILY ASSET has a commitment with the Nigerian people. We are determined to weather the storm and give Nigerian readers a Newspaper that satisfies their yearnings and reading pleasure and we can only do that with the right set of professionals,” the statement said.
Akwaya, a former Commissioner of Information from Benue State said the difficult times being faced by Nigerians posed a great challenge to the media as the people deserved credible information with which to make choices.
“We have a bond with the people, to offer credible information at all times in the best tradition of the Nigerian Press and on this scale of objectivity, truth and fairness, we pledge to remain steadfast no matter the challenges,” Akwaya was quoted to have said.
He said the newspaper will maiantin its daily print run and circulation to all states of the federation and urged advertisers to take advantage of the deep penetration of the Daily Asset brand to send their messages.
Torough, the new Editor has had a steady rise in the Newspaper in the last five years.
A graduate of Mass communication of the Benue State University, Makurdi, Torough joined the company in 2022 as Benue State Correspondent. He was spotted for his brilliance and redeployed to Abuja the following year and promoted to Deputy News Editor. He was subswuently named Deputy Editor of the paper, a position he held until the recent appointment.
Torough has attended several journalistic workshops and trainings to properly equip himself for the task ahead.
The statement also said the Management named Eze Okechukwu as Deputy Editor.
Before his elevation as Deputy Editor, Eze has been Deputy Politics Editor and DAILY ASSET Newspaper correspondent covering the Senate, having joined the organization in 2021.
Born on March 10, 1975, Eze holds a Masters Degree in Mass Communication from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology.
Eze began his journalism career with Daily Star, Enugu and later worked with Daily Trust Newspaper, Abuja as sports reporter.
Aside from his journalistic excellence, he has a great deal of passion for sports.
From Ngutor Dekera, Kaduna and Aliyu Askira, Kano
Northern governors and traditional rulers yesterday called for the suspension of mining activities across the region for six months, blaming illegal mining for worsening insecurity in many states.The resolution was contained in a communiqué issued after a joint meeting of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council held at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna.
The meeting, chaired by the Gombe State Governor and NSGF Chairman, Muhammadu Yahaya, had in attendance the 19 northern governors and chairmen of the 19 states’ traditional councils. The Forum expressed concern over the escalating violence in parts of the North, including the killings and abductions recently recorded in Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Jigawa and Kano states, as well as renewed Boko Haram attacks in Borno and Yobe.“The Forum extends its deepest condolences and solidarity to the governments and good people of the affected states,” the communiqué said, noting that the attacks on schoolchildren and other citizens had become “unacceptable tragedies” that required urgent collective action.It commended President Bola Tinubu for what it described as the Federal Government’s “firm response” to recent abductions and insurgency threats, especially the rescue of some abducted pupils.The governors also saluted security agencies for their sacrifices on the frontlines.“We resolved to renew our support for every step taken by the President and Commander-in-Chief to take the fight to insurgents’ enclaves in order to end the criminality,” the Forum stated.A major highlight of the meeting was the North’s renewed push for the establishment of state police, with governors and traditional rulers insisting that decentralised policing had become inevitable.“The Forum reaffirms its wholehearted support and commitment to the establishment of state police,” the communiqué added, urging federal and state lawmakers from the region to “expedite action for its actualisation.”On illegal mining, the governors said criminal mining networks were fuelling violence and providing resources for armed groups.As a corrective measure, they asked Tinubu to direct the Minister of Solid Minerals to impose a six-month suspension of mining activities in order to allow for a full audit and revalidation of licences.“The Forum observed that illegal mining has become a major contributory factor to the security crises in Northern Nigeria. “We strongly recommend a suspension of mining exploration for six months to allow proper audit and to arrest the menace of artisanal illegal mining,” it said.To strengthen the fight against insecurity, the governors also announced the creation of a regional Security Trust Fund.Under the proposed arrangement, each state and its local governments will contribute ₦1bn monthly, to be deducted at source under an agreed framework.They said the fund would help provide sustainable financing for joint operations, intelligence-driven interventions and coordinated security responses across the region.At the end of the meeting, the Forum reaffirmed its commitment to unity and collective responsibility.“Only through unity, peer review and cooperation can we overcome the pressing challenges before us,” it declared.The Forum agreed to reconvene on a date to be announced.Meanwhile, Nigeria’s worsening security crisis took a grim turn on Monday as bandits launched fresh attacks in Kano State, abducting 25 villagers, even as the Federal Government raced to secure the release of more than 300 Catholic school children kidnapped in Niger State.In the early hours of Monday, armed bandits invaded Unguwar Tsamiya—popularly called Dabawa—in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, whisking away nine men and two women after shooting into the air and assaulting residents. The attackers also rustled two cows.A resident lamented the community’s helplessness: “We cannot do otherwise; most of us cannot leave because we have nowhere to go. This is our place, our land and everything is here.”The assault came less than 24 hours after a similar attack on Yan Kamaye in Tsanyawa LGA, a community along the volatile Katsina border.In Niger State, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has assured distraught families of St. Mary’s Co-Education School, Kontagora that the more than 300 students and staff abducted on November 21 will return home “soon.” Ribadu, who led a high-level federal delegation to the school on Monday, said the abductees are safe, though he offered no specifics on their location or the status of rescue operations.According to Daniel Atori, spokesman for the Catholic bishop overseeing the school, the NSA reassured officials: “The children are where they are and will come back safely.”The St. Mary’s attack is part of a worrying resurgence of mass kidnappings reminiscent of the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction. Security analysts warn that banditry has evolved into a “structured, profit-seeking industry,” with hundreds of Nigerians abducted in November alone.The Kontagora school abduction occurred the same week 25 girls were kidnapped in Kebbi State—victims who authorities say have since been rescued through “non-kinetic” means. About 50 of the St. Mary’s hostages have also managed to escape.Ribadu’s delegation, which included the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), reaffirmed the government’s commitment to securing the freedom of all abducted citizens.As communities from Kano to Niger continue to bear the brunt of these violent incursions, the escalating spate of kidnappings underscores the urgent national demand for a more decisive and coordinated security response.
By David Torough, Abuja
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said former Attorney‑General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, will face a team of interrogators at its office daily throughout December.A credible source in the EFCC said on Monday that the daily appearance was part of an ongoing investigation into the whereabouts of an alleged 490 million dollars Abacha loot secured through a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLAT) request.
The source said that Malami, who was summoned for interrogation by the EFCC on Saturday, was barred from leaving Nigeria for the next one month.According to the source, one of the conditions for his release on Saturday was that he should report daily to the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja for further interrogation.The source said Malami would have to appear daily at the anti-graft office due to the volume of the investigation and the seriousness of the charges against him.”We seized his passport, it is the normal routine during investigation, but he has to report at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja every day for the next month.”He will be reporting for further investigation throughout December.”He will be reporting every day, starting from Dec. 1st to Dec. 31st.He will appear before the team of investigators for the entire month of December.”He will be reporting to EFCC for investigation for the period because of the volume of the investigation and the seriousness of the charges against him,” the source added.According to the source, a fact sheet on the former minister revealed that Malami had several issues to clarify with the EFCC within the coming weeks.“We have asked him to explain the whereabouts of the $490 million Abacha loot secured through MLAT.“We didn’t say he stole money, but he should account for the loot. This is one of the issues he will clarify to our investigators.”The commission cited the large volume of documents he must review and the need for extensive interviews as reasons for seizing his passport.The source said EFCC would not engage in a war of words but would release its findings after a thorough investigation.Malami, in a statement by his media aide, Mohammed Doka, on Monday in Abuja, however, described the EFCC investigation as a political witch‑hunt.He confirmed he honored an EFCC invitation on Nov. 28, describing the engagement as fruitful and expressing confidence that the probe would vindicate him.Malami described the EFCC’s allegations as baseless, illogical and devoid of substance, insisting they collapse under factual scrutiny.
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