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23/09/2025

Army Reaffirms Zero Tolerance as Court-Martial Jails Four Soldiers in Maiduguri for Arms Racketeering
.... Three Get Life Sentences, One 15 Years for Aiding Enemy in North-East

By: Babagana Bukar Wakil, Maiduguri

A Special Court Martial (SCM) convened by the Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, has sentenced four soldiers to varying jail terms for arms and ammunition racketeering as well as aiding the enemy.

The verdict was delivered by the President of the Court, Brigadier General Mohammed Abdullahi, during proceedings held at the Headquarters Theatre Command Officers’ Mess, Maiduguri, on 18 September 2025. The court found Sgt. Raphael Ameh, Sgt. Ejiga Musa, and LCpl. Patrick Ocheje guilty and sentenced them to life imprisonment, while Cpl. Omitoye Rufus received a 15-year jail term.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Haruna Mohammed Sani, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 7 Division Nigerian Army, the soldiers were convicted on multiple charges including theft, unlawful dealings in ammunition, offences relating to service property, and aiding the enemy. These offences are punishable under the Armed Forces Act (AFA), Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, CAP A20 2004, and other extant laws.

The court established that Sgt. Ameh, an armourer with 7 Division Garrison, conspired with late LCpl. Ogbogo Isaac to divert ammunition from the Division’s armoury. He further collaborated with officers of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) to smuggle arms concealed in bags of beans to Enugu and Ebonyi States, where they were supplied to criminal groups. Investigations showed that Sgt. Ameh received proceeds of the trade through more than 100 bank transactions between July 2022 and June 2024.

Similarly, Sgt. Ejiga Musa, while serving as the main armourer at 195 Battalion, conspired with LCpl. Ocheje and other collaborators to sell an AK-47 rifle and a large cache of ammunition. He reportedly collected over ₦500,000 from the illegal trade before being apprehended during a sting operation.

Cpl. Rufus was found guilty of selling 40 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, while LCpl. Ocheje, deployed at Forward Operating Base Molai, diverted ammunition to militias during communal clashes and was further implicated in the theft of an AK-47 rifle belonging to a colleague.

The Court President stressed that such illicit trade endangers troops, undermines military operations, and jeopardizes national security. He described the convicted personnel as “bad eggs” whose conduct amounts to betrayal of the trust, discipline, and honour expected of soldiers in the theatre of operations.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its zero tolerance for gross misconduct, fraudulent activities, and unprofessional practices, adding that such acts erode discipline and tarnish the service’s image. The Army restated its commitment to accountability, justice, and professionalism through reward and punishment mechanisms aimed at preserving integrity and strengthening public trust.

Haruna Mohammed Sani, Lieutenant Colonel, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 7 Division Nigerian Army, 23 September 2025.

22/09/2025

Phone Snatchers Attack Businessman in Katsina

Suspected phone sn**chers have attacked a businessman, Mr. Marwan Usman, while he was working at his shop along IBB Way, near Kofar Kaura and the MTN office in Katsina metropolis.

Narrating his ordeal on Monday, Usman said that the incident occurred late on Sunday night as he was refilling fuel in a generator to continue his night business.

According to him, the attackers demanded that he hand over his mobile phone. “I refused to give them the phone, and they began attacking me with sharp objects until I sustained injuries,” he said.

He added that although they inflicted wounds on him, the assailants were unable to sn**ch the phone before fleeing the scene.

Residents have expressed growing concern over the rising cases of phone sn**ching and street robberies within Katsina town, calling on security agencies to intensify patrols to protect lives and property.

21/09/2025

...Just In

Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja, Nigeria, to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, holding in New York, United States of America, from Monday, September 22 to Sunday, September 28, 2025.

Senator Shettima, who is representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the global event, will deliver Nigeria’s national statement and join other dignitaries at the UN high-level general debates, among other side events.

The Vice President will also announce Nigeria's new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement at this year's UN special event on climate.

20/09/2025

*Press Release...*

"Global Solidarity Talks" Celebrates International Day of South-South Solidarity

In a celebration of the International Day of South-South Solidarity, the "Global Solidarity Talks" program, an initiative of the Global Solidarity Network, hosted a cultural salon titled "Cooperatives in the Global South." This event was held in conjunction with the United Nations' declaration of 2025 as the Year of Cooperatives, under the theme "Cooperatives: The United Voice of the Global South for a Sustainable Future."

The salon featured Dr. Mohamed Abdel-Hakim Ibrahim, Chairman of the Social and Cooperative Economy Network for the Middle East and North Africa and author of "Cooperatives and Questions of Development," as the main speaker. The event was also attended by researcher Hassan Ghazali, founder of the Global Solidarity Network, and Dr. Sally Saad, an international expert and consultant in communication and public relations, and a public relations lecturer at Al Jazeera High Institute for Media and Communication, who served as commentators. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Mohamed Sayyaf, Assistant Professor (Senior Researcher) at the Agricultural Economics Research Institute and the Agricultural Research Center.

Cooperatives: The Humanization of Economics

Dr. Mohamed Abdel-Hakim Ibrahim opened his address at the "Cooperatives in the Global South" salon by asking the audience: "Why do we need cooperatives? And what form of cooperatives do we need?" He emphasized that any developmental work is not limited to economic dimensions of returns and progress but extends to include cultural, intellectual, and scientific development, stressing the need to distinguish between economic growth and comprehensive development.

In this context, Abdel-Hakim discussed the concept of the Social and Cooperative Economy as an attempt to answer a central question: "Can there be an economy that is more closely tied to humanity?" This is what the economic thinker Samir Amin referred to as the "humanization of economics." He explained that the social and cooperative economy represents an approach that focuses on meeting human, social, and environmental needs, rather than pursuing maximum profit. It is based on the values of solidarity, mutual responsibility, and democratic governance. This economy takes various forms, including:
• Agricultural, worker, and housing cooperatives.
• Charitable associations and non-profit organizations.
• Community enterprises.

He also stressed that implementing this model requires integrated steps at the political, legislative, and societal levels, asserting that the social and cooperative economy has the potential to be a key driver of sustainable development, job creation, improved living standards, and the reduction of social inequalities.

Cooperatives: A Human Response to the Problems of the Industrial Revolution

Dr. Abdel-Hakim reviewed the origins of the global cooperative movement, affirming that it was not merely an economic idea but a direct human response to the challenges posed by the Industrial Revolution in Europe. He explained that the transition of societies from rural areas to cities and the rise of a capitalist system based on profit without regard for the social dimension created a wide gap between capital owners and workers.

He added that the capitalist economy at the time failed to absorb the large numbers of workers, leading to widespread poverty, exploitation, and deteriorating living conditions. This highlighted the need for an economic alternative that placed people at its core. Thus, cooperatives emerged, establishing firm principles and values that included: open and voluntary membership, democratic control, member economic participation, autonomy and independence, education and training, cooperation among cooperatives, and concern for the community. He emphasized that these principles were not just slogans but formed a roadmap for establishing economic entities capable of serving their members and communities sustainably.

Dr. Abdel-Hakim also touched upon ownership models, pointing out that cooperatives represent a unique model of collective ownership, distinct from public (state) and private (individual) ownership. In this context, he reviewed a number of successful local cooperative experiences in Egypt's agricultural sector, which have proven effective in improving farmers' lives and increasing their productivity.

Cooperatives: A Driving Force for Development

For his part, Dr. Mohamed Sayaf, Assistant Professor (Senior Researcher) at the Agricultural Economics Research Institute and Agricultural Research Center and coordinator of the Global South Solidarity School, emphasized in his speech the great importance of economic and social cooperatives, noting their diverse forms in Egypt. He pointed out that agricultural cooperatives alone have benefited nearly 12.5 million individuals, in addition to craft and consumer cooperatives, among others.

Sayaf expanded his discussion to include international experiences in Global South countries, stating that many were inspired by the Egyptian experience in the 1960s, especially countries of the Non-Aligned Movement that sought to break free from colonial capitalist dominance. In this context, he reviewed Tanzania's experience in the late 1960s and early 1970s, which saw a remarkable developmental leap thanks to its reliance on cooperatives. He also noted President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's interest in cooperative legislation and their establishment, explaining that the true guarantee for the sustainability of projects serving 23 different sectors lies in the existence of strong and effective cooperatives.

Media Cooperatives: A Unified Voice for the Global South

In her commentary, Dr. Sally Saad stressed the importance of establishing what she called "media cooperatives" among Global South countries, describing them as "the unified voice of the Global South." She sees them as a tool to bridge the media gap and enhance the presence of Global South issues amid rapidly accelerating global interconnections.

Dr. Saad explained that these cooperatives enable the production of original and reliable content that reflects local community issues away from distortion. They also provide a platform for exchanging experiences and knowledge among media professionals and pooling resources to enhance shared media capabilities. She also reviewed the main challenges facing this model in Global South countries, which include: the media gap and marginalization of issues, the dominance of external agendas, weak resources, and technological challenges.

She concluded by presenting the experience of the Climate Journalists Network in Africa (ACJN) as a successful model for regional media cooperation on climate issues, affirming that establishing such cooperatives is a strategic step to regain control over the media narrative and enhance the presence of Global South countries on the international stage.

For his part, researcher Hassan Ghazaly confirmed that the Global Solidarity Network serves as an umbrella for several projects launched cumulatively since 2012, with the aim of promoting a spirit of joint action and consolidating the values of solidarity in its various forms. He explained that some of the most prominent projects reflecting the diversity of activities and the vision aimed at fostering dialogue and communication include: the African Union Simulation Model, the "Afro-Media" initiative, the "Bozoor" project for public culture, the Global South Solidarity School, the National Project for Awareness of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), the Solidarity of Nile Basin Peoples Project, and the "Global Solidarity Talks" program.

The salon saw wide engagement from the attendees, who contributed with various interventions and inquiries, reviewing cooperative experiences from Global South countries like China. The event concluded with researcher Hassan Ghazaly honoring Dr. Mohamed Abdel-Hakim Ibrahim and taking commemorative group photos.

20/09/2025

Organ Black Market: 651 Kidneys Worth N41 Billion Illegally Sold In

NIGERIA is at the centre of a disturbing global organ trafficking network, with over 651 kidneys worth more than N41 billion allegedly sold on the black market between 2015 and 2020, according to a leading medical expert.

News Point Nigeria reports that Professor Aliyu Abdu, a renowned nephrologist at Bayero University, Kano (BUK) and consultant physician at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), made the revelation during a seminar on National Organ and Tissue Transplantation Standards organized by the Clarion Call Care Foundation in Abuja.

Prof. Abdu explained that organ trafficking is a booming criminal industry globally, with an estimated 10,000 kidneys sold illegally every year, averaging one kidney every hour worldwide.

TAZKIYAH UNIVERSITY
“Unfortunately, Nigeria is a significant player in this trade. Between 2015 and 2020 alone, about 651 kidneys were trafficked and transplanted illegally in the country,” he said.

He warned that the illicit business is driven by poverty, inequality, unethical medical practices, and weak regulation, with unscrupulous medical professionals acting as facilitators.

UBA
The professor painted a grim picture of the plight of organ donors, many of whom are poor, vulnerable, and lured by the promise of financial reward.

“Victims are mostly impoverished people who are easily influenced by financial incentives and are ignorant of the possible risks involved. Some are even coerced or forced into giving up their organs,” he said.

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According to him, after the transplants are completed, most donors are left without proper post-surgery care, often suffering lifelong health complications, depression, and financial ruin.

Prof. Abdu described the kidney black market as a sophisticated underworld enterprise, involving illegal brokers, ‘organ hunters,’ and even licensed medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, anaesthetists, ambulance drivers, and travel agents.

Nigerian TAX Reform - Federal Goverment
“These criminal networks connect desperate donors to wealthy recipients, turning human suffering into a lucrative business,” he said.

While Nigeria has a legal framework, the National Health Act of 2014, which prohibits the commercialization of human organs, Prof. Abdu lamented that enforcement remains weak.

The Act allows for reimbursement of reasonable costs incurred by a donor but criminalizes any financial exchange for an organ, prescribing fines and imprisonment for offenders. It also prohibits kidney removal from anyone under 18 or over 65 years old.

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Despite these legal provisions, Prof. Abdu said illegal transplants persist due to poor enforcement, lack of cadaveric donation systems, and inadequate organ banks.

The nephrologist called on the Federal Government, medical associations, and security agencies to intensify efforts to regulate transplantation practices, monitor medical professionals, and educate the public about the risks of illegal organ sales.

“Without stronger enforcement and ethical medical practices, organ trafficking will continue to thrive, deepening inequality and causing untold suffering for the most vulnerable,” Prof. Abdu warned.

18/09/2025

Military–Journalist Relations in Theatre of Operations: Bridging the Gap Through Dialogue

By: Ali Mamman Shuwa

In the complex environment of counter-insurgency and peace-building operations, the relationship between the military and the media often determines how narratives are shaped, how trust is built, and how the public receives information. The delicate balance between security imperatives and press freedom came under the spotlight during the Third Quarter Media Stakeholders’ Seminar held recently in Maiduguri.

The event, organized under the auspices of the Defence Headquarters, drew participants from across the media spectrum, academics, and communication experts. Paper presentations were delivered by Professor Usman A. Tar, a renowned scholar in peace and conflict studies, and Professor Abubakar Mu'azu, an authority in communication and development. Their submissions highlighted the challenges and opportunities in fostering effective military-media engagement, particularly in volatile regions like the North-East.

For me, the seminar was more than an intellectual exercise—it was a memorable personal encounter. I had the rare privilege of meeting Major General Jimmy Akpor Kangye, the Director of Defence Information (DDI), whose presence underscored the seriousness with which the military takes information management. General Kangye, a man of measured words and calm demeanor, interacted warmly with participants, stressing the need for openness, mutual respect, and professionalism in military-media relations.

In our brief exchange, he emphasized that journalists are critical partners in the fight against insurgency, not just as chroniclers of events but also as stakeholders in shaping public perception. “We may operate in different spheres,” he remarked, “but our goals intersect—we both seek peace, stability, and the truth.”

The seminar further revealed that while the military prioritizes operational security, journalists equally bear the responsibility of balanced reporting, ensuring that facts are not only accurate but also sensitive to the realities on the ground. Both Prof. Tar and Prof. Muazu reiterated that conflict communication requires tact, empathy, and collaboration to avoid inflaming tensions.

The Maiduguri gathering served as a bridge-building moment—bringing the barracks and the newsroom to the same table. For media practitioners like myself, it reaffirmed that dialogue with the military is not just possible but necessary in enhancing national security and promoting public trust.

As the guns quieten and reconstruction efforts deepen, the partnership between the armed forces and the media must be nurtured. Encounters such as my meeting with General Kangye remind us that beyond the uniforms and bylines, we are all working towards a shared future where peace and truth prevail.

17/09/2025

15/09/2025

Gwoza: Zulum commissions nursing college, teachers' houses, market shops
. Approves recruitment of 50 nurses for Gwoza General Hospital

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, commissioned three key projects in Gwoza Local Government Area in the southern part of the state on Monday.

The commissioned projects included the state-of-the-art Gwoza College of Nursing and Midwifery, a new block of 20 modern teachers’ quarters, and 200 newly constructed lock-up shops at the Gwoza Main Market.

Zulum, who performed the commissioning ceremony, stated: “Today, we gather to consciously shift the narrative. We have gathered too many times to mourn, rebuild from ashes, and commemorate our losses. But today, we gather for a different reason. Today, we gather to invest in life.”

He added, “We are here to commission an institution whose sole purpose is to preserve life, nurture it and celebrate it. We are here to officially open the doors of the Gwoza College of Nursing and Midwifery.

“In the years to come, when the history of our recovery and renaissance is written, let this day be remembered as a pivotal moment. Let it be said that in Gwoza, amidst the echoes of a challenging past, we chose to build a process dedicated to life."

According to him, the college has modern laboratories, a well-stocked library, simulation rooms, and modern classroom furniture. He noted that the college will also address the problem of inadequate human resources in healthcare.

Zulum said, “For years, we have diagnosed a critical ailment in our healthcare system; a severe deficit of these skilled hands could not allow us to move forward. We have relied on a precarious model of importing professionals from other regions, a temporary fix that is neither sustainable nor dignified.

“It is a model that leaves us perpetually vulnerable. Today, we move from diagnosis to treatment. We move from identifying the problem to implementing a permanent cure.”

Alongside the nursing college, the new block of teachers’ quarters aims to tackle housing deficits among teachers and to provide them with decent accommodation, improving their welfare and, by extension, the quality of education.

Zulum commissioned 200 new market shops to revitalise local commerce. The shops will be allocated to traders and will provide a structured and secure environment for business. This will boost the local economy and increase the government’s internally generated revenue.

The occasion was attended by the Emir of Gwoza, Ideisea Shehu Timta, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, members of the House of Representatives, Ahmad Jaha Babawo and Engr Bukar Talba.

Also present were the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Engr Abdullahi Askira, Secretary to the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani, Head of Service, Dr Muhammad Ghuluze, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe and other top government officials.

Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Professor Baba Mallam Gana, commended Governor Zulum for the foresight to establish Nursing Colleges in Gwoza and Monguno.
. Approves recruitment of 50 nurses for Gwoza General Hospital

Meanwhile, Governor Zulum has approved the recruitment of 50 nurses at the General Hospital in Gwoza.

He announced the approval on Monday when he paid homage to the Emir of Gwoza, Ideissa Shehu Timta, at his palace.

According to the governor, the recruitment became imperative to provide enough manpower at the General Hospital, which will serve as a reference centre for the students at a new nursing college.

14/09/2025

Resettlement: Baga community gifts Zulum farm produce

Residents in Baga, a community in Kukawa Local Government Area, have presented gifts of farm produce including onion, watermelon and smoked fish to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum to appreciate his bold effort of resettling Baga town over the last 3 years.

According to the residents, the resettlement of Baga town has provided them with financial independence, unlike when they were at the IDP camps where they depended on handouts to survive.

Speaking on behalf of the community, Abba Aji Alhaji Aji said, “Your Excellency, we want to most sincerely express our gratitude to you for your bold initiative to reopen Baga in September, 2020, and resettled us back to our communities.”

“In the past, we lived in IDP camps where we were unable to fend for ourselves and only looked out for handouts every month to survive. But now with your effort, we are in our homes in dignity and honour, we go out to farm, fish, and do all sorts of jobs to earn our livelihood.”

“Your Excellency, these farm produce you see are direct from our farms. We earn as much as we can eat and sell some to cater to our other needs. We came here to present this little gift to appreciate you and all the risks you have taken to ensure we are in our homes.”

“Sir, we would love to have presented much more than this. Had you come here at the peak of our harvest, you would be surprised by what we will present to you.”

In addition to the gifts, the community also presented an award of public service to Governor Zulum for the developmental projects he cited in Baga and all other parts of Borno State.

Governor Zulum expressed immense gratitude to the good people of Baga community for their resilience and commitment to hard work and nation building.

11/09/2025

*TROOPS OF 3 DIVISION/JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION ENDURING PEACE ARREST NOTORIOUS CATTLE RUSTLERS, RECOVER ARMS AND AMMUNITION IN PLATEAU STATE*

1. As part of efforts to curtail the menace of cattle rustling which often triggers crisis in the Joint Operations Area, troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP) raided the hideout of suspected cattle rustlers at Kogul Village in Mangu Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State. During the intelligence-based operation conducted on 11 September 2025, troops arrested 2 notorious cattle rustlers and recovered the following items from the suspects:

a. One AK-47 rifle.

b. One AK-47 magazine.

c. One fabricated revolver rifle.

d. Ten rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition.

e. One mobile phone.

f. Cash

2. The arrested suspects and recovered items are in the custody of troops for investigation. Meanwhile, troops are conducting follow-up operations to intercept and arrest other members of the criminal syndicate.

3. This arrest is pivotal to the ongoing efforts to tackle the triggers of crisis, which troops of 3 Division/JTF OPEP are actively involved and have sworn to do in the Joint Operations Area.

*SAMSON NANTIP ZHAKOM*
Major
Media Information Officer
JTF Operation ENDURING PEACE
11 September 2025

10/09/2025

Zulum commissions eye, dental hospitals, nursing college in Monguno
Okays N3bn for construction of Specialist Hospital in Monguno
To build 100 houses for health workers

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum on wednesday commissioned three landmark projects, including eye and dental hospitals, and a nursing college, in Monguno town in the northern part of the state.

Delivering his address, Zulum noted that the nursing college aims to address workforce shortages in the healthcare facilities in rural areas in the northern part of Borno State.

He said, “What matters is not only the construction of facilities, but human resources for health are a key ingredient that will ensure the provision of quality healthcare in Borno State. Therefore, this nursing college will train our younger ones in nursing, midwifery, and allied health courses so that they can fill the gap in the manpower not only in this region but also in other parts of the state.”

The eye hospital, equipped with modern diagnostic and surgical tools, will provide sight-saving treatments and surgeries locally, eliminating the incidence of eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma and trachoma, which can lead to preventable blindness if left untreated.

The dental hospital will offer services from basic check-ups and fillings to more complex procedures, addressing a long-neglected aspect of healthcare in the area.

The governor also announced that with the commissioning of the eye hospital in Monguno, free eye surgery operations for 5,000 less privileged people in northern Borno had been flagged off.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Health and Human Resources, Prof. Baba Mallam Gana, commended Governor Zulum for transforming the health care system.

He noted that the Zulum administration had consistently prioritised high budgetary provision for the health sector, meeting the Abuja declaration of 15 percent budgetary provision for the healthcare.

The occasion was attended by Senator representing northern Borno, Barr Mohammed Tahir Monguno, APC Chairman, Bello Ayuba, Member representing Monguno at the House of Representatives, Engr Bukar Talba, Speaker Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan and other senior government officials.
Okays N3bn for construction of Specialist Hospital in Monguno

Meanwhile, Governor Zulum has directed the release of 3 billion naira for constructing a Specialist Hospital in Monguno.

When completed, the hospital will serve as a referral centre for northern Borno's 10 local government areas.

The governor said, “Furthermore, very soon we shall flag the construction of a befitting specialist hospital, General Hospital Monguno. The project will cost the Borno state government about three billion naira. The construction only, without equipping it.

“This project will soon start in Monguno town, and it will be fully equipped with state-of-the-art facilities like MRI, CT scan and others that are available in the metropolitan council, so that the ten local areas of northern Borno need not go to Maiduguri for their medical means in sha Allah.

“With the take off of the specialist hospital, we will introduce a residency training for medical doctors here in Monguno. So that, the major problem that we are facing in this region of the state, which is the gap in human resources, can be reduced to the barest minimum.”
To build 100 houses for health workers

Governor Zulum also announced the approval for the construction of 100 houses in Monguno to address the housing deficit for the health care workers.

He stated: “I want to assure you that beneficial accommodation will soon be provided to all these staff so they can leave comfortably. However, as an interim measure. The commissioner for local Government council, as well as the local chairman of the Monguno local government, should put their heads together and identify some edifice within the town so that the Borno state government will take over this edifice on a rental basis pending the completion of the new housing estate for these doctors.

“The Commissioner for the Local Government also has to identify a site for constructing nothing fewer than one hundred housing units here in Monguno. Immediately, the personnel working in Monguno, especially the medical personnel and teachers living in Monguno, shall be given befitting accommodation. And in sha Allah we shall flag up this project very soon.”