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ECN, Nigerian Air Force Collaborate to Enhance Energy Security

ECN, Nigerian Air Force Collaborate to Enhance Energy Security

The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) and the Nigerian Air Force have initiated a strategic partnership to enhance energy security. This development follows a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Nigerian Air Force, led by the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal E. K. Gabkwet, and the Chief of Logistics, AVM A. I. Sambo, to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

During the visit, Air Vice Marshal Gabkwet expressed appreciation to the DG of ECN, Dr. Abdullahi, for granting the audience and conveyed the goodwill of the Chief of the Air Staff. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in developing renewable energy solutions to support anti-terrorism operations. He also requested technical training support from ECN for Air Force personnel and pledged the Air Force’s assistance in logistics, transportation, and other operational areas.

In his remarks, Dr. Abdullahi described the engagement as historic, noting that it is the first of its kind between the ECN and the military. He reiterated the Commission’s mandate to ensure national energy security and highlighted key policy frameworks, including the National Energy Policy (NEP) and the National Energy Master Plan (NEMP).

The Director-General further outlined ongoing solarisation projects in healthcare facilities and tertiary institutions, assuring the delegation that similar initiatives would be extended to the Nigerian Air Force. He also announced the immediate deployment of solar-powered lighting solutions to support Air Force operations.

Copies of the NEP and NEMP were presented to the delegation, and both parties affirmed that the partnership marks the beginning of sustained collaboration aimed at advancing national development and security.

The meeting was attended by ECN directors and members of the Air Force delegation, including AVM C. E. Akpa, Air Commodore L. O. Wabriboko, Air Commodore A. T. Adejimi, I. O. Akpasa, Squadron Leader A. B. Gambo, and Flight Lieutenant A. M. Aondoakaa.

Bribery Allegations Rock Kaduna Lithium Project, Australian Executive Reported to AFP

Australian Mining Executive Referred to Australian Federal Police as Kaduna Communities Allege Bribery and Corruption

By Biliyaminu Suraj

Fresh allegations of coercion, political interference and foreign bribery have emerged around one of Nigeria’s most promising lithium deposits, after community leaders in Kaduna State referred an Australian mining executive to the Australian Federal Police for investigation.

Community leaders say Mr Ikin and his associates sought to pressure them into granting access to the mine-ready project, despite Jupiter Lithium’s long-standing presence and development work in the area.

Community alleges high-level assurances
According to letters sent to Nigerian and Australian authorities and reviewed by this newspaper, representatives of the so-called “Atlantic group” met the Paramount Ruler in December 2025. The delegation, introduced through a village chief, allegedly told the ruler that they had the backing of high level Nigerian government officials that Jupiter’s titles would be revoked or “cut into pieces” to allow new entrants – an assertion that, if verified, would raise serious concerns about political interference in the allocation of mining rights in a sector the government has repeatedly described as central to Nigeria’s economic future.

Community leaders say they rejected the overtures, citing Jupiter Lithium’s seven-year record of community development, local employment and a formal Community Development Agreement (CDA).

“We refused to give consent to any of Mr Ikin’s companies,” the community wrote in one of several letters to the minister and the DG-NMCO.

A controversial figure resurfaces in Nigeria

Mr Ikin is a familiar figure in Australian mining circles. As head of the former ASX-listed Preston Resources, he presided over the Bulong laterite nickel project near Kalgoorlie — one of Western Australia’s most notorious mining failures. The project collapsed with estimated debts of about A$600 million and accumulated losses of roughly A$750 million.

Nigerian media have previously reported concerns about his activities in other African countries.

Individuals familiar with the matter say Mr Ikin is employed by businessman Gilbert Chagoury, and that the companies involved in the Kaduna push are administered by associates linked to the Chagoury network.

Escalation to the Australian government

After receiving no response to multiple letters sent to Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals and the DG-NMCO, the Kaninkon community escalated the matter to the Australian High Commission in Abuja, alleging that Mr Ikin’s conduct amounted to foreign bribery and corruption under Australian law.

When their first two letters went unanswered, the community wrote directly to Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs. In January 2026, the Australian High Commissioner advised that allegations involving an Australian citizen should be referred to the Australian Federal Police, which has jurisdiction to investigate foreign bribery and grand corruption offences involving Australian nationals.

The community subsequently submitted a formal referral to the AFP’s Taskforce Solaris in Canberra.

The AFP does not comment on ongoing assessments, but any inquiry would likely examine the alleged political assurances Mr Ikin is said to have cited, as well as the corporate structures behind Atlantic Mining Techniques and related entities.

The case centres on Colin Ikin, an Australian national linked to a cluster of companies — Atlantic Mining Techniques, Mystic Mining and Kings Mines — that have been attempting to secure community consent to operate on tenements discovered and developed by UK-registered Jupiter Lithium Ltd in the Kaninkon Chiefdom of Jema’a Local Government Area.

A test for Nigeria’s mining reforms

The dispute comes at a sensitive moment for Nigeria’s mining sector, which the Tinubu administration has positioned as a cornerstone of its economic diversification agenda.

Investors say the allegations highlight persistent weaknesses in licensing transparency, political interference and institutional oversight.

Jupiter Lithium Ltd, which has had several of its mining lease titles revoked, has been unable to commence mining on its remaining tenements despite completing exploration and development work.

The company said the credibility of Nigeria’s mining reforms depends on adherence to due process.

“Transparency and the rule of law must prevail,” a representative said.

For the Kaninkon community, the stakes are immediate. “We have worked with Jupiter for seven years,” a community leader said. “We cannot allow people to come with political backing to take what is ours.”

Whether the Australian Federal Police opens a full investigation may determine how far the allegations reverberate — in Abuja, in Canberra, and across a global critical minerals market increasingly shaped by governance risks.

China’s Increasing Control of Africa’s Mineral Resources

China’s Increasing Control of Africa’s Mineral Resources

Nigeria’s Minister for Mines prides himself on his recent re-election as Chairman of the newly formed Africa Minerals Strategy Group, established by African Ministers of Minerals and Mining to foster cooperation among African nations in the development of critical minerals.

Minister Alake is a former journalist and close friend of President Tinubu. During Tinubu’s two terms as Governor of Lagos State it was Alake who managed Tinubu’s media as the Governor’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy.

It is this African Minerals Strategy Group that is leading the push for the introduction of the Madini Protocol, a blockchain platform which will be the Trojan Horse for Chinese control of the African minerals sector.

Since becoming Minister for Sold Minerals Development Alake’s primary focus has been on securing large-scale investments and fostering partnerships for local mineral processing. This has led to the development of several lithium processing plants in Nigeria, primarily backed by Chinese investment.

Major Chinese companies such as Canmax Technology, Jiuling Lithium, Avatar New Energy, and Asba have announced investment in lithium processing facilities in Nigeria.

Since late 2025, Canmax has aggressively secured lithium ore to feed its expanding processing faciliies.

Canmax Technologies is primarily owned and controlled by its founder and chairman, Mr Pei Zhenhua, alongside his wife, Rong Jianfen. Alake claims Canmax is investing US$200M to develop lithium mining operations in Nigeria, in line with Chinese aggressive moves to control African mineral resources and infrastructure such as ports and railways necessary to exploit the mineral reserves.

Chinese megafirm CATL announced plans to increase its stake in Canmax’s lithium subsidiaries. CATL holds approximately 40 percent of the global EV battery market and almost 70 percent of the NCM (Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese) battery market in China. China as a whole processes approximately 65 percent to 80 percent of the world’s lithium. As the dominant player in China, CATL effectively directs a majority of the lithium hydroxide refined within the country toward its own Gigafactories.

Minister Alake has become a frequent and strong advocate for China’s involvement in Nigeria’s minerals and infrastructure development which has been a hallmark of his many trips to China.

As Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, Minister Alake has introduced the Madini Protocol, a Chinese backed blockchain-based platform for trading and digital financing. This hi-tech system is not only designed for tracking minerals from extraction to market but also tracking every person involved in the supply chain including local villagers who may be employed at the mine. The system converts unmined mineral reserves into tradable digital tokens.

In other central Asian countries China state-controlled tech companies are rolling out platforms that turn natural resources including water into digital tokens tradable on blockchain-based platforms and for digital financing. The Chinese companies rolling out deals with governments say there is no limit to what they can tokenize and make tradable on their platforms.

The Madini Protocol, made possible through a collaboration between David Chen (Founder of BLCP Capital, now Chairman of GTIF) and Chris Wong (CEO of LifeSite). LifeSite Inc., is fronted as the technology company behind the TokenX platform and the Madini Protocol. The background of Wong’s co-founders in this hi-tech digital software is interesting. Crystal Lee, a co-founder of LifeSite, was Miss California 2013 and runner-up in the Miss America 2014 pageant. YoonJin Chang, also a co-founder of LifeSite was a former Miss Korea runner-up in 2010.

Wong’s long term business associate is David Chen who founded and led Deloitte’s Chinese Services Group in Mexico. Chen’s experience is primarily with food, health, entertainment and real estate industries before moving into global esports and entertainment through FaZe Clan which achieved a valuation of $725 million via a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) merger in 2022 only to plunge to a 2026 estimate of $13 million.

Wong and Chen’s Madini Protocol is touted as a vehicle allowing African nations to raise capital via the Africa Mineral Token (AMT). In fact, it is a route for China to capture control of Africa’s mineral resources initially targeting Lithium and Gold. It is promoted by Minister Alake as a means of financing through the digital tokenisation to provide a way for Chinese funding for projects via smart contracts on the blockchain.

The Africa Minerals Strategy Group led by Minister Alake is China’s Trojan Horse to capture control of Africa’s mineral resources through mining infrastructure investment using the Madini Protocol to fund Chinese built and operated ore processing plants. All the while Nigerian officials turn a blind eye to the Chinese sourcing of lithium ore for their Nigerian processing plants from illegal miners, paying protection money to heavily armed militants, bandits and ISIS connected groups controlling increasingly larger areas of Nigeria’s North and Central regions. The extreme insecurity of these areas is a perfect cover for Chinese companies illegally mining who pay terrorists protection money rather than state royalties.

In the Year of the Horse Mines Ministers across Africa, like the people of ancient Troy, may welcome the gift brought to their gates by Minister Alake and his Chinese backed partners only to find it is a Trojan Horse which, once inside the gates, is uncontrollable.

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You never spoke about Sambo Dasuki, You are Talking about Elrufai…Group blasts Sultan

You never spoke about Sambo Dasuki, You are Talking about Elrufai…Group blasts Sultan

A civil society group, the Arewa Peace and Development Forum (APDF),has criticised the Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar over what it described as selective commentary on national issues, accusing the revered monarch of failing to address matters concerning former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, during his incarceration, while allegedly focusing attention on the case involving former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

The Sultan was reportedly quoted as urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to either release El-Rufai or formally charge him in court.

However, in a statement issued by its Coordinator, Mal Ibrahim Mohammed Musawa, the group expressed concern over what it termed a “troubling silence” regarding the prolonged legal and political controversies surrounding Sambo Dasuki, a son of the Sokoto traditional institution,whose case has remained a subject of national debate.

According to the statement, the Sultan, as a highly respected traditional and religious leader, occupies a unique position that demands balance, neutrality, and consistency in addressing sensitive national issues.

“It is surprising that the Sultan has not deemed it necessary to publicly speak on the Sambo Dasuki matter, which has far-reaching implications for justice, governance, and the rule of law,” the statement read. “Yet, there appears to be a readiness to comment on personalities like El-Rufai, raising questions about fairness and objectivity.”

The forum further noted that leaders of the Sultan’s stature are expected to serve as moral compasses in times of national uncertainty, urging him to adopt a more inclusive approach when addressing issues affecting different segments of the country.

While acknowledging the Sultan’s longstanding contributions to peacebuilding and interfaith harmony, the group warned that selective silence could undermine public confidence in traditional institutions.

It called on the Sultan to clarify his position and ensure that his interventions reflect broader national interest rather than being perceived as targeted or selective.

The development comes amid heightened political discourse across the country, where public figures and institutions are increasingly being scrutinised over their roles and pronouncements on governance, accountability, and justice.

THE WAY OUT OF THE KADUNA ADC DEBACLE

When I went home and announced that I would be contesting elective office under the platform of the ADC, I was laughed at, jeered and mocked. Everyone wondered out loud why I would be contesting elections on a party as small as the ADC and not the APC or the PDP.Regardless, we all went to work, all of us; the 17 ADC candidates in Kaduna State.

. We consolidated on existing structures, built where there is none, campaigned and promoted the party. We went into the polls with our heads help high, proud of the work we have done in making the ADC visible, and accepted. By the end of the 2023 elections, ADC was no longer an unknown, new or small party. It was clear to all that it is a party to reckon with; Afterall people, and commitment is what build parties.I became the first political candidate to win the votes in her ward and polling unit in the whole of Kajuru LG; and the first candidate to release Kajuru ward from the grips of the PDP since 1999.However, despite being the first outing for the majority of ADC flagbearers, the input and support of the party was little to non-existent as while we were busy campaigning, the national body was busy with internal conflict between the chairman and presidential candidate.

The conflict was so deep and took so long eventually dividing the party membership into factions. One for Dumebi Kachikwu the presidential candidate, the other for Chief Ralph Nwosu the party’s national Chairman. The conflict ultimately led to the suspension of the presidential candidate and his supporters some of whom are state chapter chairmen; and Kaduna state Chairman Elder Patrick Ambut was one of those suspended. Therefore, his Deputy Ahmed Tijjani Mustapaha assumed the position of Acting State Chairman for the rest of the 2022/2023 political timeline; until July 2025 when the coalition came onboard the ADC.I remember when I joined the ADC in 2022, the then national Chairman Chief Ralph Nwosu said to me ‘ADC will be the biggest opposition party in Nigeria’.

Today, it has come to pass. ADC is the coalition platform for opposition parties in Nigeria; thus, making it Nigeria’s biggest opposition party.Coming on board in July 2025, the coalition brought a resolution to the long-standing interparty crisis between the chairman and former presidential aspirant, calling for a truce, pardon and re-integration of the suspended members; thus, bringing back all suspended state chairmen back into the party.Except instead of a real coalition and resolution, things went south.

The rapid integration of coalition without the full reconciliation of existing structures created a lot of gaps and dissent that is considered ‘an elite-driven power grab’.Hence rather than a coalition of political parties, the ADC seem to be experiencing a collusion between ‘the old ADC’ and the still evolving new ADC.And this has been the angst of many members; old experienced politicians coming into the ADC from different political parties with money and infrastructure aiming to take over the party without much regard for those who have grown within it. And in the 8 months since the ADC became a coalition, the exclusion only continues to grow.

So while the coalition members continue to struggle to assert their presence, and power in the party, other ADC members see a different picture; Disgruntled politicians from other parties coming in and taking over all structures for their own interests, not that of the party.

This created conflicts and factions in most states; Kaduna inclusive. Other states include Adamawa, Yobe, Enugu, Edo, FCT, Osun and Rivers states.In this article, I shall share my understanding of the Kaduna crisis in as simple language as possible for the sake of non-ADC members and political novices to understand what is going on. Malam Ahmed Tijjani Mustapaha has led the ADC since 2022 after the suspension of the party’s presidential candidate and his supporters.

Painstakingly, diligently despite the challenges; – lack of financial capital and support from the national headquarters, he filled in the gaps in his own capacity and took us through the electioneering process.I was particularly very upset after the elections. As a first-time flagbearer, I felt used and abandoned by the party. 90% of 2023 candidates were greenhorns- first time in politics and first time on the ballot. But all of us were left to our devices and fates. We doubled down on our oars, worked our necks off and sold the ADC to people who have never heard of it before, promoted and made it visible only for the national HQ to announce the collapsing of its structures for the LP barely 48 hours to the elections.We pulled off all campaign and election requirements by ourselves; funds, agents, campaign logistics- everything. The support the party promised did not come, but we did it anyway. And the party yanked off the rug beneath our feet at the last minute.This single act; the collapsing of the ADC architecture for the LP 48 hours to the polls brought down the six months of hard work in an instant like a pack of cards. And that was how the efforts of 17 flagbearers went down the drain.We all made our mark, individually in our own little way. I did not win the seat I contested for, but I won at my ward and emerged the best performing candidate of the ADC in Kaduna State which was very impressive as a first-time flagbearer. I was crushed; very crushed by this. So, I informed my state chairman that I would leave the ADC. He smiled and said to me ‘I know you are angry. Go, calm down and come back ADC will be waiting for you’.All through the years before the coalition, he kept tabs on me urging me to not give up. And he did not give up on the party either; he stayed and built it. He also tried his best to ensure the 2023 flagbearers did not.

Then; coalition came in 2025, and crisis unfolded. To many, it seems rather than being an added value, the influx of high-profile opposition politicians is turning into a collusion rather than a coalition. And here is why:Many believe coalition members headed by former Governor Malam Nasir El Rufai is allegedly attempting to hijack the party from its original members engaging in a fierce struggle for control; resulting in factions, expulsions and suspensions between the two warring leaderships.Elder Patrick Ambut had his suspension lifted, pardoned and returned to the party after the coalition leadership resolution in July 2025. He returned to the party as Chairman even though there was an acting chairman who led the affairs of the party from 2022 to when the resolution happened.

This is the bane of the crisis.However, when the resolution happened, a lot of ADC members were excited about the development myself inclusive because we have not forgotten what transpired preceding the 2023 elections. We know for a fact that we cannot to have another preceding the 2027 elections.But the resolution did not last very long as by the end of October 2025, the two-party leaders had traded suspensions and expulsions of one another creating a trail of crisis, a deep divide and confusion over the party’s legitimate leadership.Ahmed Tijjani Mustapha claims the coalition led by Malam Nasir Elrufai are out to hijack the party and lay to waste all the work himself and members have put in by excluding existing party members and setting up his own structures or replacing them with coalition party members. He also alleged that contrary to the coalition’s counsel for both leaders to work together for the benefit of the party, Elder Patrick Ambut is working solo, and seem to be undoing all the years of hard work he has put into the party.

The Ahmed Tijjani faction also insists on being the legitimate state leadership because they have held down the party for over three years during the time Elder Ambut was on suspension.Mr Partick Ambut on the other hand claim that Malam Tijjani has sold the party to the incumbent administration and collected huge sums of money in exchange. They also claim that he sold the candidature of 2023 ADC elections to the APC.

According to the Patrick Ambut led leadership, they are the legitimate leaders because Ambut was elected by congress in 2022 but was suspended. But as he is now back as a result of the pardon and resolution from the coalition leadership; he is the only recognized State Chairman by the David Mark national led leadership. Furthermore, some members allege that the arrival of big key coalition members like former Governor Nasir El-Rufai has amplified tensions between original ADC members and incoming coalition affiliates which mirrored national patterns of “hijacking” fears as a result of his political influence and local ambitions.

Even though there are recent efforts to stabilize the party and bring an end to the conflicts so as to pave way for a unified front in the forthcoming elections, these efforts still remain lopsided as the recent mediation meeting held on the 5th of March 2026 at the national headquarters of the ADC unfolded. Two factions fighting against each other for months were meant to come to the mediation table, but only one showed up. The other allegedly had not even been informed much less invited. And from the list of attendees to the meeting, 38 out of 40 are all coalition party members leaving only two slots to ADC members. This brings to the light the weight of the several months allegations of attempted ‘segregation, exclusion and hijack’ of the ADC by coalition party members.As a core ADC member, I am particularly concerned about the ongoing developments because divisions and crisis does not portend well for any party especially an opposition. The months preceding election primaries should not be spent dragging crisis and endless divisions but for the real hard work of mobilizing, integrating, structural consolidation and designing strategies to take into the forthcoming campaign and elections.

Right now, all parties are on a massive membership drive. As a coalition party platform, the ADC is supposed to go into this exercise as a united front, not in factions if it is intentional on maintaining its rightful place as opposition. A house divided amongst itself cannot stand; much less one that aims at challenging existing leadership.For months, different ADC members like myself and youth groups have been calling for a peaceful resolution and inclusive leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.As a mediator, I made it clear that I would not be joining any faction. I did not join any in 2022 during the Nwosu/Kachikwu debale, and I would not do so now. I know both Malam Tijjani and Elder Ambut.

I met one after becoming the flagbearer of the ADC, worked with the other during campaigns and elections. Both are my leaders; both are my people. I would not be choosing one above the other. I called for, and encouraged mediation, dialogue and resolution.But our voices got drowned in the rivers of chaos thus making the party more fragile. However, the entire situation is not as complex as it seems, because as a female politician, all I see happening is a clash of male egos battling for egotistic supremacy.

Notably, as we prepare to go into the 2027 elections, it is pertinent to emphasize that what we at the ADC need; what Nigeria needs right now is matured, accountable and credible leadership at all levels. Times are changing. The tide is shifting. It is not going to be business as usual.

Nigerians are more awakened, are demanding for honesty and accountability in leadership.Moreover, politics is about people, inclusion and equal representation. It is the leadership model that allows everyone to be heard, listened to and be included. Sacrificing these values on the altar of ego, quest for power and struggle for supremacist control is not going to benefit anyone; not the party, not the members not the coalition.

Mediation, dialogues, compromise, agreement, resolutions and most importantly inclusion is the only way out of the Kaduna ADC crisis. This applies to every other state chapter as well as the national level. And the time to do this is now.I would sincerely and strongly suggest, and encourage all warring parties to ‘check their egos’ at the door, put aside grievances and reconvene a mature rescue and repair mediation process for the collective good of the party. Because we are better and stronger together! And Time is of essence.

Hawwah A Gambo is the ADC House of Representatives candidate in 2023.She is a corporate communication & Gender Mainstreaming Consultant.

She can be reached on jiddare@gmail.com

The Stewardship of General Christopher Gwabin Musa as Minister of Defence: Early Results of Strategic Leadership

The Stewardship of General Christopher Gwabin Musa as Minister of Defence: Early Results of Strategic Leadership

By Suleiman Abubakar, Kinkinau
Public Analyst, Kaduna

When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Christopher Gwabin Musa as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence in December 2025, it was widely interpreted as a strategic decision aimed at strengthening the country’s response to its complex security challenges.

The appointment came at a time when Nigeria was facing serious security threats across multiple regions. Insurgency remained active in the North-East, banditry had destabilized several communities in the North-West, kidnapping networks were expanding, and communal conflicts continued to affect parts of the Middle Belt.

General Musa assumed office on 4 December 2025, following his earlier service as Chief of Defence Staff from June 2023 to October 2025. His transition from the highest professional military office to the political leadership of the Ministry of Defence brought with it decades of operational experience.

While it is too early to claim that Nigeria’s security challenges have been completely resolved, the first few months of his stewardship have already begun to reveal a leadership style focused on strategic coordination, operational efficiency and renewed confidence within the armed forces.

From Battlefield Commander to Defence Minister

Born in Sokoto State in 1967 and originally from Kaduna State, General Musa joined the Nigerian Army through the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1986 and was commissioned as an officer in 1991.

Throughout his career, he served in several critical operational roles, including:

Commander of Sector 3 in Operation Lafiya Dole
Commander within the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Basin
Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai
Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps
Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria

These positions placed him at the center of Nigeria’s fight against insurgency and terrorism, particularly against the terrorist group Boko Haram and its splinter faction Islamic State West Africa Province.

His experience on the battlefield therefore gave him deep insight into the operational realities facing Nigerian troops.

Security Situation He Inherited

When Musa took over the Ministry of Defence, Nigeria was confronting one of the most complex security landscapes in its modern history.

According to several security reports in 2025:

Thousands of Nigerians had been displaced by bandit attacks in the North-West.
Hundreds of kidnapping incidents were recorded across northern states.
Armed groups operated across large forest corridors stretching from Zamfara to Niger State.
Terrorist remnants remained active in parts of Borno State.

The scale of these challenges meant that any defence minister stepping into the role would face enormous expectations from the Nigerian public.

Renewed Coordination of Security Forces

One of the early achievements of Musa’s stewardship has been the strengthening of coordination among Nigeria’s security agencies.

The Ministry of Defence has intensified collaboration between the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force and intelligence services to ensure more effective joint operations.

Modern warfare, especially counter-insurgency operations, depends heavily on coordination between intelligence gathering and military deployment. Under Musa’s leadership, there has been increased emphasis on intelligence-driven operations, which allow security forces to target criminal networks more effectively.

Military Operations and Early Gains

Since the beginning of 2026, Nigerian security forces have intensified operations in several parts of the country, particularly in the North-West and North-East.

Security briefings from the armed forces have indicated:

Dozens of bandit camps destroyed in forest regions across the North-West
Hundreds of kidnapped victims rescued in joint security operations
Significant numbers of terrorists neutralized during counter-insurgency operations in the North-East
Recovery of weapons and ammunition from criminal groups

These operations form part of the broader national security effort aimed at dismantling the networks of bandits and insurgents that have terrorized many communities.

Strengthening Internal Security Structure

Beyond battlefield operations, the federal government has also introduced structural reforms to support security operations.

Under the administration of President Tinubu, plans have been announced to recruit about 50,000 additional police officers to strengthen internal security.

Another key initiative is the creation of forest guards, designed to protect Nigeria’s vast forest reserves which have become hideouts for bandits and criminal gangs.

These initiatives complement the strategic direction being coordinated through the Ministry of Defence.

Boosting Troop Morale

A major factor in military effectiveness is the morale of soldiers deployed in the field.

Having spent nearly four decades in military service, General Musa understands the realities faced by troops operating in difficult terrains, particularly in the forests of the North-West and the desert-like environments of the North-East.

His leadership has placed renewed emphasis on discipline, professionalism and improved welfare for military personnel.

Within the armed forces, many officers believe his appointment has restored confidence because he is seen not merely as a political appointee but as a professional soldier who understands the operational challenges of modern warfare.

Regional Security Cooperation

Nigeria’s security situation cannot be separated from developments across the wider Sahel region.

Instability in countries such as Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso has contributed to the movement of armed groups across borders.

For this reason, Nigeria continues to work with regional partners through the Multinational Joint Task Force, which coordinates military efforts among countries around the Lake Chad Basin.

This regional cooperation remains critical in preventing terrorist groups from exploiting porous borders.

A Realistic Path Forward

Security crises that developed over decades cannot be eliminated overnight. However, the early months of General Christopher Gwabin Musa’s leadership as Minister of Defence suggest a strategic approach focused on institutional strengthening rather than short-term publicity.

His stewardship has emphasized:

stronger inter-agency coordination
intelligence-driven military operations
improved troop morale
reinforcement of national security institutions

These reforms may appear gradual, but they are necessary for building a sustainable national security framework.

Nigeria’s journey toward lasting peace and security is still ongoing. The challenges remain complex and require patience, strategic planning and consistent leadership.

However, the early stewardship of General Christopher Gwabin Musa as Minister of Defence offers encouraging signs that Nigeria’s defence architecture is being guided by a leader with deep professional experience and a clear understanding of the realities of modern security threats.

For many Nigerians, the expectation is that with time, these reforms and operational strategies will translate into greater safety for communities across the country.

The responsibility is enormous, but the direction appears promising.

Suleiman Abubakar
Kinkinau, Kaduna
Public Affairs Analyst

Governor Uba Sani Deepens Educational Transformation with Massive School Construction and Renovation Across Kaduna State

Governor Uba Sani Deepens Educational Transformation with Massive School Construction and Renovation Across Kaduna State

Education remains the strongest pillar for building a prosperous society, and in Kaduna State, the administration of Governor Senator Uba Sani has continued to demonstrate a clear and unwavering commitment to ensuring that every child has access to quality education. The recent groundbreaking ceremony performed by the Governor in Rigasa for the construction of 102 new schools and the renovation of 170 others across the state stands as another bold step toward securing a brighter future for the children of Kaduna.

This landmark initiative is not merely about erecting buildings. It is a carefully thought-out strategy aimed at drastically reducing the number of out of school children in Kaduna State and creating an environment where every child can learn with dignity. By expanding educational infrastructure across communities, especially at the grassroots level, the administration is laying a solid foundation for generations yet unborn.

Governor Uba Sani understands that education is the most powerful tool for social transformation. When children are given access to classrooms, trained teachers, and safe learning environments, the entire society benefits. This is why his administration has continued to invest massively in the education sector with a clear vision of ensuring that every child in Kaduna State has a desk to sit on and a roof over their head while learning.

The groundbreaking ceremony in Rigasa is a continuation of the Governor’s already impressive record in education development. In his first year in office alone, Senator Uba Sani constructed 62 new schools across Kaduna State. Recognizing that the demand for educational facilities continues to grow due to population expansion and the need to accommodate more children, the administration moved swiftly into the second phase which added another 50 schools.

These efforts reflect a leadership that is proactive and forward looking. Governor Uba Sani is not waiting for the future to arrive before planning for it. Instead, he is deliberately building the infrastructure needed to support a strong educational system that will serve Kaduna State for decades.

The Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board has played a pivotal role in translating this vision into concrete results. Under the guidance and support of the Governor, the board has embarked on one of the most extensive educational infrastructure development programs ever witnessed in the history of the state.

So far, the administration has successfully built 736 new classrooms and renovated 1,220 existing classrooms across various communities. This massive intervention has significantly improved the learning environment for thousands of pupils who previously studied under difficult conditions.

Security and safety within schools have also received attention. The government has constructed perimeter fencing in 39 schools in order to create safe learning environments for pupils and teachers. This initiative ensures that schools are protected spaces where learning can take place without fear or disruption.

Equally important is the administration’s commitment to improving sanitation and health facilities within schools. To support this objective, the government has constructed 595 VIP toilets and installed 165 hand pump boreholes in various schools across the state. These facilities have helped to promote hygiene, prevent disease outbreaks, and provide pupils with access to clean water.

One of the most innovative aspects of Governor Uba Sani’s education policy is the establishment of bilingual education schools. Four of such schools have already been established in Igabi, Zaria, Kubau, and Giwa local government areas. These schools currently serve about 7,680 learners and are designed to provide inclusive education that accommodates diverse linguistic backgrounds.

In addition, the state government has built a modern and state of the art school in Tudun Biri, demonstrating that every community, regardless of its location, deserves access to high quality educational facilities.

Recognizing that a conducive learning environment also requires adequate furniture, the administration has supplied 81,540 pieces of school furniture across various schools. This intervention has ensured that pupils can now learn comfortably rather than sitting on bare floors or overcrowded benches.

Beyond basic education, Governor Uba Sani has also shown remarkable foresight by linking education to economic empowerment. The establishment of nine vocational centres across Kaduna State is a strategic move aimed at bridging the gap between education and employment. These centres are designed to equip young people with practical skills that will enable them to become self reliant and contribute meaningfully to the economy.

The cumulative impact of these interventions is already being felt across Kaduna State. Communities that once struggled with inadequate school facilities are now witnessing the emergence of modern educational infrastructure. Parents are increasingly encouraged to send their children to school, knowing that the government is committed to providing a supportive learning environment.

Governor Uba Sani’s approach to governance clearly demonstrates that development must reach the grassroots. His administration is focused on ensuring that no child is left behind and that every community benefits from the dividends of good governance.

Indeed, the Governor is not merely constructing buildings; he is building hope, opportunity, and a brighter future for the people of Kaduna State. Through his deliberate investments in education, he is empowering the next generation with the knowledge and skills needed to transform society.

History will undoubtedly remember this period as a turning point in the educational development of Kaduna State. Governor Uba Sani’s dedication to expanding access to education and improving learning conditions stands as a testament to visionary leadership and genuine commitment to human capital development.

As the construction of the 102 new schools begins and the renovation of 170 others progresses, the people of Kaduna State can look forward to a future where education becomes the strongest weapon against poverty, insecurity, and underdevelopment.

Governor Uba Sani has once again demonstrated that leadership is about action, commitment, and the courage to invest in the future of the people.

By Suleiman Abubakar Kinkinau
Senior Special Assistant on Research Documentation and StrategyII
Governor’s Office, Kaduna State

Lere West 2027: Concerned Citizens Urge Gov Sani to Back a Unifying, People-Centered Leader for APC Success

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‎Lere West 2027: Concerned Citizens Urge Gov Sani to Back a Unifying, People-Centered Leader for APC Success

By May Etim, Kaduna
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‎As preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections and party primaries draw near, a group of concerned citizens from Lere Local Government Area, particularly Lere West, has issued a passionate open letter to Kaduna State Governor, His Excellency Uba Sani, advocating for strategic and inclusive leadership to secure sustainable unity and electoral success for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the region.
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‎In the letter, titled “LERE 2027: A CALL FOR STRATEGIC, INCLUSIVE, AND PEOPLE-CENTERED LEADERSHIP FOR SUSTAINABLE UNITY AND APC SUCCESS”, the citizens emphasize Lere’s unique position as one of Kaduna State’s most diverse and sensitive local government areas.
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‎Shaped by a mix of religions and ethnic groups including Kurama, Hausa, Fulani, Gure, Amo, Piti, Kahugu, Dingi, Janji, and others elders in Lere demands a leader capable of navigating its delicate social and political dynamics to foster harmony and progress.
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‎The group highlights the APC’s historical challenges in securing consistent electoral victories in Lere, attributing past difficulties to the need for broader community acceptance.
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‎They present Tom Garba, a prominent local figure and philanthropist, as the ideal candidate for the Lere West constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly.
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‎”Tom Garba stands out as the candidate who can add real value to APC’s electoral success, without leaving room for strong opposition competition,” the letter states. His philosophy aligns closely with the people’s expectations, positioning him as a unifier who can bridge divides across the local government’s eleven wards.
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‎Key highlights from the citizens’ endorsement include:
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‎-Community Development Impact: Despite hailing from Lere West, Garba’s Tom Garba Foundation has delivered scholarships, humanitarian aid, and projects benefiting all wards in Lere, transcending sectional boundaries.
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‎-Religious and Ethnic Inclusivity: Known for his balanced approach, Garba promotes equality, asserting that “no religion is superior to another in political participation” and that what benefits one group should benefit all—embodying the APC’s core values of unity.
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‎-Grassroots Popularity: Even without holding political office, Garba enjoys widespread respect and admiration in Lere, amplified by his foundation’s visible work and strong social media presence.
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‎The open letter describes Garba as a strategic choice to ensure a “smooth and overwhelming victory” for the APC in Lere, minimizing political tensions and opposition dominance. It reflects what the signatories call the “genuine voice and aspirations of many people across Lere.”
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‎This appeal comes amid growing grassroots momentum for Garba’s potential 2027 bid, with residents and online campaigns describing him as a “humanitarian hero” and “rising star” whose philanthropic record through initiatives like the Tom Garba Foundation (linked to TGNews) has touched lives in education, health, and community support across Kaduna State.
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‎Governor Uba Sani, whose administration has emphasized inclusive governance and development in Kaduna, is urged to consider this community-driven recommendation as the APC positions itself for stronger performance in the 2027 polls.
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‎The concerned citizens conclude with respect and sincerity, hoping their second letter reinforces their consistent stand and contributes to a united, prosperous Lere under APC leadership.

Consensus As Strategy: The Political Craft Of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf

By Barrister Aminu Hussaini Sagagi

The recent peaceful Congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, which produced a new Executive Committee through consensus, was not a coincidence of convenience. It was a demonstration of leadership that’s deliberate, strategic and visionary.

In a political climate where party congresses too often descend into rancour, factional bitterness and courtroom battles, Kano has just offered Nigeria a masterclass in democratic maturity. At the center of this political recalibration stands His Excellency, Abba Kabir Yusuf, APC Governor of Kano State.

Consensus in Nigerian politics is often misunderstood. It is lazily dismissed as imposition or elite bargaining. But what unfolded in Kano State tells a different story. It was not the silencing of voices; it was the harmonization of interests. It was not suppression; it was statesmanship.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s leadership style has increasingly proven to be anchored in consultation rather than confrontation. In a state with deep political history and vibrant grassroots participation, achieving such a rancor-free Party Congress required more than procedural compliance, it demanded moral authority and trust capital. Both were evidently deployed by Governor Yusuf.

Political watchers know that party congresses are litmus tests. They reveal the undercurrents within a party. They expose fractures. They measure loyalty. The Kano APC Congress, instead, projected unity. Leaders and stakeholders subordinated personal ambitions to collective stability. That does not happen organically. It happens when leadership signals that cohesion is non-negotiable and fairness is guaranteed.

The Governor’s influence in fostering dialogue among elders, mobilizing party stakeholders and encouraging consensus cannot be overstated. By promoting a framework where grievances were addressed internally and agreements reached through deliberation, he elevated politics from transactional maneuvering to responsible stewardship.

More importantly, this Congress sends a message beyond party lines. It demonstrates that Kano’s political class can choose order over chaos, collaboration over conflict and institutional strength over factional dominance.

At a time when democratic processes across the country are strained by litigation and post-congress animosity, Kano has shown that political maturity is still possible. And that maturity thrives where leadership is firm, inclusive and forward-looking.

History will likely record this Congress not merely as an internal party event, but as a moment when political leadership in Kano pivoted toward stability and strategic unity. The new Executive Committee emerges not from bruising contest, but from collective endorsement; a symbolic and practical reset.

The greater test now lies ahead; translating this internal harmony into public-facing governance dividends and stronger political organization. But if the Congress is any indication, the foundation has been carefully and solidly laid.
In politics, peace is rarely accidental. In Kano, it appears intentional. And intentional peace is the signature of leadership.

Contributed by Barrister Aminu Hussaini, S.A. to the Governor of Kano State, AKY on Justice/Constitutional Matters.

Exclusive: Dr. Girei Exudes Confidence in APC’s Strength, Credits Fintiri’s Joining APC as a Vote of Confidence for NSA Ribadu, Party Leadership

Exclusive: Dr. Girei Exudes Confidence in APC’s Strength, Credits Fintiri’s Joining APC as a Vote of Confidence for NSA Ribadu, Party Leadership

By Tom Garba,Yola

Dr. Salihu Bakari Girei, a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart and gubernatorial aspirant for the 2027 elections in Adamawa State, has expressed strong confidence in the party’s growing dominance and unity following the recent high-profile return of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri to the APC.

In an exclusive interview with journalists, Dr. Girei often referred to in political circles as a foundational figure of the APC in Adamawa highlighted his longstanding role in the party’s formation and consolidation.

He recounted his pivotal involvement in the events leading to the APC’s creation in 2013-2014, including advising then-Governor Murtala Nyako (of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP) to exit the PDP amid security challenges from Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East and perceived plots to undermine the governor.

Dr. Girei described coordinating efforts to merge legacy parties such as the ANPP, CPC, and ACN, and later facilitating the defection of several PDP governors to form the New PDP (nPDP), which merged into the APC.

As Commissioner for Local Government at the time, he worked to firmly root the APC in Adamawa’s 21 local government areas, ensuring electoral successes from 2015 onward.

Dr. Girei emphasized his consistent, active support for the APC at local, state, and national levels, including intellectual, financial, and moral contributions—even after the party’s 2019 governorship loss in the state.

He asserted that Adamawa remains inherently an APC stronghold, with the party now effectively the dominant force.

Addressing concerns about internal power dynamics and the influx of former opponents into leadership roles, Dr. Girei downplayed divisions, noting that many who left the APC during crises have returned.

He framed such shifts as normal in human and political relationships, where resolved disagreements often strengthen bonds. He attributed the 2019 loss primarily to mismanagement of internal crises by the then-governor, rather than inherent weakness in the party.

On Governor Fintiri’s defection—announced in a statewide broadcast on Friday, February 27, 2026, accompanied by his cabinet, lawmakers, and PDP officials—Dr. Girei described it not as a defection but a “return” to the APC.

He revealed that Fintiri had been part of early APC formation efforts before certain factors led him elsewhere. Dr. Girei hailed the move as timely and excellent, citing Fintiri’s credible performance as governor, widespread acceptance across party lines, and alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.

He viewed it as a vote of confidence in the APC’s leadership, particularly National Security Adviser (NSA) Malam Nuhu Ribadu, whom he praised as the party’s key leader in Adamawa for investing heavily in its growth and security efforts nationwide.

Dr. Girei dismissed fears of power wrangling or takeover, stating that no APC chieftain in Adamawa has complained about Fintiri’s return.

He credited Ribadu’s peaceful leadership and integrity, noting that Fintiri’s decision vindicates the NSA’s stewardship and reflects the APC’s appeal.

With over 400,000 registered members already (surpassing typical winning margins of 300,000–350,000 votes), he welcomed the addition as “the more the merrier,” strengthening the party for national and sub-national victories.

Responding to criticisms that the APC is pushing Nigeria toward a one-party state through defections, Dr. Girei rejected the notion, pointing to President Tinubu’s historical defense of multi-party democracy (including sustaining opposition platforms in Lagos as governor).

He argued that defections reflect free choice in democracy, not coercion, and that economic improvements under Tinubu; such as stabilizing the economy, affordable food, and normalcy naturally attract supporters. He contrasted this with the PDP’s past dominance without similar complaints.

Assessing Fintiri’s performance, Dr. Girei acknowledged the governor’s creditable achievements in infrastructure, peace, and inclusivity despite challenges, but stressed more remains to be done.

As an aspirant, he outlined his vision for accelerated development, broader unity, and equitable participation if he emerges as APC candidate and wins in 2027.

On the recent Electoral Act amendments (including provisions for real-time electronic result transmission with allowances for glitches), Dr. Girei supported the National Assembly’s realistic approach, arguing laws must be implementable given human and technical realities.

Dr. Girei concluded with a call for APC unity, assuring that old and new members are equal, with no fears of exclusion. He portrayed Fintiri’s return as a blessing and endorsement of the party’s direction under Ribadu and Tinubu, positioning the APC for robust cohesion ahead of 2027.