By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted dust haze and thunderstorms across the country from Friday to Sunday.

NiMet’s weather outlook, released on Thursday, anticipated slight dust haze over most northern areas, with moderate haze over parts of Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi and Kaduna.

The agency predicted isolated thunderstorms with light rain over parts of Taraba on Friday afternoon or evening. For the North-Central region, sunny skies are forecast with patches of clouds during Friday.

Isolated thunderstorms with light rain are expected over parts of Kogi, Kwara, the Federal Capital Territory, and Benue later in the afternoon or evening. Cloudy skies are envisaged across the southern region, with possible light rains over parts of Delta and Bayelsa on Friday morning.

NiMet predicted thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Osun and Ekiti, as well as the South-East and South-South, later on Friday. According to the agency, sunny and hazy conditions are expected across the northern region throughout Saturday.

NiMet predicted sunny skies with patches of clouds over the North-Central region in the morning.

Later in the afternoon or evening, isolated thunderstorms with light rain are expected over parts of Kogi, Kwara, and Benue.

The agency forecast cloudy skies over the southern region in the morning, followed by thunderstorms with moderate rains across most areas later in the day.

For Sunday, NiMet predicted slight dust haze over most northern areas throughout the forecast period. The agency also forecast sunny skies with patches of clouds over the North-Central region throughout Sunday.

NiMet predicted cloudy skies over the southern region during the morning, followed by thunderstorms with light rain over parts of Imo, Abia and Anambra. It also forecast light rains over parts of the South-West and South-South regions later on Sunday.

NiMet advised the public to take precautions against suspended dust particles, particularly people with asthma and other respiratory conditions.

The agency warned that strong winds could precede thunderstorms. It urged residents to secure loose objects to prevent them from being blown away and advised residents to avoid tall trees to reduce the risk of injuries from falling branches and broken trees.

The agency urged the public to disconnect electrical appliances from power sockets during thunderstorms.

“Airline operators are advised to obtain airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning of their operations. Residents are to stay informed through weather updates on NiMet’s website,” it said.

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has applauded the Nigerian Army for the deployment of a new battalion and an artillery regiment to Kano State, describing it as a strategic and timely intervention to strengthen security in the state and North West geopolitical zone.

Senator Barau said the establishment of the 24 Battalion in Tudun Wada and the 311 Artillery Regiment in Dambatta is a clear demonstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment and resolve to combat all forms of violent criminality across the country.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, the Deputy President of the Senate commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for his visionary leadership and proactive steps in repositioning the Nigerian Army to confront security challenges.

“This strategic deployment is highly commendable. It underscores the commitment of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to decisively deal with insecurity and secure the lives and properties of all Nigerians in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda on security.

He also lauded the Executive Governor of Kano State, His Excellency, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his dedication and commitment to the security of lives and property in the state, noting that the synergy between the state government and the military is critical to achieving full operational capability of the new units.

Senator Barau further appealed to the host communities in Dambatta, Tudun Wada and the entire Kano State to always avail their unflinching support to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.

“The fight against banditry and other forms of criminality is a collective one. I urge all our traditional leaders, community leaders and residents to cooperate fully with the military, share timely intelligence and support these newly established formations to succeed. Without community support, our security agencies cannot fully defeat these criminals,” he said.

He reaffirmed that the Senate will continue to provide the necessary legislative support and ensure adequate resources for the Armed Forces and other security agencies to defeat banditry and all forms of crime in the country.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has reportedly been abducted by armed men in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, with his whereabouts currently unknown.

Eyewitnesses told SaharaReporters that the incident occurred on Friday at Tawakalitu Restaurants and Catering Services, where the armed men reportedly stormed the premises and forcibly took Sowore away.

The eyewitnesses identified the attackers as political thugs allegedly linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The footage from the scene shows several tables and chairs damaged, while parts of the establishment appear to have been vandalised. A vehicle outside the restaurant was also damaged, while another had a flat tyre.

The reported abduction was subsequently announced in posts on Sowore’s verified Facebook and X accounts.

“Armed thugs kidnap Sowore. His current location is unknown!” one of the posts read.

Sowore is a prominent human rights activist, journalist and politician who has consistently criticised successive Nigerian governments. He is the presidential candidate of the AAC.

His presence in Ekiti State was connected to activities surrounding his presidential campaign.

On Thursday, October 29, his defence counsel informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that he was in Ekiti for campaign-related activities. The court subsequently adjourned his ongoing cyberbullying trial until November 3, 2026.

As of the time of filing this report, his whereabouts remained unknown.