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PMB At The Kuje Correctional Center:Beyond The Chagrin On Culpability

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4 years ago

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President Muhammad Buhari

 

By Bala Ibrahim.

Pursuant to the embarrassing attack at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, by terrorists, in which hundreds of inmates escaped, including over 60 terrorists, one of whom is the chief bomb maker for the terrorists, President Muhammadu Buhari had paid an unscheduled visit to the centre yesterday, wherein he lamented on the failure of intelligence.

Like everyone in Nigeria, PMB asked, “How did the defences at the prison fail to prevent the attack? How many inmates were in the facility? How many of them can you account for? How many personnel did you have on duty? How many of them were armed? Were there guards on the watchtower? What did they do? Does the CCTV work?” PMB kept asking questions un-end. But the biggest question is coming from the public, thus, would the President do anything?

The cynics, who are of the view that on security, PMB is fast turning into a weakling, that is only motivated by self-interest, as against doing what is honourable, are saying, like what had happened in the past, beyond the chagrin before the camera at the correctional centre, nothing would come out of that outrage.

The picture of the attack became more painful when the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Shuaib Mohammad Lamido Belgore and the Controller General of Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, took time to show the President the bombed-out section used to gain entry, the records office which was set on fire, and how the terrorists targeted all the cells in which Boko Haram suspects were held. They said, at the end of it, all the 63 terrorists held at the centre have been set free.

In disillusionment, PMB said, “I am disappointed with the intelligence system. How can terrorists organize, have weapons, attack a security installation and get away with it?” The President said he is waiting for a comprehensive report on the attack.

FG’s lackadaisical attitude prolongs COEASU’s strike’

But the question on the lips of many is, would anything be done after the submission of the report?

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The most frightening part of the story is the disclosure by Mallam Tukur Mamu, the publisher of the Desert Herald Newspaper, and one that has been communicating with the terrorists, that he had prior knowledge of the attack on the Kuje Correctional centre, and he shared his intelligence with the security forces, but nothing was done to avert the attack. Mamu, who negotiated the release of some of the hostages that were abducted on the Kaduna-bound train from Abuja, said the same group that attacked the prison is the same group that attacked the Kaduna-bound train in March.

If PMB’s lamentation is on the failure of intelligence, Mamu, said that is not the cause of his concern. He said enough intelligence was given to the powers that be, but may be because some people are benefitting from the situation, the intelligence was treated with levity, which amounts to another crime completely.

“For me, there’s no difference between corrupt officials or contractors that are committing treason against the nation by way of stealing the resources that will benefit everybody, monies that will stop preventable deaths in our hospitals due to decaying structures, improve standards of education and even stop insecurity and crimes with the terrorists that emerged because of this sad reality and now unleashing terror on the entire society. It was after the failure of the fourth opportunity that they angrily issued the fresh threat to start slaughtering their victims yesterday, Tuesday. After much pleading with them, tolerated abuses and begged them to allow individual family members to contact them directly, they gave today, Wednesday, 6th July, that if there is nothing definite from family members, they will start executing their threat. I immediately passed this disturbing intelligence to all the relevant security agencies, the National Assembly leadership and other stakeholders. But sadly as of today, Wednesday, which is the deadline they gave, there is no word from anybody. I have nevertheless sent words to them to reconsider their threat and allow family members to reach out to them. And even on the tendency and threat to attack targets and other facilities of interest like the Kuje Correctional Centre attacks, I have shared that intelligence with the security agencies and the committee that was constituted by CDS (Chief of Defense Staff) Gen. Lucky Irabo”.

Indeed the Kuje attack is only one out of a number of coordinated attacks, that clearly aimed at embarrassing the President and those in charge of national security. To attack the advanced convoy of the President in Dutsenma, about 152 kilometres from his hometown of Daura, in the afternoon, and again attack a prison in Kuje, which is about 40 km to the Presidential palace in Aso rock, in the early hours of the night of the same day, is not only a sign of fearlessness, but a serious statement of sarcasm on the state of national security of a country.

While some are of the opinion that the President should, as a matter of urgency, sack the CG, Correctional Services, Mr Haliru Nababa and the Minister of interior, Rauf Aregbesola, methinks that would only amount to the making of some scapegoats.

If indeed the President want’s to match words with action, he should go beyond the chagrin on culpability, by showing his anger first at the office of the national security adviser.

Monguno has no business advising the President on national security, if he can not foresee the twin attacks on the President’s state of origin and the President’s city of residence. More so, when both attacks, technically took place on the same day.

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IGP Disu Commits to Fallen Officers’ Legacies with N2.4 Billion Payout to Next-of-Kin

Published

2 hours ago

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March 18, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has presented cheques totalling N2.4 billion to 1,075 beneficiaries and next-of-kin of deceased police officers under the Group Life Assurance and IGP Family Welfare Schemes.

According to a statement on Wednesday signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, the presentation took place at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The cheques, “amounting to ₦2,435,421,584.11, cover policy years 2018/2019, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023, as well as 2024/2025 and 2025/2026, including outstanding insurance claims recovered from previous years.”

In her remarks, the Force Insurance Officer, Lydia Ameh, said the disbursement reflects “the determination of the IGP Olatunji Disu to prioritise the welfare of officers and their families.”

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She noted that “the payments represent recoveries from long-standing insurance obligations” and added that “decisive steps have been taken to ensure compliance by insurance providers and prevent delays in claims settlement.”

Ameh further reaffirmed “the commitment of the Force Insurance Unit to efficient, transparent, and accountable service delivery.”

In his response, the IGP described the ceremony as “a solemn recognition of the sacrifices made by officers who lost their lives in the line of duty,” noting that the welfare of personnel remains a central pillar of his administration.

He stated that the presentation “goes beyond financial support,” adding that it represents “the Force’s enduring obligation to honour the courage, service, and commitment of its fallen heroes while standing firmly by their families.”

Disu assured all that “efforts would be intensified to strengthen welfare frameworks, improve administrative efficiency, and eliminate delays in the processing and disbursement of benefits.”

He also noted that “the Force will leverage modern technology to enhance transparency, streamline claims processing, and ensure accountability in welfare administration.”

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment, stating that the sacrifices of fallen officers “remain invaluable to the peace, security, and stability of the nation.”

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Zakatul Fitr: The Final Act of Ramadan’s Compassion and Purification”

Published

9 hours ago

on

March 18, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

As the blessed month of Ramadan draws to a close, Muslims turn their attention to one of its final acts of worship: Zakatul Fitr. More than just a charitable donation, this obligation is a profound act of purification and social solidarity, completing the spiritual journey of the month. Its performance, guided by clear prophetic traditions, ensures that its spiritual and social objectives are beautifully fulfilled.

Zakatul Fitr is a duty incumbent upon every Muslim who possesses the means beyond their basic needs for themselves and their family. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) clearly established this, declaring: “The Messenger of Allah made Zakatul Fitr obligatory upon every Muslim—free or slave, male or female, young or old.” (Bukhari & Muslim).

This universality is a powerful reflection of Islam’s inclusive spirit. It ensures that every household that is able can participate in a collective act of compassion, supporting the less fortunate and weaving a tighter fabric of community care.

The amount set for Zakatul Fitr is one ṣā‘ of a household’s staple food. Classical scholars describe a ṣā‘ as a volume measure roughly equivalent to 2.5 to 3 kilograms of common food items like rice, wheat, dates, or barley. The head of the household is responsible for fulfilling this duty on behalf of all dependents, including children and those under their care. This system guarantees that every member of the community, even the youngest, contributes to uplifting the poor, reinforcing the principle of shared responsibility.

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Timing is essential for Zakatul Fitr to achieve its intended purpose. The charity must be given before the Eid prayer. The Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed that it be distributed before people set out for the prayer, so that the needy may benefit from it in time to celebrate Eid al-Fitr with dignity and joy. Recognizing the logistical challenges of distribution, scholars permit giving the Zakat a day or two before Eid. This flexibility facilitates the process, ensuring it reaches those who need it most in a timely manner.

The primary recipients of Zakatul Fitr are the poor and the needy. By providing them with the means to partake in the Eid festivities, this charity prevents their social exclusion and transforms Eid into a genuine celebration for the entire community. It is a tangible expression of the principle that joy is meant to be shared.

In contemporary contexts, many scholars permit giving the equivalent monetary value, allowing recipients the flexibility to address their most pressing needs. This opinion is followed when it is deemed more beneficial, though the original Sunnah emphasizes the distribution of food.

Reflecting on Zakatul Fitr reveals the profound practical wisdom within Islam. It ensures that the intense worship of Ramadan does not remain a private spiritual exercise but instead culminates in a visible act of social responsibility. As believers conclude their month of fasting with gratitude to Allah for His blessings, they channel that gratitude into generosity toward others.

Thus, Zakatul Fitr stands as the final, defining gesture of Ramadan. It is a powerful symbol of personal purification, sincere compassion, and communal harmony, ensuring that the joy of Eid is not a private privilege but a shared blessing for all members of society.

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Eid-el-Fitr: FG Declares Thursday, Friday Public Holidays

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1 day ago

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March 17, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Federal Government has officially declared Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement issued on behalf of the Federal Government by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani.

In the statement, the Minister extended warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim Ummah for the successful completion of the Ramadan fasting period.

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Tunji-Ojo encouraged the Muslim faithful to uphold the profound spiritual values fostered during the holy month. He emphasized the importance of sustaining the virtues of love, generosity, peace, tolerance, and sacrifice in their daily lives.

He also called on all Nigerians to leverage the festive occasion to offer special prayers for the nation’s continued peace, unity, and prosperity.

While wishing all Muslims a joyous and blessed Eid-el-Fitr, the Minister urged citizens to celebrate responsibly. He specifically encouraged acts of kindness and generosity towards the less privileged in society, embodying the spirit of the season.

The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s steadfast commitment to fostering national unity and promoting peaceful coexistence among the diverse communities in Nigeria.

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