The Kano State Government, under the leadership of Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, organised a special prayer session where 4,444 Qur’anic reciters devoted the entire day to supplications for lasting peace and security across the state.

This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday.

Kano State has, in recent weeks, experienced incidents of banditry, particularly in the Northern Senatorial District, where 15 persons were abducted and one woman was tragically killed.

According to the statement, the prayer session was held at the Government House, Kano, and brought together Qur’anic reciters, Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, and government officials to collectively pray against the enemies of the state, especially those responsible for the recent security challenges.

Governor Yusuf expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the successful gathering and urged the people of Kano, particularly key stakeholders, to support the government’s commitment to addressing insecurity, stressing that banditry does not distinguish between political affiliation, social status, or community.

He recalled that the ancient city of Kano and its environs have historically enjoyed divine protection, noting that the administration will continue to embrace prayers alongside lawful measures to ensure the sustenance of peace and tranquillity.

The Governor also appealed to residents to engage in personal prayers, especially during the late hours of the night, for lasting peace and stability in Kano State and across the country.

Governor Yusuf further commended the security agencies for their continuous support and sacrifices, emphasising that cooperation between the agencies and the present administration remains cordial and effective.

In his remarks, the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, thanked Almighty Allah for the successful prayer gathering and called on the people of Kano to remain united in supporting government efforts toward restoring peace for the collective good.

The Emir also appreciated Governor Yusuf’s recent visit to affected communities alongside heads of security agencies, describing the action as timely and reassuring.

Sheikh Muhammad Sani Ashir led the prayers.

Leaders of various Islamic sects, including Sheikh Tijjani Bala Kalarawi, Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Sani Ashir, Sheikh Adam Abba Koki, Sheikh Bazallah, Sheikh Nasir Kabara, Sheikh Abdullahi Uwaisu Madabo, Sheikh Dr. Mujitaba Abdulkadir Bauchi, and Gwani Lawi Gwani Dankillori Maiduguri, emphasised the urgent need for continuous prayers to overcome the security challenges facing the state.

They commended Governor Yusuf for combining physical security efforts with spiritual interventions, describing the approach as bold, holistic, and reassuring to the people of Kano.

Soldiers in the West African nation of Benin have announced on national TV that they have ousted President Patrice Talon and seized power.

A message from the French embassy in Benin said gunfire had been reported near the residence of the president in the main city of Cotonou.

The soldiers also announced a suspension of the constitution, the closure of all land borders as well as the country’s airspace.

According to their statement, Lieutenant-Colonel Tigri Pascal will be leading a military transition council.

They justified their actions by criticising President Talon’s management of the country

Talon, 67, is due to step down next year after completing his second term in office, with elections scheduled for April.

A businessman known as the “king of cotton”, he first came to power in an election in 2016. He had promised not to seek a third term and had already named a successor.

The French Embassy has urged its citizens to stay indoors for their safety.

This apparent coup in Benin comes just over a week after Umaro Sissoco Embaló was overthrown as president in nearby Guinea-Bissau.

In recent years, there have been several coups in West Africa, including in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Niger, heightening fears that the security of the region could worsen.

BBC

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

On Friday, 24th October, 2025, the President announced sweeping changes in the military hierarchy.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, named General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa.

It added, “The new Chief of Army Staff is Major-General W. Shaibu; Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke is Chief of Air Staff; while Rear Admiral I. Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff. Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, retains his position.”

The development came barely a week after an online media platform, Sahara Reporters, published a story alleging that some military officers plotted to remove President Tinubu.

Hence, the citizens summarily adjudged that General Christopher Musa was sacked on that note.

While on the other hand, Nigerians differ on his leadership role as the Chief of Defence Staff:

a. Some Nigerians are of the opinion that GC Musa did extremely well in the fight against insurgencies while serving as the CDS, stating that he intensified kinetic operations across multiple fronts, leading to the death of several high-value terrorist/bandit leaders.

b. Others opined that he performed poorly, citing the unending cases of terrorism and the reinforcement of its leaders who had been sent into exile previously.

In an extremely shocking wave, a month and some days after the relinquishment of GC Musa as the Chief of Defence Staff, news broke that he had been picked as Abubakar Badaru’s replacement, who had resigned as the Minister of Defence on health grounds.

Again, the public was thrown into another round of debate:

a. Who was sacked from office as CDS cannot be appointed as Minister for that same ministry.

b. GC Musa’s appointment is timely and meritorious.

The new Defence Minister was celebrated across all social media platforms by the latter group of Nigerians, while the other group expressed disbelief.

Well, the new Minister has assumed office and has started hitting the ground running from Friday, December 5, 2025.

However, a security analyst reached out to by this newspaper believed there is more to the going and coming of General Christopher, but which cannot be explained at the moment:

“Well, at this point, no one can really say much about the reason why he was sacked. If it was based on incompetence, then why is he back?” Mr. Yakubu said.
“Or could it be that he was sacked in order to prepare him for this current position?” our correspondent asked, and he replied, “No one can say.”

—

The Challenges Ahead For GC Musa

Speaking further with the security expert, Yakubu Mohammed, he noted that although the new Defence Minister had stated that he cannot afford to fail Nigerians as they are expecting much, it is a no-brainer that Nigeria’s security issue is complex and dynamic—rooted in a deep interplay of historical grievances, economic marginalization, ethno-religious tensions, poor governance, and environmental pressures.

He mentioned that each of the factors listed above has its challenges, and as such, Nigerians are beginning to ponder how GC Musa will handle them.

Ultimately, Mr. Yakubu asserted that:

“The chief architect of those factors that birthed insecurity is CORRUPTION. If GC Musa can conquer the corruption that awaits him in the Defence Ministry, he might get it right.”

He continued, “Some of the key layers of corruption and systemic issues that can cripple effectiveness are obviously poor equipment, leaked intelligence, and poor leadership (from bought promotions) leading to battlefield losses and inability to secure territory. Emphasis on the leaked intelligence.”

When asked to shed more light on the emphasis about leaked intelligence, Mr. Yakubu categorically stated that selling operational intelligence to insurgents or criminal gangs for personal gain severely compromises missions and endangers lives, and that boils down to “operational failure.”

The security analyst also mentioned that GC Musa needs serious reforms in the ministry in order to prevail, but which will not be feasible if senior military and civilian officials within the establishment who are vested in the existing corrupt system, sabotaging reform efforts to protect their interests, are not stopped.

Most importantly, Mr. Yakubu recommended that for the success of GC Musa, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, must be sacked.

“That former governor of Zamfara State serving alongside GC Musa must go.”

“People like Bulama Bukarti and Aliyu Ibrahim Gebi should serve alongside General Christopher,” he added.

When asked what his reasons are for recommending the sacking of Bello Matawalle, the analyst, without mincing words, said that Matawalle is an associate of some of the bandit leaders.

“Right from the time he served as Zamfara State governor to now, he has repeatedly had connections with bandit leaders—questionable connections.”

“Such a personality in that ministry is capable of sabotaging efforts to combat those terrorists,” he added.

Mr. Yakubu conclusively ended the interview by asking our correspondent an intriguing question:

“Why haven’t the security operatives captured Turji—the bandit lord, yet?”

A question in which an answer truly aligns with his take on the minister.

The security expert also suggested that:

“The military’s inherent culture of secrecy can be used as a shield to block necessary civilian oversight and transparency initiatives.”

But added that it will be difficult if Matawalle continues to be in the structure.

Ultimately, as explained by the security expert, the new Defence Minister’s biggest battle may not be against external adversaries, but against the entrenched “institutional corruption” within the defence establishment itself. Success will depend less on military strategy and more on courageous governance, systemic reform, and ruthless integrity.