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.

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin, has hailed the accreditation of 20 cutting-edge courses at the Federal University of Science and Technology (FUST), Kabo, Kano State, urging the management of the higher institution to uphold the highest standards of academic excellence.

Senator Barau stated this when the Pro-Chancellor and Chairperson of the Governing Council of the university, Chief (Mrs) Grace Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, led the council on a courtesy call to him at the National Assembly, Abuja, on Thursday.

A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, said Chief Laoye-Tomori, a former Deputy Governor of Osun State, had informed the Deputy Senate President that the institution, ahead of its maiden academic session, has secured accreditation for 20 courses.

She described the accreditation as a remarkable achievement, noting that the institution was now on a solid footing to commence academic activities.

She commended Senator Barau for his instrumental role in the establishment and transformation of the institution from polytechnic to university.

Senator Barau, who represents Kano North Senatorial District, sponsored the bills for the establishment of the institution, first as Federal Polytechnic Kabo and later for its conversion to a full-fledged university.

She recalled that Senator Barau initiated the process in 2016 by sponsoring the bill for the establishment of a Federal Polytechnic in Kabo before subsequently facilitating its conversion into a university in 2025.

“Senator Barau started this journey in 2016 when he sponsored the bill for the establishment of a Federal Polytechnic in Kabo. He had a clear vision for the future of Nigerian youths, particularly those in Northern Nigeria. After successfully establishing the polytechnic, he again facilitated its upgrade to a university in 2025.

“Today, we have 20 outstanding courses accredited, including medical programs. On behalf of the Governing Council, management, staff, and students, we sincerely appreciate his tremendous contributions to the development of this institution,” she said.

Responding, Senator Barau congratulated the Governing Council, management, and staff of the university for the remarkable achievement within such a short period, urging them to sustain the momentum and uphold the highest standards of academic excellence.

He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for signing the bill that led to the conversion of the institution to a university.

“I am delighted with the remarkable progress recorded by the Federal University of Science and Technology, Kabo, within such a short period. I commend the Governing Council, management, and staff for this achievement and urge them to sustain the momentum by maintaining the highest standards of academic excellence.

“I remain committed to supporting the institution in every way possible because our greatest asset as a nation is our human resources, particularly the youth. We must ensure they have access to quality education and the necessary skills to drive national development,” he said.