News

Ajiya Expresses Concern Over Rising Insecurity, Banditry, and Cattle Rustling

Published

5 months ago

June 9, 2026

Elder statesman Umar Ajiya has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, warning that the country’s persistent insecurity could escalate into a national crisis if citizens fail to actively support government efforts in tackling the menace.

Speaking in a statement issued to journalists, Ajiya noted that Nigeria has been grappling with multiple security challenges for more than two decades, ranging from insurgency by Boko Haram to widespread kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, and other violent crimes that have continued to threaten national stability and economic growth.

According to him, while the Federal Government and several state governments have made considerable efforts to address the situation, it has become increasingly evident that government intervention alone cannot solve the problem. He stressed that every responsible citizen has a role to play by providing credible intelligence, contributing resources where possible, and offering constructive ideas and advice to support security agencies.

Ajiya emphasized that history has repeatedly shown that when the majority of law-abiding citizens remain silent in the face of growing societal challenges, such problems often worsen and become more difficult to resolve.

“Throughout history, the failure of the good majority to speak up has allowed systemic issues to thrive, whether in civic life or spiritual matters. If this trend continues, Nigeria stands the risk of a national meltdown that Africa cannot swallow,” he warned.

The elder statesman said the gravity of the current security challenges compelled him, as a concerned private citizen, to propose a number of policy options and practical solutions that government authorities may consider in their efforts to restore peace and security across the country.

Among his recommendations was the need for adequate and timely funding of security agencies, backed by measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and accountability mechanisms to ensure efficient utilization of resources.

He also called for improved intelligence gathering and the effective deployment of technology, particularly drones, to enhance surveillance operations. According to him, security agencies should be held accountable for failure to act on intelligence provided by relevant agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS).

On community policing, Ajiya advocated the establishment of state police or, alternatively, the deployment of police officers below the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police to their respective states of origin under the existing federal policing structure. He further recommended the compulsory registration of all citizens under the National Identification Number (NIN) scheme, with links to phone numbers and bank accounts to improve traceability and intelligence gathering.

To address the growing trend of kidnappings, he proposed a nationwide ban on ransom payments and encouraged a gradual transition to a cashless economy, supported by strict enforcement measures against violators.

The elder statesman also expressed concern over alleged political interference in security matters, urging authorities to closely monitor political actors suspected of maintaining links with criminal elements. He called for the prosecution of anyone found aiding or collaborating with bandits and other criminal groups.

Ajiya highlighted the need for stronger coordination among security agencies, recommending the establishment of centralized Command and Control Centres (CCC) in every state. Such centres, he said, should be supported by Rapid Response Squads in all local government areas and vulnerable zones to facilitate swift and coordinated responses to security threats.

He further advocated improved welfare packages for frontline security personnel, insisting that benefits and allowances should be paid directly into the accounts of officers rather than through administrative channels that could delay or distort payments.

On border security, Ajiya urged Nigeria to strengthen collaboration with neighbouring countries through the creation of a regional joint task force equipped with drone technology and air power to monitor and secure porous border regions.

In a recommendation likely to generate public debate, he suggested that responsible citizens should be permitted to own firearms under a carefully regulated licensing framework. He also proposed empowering state forest guards and retired military personnel willing to serve in protecting their local communities.

Addressing infrastructure-related security concerns, Ajiya called for the urgent rehabilitation of major roads by both federal and state governments. He proposed the installation of scanners and security checkpoints at key entry and exit points into towns and cities to improve monitoring and crime detection.

On the issue of cattle rustling, he recommended that the Federal Government establish a comprehensive animal transaction registry requiring detailed records of buyers and sellers, including photographs and contact information, while also taking steps to prevent the sale of stolen livestock in markets across the country.

Ajiya further urged both government authorities and citizens to work collectively to confront the country’s security challenges, stressing that national security should be regarded as a shared responsibility requiring commitment from all stakeholders.

He expressed optimism that with stronger collaboration, accountability, technology-driven solutions, and active citizen participation, Nigeria can overcome its current security challenges and build a safer future for all.

News

Mahanga TV appoints former AREWA24 staff Zuwairiyah Girei as MD

Published

6 hours ago

November 2, 2026

Nigerian Tracker

Mahanga TV, a Kano-based television station, has appointed former AREWA24 staff member Zuwairiyah Adamu Girei as its new Managing Director, bringing her more than 14 years of experience in Hausa-language television production and broadcasting to the organisation.

Girei was formally welcomed into her new role during a reception held at Mahanga TV’s premises in Kano on Monday, November 2, 2026, marking a new phase in the organisation’s growthe barely three months after its launch.

Speaking at the reception, Girei expressed excitement over her appointment, describing her experience at AREWA24 as a significant milestone in her professional journey.

She said she would draw on the knowledge and experience acquired during her time at the television station to strengthen Mahanga TV and drive it towards greater achievements.

“All the experience I have at AREWA24, I will bring here, and I think I will do extraordinary because I know what I have learnt there. I pray that we will see success beyond our expectations,” she said.

Outlining her vision for Mahanga TV, the new Managing Director said the organisation would look beyond Northern Nigeria and target audiences across Africa and the rest of the world.

She identified the large Hausa-speaking population as a major opportunity for the industry, noting that despite the challenges facing Hausa-language broadcasting, the sector has a substantial audience.

“We have over 60 million Hausa speakers in Nigeria, so I think we have a target audience we have to try to reach,” she said.

Girei said her leadership would focus on understanding audience expectations, introducing improvements and positioning Hausa productions for international recognition.

“Our thinking is pan-African; our thinking is the world. Our thinking is now how can Hausa film reach the Oscars. That is the thinking,” she said.

Looking ahead to the next decade, she expressed her ambition to see Mahanga TV secure three to four Academy Awards, earn international recognition and become a household name among viewers across different age groups.

She said she envisioned a future where Mahanga TV would be the preferred television platform in homes, with both adults and children identifying with its programmes.

The Chief Executive Officer of Mahanga TV, Nuhu Abdullahi Balarabe, said Girei’s appointment was informed by the organisation’s rapid growth and the need for experienced leadership to sustain its progress.

Balarabe explained that he initially served as both Managing Director and CEO but decided to appoint a dedicated Managing Director to oversee the organisation’s daily operations and provide the leadership required to sustain its expanding activities.

He said the organisation needed someone who could provide consistent leadership and maintain its momentum as it continued to grow.

“She is well experienced, and I’m sure she will use that experience to take the organisation further from where it is,” he said.

Balarabe disclosed that Mahanga TV had recorded progress beyond its initial expectations within three months of launching, attributing the achievement to the dedication of its staff, consultants and advisers.

He said the organisation was expanding its content offerings through original productions and partnerships with independent producers to provide audiences with engaging programmes.

He also urged viewers to continue supporting the station and sharing feedback through its social media platforms and WhatsApp channel, assuring them that the organisation remained open to suggestions as it worked to improve its services.

Reaffirming the organisation’s broader ambition, Balarabe said Mahanga TV was committed to ensuring that Hausa stories, culture and experiences reached audiences across the world.

“We have a beautiful tale happening in Northern Nigeria, and I believe it is only we that can tell our own story. We want to make sure all our stories are told and they reach every part of the world,” he said.

Also speaking, Mahanga TV’s Creative Director and Brand Manager, Abdulbasit Abanikanda, described Girei’s appointment as a timely development that would strengthen the organisation’s management structure and provide better direction for its expanding workforce.

Abanikanda recalled that Mahanga TV started with a team of just three people but had since grown considerably, making the appointment of an experienced manager necessary to coordinate its activities.

He expressed confidence in Girei’s ability to advance the station’s creative vision, noting that her ambition of taking Hausa stories to audiences across the world aligned with the organisation’s objectives.

With Girei’s appointment, Mahanga TV aims to consolidate its early progress, strengthen its content production and expand the reach of Hausa storytelling, creating opportunities for Northern Nigeria’s stories, culture and creative talent to gain wider national and international recognition.

News

Kano Governor Nominates Ex- Speaker, Spokesperson as Commissioners

Published

12 hours ago

November 2, 2026

Nigerian Tracker

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has nominated his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, and a former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Balarabe Sa’idu Gani, for appointment as commissioners.

The governor has forwarded their names to the Kano State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

The Assembly is expected to screen the nominees on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Assembly’s spokesperson, Kamaluddeen Sani Shawai, said the legislature had received a formal communication from Governor Yusuf requesting the screening of the two nominees.

He added that the exercise would be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Gani served as Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly from 2003 to 2007, while Bature currently serves as the governor’s spokesperson.

News

2027: Rep Abubakar Kabir Bichi holds strategic meeting with Kano lawmakers

Published

13 hours ago

November 2, 2026

Nigerian Tracker

The Chairman, House of representatives committee on appropriations Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi, has convened a meeting of all APC State Assembly Members and 40 Candidates in the upcoming 2027 General elections, led by the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jibril Ismail Falgore.

Crucial issues were discussed on how best to coordinate their campaigns programs to deliver the APC, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

The meeting was held at his Bichi office, Sunday evening 1st November 2026.