By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the Federal Government to immediately clarify the terms of a $5 billion health cooperation agreement recently signed with the United States, citing “materially different” and potentially unconstitutional framings of the deal.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, expressed alarm over what it described as conflicting portrayals of the five-year bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in December.

While the Nigerian government has presented the agreement as an inclusive framework to strengthen health security and boost domestic financing, U.S. official statements framed it as focusing strongly on supporting Christian faith-based healthcare providers.

The ADC highlighted that the U.S. version introduces “identity-based elements” absent from Nigeria’s account, suggesting funds could be directed primarily to health institutions linked to one religion—a move the party says violates constitutional guarantees against discrimination.

“The U.S. characterisation indicates that spending under the MoU should be targeted at health institutions backed by a particular religion only,” Abdullahi stated. “This raises serious constitutional and national cohesion concerns.”

Under the agreement, the U.S. intends to commit nearly $2.1 billion over five years, while Nigeria is to increase its domestic health spending by about $3 billion in the same period. The deal covers HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, and polio interventions.

The ADC also pointed to a clause allowing the U.S. President or Secretary of State to pause or terminate programmes deemed against national interest—a condition reportedly omitted from Nigeria’s public explanation of the MoU.

“Why is the Nigerian government committing more resources under an arrangement that appears discriminatory and grants unilateral termination powers to a foreign government?” Abdullahi questioned.

Citing Sections 42(1), 15, and 17 of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibit discrimination and obligate the state to promote national integration, the ADC insisted that any agreement introducing identity-based distinctions in public service provision is fundamentally flawed.

The party has demanded that the Federal Government clearly state which version reflects the actual terms and explain the significant discrepancies between the two accounts.

Over three million Muslims from across Nigeria and several African countries converged on Katsina State to commemorate the Maulud (birthday) of the late Tijjaniyya spiritual leader, Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse.

The week-long religious event was held at the Dukko Radda Stadium, Katsina, and was organised by the Majma’u Ahbab Niasse association. It attracted prominent Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, and thousands of followers of the Tijjaniyya order from Nigeria’s 36 states and neighbouring West African nations.
Speaking at the gathering, the President of Majma’u Ahbab Niasse, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Sani Auwal, said the 2026 celebration marked the 40th anniversary of the annual Maulud. He explained that the event was aimed at honouring the life and teachings of Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse, while also offering prayers for peace, unity, and economic development in Katsina State, the North-West region, and Nigeria at large.

Sheikh Auwal, who also serves as Commissioner at the Kano State Ministry for Religious Affairs, noted that Katsina State was hosting the Maulud for the third time, having previously hosted in 2002 and 2016. He added that other states such as Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi have also hosted similar commemorations in the past.

He commended the Katsina State Government for providing a peaceful and conducive environment for the event and prayed for sustained stability and harmony in the state and the country.

Addressing the gathering, the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, called for unity among Tijjaniyya adherents and the broader Muslim Ummah. He highlighted the historic role of Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse in the spread of Islam across Africa, describing him as an influential scholar whose legacy transcended national boundaries.
In his remarks, Governor of Katsina State, Dr Dikko Umaru Radda, expressed appreciation to the organisers for choosing Katsina as the host state. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting religious activities that foster peace, unity, and social cohesion, while urging continued prayers for Nigeria.

Dignitaries from Nigeria and West Africa graced the occasion, including representatives of the Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), as well as Khalifa Sheikh Mahi Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse, represented by Muhammad Qurash Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse from Senegal.
The Maulud, which commenced on Sunday and lasted seven days, concluded on Saturday with Qur’anic recitations, prayers, lectures, and conferences, all highlighting the life, teachings, and enduring legacy of the renowned Tijjaniyya leader.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has eliminated more than 40 terrorists in a series of coordinated airstrikes in Borno State, significantly degrading terrorist capabilities and supporting ongoing ground operations.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed that air interdiction and close air support missions were conducted on January 15 and 16 in the Azir and Musarram areas.

The operations, executed by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, were based on actionable intelligence and carried out in close coordination with ground troops.

According to Ejodame, NAF aircraft responded to a distress call early on January 16 from troops engaged with retreating terrorists near Azir. Surveillance revealed insurgents attempting to regroup under tree cover, leading to precise airstrikes that neutralized a significant number.

“Post-strike assessment confirmed the elimination of the immediate threat,” Ejodame stated. “Feedback from ground troops and local sources indicates a marked reduction in terrorist activity and a restoration of calm in the area.”

In a preemptive operation the previous day, air assets targeted Musarram in the Tumbuns area after intelligence indicated terrorists assembling on canoes to launch attacks along the Baga and Fish Dam axis.

Upon arrival, aircraft identified approximately 10 canoes and over 40 suspected terrorists. Multiple passes by NAF jets disrupted the assembly, neutralizing those on site. Fleeing remnants were tracked and engaged, effectively dismantling the terrorist concentration.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, commended the operations, reiterating the NAF’s dedication to providing timely and decisive air support to ground forces.

“These missions underscore the effectiveness of intelligence-driven air power and seamless air-ground coordination in denying terrorists freedom of action,” Aneke said. He assured the public of sustained military pressure to degrade terrorist capabilities and stabilize the region.

Azir and Musarram, located in Damboa Local Government Area, have long been plagued by insecurity due to activities of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The area witnessed a severe ambush in November 2025 near Wajiroko, which resulted in the loss of soldiers, Civilian JTF members, and the execution of a captured Brigadier General.