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Targeting Kwankwaso over Twitter exchange with U.S. lawmaker Riley Moore is witch-hunt
Targeting Kwankwaso over Twitter exchange with U.S. lawmaker Riley Moore is witch-hunt
By: Zagazola Makama.
The inclusion of former Kano State Governor and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in a proposed U.S. bill on religious freedom is nothing but a witch-hunt and grave injustice, as it is not based on any evidence but on a public disagreement with US Reps Riley Moore on X otherwise known as Twitter.
The proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, sponsored by U.S. Representatives Riley Moore and Chris Smith, seeks to sanction Fulani militias and Kwankwaso over alleged Christian persecution in Nigeria.
However, critics argue that Kwankwaso’s inclusion followed his Twitter (X) exchange with Rep. Moore, rather than any proven role in religious violations.
Naming Kwankwaso among those accused of supporting Christian persecution without a shred of evidence simply because he challenged Rep. Moore’s narrative online is witch-hunting and injustice.
The disagreement followed President Donald Trump’s recent designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged violations of religious freedom.
In response, Kwankwaso issued a statement expressing concern over what he described as “heightened pronouncements” on Nigeria by the U.S. President, warning that such rhetoric could deepen divisions rather than address the country’s real security challenges.
“I have noted with increasing concern the heightened pronouncements on Nigeria by President Donald Trump. This follows his designation of Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern’,” Kwankwaso said.
He stressed that Nigeria was a sovereign nation facing threats from outlaw groups that did not discriminate based on religion, ethnicity or politics.
“These threats come from terrorist and criminal networks whose victims are both Muslims and Christians. What Nigeria needs is support in technology, intelligence and operational capacity, not threats that polarise our people,” he said.
Kwankwaso also urged unity among Nigerians and called on the Federal Government to strengthen diplomatic engagement with the United States through special envoys and permanent ambassadors.
“To my fellow countrymen, this is an important moment where we should emphasise unity of belonging over division. God bless Nigeria,” he added.
In a swift reaction on X (formerly Twitter), Rep. Moore accused Kwankwaso of hypocrisy and linked him to alleged religious persecution in Northern Nigeria.
“Governor, do you care to comment on your own complicity in the death of Christians? You instituted Sharia law. You signed the law that makes so-called blasphemy punishable by death,” Moore wrote.
The U.S. lawmaker’s post appeared to connect Kwankwaso’s role in implementing Sharia law in Kano State during his tenure as governor to ongoing concerns about religious freedom in Nigeria.
The U.S. lawmaker’s reaction shifted from policy debate to personal targeting. This is not accountability. It is retaliation for speaking back.
Linking Sharia law directly to what is happening today with Bandits, Boko Haram and ISWAP is misleading. Sharia law is part of Nigeria’s constitutional federal structure. It is not genocide. Terrorism is. The real killers of Christians, Muslims and other faithfuls alike are Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandits, JNIM and Lakurawa, not Kwankwaso.”
Based on records, Kano State, under Kwankwaso’s leadership, confronted Boko Haram cells and prevented the group from establishing a foothold in the state during the peak of the insurgency.
Kano was the only state in the North-West that averted bloodshed by decisively confronting the Boko Haram cells and brought their activities to a standstill. At a time when Boko Haram was expanding across northern Nigeria, Kano shut down their recruitment networks, dismantled logistics cells and prevented the sect from gaining territorial control. That record alone contradicts any claim that Kwankwaso enabled religious extremism.
Security Analyst, Bulama Bukarti, wrote “Truth be told, Kwankwaso is among the most moderate and pro-Nigeria politicians the country has ever produced. Naming him in the U.S. House bill as the sole individual to be sanctioned is not only unfair but plainly erroneous. His name should be withdrawn from the bill without delay.
“More broadly, this episode exposes the poor quality of the information underpinning the so-called “Christian genocide” narrative. Its proponents just generate and circulate unsubstantiated claims and then rely on those same claims as evidence,”he said.
As off now, no evidence has ever been presented linking Kwankwaso to acts of Christian persecution. Kano under Kwankwaso did not witness any attacks on Christians.
Therefore, using foreign legislation to punish political figures for online disagreements sets a dangerous precedent. If foreign lawmakers can label Nigerian politicians as persecutors simply because of Twitter arguments, then this is no longer about human rights, it is about political intimidation. Such actions undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and fuel sectarian tension. Justice requires evidence. Not tweets. Not grudges. Not activism.
Targeting Kwankwaso over Twitter exchange with U.S. lawmaker Riley Moore is witch-hunt
Troops Foil ISWAP/JAS Attack on Military Position in Borno, Recover UXOs
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 3 Battalion (Mechanised)/24 Task Force Brigade have successfully repelled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the attack occurred at about 2:44 a.m. on June 12 when terrorists launched coordinated assaults on the troops’ location from Wurge, Manawaji and Kinuba.
According to the sources, the troops engaged the attackers with superior firepower, supported by reinforcements from battalion headquarters, as well as mortar and artillery fire support, forcing the insurgents to withdraw.
Following the encounter, the fleeing terrorists retreating and scampered into the bushes.
At about 5:45 a.m., troops and auxiliary forces conducted a follow-up exploitation along the withdrawal route towards Wurge, during which three RPG-7 high-explosive unexploded ordnances (UXOs) and two torchlights were recovered.
The sources further disclosed that a main battle tank developed technical faults during the aftermath of the engagement, while one soldier sustained injuries from fragments of an RPG blast.
The wounded personnel was evacuated to the 3 Battalion Regimental Aid Post (RAP) for medical treatment.
Military authorities said clearance and follow-up operations were ongoing in the area to consolidate gains and prevent further terrorist regrouping.
They reaffirmed commitment to sustaining aggressive counter-terrorism operations across the North-East theatre.
Troops Foil ISWAP/JAS Attack on Military Position in Borno, Recover UXOs
Katsina Govt Confirms Death of Retired Major General Rabe in Bandits’ Captivity
By: Zagazola Makama
The Katsina State Government has announced the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar while in the captivity of bandits.
The government, in a statement issued on Friday by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasiru Mu’azu, described the development as tragic and a major loss to the state and the nation.
According to the statement, the retired senior military officer died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while in captivity.
The government said that despite sustained efforts by the state government and security agencies to secure his release, the situation ended in tragedy.
“The deceased retired general died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension,” the statement said.
It noted that the late officer’s abduction and subsequent death represented not only a loss to his immediate family and Katsina State but also a monumental loss to the country.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda expressed deep condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as a dark moment and a reminder of the need for intensified efforts against criminal elements threatening peace and security.
The governor reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working closely with the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the abduction are brought to justice.
He also assured residents that the government remained resolute in its determination to eliminate banditry and safeguard lives and property across the state.
The government prayed for the repose of the soul of the late retired Major General and urged citizens to continue supporting security agencies in the fight against insecurity.
Katsina Govt Confirms Death of Retired Major General Rabe in Bandits’ Captivity
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.
In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.
Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.
In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.
Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.
“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.
The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.
The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
Troops Recover AK-47 Rifle, Ammunition in Failed ISWAP Reconnaissance Operation in Borno
Troops Foil ISWAP/JAS Attack on Military Position in Borno, Recover UXOs
Katsina Govt Confirms Death of Retired Major General Rabe in Bandits’ Captivity
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