News
Better Days for the Elderly as Nana Kashim unveils Renewed Hope initiative

Better Days for the Elderly as Nana Kashim unveils Renewed Hope initiative
….. Unveils Economy Empowerment and Health Support Scheme for elderly in Borno
By: Our Reporter
The Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIES) borne out of commitment to welfare of the elderly citizens is aimed at providing economic empowerment and healthcare services to the elderly across all the states of the federation including the FCT. The targeted beneficiaries are the elderly from the age of 65 and above, as well as the physically challenged.
Unveiling the Scheme at the Cyprian Ekwensi center for arts and culture Garki abuja on the 21st of December the National Chairman and First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu represented by the National Vice chairman and wife of the vice president Hajiya Nana Shettima stated that the initiative has earmarked Nine hundred and Fifty Million Naira to be shared to the beneficiaries. Each state, according to Hajiya Nana shettima, is allocated twenty-five million Naira for onward distribution. She urged the senior citizens to embrace life to the fullest, prioritizing their health and bond with loved ones.

Hajiya Nana Shettima emphasized that in the spirit of this season which is a time of joy and comfort ,the administration of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu seeks for your continued support and prayers as the nation look forward to better days ahead.
During the symbolic presentation, the wife of the vice president announced that Beneficiaries are to take home 100,000 Naira to assist them during the festive period .
In an opening remarks the Minister for State FCT Dr Mariya Mahmoud Bunure said the Mission of the Renewed Hope Initiative is not just about distributing material items,it is also about fostering a sense of community, compassion and respect for our elders, youths, girl child and widows.
The minister said the distribution by the First Lady is a gesture that reflects her commitment to ensuring the comfort and well-being of those who have paved the way for us.
Dr Mariya added that as we hand out these items, let us also take a moment to engage with our elders, listen to their stories, and learn from their rich tapestry of life experiences.
High point of the event was interactive session with the elderly and an interview by a physically challenged Reporter from a national broadcast station by wife of the vice president Hajiya Nana Shettima aside the symbolic presentation of cash and gift items.
The Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) for the FCTA is coordinated by the mandate secretary women affairs secretariat Mrs Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi.
Better Days for the Elderly as Nana Kashim unveils Renewed Hope initiative
News
Troops repel terrorists’ reprisal attack after killing Notorious kingpin in Tsafe Zamfara, 2 soldiers killed

Troops repel terrorists’ reprisal attack after killing Notorious kingpin in Tsafe Zamfara, 2 soldiers killed
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have repelled an attack by terrorists in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara, losing two personnel in the encounter.
The attack was in response to the eliminated of a notorious bandit identified as Abu A. K and several of his gang members in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, in an earlier encounter by the troops.
Security sources confirmed that the incident occurred on Tuesday at about 3:10 p.m. along the Marabar Kyaware–Unguwar Chida axis.
He said the troops, who were on stop-and-search duty, came under ambush by a large number of armed terrorists but gallantly engaged them in a fierce gun battle, forcing the attackers to flee with possible gunshot wounds.
“Unfortunately, two military personnel lost their lives during the exchange of fire. Their remains have been evacuated to the hospital for autopsy,” the sources said.
Reinforcements were deployed to the scene in coordination with other security agencies while joint patrols were intensified to restore normalcy along the route.
The sources commended the bravery and professionalism of the troops and reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining joint security operations across the state to safeguard lives and property.
End
Military
Troops kill notorious bandit Abu A. K, several others in Tsafe operation

Troops kill notorious bandit Abu A. K, several others in Tsafe operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s Operation FANSAN YANMA in a joint operation with other security forces, have eliminated a notorious bandit identified as Abu A. K and several of his gang members in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the deceased bandit, who was linked to the infamous warlord Ado Aleiro, was intercepted after sneaking into Tsafe town to attend the weekly Friday cattle market, his first visit to the town in about five years.
According to the sources, Abu A. K had been among the most wanted bandits terrorising the Tsafe axis and surrounding forests, notorious for killings, kidnappings, and cattle rustling. He was reportedly trailed and captured after arriving in the town through one of his female contacts, identified as Halima, who resides in the Gabbacin Tsafe area.
“Following credible intelligence, troops moved swiftly and apprehended him. He was later neutralised during an exchange of fire as he attempted to escape custody,” the source said.
In a related development, troops on joint patrol operations on Monday morning successfully ambushed and neutralised several other bandits in Tsafe forests, recovering a Boxer-type rifle and other arms.
The operation, which took place around 9 a.m., was described by security officials as a major success in the ongoing offensive against bandit groups operating in the area. The troops also launched another offensive deep into the North of Tsafe forests, killing an undisclosed number of bandits.
According to sources, the remains of Abu A. K were taken to Magazu, one of the forward operating bases under Tsafe LGA, where further identification was carried out.
Security officials also confirmed that the slain bandit was responsible for the killing of three construction workers attached to Setraco Construction Company two weeks ago at a site where the firm was excavating sand in Tsafe area.
Troops kill notorious bandit Abu A. K, several others in Tsafe operation
News
Kanu lists Wike, Buratai, Danjuma, Umahi, others as witnesses as defence begins amid failed protest

Kanu lists Wike, Buratai, Danjuma, Umahi, others as witnesses as defence begins amid failed protest
By: Zagazola Makama
Hours after a poorly attended nationwide protest demanding his release, detained leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, made a dramatic turn on Tuesday, declaring readiness to open his defence in the ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The protest, which was led in parts of Abuja by the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 elections, Omoyele Sowore, recorded low turnout across the country as residents largely shunned the call for mass action.
In many cities, including Enugu, Owerri, Onitsha, Port Harcourt, Aba, and Umuahia, residents said they chose to stay away from the demonstration because the matter was already before the court and feared it could be hijacked by miscreants to unleash violence.
In Abuja, where Sowore led a small group of demonstrators to the Federal High Court complex, police dispersed the gathering and arrested 13 persons, including Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and his brother, Emmanuel Kanu.
However, the detained IPOB leader filed a motion of preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court to continue with his trial. He filed the objection the same day a team of medical experts enpanelled by the court to determine his health status, turned in a report that he was medically fit to stand trial.
In a fresh motion he personally filed on Tuesday, October 21, Kanu assured the court that he was prepared to begin his defence “pursuant to the order of this honourable court made on the 16th day of October 2015, directing the defendant to commence his defence on the 24th day of October 2025.”
Kanu informed the court, presided by Justice James Omotosho, of his plan to call a total of 23 witnesses divided into two categories. The first category, he said, would be those he called “ordinary but material witnesses”.
He further informed the court that his second category of witnesses would be “vital and compellable” and shall be “summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.”
In the notice Kanu personally signed, suggesting that he may have fired his team of lawyers led by Kanu Agabi, SAN, the IPOB leader told the court that, in view of the number of witnesses he intends to call, the court should consider granting a 90-day timeframe to enable him conclude his defence.
He told the court that he would “testify on his own behalf, providing a sworn account of the facts, denying the allegations, and explaining the political context of his statements and actions.”
Among those Kanu listed as “compellable witnesses” are a former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), a former Chief of Army Staff, Gen Tukur Buratai (rtd), as well as Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Hope Uzodinma, Governors of Lagos and Imo States respectively.
He further listed current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Nyesom Nwike, his Works’ counterpart, Dave Umahi, and the immediate past governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu. He also listed the immediate past Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, the immediate past Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, NIA, Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, his then-collegue at the State Security Service, SSS, Yusuf Magaji Bichi, and several withnesses whose identities he didn’t reveal.
Kanu, in the notice, promised to “provide the sworn statements of all voluntary witnesses to this honourable court, and to notify the prosecution within a reasonable time.”
He assured that “no precious time of the honourable court would be delayed,” stressing, “and it would interest the honourable court that and the general public that justice is not only done but manifestly seen to have been done.”
Kanu’s motion offering to open his defence came on the same day a magistrate court in Abuja ordered the remand of his special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor and 12 others who were among those protesting against Kanu’s continued trial.
The police charged the 13 persons with various offences, including criminal conspiracy, disobedience of a lawful order, inciting disturbance, and disturbance of public peace, contravening sections 152, 114, and 113 of the Penal Code Law.
The 13 defendants named in two separate first information reports (FIRs) are Ejimakor, Kanu’s brother, Emmanuel, Joshua Emmanuel, Wilson Anyalewechi, Okere Kingdom Nnamdi, Clinton Chimeneze, Gabriel Joshua, Isiaka Husseini, Onyekachi Ferdinand, Amadi Prince, Edison Ojisom, Godwill Obioma, and Chima Onuchukwu.
The magistrate, who stood down the case, later ordered that the defendants be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre and adjourned the case until October 24 for arraignment.
As the court resumes on Thursday, observers say Kanu’s decision to represent himself and summon high-profile witnesses marks a new phase in a case that has tested Nigeria’s judicial system, national security, and political tolerance.
Meanwhile, security has been intensified in and around the Federal High Court complex, as authorities brace for possible crowd movements when the trial resumes.
Kanu lists Wike, Buratai, Danjuma, Umahi, others as witnesses as defence begins amid failed protest
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