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Eid-el-Fitr: FFS Places Fire Fighters On Red Alert Nationwide to Forestall Fire Disaster

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Eid-el-Fitr: FFS Places Fire Fighters On Red Alert Nationwide to Forestall Fire Disaster


….Calls For Installation Of Onboard Cameras On Tankers Transporting Flammables

By: Michael Mike

As Nigeria joins Muslims worldwide to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Fitr festival, marking the successful completion of Ramadan, the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Engr. Abdulganiyu Jaji said fire fighters have been placed on red alert to address any emergencies across the nation during the celebration.

Jaji also highlighted the critical need for the installation of onboard cameras on tankers and other articulated vehicles transporting flammable materials.

He said the precautionary measure is aimed at preventing accidents and ensuring public and infrastructural safety, especially during the high-traffic period of Eid celebrations, and called on relevant authorities and stakeholders to implement these safety features to reduce risks and enhance overall road and critical facility safety.

The CG, in his Eid message, extended heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim Ummah for successfully completing their Ramadan fast. He explained that these safety measures are vital for preventing accidents involving fuel tankers, particularly given the risks associated with festive period travel. He urged stakeholders to adopt these safety standards to protect both human lives and critical infrastructure.

The FFS Controller General also disclosed that all fire service commands and zones have been placed on high alert to ensure swift response to any emergencies during the Sallah celebrations.

He urged citizens to familiarize themselves with the contact information of their local fire service units, ensuring prompt action in case of fire emergencies.

He advised Muslims across the country to take extra precautions while cooking during the celebration, as the use of gas, stove , electricity, charcoal, and other flammable materials increases during festive cooking. He urged citizens not to leave cooking unattended, to keep matches out of children’s reach, and to store gas cylinders outside the kitchen, among other safety measures.

He said these are crucial to prevent fires that could disrupt the joy of Eid.

Jaji also emphasised the importance of love, forgiveness, and solidarity in building a harmonious society. He encouraged all Nigerians to use the Eid period to pray for the peace, stability, and prosperity of the nation, expressing hope that the celebrations would foster unity, improved safety, and bridge divides across religious and ethnic lines.

He however lamented that many tankers on Nigerian roads are still failing to meet modern safety standards. These substandard vehicles contribute to rising accident statistics, leading to significant loss of life and property and leaving many families in distress.

He explained that modern tankers are equipped with anti-rollover systems, preventing tipping, and anti-spill devices that ensure no product leakage in case of an accident.

“Furthermore, these tankers have internal and external cameras to monitor drivers’ behaviour., he remarked.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by tanker owners in replacing old fleets, Engr. Jaji suggested an alternative: the installation of onboard computers—small chip packs that monitor driving patterns, such as speed and night driving.

He stressed that this is distinct from speed limiters and could help improve safety.

“We are concerned because these outdated tankers exploit weak enforcement of safety standards, turning them into moving hazards on the nation’s highways,” he said. “While the need to replace or retrofit tankers with modern safety devices like anti-skid systems, speed limiters, automatic emergency braking, and onboard cameras is clear, government agencies tasked with enforcing these measures are committed to addressing this issue. Over time, we are confident that these improvements will be made.”

Eid-el-Fitr: FFS Places Fire Fighters On Red Alert Nationwide to Forestall Fire Disaster

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NUJ Makes case for a Media Enhancement Bill coupled with Health Insurance for Journalists

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NUJ Makes case for a Media Enhancement Bill coupled with Health Insurance for Journalists

By: Bodunrin kayode

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has perfected plans for the passage of a “Media Enhancement Bill” aimed at improving welfare packages and working conditions for journalists across the country.

NUJ President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, stated this recently during a “veteran journalists interactive forum” in Kano, organised by the NUJ Kano State Council in collaboration with the State Ministry for Information and Internal Affairs.

Yahaya noted that the proposed bill, which is already attracting sponsorship from members of the House of Representatives, would address poor remuneration in the profession and provide a legal framework for better welfare.

“We blow other people’s trumpets but not ours. It is time we stood firm and work collectively to ensure the bill is passed.” Said the President.

He also called for the introduction of a practicable health insurance for journalists, revealing that less than one per cent currently have coverage in the country.

According to him, with an annual premium of N15,000 under the State health insurance scheme, journalists could access healthcare at all levels, reducing out-of-pocket expenses and promoting universal health coverage.

Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi-Waiya, pointed out that the state had implemented wide-ranging reforms to strengthen media capacity, enhance transparency, and improve communication between government and citizens.

He highlighted the revival of in-house publications, rehabilitation of the ministry’s library, and stronger relations with media executives, political commentators, and civil society groups.

Also speaking former NUJ National President, Malam Sani Zoro, cautioned against misinformation and misuse of artificial intelligence, urging the union to adopt global best practices and invest in professional training.

Stakeholders at the dialogue commended Kano State for being widely regarded as Nigeria’s most media-friendly state, citing significant investments in journalism infrastructure, human capital development, and the clearance of pension arrears for retired journalists.

They recommended quarterly dialogues, mentorship programmes by veteran journalists, and continuous capacity-building to boost professionalism.

The interactive session brought together veteran journalists, academics, and media practitioners to address ethical standards and strengthen public trust in the media.

NUJ Makes case for a Media Enhancement Bill coupled with Health Insurance for Journalists

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Maiduguri Residents Panic as Transformer in the City’s Electricity Gas Plant explodes

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Maiduguri Residents Panic as Transformer in the City’s Electricity Gas Plant explodes

By: Bodunrin Kayode

There was mild drama in the city of Maiduguri recently as residents expressed worries at a sudden build up of security around the bolori electricity gas plant on baga road.

The route in front of the plant which is usually motorable from the down side of Baga road to western was suddenly closed to commuters until the wee hours of tuesday night.

The entire traffic to the centre of the city was moved to the other lane which takes traffic from Western back to Baga road until the wee hours of the night.

While commuters moved around in hushed tones thinking there was Intel that the plant was under threat, others continued their normal lives as if nothing happened.

Very late in the night security sources hinted that it was not necessarily a major threat but a preventive move by the military to avert panic in the city when one of the transformers blew up towards the end of yesterday.

“There was a fire outbreak at one of the transformers in the gas plant. But the fire was doused around 1800hrs. The troops deployed at the plant maintained an active posture to deter anyone that might take advantage of the situation.”

However in spite of the temporary set back in one of the transformers, electricity supply into the city has been consistent throughout the week.

Maiduguri Residents Panic as Transformer in the City’s Electricity Gas Plant explodes

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Why banditry may be returning to Kaduna exposes flaws in state government’s peace process

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Why banditry may be returning to Kaduna exposes flaws in state government’s peace process

By: Zagazola Makama

The fragile peace in Kaduna State is once again under severe threat as banditry resurfaces along critical highways and rural communities, reviving old concerns over the sincerity and effectiveness of the state government’s amnesty programme.

The killing of Musa Kachallah, a repentant bandit leader who had renounced crime and embraced peace, has once again drawn attention to the uncertain security condition in Kaduna State.

Kachallah, once feared across parts of Chikun Local Government Area, had turned his back on violence, committing himself to community reconciliation. Respected by villagers in Tsohon Gaya for his peace efforts, he became a visible symbol of transformation. His assassination on Aug. 3, however, shattered that image and reignited fears that peace in Kaduna may only be skin-deep.

According to security and community sources, the killing was as calculated as it was cruel. At about 1023 hours on the fateful day, a group of bandits arrived at Kachallah’s residence disguised as friendly visitors. In keeping with local tradition, he welcomed them, offering food and pleasantries. But when night fell, their intentions became clear. At about 1145 hours, sporadic gunshots erupted, sending commotion across the settlement. By the time security personnel arrived, the assailants had disappeared into the surrounding bush.

Among those present during the attack was Shayibu Madugo, a known associate of another bandit figure, Gurgu. One of the assailants, identified as Mallau, was also injured and is reportedly receiving treatment at a secret medical location. Kachallah’s remains were laid to rest the following morning at 1005 hours on Aug. 4, in line with Islamic rites.

The killing goes beyond one man’s death. For months, Kachallah had worked to dissuade youths from taking up arms, urging them to abandon kidnapping and cattle rustling. Residents say he was genuine in his repentance, often standing as a mediator in local disputes.
Now, his silencing has not only discouraged others who might have considered laying down their weapons but also emboldened hardline factions opposed to peace.

It is believed that the killing has inspired retaliatory violence from bandit groups, especially those who perceive the state’s amnesty as insincere or biased. Already, since the killing, security reports indicated that bandits have intensified activities around Chikun, Kauru, Giwa, Makarfi on the Zaria–Kano highway, and Kajuru Local Government Areas and most recently the Abuja–Kaduna road, where a journalist was kidnapped on Friday. Already the authorities have stepped up daily patrol efforts at the Rigasa station line amid suspected security threats.

The resurgence of these pockets of attacks threatens the steady peace that was recorded within the past months in Kaduna, a once epicentre of kidnapping-for-ransom in Nigeria.

Despite these troubling developments, many security stakeholders and residents accuse the state government of complacency. Governor Uba Sani’s much-publicised “Kaduna Model” of disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration has been described as a charade, lacking structure, transparency, and credibility.

Unlike amnesty programmes in other volatile regions, Kaduna’s initiative has been criticised for its lack of coordination, strategic framework, absence of community participation, and failure to provide genuine rehabilitation for repentant fighters. While the governor publicly received “repentant bandits” earlier this year and promised international-standard reintegration, there is little on the ground to suggest any concrete plan.

Security sources note that there were no individual risk assessments to differentiate hardened commanders from coerced foot soldiers. No verifiable rehabilitation or livelihood programmes were implemented. No sustainable monitoring structure was set up to ensure compliance. Worst of it, no disarmament programmes was set up to receive arms from the bandits, in most cases, they come without their weapons and go back to their enclaves after every engagement. The programme appeared to have been driven by political optics rather than strategic intent. The killing of Kachallah has now exposed these gaps, with many bandits perceiving the process as betrayal rather than reconciliation.

On the ground, it is the Nigerian Army troops under 1 Division, NAF, the Police with critical support from the DSS that have held the line in places like Birnin Gwari and Chikun, and other part of the state, neutralizing armed groups and securing major corridors. But the military alone cannot guarantee lasting peace without political leadership and state-level initiatives.

Police formations, for instance, remain under-equipped, with most of their patrol vehicles grounded. Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) are unavailable, leaving major entry points into Kaduna unprotected. Despite persistent requests, the state government has not provided critical logistics to complement security operations.

Multiple sources allege that Governor Uba Sani rarely convenes security meetings or reads situation reports. Unlike his counterparts in North Western Niger, Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi or Borno in the North East, who are known for prioritising security and directly engaging with security agencies, Sani is accused of disengagement and indifference.

According to the sources, the governor hardly picks calls, responds to urgent messages, or visits attack scenes or victims and their families. His most visible involvement in security matters has been receiving rescued victims handed over by the Office of the National Security Adviser, a role seen more as ceremonial than operational. Besides, Governor Uba Sani mostly operates his state from Abuja.

This disconnect has widened the gap between the state government and frontline security agencies. It has also eroded public trust, leaving rural communities to question whether the state truly has a strategy for peace.

Kaduna’s worsening security point to the collapse of the so-called amnesty programme and the absence of strong political leadership. The failure to build a credible framework for dialogue, reintegration, and rehabilitation has emboldened bandits who now see the state as weak and divided.

The bitter reality is that, while the military and other security agencies continues to make sacrifices to hold the line, the Kaduna State Government has failed to complement these efforts. Peace is fragile, and with bandits regaining confidence, the state risks sliding back into the dark years of mass abductions and rural terror.

The assassination has reopened old wounds. It has exposed once more that peace in the state rests not on a solid foundation, but on fragile promises and the overstretched efforts of security forces.

Unless the state government takes security issues beyond rhetoric by complementing security agencies to stamp out banditry, the region could again descend into unchecked violence.

The question is no longer whether the government’s amnesty will work, but whether Governor Uba Sani truly cares enough to take ownership of the security in his state.

Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region

Why banditry may be returning to Kaduna exposes flaws in state government’s peace process

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