News
NAAT Unimaid branch down lab tools for three days

NAAT Unimaid branch down lab tools for three days
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The National Association of Academic Technologists NAAT University of Maiduguri (Unimaid) branch has shut down all laboratory activities for three days to press home demands for five and a half months salary arrears which was seized by the previous regime under the guise of no work no pay policy.
In a heavily crowded rally hosted within the campus of the University of Maiduguri, chairman of naat in unimaid Comrade Yusuf Bulus told newsmen that this warning strike will last for three days after which it will be called off to assess the seriousness of the government towards sorting out the myriad of demands of his members.
He said his union was not happy with the shabby treatment it received from the office of the Accountant General of the Federation in Abuja as it concerns memos on the payment of their salary arrears which has since been approved by President Bola Tinubu.
“We want to thank God Almighty for the breath of life and also appreciate our esteemed but humbled members, that despite the fasting periods have availed themselves for this press conference.” he posited.
In a release he narrated a litany of woes which led to the industrial action adding that: “The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) painfully embarked on an industrial action on the 21st day of March, 2022 to press home our demands.
” Among which includes: Full implementation of 2009 agreement, payment of outstanding earned allowances, release of enabling circular for carrier elongation for CONTISS 14 and 15, upgrade obsolete equipment and improve the dilapidated structural state of laboratories in our citadel of higher learning, re-negotiation of the aforementioned 2009 agreement. “
He revealed that following the intervention of well-meaning Nigerians, like the former Speaker of the Ninth National Assembly Femi Gbajabiamila, the cry of parents and students, the Union resolved to call off the lingering industrial action that lasted 5 months and 2 weeks adding that eventually the strike was called off on 25th of August 2022 with no meaningful progress.
However, “Under the new dispensation of the father of our nation, the Chief advocate of renewed hope for Nigeria, our President Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and commander in Chief, who granted a waiver on non-payment of the withheld salaries on the inception of his administration. As we speak this executive waiver refuse to see the light of day.
“Despite repeated subtle reminders, in form of written correspondences from the Union, sadly the government remains insensitive to our plights. Left with no choice, the Union unanimously decided to abide by the outcome of the Virtual conference held on the 13th March, 2024, and the outcome of branch congress resolution held on the 18th March, 2024.
“The branch has decided to embark on a three days warning strike commencing from the 20th March, 2024, terminating on 22nd March, 2024.
” In the course of this warning industrial dispute, all laboratories will be shut down, there will be no conducting and teaching of practicals no project works and no conducting of research works.
We want to thank you all for honouring our invitation, and hope you convey our massage to the appropriate authorities.” Said Comrade Yusuf Bulus the
Branch Chairman, NAAT Unimaid.
NAAT Unimaid branch down lab tools for three days
News
Council Durbar inaugurated to revive cultural heritage—Committee Secretary

Council Durbar inaugurated to revive cultural heritage—Committee Secretary
By: Yahaya Wakili
The Bade emirate council durbar committee was inaugurated three years ago by His Royal Highness, the Mai of Bade, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Suleiman, with sole responsibility to revive and improve the cultural heritage of the emirate.
The secretary of the committee, Alhaji Sale Garba Suleiman, disclosed this to newsmen in Gashua, the headquarters of the emirate. He said, By reviving our cultural heritage, our younger generation will grow up with their own culture.
He revealed that the committee will solicit advice and cooperation from the Yobe State Art and Culture Board to improve and boost our cultural heritage and also advise other emirates to emulate what the Bade Emirate Council is doing.
Sale maintained that his royal father was the first person who put his contribution into the committee account; therefore, he appealed to all sons and Bade emirate lovers to contribute generously to this committee.
The Secretary thanks and deeply appreciates the leadership of His Royal Highness, the Mai of Bade, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Suleiman, for his dedication to preserving the rich cultural heritage of Bade.
He also commended the effort of Hon. Yau Usman Dachia, Deputy Speaker of the Yobe House of Assembly, for his support, encouragement, and contribution to rendering this committee able to execute its function successfully.
Council Durbar inaugurated to revive cultural heritage—Committee Secretary
Crime
CLARIFICATION: No New Terrorist Group in Kwara, Mahmouda is a Boko Haram Commander Collaborating with Bandits

CLARIFICATION: No New Terrorist Group in Kwara, Mahmouda is a Boko Haram Commander Collaborating with Bandits
By: Zagazola Makama
Contrary to recent reports circulating on social and traditional media suggesting the emergence of a new terrorist organization in Kwara State, security sources have clarified that no new group has been formed. The figure at the center of these reports, Mahmouda, is not a name of a new terrorist group, but rather a known Boko Haram commander.
Mahmouda is a veteran Boko Haram fighter who initially operated in Borno State before relocating to Kaduna, where he briefly collaborated with the notorious terror kingpin, Sadiku. He later moved into the Shiroro and Rafi axis of Niger State, where he aligned with the remnants of Darul Salam, recruiting dozens of youths and enforcing extremist laws particularly on Fulani herdsmen.
Security intelligence confirms that Mahmouda has since moved some of his fighters further southwest into the forests bordering Kwara State, where he has established ties with local bandit groups. These elements are not a new organization but are extensions of Boko Haram collaborating with bandits already operating in the North West.
This clarification comes in the wake of past denials from security agencies. When intelligence analyst Zagazola Makama previously raised the alarm about the movement of terrorists toward Kwara, the Police issued a rebuttal, describing the report as fear-mongering.
However, with recent attacks and the presence of insurgent elements now being confirmed in parts of Kwara, observers are questioning the responsiveness and preparedness of authorities.
“What will the Police say now that the very thing they denied has begun to happen?” a senior security source queried.
Authorities are now being urged to act swiftly and decisively to prevent Mahmouda and his collaborators from entrenching themselves in the North Central corridor. Analysts warn that failing to address this threat early could result in Kwara becoming another flashpoint in Nigeria’s protracted insurgency.
Security agencies have been advised to increase intelligence operations, deploy special forces, and establish a proactive counter-insurgency presence in border forests between Niger and Kwara states to neutralize the threat before it escalates.
CLARIFICATION: No New Terrorist Group in Kwara, Mahmouda is a Boko Haram Commander Collaborating with Bandits
News
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS

FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
By: Zagazola Makama
The government of Burkina Faso has announced the foiling of an attempted coup allegedly involving President Ibrahim Traoré’s Chief of Staff and a network of foreign and local actors, in what authorities describe as a sophisticated plot to assassinate the junta leader and destabilize the Sahel nation.
The accused high-ranking official, whose name has not been officially disclosed, was arrested after reportedly confessing to accepting a bribe of 25 billion CFA francs (approx. $41 million USD) and an arms shipment allegedly facilitated through Côte d’Ivoire with French involvement.
The plot, uncovered through a military-led internal investigation, was said to be in the advanced planning stages. The confession reportedly links foreign powers to the destabilization attempt, with security sources accusing France Burkina Faso’s former colonial ruler of channeling weapons through Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara’s network. The French and Ivorian governments have not responded to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
“This is a grave betrayal of national sovereignty,” the Ministry of Security said in a statement. “The Burkinabé people remain resolute and united behind President Ibrahim Traoré, whose leadership continues to command overwhelming support in our fight against insecurity and external manipulation.”
The revelation has triggered increased security in Ouagadougou and its environs, with checkpoints erected across key routes and military deployments strengthened at sensitive installations. The government says nine individuals, including foreign nationals, have so far been arrested in connection to the attempted coup.
Since assuming power in 2022, Captain Ibrahim Traoré has charted a new course in Burkina Faso’s foreign relations, distancing from Western powers particularly France and deepening strategic and military ties with Russia and fellow juntas in Mali and Niger under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
This realignment has heightened tensions in West Africa, with regional power blocs increasingly split between pro-Western governments and military-led regimes advocating self-determination and reduced foreign interference. Security experts suggest that Traoré’s pivot and strong anti-colonial rhetoric may have provoked foreign interests seeking to retain influence in the mineral-rich nation.
However, Zagazola could not independently verify the claims of external funding or logistical support to the coup plotters.
Burkina Faso has faced growing insecurity with large portions of its territory under the control of jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Multiple coups, the most recent in 2022, have reflected the country’s fragile political climate and rising frustration over government inaction. Traoré’s administration has pursued aggressive counter-insurgency campaigns and citizen mobilization, gaining popularity among some segments of the population but also drawing criticism for limited democratic oversight.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
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