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VP SHETTIMA URGES LEADERS TO RENEW COMMITMENT TO HUMANITY SERVICE
VP SHETTIMA URGES LEADERS TO RENEW COMMITMENT TO HUMANITY SERVICE
By: Our Reporter
As government strives to address challenges confronting Nigerians, Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the celebration of the Maulid calls for renewal of commitment to service by leaders at all levels.
Senator Shettima spoke at the 38th anniversary of the Shiekh Ibrahim Niass Alkaulakhy National Maulid and was joined by Shiekh Muhammad Sanusi II, Sautul Faida Shiekh Dahiru Usman Bauchi (OFR), Sheikh Ibrahim Saleh Alhusaini, Minister for Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, amongst others.
This year’s event, the 38th National Maulid anniversary, commemorates the birth of Sheikh Ibrahim Niass, just as prayers are conducted for the peace and unity of Nigeria.
In his address titled, ‘Serving Humanity:
Senator Shettima said the event is “an invitation to renew our commitment to embody the spirit of serving humanity.
“I must reassure that the path before us is one of propriety, and, more than that, we are comforted by the endurance and understanding of each citizen, none of which is taken for granted,” the VP added.
Speaking further on the teachings of the Holy Prophet on the responsibility of leaders, the VP said “the intersection of faith leaders and political leaders is a sacred space where the responsibilities of service converge.”
According to him, every leader is driven by a profound sense of duty, noting that “each of us strives to promote the welfare of the people we serve. This essence of our shared purpose.”
He stressed that “whether in times of celebration or challenge, the unity of the leaders of any group becomes a powerful force for positive change. It is within this intersection that we find common ground to identify with our people’s aspirations, joys, and struggles.”
Continuing, he noted that “more than mere collaboration, it is a testimony to our collective stewardship. So, again, we are grateful for your hospitality and honour.”
Senator Shettima appealed to the faithful of the major religious groups in the country to always “engage in tangible efforts to understand one another.”
He continued: “More than ever, we appeal to you to remain the voices of reason in bridging the gaps between knowledge and ignorance, between reality and mischief. To honour the legacy of Rasul sincerely, we must fulfil the noble injunction of being the “best of people” by bringing maximum benefit to our people.”
The VP added that tolerance and collaboration are important in transforming “Nigeria into a welcoming home for all, a nation of opportunities. This mindset is crucial for fulfilling our commitment to building an inclusive and progressive society.
“Regardless of one’s position at the religious or ethnic table, the undeniable reality is that none of us remains immune to the repercussions of chaos, poverty, or insecurity,” he stated.
Present at the event were the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu and other religious leaders.
VP SHETTIMA URGES LEADERS TO RENEW COMMITMENT TO HUMANITY SERVICE
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Five soldiers were killed and three others declared missing following a clash between Nigerien Defence and Security Forces (FDS) and suspected Islamic State fighters in Sanam, Tillabéri Region of western Niger.
Security sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 12, 2026, during a confrontation between troops and suspected members of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) operating in the area.
The clash reportedly took place in Sanam Zone, a locality near the Niger–Mali border known for recurrent armed attacks by jihadist groups.
According to the sources, the soldiers were engaged in an operation when they came under heavy attack, leading to a standoff. Five personnel were confirmed dead, while three others were declared missing after the encounter.
The Tillabéri Region has remained a hotspot of insurgent activities due to its proximity to Mali and Burkina Faso, with security forces frequently conducting operations to contain armed groups.
Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the latest incident, while search efforts are reportedly ongoing to locate the missing soldiers.
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
By: Zagazola Makama
A Combined Army and Police operatives have rescued 12 kidnapped victims following an armed attack by suspected kidnappers in Oke-Ako area of Ekiti State.
Sources disclosed that the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 9:00 a.m., when sporadic gunfire was heard near their base. Preliminary assessment indicated the gunshots were from an assault launched by suspected kidnappers in the area.
Army troops, in collaboration RRS,Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS), and local security outfits, swiftly mobilised to the scene. On sighting the security forces, the attackers engaged in a gun duel, but were overpowered and forced to retreat into the forest, taking two victims with them.
Through intensified operations, the security forces successfully rescued 12 victims unhurt, while one, identified as Jeremiah Gambo, sustained a gunshot injury and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in Ikole Local Government Area for treatment.
The troops also recovered an unregistered Boxer Bajaj motorcycle, a white Nissan Cabstar pick-up with registration number EJG-96XB, and a wine-coloured Toyota Corolla with registration number KLE-575AE, all belonging to the victims.
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
A member of the Forest Guard in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State has been arrested for allegedly shooting his son to death.
Sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 5:40 p.m. at the RRR Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp in Monguno.
The case was reported to the Monguno Division at about 6:20 p.m. by Maidugu Mustapha of Gana Ali Ward, who alleged that Mohammed Ibrahim Angoli, 28, a Forest Guard member, fatally shot his 24-year-old son, Ajiya Mustapha, in the back with an AK-47 rifle.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Monguno led a patrol team to the scene, where photographs were taken and the victim was evacuated to General Hospital, Monguno.
A medical doctor on duty confirmed the victim dead on arrival. The corpse was subsequently deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy.
The suspect has been arrested and the firearm recovered as exhibit.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Maiduguri, has commenced investigation into the incident.
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Benue Police repel bandits attack in Ugba, one suspect arrested, one bandit killed
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
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