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Bloodbath in Zamfara: British Government Expresses Shock Over 33 Executions
The United Kingdom government on Tuesday strongly condemned the brutal killing of 33 kidnap victims by bandits in Banga town, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, describing the atrocity as an “unspeakable crime.”....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The victims were executed on Sunday despite a ransom payment of ₦50 million. Reports indicate that the attackers had initially abducted over 50 residents from the community but released 17 hostages, mostly women, after receiving the ransom.
Speaking at the launch of the State Expansion Programme for the Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell—an initiative of Nigeria’s National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in partnership with the UK government—the UK Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Lever, expressed her heartfelt condolences to the people of Zamfara State.
“I want to express my condolences to the people of Zamfara State. That horrifying case where, even after ransom was paid, only a few were released while others were brutally murdered—it’s an unspeakable crime,” Lever said.
She lamented the far-reaching impact of kidnapping on communities, families, and the national psyche. “It damages mental and physical well-being, disrupts economic development, and tears at the fabric of society. We must put an end to this.”
Lever stressed the urgent need for collective action to tackle kidnapping in Nigeria. “We must stop this. We must reduce it. Because we all understand and deeply feel the devastating effects of this crime.”
Offering further condolences, she added, “My thoughts are with the people of Zamfara, the victims, their families, and their loved ones. This is exactly the kind of tragedy we are working together to prevent.”
She explained that the multi-agency Kidnap Fusion Cell initiative, now in its third year, was developed to enhance Nigeria’s coordinated security response to kidnapping. The Cell supports the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services by gathering, analyzing, and distributing intelligence to the Office of the National Security Adviser and offering state-by-state data trends on kidnapping.
“The Fusion Cell and this week’s training are products of our broader UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership—a strategic alliance grounded in mutual trust, respect, and cooperation,” Lever explained.
She emphasized that the Fusion Cell was tailored specifically to Nigeria’s needs. “This is not the UK imposing a foreign model. It’s a solution shaped by Nigerian experts who understand the realities of kidnapping in their country.”
Lever revealed that the decision to roll out the Multi-Agency Fusion Cell capability to the states was agreed upon during a recent UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership meeting in London.
“This week marks the next phase of that collaboration. Kidnap response commanders from all Nigerian states—both Police and DSS—are here in Abuja for the State Expansion Programme. By integrating the Multi-Agency Fusion framework with state response teams, we aim to achieve a combined force more effective than each acting alone.”
Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has stated that President Bola Tinubu would lose the 2027 presidential election if the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is allowed to participate fully.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that Amaechi made the claim during an appearance on Channels Television’s breakfast programme on Friday.
He criticised the Tinubu administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing them of interfering in opposition parties and attempting to weaken potential challengers ahead of the election.
Amaechi argued that regardless of whether the election is free or flawed, Tinubu would be defeated if credible opposition candidates are on the ballot.
He also dismissed interpretations of a Court of Appeal ruling suggesting the opposition was leaderless, insisting that such claims misrepresent the law.
According to him, the government is working to prevent strong opponents from emerging by using institutions, including the judiciary, to influence party structures.
Amaechi called on authorities to allow political institutions to function independently and ensure that all parties can field candidates without interference.
He maintained that Nigerians would ultimately decide at the polls, questioning the administration’s chances amid economic challenges and ongoing insecurity.
“How can he win with the current state of the economy and security situation?” he asked.
Airtel Nigeria has announced the temporary suspension of its airtime and data credit services, which previously allowed eligible prepaid customers to borrow airtime or data and repay on their next recharge.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
reports that the telecom operator said the decision is part of ongoing operational adjustments driven by evolving regulatory requirements in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
In a statement on Friday, the Director of Corporate Communications and CSR, Femi Adeniran, explained that the move was necessary to ensure compliance with current industry standards.
He added that the suspension aligns with broader efforts to meet regulatory and operational guidelines governing telecom services in the country.
Despite the suspension, Airtel assured customers that normal services remain unaffected, noting that subscribers can still purchase airtime and data through regular channels.
The company further stated that the temporary pause will not impact network performance or overall service delivery nationwide.
Reacting to the development, Airtel Nigeria’s Director of Marketing, Ismail Adeshina, described the decision as necessary and responsible.
He said: “This is a necessary and responsible step as we align our operations with evolving requirements. Airtel Nigeria remains committed to the highest standards of compliance, transparency, and consumer protection, while continuing to innovate responsibly within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.”
Airtel added that further updates on the suspended service will be communicated in due course.
The development comes amid growing regulatory scrutiny of digital lending and credit-based telecom services in Nigeria.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the ₦68.32 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
reports that the development was announced on Friday in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The 2026 budget provides a total expenditure of ₦68.32 trillion. Tinubu also approved the extension of the 2025 budget implementation period from March 31, 2026, to June 30, 2026.
Of the total budget, ₦4.799 trillion is allocated to statutory transfers, ₦15.8 trillion to debt servicing, ₦15.4 trillion to recurrent expenditure, and ₦32.2 trillion to capital projects under the Development Fund.
With capital spending accounting for about 50 percent, the budget reflects the administration’s focus on economic stability, security, infrastructure development, and inclusive growth.
The allocation structure is designed to balance statutory commitments, debt obligations, recurrent costs, and capital investments aimed at boosting productivity and improving living standards.
The President also signed the Appropriation (Repeal and Enactment) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, extending the implementation of the 2025 capital budget to June 30, 2026.
The extension is expected to ensure full utilisation of funds for ongoing infrastructure and development projects across the country.
It will also allow Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to complete ongoing projects, improve execution rates, and maximise public spending value.
With the 2026 Appropriation Act taking effect from April 1, the Federal Government is set to begin full implementation in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Tinubu directed MDAs to ensure transparency, discipline, and efficiency in the use of allocated resources, stressing value for money and timely project delivery.
He commended the National Assembly for its swift consideration and passage of the budget, and reiterated the importance of cooperation between the Executive and Legislature in driving national development.
The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fiscal reforms, stronger revenue generation, job creation, and expanded social protection programmes.
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