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2026 Hajj Lifeline: Radda Approves Massive ₦3.8bn Loan For Katsina Pilgrims.
The Katsina State Government has approved a ₦3.8 billion loan facility to secure 3,890 Hajj slots for intending pilgrims from the state for the 2026 pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Governor Dikko Radda disclosed this on Sunday in Katsina during the official farewell ceremony for the state’s pilgrims heading to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
According to the governor, the intervention became necessary after the state initially encountered financial challenges in filling its allocated Hajj slots through the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.
He explained that the loan allowed the state to fully secure and utilise all 3,890 slots assigned to Katsina for the pilgrimage.
“I was informed that the state initially had difficulty meeting its allocated Hajj slots,” Radda said.
“In response, we approved a ₦3.8 billion loan, which enabled Katsina State to secure and fill 3,890 slots for this year’s Hajj.”
Radda urged the pilgrims to use the spiritual journey as an opportunity to pray for lasting peace, unity, and improved security in Katsina State and across Nigeria.
As part of measures to support their welfare, the governor also announced that the state government would sponsor Hadaya for all pilgrims.
He further revealed that each pilgrim would receive a $500 allowance to cater for basic needs during their stay in Saudi Arabia.
“Each pilgrim will receive a $500 allowance to cover basic needs in Saudi Arabia,” he said.
He added that 200 officials had been deployed to provide spiritual guidance, medical care, and logistical support throughout the pilgrimage.
“200 officials have been deployed to provide spiritual guidance, medical support, and logistical assistance throughout the Hajj exercise.
“All officials have been carefully selected and equipped to support pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage.”
Radda noted that his administration had strengthened the capacity of the State Pilgrims Welfare Board to improve operational efficiency and address past challenges associated with Hajj management.
“We have taken deliberate steps to improve the board’s structure and efficiency,” he said.
“I have directed the Amirul Hajj and all relevant authorities to ensure strict supervision, accountability, and discipline among officials.”
The governor assured that the government would closely monitor the conduct of officials while ensuring that pilgrims receive the support they need.
He also urged the pilgrims to conduct themselves responsibly as ambassadors of Katsina State and Nigeria.
“Many people sold personal belongings to perform Hajj. You are expected to show the highest level of discipline, patience, and mutual respect,” he stated.
Radda cautioned against spreading misinformation during the pilgrimage and advised pilgrims to communicate responsibly to avoid unnecessary confusion.
He further disclosed that his administration had improved accommodation and feeding arrangements for Katsina pilgrims in Saudi Arabia to ensure a more comfortable experience.
“Since assuming office, we have ensured better accommodation and quality feeding for our pilgrims.
“I personally inspected these facilities during previous Hajj operations and I was satisfied with the progress made.”
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising the welfare, comfort, and safety of Katsina pilgrims throughout the Hajj exercise.
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‘Act Before Muslims Run Out Of Patience’ – NSCIA Tells FG, Alleges Islam Profiling, Killings.
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government and security services regarding the recurring attacks, profiling, and marginalization of Muslims in Nigeria. Through a statement from its Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, the NSCIA emphasized that the Muslim community’s long-standing restraint should not be misinterpreted as weakness or cowardice, noting that there is a breaking point for their endurance.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Council’s key demands and grievances include:
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Justice for Recent Violence: The NSCIA insists that the government must immediately prosecute those responsible for recent killings in Kaduna and Benue states, warning that failing to do so invites anarchy.
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Addressing Public Provocation: Authorities are urged to curb public assaults against the integrity of Islam and Muslims, which the Council argues threatens national peace and cohesion.
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Investigating Misconduct: The Council is demanding thorough, transparent investigations into specific allegations of police misconduct, including reports of officers handing over a female Islamic scholar for burning and suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of a Miyetti Allah official in Benue State.
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Media and Social Bias: The NSCIA criticized what it termed “reckless” rhetoric from certain religious leaders and accused media outlets, specifically Arise Television, of applying double standards in their coverage of criminal incidents. The Council also rejected narratives linking Muslims and the Fulani community to kidnapping cases in Oyo State, citing evidence that contradicts these claims.
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Marginalization in Governance: Beyond security, the Council alleged that Muslims are systematically sidelined in public appointments—particularly in southern Nigeria—and criticized the selective opposition to Muslim-Muslim political tickets, contrasting current attitudes with historical political precedents.
Despite these grievances, the NSCIA reaffirmed its dedication to national unity. The Council concluded by urging the government, security agencies, and media organizations to act with responsibility to prevent further escalation, while simultaneously calling on the Muslim community to remain patient as it pursues lawful avenues to address these concerns.
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Set The Record Straight: DHQ Dismisses Misinformation, Reveals Truth Behind 199-Terrorist Death Toll
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified that reports regarding the death of 199 jihadists and the seizure of a significant ISIS weapons and electronics cache do not refer to a recent military action. Instead, the military explained that these details stem from a joint Nigeria-United States counter-terrorism operation conducted in May 2026, with the US authorities only recently declassifying the specific information.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Major General Samaila Uba, the Director of Defence Information, emphasized that this was a previously announced successful mission and that ongoing security collaboration between the two nations remains active.
The US National Security Council’s Senior Director for Counterterrorism, Dr. Sebastian Gorka, highlighted several key aspects of the mission:
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The operation resulted in the largest seizure of enemy electronic equipment since the 9/11 attacks.
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The recovered intelligence is considered “priceless,” as it provides experts with critical insight into how ISIS members communicate.
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Dr. Gorka stressed that this mission is part of an ongoing effort to combat groups that exploit ungoverned spaces in Africa to rebuild their networks.
This security partnership was bolstered following a November 2025 visit to Washington by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, which established a Joint Working Group on Security to target terrorist enclaves in Nigeria’s North-East.
Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, has accused unnamed political actors of weaponizing the Peace Movement Party (PMP) to prevent the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) from participating in the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, Senator Umeh argued that the ongoing legal challenges regarding the NDC’s logo are politically motivated. He dismissed claims of trademark infringement, asserting that the “victory-sign” logo is a universal symbol and not the exclusive property of the PMP.
Key points from the Senator’s claims include:
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Timing of Legal Action: Umeh noted that legal efforts to nullify the NDC’s registration began immediately after high-profile figures—including Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso—joined the party on May 3, 2026.
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Contention Over Logo Rights: He maintained that since the PMP is not a registered party with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), it cannot legally claim exclusive rights to the victory-sign symbol.
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Status of the NDC: The senator’s comments follow a Federal High Court ruling in Lokoja, which recently set aside an earlier judgment that had ordered INEC to register the NDC.
The NDC has stated that it will continue to challenge these developments in court to ensure its eligibility for the 2027 electoral cycle.
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