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I’ll No Longer Mediate For Bandits, Says Gumi

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Controversial Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, says he has quit mediating for armed bandits following their declaration as terrorists by the court

He had visited bandits in the forests in Zamfara and Niger states, taken medical services to them and has been urging the federal government to grant them a general amnesty as was done to the militants in the Niger Delta.

Before Mr Gumi started his campaign, the Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, and his counterparts in Katsina, Aminu Masari, had engaged bandits in their state in dialogue.

But after the approach failed to end the menace, the governors endorsed military actions against the bandits.

Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and his Niger State counterpart, Abubakar Sani, have consistently opposed dialogue with the outlaws.

Mr Gumi had said his efforts in that campaign were for the sake of peace and economic prosperity of Nigeria, but lamented that the efforts have been sabotaged.

Recall that the Federal High Court in Abuja declared the activities of bandits’ groups as acts of terrorism.

The verdict strengthened the call on the federal government to declare bandits ravaging the North-western and the North-central regions as terrorists.

And now with the declaration of the bandits as terrorists, Mr Gumi said it will be dangerous for him to continue to engage the bandits.

He told our reporter that “since the federal government has declared them terrorists, I don’t have anything to do with them anymore.

“I will not like to expose myself to danger again and to put a spotlight on myself unnecessarily,” the cleric said.

“I have tried all I could do to admonish the nation on the best way to do it, but it seems my advice has fell (fallen) on deaf ears.”

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Be ready to fight terrorism, insurgency – Army chief charges recruits

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The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede has charged new recruits of the Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, in Kaduna State, to remain prepared to fight terrorism and insurgency in the country.

The Chief of Army Staff emphasized the importance of upholding the Nigerian Army’s core values.

Speaking at the Passing Out Parade of the 6,195 of the 88 Regular Recruits Intake on Saturday, Oluyede emphasized the importance of courage, professionalism, and resilience in the face of adversity.

He also reminded the recruits that the life of a soldier is one of sacrifice and patriotism, noting that the “Nigerian Army is a professional institution tasked with the mandate of securing the sovereignty of our great nation, Nigeria.”

“As you pass out today and take your place in this noble profession, be aware that you will form part of our nation’s solutions to the challenges of terrorism and insurgency. Therefore, wherever you are deployed, your actions must be a reflection of your training, and you must display courage in the face of adversity.

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, and your journey began on January 13, 2025, when you commenced your basic training. You have been prepared for anything the world will throw at you, and I assure you that you will face challenges that may initially seem insurmountable.

“Stand by the oath you have taken and do your duty without forgetting our core values of discipline, loyalty, integrity, selfless service, courage, and respect for others. These values will form the compass that will lead you to your finest hours in the face of adversity,” he said


Oluyede charged the recruits to strive for excellence in their duties, noting that “Your actions must be a reflection of your training, and you must display courage in the face of adversity. You must be trustworthy and committed to a currency of excellence, determination, and selfless service.”

The COAS assured the recruits that their welfare was his topmost priority.

“I urge you to take a quick, well-deserved break and be ready to receive the next set of recruits, as the process for the 89 Regular Recruits Intake has already reached an advanced stage. I assure you of the Army Headquarters’ support in always realising your training objectives”, COAS said.

Oluyede expressed appreciation to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and other stakeholders for their support to the Nigerian Army.

“I appreciate the President, Commander-in-Chief of our Armed Forces, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his steadfast belief in and support of the Nigerian Army,” he said
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Police extend tinted glass permit deadline to August 12

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The Nigeria Police Force has extended the grace period for enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit requirement to August 12, 2025, following widespread feedback from the public.

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced the extension on Saturday in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, citing the need for a more citizen-friendly and accessible application process.

According to the statement, the decision reflects the NPF’s commitment to “transparent, inclusive, and citizen-focused policing” and comes amid ongoing technical and policy reviews of the permit system.

According to the police, the extension will give room for “enhancements and refinements” to both physical and digital application processes, including improved verification and reduced delays.

“The Force has not ignored the voices of Nigerians. Rather, these voices have been instrumental in guiding ongoing reviews of the process to ensure it remains user-friendly, secure, and accessible to all,” the statement said.

Nigerians are advised to apply or renew their permits exclusively via the official portal, and report any incidents of extortion or unauthorized charges encountered during the process.

The Police reaffirmed their dedication to public safety, digital innovation, and improved service delivery, urging continued cooperation from the public during the reform process.
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King Charles Honours Indian Air Crash Victims At Birthday Parade

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A minute’s silence for victims of the Air India plane disaster was held on Saturday at a London birthday parade for King Charles III, in which some members of the royal family also wore black arm bands.

The king, 76, requested amendments to the parade, known as Trooping the Colour, “as a mark of respect for the lives lost, the families in mourning and all the communities affected by this awful tragedy”, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said.

A total 279 people, including passengers, crew and people on the ground, died on Thursday when a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London’s Gatwick Airport crashed on take-off from Ahmedabad in eastern India.

The victims included 52 Britons. A sole survivor has been named as British man Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, from the central English city of Leicester.

In a written message after the disaster, Charles said he was “desperately shocked by the terrible events” and expressed his “deepest possible sympathy”.

Trooping the Colour, a minutely choreographed military tradition dating back more than two centuries, marks the British sovereign’s official birthday.

It starts at Buckingham Palace and moves down The Mall to Horse Guards Parade, where Charles receives a royal salute before inspecting soldiers.

Hundreds of people gathered outside the palace and along The Mall to watch the spectacle.

They included a small group of anti-monarchist protesters with yellow placards reading “not my king” and “down with the crown”.

Charles, who is still undergoing weekly treatment for an unspecified cancer, was accompanied by Queen Camilla for the parade.

Also present were heir Prince William, 42, his wife Catherine, also known as Kate, and their three children: George, 11, Charlotte, 10 and Louis, seven.

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