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Tag: Katsina State

  • Katsina govt revokes licences of private, community schools

    Katsina govt revokes licences of private, community schools

    The Katsina State Government has announced the revocation of the licences for all private and community schools operating across the state.

    This is contained in a circular issued by the state’s Commissioner, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Hajiya Zainab Musa-Musawa.

    The circular was issued in Katsina on Saturday by Malam Sani Danjuma, the Public Relations Officer of the ministry.

    “The ministry hereby notifies the public, proprietors and administrators of all private and community schools that all the previously issued operational licences have been officially terminated.

    “On June 2, 2025, the ministry conducted sensitisation for key stakeholders regarding the new state policy for private and community Schools.

    “This policy aligns with the state’s educational reform agenda, aimed at ensuring quality assurance, standardisation, and effective regulation of teaching and learning across Katsina.

    “The public is hereby informed that the state government has revised the license application, registration, annual renewal, and school upgrade fees,” the commissioner said.

    According to her, in light of these changes, all private and community schools in the state are directed to note that all existing licences were terminated effective from Aug. 13, 2025 as approved by the State Executive Council.

    “All affected schools should submit payment receipts for application and registration fees for new licenses to the Ministry via the Department of Private and Community Schools, based on school categorisation.

    “And also, all payments must be made exclusively to the Katsina state’s single treasury account, on or before Sep. 30, 2025,” the commissioner said.

    According to her, the exercise is designed to enhance supervision, promote accountability, and ensure the delivery of quality education, in line with the state government’s commitment to educational excellence.

    She reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to safeguarding the future of the children by upholding global best practices in education delivery across Katsina.

    Musa-Musawa stated that schools were expected to resume normal operations while the process of registration and annual renewal of licences was ongoing.

    “Stakeholders in private and community schools are advised that the revised fees must not lead to an increase in school fees without explicit approval from the ministry as stipulated in the new policy.

    “Further details, including the list of schools’ categorisations and a breakdown of the revised fees will be officially communicated to the National Association of Proprietors of private and community schools,” she said.

  • SAD: 1 killed; couple, daughter kidnapped in Katsina

    SAD: 1 killed; couple, daughter kidnapped in Katsina

    The Katsina Police Command has confirmed that unidentified gunmen killed a member of a vigilance group and kidnapped a couple with their daughter at Filin Canada Quarters in Katsina metropolis.

    The Commands Spokesman, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, disclosed this to newsmen in Katsina on Tuesday.

    Aliyu said: “Today, August 26, at about 3a.m., some hoodlums with dangerous weapons attacked the residence of one Anas Ahmadu of Filin Canada Quarters, Katsina, kidnapped him, his wife, and his daughter, Jidda Anas.

    “Also, the hoodlums fatally shot one Abdullahi Muhammad of the same address, a member of the local vigilante, and escaped the scene before the arrival of police operatives.”

    He also said that upon the receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer “quickly rushed to the scene to restore normalcy in the area”.

    Aliyu said that investigation had commenced with a view to tracking and arresting the perpetrators of the dastardly act.

    He further said that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Bello Shehu, in company of the Area Commander, DPOs within the metro, as well as the command’s Officer in Charge Anti-Kidnapping, visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment.

    He said that Shehu then deployed additional personnel and assets to ensure prompt rescue of the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

    Aliyu called on the public to always report suspicious and criminal activities to the nearest police station or make use of the police emergency lines for prompt response.

    “We further call on anyone with useful information to come forward and assist the ongoing investigation. All information given will be treated with the utmost confidentiality,” he quoted the CP to have said.

  • NAF destroys bandit’s enclave, rescues 76 victims in Katsina

    NAF destroys bandit’s enclave, rescues 76 victims in Katsina

    The Katsina State Government has disclosed that air strike by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has destroyed the enclave of a bandits’ kingpin, Babaro, at Pauwa Hill in Kankara Local Government Area of the state.

    Babaro was believed to be the mastermind behind the recent deadly attack on Unguwan Mantau in Malumfashi LGA, where many killed and several others abducted.

    Dr Nasir Mu’azu, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, said this in a statement on Saturday in Katsina.

    He said the NAF air interdiction was conducted on Saturday morning at Pauwa Hill in Kankara LGA, and successfully rescued 76 kidnapped victims, including women and children.

    “Specifically, the operation targeted Babaro’s stronghold at Pauwa Hill – one of his most notorious bases that has long been a source of terror to surrounding communities,” he said.

    Mu’azu said that all those abducted during the attack on Unguwan Mantau has since been rescued.

    “It was regrettably noted that one child tragically lost his life during the ordeal.

    “The strike is part of a broader strategy to dismantle criminal hideouts, weaken their networks, and put an end to the cycle of killings, kidnappings, and extortion that have plagued innocent citizens.

    “The rescue of the kidnapped victims further underscores the effectiveness of coordinated air and ground operations, as security forces intensify their efforts to flush out bandits and restore confidence among the people,” Mu’azu said.

    He commended the NAF, Nigerian Army, and all security agencies for their courage and professionalism in the fight.

    “Their sacrifices are steadily reclaiming Katsina’s towns and villages from the grip of criminals.

    “We reaffirm our continued support through logistics, intelligence sharing, and community engagement, ensuring these efforts are sustained until banditry is completely eradicated.”

    Mu’azu also urged residents of the state to be vigilant and provide timely information that could assist ongoing security operations.

  • FG blows hot over killing of Katsina worshippers

    FG blows hot over killing of Katsina worshippers

    The Federal Government has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice the perpetrators of the heinous killings of worshippers in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, made this known in a statement he personally signed on Friday in Abuja.

    According to him, the callous and barbaric attack on the harmless citizens who had gathered in peace to worship was a crime that must not go unpunished.

    Idris disclosed that security forces were already on the trail of the criminals, vowing, “no stone would be left unturned until they are apprehended and held accountable for their actions.

    “The government assures Nigerians that justice will be swift and decisive, and that such acts of terror will never be allowed to take root in the country.”

    According to the minister,the Federal Government condemns this wanton act of violence in the strongest terms.

    Idris added, “This is not only an assault on the people of Malumfashi but also on our shared humanity and values as a nation.

    “President Bola Tinubu extends his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, the people of Malumfashi, and the Katsina State Government. Their grief is our grief, and the Government stands with them at this dark hour.

    “May the Almighty grant the departed eternal rest and console the bereaved with the fortitude to bear this painful loss

    “The Federal Government, therefore, reiterates that those who shed innocent blood will find no hiding place in Nigeria.”

    He further explained that only recently, as part of the government’s efforts to bring terrorists to their knees, Nigeria’s National Counter-Insurgency Centre (NCTC) announced the arrest of top leaders of a savage group of terrorists.

    He added that they included Mahmud al-Nigeri of the Mahmuda group, and his deputy, Abu Abba, alongside Mahmud Muhammad Usman (Abu Baraa) of the Ansaru group.

    Idris stressed that the terrorist leaders, now conveniently in the net, were on the international wanted list.

    He added, “The arrests of the terrorist leaders are an indication of the successes being recorded by Nigeria’s counter terrorism operations as directed by Tinubu.

    “The president has made it very clear that acts of terrorism against the Nigerian state and its citizens will soon be a spectre of the past”.

  • Police rescue 50 kidnapped victims in Katsina

    Police rescue 50 kidnapped victims in Katsina

    The Police Command in Katsina has rescued over 50 kidnapped victims and recovered 229 rustled animals across the state in July.

    The Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abubakar Aliyu, disclosed this to newsmen on Friday in Katsina, while highlighting the achievements recorded by the command.

    He said that the police also foiled bandits’ attacks in many communities.

    Aliyu revealed that the recovered 229 rustled animals comprised 161 cows and 68 sheep.

    He further said that a total of 302 suspects were arrested for various crimes during the period under review.

    According to him, the criminals apprehended consisted of 14 armed robbery suspects, 22 murder/culpable homicide suspects, and 25 suspected rapists.

    Others, he said were 20 suspected vandals, eight suspected fraudsters, 26 for illicit drug related offences among others.

    He added that other items recovered included three suspected stolen motor vehicles, two motorcycles, and a quantity of illicit drugs and dried leaves suspected to be cannabis.

    Aliyu further said that the police also recovered a large quantity of vandalised armoured cables.

    The PPRO, on behalf of the CP Bello Shehu, expressed appreciation to the public for their support and collaboration in crime-fighting efforts and maintaining law and order in the state.

    He solicited more support and cooperation from the public to enable them to improve on those successes.

    “We urge the public to continue reporting suspicious activities and crimes to the nearest police station or use our emergency numbers: 0815697777722, 0902220969033 and 07072722539.

  • JUST IN: 6 die in Katsina building collapse

    JUST IN: 6 die in Katsina building collapse

    No fewer than six persons have died after a building collapsed during a heavy downpour in Dankama Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State.

    The incident occurred around 2 a.m. on Tuesday while the victims were asleep, claiming the lives of a mother and five of her children.

    The victims’ husband and father, Malam Muhammad Sani, confirmed the tragic incident to reporters in Katsina on Tuesday.

    He said three others were rushed to hospital with varying degrees of injury sustained during the collapse.

    Sani explained that he was away when it happened and was left in shock after hearing the news.

    “This affected about 10 people, but sadly six didn’t survive. Three are currently receiving treatment in hospital,” he told journalists.

    The deceased were identified as Mariya Sani, 45; Mujahid, 20; Zahariya, 18; Hauwa, 15; Amira; and Nura Sani, aged five.

    The tragedy has triggered widespread grief in the community. Many sympathisers have visited the family’s Dankama home to offer their condolences and support.

    Sani expressed his acceptance of the tragedy, saying, “I surrender to Allah’s will. May He grant them eternal rest.”

    Hajiya Binta Dangani, Executive Secretary of Katsina State Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), confirmed the incident to NAN.

    She said agency officials had been dispatched to condole the family and assess the damages for necessary follow-up.

  • Katsina varsity expels 57 students

    Katsina varsity expels 57 students

    The Senate of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU), Katsina, has approved the expulsion of about 57 students over involvement in various forms of examination malpractice.

    This is contained in a statement by the management, and issued in Katsina on Saturday, by Hajiya Fatima Sanda, the institution’s Head of Information and Protocol.

    According to the statement, the decision came during the Senate’s 125th Regular Meeting, following recommendations from the University Central Examination Misconduct Committee (UCEMC).

    It added that before taking the decision, the committee had earlier investigated infractions across multiple faculties.

    The statement further revealed that five other students were rusticated for two semesters (2024/2025 session), with their affected examination papers cancelled.

    The statement also disclosed that two others received official written warnings, now permanently on their academic records.

    In the statement, UMYU emphasised that the measures reflect its zero-tolerance policy for examination misconduct, adding that it was intended to serve as a deterrent to others.

    “UMYU remains committed to preserving the sanctity of its academic standards and will not hesitate to sanction any act that undermines the integrity of its examinations.

    “Students have been urged to adhere strictly to academic rules and avoid any form of malpractice, as future violations will be met with equally strict consequences,” the statement said.

  • How informants aid banditry in Katsina

    How informants aid banditry in Katsina

    The Katsina State Government, says 80 per cent of bandits’ attacks are being aided by informants and some members of the communities who supply food and other items to criminals in the forests.

    The state’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Alhaji Nasir Mu’azu disclosed this in Katsina on Thursday, while briefing newsmen on the security situation.

    He said that some members of those affected communities serve as informants to the criminals, or provide them with their needs at exorbitant prices in the bush.

    According to the commissioner, the situation is making it difficult for the government and security operatives to address the security challenges in those areas.

    “In one of the communities affected by the insecurity, a man was found to be selling a bottle of Coca-cola for N3,000, another sold fuel for N5,000 per liter to the bandits.

    “Some members of the communities provide the bandits with drugs and other illicit drugs at a high amount, making it a lucrative business for them,” the commissioner said.

    Mu’azu said that some community members often connive with bandits to abduct their targeted victims, including their family members.

    “In another case, we found a man who connived with bandits to abduct his biological father who was diabetic.

    “When the bandits brought him to their hideout, they had already reserved diabetic tablets for his daily consumption.

    “The sum of N30 million was paid as ransom for the man, and N8 million was given to the man for compromising and allowing his father to be abducted.”

    Muazu also said informants were known for alerting bandits whenever Nigeria Air Force (NAF) jets leave the airport with the aim of bombing their hideouts.

    He said that the jets often end up not reaching their target, because some members of the communities allow the criminals to hide under them.

    According to him, the situation is a serious challenge hindering the success against the bandits, especially by the NAF, making their mission unsuccessful.

    The commissioner revealed that activities of bandits only constitute about 20 per cent of the security challenge, lamenting that tackling insecurity in the state can only be addressed when there is cooperation from affected communities.

    He said the state government has made headway in several councils in tackling insecurity using kinetic measures, but that the non-kinetic measure was also important to ensure a lasting solution to the problem.

    Mu’azu called on the public to come forward and provide sensitive information that would lead to viable solutions in addressing insecurity, assuring that such information would be treated with utmost confidentiality.

  • Bandits kill 3 in Katsina

    Bandits kill 3 in Katsina

    The Police Command in Katsina State has confirmed the killing of three persons by bandits in the state.

    This is contained in a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abubakar Aliyu, on Wednesday in Katsina.

    Aliyu also said that operatives of the command rescued 28 kidnapped victims in Sabuwa Local Government Area of the state.

    According to him, on July 29, at about 9:24 a.m., a distress call was received from a good samaritan that some suspected bandits with dangerous weapons blocked the Sabuwa-Kaya road, by Inono junction, in the locality and abducted about 14 people.

    “When the report was received, the DPO promptly mobilised operatives to the scene. A gun battle ensued, and the suspected abductors fled the scene due to superior tactics and firepower from police operatives.

    “The team successfully rescued all 14 kidnapped victims unhurt; but regrettably, the bandits shot and killed one person identified as Abba from Funtua LGA.”

    He added that similarly, on July 28, at about 11:27 p.m., a distress call was received at the same Sabuwa Division, that suspected bandits with dangerous weapons attacked Zagaizagi village, and kidnapped some residents.

    He said that the DPO quickly mobilised and responded to the scene, and engaged the bandits in a gun duel, and foiled the attack.

    “The team successfully rescued 14 kidnapped victims and recovered two rustled cows. Regrettably, the bandits shot and killed two persons during the attack,” he said.

    The PPRO said that efforts were being intensified to ensure the arrest of the fleeing suspects. He said that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Bello Shehu, commended the operatives for the exceptional act of valour.

    Aliyu called on the public to continue to support the command, as well as all security agencies in the state, with accurate and timely information for prompt and decisive action against all criminal elements in the state.

  • NNPP denies members’ defection to ADC in Katsina

    NNPP denies members’ defection to ADC in Katsina

    The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), says no any of its Chairmen across the 34 local government areas in Katsina State has defected to the coalition ADC or any party.

    The NNPP State Chairman, Alhaji Armaya’u Abdulkadir, stated this in a statement issued in Katsina on Monday.

    According to the NNPP chairman, their local government chairmen have not defected to any party in the state.

    He said that their attention has been drawn to some publications made in some media organisations and circulated in the social media.

    Abdulkadir said, “The attention of the NNPP Katsina chapter has been drawn to some publications made in some media organisations and circulated in the social media.

    “The publication revealed that 34 NNPP local government chairmen have defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    “The defection, as it was reported, was through the former Secretary to the state government, Alhaji Mustapha Inuwa in Katsina State.

    “It is on record, however, that some of our chairmen, after the 2023 presidential elections, defected to the All Progressive Congress (APC).

    “Thus, these same people are the ones that defected to the ADC from the APC. Therefore, their defection was from APC, not from NNPP”.