Senators link upsurge in banditry, Boko Haram activities to 2027 polls
Senators yesterday linked the current upsurge in banditry and Boko Haram activities to the 2027 elections.
Speaking during discussions on a motion of urgent importance on the many cases of Boko Haram and arm banditry, sponsored by Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau, PDP, Taraba North, both Senators Sunday Karimi, APC, Kogi West and Danjuma Goje, APC, Gombe Central, urged the federal government to look deeper into cases of Boko Haram and the 2027 elections, saying a similar trend trailed the 2015 elections.
Senator Karimi warned that there were similar cases before the 2015 election, where some individuals prepared for violence in case they lost at the polls.
“In the last two weeks alone, several individuals from my senatorial district, up to 20, 25, even 30, have been kidnapped. You may recall that the governor of Borno State recently stated that the resurgence of Boko Haram has been linked to some disgruntled elements within the country, including some individuals in the military, who are allegedly collaborating with the insurgents. We must ask: why? What is the motive behind this? What do they stand to gain?
“Mr. President, you recently constituted a committee on national security, and I believe this matter must be thoroughly investigated. We cannot allow these disgruntled elements to destabilize the country for selfish political interests.
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“We saw similar signs before the 2015 elections, where some individuals prepared for violence in case they lost at the polls. The same pattern appears to be emerging now as we approach the 2027 elections. These attacks may not be random, they may be coordinated efforts by those who feel they are losing political relevance and seek to plunge the country into chaos as a strategy to regain power by force.
“The panel you’ve set up must work closely with our security agencies to expose anyone collaborating with terrorists. These people must be unmasked and held accountable,’’ Karimi said.
On his part, Senator Goje said: “ Mr. President, this isn’t an isolated incident. Crises are erupting across the country, from Karim Lamido to areas in Bauchi, such as Alkaleri, and beyond. We need to ask hard questions: Why now? Why this sudden surge in violence?
“I strongly support Senator Karimi’s call for a deeper investigation. We must determine whether these incidents are linked to the political buildup to 2027. We cannot dismiss this as mere coincidence.
“Yesterday it was Lau. Before that, Alkaleri. Tomorrow, it could be any state in the federation. It’s shameful and deeply troubling that insecurity remains our nation’s greatest challenge.
NSCIA Rejects Genocide Claims, Demands Urgent Security Overhaul
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has rejected claims that Christians or any other religious community is facing genocide in Nigeria, saying the country’s insecurity affects citizens regardless of their faith.
The council, however, demanded an urgent and comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s security architecture, while supporting decentralised policing subject to constitutional safeguards, professionalism, impartiality, accountability, adequate funding and respect for fundamental rights.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued after the NSCIA General Assembly held at the Abuja National Mosque on October 1, 2026, under the theme, “Nigerian Muslims and the Imperative of Nation-building.”
The assembly was presided over by the Sultan of Sokoto and NSCIA President-General, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, with Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, Chief Imams, leaders of major Islamic organisations and delegates from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in attendance.
On the country’s security challenges, the council said insecurity affects all Nigerians regardless of faith, rejecting attempts to frame the crisis as an attack on one particular religious group.
It urged the Federal Government to undertake a comprehensive review of the security system and improve coordination between federal and state security institutions.
The NSCIA backed state or decentralised policing, but stressed that any such arrangement must be built around professionalism, impartiality, accountability, sustainable funding, constitutional safeguards and protection of fundamental human rights.
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The council’s position comes amid continuing national debate over proposals to amend Nigeria’s constitutional framework to allow more decentralised policing.
Beyond security, the NSCIA urged the government to accelerate measures to reduce the rising cost of food and transportation, saying ordinary Nigerians were still facing significant economic hardship.
The council acknowledged efforts to revive the economy but called for faster action to ease the burden on households.
The Islamic body also cautioned against using religion to promote hatred, violence and division.
It urged Muslim scholars to resolve disagreements through internal mechanisms rather than publicly attacking one another, while encouraging Muslims to verify information before circulating allegations or claims that could damage individuals or deepen social tensions.
On religious rights, the council called on government institutions to respect the right of Muslim women and girls to wear the hijab, including female students, NYSC members, security personnel and Muslim women working in other organisations.
The NSCIA also criticised what it described as hostile positions by the University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University and the University of Lagos concerning Supreme Court judgments on hijab use in their international schools.
It urged the institutions to comply with the relevant court decisions and adopt more inclusive policies.
The council further called on the Rivers State Government and the management of Rivers State University to implement a Supreme Court judgment concerning the construction of a mosque for Muslim students at the institution.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the NSCIA urged Muslims to obtain their National Identification Numbers (NINs) and Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in choosing leaders at all levels.
It said civic participation was part of the responsibility of citizens and encouraged Muslims to contribute positively to nation-building.
The council also encouraged Muslim organisations to promote economic independence through lawful investments and stronger administration of Zakat and Waqf as tools for sustainable poverty reduction.
On education, it called for greater emphasis on quality learning that combines Islamic knowledge with Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM).
The General Assembly also adopted the 2026 report of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and endorsed its recommendations for repositioning the Hajj industry.
The NSCIA additionally honoured its Secretary-General, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, for his contributions to education and national development during his tenure as JAMB Registrar from August 2016 to July 2026.
The council’s resolutions come amid continuing debate over religious violence, insecurity and allegations of persecution in Nigeria.
By rejecting a religious-genocide framing while demanding broad security reforms, the NSCIA said the country’s security crisis should be addressed as a national challenge affecting Nigerians across religious lines.
Breaking: PINL Drags Asari-Dokubo To DSS Over N2.7tn Pipeline Claim
Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) has petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS) over a claim by Niger Delta activist Asari-Dokubo that about N2.7 trillion is paid annually for pipeline surveillance contracts.
In the petition dated October 7, 2026, PINL described the allegation as false and inciting, arguing that the claim could expose its directors and senior management to security threats and undermine peace in the Niger Delta.
The company said Dokubo made the allegation in a video circulated on social media on October 5 while discussing pipeline surveillance contracts and other developments in the oil-producing region.
PINL urged the DSS to investigate the allegation, establish its source and invite Dokubo to provide evidence supporting the claim.
The company further asked that if the allegation is found to be false, Dokubo should publicly retract it and face any appropriate legal action.
PINL said the circulation of the claim could create the impression that huge amounts of public money were being diverted to particular individuals or interests, potentially fuelling resentment among communities in the oil-producing region.
The company also expressed concern that the allegation could heighten ethnic tensions involving Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo communities, warning that renewed tensions could threaten security gains recorded in the Niger Delta.
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According to PINL, the security of oil infrastructure has wider implications for Nigeria’s crude oil production, government revenue and foreign exchange earnings, making stability in the region a matter of national importance.
The company said it had contributed to efforts to combat crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and militancy, and warned that any deterioration in security could affect national oil output.
PINL also asked the DSS to conduct a threat assessment and consider protection for its directors, management, employees and project sites.
The company’s petition comes amid a wider controversy over pipeline surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta, following Dokubo’s allegations involving the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, and other stakeholders.
The Olu of Warri has separately rejected the allegation that he receives N2.7 trillion annually from pipeline surveillance contracts.
Through his representative to NNPC Limited and its joint-venture partners, Collins Edema, the monarch challenged Dokubo to produce documentary evidence supporting the claim.
Edema also called for relevant pipeline surveillance contracts, procurement records, government approvals, corporate documents and performance reports to be examined if questions have been raised about the arrangements.
The monarch’s representative said allegations concerning the management of Nigeria’s oil infrastructure should be addressed through evidence and independent scrutiny rather than rhetoric.
The dispute has therefore widened from a public exchange over the alleged N2.7tn pipeline contract payments into a formal security complaint, with PINL asking the DSS to investigate the claims and determine whether they constitute a threat to individuals or public order.
The actual value, beneficiaries and terms of the pipeline surveillance arrangements remain matters for documentary verification and investigation.
Breaking: 20 Abducted Corps Members Regain Freedom In Imo
Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and another person abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State have regained their freedom.
The abducted corps members were reportedly rescued on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, bringing relief to their families after days in captivity.
The victims are currently receiving medical treatment at the Department of State Services (DSS) Hospital in Owerri, according to a report confirming their release. (NPO Reports)
The prospective corps members were among passengers travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in the South-East and South-South when gunmen attacked vehicles conveying them along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State on October 1.
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The incident triggered a major security operation involving the police, military, DSS and other security agencies as efforts intensified to locate and rescue those taken into captivity.
Earlier reports said the abductors had demanded ransom from the families of the victims, while relatives raised concerns about the safety and wellbeing of the kidnapped graduates.
Security agencies had also deployed additional personnel and operational assets to Imo State as pressure mounted for the safe recovery of the NYSC members.
The latest development means the 20 prospective corps members and another abducted person are now out of captivity and receiving medical attention.
Details of the circumstances surrounding their rescue, including whether any arrests were made or ransom was paid, were not immediately available.
The development is expected to bring significant relief to the families who had spent days seeking the safe return of their loved ones.
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