Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State chapter, has dismissed former governor Nasir El-Rufai’s claim that Christians make up less than 25 percent of the state’s population, describing it as false and misleading.

Reacting in a statement on Monday, CAN chairman in the state, Rev. Caleb Ma’aji Bawa, said the assertion—made by El-Rufai during his appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television—contradicts verifiable data from the National Population Commission.

“As chairman of CAN in Kaduna State, I am outraged by Mr. El-Rufai’s claims, which are not only a gross misrepresentation of facts but also a manifestation of deep-seated animosity towards the Christian community,” Rev. Bawa said.

He also refuted El-Rufai’s allegation that Christian leaders in the state receive $20,000 for medical trips abroad, calling it “a fabrication designed to malign and discredit the Christian community.”

According to him, the former governor’s remarks amount to an insult to the dignity and integrity of Christians, who he said have made significant contributions to Kaduna State’s development.

The Christian body demanded an apology and retraction from El-Rufai, urging him to demonstrate a commitment to fostering interfaith harmony and understanding in the state.

Troops of 22 Armoured Brigade deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Babana in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State have neutralised two bandits and recovered arms and ammunition during an operation in the early hours of Thursday, 28 August 2025.

The attack occurred at about 2:50 a.m. when armed bandits attempted to infiltrate the Babana axis. Soldiers on guard duty engaged the assailants in a firefight, forcing them to withdraw in disarray.

According to Captain Stephen Nwankwo, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, the troops later conducted a follow-up operation along the bandits’ withdrawal route where two of them were neutralised. He added that items recovered from the encounter included one AK-47 rifle, four AK-47 magazines loaded with 60 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 323 rounds of 7.62x54mm ammunition, and a mobile phone.

“Regrettably, one officer and a soldier sustained gunshot injuries to their legs during the exchange of fire. They are currently responding to medical treatment, while the remains of the neutralised bandits have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action,” Nwankwo said.

The Commander of 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, commended the troops for their bravery and resilience. He reaffirmed the Brigade’s resolve to intensify operations and employ all legitimate means to eradicate criminal elements while ensuring the safety and security of law-abiding citizens within its operational area.

The Federal Government has awarded N200,000 to Nafisah Abdullahi, winner of the TeenEagle Global Finals competition.

The gesture comes days after the Atiku Foundation announced fully-funded scholarships for Abdullahi and her teammates, Rukaiya Fema and Khadija Kalli, in recognition of their outstanding performance at the international contest.

The three students emerged global champions in different categories of the prestigious academic competition, earning accolades for what the Foundation described as their “remarkable success.”

Speaking at a special recognition ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, joined by the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suiwaba Ahmad, celebrated Abdullahi’s feat as well as the achievements of other Nigerian students who excelled at the competition.

The Federal Government has clarified that it never signed any binding agreements with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this known on Thursday while addressing journalists in Abuja. He explained that documents often cited by the union, including those from 2009 and 2011, were merely proposals presented during negotiations and not formal agreements.

“The documents ASUU has been referring to as agreements were just proposals that were never signed,” Alausa stated.

The minister, however, assured that President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains committed to addressing the long-standing concerns of university lecturers.

Alausa also dismissed media reports suggesting that he had scheduled a joint meeting with ASUU and the Minister of Labour and Employment, describing such claims as inaccurate.

Former Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ahmed Aliyu Mustapha, has passed away.

Mustapha, who led the Service between 1999 and 2003, retired in December 2003 after more than three decades of active duty.

His death was confirmed on Thursday by Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, in a statement on his social media platforms.

“Deeply saddened by the passing of Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu Musdafa, former CG of Customs. A man of service, dignity & duty whose legacy will live on. My prayers are with Lamido Adamawa, the Musdafa royal family & all who mourn him. May Allah grant him Aljannah Firdaus,” Fintiri wrote.

The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, has alleged that his life and those of the company’s management staff are under serious threat.

Ojulari, who disclosed this on Thursday, said the threats are linked to the reforms he introduced in the oil and gas sector, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to revamp the nation’s moribund refineries.

According to him, some powerful individuals opposed to the ongoing changes are allegedly plotting to force him out of office.

The NNPCL boss raised the alarm while receiving a delegation of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), led by its President, Comrade Festus Osifo, at the company’s headquarters in Abuja.