INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu has praised President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for initiating the construction of a new annex office to address congestion at INEC’s current headquarters.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held Tuesday in Abuja, with Yakubu noting the facility will ease accommodation challenges and support the commission’s growing operations.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, on Monday visited Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, days after a deadly attack that left about 160 people feared dead.

The visit followed Friday night’s massacre reportedly carried out by suspected armed herders and bandits.

According to reports, General Musa’s visit is part of efforts by the military to assess the situation on the ground and reassure affected residents of the government’s commitment to restoring peace.

The Defence Chief is also scheduled to meet with Governor Hyacinth Alia at the Benue State Government House in Makurdi.

The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, has issued a firm directive to his officers to launch aggressive operations against the menace of thuggery, known locally as Daba, in a renewed effort to restore lasting peace across the state.

The move came after a high-level security summit held on Friday, June 14, 2025, which brought together Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, as well as Tactical and Operational Commanders from across the state.

This is contained in a statement signed by DSP Abdullahi Hussaini, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police on Sunday.

Speaking during the meeting, CP Bakori declared an all-out offensive on criminal gangs and warned that thuggery would no longer be tolerated in any part of Kano.

“Thuggery will no longer be tolerated,” the police boss stated, urging his commanders to intensify operations and ensure such threats are “nipped in the bud.”

He further assured the people of Kano that, “they will continue to enjoy uninterrupted peace and security, enabling them to sleep with their two eyes closed.” To back his words with action, the Police Command announced a three-pronged strategy to stamp out criminal elements.

These include intelligence-led raids targeting known hideouts, stronger collaboration with community leaders to co-develop security solutions, and coordination with other security agencies to ensure a united response.

While the police ramp up enforcement, CP Bakori also made a passionate appeal to citizens to support security agencies by remaining vigilant and sharing timely information.

“Members of the public are urged to cooperate with the Police and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station,” the statement read.

Residents can reach the police through the following emergency numbers: 08032419754, 08123821575, or 09029292926.