News
2023: Group tasks security agencies on judicious utilisation of DSS intelligence reports
Nasiru Yusuf
Ahead of 2023 general election, a Coalition of civil society and citizen’s groups Citizens Stability Forum (CSF), has appealed to Nigeria’s security agencies to treat critical intelligence report provided by the Department of State Services (DSS) with utmost concern.
KANO FOCUS reports that the group made the appeal in a statement issued on Sunday jointly signed by the lead convener Mukhtar Lawan and co-covener John Azi.
CSF warned against what it described as routine disregard, and lack of appreciation of critical intelligence provided by the country’s lead spook agency, the Department of State Services (DSS) ahead of next year’s election.
The group also called on well-meaning individuals, and relevant security agencies to specially commend the current Director General, DG, DSS, Yusuf Bichi, given critical intelligence his agency has provided as back up to fighting insurgency and banditry, so far.
According to CSF, grave security breaches that have happened in the country were caused by the lack of collaboration and synergy between security agencies in the country.
“The most disturbing aspect been the continuous disregard to security intelligence provided by DSS to the Military, Police and Paramilitary security agencies, something that in some countries can be treated as a treasonable offence,” the statement said.
CSF alarm may not be unfounded given the series of insecurity episodes blamed on disregard of intelligence by the DSS, some of which were harped on by the forum.
“For example, before the Bombing, shooting and Kidnapping incident on the Abuja-Kaduna Train on the 28th of March 2022, the DSS issued a security alert about the suspicious movements and activities of terrorist elements in the vicinity of the rail lines between Rijana and Kateri to both the Military and police as well as the Nigerian Railway Corporation.
“Unfortunately, the disregard to such critical intelligence by relevant authorities led to the loss of lives of eight Nigerian citizens, 41 hospitalised and over sixty (60) civilians kidnapped by terrorists.
“Likewise, before the terrorist attack on Kuje Prison on the 5th of July 2022 where they succeeded in releasing their fellow colleagues, it is on record that the DSS shared 44 intelligence reports relating to this threat with relevant agencies before the attack on the prison.
“This has been proved by remarks from the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Idris Wase who stated that he has gone through the report, but unfortunately the relevant agencies failed to act,” CSF stated.
CSF further urged the public to ask questions, like what the problem is and why there hasn’t been interagency synergy.
“Why is the collaboration and cooperation between the security agencies this ineffective and who is at fault and responsible for this,” the group asked.
The group further commended Bichi, DSS DG, over his role saying that the security agency being ability to hold its own under the circumstances is largely due to his dexterity.
” A lot of the success and ability of the DSS to meet up with its own security responsibility is down to the excellent leadership from the DSS hierarchy led by Director-General of the DSS, Yusuf Bichi,” CSF said.
Headlines
BUK probes student over alleged Facebook fraud
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The management of Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has commenced a preliminary investigation into allegations linking a person reportedly identified as one of its students to acts of online impersonation and financial misconduct circulating on social media.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Lamara Garba, on behalf of the Registrar, the university said it had taken note of the claims being discussed in public commentary and across various online platforms.
The statement noted that BUK maintains strict standards of conduct, discipline, and character for all students throughout the duration of their studies, adding that any behaviour capable of bringing the name and reputation of the institution into disrepute is treated with the utmost seriousness.
According to the university, the alleged actions of an individual student should not be seen as a reflection of the values or character of Bayero University Kano as an institution.
“In view of the allegations, the University has commenced a preliminary inquiry to ascertain the facts surrounding the matter. The appropriate University authorities are reviewing the issue in line with the institution’s established rules and disciplinary procedures governing students’ conduct,” the statement said.
The management also commended the public-spirited efforts of Professor Farooq Kperogi and other individuals who provide financial assistance to students in need, particularly by supporting registration fees and other educational expenses.
The university noted that such acts of generosity continue to play an important role in expanding access to education and supporting deserving students.
BUK assured members of the public that if the allegations are substantiated, appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken in accordance with the university’s regulations and relevant laws.
The institution also urged the public to allow the investigative process to run its course and to refrain from speculation or the spread of unverified information.
Headlines
Gov. Yusuf relieves Kano Head of Service of appointment
Ibrahim Khalil
The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has relieved the State Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, of his appointment with immediate effect.
KANO FOCUS reports that the development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday evening by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, the decision forms part of the ongoing efforts of the current administration to reposition the state civil service for greater efficiency, discipline, and improved service delivery across government institutions.
Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation to the outgoing Head of Service for his contributions and dedication to the service of Kano State during his tenure.
“We wish him the best in his future endeavours and pray for his continued success in all aspects of life,” the governor said.
The governor also directed that Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, Permanent Secretary, Administration and General Services at the Cabinet Office, should serve as Acting Head of Service pending the appointment of a substantive replacement.
The statement further directed the outgoing Head of Service to hand over the affairs of the office to the acting Head of Service no later than Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
News
Disabled student seeks urgent fix for faulty elevator at Northwest University Kano
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A student of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at Northwest University Kano has appealed to the university management and relevant authorities to urgently repair a faulty elevator at the institution’s city campus, saying the situation has made access to lectures extremely difficult for him and other students with disabilities.
KANO FOCUS reports that the student, Aminu Jaafar Muhammad, popularly known as Alamein, made the appeal in a post shared on social media, where he narrated the challenges he faces attending lectures at the Ado Bayero City Campus, Kofar Nassarawa.
Muhammad, a Level 300 student preparing to enter his final year, said he lives with a physical disability affecting one of his legs. According to him, the Faculty of Computing, where he studies ICT, holds lectures on the sixth to ninth floors of the campus building, while the elevator meant to provide access to the upper floors has remained out of service.
He explained that due to the faulty lift, his colleagues are forced to carry him up the stairs every day in order for him to attend classes.
“Every day my colleagues carry me from the ground floor to at least the sixth floor, which involves climbing more than 100 stairs,” he said, describing the act as a remarkable show of solidarity from fellow students.
Muhammad noted that during his first year at the university he studied at the main campus, where there were fewer stairs. In his second year, he said the elevator occasionally functioned, but when it broke down again his classmates had to assist him several times a week to reach lecture halls upstairs.
He revealed that he had earlier written to the university management requesting that lectures for his faculty be relocated either to the main campus or to lower floors of the building to make access easier. However, he said the letter, submitted over a year ago, has yet to receive a response.
The student also recalled that during a visit by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf following a fire incident at the campus last year, a new elevator was reportedly donated to the university. According to him, the facility is yet to become operational.
While expressing appreciation to his classmates for their continued support, Muhammad said he decided to speak out because the situation affects not only him but other persons with disabilities on campus.
“I know my colleagues have never complained, but I understand that it is not easy for them. I believe raising the issue can bring change and benefit many others,” he said.
He appealed to the university management and relevant authorities to either relocate the lecture venues to accessible floors or ensure that the elevator is repaired and functioning properly.
Muhammad also called on members of the public and stakeholders to help amplify his appeal so that it reaches those in a position to address the situation.
He expressed hope that resolving the challenge would allow him and other affected students to focus on their studies without unnecessary physical barriers.
