February 1, 2026
By Editor
The Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has been awarded the General IBM Haruna Strategic Leadership Award by the publishers ofย Our Nigeriaย magazine.
This recognition celebrates his contributions to Hajj administration and the welfare of pilgrims in Nigeria.
A statement issued by Ahmad Muazu, Technical Assistant Media to the Chairman, noted that the award was presented during the magazineโs seventh annual awards ceremony held at the Ladi Kwali Hall in Abuja. The organizers emphasized that the honor reflects Professor Usman’s track record in institutional reform, administrative discipline, and a sustained focus on the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.
In his acceptance remarks, Professor Usman dedicated the award to the staff of the Commission, highlighting their vital role in its achievements.
โThis recognition is not for one individual; it reflects our collective commitment, sacrifice, and steadfast service,โ he stated. โNAHCON operates in a space that demands responsibility, patience, transparency, and a deep concern for the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims. What is often described as resilience is, in reality, the daily dedication of our workforce. Renewal comes from our continuous efforts to improve Hajj administration in line with global best practices and the trust placed in us by the Nigerian people.โ
He emphasized that the award is dedicated to all NAHCON staff, including board members, management, those at the headquarters, zonal and outreach offices, and support units, whose efforts are often conducted out of public view.
Professor Usman was honored alongside several public officials and leaders, including Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Minister of Defence General Christopher Gwabin Musa, and other Nigerian and international recipients recognized for their service and leadership in various fields.
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- Tinubu Orders Manhunt or Terrorists Behind Niger Market Massacre January 4, 2026 By Editor President Bola Tinubu on Sunday ordered the military, police, and State Security Service to track down and apprehend the perpetrators of the Kasuwan Daji attack in Niger State, where terrorists killed at least 30 villagers and abducted scores of women and children. The President also directed security agencies to urgently rescue all kidnapped victims, warning that the terrorists โmust face the full consequences of their criminal actions.โ In a statement signed by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga and Published by the Punch newspaper, Tinubu linked Saturdayโs attack to terrorists fleeing from Sokoto and Zamfara states following the United States airstrike on Christmas Eve. Armed bandits killed 30 persons, including women, during the attack on Kasuwan Daji market in Demo community, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, on Saturday, January 3, 2026. The gunmen also kidnapped many people and set the market ablaze. Niger State Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun confirmed that suspected bandits from the National Park forest along Kabe District invaded Kasuwan Daji, burnt the market, looted shops, and carted away food items. โThese terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people. They must, therefore, face the full consequences of their criminal actions. No matter who they are or what their intent is, they must be hunted down,โ the President declared. He added, โThey, and all those who aid, abet, or enable them in any form, will be caught and brought to justice.โ Tinubu sent his condolences to the families of the victims and the government and people of Niger State, assuring that security agencies have been mandated to intensify operations around vulnerable communities. The Presidentโs directive comes barely two weeks after the United States military conducted airstrikes in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State between 11:45 p.m. on December 25 and 12:30 a.m. on December 26, targeting terrorist bases hosting jihadist affiliates in the Bauni axis. According to the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the operation targeted two prominent Islamic State sites in the Bauni forest in Tangaza, with 16 munitions fired by MQ-9 Reaper drones at fighters attempting to infiltrate Nigeria from the Sahel. The Lakurawa group, which operates in remote parts of Sokoto State, including Tangaza, Gudu, Illela, Binji, and Silame local governments, as well as in northwest Zamfara and Kebbi states, has been designated a terrorist organisation by the Federal Government. Security analysts argue that the displacement of terrorists from their Sokoto and Zamfara strongholds following the US strikes has forced them to seek new operational bases in neighbouring Niger State. Residents of Kasuwan Daji said they had noticed the presence of armed men moving through nearby communities for nearly a week before Saturdayโs assault. The attack occurred close to Papiri community, where more than 300 schoolchildren and teachers were abducted from a Catholic school in November 2025. The President urged Nigerians to remain united in confronting the security challenges, warning against โdivisive rhetoric that could undermine national security and cohesion during this challenging period.โ โThese times demand our humanity. We must stand together as one people and confront these monsters in unison. United, we can and must defeat them, deny them any sanctuary. We must reclaim the peace and security of these attacked communities,โ Tinubu said. In 2025, Nigeria was ranked on the Global Terrorism Index as the sixth most terrorised country globally, jumping two points from its previous ranking due to increased insurgency. At least 2,266 people were killed by non-state armed groups in the first half of 2025, a significant rise compared to around 1,083 fatalities during the same period in 2024, and already surpassing the 2,194 recorded over the whole of 2024. President Tinubu proposed a N5.41 trillion security allocation in the 2026 budget, the largest single sectoral provision, to fund new equipment for the military, strengthen joint operations among security agencies, and support community-based peacebuilding efforts aimed at containing violent extremism.
