NSA Ribadu reacts to El-Rufai’s allegations, 2031 presidential ambition

In a decisive rebuttal to recent political allegations, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has firmly dismissed rumors suggesting he is plotting a presidential bid for 2031.

Ribadu reiterated that his entire focus remains on the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and national security efforts, and he has no interest in political distractions.

The controversy erupted after Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State, accused Ribadu of being behind a plot to tarnish his reputation.

In an interview with Arise TV, El-Rufai claimed that Ribadu, along with Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), was orchestrating a smear campaign against him, allegedly driven by Ribadu’s supposed ambition to vie for the presidency in 2031.

Responding to the accusations, Ribadu took to his X platform to clarify the situation.

“I am too preoccupied with my national assignment to engage in a media fight with Nasir El-Rufai or anyone else,” Ribadu stated.

“If my silence is misunderstood as consent, I would have ignored him entirely. However, I believe it’s essential to set the record straight.”

Ribadu explained that, despite frequent provocations, he has always refrained from speaking ill of El-Rufai out of respect for their past professional relationship and their families.

“I have never spoken negatively about Nasir on record. I will not begin today. I urge the public to ignore El-Rufai’s unfounded claims,” he added.

The NSA also addressed the presidential ambition rumours head-on.

“To be clear, I have never discussed running for president in 2031 with anyone. My energy is entirely focused on the success of President Tinubu’s administration and ensuring the advancement of Nigeria,” Ribadu emphasised.

In his defense, Ribadu called on El-Rufai to allow him to continue his national duties uninterrupted. “I urge Nasir El-Rufai to let me focus on my important responsibilities. I, in turn, do not involve myself in his affairs,” Ribadu concluded.

Despite El-Rufai’s persistent accusations, including claims that Ribadu was the mastermind behind a political agenda to undermine him, the NSA claims to remain steadfast in his commitment to national security and governance, urging the public to disregard such political distractions.

Four gunmen killed as NSCDC operatives engage armed bandits in gun duel

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Katsina Command has killed four suspected terrorists in Dutsinma Local Government Area of the state.

The Public Relations Officer of the Command, SC Buhari Hamisu, confirmed this in a statement on Monday. He said two separate attacks were repelled.

According to him, operatives repelled an attack by suspected armed bandits who stormed the permanent site of the Federal University Dutsinma (FUDMA) on Feb. 21.

“The gallant men of NSCDC attached to the university successfully neutralised three criminals, including the notorious Ayuba Buzaru, who stormed the institution as their route,” he said.

The team also rescued three kidnapped victims and recovered some rustled goats, the NSCDC spokesman revealed.

He added that NSCDC personnel, in a joint operation with the police, repelled another attack on Sunday, Feb. 23, at the Federal Government Special Grains Reserve (Silo) in Darawa.

Hamisu stated, “The valiant operatives overpowered the criminals, neutralising one suspected armed bandit, while others fled with gunshot wounds.”

He confirmed that the body of the suspected criminal had been deposited at General Hospital Dutsinma.

“The armed bandits have been attempting to attack the Silo, which stores grains distributed to people in Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto,” he added.

The Corps personnel also dispersed another group of suspected armed bandits at Gago Village, near Isah Kaita College of Education in Dutsinma.

“The Command remains dedicated to promoting safety and security for the people of the state and Nigeria as a whole, while protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure,” he said. (NAN)

Housewife arrested for stabbing Husband to death during domestic argument

The Police command in Bauchi State has arrested a 25-year-old resident of Nadabo village in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area.

She is accused of killing her husband after a domestic dispute.

CSP Ahmed Wakil, the command’s spokesperson, confirmed this to journalists in Bauchi on Monday.

He said preliminary investigations suggest the couple had been struggling with marital issues, mainly concerning the custody of Salamatu’s six-year-old daughter from a previous relationship.

“Although initial discussions with Salamatu’s family seemed to support bringing the child into their home, the husband’s subsequent refusal reportedly heightened tensions within the household,” Wakil stated.

The situation escalated fatally when, during a heated argument, the wife allegedly grabbed a knife from their bedroom.

According to Wakil, this led to the tragic incident.

Detectives from the Bununu Police Divisional Headquarters responded swiftly to a distress call. They evacuated the victim to the Cottage Hospital in Bununu for urgent medical attention.

“Despite the efforts of medical personnel, the husband was pronounced dead due to the injuries sustained,” Wakil added.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Auwal Musa, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a thorough and discreet investigation. Legal action will follow based on the findings.(NAN)