Blog

As the 2027 general elections approach, and with the spate of kidnapping, killings, and general insecurity across the nation, there are palpable fears that if insecurity is left unchecked, it may negatively affect the conduct and the outcome of the elections.

Widespread kidnapping, killings, and destruction of property, particularly in states like Borno, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Niger have left many communities in ruin. Residents of affected areas have continued to face displacement, loss of livelihoods, and deep psychological trauma.

In Kaduna State, for example, almost on a daily basis, residents in some communities face challenges of abduction, killing, and demands for ransom. In April 2026 alone, during Easter, over 30 worshippers were kidnapped from Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Five persons were killed, and a ransom of N1 billion was later demanded.

On Monday, 20/4/2026, bandits launched a fresh attack on Awon community in Kaduna State, killing two residents and abducting at least, seven others.

On April 1, 2026, suspected bandits abducted six people during Taraweeh prayers at a mosque in Azara community of Kachia LGA of the state.

Speaking to DAILY POST correspondent in Kaduna, Dr. Samson Abdul, Head of Department of Political Science, University of Abuja, said that without peace, nothing could be achieved.

According to him, most communities across the country where kidnapping and killings are taking place have no peace, just as some of them are presently in IDP camps because their houses and properties were burnt and they have no means of livelihood.

“I am telling you from experience, because I was once a victim. There is no rest of mind. The entire residents of communities where kidnapping took place will have no rest of mind for the next two to three years because they either lost a relative or sold their valuable properties like houses, cars, and land to pay for ransom.”

Also speaking, Mallam Abdulraham Yakubu, former Kaduna State PDP House of Assembly candidate in the 2015 general election, said that without tackling insecurity across the country, the 2027 general election is a mirage, as fear may not allow voters to come out to vote for candidates of their choice.

According to him, “If elections were to be held today, with the rate of killings and kidnapping going on, voters will be scared because of attacks. Several residents in areas where attacks take place were displaced, without knowing where their voter cards are. Even the lives of aspirants and election officers are in danger. Nobody will like to risk his or her life to vote where the security of lives and properties is not guaranteed.”

In his words, Major General Nureeden Adebayo (rtd), who operates a private security organisation, said the number of security operatives, including police, army, NSCDC, etc. is not enough to guarantee free, fair, and credible elections across the country.

“Apart from that, the few existing number of security personnel are reducing every day. Today, you hear 20, 30, 10, or 5 security operatives are killed by bandits. Some are due for retirement, some are sick, etc. Where are the security operatives to stand firm against bandits and insurgents during elections?” he asked.

He advised the electoral body and politicians seeking various elective positions to shelve the 2027 general elections and first tackle the rising insecurity first.

Widespread insecurity threat to 2027 elections – Stakeholders warn

A fresh industrial crisis is brewing at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State between the management and the members of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP.

The Union accused the Rector of the institution of threatening the life of its chairman, among other unaddressed sundry issues and grievances.

A statement by Tunde Ayedun on behalf of the union, alleged that a request for an emergency meeting with the management was declined on the basis that the management was attending a party in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state.

However, when the two meetings eventually held on April 20, 2026 at 10:00a.m, and 3:00p.m, the union alleged that the Rector of the institution, threatened the union chairman that “his life is tenured” which led to the abrupt end of the second meeting.

Consequently, the union issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Rector to withdraw the threat or face a-14-day notice of strike.

According to the union, “the threat has not only sent jitters to the leadership of the chapter but has been perceived to equally require a legal and industrial perspective because matters that relate to life must not be handled with levity.

“The CEC is seriously concerned that threats have become the response of ‘this’ management to matters of concern that was advanced to them through the congress communique.

“The Union is hereby requesting for an unequivocal withdrawal of the life threatening statement by the Rector with assurances within 48hours or instant consideration would be given to legal and industrial remedies.

“Without prejudice to the above, our 14-day notice of strike remains operational,” the union stated.

In a swift reaction, the management declared that “at no time during the said meetings did the Rector make any statement that could be construed as a threat to the life of any individual”.

A statement by the spokesman of the institution, Olayinka Iroye, said, “The allegation is therefore inaccurate, misleading, and does not reflect the true account of proceedings at the meetings.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the statement credited to the Rector ‘everything in life is tenured, including our careers and indeed our lives’ was purely philosophical.

“It conveyed a general and universally acknowledged truth about the transient nature of human existence and was neither directed at any individual nor intended as a threat, whether implicit or explicit.

“It is also pertinent to note that, contrary to the narrative being circulated, the meeting was marked by instances of unguarded, rude utterances and verbal exchanges directed at the Rector by some members of the ASUP leadership, following earlier tensions relating to engagements involving the Polytechnic Librarian.”

The management explained that it considered it necessary to make the clarification in order to prevent the spread of misinformation, avoid undue heating of the polity, and forestall unnecessary escalation of issues capable of disrupting the peace and stability of the institution.

While noting the concerns raised by the Union, the Polytechnic Management reiterated its commitment to dialogue, mutual respect, and constructive engagement in resolving all outstanding matters.

“We therefore appeal to ASUP to embrace amicable resolution in the interest of peace, industrial harmony, and the continued progress of the Polytechnic.

“Management remains open to further discussions aimed at sustaining a cordial and productive working relationship with all stakeholders,” it stated.

Kwara: Fresh industrial crisis looms at Federal Poly Offa

…AIICO, AXA Mansard, Others Pay Over N255bn Claims

…Rising Claims Swallow 50% Of Insurers’ Total Revenue

Leading Nigerian insurers paid a combined N254.96bn in claims in the 2025 financial year, marking a 24.23 per cent increase from the N205.23bn recorded in 2024, underscoring mounting pressures on the industry amid worsening economic conditions.

The sharp rise in claims highlights a growing strain on insurers’ profitability, even as the sector recorded strong revenue growth.

Data compiled from the audited financial statements by THE WHISTLER of major listed firms AIICO Insurance, Prestige Assurance Plc, NEM Insurance Plc, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc and Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc, show that total revenues rose by 33.95 per cent to N518.37bn in 2025, up from N387bn in the previous year.

Despite this growth, nearly half of the total revenue, 49.18 per cent, was paid out as claims, reflecting the increasing cost burden on operators.

Industry analysts attribute the surge in claims to a combination of macroeconomic challenges, including inflation, currency depreciation, high energy costs, and rising insecurity, all of which have heightened risk exposure and claim incidents across the country.

Data from the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) corroborates this trend, showing that total industry claims rose to N724.7bn in 2025, representing about 31.5 per cent of gross premiums written.

The regulator also reported a strong settlement rate of 88.5 per cent, indicating that insurers have largely maintained their capacity to meet obligations despite the challenging environment.

NAICOM noted that the simultaneous rise in premiums and claims reflects deeper insurance penetration and increased market activity rather than isolated shocks. The regulator attributed the growth to ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening pricing discipline and expanding market reach.

However, stakeholders warn that the rising claims profile, combined with escalating operating costs, is beginning to erode profitability across the sector.

An insurance broker, John Chikelue, in an exclusive chat with THE WHISTLER, said higher claims payouts and operating expenses inevitably reduce profit margins, as these costs are deducted from insurers’ income.

He emphasised that while claims payment remains the core obligation of insurance companies, operators must explore alternative revenue sources and expand market penetration to sustain growth.

“With Nigeria’s large population and low insurance density, there is still a significant untapped market. Expanding coverage will positively impact operations,” he said, adding that improved risk management practices and stronger underwriting discipline could help reduce claims frequency.

Similarly, former Secretary General of the African Insurance Organisation, Prisca Soares, noted that rising operational costs including labour, utilities, and services, are significantly impacting insurers’ bottom lines.

“Even where premiums have increased, higher expenses and claims payments are eroding profits. Companies must find ways to cut costs to remain profitable,” she said.

Also commenting, Managing Director of Tangerine General Insurance Plc, Mayowa Adeduro, linked the surge in claims to economic hardship, which he said has weakened maintenance culture and increased risk exposure.

According to him, inflation and exchange rate volatility have raised the cost of repairs and replacements, while reduced disposable income has made policyholders more likely to file claims, even for minor incidents.

He also pointed to a rise in fraudulent claims, driven by economic desperation, as well as increasing incidents of theft, accidents, and social vices.

“Poor maintenance of assets, rising insecurity, and even deliberate acts such as arson for insurance benefits are contributing to higher claims,” Adeduro said.

On her part, Director-General of the Nigerian Insurers Association, Bola Odukale, said the growing volume of claims reflects improved awareness and trust in insurance.

“Insurance companies are paying claims, and this is critical for building public confidence in the sector,” she said, noting that sustained engagement and education are needed to address longstanding gaps in awareness.

Echoing this view, former President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, Edwin Igbiti, said the increase in claims signals rising acceptance of insurance, although penetration remains low relative to the size of the economy.

Experts agree that while the upward trend in claims reflects positive growth in insurance adoption, it also underscores the urgent need for improved risk management, cost control, and market expansion strategies.

ENDS

Economic Hardship Drives 24% Rise In Insurance Claims Payouts is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, rising insecurity across the country is casting a shadow on preparations, with experts warning that without urgent intervention, the polls could be marred by violence, low voter turnout and loss of public confidence.

In an exclusive interview with DAILY POST, security analyst and retired military officer, Captain Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, expressed deep concern over what he described as Nigeria’s “fragile and overstretched” security architecture.

“Nigeria is currently contending with multiple and overlapping threats of insurgency in the North-East, banditry and kidnapping in the North-West, as well as communal conflicts and separatist agitations in other regions,” he said.

“These challenges have significantly overstretched our security forces and created dangerous gaps that could easily be exploited during a politically sensitive period like elections.”

Adamu warned that election cycles in Nigeria historically coincide with spikes in violence, stressing that 2027 may not be different if proactive steps are not taken.

“Elections in Nigeria are not just political exercises; they are high-risk periods,” he said.

“You see an increase in the activities of armed groups, political thuggery, and the spread of misinformation. All of these combine to create a volatile environment.”

He added that the current security approach remains largely reactive.

“One of our biggest problems is that we respond to incidents after they occur, rather than preventing them. There is a lack of strong coordination among security agencies, and community-based intelligence is still very weak. Without fixing these, we are simply managing crises instead of preventing them.”

The retired captain stressed that the implications for the 2027 elections could be far-reaching.

“If people cannot safely travel to polling units, if electoral officials are not protected, and if materials cannot be securely deployed, then the credibility of the entire process is at risk,” he said.

“Insecurity has the potential to disenfranchise thousands, if not millions, of voters.”

Adamu also emphasised the role of political actors in either escalating or de-escalating tensions.

“Political elites must act responsibly. Inciting rhetoric, misinformation, and the use of non-state actors for political gain will only worsen the situation. Security is not just the responsibility of the military or the police, it is a collective responsibility.”

He called for early planning and a shift in strategy ahead of 2027 to avoid falling into past cycles of violence. “We need to start preparing now, not a few months to the elections. There must be improved inter-agency collaboration, better intelligence gathering, and more engagement with local communities,” he said.

“Security must go beyond force; it must include trust-building and addressing the root causes of conflict such as poverty, unemployment and marginalisation.”

Adamu further warned that failure to act decisively could erode public trust in the democratic process.

“When citizens begin to feel that their votes do not count or that participating in elections puts their lives at risk, democracy itself is weakened. That is the danger we are facing if insecurity is not addressed.”

Meanwhile, Civil society actors say these realities are already shaping public perception, particularly in northern Nigeria where attacks and kidnappings have become frequent.

A Kano based political participation activist, Zulaiha Danjuma, told DAILY POST that many Nigerians have lost faith in election and no longer see it as a tool for change.

“The Nigerian people, especially those in the North where insecurity is escalating, have lost faith in the power of voting to bring change,” she said.

“The past administration promised to rid the country of insecurity, so we voted in droves despite the risks. This administration also made similar promises, but you can see the situation we are in today; deaths, destruction and killings everywhere.”

She said growing frustration has led to widespread voter apathy that will likely affect turnout during the upcoming election. “Most people have given up on the system, and voter apathy has escalated because what is the guarantee that you won’t get attacked on your way to the polls?” she asked.

“At this point, vowing to end insecurity has become another campaign promise in a long line of unfulfilled pledges, so I don’t blame people for being weary.”

Personal experiences from past elections further highlight the risks for people that have directly felt the impact of failing security structures.

An ad hoc staff member of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who participated in the 2023 elections and requested anonymity, recounted a traumatic ordeal that has discouraged her from participating in future polls.

“I will never participate in elections again, neither as a staff nor as a voter, because the price I paid the last time is still fresh in my memory. I may be suffering from PTSD,” she said.

She narrated how armed men attacked her polling unit. “We were just about to conclude voting for the day when armed men stormed the place and abducted two of us along with the ballot box. They took us deep into the forest and altered the votes before forcing us back into their vehicle and returning to town with us.”

She added, “Till today, I thank God I made it out alive. So how can I trust the government to provide adequate security when they couldn’t protect us while we were working for them?”

According to her, worsening insecurity has only deepened her fears ahead of 2027. “This election is coming at a time when insecurity is even worse than before. Count me out. I will use election day as a break to rest,” she emphasized.

With concerns mounting about the security situation of the nation, observers warn that Nigeria’s ability to conduct a free, fair and credible election in 2027 will depend largely on how ut confronts its growing security challenges in the months ahead.

Nigerian elections: Insecurity, distrust driving voter apathy — Security experts, others

One person has lost his life as a result of injuries he sustained during an attack by a wild elephant.

The incident, according to sources, occurred on Thursday at Innayin community in Oke Ogun geopolitical zone of Oyo State.

It was learnt that a man identified as Ibrahim Tijani lost his life after he was attacked by the elephant.

Sources narrated that another person identified as Alhaji Muhammadu Bingin was also attacked by the same animal.

The body of the first victim has been evacuated to a nearly health facility.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incidents.

He said that the command is currently investigating the matter.

Ayanlade said, “Upon receiving a distress call, police operatives, in collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters, swiftly mobilized to the scene.

“On arrival, the lifeless body of one Ibrahim Tijani was discovered in a nearby bush with injuries consistent with an animal attack.

“His remains have been evacuated to the General Hospital, Iwere-Ile, for necessary medical examination and preservation.

“During ongoing search operations, another individual, identified as Alhaji Muhammadu Bingin was reported missing after an encounter with the same animal. Intensive efforts are currently underway to locate him.

“The Command wishes to reassure residents of Innayin and adjoining communities that the situation is being closely managed, and all necessary measures are being taken to prevent further harm.

“Members of the public are strongly advised to avoid the affected area and report any sighting of the animal to security agencies promptly.”

One dead, another missing as elephant attacks Oyo community

The medical data of half a million British citizens was listed for sale on the Chinese e-commerce platform Alibaba following a data breach at the UK Biobank charity, the British government disclosed on Thursday.

UK Science Minister Ian Murray revealed the development to the House of Commons, confirming that the data, which includes genetic sequences, blood samples, medical scans and lifestyle information from Biobank’s volunteer database, had appeared across three separate listings on the platform.

At least one of the listings appeared to contain data drawn from all 500,000 volunteers in the database. Murray said the listings were removed before any sales were completed, with the cooperation of both the Chinese government and Alibaba.

Three research institutions with legitimate access to the data were identified as the source of the listings, and their access to Biobank’s platform has since been revoked.

Murray stressed that this was not a conventional hacking incident but rather a case of authorised users misusing data they had been legally permitted to download. All further data access requests have been paused while security measures are strengthened.

Biobank confirmed that the exposed data had been anonymised and did not include names, addresses or NHS numbers, though it did contain gender, age, birth month and year, socioeconomic status and lifestyle details. Privacy experts have long cautioned that such combinations of information can be sufficient to identify individuals, particularly when matched against other publicly available records.

Biobank chief executive Sir Rory Collins issued an apology to participants and confirmed the organisation had suspended access to its research platform.

An interim measure restricting the size of files exportable from the platform was being put in place, though a comprehensive automated checking system was not expected to be fully operational until late 2026.

Biobank has referred itself to the Information Commissioner’s Office, which has the power to impose fines of up to four per cent of an organisation’s annual global turnover for failures to protect personal data securely.

The Biobank database was established with government and charitable funding and holds more than 15 million biological samples and health records from volunteers recruited between 2006 and 2010. It is used by researchers worldwide in studies covering cancer, dementia and diabetes.

The breach has intensified concerns about Chinese access to Western health and genomic data.

A previous report found that one in five successful applications to access Biobank data came from China, including from researchers linked to BGI, China’s largest genomics company, which the United States has sanctioned over concerns its data collection activities support military surveillance programmes.

The U.S. has described bulk health and genomic data as a strategic asset that China collects for national security purposes.

It said unlike a compromised password, genetic data cannot be replaced.

UK Biobank Breach Exposes 500,000 Records On Alibaba is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Former Chelsea star, William Gallas, has tipped Diego Simeone as the ideal short-term fix for the club’s permanent manager role.

Gallas insisted that the Atletico Madrid manager has the winning mentality to win trophies quickly for the Blues.

The Frenchman stated this while speaking to Boyle Sport after Chelsea recently sacked Liam Rosenior as manager.

“For the long-term, Chelsea can bring in Cesc Fabregas because he is doing well with his club (Como) at the moment,” Gallas said.

“If you are thinking about the short-term, they need that experienced head to guide them like Diego Simone and with his personality, he can win things very soon with Chelsea.

“Maybe the Chelsea players need him too because we need to see more warriors and soldiers in the team after what they have shown us.”

EPL: He can win trophies – Gallas names coach Chelsea should appoint as permanent manager

Manchester City have held “positive talks” with former Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca, over replacing Pep Guardiola.

Guardiola’s future at the Etihad remains a subject of intense speculation.

The Spaniard is now into the final months of his current contract with City.

The club’s hierarchy are now drawing up a succession plan, that could see a familiar face return to the Etihad Stadium.

According to The Guardian, Maresca has emerged as a leading candidate to take the reins.

This comes amid rumours that Guardiola will walk away this summer.

City remain optimistic that Guardiola will see out his contract until 2027, but they are taking no chances.

EPL: Man City in talks with Maresca to replace Guardiola

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), have called for professionalism in judicial reporting, warning that responsible communication between the media and the courts is critical to sustaining democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Both officials were represented at the 2026 National Conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC) in Abuja on Thursday. The CJN was represented by Justice Babatunde Adejumo, Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), while the AGF was represented by Hussein Oloyede, his Special Assistant on Legislative Drafting. The conference had the theme: “The Role of the Judiciary in Deepening Democracy in Nigeria.”

Reading the CJN’s address, Justice Adejumo described the judiciary as the guardian of constitutional order, noting that judicial decisions only achieve full democratic value when properly understood by the public.

He acknowledged the pressures faced by journalists but warned that misrepresentation or sensational reporting could erode confidence in the justice system.

He also cautioned against what he described as journalists acting as “parallel courts” by reinterpreting judicial decisions, urging respect for formal legal processes and ethical boundaries in reporting.

Speaking from personal experience, Justice Adejumo recalled summoning newspaper editors to his court over a report he described as false, and warned that journalists who publish inaccurate stories about judicial proceedings risk contempt proceedings. “Before you publish any sensational news that may put you behind the bar for years, be careful,” he said. He added that lawyers who hold press conferences outside courthouses with journalists in tow would also face consequences.

On behalf of the AGF, Oloyede urged journalists not to give room to political actors trying to tear the fabric of the nation, warning that the media must not be used as a tool of division. “The media must remember that we need to have a country first before we can start talking about elections,” he said, adding that the government would not succumb to blackmail and that hate speech and incitement would not be tolerated in any form.

The CJN’s address further emphasized that electoral disputes would inevitably test democratic institutions, noting that accurate and balanced reporting would be essential in ensuring public trust in judicial outcomes.

The conference brought together judicial officers, legal practitioners, and journalists to examine the role of the judiciary and media in strengthening democratic governance.

We Need A Country First Before Elections — AGF is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) have advanced efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation on trade facilitation and border management, following high level engagements in Malaysia.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, paid an official visit to the RMCD headquarters on the sidelines of the Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference (DSA) 2026.

The visit reflects growing economic ties between both countries, with Nigeria’s imports from Malaysia rising significantly from N159.9bn in 2020 to N716bn in 2024, while total trade volume hit about N1.82tn over five years.

Adeniyi was received by the Director-General of RMCD, Dato’ Haji Amran bin Haji Ahmad.

They had discussions centred on customs modernisation, institutional collaboration, and improved border control systems aimed at enhancing efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Adeniyi stressed that the expanding trade relationship between Nigeria and Malaysia requires a more structured customs partnership.

He identified Malaysia as a key trading partner, noting that Nigeria imports products such as crude palm oil, refined palm olein, jet fuel, machinery, and other industrial goods from the Asian nation.

He also emphasized the role of customs agencies in balancing trade facilitation with national security and economic protection.

“Despite long-standing trade relations, both countries acknowledged the absence of a formal legal framework governing customs cooperation.”

He noted that to bridge this gap, the two sides need to initiate steps toward establishing a Mutual Recognition Agreement under the framework of the World Customs Organization.

The proposed agreement is expected to enhance trust, streamline procedures, and promote reciprocal trade facilitation.

The meeting also featured presentations on Malaysia’s evolving border management strategy, including the establishment of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS).

Adeniyi outlined the NCS’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme and other initiatives aimed at improving cargo clearance efficiency, reducing transaction costs, and boosting compliance.

Both parties emphasised the need for deeper collaboration in intelligence sharing, enforcement coordination, and the deployment of technology to tackle illicit trade and transnational crime.

The NCS reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening both bilateral and multilateral partnerships as part of its broader modernisation drive.

NCS noted that “outcomes from the engagement are expected to boost operational capacity, enhance trade facilitation, and reinforce border security in support of Nigeria’s economic growth.”

The Comptroller-General also met with officials at Nigeria’s diplomatic mission and defence office in Malaysia, commending their role in promoting national interests and supporting Nigerians abroad.

Nigeria, Malaysian Customs Synergise To Expand N1.8tn Trade is first published on The Whistler Newspaper