A map showing Kaduna, a state in Nigeria’s north-west region.
Troops of the Nigerian Army have foiled an attack by some bandits on Sabon Birni community in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State
This is according to the State Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan who said the foiled attack was based on information obtained from the military.
Speaking when he led heads of security agencies to Sabon Birni on a confidence-building meeting with the locals on Sunday, Aruwan commended the troops for successfully foiling the coordinated attacks by bandits on Saturday night.
Last week, no fewer than 11 people were killed in the Sabon Birnin community of Igabi local government area of Kaduna state.
Having had a field day in the first attack, the bandits staged a comeback on Saturday night, but this time, they were repelled by troops of the Nigerian Army, some of them escaping with bullet wounds from the troops’ superior firepower.
However, despite the foiled attack by soldiers, residents of the area are yet to overcome the shock and are therefore demanding more security personnel to the community.
During the meeting with the community leaders drawn from the Sabon Birnin general area, the commissioner solicited their support and cooperation for troops and all the personnel working in the fight against banditry and kidnapping, noting that it is only through such collaboration with security agencies that the war will be won.
The nine students of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria in Kaduna State who were kidnapped last week Sunday by gunmen have been released from captivity.
This was confirmed to Channels Television by the Director of Public Affairs of Ahmadu Bello University, Auwalu Umar on Sunday.
The students were abducted at the Akilubu-Gidan Busa axis of the Abuja-Kaduna highway when the bandits suspected to be kidnappers blocked the two lanes of the road and opened fire on their vehicle.
The students from the Department of French were travelling to Lagos for a programme at the Nigerian French Language Village in Badagry when they were kidnapped along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway.
They were however released on Saturday night by their abductors.
Director of Public Affairs of ABU, Umar told Channels Television that the students have been reunited with their families after their release.
He, however, did not say if any ransom was paid either by the school or the parents of the students before they were released.
A map showing Kaduna, a state in Nigeria’s north-west region.
Three members of the Kaduna State Vigilante Service have been killed by bandits in the Chikun Local Government Area of the state.
The vigilantes, according to the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan were ambushed by bandits on Tuesday night at Dande village while they were on their way from Damba-Kasaya in the Buruku general area.
He gave the identities of the deceased as Alison Musa, Dauda Audu and Ishaya Sarki, while those injured are Ayuba Tanko and Doza Adamu
Meanwhile, Governor Nasir El-Rufai has condoled with the families of the victims, praying for the repose of their souls.
While wishing those that sustained injuries speedy recovery, El-Rufai commended the troops of Operation Thunder Strike for a successful operation around the Kuku area, at the Kagarko Local Government axis of Kaduna-Abuja Road, where they killed some bandits and destroyed their camps.
“I received with gratitude, information that the first airstrikes hit some of the target structures and neutralized some of the bandits, while the second wave of attacks was executed by Nigerian Air Force helicopter gunships which provided close air support to the troops on the ground as they advanced from Kagarko via Kuku into the bandits’ enclave,” he said.
“Similarly, armed bandits on Tuesday opened fire on motorists close to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) access road, in Igabi local government area. Troops responded and repelled the bandits.”
The Senator representing Kaduna Central in the National Assembly, Uba Sani has condemned the renewed attacks on communities in Igabi and Kajuru Local Governments, as well as the Kaduna – Abuja Road by bandits.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, he lamented that non-state actors, with access to instruments of violence, have been operating with ease, adding that the situation and therefore must be a cause for concern to anybody interested in the security and welfare of the people.
According to the lawmaker, the continued siege on the Abuja – Kaduna Road by bandits is a direct affront on the Federal Government and in particular the security agencies.
While noting that criminal elements cannot “annex” a strategic gateway in the country without adequate measures to tackle the security challenges, Sani said “this is the time to take the fight to the bandits and kidnappers and reassert the Federal Government’s monopoly of the coercive instruments of state. Enough is indeed Enough.”
He also asked the Federal Government to work with the Kaduna State Government to uproot the bandits from Igabi and Kajuru Local Governments.
The lawmaker wants the “Federal Government to carry out a one-month intensive operation on Kaduna – Abuja Road to degrade the bandits and kidnappers,” adding that “anybody, no matter how highly placed, that is found to be aiding and abetting criminality along the Road should be brought to book.”
A map showing Kaduna, a state in Nigeria’s north-west region.
The district head of Gidan Zaki village in Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Haruna Kuye and his son have been killed by gunmen suspected to be bandits.
According to a statement issued on Monday, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, that the deceased was murdered at their residence in the early hours of today.
The District Head’s wife, Aruwan stated, sustained machete wounds on her hand while his daughter had a gunshot wound on her finger.
He also disclosed that the security report further stated that the act was carried out by about five men wielding AK-47 rifles and machetes, who also tried to burn the house and a vehicle.
The commissioner added that three shell casing and a live round of 7.62mm special ammunition were recovered at the scene of the incident, while soldiers in collaboration with other security agencies are carrying out investigations and trailing the assailants.
In the same vein, security agencies have also reported attacks at Fatika, Kaya and Yakawada villages in Giwa Local Government Area where two persons were killed and some kidnapped by bandits.
Meanwhile, Governor Nasir El-Rufai has directed security agencies to unravel the killers of the victims.
El-Rufai who condemned the killings as evil and violation of the sanctity of human lives by enemies of peace vowed that they must be fished out and made to face the wrath of the law.
He also condoled the Kuye family and the Atyap Traditional Council, prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims, while directing the Commissioner of Police and Director of the Department of State Services to team up with the military forces on the ground to ensure diligent investigations.
A map showing Kaduna, a state in Nigeria’s north-west region.
At least two people have been killed including a driver and passenger by bandits suspected to be kidnappers along the Kaduna -Abuja Highway during an operation on Sunday.
This was disclosed in a statement by the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan.
Aruwan said troops of Operation Thunder Strike carrying out internal security operations rescued nine persons kidnapped by the bandits along the highway.
According to Aruwan, the troops who were on a routine patrol along Akilubu-Gidan Busa axis on the Kaduna-Abuja road, received a distress call at around 4 pm, that bandits blocked the main highway and opened fire on a bus, which forced the driver to stop.
The commissioner explained that on getting to the location, the armed bandits had already kidnapped the victims from an 18-seater bus with registration No. Kaduna: MKA-151.
Channels Television learned that the troops mobilized and engaged the bandits in a firefight and in the process rescued nine persons kidnapped who later re-joined their colleagues after their rescue and a headcount.
The commissioner regrettable noted that the driver and a passenger seated close to him lost their lives.
While condoling with the families of the deceased persons, the Kaduna State Government assured citizens that it will continue to work hard, in collaboration with the Federal Government to improve the security of the highway, adding that It is also working with the Governments of Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau, Sokoto and Kano States, as well as the Military, Police, DSS and relevant stakeholders on enhancing the security situation in the north-west region.
Two workers of Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic Zaria in Kaduna State have been abducted by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers.
The victims, a lecturer, and a non-academic staff were kidnapped on Saturday from their staff quarters located inside the institution along the Kaduna-Zaria expressway.
Confirming the incident to Channels Television, the spokesman of the Kaduna State Police Command, Mohammed Jalige, said the gunmen in their large numbers invaded the staff quarters of Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic around 10:00 p.m. on Saturday.
He said two workers were taken away by the gunmen to an unknown destination.
Two other people were injured by the gunmen and have been rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Jalige said that security operatives have launched a manhunt of the kidnappers with a view to rescuing the victims and arresting the criminals.
Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic is an institution with its main campus is located along Kaduna-Zaria road with additional campuses at Tudun wada Gaskiya, and Samaru Kataf, in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
A photo collage of ex-Kaduna State Governor, Balarabe Musa and President Muhammadu Buhari.
President Muhammadu Buhari has mourned former Governor of Kaduna State, Balarabe Musa, who died on Wednesday at the age of 85 years.
In a statement issued by the presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, President Buhari described the ex-governor as the voice for the voiceless.
“President Muhammadu Buhari joins government and people of Kaduna State in mourning a former civilian governor of the state, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, whose passing will be sorely missed by all Nigerians, who have diligently followed his antecedents as a voice for the voiceless,” the statement partly read.
“President Buhari believes Alhaji Musa reflected the passion and vigour that heralded Nigeria’s independence, which steadily translated into activism for return to democracy at the height of military interregnum and has remained steadfast in the call for good and inclusive governance.
“As the former governor goes home, the President affirms that he left a bold footprint on Nigeria’s democracy, and his role in promoting good governance and development will always be remembered and appreciated by posterity.
“President Buhari prays that the almighty God will grant his soul eternal rest, and comfort his family, friends, and associates.”
Governor El-Rufai believes the traditional institution will be a driver of growth in the State. Photo: [email protected]
The Kaduna State Government on Monday installed the new Emir of Zazzau, Ahmad Bamalli.
During the occasion attended by the Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and a host of other dignitaries, the new Emir had also taken his oath of office.
Governor El-Rufai equally presented a staff of office to the 19th Emir of Zazzau, describing the event as historic.
El-Rufai said the installation of the traditional ruler comes at a much-changed era with a different challenge.
“Your Highness ascends the throne in a much-changed era to that of your illustrious predecessors,” the governor said during the event.
“These are more modern times, with fresh opportunities and many old and new challenges. Ours is an incredibly young state, with 89% of residents being younger than 35 years.”
“We are grappling with expanding the opportunities for jobs, sound education and decent healthcare that can help channel this youthfulness as a positive resource. Some of our communities are menaced by security challenges”
While harping on the need for better data gathering, El-Rufai said the traditional institutions will be a vital partner in addressing the challenges in the state.
The former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) also explained that the Kaduna State Government will be putting together a new law to strengthen the traditional structure.
“The new law will also legislate clear dynastic succession order in all emirates and chiefdoms with more than one ruling house,” he explained, urging those who contested the Emirship to accept the will of Allah who gives power.
“I also appeal to the title holders, district heads, members of the Emirate Council, the good people of Zazzau Emirate, and indeed all the citizens of Kaduna State to rally around our new Emir by extending to him their full support and cooperation,” he added.
A file photo of Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna state has lamented that Nigeria is not collecting as much public revenue as it can. He says that there is still much potential for growing Value Added Tax (VAT) and independent revenues of the Federal Government than what is being collected presently.
El-Rufai made this assertion in a keynote address he delivered at the 22nd Annual Tax Conference of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), held in Lagos on Thursday, with the theme: ” Taxation and Economic Competitiveness: Imperatives for National Development – a Nigerian Subnational Perspective”.
The governor who noted that there is considerable resistance to the hike in VAT from 5 percent to 7.5 percent, says Nigeria’s rates are still much lower than other neighboring countries.
This low rate of internal revenue collection according to him, depresses public finances, hampers the ability to deliver social goods, services and physical infrastructure. In addition, he opines that the low IGR in turn limits competitiveness, shrinking the ability to promote the sort of enabling environment and economic dynamism that can create jobs, expand public revenues and improve public welfare.
He also said that leakages in the tax system constitute a significant drain on government collection and utilization of revenue, adding that leakages may occur at the stage of revenue generation at the stage of assessment, where taxpayers are either not assessed at all or where the assessment is incorrectly done; at the stage of collection, where government revenue is not fully collected or where collection is not fully accounted for. or at the stage of utilization, where revenue collected is not accounted for adequately, or where allocated and disbursed, it is not prudently spent.
“With national tax revenues (oil and non-oil) still less than 7 percent of GDP, Nigeria is way behind the average of comparator nations of about 20% of GDP. As the world goes green, and crude oil loses its primacy as a leading source of energy, Nigeria must look inwards and compel every adult to pay tax as part of our citizenship obligation.
“In light of the situation that we are, we have very few options other than develop our capacity to collect to broaden the tax net, assess and collect taxes from individuals and companies to levels of our comparator nations – at least 20% of GDP within the shortest possible timeframe. As political leaders and tax professionals, we must put our collective heads together to ensure this national objective is achieved as soon as possible”.
The Kaduna state Governor also said that only a minority of Nigerians pay income tax, especially those whose taxes are deducted at source – including the formal sector employees, public servants and the like, lamenting that Voluntary compliance with the obligation to pay income tax remains a major challenge in the country.
He listed Lagos and Edo as having done relatively well in terms of tax revenue mobilization at the subnational level, stating that the overall picture is even less encouraging than at the national level.
“The total internally generated revenues by states are currently less than one percent of GDP, despite the fact that Nigeria’s current fiscal federalism framework allows states (and local governments) to collect many taxes, levies and fees as in the Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Act, LFN CAP T02.
“We were determined from 2015 to assess and collect enough tax revenues to cover at least our personnel costs, and in the medium term, our entire recurrent budget such that we don’t need to wait for the monthly FAAC ‘handouts’ to keep our governmental operations running.
“To underscore our commitment to this, the then Deputy Governor and I resolved to donate 50 percent of our salaries and allowances to the state treasury until we are able to achieve the first benchmark.We did so in 2019!”
El-Rufai, however, stressed the need for tax design in a developing country such as Nigeria to consider supportive strong institutions, particularly by government building fiscal capacity across its economic and political institutions. .
“The positive effects of tax revenue depend on prudence. For instance, efficient infrastructure enable firms to be competitive, and inefficient infrastructure harms competitiveness. Excessive taxation can be an added business burden that also adversely affects competitiveness. For example, multiple and high levels of taxation affect supply and output prices, firm revenues, and profits.
“The pace of national development, especially in developing and emerging economies such as Africa critically depends on the role government plays in providing both the traditional services that are her exclusive reserve such as law and order, defense, etc. and non-traditional services such as justifiable economic and social interventions in infrastructure, education and basic healthcare. Recent literature and country experiences suggest that ‘developmental states’ – that often intervene significantly in social and economic sectors – are better able to achieve faster economic growth and diversification than the regulatory states promoted by the now-discredited Washington Consensus which pushed for lesser government involvement in the economic arena.
“From the foregoing, it is clear that four key points have emerged as the guiding principles for achieving development with taxation:
“Forming and running efficient and effective governments with strong policies, institutions and executive capacity;
“Performance-based budgeting to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the utilization of government revenues;
“Prioritizing expenditure to intervene in sectors that accelerate national economic growth and performance;
“Building autonomous institutions that reduce uncertainties and transaction costs, influence socially responsible choices, and compel rational actions.
“Taxation, Development and Competitiveness:
“Competitiveness is determined by an environment that promotes investment and innovation by businesses, which enables them to compete globally and in return attract investment from international companies.
“It is therefore obvious that many factors besides tax policy determine where a company locates its investment.
“These factors include availability of strong institutions, product/service markets, good infrastructure, educated and skilled labor and a robust financial system, amongst many others.
“Organizations appear to be more competitive when the tax burden on them is reduced. The reduction of the corporate tax rate from 30% to 20% and 0% for companies with turnover of N100M and N25m, respectively, was expected to boost the competitiveness of Nigeria’s economy.
This incentive is expected to encourage businesses to innovate, expand their productive base, increase employment of skilled and unskilled labour, improve supply chain efficiencies, and attract foreign direct investment.
“Tax policy is one of the veritable tools available to countries to improve and promote national competitiveness. No wonder in recent times, many countries have focused on reducing their corporate income taxes in order to attract investment and businesses, and create jobs and wider tax net.
“In Europe, for instance, Belgium considered reducing its corporate tax rate from 33.99% to 25%, Luxembourg cut its corporate income tax rate from 26% to 20%, while the overall EU tax rate fell from 45% to 24%. The US also considered reducing corporate taxes from 35% to 21% to enhance its competitiveness globally.
“What We are Doing about Tax in Kaduna State:
“There has been steady rise in revenue collection in Kaduna State within the last four years. We have increased our revenues from N23bn in 2016 to N44.9b in 2019, an increase of N21.9bn.
“To appreciate this journey, it is important to recall that revenue collection in 2015 was N13.55bn. Our government had nearly doubled this by 2017, prior to the great leap forward in 2019, all this without hiking tax rates.
“This achievement was made possible through the deliberate implementation of a carefully designed plan. The main focus has been on critical reforms, broadening the tax net and automation of processes to support our ease of doing business charter.
“One of such reforms was the enactment of the Kaduna State Tax (Codification and Consolidation) Law in 2016.
“The law established the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), in place of the defunct Kaduna State Board of Internal Revenue (KDBIR), in order to holistically turn around the institution into a more efficient, service delivery agency, with a private sector, business-like orientation.
“The main thrust of the law is to eliminate multiple taxation, provide a clearer understanding of taxes and reduce the cost of compliance.
“Other important features of the Tax Code include the following:
“Empowering KADIRS as the sole revenue collection agency in the State Prohibiting cash collection which helped to block revenue leakages.
“Providing multiple payment channels to ease compliance encumbrances. Reducing the number of levies, fees and other charges, especially at the local government level.
“Established a tax information and complaint office in all MDAs Simplifying tax assessment for the informal sector
“To implement the provisions of the law effectively, the organisation had to be restructured. KADIRS has a flat structure, with functions-based departments, for easier co-ordination and synergy. We have prioritised the expansion of the tax net to increase the number of taxpayers and potential taxpayers, and we are scaling up advocacy and public private dialogue”.
“From 2015, we reformed or created new institutions to anchor the execution of our governance agenda. Amongst other measures, we enacted legislation to establish a new revenue agency, and a new body to digitize the land registry and to manage land administration in the state.
“We created a one-stop shop for investors and passed laws to reform the management of public finances, including a Fiscal Responsibility Commission. We enacted a Contributory Pension Law and made the scheme effective from 1st January 2017. This mix of legislation and new agencies provide the platform for a coherent approach to supporting private investment and business growth.
“Within the limited scope of the taxing powers available to a sub-national government, the Kaduna State Government supports new business start-ups and investors with tax holidays to help them set up and stabilize. We waive some of the taxes, levies and fees payable to the state government to make our state more attractive to investors”.
A map showing Kaduna, a state in Nigeria’s north-west region.
A middle-aged pregnant woman has been killed by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers in Rigachikun community in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Although police authorities in the state have yet to confirm the incident, a security source made the disclosure to Channels Television on Thursday.
He disclosed that the victim who was due for delivery was kidnapped from her residence on Tuesday night by the gunmen.
She was later shot dead by the armed them when a team of soldiers engaged them in a gun battle, in an attempt to rescue her from her abductors.
The gunmen were said to have dumped the woman’s body and ran away.
Another source confirmed to Channels Television that the victim has been buried in accordance with Islamic rites.
Governors of the 19 Northern states on Monday held a meeting with key traditional rulers; the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu; and Ibrahim Gambari, the Chief of Staff President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed and Senate President, Ahmed Lawan and other political leaders were at the meeting which was held in Kaduna State.
The meeting was held behind closed doors at the executive council chamber of Kaduna State Government House.
The leader at the meeting are expected to deliberate on various issues especially as it affects peace, security and other developmental matters in the northern region.
State Governors at the meeting include that is Nasarawa, Zamfara, Kwara, Sokoto, Gombe, Kebbi, Kaduna while Deputy Governors of Kogi, Niger, Kano, and the Katsina States were present.
Key traditional rulers at the meeting include the Sultan of Sokoto, Emir of Zazzau, Emir of Kano, Emir of Lafia, Etsu Nupe among others.
