Katsina State has been plunged into mourning following a series of brutal attacks by bandits that left at least 19 people dead, numerous others injured, and several residents abducted.

These tragic incidents, which have shaken multiple communities, began on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, and have continued to escalate, sparking fear and uncertainty across the region.

In the early hours of that Wednesday, bandits launched a deadly raid on Ammarawa village, killing four people and injuring one resident.

Around the same time, another group attacked Dan Gani village, claiming one life and abducting seven others. Later that morning, around 9 a.m., a woman named Saude was kidnapped in a separate assault on Tudu village.

These attacks came just days after an earlier tragedy in Kukasheka village, located in Kankara Local Government Area, where bandits killed four people and left several others injured on Monday.

The relentless violence has left residents struggling to maintain normalcy, with many unable to harvest crops due to the threat of attack.

One local farmer shared the heartbreaking story of his personal loss. His father was attacked on their farm just two days after his brother had been killed by the same bandits.

Despite being rushed to the hospital with severe head injuries, his father tragically passed away nine days later.

In another attack on Unguwar Dan Marka in Bakori Local Government Area, sporadic gunfire claimed the lives of eight people, including a local named Usman Unguwa, while three others were seriously wounded.

These relentless assaults have left entire communities devastated and pleading for stronger security measures. Many residents are calling on the government and authorities to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable areas and restore peace to Katsina State.

As the wave of violence continues, the cry for safety grows louder, and the need for swift, decisive action is more urgent than ever.

In a landmark decision, President Bola Tinubu has appointed Alfred Abah as the Senior Special Assistant on Civil Service Matters, marking the creation of a brand-new role within Nigeria’s Civil Service.

Abah, a retired director from the Federal Civil Service, is tasked with improving the administration and operational efficiency of the civil service.

The appointment was officially announced by Eno Olotu, Director of Press at the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, on Wednesday.

This new role is seen as a critical step in modernizing and enhancing the performance of Nigeria’s civil service system.

Didi Walson-Jack, the Head of Civil Service, expressed her gratitude to President Tinubu for establishing this unprecedented position, emphasizing that Abah’s leadership will play a key role in transforming the effectiveness of the civil service.

The statement read, “She emphasized that this strategic decision reflects the administration’s commitment to advancing ongoing reform efforts aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Civil Service.

“Mr. Alfred Abah, an accomplished administrator and a retired Director of the Federal Civil Service, brings with him a wealth of experience, deep expertise, and a solid reputation for integrity and professionalism. With over three decades of dedicated service in various key roles across the public sector, his track record speaks to his capability in driving reforms and fostering organisational excellence.

“The HCSF noted that, under the leadership of President Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda, the Nigerian Civil Service has witnessed transformative progress. These reforms have boosted the confidence of the Nigerian people in the government’s dedication to good governance and public service excellence.”

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has officially announced the commencement of recruitment for its Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC33/2024), inviting qualified graduates and post-graduates to apply for officer training in various professional fields.

In a statement issued by Air Vice Marshal A.H. Bakari on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff, the NAF encouraged interested applicants to register online at no cost through the official recruitment portal: [www.nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng](http://www.nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng).

The online registration process will begin on October 14, 2024, and will remain open until November 26, 2024.

This presents a valuable opportunity for prospective candidates to join the Nigerian Air Force and contribute to the nation’s defense and security efforts.

Applicants are advised to thoroughly review the required disciplines before submitting their applications, as the NAF has emphasized that multiple submissions or errors will lead to automatic disqualification.

“Only one application can be made, as once submitted, it cannot be corrected. Multiple applications will result in disqualification,” the NAF warned.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for the Direct Short Service Commission, applicants must:

• Be Nigerian by birth.
• Meet the height requirements of 1.66 meters for males and 1.63 meters for females.
• Be medically, physically, and psychologically fit.
• Have no criminal convictions.
• Be aged between 20 and 30 years.
• However, Medical Consultants are eligible between the ages of 25 and 40 years.

The NAF emphasized the importance of applicants meeting these criteria, noting that failure to meet any of the conditions will lead to disqualification.

Qualification requirements

Applicants must possess at least a Second Class Upper Division for degree holders or an Upper Credit for HND holders.

Additionally, candidates must have credits in English, Mathematics, and three other subjects relevant to their course of study. Computer literacy is considered an added advantage.

The NAF also requires applicants to have completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and present either a Discharge Certificate or a Letter of Exemption at the time of application.

Registration with relevant professional bodies in Nigeria is required where applicable.

Aptitude tests will be scheduled, and candidates are expected to monitor the NAF recruitment portal for updates on the dates and locations of the tests.

Any false declarations or multiple submissions will lead to disqualification.

All application submissions must be completed within the given timeframe, and applicants are required to print and sign all relevant documents upon successful application.

Required documents

Upon completing the application process, candidates whose submissions meet the stipulated requirements will be required to print the following documents:

Local Government Area Attestation Form, signed by a Military/Police Officer of appropriate rank, or other approved authorities.

Parent/Guardian Consent Form.
Attestation of Good Character Form.
Acknowledgment Form.

These documents are necessary to complete the application process, and invalid applications will not generate these slips.

Further details are available on the Nigerian Air Force website, applicants may also contact NAF support lines at 07052683575 and 07030562381 or via email at careers@airforce.mil.ng for inquiries.