By Sabiu Abdullahi

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Bemgha Koughna, successfully foiled a deadly ambush by suspected Lakurawa Terrorist Group (LTG) near Mayama Hill in Kebbi State. The attack targeted the GOC’s convoy as it traveled to visit frontline troops deployed in the state.

This is contained in a press release signed by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army / Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, on 23 February 2026.

According to the press release, the convoy “came under sudden and heavy fire from armed terrorists” while moving through the forested terrain. Displaying “exceptional leadership and tactical prowess,” Major General Koughna and his troops responded with overwhelming firepower, killing five terrorists and repelling the ambush.

“This operation not only secured the convoy but also disrupted the terrorists’ plans, delivering a strong deterrent message to insurgent groups that have been terrorizing local communities in the general area,” the statement said.

After neutralizing the attackers, troops conducted a thorough sweep of the area and recovered a significant cache of weapons and intelligence materials. Items recovered include “one OJC Gun, one PKT Gun, two AK-47 Rifles and four AK-47 Magazines,” as well as “one Bandolier of PKT Ammunition, several rounds of 12.7mm Ammunition, a camel bag containing ₦840,000, two mobile phones and five motorcycles.”

Troops remain deployed in the area, maintaining vigilance to prevent further attacks. The operation highlights the Nigerian Army’s commitment to “protect civilians and eliminate terrorist threats in the North West region,” the statement added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Residents of Gwana District in Alkaleri Local Government Area, Bauchi State, have abandoned their homes and belongings as insecurity in the community intensifies.

Families are fleeing the area in large numbers, seeking safety in neighbouring states, leaving the settlement nearly deserted.

Pictures that have gone viral on social media show people hurriedly packing their belongings, loading household items onto vehicles and motorcycles, and preparing to leave the community amid palpable fear.

Witnesses state that repeated attacks and constant threats have made it impossible for residents to go about their daily activities. Some residents said the situation has become unbearable, with many unable to sleep peacefully at night.

“The absence of an adequate security presence has emboldened criminal elements, leaving villagers vulnerable to further attacks,” one local resident said.

The mass displacement has also disrupted farming and other economic activities. Many residents have left behind farmlands, livestock, and personal property, relocating to safer communities or seeking refuge with relatives in neighbouring states.

Authorities in Bauchi State had not issued any official statement on the situation in Alkaleri at the time this report was filed.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Seyi Law has argued that security in Nigeria has improved compared to a decade ago, stating that the current administration has performed better than previous governments.

The comedian-turned-politician made the remarks during a yet-to-be-aired episode of the Honest Bunch podcast. He was responding to a question on whether the country is safer today than it was 10 years ago.

He maintained that the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu has delivered stronger security outcomes than those of former presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari.

According to him, more bandits have been eliminated under the current government. He also pointed out that incidents such as bomb explosions have reduced in recent times. The 42-year-old further stated that the economy has improved since Tinubu assumed office.

“Nigeria is safer now than 10 years ago. This government has killed more bandits since Jonathan’s. When have you last heard of a bomb blast? It is not today that they have been kidnapping people in their houses,” he said.

“Nigeria’s economy is better than Tinubu met it.”

However, his comments were challenged during the discussion, as another guest disagreed with his position, insisting that “Nigeria is more unsafe than it has ever been”.

Nigeria continues to grapple with security threats in several regions. These include attacks by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, as well as criminal gangs commonly referred to as bandits, who engage in kidnappings and armed attacks.

Data from the National Human Rights Commission indicates that at least 2,266 people lost their lives to banditry and insurgency within the first half of 2025. The figure exceeds the total recorded for the whole of 2024.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has taken legal action against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), accusing the agency of illegally raiding his residence in Abuja.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/345/2026, was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja through his legal team led by Oluwole Iyamu. In the case, El-Rufai is asking the court to invalidate a search warrant issued by a magistrate court in the Federal Capital Territory on February 4. The warrant authorised security operatives to conduct a search and seize items from his home.

El-Rufai has remained in ICPC custody since Wednesday, February 18, over what officials described as “connection with investigations”. His media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, earlier alleged that operatives of the anti-graft agency carried out an “unlawful” search at the residence.

In the fundamental rights enforcement suit, the former governor listed the chief magistrate who approved the warrant, the inspector-general of police, and the attorney-general of the federation as respondents.

He is seeking a court declaration that the actions of the ICPC and the Nigeria Police Force violated his constitutional rights. These include the rights to dignity, personal liberty, fair hearing, and privacy as provided under sections 34, 35, 36, and 37 of the constitution.

El-Rufai also asked the court to rule that any material obtained during the search should not be admitted as evidence in any legal proceedings against him. He argued that such evidence was obtained in violation of constitutional provisions. He further requested an order preventing the respondents from using any items seized during the operation.

In addition, the former governor urged the court to compel the ICPC and the police to return all items taken from his residence, along with a detailed list of those items.

He is demanding N1 billion in damages over what he described as trespass, unlawful seizure, psychological distress, and reputational damage. The claim includes N300 million as compensation for emotional trauma, N400 million as exemplary damages to discourage misconduct by law enforcement agencies, and N300 million as aggravated damages for what he termed “malicious, high-handed and oppressive” conduct.

El-Rufai also requested N100 million to cover the cost of filing the suit and legal representation.

‘Warrant Riddled With Defects’

In his argument, Iyamu maintained that the search warrant was fundamentally flawed. He said it failed to clearly state the items to be seized, contained significant drafting errors, and gave overly broad powers to those executing it.

“The search warrant was null and void for lack of particularity, material drafting errors, ambiguity in execution parameters, over-breadth, and absence of probable cause, thereby constituting an unlawful and unreasonable search,” the lawyer said.

He cited sections 143 to 148 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, noting that applications for search warrants must be backed by sworn statements that show reasonable grounds for suspicion.

Iyamu further stated that the warrant “vaguely referred to ‘the thing aforesaid’ without any particular description”, adding that it did not follow the prescribed format and contained mistakes related to address, date, and district.

He also criticised the directive for being addressed broadly to “all officers”, which he described as excessive and lacking accountability.

An affidavit deposed to by Mohammed Shaba, identified as a principal secretary to El-Rufai, claimed that operatives of the ICPC and police arrived at the residence around 2 pm on February 19.

Shaba alleged that the warrant did not specify the items being sought and that officers did not allow themselves to be searched before the operation. He also stated that personal belongings, including documents and electronic devices, were taken.

According to him, none of the seized items has been returned, and the authorities “continue to rely on the unlawful evidence”.

He added that the suit was filed in good faith to protect El-Rufai’s constitutional rights.

In the ever-shifting landscape of Nigerian politics, few moves have sparked as much outrage and disillusionment as Abba’s recent defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This decision, announced amid fanfare at the Sani Abacha Stadium in February 2026, is not merely a political realignment but a stark revelation of ideological convergence—one centered on the plunder of public resources. Abba’s embrace of the APC, under the guise of seeking federal support for Kano’s development, mirrors the very looting ethos that defined Abdullahi Ganduje’s tenure as governor. It is no coincidence; the two share a disturbing similarity in their approach to corruption and the mismanagement of Kano’s treasury, turning the state’s wealth into personal fiefdoms while ordinary citizens suffer.

Ganduje’s legacy in Kano is synonymous with brazen corruption, epitomized by the infamous “Gandollar” scandal. In 2018, video footage surfaced showing Ganduje allegedly stuffing bundles of U.S. dollars—amounting to about $5 million—into his pockets, bribes extracted from contractors for state projects. This was no isolated incident; contractors revealed that Ganduje routinely demanded 15 to 25 percent kickbacks on every contract awarded during his administration from 2015 to 2023. The scandal led to investigations by the Kano Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), which uncovered evidence of theft, abuse of office, and familial involvement in graft. Yet, even as charges piled up, including a $413,000 bribery case, Ganduje evaded full accountability, with court rulings limiting state probes and documents mysteriously vanishing during protests in 2024.

More damning is Ganduje’s role in the multi-billion naira Dala Inland Dry Port scandal. As governor, he awarded a N4 billion infrastructure contract for the port, which was meant to include a 20 percent equity stake for Kano State. Instead, he secretly transferred this stake to private entities, making his own children co-owners and denying the state its rightful share. This act of self-enrichment not only siphoned public funds but also exemplified a pattern of mismanaging state assets for personal gain. A key witness in the case was arrested at the airport in a suspicious twist, further fueling suspicions of cover-ups. Ganduje’s administration left Kano’s treasury depleted, with allegations of embezzlement running into billions, all while infrastructure crumbled and public services faltered.

It was precisely this rampant corruption and mismanagement of the public treasury that led to the overthrow of Ganduje and his allies in the 2023 elections. The people of Kano, long burdened by empty promises and drained coffers, had awakened to the realities of governance. They followed every misstep— from the kickback schemes to the vanishing funds—and channeled their frustration into the ballot boxes. The Kwankwasiya movement, with its red cap revolution, swept in on a wave of accountability, electing leaders who pledged to restore integrity. This seismic shift proved that when citizens are vigilant, no looting ideology can withstand the power of an informed electorate.

Now, turn to Abba, whose defection to the APC in January 2026—alongside 22 state assembly members and nine federal lawmakers—has exposed a parallel track record of corruption. Despite campaigning on a platform of zero tolerance for graft, Abba’s administration has been mired in scandals that echo Ganduje’s playbook. In August 2025, a N6.5 billion fraud scheme came to light, involving Abba’s Director-General of Protocol, Abdullahi Rogo, who allegedly diverted state funds through front companies, bureau de change operators, and personal accounts. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) launched probes, revealing how these funds were siphoned from the treasury under the noses of top officials.

The scandal widened when Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, then Accountant General and now Commissioner for Community and Rural Development, admitted to authorizing a N1.17 billion payment that formed the basis of the larger fraud. Investigators described it as a sophisticated money laundering operation, diverting resources meant for Kano’s development into private pockets. Civil society organizations, numbering about 20, demanded accountability, accusing Abba’s government of hypocrisy after it had vowed to prosecute Ganduje-era crimes. Even former Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, lambasted the administration for corruption “tenfold” that of Ganduje’s, citing evidence of mismanagement that could collapse the government before 2027.

These parallels are undeniable: Both leaders have been accused of using state contracts and equity deals to enrich allies and family, with billions vanishing through opaque channels. Ganduje’s dollar-stuffed pockets find a modern echo in Abba’s alleged BDC diversions, both representing a looting ideology that prioritizes personal gain over public welfare. Abba’s defection, justified as a bid for “federal backing and development,” is nothing more than a safe harbor in a party that has shielded Ganduje from full prosecution. It’s a union that undermines the anti-corruption promises Abba once made, aligning him with the very forces that bled Kano dry.

But history teaches us that the people of Kano will not stand idle. Just as they rose in 2023 to dismantle Ganduje’s corrupt empire, they are even more awakened today. Citizens are closely monitoring every government action, from budget allocations to contract awards, and they will not hesitate to enforce change through the ballot boxes come 2027. This defection is a desperate grasp at power, but it will only fuel the resolve of those who demand transparency.

Kano deserves better than this cycle of betrayal. The Kwankwasiya movement, with its unwavering commitment to transparency, education, and equitable development, stands as the true alternative. Founded on principles of integrity under Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, it has consistently exposed and fought such graft, from Ganduje’s era to now. As Abba cozies up to the APC, let this be a wake-up call for Kano’s people to rally behind a movement that puts the treasury in service of the masses, not the elite. The fight against looting ideologies must continue—stronger, unyielding, and rooted in the red cap revolution that truly represents hope for our state.

Dr Umar Musa Kallah is a writer and community advocate and can be reached via kallahsrm@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI under the Joint Task Force (North East) have foiled coordinated attacks by terrorists in parts of Borno State, recording significant gains against insurgents across several locations.

The military said the attacks, which occurred on the night of February 20, 2026, targeted Limankara and Kukawa. According to the statement, the failed operations by the terrorists show the increasing pressure on their camps, supply routes, and leadership structure. Troops maintained sustained offensives, which forced the attackers to retreat with heavy losses.

In a separate operation, troops of Sector 2 under Operation DESERT SANITY V carried out a targeted mission around Lamusheri Village in Gujba Local Government Area in the early hours of February 22. The area was identified as a key base for launching attacks and storing logistics.

The troops, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, engaged the terrorists despite coming under fire. They outmanoeuvred the insurgents and blocked their escape routes. During the operation, 15 terrorists were killed, while several others fled with gunshot wounds. Soldiers destroyed key structures used by the group and set ablaze five tricycles and two vehicles used for operations. They also recovered arms, ammunition, bandoliers, and other items.

On the same night, terrorists attempted to infiltrate the Forward Operating Base in Limankara. Troops responded swiftly and engaged them in a fierce exchange. Reinforcements and air support helped repel the attackers, who fled through the burial ground axis. No casualties or equipment losses were recorded on the side of the troops, while intelligence reports indicated losses among the terrorists.

Also, in Kukawa, terrorists launched a coordinated attack using gun trucks, motorcycles, and fighters on foot from the Alagarno and Jemmu directions. Troops mounted strong resistance and engaged them in a prolonged battle that lasted into the early hours of February 21.

The attackers were eventually forced to withdraw after facing superior firepower and coordinated ground and air operations. Air strikes destroyed one gun truck, killing four fighters. Surveillance later tracked fleeing terrorists on motorcycles, leading to another strike that destroyed five motorcycles and killed 10 more fighters.

After the operation, troops recovered 13 AK-47 rifles, 16 loaded magazines, and three handheld radios used by the insurgents. They also found stretchers, shallow graves, and blood trails left behind.

However, the military confirmed that one soldier lost his life during the encounter, while some equipment was damaged by rocket fire. Injured personnel were evacuated by Nigerian Army helicopters and are reported to be in stable condition.

The military authorities stated that the coordinated operations have further weakened the terrorists and strengthened operational control in the region. The High Command commended the troops for their performance and urged them to maintain the momentum.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano State has criticised the arrest of one of its members, Aiha K. Nass, by security operatives in the state.

The party made its position known through its State Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Karaye, who spoke at the party’s headquarters. He described the arrest as unacceptable and warned against actions that could undermine democratic principles.

In a statement, the party urged security agencies to remain neutral and avoid actions that may suggest bias in a democratic system.

Karaye called for the immediate release of the detained member. He stressed that every citizen is entitled to freedom of speech and association under the law.

He also appealed to the Kano State Government to uphold democratic values. According to him, democracy forms the basis of the government’s legitimacy.

The party further advised its supporters to remain peaceful as efforts continue to address the issue.

“Finally, the party calls on all to remain calm, law-abiding, and adhere to the rules of the game,” the statement added.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Kano State Police Command has successfully dismantled a notorious six-member car theft syndicate, recovering three stolen vehicles in a targeted operation led by the Special Intervention Squad (SIS).

The crackdown followed a directive from the Inspector-General of Police to intensify efforts against organized crime. According to a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna, the breakthrough began on February 13, 2026, with the arrest of the primary suspect, 35-year-old Aliyu Mamman.

Mamman, a resident of Gusau, Zamfara State, was apprehended at Hotoro Ring Road in Kano. During interrogation, he confessed to stealing several vehicles across Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina States. His testimony led detectives to five accomplices: Abdulhamid Usman, Saliha Abdulhamid, Auwal Shuaibu, Sani Bala, and Ahmad Mannir.

The recovered vehicles include a Golf Wagon, a Golf Opel, and a Hijet (commonly referred to as “Kurkura”).

The Kano State Police Command attributed the success to its transition toward intelligence-led and technology-driven operations. Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori has ordered a full investigation to identify other members of the network and urged the public to stay vigilant.

The suspects are expected to be charged in court following the conclusion of the investigation.

Mexican authorities have killed Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), sparking widespread violence across several states, including Jalisco, Colima, Michoacan, Nayarit, Guanajuato, and Tamaulipas.

The Mexican Secretariat of National Defence said Oseguera was wounded during a clash with soldiers in Tapalpa, Jalisco, on Sunday and later died while being flown to Mexico City. He had a $15 million bounty on his head from the United States.

The operation triggered a wave of unrest, with gunmen torching vehicles and blocking highways. Jalisco’s capital, Guadalajara, which will host matches in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, was largely deserted as civilians stayed indoors. Videos circulating online showed people fleeing through the Guadalajara airport and smoke rising over Puerto Vallarta.

Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus instructed residents to remain at home and suspended public transport. Schools were closed in several affected states.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the security forces and urged calm, writing on X: “There is absolute coordination with the governments of all states. In the vast majority of the national territory, activities are proceeding with complete normality.”

Oseguera, 59, is one of the highest-profile Mexican drug lords taken down since the capture of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman and Ismael Zambada of the Sinaloa cartel. The Defence Secretariat reported that four CJNG members were killed during the raid and two others died en route to Mexico City. Two more suspects were arrested, and weapons, armored vehicles, and rocket launchers were seized. Three military personnel were wounded and are receiving treatment.

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau called the operation a “great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world” and described Oseguera as “one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins.”

Security warnings were issued by the US and Canada. The US advised Americans in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero, and Nuevo Leon to remain in safe locations, while Canada warned travelers in Jalisco, Guerrero, and Michoacan to take precautions. Airlines, including Air Canada, United, and American Airlines, suspended flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.

Oseguera, a former police officer and avocado farmer, co-founded the CJNG around 2007. The FBI considers CJNG Mexico’s most powerful drug trafficking organisation, responsible for most cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl entering the US.

Al Jazeera correspondent John Hollman described Oseguera as “the undisputed head” of CJNG and “the most powerful Mexican drug trafficking figure that was free in the country,” but warned that his death could spark a violent power struggle among regional cartel bosses.

Analysts emphasized that removing Oseguera alone would not end cartel operations. Mike Vigil, former chief of international operations at the US Drug Enforcement Administration, stated, “Killing or capturing the head of the cartel is not really going to have a major impact. They have to go after the infrastructure, their logistics, the money laundering, their armed wings… They have to do it quick and efficiently, or there is going to be hell to pay in terms of violence.”

The raid followed pressure from the US administration under Donald Trump to intensify Mexico’s anti-drug trafficking efforts, including threats of direct intervention.

Oseguera’s low public profile had made him elusive for years, with all known photographs of him decades old, further contributing to the shock and disruption following his death.

Arsenal FC strengthened their position at the top of the Premier League table after defeating Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 in the North London derby.

Mikel Arteta’s side secured the victory with two goals each from Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres, who both delivered outstanding performances.

Tottenham managed to score once through Randal Kolo Muani, but it was not enough to stop Arsenal’s dominance throughout the match.

The result sees Arsenal move five points clear at the top of the table, after Manchester City had earlier reduced the gap to two points following their own win.

Meanwhile, Tottenham remain in danger of slipping into a relegation battle, sitting just four points above the drop zone.

It was an intense encounter, with Arsenal winning both North London derby matches this season by the same 4-1 scoreline.