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Ukrainian authorities have announced the recovery of the bodies of two Nigerian nationals in the Luhansk region, alleging that they were fighting on the side of Russia in the ongoing war between both countries.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence identified the deceased as Hamzat Kazeen Kolawole, 42, and Mbah Stephen Udoka, 38.

According to the agency, the two men were enlisted in the 423rd Guards Motor Rifle Regiment, military unit 91701, under the 4th Guards Kantemirovskaya Tank Division of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

“Both served in the 423rd Guards Motor Rifle Regiment of the 4th Guards Kantemirovskaya Tank Division of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation,” the statement said.

The report stated that the Nigerians signed contracts with the Russian Army in the second half of 2025. Kolawole reportedly enlisted on August 29, while Udoka signed on September 28.

Ukrainian intelligence disclosed that Udoka was deployed on October 3, five days after signing his contract, despite lacking prior military experience.

“Udoka had no documented military training before his deployment,” the statement noted, adding that no training records were found for Kolawole, which suggested he may also have been sent to the battlefield without proper preparation. It added that Kolawole left behind a wife and three children in Nigeria.

The agency said the two Nigerians died in late November during a drone strike. The incident occurred while they were allegedly attempting to launch an attack on Ukrainian positions in the Luhansk area.

“Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence warns foreign citizens against travelling to the Russian Federation or accepting any form of employment on the territory of the aggressor state,” the statement cautioned.

It further warned that such travel carries a “real risk of being forced into so-called ‘suicide’ assault units and ultimately dying on Ukrainian soil.”

The development followed a recent report by CNN which alleged that several Africans, including citizens of Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Uganda, were recruited to Russia under the guise of civilian employment such as drivers and security guards. The report claimed that many were later compelled into military service and deployed to combat zones with little training.

However, the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podyelyshev, dismissed the allegations. He denied claims that Russia engaged in deceptive recruitment or forced enlistment of foreign nationals.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has informed the National Assembly that it will require N873.78bn to conduct the 2027 general elections.

The commission also proposed N171bn as its budget for operations in the 2026 fiscal year.

INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, disclosed this during the presentation of the commission’s 2026 budget proposal and projected expenditure for the 2027 polls before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters in Abuja.

He explained that the N873.78bn estimate covers the full conduct of the 2027 general elections. He added that the N171bn request for 2026 would fund routine responsibilities. These include by-elections and off-season governorship polls.

The proposed election budget shows a sharp rise compared to the N313.4bn released by the Federal Government for the 2023 general elections.

Providing a breakdown of the projection, Amupitan said, “N379.75bn is for operational costs, N92.32bn for administrative costs, N209.21bn for technological costs, N154.91bn for election capital costs and N42.61bn for miscellaneous expenses.”

He noted that the estimate was prepared “in line with Section 3(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates the commission to prepare its election budget at least one year before the general election.”

On the 2026 proposal, the INEC chairman said the Ministry of Finance issued a budget envelope of N140bn. He, however, stated that “INEC is proposing a total expenditure of N171bn.”

According to him, the 2026 estimate includes N109bn for personnel costs, N18.7bn for overheads, N42.63bn for election-related activities and N1.4bn for capital projects.

Amupitan also revealed that the election budget did not accommodate a fresh request by the National Youth Service Corps seeking an upward review of allowances for corps members engaged as ad hoc election staff.

During the session, Senator Adams Oshiomhole argued that external bodies should not impose a budgeting template on INEC due to the sensitive nature of its mandate. He called for the removal of the envelope budgeting framework and urged lawmakers to support the commission’s financial request.

Similarly, a member of the House of Representatives, Billy Osawaru, advocated placing INEC’s funding on first-line charge in line with constitutional provisions. He said this would guarantee early release of funds for election planning.

The joint committee later approved a motion recommending the one-time release of the commission’s annual budget. It also pledged to review the NYSC’s request estimated at about N32bn to raise corps members’ election allowance to N125,000.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC, Simon Lalong, assured that the National Assembly would collaborate closely with the electoral body to ensure successful conduct of the 2027 polls.

Also speaking, Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Bayo Balogun, promised legislative backing but cautioned the commission against making commitments it might not fulfil.

“IReV was not even in the Electoral Act; it was only in INEC regulations. So, be careful how you make promises,” Balogun warned.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Security operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday afternoon attempted to arrest former Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai upon his arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in an incident his lawyers have described as “illegal” and a “flagrant violation of constitutional rights.”

El-Rufai arrived aboard Egypt Air flight MS 877 from Cairo, where he had undergone medical treatment. His legal team said he was met at the airport by DSS operatives who moved to arrest him without presenting any warrant or formal invitation letter.

According to a statement issued by his counsel, Ubong Esop Akpan, when El-Rufai calmly demanded to see the letter of invitation “a basic entitlement of any citizen facing state action,” none could be produced. Operatives subsequently seized his international passport, an act the lawyers termed “nothing short of stealing.”

The incident triggered a spontaneous reaction from ordinary Nigerians present at the airport, who surrounded the scene and insisted that the former governor could only be arrested upon a legitimate process. Their intervention, the statement noted, was “a testament to the citizenry’s unyielding commitment to the rule of law.”

The controversy stems from an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which was delivered to El-Rufai’s residence while he was already abroad. His lawyers described the demand for immediate attendance as “inherently illogical and impractical.”

In response, the legal team formally communicated with the EFCC on El-Rufai’s behalf since December 2025, assuring compliance upon his return. On Wednesday, they explicitly notified the anti-graft agency that the former governor would voluntarily appear at their office by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026.

“Resorting to arrest despite this clear commitment exemplifies arbitrary conduct and undermines procedural integrity,” Akpan’s statement read.

The legal team has issued a firm public declaration that El-Rufai “will never take the cowardly route of running away from law enforcement” and will honour “all legitimate law enforcement summons without preconditions.”

The lawyers demanded the immediate cessation of all unlawful efforts to detain their client, the immediate return of his seized passport, and a formal apology for what they described as an “egregious infringement on his dignity and rights.”

They also vowed to pursue legal action against all persons and agencies responsible for the incident, stating: “The judiciary remains the ultimate arbiter, and we shall seek redress through all available legal channels to protect the sanctity of the law.”

As of press time, the EFCC and DSS had not issued official statements regarding the incident.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has faulted a proposed bill before the United States Congress that seeks to impose sanctions on its national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, over alleged religious freedom abuses.

The legislation, introduced by five US lawmakers in the House of Representatives, is titled to address concerns about religious persecution and mass atrocities in Nigeria. The bill seeks to compel the US Secretary of State to present a detailed report on efforts to tackle the situation.

If passed into law, the proposal would mandate the Departments of State and Treasury to apply sanctions such as visa restrictions and asset freezes on individuals or organisations accused of “severe religious freedom violations” in Nigeria.

Among those listed in the bill are Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, alongside Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, and groups described as Fulani ethnic nomad militias.

Reacting in a statement issued on Wednesday, NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, dismissed the allegation. He described the move as politically motivated and unfair to the party’s leader.

“We see this development as a contrived action against an innocent man who clearly has no relationship with religious fundamentalism in Nigeria,” the statement reads.

“His record is there in the public domain, either in public office or in private life, and it is advisable for people to investigate such things properly before reaching such conclusions.”

Johnson linked the development to Kwankwaso’s earlier reaction to the redesignation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” by former US President Donald Trump over claims of religious persecution.

Kwankwaso had cautioned against what he termed oversimplified portrayals of Nigeria’s security challenges. He stressed the country’s sovereignty and noted that violence in Nigeria involves criminal elements across regions.

Riley Moore, one of the sponsors of the bill, had questioned Kwankwaso’s role in religious matters. He cited the full implementation of Sharia law in Kano State during Kwankwaso’s tenure as governor.

The NNPP spokesperson, however, criticised the US lawmaker’s position. He argued that the party leader has consistently spoken about insecurity in Nigeria.

“Is Rep Moore being fair or selective? Isn’t the US in a good relationship with Qatar and Saudi (both Sharia countries)?”

“Isn’t it strange that it is Kwankwaso, an opposition leader that has spoken out so many times about the insecurity under this administration, that the United States now seems to be turning on?”

Johnson added that Kwankwaso made significant security gains during his time as governor. He said Boko Haram activities were eliminated in Kano under his watch and noted that the former governor maintained cordial relations with Christian leaders.

“These are the facts, which we think should guide the Congress and its leaders, particularly Reps Riley Moore and Chris Smith, to do a thorough investigation on the credibility of our leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, so that justice is done to his noble name and cleared of such undue embarrassment,” Johnson added.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In a decisive move, the Nigerian Senate has formally amended its records to clarify the method for transmitting election results, endorsing electronic transmission as the primary method while establishing a manual backup.

The amendment, ratified during a plenary session on Wednesday, February 4th, pertains to the contentious Section 60(3) of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill. The resolution was initiated by a motion from the Senate Chief Whip, Mohammed Tahir Monguno.

Under the adopted framework, election results from polling units are to be transmitted electronically. However, the Senate introduced a critical contingency: in the event of any technical failure or communication glitch, the manually completed Form EC8 will serve as the primary document for collation.

This form, which contains the polling unit results, must be duly entered, stamped, and signed by the presiding election officer and counter-signed by party agents before being used for further tallying.

The session saw a moment of procedural tension when Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe called for a division—a formal process requiring each senator to vote individually on the clause. This move, however, was withdrawn shortly after Senate President Godswill Akpabio acknowledged his request.

The amendment seeks to balance technological advancement with practical safeguards, aiming to bolster the integrity of the result collation process while accounting for Nigeria’s inconsistent network coverage.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra has declared a total end to the Monday sit-at-home exercise across the South-East. The order takes effect from Monday, February 9, 2026.

IPOB spokesperson, Emma Powerful, made this known in a statement released on Sunday. He said the directive was issued by the group’s leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

The sit-at-home protest began in August 2021. It was introduced to protest Kanu’s rendition to Nigeria and his detention. During the period, markets, schools, banks and offices usually shut down every Monday.

Powerful said the new directive means residents should resume normal activities. He stressed that there is no reason for anyone to remain indoors on Mondays.

The statement read in part, “The IPOB, under the supreme leadership of Nnamdi Kanu, hereby announces to the entire world that the Monday sit-at-home across the South-East is officially and permanently cancelled with effect from tomorrow, Monday, February 9, 2026.

“This directive comes directly from Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu himself, who has once again staked everything on the line to ensure that our children return to school every Monday and that our people go about their lawful businesses without fear, intimidation or molestation.

“Any person in doubt should visit Sokoto Correctional Centre to confirm with him. We can no longer hide under ‘Onyendu cannot be reached to confirm’ to persist with our recalcitrance or docility. Monday sit-at-home is over. That era is gone!

“There is now no need, excuse or justification for anyone to stay at home on Mondays. All markets, schools, offices, transport services and economic activities must resume fully and normally from tomorrow. This is the clear and unequivocal order of the Supreme Leader of IPOB.”

The group also warned against any attempt to continue enforcing the order.

The statement added, “Kanu has made it abundantly clear that any individual or group attempting to enforce sit-at-home from this moment forward is acting against his direct command. Such persons are enemies of our people and the Biafran cause. They will be pursued to the ends of the earth and confronted until they are completely defeated.”

IPOB alleged that some actors may try to create fear or stage attacks to force compliance. It urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding.

“Let it be known that any person or group identified as enforcing or enabling sit-at-home will be confronted wherever they are. Our people must remain vigilant, calm and law-abiding.

“At the same time, IPOB wishes to make it clear that no state governor has the right to threaten, demolish or forcibly shut down the businesses of traders who, out of conscience, choose to sit at home in solidarity with our leader.

“Any attempt by Governor Soludo or any other governor to intimidate our people with demolition threats or forced market closures will be firmly resisted,” the statement added.

The group further spoke on market projects and trader relocation.

According to the statement, “Any renovation, reconstruction or improvement of markets that involves temporary relocation must be carried out only with the consent of all stakeholders, adding that adequate temporary trading sites must be provided before any such projects commence.

“Our enemies have in the past succeeded in instigating crises and planting seeds of discord among our people. We must not allow them to succeed again. We are one people, united by a common destiny. Our struggle is for freedom, dignity and justice for all, not just for Biafrans.

“We therefore call on all our people across the South-East to come out tomorrow, open their shops, go to work and send their children to school without fear.

“The era of Monday sit-at-home is over.”

By Uzair Adam

Troops of the Nigerian Army under the 17 Brigade, Katsina, have recovered 529 rustled livestock following a gun battle with suspected terrorists in Kafur Local Government Area of the state.

The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 17 Brigade, Capt. Abayomi Adisa, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday.

According to him, the operation was carried out by troops of the Forward Operating Base, Malumfashi, after credible intelligence revealed terrorist activities around Kasuwan Sabo in Kafur LGA.

He said the operation, conducted on February 7, 2026, was led by the Commanding Officer of FOB Malumfashi, Lt. Col. M. M. Isa, and targeted terrorists believed to have infiltrated Katsina from neighbouring Zamfara State.

Adisa added that the criminals were allegedly led by Idi Abasu Aiki, said to be a younger brother of notorious bandit leader, Ado Aliero.

He explained that the terrorists opened fire upon sighting the advancing troops, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.

However, the soldiers responded with superior firepower, forcing the assailants to flee into nearby bushes while abandoning part of the stolen livestock.

“The troops immediately launched a hot pursuit and caught up with the fleeing terrorists between Burdugau and Unguwan Matau villages in Malumfashi LGA, where the criminals were forced to abandon all the remaining rustled animals,” he said.

After a thorough sweep of the area, the troops recovered 529 animals, comprising 290 cows, 238 sheep and one donkey, as well as one motorcycle.

Adisa noted that 14 cows were killed during the exchange of fire after the terrorists allegedly used them as shields.

He stressed that no casualty was recorded among the troops during the operation, describing their conduct as professional and effective.

The recovered animals, he said, were handed over to relevant authorities for identification and eventual return to their rightful owners, under the supervision of the Chairman of Kafur LGA, Suraju Nature, and the Divisional Police Officer, Superintendent of Police Aminu Salihu.

Adisa further disclosed that the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Maj.-Gen.

Paul Koughna, commended the troops for their gallantry and professionalism, while reassuring residents of sustained military operations against criminal elements in the area.

He added that troops of FOB Malumfashi have continued aggressive patrols to deny terrorists freedom of action and ensure lasting security in the area.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has suspended one of its senior prosecutors, Samuel Chime, over allegations of bribery linked to the sabotage of corruption cases.

The action followed the outcome of an internal investigative panel constituted by the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, after multiple petitions were submitted by civil society organisations, non-governmental groups, and concerned individuals accusing Chime of misconduct and financial inducement.

Sources within the commission disclosed that the EFCC leadership expressed strong displeasure over the development, warning that such behaviour could damage the agency’s credibility.

One official said, “Chime was suspended after extensive internal probe revealed that he had compromised some cases due to financial inducements.” Another insider added that “the commission might end up dismissing him, but he has been begging the chairman, and pleading for clemency.”

Chime had served as lead prosecutor in several high-profile cases across different Federal High Courts, including matters involving former public officials and alleged fraud suspects in Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt.

Following his suspension, the EFCC has requested adjournments in the affected trials, informing courts that the prosecutor had “proceeded on a sick leave,” a move aimed at safeguarding the commission’s public image.

Further findings from petitions accused him of duplicating charges in separate courts to frustrate defendants, an act said to contradict established prosecutorial standards and EFCC policy.

Consequently, the commission has directed other prosecutors to review both pending and concluded cases previously handled by Chime as investigations continue.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has handed over the sum of $23,000 recovered from an alleged international romance fraud suspect to the British High Commission in Abuja for onward return to the victim in the Cayman Islands.

Police authorities said the money was retrieved from Achufusi Obioma, a Nigerian national who was under investigation for allegedly defrauding a resident of the Cayman Islands through an online romantic relationship scam.

In a statement issued on Friday, Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that the complaint was first received by the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service.

He explained that the recovered funds were later transferred to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service through Shaun McLeary, who represented the British High Commission in Abuja.

“The repatriation followed a request received from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service seeking assistance of the INTERPOL NCB Abuja to investigate a Nigerian national, Achufusi Obioma Ikenna, who defrauded a resident of the Cayman Islands through an online romance scam,” the statement reads.

“Acting on the request, INTERPOL NCB Abuja conducted discreet, intelligence-led investigations which led to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of the sum of $23,000.

“Following the completion of all necessary documentation and in collaboration with international partners, the recovered funds were formally handed over to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, through the British High Commission in Abuja, represented by Mr. Shaun McLeary, for secure delivery to the victim. Meanwhile the suspect will be arraigned at the conclusion of investigation.

“This successful repatriation underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s sustained commitment to intelligence-driven policing, effective international collaboration, and the disruption of transnational cybercrime networks.”

The Cayman Islands is a self-governing British Overseas Territory located in the western Caribbean.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A civil society organization, Muslim Rights Watch (MRW), has called for the immediate dismissal of Mr. Joash Ojo Amupitan, the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), labeling the appointment a “provocation” against Nigeria’s Muslim population.

In a strongly worded statement, MRW’s spokesman, Mr. Mujahid Abubakar, condemned the selection, describing Mr. Amupitan as an “anti-Muslim radical Christian extremist and hate preacher.” The group argues that the appointment is fundamentally inappropriate for a pluralistic nation and dangerously undermines the neutrality of the electoral umpire.

“In a multi-religious state like Nigeria, appointing a religious extremist and hate preacher as the head of an electoral umpire is fundamentally inappropriate and dangerous for both democracy and social stability,” Abubakar stated.

The organization expressed deep concern that Mr. Amupitan’s alleged track record of “Christian fundamentalism, extremism, and exclusionary rhetoric” directly contradicts the required impartiality of INEC. They warned that his leadership could erode public trust, predetermine electoral outcomes in some regions, and potentially trigger mass protests and violence, particularly in states like Nasarawa and Taraba.

“This appointment is not a mistake. It is a provocation,” the statement read. “It is an open declaration which sends a chilling message to millions of Nigerian Muslims that they are second-class participants in their own democracy.”

MRW concluded by demanding an immediate reversal of the appointment, a public apology from the Presidency, and accountability for officials who endorsed the decision. They asserted that “silence at this moment is not neutrality but complicity.”

The presidency has yet to publicly respond to these allegations.