National

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has formally taken its demand for the removal of Professor Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to the National Assembly.

MURIC and allied Islamic organisations are seeking Amupitan’s ouster due to his authorship of an 80-page legal brief alleging Christian genocide in Nigeria.

In a statement on Wednesday, MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said, three months after Islamic organisations first called for Amupitan’s removal, he remains in office.

Akintola accused the presidency of showing “little interest in addressing complaints from Islamic groups,” despite what he described as “indisputable evidence” that the INEC chairman made false allegations against Nigerian Muslims before an American audience.

He questioned the federal government’s commitment to fairness, suggesting it responds more readily to “frivolous demands” than to “evidence-based complaints from law-abiding Islamic organisations.”

MURIC voiced concern that Amupitan’s continued leadership could erode public confidence in INEC’s neutrality ahead of the 2027 general elections. The group warned that alleged anti-Muslim bias might become a contentious issue in future electoral disputes.

“Since the presidency appears uninterested in listening to the complaints of Muslims against Amupitan, we must take his case to the court of the people’s representatives, the National Assembly,” Akintola said.

He noted that the call for removal was not about the INEC chairman’s religion but about what MURIC described as a “fanatical and hateful” attitude toward Nigerian Muslims.

The organisation urged lawmakers in both chambers to investigate the matter, stressing that Muslims, as citizens and taxpayers, deserve a platform to be heard.

MURIC also reiterated that Amupitan was unsuitable to serve as an impartial electoral umpire in 2027.

According to Daily Trust, Amupitan contributed to the 2020 publication Nigeria’s Silent Slaughter: Genocide in Nigeria and the Implications for the International Community, released by the International Committee on Nigeria (ICON) and the International Organisation on Peace-building & Social Justice (PSJ).

His 80-page chapter, titled Legal Brief: Genocide in Nigeria, argued that the scale and pattern of killings and displacement of Christians met the threshold for genocide under international law. The brief also criticised the federal government for failing to protect affected communities and deliver justice for victims.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters have killed at least nine Nigerian soldiers and the Chief Imam of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

Security sources said the attack took place on Tuesday night shortly after residents ended their Ramadan fast.

One source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly, said the insurgents stormed the town in large numbers with heavy weapons. According to the source, the attackers confronted troops stationed in the area and overpowered them during the assault.

Another security source said the insurgents also moved into the residential parts of Ngoshe. The source said the town’s Chief Imam was killed during the raid. The attackers also abducted more than 100 women and children. Several people sustained injuries.

‘As I am speaking to you now, the entire people of Ngoshe have fled and nobody is left in the community. Most of us have taken refuge in Pulka,’ the source said.

The source further alleged that someone within the community might have assisted the attackers.

‘They came prepared and entered Ngoshe town with the help of an insider, killing 9 soldiers, slaughtering the mosque’s Chief Imam, and abducting over 100 women and children,’ he added.

Residents said the insurgents set fire to many houses and structures in the town before leaving the area. The incident forced surviving residents to escape to nearby communities for safety.

Attempts to reach the spokesperson of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Colonel Sani Uba, for comment were not successful as of the time this report was filed.

Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the attack.

By Uzair Adam

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has explained his decision to remain silent during interrogation by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), describing the investigation as politically motivated.

In written statements made under caution on February 19 and 20, 2026, while in ICPC custody and in the presence of his lawyer, Ubong E. Akpan, El-Rufai said his refusal to answer questions was deliberate and based on legal advice.

He maintained that he was exercising his constitutional right to silence and would only address any allegations before a competent court of law.

The former governor stated that after nearly two years of investigation, the anti-graft agency should present its findings before a judicial authority rather than seek further explanations from him.

He argued that only a judge could determine whether the probe amounted to political persecution.

El-Rufai, who served as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, also outlined his educational and professional background in his initial statement, noting his studies at Ahmadu Bello University, as well as at Harvard University and the University of London.

He recounted his career in public service, including his roles as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

The ICPC had secured a 14-day remand order from a Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari to detain him, with the order set to expire on March 5, 2026.

Should the agency fail to file charges before then, he may regain his freedom upon the lapse of the court-approved detention.

In a follow-up statement dated February 20, El-Rufai reaffirmed his stance, stressing that he would not respond to additional documents or questions outside the courtroom, again citing his constitutional rights.

The development adds a new dimension to the ongoing standoff between the former governor and the anti-corruption agency, as attention now turns to whether formal charges will be filed before the remand period expires.

By Anwar Usman

The National Police Council has unanimously endorsed the appointment of Olatunji Disu as the 23rd substantive Inspector-General of Police.

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed this after the council’s meeting at the State House, Abuja, which lasted about 40 minutes.

The meeting is in compliance with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, which requires the Police Council to consider the appointment.

The statement in parts reds “In compliance with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, President Tinubu will convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council shortly to formally consider the appointment of AIG Disu as substantive Inspector-General of Police, after which his name will be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation.”

The Police Council is chaired by the President and comprises all 36 state governors, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, and the Inspector-General of Police.

Those in attendance were the meeting are Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Head of Civil Service, Didi Walson-Jack, and Governors of Enugu, Nasarawa, Ogun, Kwara, Plateau, Ondo and Lagos.

Others were the Deputy Governor of Kogi State also attended alongside the Ministers of the Federal Capital Territory, Police Affairs and Interior.

Disu, 59, has been serving in an acting capacity since his appointment on Wednesday following Egbetokun’s resignation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kuwait Ministry of Defence has announced that several American military aircraft went down on Monday morning, as authorities continue to investigate the incidents.

In an official statement released through the ministry’s spokesperson, the government confirmed that every crew member on board the affected aircraft survived.

“In a statement issued by the ministry’s official spokesperson, authorities said all crew members aboard the affected aircraft were successfully rescued.”

The spokesperson stated that emergency teams moved swiftly after the crashes. He said search and rescue operations commenced without delay. Medical teams evacuated the crews to hospital facilities for examination and treatment. He added that their condition remains stable.

The ministry also disclosed that it established direct contact with United States forces over the matter. It confirmed that both sides initiated joint technical steps in response to the crashes. However, officials did not state the exact number of aircraft involved. They also withheld details about the crash sites and the missions underway at the time.

The spokesperson said the appropriate authorities are continuing investigations to establish the cause of the incidents. He urged the public to rely on verified official information.

The crashes occurred amid heightened military confrontation in the region. After the United States and Israel carried out airstrikes on Iran that struck Tehran and other cities and resulted in the deaths of senior leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Tehran promised retaliation.

Iran responded within hours. It launched multiple missiles and drones at American military installations across the Gulf.

The United States maintains forces and equipment in several Gulf countries. These include Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Iranian forces targeted bases in those nations in a show of reach across the Middle East.

Explosions were reported near the U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters in Manama, Bahrain. In Kuwait, Al Salem Air Base came under attack. In Qatar, Al Udeid Air Base, the largest American military facility in the region, was also struck. Missiles targeted Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates.

The strikes triggered alarm across the Gulf region. Smoke rose over parts of affected areas, and warning systems activated at U.S. facilities.

The escalation has intensified fears of a broader conflict. Gulf states that host American forces have found themselves drawn into the crisis, despite not taking part in the initial strikes on Iran.

By Anwar Usman

The Defence Headquarters has explained that the reason behind escalation in attacks and killings by terrorists across the North in recent times was as a result of pressure being mounted on them by troops through aggressive operations.

This was revealed by the Director Defence Media Operations (DMO), Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, on Friday at a news briefing, while addressing question on the incessant attacks, killings and kidnappings by the terrorists.

Onoja, however, said that scores of the terrorists were being killed across the country, assuring that their decimation is ongoing.

“You know, one of the things with terrorists is that when you put pressure on them, they are likely to target soft targets.

“I also want to let you know that that is what they are doing. But that should not deter us,” he said, adding that in the course of time the terrorists would be smoked out “from wherever they are”.

He added that, “What is happening is that due to the pressure that the cooperation with America is bringing to bear on them, they are now targeting soft targets in order to magnify their operations.

Onoja further state that terrorists need the oxygen of publicity to broadcasting their activities, but urged the media to employ professionalism in reporting some of their activities so that they will not achieve what they want to achieve, which is to cause panic within society.

He reiterated that the assistance from the Americans is adding value to troops’ operations, adding that the results would be manifest in no distant time.

Explaining the troop’s achievements in February 2026, Onoja said that a total of 312 terrorists were arrested, apart from several of them being neutralised, 409 kidnapped victims rescued, while 46 insurgents and their families surrendered.

He also gave the breakdown as follows: In the North East, 85 terrorists were arrested, while 104 kidnapped victims were rescued, and 46 insurgents and their families gave themselves up to troops during the period.

He said in the North West, troops arrested 36 terrorists and rescued 104, while in the North Central, 78 terrorists were nabbed and 54 rescued.

In the South South and South East, 59 terrorists and 54 terrorists were arrested, respectively, Onoja explained.

He said the military is taking proactive measures to checkmate the movement of fertiliser, especially in the North, as it is one of the components used for making Improvised Explosive Device (IED) by terrorists.

He said the achievements in February showed the Armed Forces’ steadfast dedication to building a safe and secure Nigeria.

“We urge everyone to remain security conscious, report any suspicious activity promptly via our emergency line 193 and collaborate closely with security agencies to ensure peaceful and incident-free observances,” Onoja remarked.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have seized a large consignment of illegal drugs and arrested several suspects in separate operations carried out across the state.

The command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, made this known in a statement issued on 25 February in Asaba. He said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to tackle drug trafficking and violent crimes in the state. The Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, oversaw the exercise.

According to the statement, officers attached to the Eagle Net Special Squad intercepted a white J5 bus along the Asaba–Agbor Expressway near Northwest Filling Station on 13 February at about 10:30 p.m. The vehicle was stopped during a routine search.

A detailed inspection led to the discovery of 1,520 packets of Tramadol and Swinol tablets. The substances had been hidden beneath company machines inside the bus.

Police arrested the driver, Ebuka Dominion, 30, from Aguta Local Government Area of Anambra State, along with the motor boy, Emmanuel Terdule, 30, from Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

Investigators said early findings indicate that the drugs were meant for distribution. Further intelligence obtained during interrogation led to the arrest of Peter Akpan, 47, from Mbiaya in Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. He is believed to be the owner of the seized consignment.

Police authorities said efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the drug network.

In a separate operation on 22 February at about 3:20 p.m., operatives of the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team arrested a 23-year-old suspect linked to a series of robbery incidents in Warri.

The suspect later took officers to a bush in the Jedo area of Warri. A locally made gun buried at the location was recovered.

Police said the suspect admitted to being a member of the Aye Confraternity. He also confessed to participating in several door-to-door robbery operations within the Warri area.

Authorities confirmed that efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the gang.

The development comes amid rising concern over drug abuse in Delta State. Recently, community leaders raised alarm over the increasing rate of narcotics consumption among young people.

“We consider this development a matter of urgent public interest requiring coordinated and sustained intervention by all tiers of government and law enforcement agencies,” the elders under the aegis of the Aniocha–Oshimili Elders’ Association stated.

Data from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency also shows the scale of the challenge. The agency’s Delta State Command reported last year that it seized illicit drugs valued at over N3 billion.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a one-year extension of the ban on the export of raw shea nuts, reinforcing the federal government’s drive to enhance local industrial capacity and value addition in the agricultural sector.

The new directive extends the prohibition from February 26, 2026, to February 25, 2027. This move, according to a State House statement, aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda by promoting domestic processing, improving livelihoods in shea-producing communities, and positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global value chain for agricultural products.

In a bid to streamline implementation, President Tinubu has directed the Ministers of Industry, Trade and Investment, along with the Presidential Food Security Coordination Unit (PFSCU), to develop and coordinate a unified national framework for the shea nut value chain. The framework aims to harmonize industrialization, trade, and investment priorities.

Furthermore, the President has ordered the withdrawal of all waivers permitting the export of raw shea nuts and has sanctioned a new export mechanism managed by the Nigerian Commodity Exchange (NCX). Any future export of surplus raw materials must now be conducted exclusively through the NCX in accordance with approved guidelines.

To support producers and processors, the President has also authorized the Federal Ministry of Finance to establish a dedicated NESS Support Window. This will facilitate a Livelihood Finance Mechanism aimed at boosting production and processing capacity.

Shea nuts, harvested from trees prevalent in Nigeria’s Savanna belt, are processed into shea butter—a high-demand ingredient in cosmetics and cooking oil. Government data indicates that processed shea butter commands prices 10 to 20 times higher than raw nuts, underscoring the economic rationale for the policy.

The federal government reiterated its commitment to fostering inclusive growth and local manufacturing through policies that strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in international agricultural markets.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Governor Umar Namadi has taken custody of Walida Abdulhadi Ibrahim, the teenage girl from Jigawa State who had been held by the Department of State Services (DSS) after she was abducted and impregnated by an officer of service.

The handover took place at the DSS headquarters in Abuja late Wednesday night, with the governor assuring that her case will be addressed through legal means.

He stated that matters surrounding her alleged abduction would be handled in court and expressed confidence that justice would prevail. The governor also stressed that Walida belongs to Jigawa State and that the government will ensure her protection and support as she recovers from her ordeal.

The DSS Director General, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, formally handed her over in the presence of senior officials, including members of the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, civil society groups, and legal representatives. However, Walida’s parents were absent during the process, which ended around 10:40 pm.

Walida was reportedly abducted from Hadejia Local Government Area in 2023 by a woman identified as Mariam. She was allegedly subjected to sexual exploitation before relocating to Abuja, where she stayed with a DSS operative, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi. She later gave birth to a baby girl in November 2025.

Her case gained renewed attention after an interview published on February 21, 2026, in which she detailed her experiences. Her disappearance had earlier caused deep distress to her family, with her father reportedly performing funeral rites after believing she was dead.

Efforts by her family to secure her release initially failed, leading to legal action. Although a court in Jigawa ordered that she be released to her parents, the DSS challenged the ruling, citing ongoing investigations.

Public concern grew following the report, prompting several groups, including the Muslim Rights Concern, the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria, and the Muslim Students’ Organisation of Nigeria, to demand that she be moved to a neutral location. Speaking for the coalition, Ustaz Yunus Salahudeen said the issue extends beyond religion and involves justice, constitutional order, and human rights. He added that her disappearance caused her family “unimaginable distress.”

Addressing journalists, Governor Namadi said Walida would remain under the care of the Jigawa State government while legal issues are resolved. “Our concern is that Walida had been abducted,” he said, adding that the controversy will be tabled before a law court for adjudication. “It is a state matter and will be treated as such,” he said.

He also confirmed that her baby would remain under government custody. On her immediate location, the governor said, “Taking her into our custody does not automatically mean that she will be taken back to Jigawa. Walida will be kept in Abuja for now. She will be provided with adequate security. Her case is a state matter and will be treated as such.”

On her age, he said the court would determine the matter.

Explaining the DSS position, Ajayi said the agency acted in line with the law. “It is unfortunate that people don’t learn from history in Nigeria. Our major concern is about the safety and the future of Walida. She is a young woman who has the right to live, and we have the responsibility to ensure she is safe while the matter is being investigated,” he said.

He added, “I invited the governor, which is the right thing to do, and he has seen what we are doing. It is an inter-agency investigation, and we deliberately invited various groups to be part of what we are doing. We also invited the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to ascertain her mental status.”

Ajayi confirmed that although Walida has been released to the state government, the DSS and other agencies will remain involved. “We have the capacity to investigate the matter,” he said.

He also disclosed that Ifeanyi remains in custody and will face prosecution if found culpable. “He will face the music when found wanting. We have rules guiding our operations,” he said.

A representative of the NSCIA, Barrister Haroun Muhammad, noted that the council intervened to ease tensions. “The matter is capable of throwing the country into chaos. It can deepen the unfortunate existing division between Muslims and Christians, and whatever happened here today will send the right or wrong signal to society,” he said.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged the newly appointed Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, with the critical task of restoring peace and strengthening security across Nigeria.

The President issued the directive on Wednesday at the State House, Abuja, during the official decoration of Disu, following the retirement of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.

The appointment is subject to the ratification of the Nigeria Police Council, which is scheduled to meet next week, and subsequent confirmation by the Senate.

President Tinubu expressed confidence in Disu’s ability to tackle the nation’s security challenges, citing the new police chief’s track record.

“I made this decision for you to assume this responsibility. I know your record. I saw the dedication you exhibited while you were in Lagos when I was governor,” the President stated.

Describing the appointment as coming at a pivotal moment for the country, President Tinubu urged the Acting IGP to focus on rebuilding public trust in the Nigeria Police Force. He emphasized the need for the police to work collaboratively with other security agencies to safeguard lives and property.

“Lead firmly but fairly, demand professionalism at every level and ensure that the safety of lives and property remains our highest priority. It’s a daunting challenge. I know you can do it. You have my word, you have my full support,” the President assured.

The President further directed Disu to advance the security pillars of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, expressing confidence in his discipline, operational experience, and leadership capacity.

“Nigeria is challenged with banditry, terrorism and other criminal activities. You will be part of the thinking and innovation to overcome them,” Tinubu said.

In a moment of appreciation, President Tinubu also paid tribute to the outgoing Inspector-General, Kayode Egbetokun, who was present at the ceremony with his spouse.

“To the outgoing Inspector-General, we are a grateful nation. Nigeria appreciates your contribution to maintaining law and order,” he said.

The President urged Egbetokun to offer his counsel to the new police chief when needed, adding, “You have not succeeded without a good successor. His success will also be part of your legacy.”

The ceremony was attended by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori; senior government officials; and family members of the new Acting IGP.