National

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The newly appointed Acting Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, has pledged to end impunity within the Nigeria Police Force and ensure strict respect for human rights under his leadership.

Mr Disu made this known on Wednesday shortly after he was sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House in Abuja. His appointment followed the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.

In an interview with State House correspondents, as reported by Premium Times, the acting police chief outlined his vision for the force. He stressed the need for professionalism, proper training, and improved welfare for officers.

“I will let them know that the era of impunity is over. I will ensure that I train them and encourage them to ensure they follow human rights,” he said.

Reflecting on his appointment, Mr Disu described it as unexpected and expressed appreciation to the president. “It came at a time I was not expecting it. That makes me give thanks to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his magnanimity to see me fit to be appointed as the Inspector General of Police.”

He also spoke about the president’s confidence in him, noting that it was both emotional and motivating. According to him, the recognition of his past service by the president serves as a challenge to deliver results. He said the expectation is for him to bring peace and improve policing across the country.

Speaking on his priorities, the acting IGP emphasised the importance of public cooperation. He noted that citizens must be regarded as key stakeholders in policing. He added that officers who are well motivated are more likely to perform effectively.

“I like one of the first lecture I’m going to have with my men. I’m going to talk to them, let them know that the citizens, the citizens of the country are the boss.”

Mr Disu also reiterated his commitment to tackling corruption within the force and addressing ongoing security challenges, including insurgency. He acknowledged the efforts of officers nationwide and said his role would be to strengthen morale and improve their effectiveness.

“I will ensure that they know that I will try to follow a regime of zero tolerance to corruption, and most importantly, I’m going to drum it into them that we can never succeed without the cooperation of members of the public.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Kano indigene and university lecturer based in Cologne, Germany, Muhsin Ibrahim, has raised concerns over alleged job offer racketeering in Kano State, claiming the practice remains widespread despite a change in administration.

In a series of Facebook posts, Ibrahim alleged that the sale of job placements in government ministries and institutions became common toward the end of the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and has continued under the current government led by Abba Kabir Yusuf.

He stated, “Job offer racketeering was prevalent in Kano towards the end of Governor Ganduje’s administration, in late 2022 and early 2023. I wrote extensively about it here. I thought Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, with his purported principles, would stop it. I was wrong.”

The lecturer explained that recent discussions with contacts in Kano revealed that the alleged practice is not only ongoing but expanding. He described a situation where employment opportunities are treated like commodities and sold openly.

“For two days, I happened to speak with family and friends about this illicit business in Kano. It is not only happening but also booming and carried out in broad daylight. Like merchandise, job offers at different ministries and institutions are priced and sold in the market,” he said.

Ibrahim also claimed that some individuals have fallen victim to fraud while attempting to secure such opportunities, describing the situation as “double jeopardy.”

“To make matters worse, several people have been scammed. I call this double jeopardy. You are duped while engaging in immoral, unethical practices. You have no one and nowhere to report your case to,” he added.

He acknowledged the challenges faced by job seekers, especially those who have spent years pursuing education without securing employment. However, he blamed those involved in selling job offers and criticised authorities for failing to curb the trend.

“I can understand why some people feel pushed into buy job offers. It is depressing to be without a job after investing so much money, time and energy in obtaining qualifications. So, I largely blame the sellers but also the government for doing almost nothing to stop this,” he stated.

The lecturer urged those involved to desist from the practice and called for adherence to due process in recruitment.

“Please stop selling job offers. Follow proper hiring procedures and standard practices. Do not abet corruption in Nigeria or anywhere else. Change begins with you and me.”

In a follow-up post, Ibrahim disclosed that a government official in Kano forwarded his earlier message to Governor Yusuf, who has reportedly pledged to respond to the issue.

“A Kano government official forwarded my previous post about job offer racketeering in the state to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. The Governor has promised to take appropriate action. May Allah (SWT) grant him the wisdom and the will to do so, amin.”

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 All Progressives Congress has claimed three of the six chairmanship seats in the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections, while the Peoples Democratic Party took Gwagwalada, according to results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

In AMAC, the incumbent chairman, Christopher Maikalangu of the APC, polled 40,295 votes, defeating his closest rival from the African Democratic Congress, who scored 12,109 votes. The PDP candidate trailed with 3,398 votes.

In Bwari, APC candidate Joshua Ishaku won the chairmanship with 18,466 votes, while the ADC candidate came second with 4,254 votes. The Zenith Labour Party candidate received 3,515 votes.

The ruling party also prevailed in Kwali, where Daniel Nuhu of the APC scored 17,032 votes, defeating the PDP candidate, Haruna Pai, who garnered 8,575 votes.

The PDP secured a major win in Gwagwalada, where Mohammed Kasim defeated his APC rival, Yahaya Shehu, with 22,165 votes to Shehu’s 17,788. Other parties in the race included the Social Democratic Party with 432 votes, the New Nigeria Peoples Party with 175 votes, and the Young Progressives Party with 158 votes. Several smaller parties received minimal support.

INEC Returning Officer, Philip Akpen, described the Gwagwalada election as peaceful and orderly, noting that voting and collation proceeded without major disruptions. Out of 207,577 registered voters, 46,294 were accredited, with 43,960 valid votes and 1,521 rejected ballots.

The results sheets were signed by party agents, including those of APC, PDP, ADC, APGA, YPP, and NNPP. INEC is yet to announce results for the remaining two FCT Area Councils as collation continues.

The elections were closely watched amid a keen contest between the APC and PDP, while smaller parties struggled to gain traction in most declared councils.

Kamal Alkasim

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared two All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates as winners of Saturday’s by-elections in Rivers state.

TheCable reported that the by-elections were conducted to fill vacant seats in the state house of assembly — Ahoada East constituency II and Khana constituency II.

Napoleon Ukalikpe of APC was declared the winner of Ahoada East constituency II with 3,980 votes, while his closest challenger, Godstime Egor of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), scored 38 votes.

For the Khana constituency II seat, Bulabari Henrietta Loolo of APC won the poll with 7,647 votes, while Anthony Ndor of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) garnered 47 votes.

Ahoada East constituency II seat became vacant following the resignation of Ehie Edison, who is now the chief of staff (CoS) to Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers state.

Dinebari Loolo’s death in September 2023 created the vacancy for the Khana constituency II seat in the Rivers House of Assembly.

TheCable observed that the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Labour Party (LP) were absent from the ballot sheets for the by-elections.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Joint Task Force Southeast under Operation UDO KA have thwarted a suspected kidnap attack and rescued five victims during a swift response on February 20, 2026.

The incident took place around 6:55 p.m. at the 9th Mile axis within the 82 Division Area of Responsibility. Security sources said the troops acted on a distress call that indicated a suspected attack by IPOB/ESN elements targeting commuters heading towards Anambra State.

Military personnel moved quickly to the location and confronted the armed group. On arrival, they engaged the attackers with force, which forced the suspects to retreat into nearby bushes.

The operation led to the safe rescue of five kidnapped individuals. None of the victims sustained injuries. Troops also recovered the vehicle used to convey them, which was found intact.

After the rescue, security forces intensified patrols across the area. The move is aimed at tracking down fleeing suspects and preventing any attempt by the attackers to regroup. Authorities said the continued presence of troops has helped to reassure residents and commuters while weakening criminal activities in the area.

The Nigerian Army reiterated its determination to protect lives and secure major routes across the Southeast. It also called on members of the public to support security agencies by sharing timely and credible information to help sustain peace and stability in the region.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian Army has restated its resolve to reinforce its strategic defence relationship with Pakistan as both countries confront changing security threats.

This is contained in a statement issued by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, on 20 February 2026.

The Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, gave the assurance on Friday, 20 February 2026, when he hosted Pakistan’s Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Colonel Kamran Mushtaq, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

General Shaibu described the military ties between Nigeria and Pakistan as strong and mutually beneficial. He pointed to wider prospects in joint exercises, intelligence cooperation, defence technology and operational support as key areas that require further attention. He said stronger collaboration in these fields would improve coordination between both armies and raise their ability to respond effectively to emerging threats.

The Army Chief also praised the long-standing relationship between the two forces. He referred to their similar experiences in the fight against terrorism and insurgency. He stressed the value of sustained professional military education and capacity development. According to him, several Nigerian officers have undergone advanced courses in Pakistan, while arrangements are underway for Pakistani officers to attend programmes at the National Defence College. He added that closer intelligence ties and strategic defence procurement are essential to improve Nigeria’s operational preparedness and combat strength.

In his remarks, Colonel Mushtaq delivered goodwill messages from Asim Munir, Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces. He commended the Nigerian Army for its discipline and achievements in various operations. Drawing on Pakistan’s experience of more than two decades in counter-terrorism campaigns, he expressed his country’s willingness to expand cooperation through specialised training, technical support and the supply of key equipment such as advanced surveillance and communication systems.

Both delegations reaffirmed their dedication to joint professional training and exchange initiatives. They noted that such programmes are crucial for improving operational coordination and strengthening their joint response to regional and cross-border security challenges.

No fewer than 117 former insurgents have concluded the Federal Government’s de-radicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration programme under Operation Safe Corridor in Borno State.

The development was announced during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Defence Headquarters in collaboration with the leadership of Operation Safe Corridor at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, said the coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor, Y. Ali, disclosed that the ex-combatants completed the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DRR) process at the Mallam Sidi Camp.

According to Ali, the meeting focused on finalising arrangements for the transfer of the rehabilitated individuals to their respective national and state authorities for reintegration into society. He noted that the latest development reflects improved cooperation between federal and state governments in the areas of reception, monitoring and community reintegration.

Ali commended the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oloyede, for what he described as strong leadership and institutional backing. He stated that the progress recorded by Operation Safe Corridor aligns with the CDS philosophy, which promotes enhanced jointness, improved welfare and effective administration within a whole-of-government structure.

He explained that the initiative operates as a multi-agency humanitarian stabilisation programme supported by the 1999 Constitution and relevant international humanitarian and human rights frameworks. The programme draws personnel from 17 services, ministries, departments and agencies.

Since its establishment, he said the initiative has strengthened its screening procedures, reviewed its ideological disengagement modules, enhanced psychosocial recovery systems and expanded coordination among participating agencies. He added that the structure of the programme prioritises accountability, behavioural reform and sustainable reintegration.

Ali also disclosed that the programme has extended to the North-West region. A DRR camp established there in February last year marked what he described as an important stabilisation step. He revealed ongoing discussions with the Zamfara State Government to reposition the facility towards a broader framework that will focus on victim healing, rehabilitation and reintegration, alongside psychosocial recovery, community reconciliation, livelihood assistance and structured monitoring.

He further stated that Benue State has formally requested the establishment of a DRR camp. He said the Defence Headquarters has inspected proposed locations and advised that any approval must align with national standards on infrastructure, security and sustainability.

Ali outlined the objectives of the stakeholders’ meeting. He said participants were expected to define the responsibilities of state authorities and relevant ministries, departments and agencies, develop structured resettlement support systems, determine approaches for community sensitisation and camp visitation, and approve graduation timelines for rehabilitated clients.

The Chief of Defence Staff, represented by Jamal Abdusalam, Chief of Defence Operations, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to a comprehensive government and societal approach to peacebuilding and national recovery. He described Operation Safe Corridor as a vital component of the country’s security framework.

“Since its inception in 2016, operation safe corridor has processed thousands of clients through a controlled and integrity-driven disarmament, rehabilitation and reintegration framework,” he said.

“When properly screened and coordinated, surrender pathways degrade insurgent cohesion, generate actionable intelligence and support long-term stability.”

The meeting attracted representatives from federal ministries, the Office of the National Security Adviser, state governments and neighbouring countries including Burkina Faso, Chad, Niger and Cameroon. International partners such as Norway, the United Kingdom, the European Union, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Organisation for Migration were also represented.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, has called for the establishment of a media station of national and international standard in Northern Nigeria.

Pantami made the appeal during a Tafsir session yesterday evening.

He stressed that the proposed platform should broadcast in English, French and other major global languages. According to him, such an outlet would help correct negative narratives and stereotypes about the region and project its true image to the world.

He explained that creating strong and strategic institutions of that nature is, in certain situations, more crucial than building additional places of worship in communities where they are already adequate.

The cleric’s remarks have attracted support from many who believe the region needs a stronger voice in the global media space.

However, observers say the major obstacle lies in preparedness and commitment. They argue that the North has not yet demonstrated the level of unity and readiness required to execute a project of that scale.

Some believe it could take several decades before the necessary structure and coordination are achieved.

Analysts also note that the vision may only become reality sooner if a well-placed individual or organisation takes the initiative and provides the needed support. They maintain that while there is agreement on the importance of the idea, collective action has remained limited.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Borno State Police Command has paid out N20,137,770.34 to families of officers who died while serving the nation.

The amount was released to nine beneficiaries under the Group Life Insurance Scheme. The presentation took place during a cheque handover ceremony. According to the command, the support is meant to assist the families with education, healthcare and other welfare needs.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Nahum Daso, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Thursday.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, Ibrahim Sumaila, stood in for the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmajid, at the ceremony. He also delivered a message from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. The message stressed that the Force places high value on the welfare of its personnel and their families.

“The Group Life Insurance Scheme is a testament to the IGP’s commitment to supporting officers who made the ultimate sacrifice for national peace and security,” DCP Sumaila said. He advised the beneficiaries to make careful use of the money.

A representative of the families, Mr. Modu Ishaku, expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General for the support. He assured that the funds would be used judiciously.

This payment comes after a similar exercise in January 2026, when about N18.38 million was distributed to another nine families of fallen officers.

The Group Life Assurance Scheme provides financial assistance to families of deceased police personnel across the country.