National

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has warned members of the State Executive Council against acts of disloyalty and the leaking of government information.

The governor issued the warning on Thursday during the 38th State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House in Kano.

Governor Yusuf disclosed that some commissioners had resigned following recent political realignments within the state.

He said five commissioners had already stepped down from their positions and that he had accepted their resignations.

“I just want to inform members of the council that, following the political alignments, some commissioners have decided to resign,” the governor said.

“Of the total number, five of them have resigned, and I accepted their resignation. I therefore also wish them the best of luck in their future endeavours.”

The governor also urged the remaining members of the council to reaffirm their commitment to the administration and the ideals of their political party.

“To those that have decided to remain with us and align with the principles and philosophies of our party, I want to appeal to you to rededicate yourselves to the service of the present administration,” he said.

He stressed the need for unity among members of the government, noting that collective effort was necessary to deliver on the administration’s mandate to the people.

“I want you to know that we are still one party and we have to work together for the betterment of our people,” Yusuf added.

The governor further warned that the era of internal divisions, disloyalty and information leaks within the administration must come to an end.

“The era of rancour, the era of disloyalty, the era of leakage of information, and the era of coming in between one another is over,” he said.

He urged council members to remain focused and committed to their responsibilities, warning that anyone who goes against the principles of the administration would be removed.

“However, that does not mean that whoever goes contrary to the dictates and the principles of this administration will not be voted out,” the governor said.

Meanwhile, the state Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, was absent from the meeting.

Gwarzo has reportedly declined to join the All Progressives Congress alongside the governor and has also not resigned from his position.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Amnesty International has criticised the detention of Sani Waspapping by the Department of State Services (DSS), describing the arrest as arbitrary and calling on Nigerian authorities to respect the rule of law.

Waspapping was arrested in Kaduna on Friday. He has remained in DSS custody since then. Reports indicate that he has not been granted access to his family members or legal representatives.

Many observers believe the arrest may be connected to posts he made on social media about the ongoing war in the Middle East.

According to available information, Waspapping is the second person detained by the DSS in connection with discussions about the current Middle East crisis.

Some social media users have also expressed the view that his arrest may be linked to his criticism of the United States and Israel as well as posts seen as supportive of Iran.

However, authorities have not publicly confirmed that this was the reason for his detention.

Amnesty International also urged Nigerian authorities to follow due process in handling the case.

“The Nigerian authorities must abide by the rule of law at all times — including in the case of Sani Waspapping. He must be provided with prompt access to family and adequate legal assistance, charge him to court or release him from detention immediately.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a firm reassurance to Nigerians and the country’s armed forces that the nation will ultimately triumph over insecurity, declaring that the sacrifices of gallant servicemen and women will never be wasted.

Speaking during an interfaith Iftar (breaking of fast) with members of the Armed Forces at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday, the President commended the courage and professionalism of troops battling insurgents and bandits across the country.

“I have listened to the Chief of Army Staff on my recent approvals to the Nigerian Armed Forces. My duty is to thank all of you on behalf of a grateful nation, knowing fully well that many times you are without your families and that you stay away from them. Some of you are facing attacks by bandits and terrorists,” President Tinubu said.

He continued: “I commend your courage, sacrifice, and professionalism as you put your lives on the line in defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and the safety of its citizens. You have been working to serve the country deeply and protect our sovereignty. This nation will always be grateful to you, and your sacrifices will not be in vain, I assure you.”

The President highlighted that the relentless efforts of security forces have continued to degrade the capabilities of terrorist groups and criminal elements operating in various parts of the country. He assured troops of sustained investment in modern equipment, intelligence gathering, and logistics to enhance their operational effectiveness.

In a significant boost to military morale, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Oluwafemi Oluyode (represented by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu), revealed that the President had approved an upward review of salaries for all members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, as well as increased allowances for the elite Brigade of Guards.

“I want to most sincerely thank our indefatigable President for the various approvals for the upward review of salaries of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, as well as the upward review of allowances of the Brigade of Guards,” the CDS stated.

“These various approvals also extend to the areas of equipment procurement as well as the provision of decent accommodations for the members of the armed forces. These laudable approvals will go a long way in enhancing our operational efficiency, and I assure you that they are well-received by all members of the armed forces.”

President Tinubu also used the occasion to thank Nigerians for their endurance during the ongoing economic reengineering of the country, offering a message of hope and resilience.

“I am happy to inform you that your sacrifices and that of fellow citizens, all the sacrifices are not in vain. We are now out of the dark tunnel,” the President declared.

The Commander-in-Chief extended his heartfelt sympathy to the government and people of Borno State following the recent terrorist attack in the state, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to protecting all citizens.

The interfaith gathering provided a unique opportunity for the President and military leadership to break bread together across both faiths, symbolising unity of purpose in the fight against insecurity.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed a viral graphic circulating on social media that claims the electoral body fixed March 26 as the deadline for government officials seeking elective office to resign.

The commission described the message as false and misleading. It said the information did not come from INEC.

INEC clarified its position in a statement issued on Friday through its official X account. The commission warned the public against relying on the circulating graphic.

According to the statement, the message has no connection with the electoral body and should not be taken as authentic information.

INEC advised the public, media organisations, and political actors to ignore the message completely.

The commission also explained that it releases official information only through verified communication channels. These include its official website at inecnigeria.org, its verified social media accounts, and official press statements.

INEC urged Nigerians to confirm election-related updates through these platforms before sharing them with others.

The electoral body added that the spread of unverified content can create confusion among citizens.

It restated its commitment to providing the public with clear and reliable information about electoral matters.

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.