News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kogi State Government has directed churches across the state to suspend night services with immediate effect, following intelligence reports of planned attacks on worship centres.

The directive was announced in a statement issued by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo. He disclosed that security agencies intercepted communications among suspected bandits who were plotting to strike a church in Ijumu Local Government Area.

According to the commissioner, the attackers singled out a church that allegedly continued to conduct late-night services despite repeated security warnings.

Fanwo said the criminals were overheard bragging that they would make “a lot of money” through the abduction of worshippers for ransom during a service.

He explained that security agencies have already launched coordinated operations to frustrate the planned attack. He, however, stressed the need for strict adherence to government security directives.

“We have observed with deep concern that despite clear security advisories, some churches still operate late into the night. This is unacceptable in the face of prevailing security challenges,” Fanwo said.

He restated that no church is allowed to hold services beyond 4pm. He also advised that churches located in remote or bushy areas should relocate to safer locations to safeguard congregants.

The commissioner warned that any church that violates the order would face sanctions. He described disobedience as dangerous and irresponsible.

“This decision is not targeted at faith or worship. It is a safety-first approach designed to protect lives. Any church that deliberately disregards this protocol constitutes a security risk to its members,” he said.

Fanwo also directed security personnel to ensure that pastors comply fully with the order. He noted that the government would focus more on preventing attacks than responding after abductions occur.

“Our intention is to prevent crime, not to begin running helter-skelter to secure the release of kidnapped victims,” the Commissioner added.

The state government dismissed claims that the directive reflects weakness. Authorities insisted that they remain resolute in tackling criminal groups operating within the state.

The warning follows a series of attacks on worship centres in Kogi State.

In December 2025, gunmen abducted no fewer than 20 worshippers during a Sunday service at the First ECWA Church in Ayetoro Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.

Sources said the assailants invaded the church during worship and fired shots sporadically, which caused panic. Several congregants escaped, while others were taken away through nearby bush paths.

Residents said the incident threw the community into confusion and fear.

Reports also indicated that one person identified as JayJay lost his life during the attack, while several others were abducted.

The incident was the second assault on a church in Okun land within a short period.

Earlier, on November 30, 2025, armed men attacked a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area. The attackers abducted the cleric, identified as Orlando, alongside about 13 worshippers.

The gunmen initially demanded ₦500 million ransom. The amount was later reduced to ₦200 million. They issued a two-day ultimatum and threatened unspecified “consequences” if the demand was not met.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has said he fears he could be arrested in the near future, citing recent actions taken against some of his political associates.

El-Rufai made this known during an interview with BBC Hausa on Wednesday. He suggested that the detention of individuals who worked closely with him may signal a move against him by the Federal Government.

“Four people we worked with in Kaduna have been arrested; so it’s only a matter of time before they come for me too,” he said.

Although he acknowledged that he has not been taken into custody, the former governor insisted that the arrests of his allies point to the possibility of imminent action.

El-Rufai recently left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He described the present situation as part of what he called increasing political intimidation directed at opposition figures.

According to him, the political climate has become tense for politicians who are not aligned with the ruling party. He alleged that both subtle and open pressures are being applied to force politicians either to defect to the APC or remain within it.

He added that the atmosphere has pushed many political actors into making decisions out of necessity rather than personal conviction. In his view, concerns about safety and political survival now influence alignments more than ideology.

His remarks come at a time when political defections and realignments are gathering pace ahead of future elections. While the Federal Government has not issued any official response to his claims, his comments reflect widening distrust between sections of the opposition and the ruling party.

El-Rufai’s warning that his arrest could occur “anytime” has further stirred political debate, with observers monitoring developments closely.

Earlier, SaharaReporters reported that the former governor also spoke about his relationship with President Bola Tinubu. He said even if he had accepted a ministerial role, he would not have remained long in the administration because of ideological differences.

“I think it’s important to make this clarification. There is an assumption that I was ever Tinubu’s friend. I was not. We never got along with Tinubu. We never had a personal relationship,” he said.

He explained that his support for Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election was based on party considerations rather than personal ties.

“For me, Tinubu was initially just an aspirant of the party. I was approached by certain Islamic stakeholders from the South-West and asked to support the emergence of a South-West Muslim presidential candidate,” he stated.

Reiterating his stance, he again said: “I think it’s important to make this clarification. There is an assumption that I was ever Tinubu’s friend. I was not. We never got along with Tinubu. We never had a personal relationship,” he said.

El-Rufai noted that his backing of Tinubu rested on an internal agreement within the APC on power rotation.

He said: “As one of the founders of the APC, I knew that we had an understanding with the South, specifically the South-West, that after eight years of Buhari, power would go to the South. It was a matter of principle. It wasn’t about Tinubu.”

He stated that once Tinubu emerged as the party’s flagbearer, he committed himself fully to the campaign.

“It is a principle of mine that I fight for the candidate of my party in every election to win, whether I like the candidate or not. Tinubu emerged as the candidate, and I gave everything to ensure that he won. And that’s what I did,” El-Rufai said.

Despite that support, he said differences in governance philosophy later created a divide between them.

He said: “I am in government for delivery, for results and performance. Public service is not about making money for yourself, it’s not about stealing, it’s not about appointing your cronies or your tribesmen.”

El-Rufai further revealed that he was offered a ministerial appointment. He maintained that he would not have stayed long if the appointment had been finalised.

“Even if the offer that Tinubu made to me to be a minister had gone through, I would have left the government long ago. The philosophy of this government is contrary to everything I have been taught as a Muslim, as a northerner, and as a Nigerian,” El-Rufai declared.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf to serve as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

This is contained in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, today February 11, 2026.

The nomination was announced in a State House press statement released on Wednesday. The appointment, however, awaits the approval of the Senate in line with the provisions of Section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act, 2006.

As part of the process, President Tinubu has written to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, seeking swift confirmation of the nominee. The request follows the resignation of the immediate past chairman, Professor Abdullahi Usman, who stepped down earlier this week after spending about 14 months in office.

Ambassador Yusuf is described as an experienced Nigerian diplomat. He previously served as Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Türkiye between 2021 and 2024.

By Uzair Adam

Five members of the United States Congress have introduced a bill requiring the US Secretary of State to submit a comprehensive report on efforts to address ongoing religious persecution and mass atrocities in Nigeria.

If passed into law, the proposed legislation would mandate the Departments of State and Treasury to impose sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes, on individuals or entities found responsible for severe violations of religious freedom in Nigeria.

Among those named in the bill for possible sanctions are a former Kano State Governor and national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN); Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore; and groups described as “Fulani-ethnic nomad militias in Nigeria.”

The bill, titled Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, was introduced on Tuesday in the US House of Representatives.

Its sponsors include Chris Smith, Riley Moore (the bill’s author), Brian Mast, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Bill Huizenga.

The lawmakers said President Donald Trump “acted justly” by redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), a classification that enables the US government to apply diplomatic and economic measures.

According to the sponsors, the United States should deploy “all available diplomatic, humanitarian, economic, and security tools to pressure the Government of Nigeria to end impunity for perpetrators of mass atrocities and religious persecution and protect Christian communities, clergy, and other targeted religious minorities.”

The bill also directs the Secretary of State to determine whether certain Fulani-ethnic militias in Nigeria meet the criteria for designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation.

Part of the proposed legislation states that the US should provide humanitarian assistance — co-funded by the Nigerian government — through trusted civil society and faith-based organisations operating in Nigeria’s Middle Belt states.

It further urges the Departments of State and Treasury to impose targeted sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act on those responsible for serious religious freedom violations or report to Congress why such measures have not been applied.

Representative Moore, who authored the bill, has consistently maintained that Christians in Nigeria face systemic persecution. He visited Nigeria in November 2025 in connection with the issue.

In November 2025, President Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, a move that paved the way for possible diplomatic and economic actions.

He also authorised coordinated strikes with the Nigerian government against suspected militants on Christmas Day 2025.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Ten people, including a female gunman, were killed in a shocking attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia on Tuesday, in what authorities have described as one of the deadliest mass casualty incidents in recent Canadian history.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reported that the suspect, identified as female, opened fire inside the school before being found dead from what appears to be a self-inflicted injury. Authorities confirmed there are no additional suspects and no ongoing threat to the public.

The tragedy struck the remote town of Tumbler Ridge, a tight-knit community of around 2,400 residents located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, leaving the population in deep shock.

According to the RCMP, six victims were discovered inside the high school, while two more were found at a nearby residence believed to be linked to the incident. Another person died while being transported to the hospital. At least two individuals remain hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, and approximately 25 others received treatment for non-critical wounds.

Authorities have offered limited details about the shooter, beyond confirming the suspect was female — a rare occurrence in North American mass shootings, which are predominantly committed by men. An earlier police alert described the suspect as “female in a dress with brown hair.” Police Superintendent Ken Floyd later confirmed that this was the same person found dead at the school. Officials have not revealed a motive or the ages of all victims, some of whom may have been minors.

The attack has left the community struggling to process the scale of the tragedy. British Columbia Premier David Eby expressed his grief, saying, “It’s hard to know what to say on a night like tonight. It’s the kind of thing that feels like it happens in other places and not close to home.”

Images from Tumbler Ridge show a snow-covered town surrounded by pine forests, highlighting the isolation of the northern British Columbia community, roughly 1,155 kilometres northeast of Vancouver.

The school, which serves about 160 students in grades seven through 12, will remain closed for the rest of the week. Officials said counseling services will be available to both students and staff as the community begins the process of mourning and recovery.

By Ibrahim Yunusa

The Federal University Dutse (FUD) has officially handed over its leadership to the newly appointed Vice Chancellor, Professor Ahmad Muhammed Gumel, who succeeds Professor Abdulkarim Sabo Muhammad. The ceremony marked a significant transition in the university’s administration.

Professor Gumel, who previously served as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), pledged to transform FUD into Nigeria’s premier hub for research-driven solutions and a centre of excellence for innovation across diverse fields by the year 2030.

He stated that this vision would be pursued through the careful implementation of an 11-point agenda designed to reposition the institution for greater impact and global relevance.

The agenda focuses on Academic Excellence; Research and Innovation; Digital Transformation; Student Welfare and Empowerment; Staff Welfare and Development; Infrastructure Expansion; Financial Sustainability; Global Partnerships; University-Community Engagement; Governance and Accountability; and Environmental Stewardship.

While expressing appreciation to the outgoing Vice Chancellor for the support and opportunities that paved the way for his emergence as Vice Chancellor, Professor Gumel assured his predecessor of continued consultation and collaboration, noting that he would frequently seek his advice and guidance.

In his remarks, Professor Abdulkarim Sabo Muhammad described his successor as generous, humble, approachable, and highly competent. He urged him to maintain these qualities despite the demands of his new office.

The outgoing Vice Chancellor also thanked academic and non-academic staff, students, and the university community for their unwavering support throughout his five-year tenure.

In his closing remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Services), Professor Ahmad Shehu Kutama, described the transition as a continuity of leadership, emphasizing that it represents a handover from a mentor to his mentee, who had been an integral part of the previous administration.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Security operatives in Adamawa State have arrested three suspects, including a son accused of taking part in the abduction of his own father in Malabu community, Fufore Local Government Area.

The arrest was confirmed in a statement released on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Adamawa State Command, Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje. He said the development followed the kidnapping of Alhaji Ahmadu on January 30, 2026.

Nguroje explained that the action of the operatives was “in compliance with the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, to intensify operations against criminal elements.”

He stated that police personnel, in collaboration with members of the Miyetti Allah local security outfit, stormed a hideout believed to be used by kidnappers in Jera village, Malabu District of Fufore LGA.

During the raid, three men were taken into custody. The suspects were identified as Lawali Haruna, 45; Yahaya Ibrahim, 25; and Da’u Alhaji Ahmadu, 28. All are residents of Jera community.

Police authorities described the incident as “more worrisome,” after confirming that one of those arrested is the biological son of the victim.

“All the three suspects confessed to their involvement in the crime,” the statement added.

The command disclosed that efforts are ongoing to rescue the abducted victim safely and track down other members of the kidnapping gang. The suspects remain in detention while investigation continues.

The Commissioner of Police praised the joint effort between the police and local security groups. He assured residents of sustained operations to protect lives and property across the state. He also called on the public to assist law enforcement agencies with “timely and credible information” as the investigation progresses.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Russian government has dismissed reports that it is hiring Nigerians to participate as soldiers in the ongoing war with Ukraine.

Russia began a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The offensive led to the occupation of several Ukrainian territories and marked the most significant conflict in Europe since the Second World War.

Recent media reports alleged that four Nigerians — Adam Anas, Akinlawon Tunde Quyuum, Abugu Stanley Onyeka and Balogun Ridwan Adisa — lost their lives while fighting on the frontlines. The report stated that the men were lured with promises of a “security job” but were later drafted into the war after only three weeks of training.

According to the publication, the deaths occurred on different dates between December 2025 and January 2026. It also claimed that news of their deaths first surfaced in a private WhatsApp group reportedly created by African mercenaries.

Further allegations suggested that the Russian Embassy in Abuja issued the recruits single-entry tourist visas without biometric capture or full application procedures. The men were allegedly promised a monthly salary of 200,000 rubles, estimated at about ₦3.6 million, alongside allowances and other benefits.

The report added that upon arrival in Russia, the Nigerians were forced into military service. They were said to have received minimal training before deployment to combat zones. It also alleged that they signed military contracts written in Russian without legal guidance or translation. Some claims indicated that their passports were seized, which made escape difficult.

Russia has rejected these allegations. Authorities insisted there is no state-sponsored programme aimed at recruiting Nigerians or any other foreigners to fight in Ukraine.

The Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podyolyshev, addressed the issue on Tuesday in Abuja. He responded directly to the circulating reports.

“There is no government-supported programme to recruit Nigerians to fight in Ukraine. If there are illegal organisations or individuals trying to recruit Nigerians by unlawful means, this is not connected with the Russian state.”

“If anybody has this information, we are ready to send it to Russian law enforcement authorities so they can investigate those cases,” he said.

The ambassador also reacted to reports from Western media that Nigerians were deceived into joining the war.

“You are receiving information from Western sources. Their main task is to demonise Russia. If you want to know the real situation, you should send journalists to Russia to understand what is really happening,” the Ambassador said.

While he acknowledged that Nigerians may be present within the conflict environment, he maintained that the Russian government has no official recruitment policy targeting them.

“There are such Nigerians, I know, but there is no government-supported programme to recruit them. If there are agencies, including Russian agencies, violating Russian law, we are ready to transmit this information to our law enforcement authorities,” he said.

Podyolyshev also spoke about bilateral relations. He called for stronger economic cooperation between Russia and Nigeria. He noted that the last meeting of the Russia–Nigeria Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation took place about a decade ago.

He further highlighted Nigeria’s strategic role in Africa. He referenced the country’s peacekeeping missions in Liberia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia.

“Nigeria showed readiness to take responsibility for regional stability. Within ECOWAS, Nigeria is the core of the organisation in terms of population, economy and military potential,” he said.

On energy collaboration, the ambassador disclosed that both nations are discussing long-term partnerships. He said this includes projects in the nuclear energy sector.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kwara State Government has rejected reports spreading on social media which alleged that some deaths at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in the state were caused by Lassa fever.

The clarification appeared in an official statement released by the Information Officer of the Kwara State Ministry of Health, Saad Hamdalat. The statement followed an emergency probe launched after the rumours gained public attention.

Authorities disclosed that the investigation was headed by the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Kamaldeen Khadeejah. Findings from the probe showed that there was no confirmed case of Lassa fever among corps members or camp officials.

The statement further explained that the corps member whose health condition circulated widely online became sick and was rushed to a hospital on February 1, 2026. The individual later passed away on February 7.

Officials, however, stressed that laboratory tests did not confirm Lassa fever as the cause of the illness.

The state government advised residents and the general public to disregard unverified information. It also assured that surveillance systems and health sensitisation activities at the NYSC camp have been reinforced to enable early detection of any possible health threat.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In a move to intensify internal security, the Nigerian Army has deployed a fresh batch of specially trained soldiers to reinforce ongoing operations in the central region.

The troops, from the COAS Special Intervention Battalion XV, have completed an intensive Special Forces programme at the Nigerian Army Training Centre in Kontagora. Their deployment to the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) was approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu.

OPWS operates across Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba states, areas plagued by banditry, armed violence, and attacks on communities. The new deployment aims to act as a “force multiplier,” bringing fresh momentum to efforts aimed at dismantling criminal networks, safeguarding farmers, and restoring socio-economic activities.

Welcoming the troops, the Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, charged them to apply their specialised skills with professionalism and ruthlessness against criminal elements. He emphasized the need for total commitment in a demanding operational environment.

Major General Gara also instructed the soldiers to maintain cordial relations with host communities, uphold human rights, and be cautious in their use of social media to avoid compromising operations. Collaboration with other security agencies was also stressed.

The soldiers, who arrived with high morale, are expected to bolster the fight to restore lasting normalcy to the region.