News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The group further spoke on market projects and trader relocation.

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

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

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

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

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has criticised comments attributed to U.S. Representative Riley Moore concerning Nigeria’s unity, religious persecution, and the movement for Biafran self-determination.

In a statement released on Sunday, Comrade Emma Powerful, IPOB’s Spokesperson and Media/Publicity Secretary, challenged Moore’s view that maintaining Nigeria’s territorial integrity guarantees the protection of Christians.

Moore, who recently concluded a fact-finding visit across Nigeria, warned against the country’s potential balkanisation, arguing that supporting separatist movements could endanger Christians, particularly in the North and Middle Belt regions. According to Moore, his visit included meetings with government officials, church leaders, aid organisations, and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to examine what he described as the “rampant persecution of Christians” in the country.

IPOB, however, described Moore’s position as flawed. “With utmost respect, the position attributed to Rep. Riley Moore reflects a familiar but deeply flawed assumption: that preserving the territorial integrity of Nigeria is synonymous with protecting Christians. History proves the opposite,” the statement said. Powerful highlighted that, over the past six decades, Christians in Northern Nigeria, the Middle Belt, and parts of Yorubaland have faced “cyclical massacres, mass displacement, church burnings, and a culture of impunity enabled by the state itself.”

The group also dismissed Moore’s claim that self-determination “emboldens terrorists,” calling it “a line of reasoning born out of 9 million dollars lobbying enterprise in Washington not reason.” Powerful argued, “terror movements are not triggered by oppressed peoples seeking safety; they flourish where centralized states suppress identity, deny autonomy, and reward violence with appeasement.” He cited Afghanistan as an example where decades of military cooperation and aid collapsed while radical ideology resurged.

Referring to history, IPOB’s statement noted that persecuted religious minorities often survived because independent states provided refuge. “The religiously persecuted Huguenots did not survive Catholic France because France became tolerant. They survived because an independent Protestant England already existed — a sovereign refuge with the political will, military capacity, and moral clarity to protect them. Without Protestant England, there would have been no sanctuary for European Protestants fleeing annihilation,” it read.

Powerful linked this historical context to the current Biafran movement led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, describing it as “not a call to violence, nor a scheme to destabilize West Africa as British/Nigerian lobbyists in Europe and USA would have us believe. It is a demand for a democratic referendum, the most peaceful conflict-resolution mechanism recognized in international law.”

The statement added that a restored Biafra “would function as a safe civilizational anchor — a homeland where Christians and people of other faiths from across Nigeria can live without fear, and from which persecuted Christians elsewhere could find refuge and protection.” IPOB also claimed that its emergence has helped reduce attacks on Igbos in Northern Nigeria, stating, “Since the emergence of the IPOB, the once-routine mass killings of Igbos in Northern Nigeria abruptly ceased. That outcome was not accidental. Collective self-assertion created deterrence where decades of appeasement failed.”

While acknowledging the value of security cooperation with the United States, IPOB argued that it addresses symptoms rather than the root causes. “Security cooperation between the United States and Nigeria may manage symptoms, but it has never cured the disease. Repeating a strategy that has failed for generations — while dismissing self-determination as dangerous — is not realism; it is historical amnesia,” the statement said.

Powerful concluded that advocacy for self-determination does not conflict with peace or countering violent extremism. “No serious advocate of peace opposes cooperation against violent extremism. But refusing to acknowledge peaceful constitutional exits, while insisting on the permanence of a demonstrably broken state, guarantees the continuation of persecution rather than its end,” he said.

The spokesperson further argued that an independent Biafra would enhance, not threaten, regional stability. “An independent Biafra, like an independent Protestant England or the State of Israel, would not threaten regional stability. It would create it — by giving persecuted peoples something they have never had within Nigeria: a sovereign place of safety.”

“True concern for Christians — and for all Nigerians — begins with intellectual honesty: forced unity has failed. Safety, dignity, and peace have always followed self-rule, not its denial,” Powerful concluded.

By Uzair Adam

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State House of Assembly has dismissed reports suggesting an alleged plan to impeach the Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdulsalam-Gwarzo, describing them as unfounded and misleading.

The Assembly said there was no such move before the House, stressing that the reports were intended to create unnecessary tension within the state.

Speaking to journalists in Kano on Saturday, the spokesperson to the Speaker of the House, Kamaluddeen Shawai, said there was “absolutely no motion or initiative” aimed at removing the Deputy Governor.

According to him, the circulating reports were false and should be disregarded by the public, adding that the Deputy Governor continued to enjoy the full support of the Assembly.

Shawai urged members of the media and the public to always verify information before dissemination, emphasising that accurate and responsible reporting is crucial to maintaining political stability in the state.

He further noted that the House remained focused on its legislative responsibilities and oversight functions, rather than engaging in speculative political manoeuvres.

“Our priority is good governance and serving the people of Kano, not the circulation of rumours,” he said.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A handwritten letter allegedly sent by Boko Haram insurgents to the Sarkin Woro in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State has surfaced, weeks after a deadly attack that left over 170 people dead.

The message, dated January 8, 2026 (19 Rajab 1447 AH), was written in Hausa and requested a meeting with the traditional ruler or his representative before the violence occurred.

According to a publication by a Nigerian online newspaper, SaharaReporters, the terrorists presented the proposed visit as peaceful religious engagement.

Part of the letter read: “After greetings and good wishes, this message is from Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal Jihad to the Sarkin Waro. We are requesting a meeting with you personally, or alternatively with your representative.

“We wish to discuss matters with you and remind you, particularly concerning preaching and guidance among your people. This is not a threat or a declaration of war against you or your people,” they added.

Residents of Kaiama later accused authorities of ignoring repeated warnings before the massacre. Community members said they had reported suspicious movements of armed men in surrounding forests to traditional leaders, local officials, and the state government without response.

One resident said, “Before these attacks happened, our youths went to the traditional ruler many times to report that strange people were gathering inside the forest close to our villages.

“They did not only stop there. They also informed the local government council and the state government. Everybody knew, but nobody came to protect us.”

Another resident said the alerts were also sent directly to government authorities. “We reported to the state government and to the local government authorities that terrorists were around us. We begged them to deploy security operatives to clear the forests.

“They kept assuring us that something would be done, but nothing happened.”

Locals recalled that fear heightened around mid-2025 after unusual activities increased in nearby bushes. One source said, “There was a time the governor even promised that soldiers would be deployed to our area because of what we reported.

“He told some of our leaders that the Army would be sent to secure the community, but till today, no soldier came. We were abandoned.”

Survivors said the attackers later launched coordinated assaults on several villages. Casualties included men, women, and children, while homes were set ablaze. A resident stated, “What happened did not just start overnight.

“These people were around us for months. We warned the authorities. If they had listened, this massacre would not have happened.”

Another survivor described the scale of the raid. “They came in large numbers with guns. They were shouting and shooting. People were running in all directions.

“Our houses were burned. Many families were wiped out. We are still counting the dead.”

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who visited the area with service chiefs and cabinet members, condemned the killings and sympathised with affected communities. He said, “Tonight, I arrived in Kaiama in company of service chiefs and cabinet members to commiserate with His Royal Highness Alhaji Omar Mu’azu (Bagidi Kiyaru IV), the Emir of Kaiama, and the entire community on the cowardly attack launched on our compatriots in Woro and Nuku yesterday. I also visited Woro to see things for myself.”

He stated that many victims were killed after rejecting extremist teachings imposed by the attackers. However, some residents faulted the government’s response and casualty figures. One of them said, “The government failed us.”

He continued. “We did our part by reporting early. If they had deployed army when we raised alarm, these terrorists would not have stayed here to plan and kill our people.”

Another resident added, “It is so sad; the governor came here after people died and they even lied that it was only 75 people that died. Anybody that believes those who were killed were not up to 100 should come here and count the corpses themselves. The government was just doing ‘eye-service’ by crying to the media. They knew these people would attack us and they did nothing.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have killed at least three residents and abducted several others, including a Catholic priest, during a predawn raid on Karku village in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday and threw the community into grief amid growing concerns over insecurity in Southern Kaduna.

A family member of one of the victims, who spoke in a distress message from the village, said the attackers stormed the area suddenly and opened fire on residents. He stated, “The bandits entered our village around 3:20 a.m. and started shooting. People were running in different directions.”

He explained that local vigilantes mobilised and went after the assailants, which led to an exchange of gunfire. According to him, “When the vigilantes intercepted them, there was a gun battle. Six people were killed during the encounter, including two security personnel.” He added that some members of the vigilante group could not be accounted for after the clash. “As I am speaking to you now, three of our vigilantes have not returned. We don’t know their whereabouts,” he said.

The Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan confirmed the assault and the abduction of the Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku, Reverend Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, alongside 10 parishioners. In a statement, the Diocesan Chancellor, Reverend Father Jacob Shanet, said, “It is with deep sorrow that we confirm the abduction of our priest, Reverend Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, the Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku, and 10 other parishioners.”

The Diocese identified those killed as Mr. Jacob Dan’azumi, Mr. Maitala Kaura, and Alhaji Kusari. It added, “Among those killed in the attack are Mr. Jacob Dan’azumi, Mr. Maitala Kaura, and Alhaji Kusari. We condemn this act of violence in strong terms.”

The attack has heightened tension across Southern Kaduna, an area that has witnessed repeated assaults on rural settlements and places of worship. Residents have continued to decry what they describe as insufficient security deployment and slow response during emergencies.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Kaduna State Government nor security agencies had released an official statement, while community members urged authorities to intensify rescue efforts and strengthen protection in the area.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has rolled out a Smart Transport Solution aimed at enhancing security and improving efficiency within the state’s transport system through the use of modern tracking technology.

The Daily Reality reports that the programme was unveiled on Saturday at the Afficient Event Centre, where top government officials, transport stakeholders and security agencies gathered for the flag-off.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Transport, Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi, said the initiative, although new to Kano, is a globally tested system already deployed in major cities around the world.

“This is a system which is new in Kano, but not new in the world and not new in major cities,” Dederi said, explaining that the technology enables authorities to monitor transport activities in real time using cameras and satellite-based tracking.

He noted that the system would capture the movement of commuters and vehicles entering the state from designated points, with relevant data transmitted to appropriate authorities for monitoring and response.

According to the commissioner, security agencies including the police, the Ministry of Transportation and the Cabinet Office will have access to dedicated dashboards to track activities across the transport network.

“Everybody will be monitoring what is happening,” he said, adding that the initiative was informed by the growing influx of people into Kano due to its relative peace and economic opportunities.

Dederi stressed that while Kano remains one of the most peaceful states in northern Nigeria, there is a need to adopt modern technology to sustain security.

“That is why we just have to employ a lot of technological innovation, which will help us ensure absolute security in Kano,” he said, while commending the cooperation of security agencies in the state.

On the scope of the programme, the commissioner explained that the tracking system would initially cover all commercial vehicles, including tricycles, taxis, buses, trailers and tankers, with plans to eventually extend it to private vehicle owners.

“For the start, we are focusing on all commercial vehicles,” he said. “Eventually, it will come down to everyone.”

He added that the initiative is in line with the state’s comprehensive transport policy, which provides a legal framework for public-private partnerships and encourages investment in road and rail infrastructure.

“The government cannot go it alone. Partnership through public-private collaboration is the global trend, and Kano will benefit from it,” Dederi said.

Also speaking, the Head of Operations of As&Aj Company, Dr. Aminu Umar Maigari, explained that the firm is the technical partner responsible for deploying and managing the tracking technology used for the Smart Transport Solution.

He said the system was introduced to address security challenges in the transport sector and protect both commuters and their property, noting that As&Aj Company is providing the software platform and tracking devices required for effective monitoring.

Maigari described the initiative as part of Kano State’s efforts to embrace information technology in governance, adding that it would improve transparency and accountability in transportation operations.

He explained that the application required to access the system is free to download and use, with operators only expected to complete a Know Your Customer (KYC) process and install the tracker.

“The good thing about it is that it’s free. You don’t need to pay anything to download and use the application,” he said, adding that the combined cost of the KYC and tracker is N28,000, with a 10 per cent government subsidy for the first one million subscribers.

He noted that the flag-off ceremony was intended to create awareness among transport unions and local government stakeholders, adding that full deployment of the system would commence the following Monday.

In a show of support, the Chairman of the Vehicle Owners and Transporters of Nigeria (VOTOR), Comrade Nazifi Gidan Kudi, commended the initiative, describing it as timely and necessary.

He said the Smart Transport Solution would help check excesses among commercial vehicle operators, address unsafe driving and riding practices, and enhance security across the state.

The Daily Reality gathered that the Smart Transport Solution is expected to mark a significant step in Kano State’s drive to modernise its transport sector and strengthen public safety through technology-driven governance.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigerian Army Finance Corps (NAFC) held a vibrant valedictory parade on Friday to honour ten of its retiring senior officers, marking the end of their distinguished service.

The event, held at the Nigerian Army School of Signals Parade Ground in Apapa, Lagos, was praised by the Special Guest of Honour, retired Major General Kamal Ishola Yusuf. He described it as “one of the most colourful and dignified” ceremonies of its kind, highlighting the military’s role in upholding tradition as the backbone of its discipline and identity.

The retirees honoured were Major Generals KI Yusuf, AA Fayemiwo, J Mohammed, RN Ochei, MO Ihanuwaze, M Galadima, SA Gumel, and Brigadier Generals EA Obona, AS Maikano, and MK Baba-Mallam.

In his speech, Major General Yusuf expressed thanks for divine protection during their service and commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu NAM, for his support. He also acknowledged the efforts of Major General TT Sidick, the Chief of Accounts and Budget (Army), in organizing the successful event.

The ceremony drew a wide array of guests, including serving and retired officers, former army chiefs, commanders, industry leaders, bankers, and the families of the retirees.

The programme featured a formal pulling-out parade, a march-past, and group photographs. Attendees were later hosted to a reception at the Command Finance Office, featuring music, comedy, cultural displays, and refreshments.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Embassy of Israel in Nigeria has strongly condemned the recent massacre in Kwara State, which claimed the lives of over 160 people, describing the attack as a “horrific massacre” against innocent civilians.

In a statement shared on its X handle on Friday, the Israeli mission expressed “deep sympathy with the families of the victims and all those affected by the deadly attack, which is considered one of the worst mass killings in Nigeria in recent times.”

“The Embassy of Israel in Nigeria condemns the horrific massacre in Kwara State, in which over 160 innocent people were brutally murdered,” the statement read. The mission called the deliberate targeting of civilians “an affront to humanity and can never be justified no matter when or where it takes place.”

Israel also affirmed its solidarity with Nigeria, pledging support for the country’s efforts to combat insecurity and safeguard its citizens. “Israel stands in solidarity with the people and Government of Nigeria in their efforts to confront violence and protect innocent lives,” the embassy added.

The condemnation comes amid national and international outrage over the attack, which occurred in a rural community on Tuesday when armed men reportedly invaded the area, killing residents and burning homes. Humanitarian organizations and local residents have placed the death toll at over 160, with additional people still missing.

The massacre has drawn renewed criticism of Nigeria’s security situation, particularly in rural regions that remain vulnerable to armed attacks. President Bola Tinubu condemned the killings, ordered the deployment of security forces to the area, and promised that the perpetrators would face justice. However, civil society groups and residents continue to accuse the government of failing to prevent repeated attacks despite early warnings.

Security analysts warn that unless immediate and coordinated measures are taken to protect rural communities, strengthen intelligence, and address the root causes of violence, mass attacks like the Kwara incident may continue. Survivors and grieving families are calling for justice, accountability, and sustained security presence to prevent further bloodshed.