News

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.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has stated he did not err in sharing a video on his official Truth Social account that showed former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama depicted as apes.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday, Trump insisted he “didn’t make a mistake” and said he does not need to apologize.

“I didn’t make a mistake,” he emphasized.

Trump acknowledged that he had not watched the entire video before it was posted. He explained:

“I didn’t see the whole thing. I looked at the first part, and it was really about voter fraud in the machines, how crooked it is, how disgusting it is. Then I gave it to the people. Generally, they look at the whole thing. But I guess somebody didn’t.”

When asked whether he condemned the video’s content, Trump replied, “Of course I do.”

The video, posted late Thursday, promoted a conspiracy theory about voting machines used during the 2020 election and included a racist portrayal of the Obamas. It remained on Trump’s account for about 12 hours before being deleted Friday morning after bipartisan calls for its removal.

Earlier, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the post in a statement, describing it as “from an internet meme video depicting President Trump as the King of the Jungle and Democrats as characters from The Lion King.”

She added, “Please stop the fake outrage and report on something today that actually matters to the American public.”

Hours after the statement, the video was removed from Trump’s Truth Social account.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has handed over the sum of $23,000 recovered from an alleged international romance fraud suspect to the British High Commission in Abuja for onward return to the victim in the Cayman Islands.

Police authorities said the money was retrieved from Achufusi Obioma, a Nigerian national who was under investigation for allegedly defrauding a resident of the Cayman Islands through an online romantic relationship scam.

In a statement issued on Friday, Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that the complaint was first received by the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service.

He explained that the recovered funds were later transferred to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service through Shaun McLeary, who represented the British High Commission in Abuja.

“The repatriation followed a request received from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service seeking assistance of the INTERPOL NCB Abuja to investigate a Nigerian national, Achufusi Obioma Ikenna, who defrauded a resident of the Cayman Islands through an online romance scam,” the statement reads.

“Acting on the request, INTERPOL NCB Abuja conducted discreet, intelligence-led investigations which led to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of the sum of $23,000.

“Following the completion of all necessary documentation and in collaboration with international partners, the recovered funds were formally handed over to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, through the British High Commission in Abuja, represented by Mr. Shaun McLeary, for secure delivery to the victim. Meanwhile the suspect will be arraigned at the conclusion of investigation.

“This successful repatriation underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s sustained commitment to intelligence-driven policing, effective international collaboration, and the disruption of transnational cybercrime networks.”

The Cayman Islands is a self-governing British Overseas Territory located in the western Caribbean.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kano Zonal Directorate, on Thursday, February 5, 2026, arraigned a former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Dutsinma (FUDMA), Professor Armaya’u Hamisu Bichi, before the Katsina State High Court over an alleged N19.7 million bribery scheme.

Bichi was docked before Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar alongside two others—Lawal Tukur Mani and Aliyu Lawal Jari—on a five-count charge bordering on bribery.

According to the EFCC, Bichi, while serving as Vice-Chancellor, allegedly received kickbacks from contractors through the two co-defendants in exchange for the award of contracts at the university. One of the charges alleged that he obtained N5 million in July 2023 from a contractor as gratification for contracts involving the supply of medical equipment and laboratory furnishing, with the funds paid into a bank account belonging to one of the co-defendants.

All three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following their pleas, prosecuting counsel, Salihu Sani, requested a trial date, while defence counsel moved applications for bail. Justice Abubakar granted each defendant bail in the sum of N5 million with one surety in like sum and adjourned the case to March 12, 2026, for the commencement of trial.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Former vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on Friday in Saudi Arabia, received a courtesy visit from Hajiya Aisha Buhari, the wife of the former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari.

The former First Lady was accompanied by her daughter, Hanan, and other family members during the meeting.

According to a statement from Atiku Abubakar, both he and the Buhari family are currently in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform the lesser Hajj, known as Umrah.

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar noted that he was honoured to host the visit, which underscores the continued cordial relationship between two the families.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In a major coordinated operation, Nigerian Army troops from 4 Brigade, alongside Air Force, Police, Civil Defence, and Edo State Security personnel, have arrested thirteen suspected kidnappers and drug peddlers in Edo North Senatorial District.

The operation, codenamed “Operation IGBO DANU 1,” was carried out on February 4, 2026, across Osara, Auchi, and Okpella communities in Etsako West Local Government Area.

According to a military press release, eight suspects were initially apprehended in the clearance raid. Items recovered from them included a pump-action gun, a locally made pistol, live cartridges, a POS machine, illicit drugs suspected to be cannabis, tramadol, and codeine syrup, as well as phones, a camera, and ₦87,550 in cash.

In a follow-up operation the same day, troops combed the Aviele Forest, leading to the arrest of five more suspects. Two motorcycles, phones, and a power bank were seized.

All arrested individuals and recovered exhibits have been handed over to the Edo State Police Command for further investigation.

The Commander of 4 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, praised the inter-agency collaboration and warned that Edo State will remain hostile to terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminals. He reaffirmed the commitment of security forces to protecting lives and property in the state.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Popular British rapper, Central Cee, has stirred widespread reactions on social media after revealing that he has embraced Islam.

The announcement shifted attention from his music career to his personal faith journey. Shortly after the revelation surfaced online, thousands of fans and followers trooped to his social media pages to express their support and goodwill.

During a live appearance, the rapper disclosed that he had formally entered the Islamic faith. He said, “I declared the Shahada, I have a new name, I am now a Muslim.”

Following the declaration, congratulatory messages poured in from supporters across different platforms. Many welcomed him warmly into the religion. Some of the messages read, “Welcome to Islam, brother,” “You have been honored with Islam,” and “Welcome, Muslim brother.”

The development also triggered conversations about a possible new identity for the music star. This came after he hinted about adopting another name. He had stated, “I have a new name.”

Fans quickly began suggesting options they felt would suit him. Among the various proposals, one name appeared repeatedly in comment sections. Several followers wrote, “Yusuf suits him well,” while others added, “I am curious about the Muslim name, but let it be Yusuf.”

Despite the wave of speculation, the rapper has not released any official confirmation regarding a new name. He has also not provided further clarification on the matter.

Online engagement around the announcement continues to grow, with many admirers still awaiting additional details about his conversion and identity within the faith.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced a change in the leadership of its National Convention Central Coordination Committee, replacing Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, with former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Bello Masari, as chairman.

The development was made public on Friday by the party’s National Secretary, Surajudeen Basiru, through an official statement.

“In further consultation with the leadership and national stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Central Coordination Committee for the 2026 National Convention has been reconstituted,” the statement reads.

“Sub-committees of the Central Coordination Committee will be constituted and announced in due course.”

Following the restructuring, Uzodimma, who previously headed the committee, will now serve as treasurer in the new arrangement approved by the party leadership.

The ruling party also increased the committee’s membership from 73 to 90. The expansion brought in more party leaders, including Barry Mpigi, senator representing Rivers South-East.

Under the revised composition, former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, emerged as Vice-Chairman I. Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, was named Vice-Chairman II. Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, retained his position as secretary of the committee.

Meanwhile, the APC released an updated timetable for its nationwide congresses, national convention, and other activities scheduled for 2026.

In a notice shared on its X handle on Friday and titled “Adjusted APC 2026 schedule of nationwide congresses, national convention and related activities”, the party said forms for expression of interest and nomination would be sold at its national secretariat in Abuja.

“The Expression of Interest Form and the Nomination Form will be available for purchase and collection at the Directorate of Organisation, 2nd Floor, APC National Secretariat, No. 40 Blantyre Street, Wuse 2, Abuja,” the party said.

The party explained that all timelines were reviewed to ensure smooth and transparent conduct of the processes nationwide. It added that only forms obtained from the Directorate of Organisation at the national secretariat would be recognised as valid.

According to the APC, the adjustments in the timetable and the reconstitution of the committee reflect zoning considerations and efforts to strengthen internal democracy ahead of the 2026 national convention.

The party’s national convention is scheduled to hold between March 27 and 28.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Donald Trump shared a video clip on social media that portrayed former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes. He later removed the post after strong criticism from the public and members of his own Republican Party.

The clip appeared near the end of a 62-second video that pushed conspiracy claims about irregularities in the 2020 presidential election. It featured the song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” The post formed part of a pattern critics say reflects Mr. Trump’s history of promoting offensive imagery and language about Black Americans and other groups.

The White House initially defended the video. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the outrage in an earlier statement before the post was taken down.

“This is from an internet meme video depicting President Trump as the King of the Jungle and Democrats as characters from the Lion King,” she said. “Please stop the fake outrage and report on something today that actually matters to the American public.”

Despite that defense, the video disappeared from the president’s social media feed hours later. Observers described the deletion as a rare reversal from Mr. Trump, who often stands by controversial online posts.

Civil rights advocates and historians noted that portraying Black people as apes draws from racist imagery used during slavery and segregation to dehumanize Black communities and justify violence.

Condemnation also came from Republican lawmakers. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, the only Black Republican in the Senate and a political ally of Mr. Trump, reacted on social media.

He wrote that he hoped the post was fake “because it’s the most racist thing I’ve seen out of this White House. The President should remove it.”

Representative Mike Lawler, a Republican from New York, also criticized the video. He said the president’s post “is wrong and incredibly offensive.” He added that it “should be deleted immediately with an apology offered.”

Mr. Trump has clashed with Mr. Obama for years. He previously promoted the false “birther” claim that Mr. Obama was born in Kenya and therefore was not a legitimate U.S. president.

The latest controversy has renewed debate over rhetoric, race and political conduct as the United States approaches another election cycle.