News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have circulated a video showing a large number of women and children said to have been abducted from Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The footage, which lasts one minute and 17 seconds, was published by Sahara Reporters. It shows dozens of female captives and minors assembled in an open location while an unidentified speaker questions them. The face of the speaker was not shown in the clip.

During the exchange, the speaker asked the victims, “Where were you abducted?”

They responded, “From Woro.”

He followed up with another question, “Which local government?” and they replied, “Kaiama.”

“Which state?” he pressed.

“Kwara,” the captives answered in unison.

The speaker then asked, “How many are you?” Two women answered, “176.”

After the responses, the unidentified speaker accused the Federal Government of downplaying the number of abductees.

“You can see that your infidel government lied to people that you are not more than 30,” he said.

The video ended shortly after the remark.

As at the time this report was filed, neither the Federal Government nor the Kwara State Government had confirmed the authenticity of the footage or the number of victims mentioned by the insurgents.

Security agencies have also not released any official statement in reaction to the claims.

The incident has sparked renewed anxiety over insecurity in Kwara State. The North-Central state has not been widely known as a major centre of Boko Haram operations when compared with states in the North-East.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kano State chapter of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has asked President Bola Tinubu to remove the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the date fixed for the 2027 presidential election.

The party made its position known on Saturday through a statement issued by its Kano State Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Karaye.

In the statement, the party said the presidential poll has been scheduled for 20 February 2027. It noted that the date falls within the Ramadan fasting period observed by Muslims.

The NNPP described the timing as unacceptable. It argued that the development could affect the turnout of Muslim voters across the country.

“This is a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise the majority Muslim population in the country,” the party stated.

The party also accused the INEC Chairman of displaying what it termed religious bias in the choice of the election date.

It therefore urged the President to take immediate action by removing the electoral body’s chairman. The party said such a step would promote fairness and rebuild trust in the electoral system.

“For any election to be accepted by the Muslim majority in the country, the President must replace him with a more credible Christian who will ensure justice and fairness for all,” the statement added.

By Uzair Adam

A raging fire on Saturday tore through Gidan Gilas, popularly known as “Gidan Mai,” at Singa Market, destroying goods and triggering fresh fears among traders that the inferno could spread to nearby buildings.

The Daily Reality gathered that the shops, where provision materials are sold, was engulfed in flames as thick smoke rose into the sky, attracting a crowd of anxious residents and traders. Many were seen making frantic efforts to salvage goods while others attempted to stop the fire from extending to adjoining structures.

Eyewitnesses said parts of surrounding buildings had already been affected, deepening tension across the busy commercial hub. “The fire is still burning, and we are afraid it may catch other shops if help does not come quickly,” one trader said.

As of the time of filing this report, the cause of the outbreak had not been ascertained, with no immediate trace to what might have triggered the incident.

Officials of the Kano State Fire Service arrived at the scene with a tanker of water, but the supply was quickly exhausted as firefighters battled to contain the flames. Another tanker was later deployed to reinforce the effort.

A private water tanker from Aspira Nigeria Limited also joined the emergency response to assist in extinguishing the fire.

However, several traders expressed concern that the number of tankers on ground may not be sufficient to completely put out the blaze.

They warned that without additional support, the fire could escalate and affect a larger section of the market.

The latest incident comes just weeks after a devastating fire outbreak at Singa Market caused heavy losses for business owners, further compounding the challenges faced by traders in the area.

China has summoned senior Western diplomats in Hong Kong after their governments criticised the sentencing of media businessman Jimmy Lai.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Office of the Commissioner of China’s Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong confirmed that the heads of the United Kingdom, United States, Australian and European Union missions were called in over remarks made by their officials.
According to the office, Chinese authorities expressed “strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition” to the comments. It urged the governments concerned to respect China’s sovereignty as well as Hong Kong’s judicial system. The statement also asked them to halt what it described as “irresponsible” remarks on national security cases and to stop interfering in the internal affairs of Hong Kong and China.


Earlier in the month, a Hong Kong court handed Jimmy Lai a 20-year prison sentence. The ruling followed his conviction in a high-profile foreign collusion case prosecuted under the city’s national security law.


Lai, a well-known critic of Beijing and founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, has faced several legal battles since the introduction of the security legislation.


The sentencing has continued to draw reactions from Western governments. Chinese officials insist that the case is purely a matter of law and national security.

Reuters

By Sabiu Abdullahi

South African authorities have arrested a woman suspected to be involved in the murder of 22-year-old Nigerian e-hailing driver, Isaac Satlat, in Pretoria West earlier this month.

The Gauteng Police Command confirmed the arrest following investigations into the violent hijacking and murder of the Bolt driver, who was attacked while on duty. His death has sparked outrage among Nigerians both in the country and in the diaspora.

According to the South African news outlet IOL, the incident occurred on February 11, 2026. Satlat was allegedly attacked inside his vehicle after picking up passengers who had requested a ride.

Preliminary investigations suggest the driver was targeted by a male and female duo who hijacked the vehicle during the trip. Satlat’s body and the stolen car were later recovered in Atteridgeville on the same day.

The police also noted a video circulating on social media that reportedly shows the victim being attacked while seated behind the steering wheel. Authorities have cautioned the public against sharing the footage.

> “The police strongly condemn the circulation of the video that depicts what appears to be a gruesome murder of the victim,” the Gauteng Police said in a statement.



The arrested female suspect is scheduled to appear before the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on Monday, February 16, 2026. She will face charges including hijacking and murder.

Meanwhile, authorities have launched a manhunt for the second suspect believed to have participated in the attack. The public has been urged to provide any information that could help locate the fleeing individual.

The incident has intensified concerns about the safety of Nigerian nationals working abroad, with calls for increased security measures for drivers and other expatriate workers.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Chinese President Xi Jinping announced on Saturday that Beijing will remove tariffs on imports from nearly all African countries starting May 1, according to state media reports.

Currently, China maintains a zero-tariff policy for imports from 33 African nations. However, last year, the government pledged to extend the policy to all 53 of its diplomatic partners on the continent.

From May, the zero-tariff arrangement will apply to every African country except Eswatini, which continues to maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

Xi highlighted the move during the annual African Union summit in Ethiopia, describing it as a significant boost for development across Africa.

“This will undoubtedly provide new opportunities for African development,” he said, underscoring China’s role as Africa’s largest trading partner.

The country has been a major supporter of infrastructure projects across the continent through its expansive “Belt and Road” initiative.

African nations are increasingly turning to China and other international partners for trade, following the imposition of steep tariffs by US President Donald Trump last year.

The zero-tariff policy is expected to strengthen trade ties between China and Africa, giving African exporters greater access to Chinese markets while encouraging economic growth in the region.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Residents of Surulere Community in Amikanle, near the Command area of Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, have been thrown into distress after suspected landgrabbers invaded the neighbourhood and destroyed multiple properties.

According to a report t a Nigerian newspaper, the Punch, homeowners said the attackers, widely known as Omo Onile, stormed the community on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. They allegedly demanded payments ranging from N15m to N25m from property owners. Those who failed to comply reportedly had their buildings pulled down.

Findings revealed that at least 50 structures have been affected. The demolished properties include residential houses, shops, and perimeter fences.

Residents explained that the invaders arrived in large numbers. They claimed to be acting on court documents from the Federal Housing Authority, authorising them to collect renewal fees. They also threatened to demolish any structure whose owner refused to pay.

One of the children of an affected landlord, identified simply as Oluwafewa, alleged that security personnel accompanied the group during the operation, which lasted about two weeks. He said the development left many families devastated.

“The thugs asked the landlords to obtain a form, which cost N100,000. Then they demanded an initial payment of N5m, with N10m to be paid later. They charged different prices for different houses.

“Some said they were asked to pay N25m, but they demanded N15m from my parents,” he said.

When asked if the group identified those backing them, he replied, “They are working for no one. They are Omo Onile, and they claimed they own the estate. The FHA has told them to desist, as it didn’t authorise any demolition.”

A visit to the area showed heavy damage across the community. Policemen were seen seated in a corner with patrol vehicles parked nearby, while some of the hoodlums remained around demolished structures.

Another resident, who spoke anonymously, alleged that violence accompanied the invasion. He said one individual was assaulted for recording the incident.

“They beat someone who was filming them on the day they first invaded our community. They nearly destroyed the man’s phone. They really dealt with us,” he said.

A different resident claimed the issue had persisted for years. He recounted how his uncle lost property under similar circumstances a decade ago after failing to meet the financial demand.

“My uncle lost his property to them 10 years ago. The matter has existed for years, and I don’t think there is any solution in sight. That was how they came about 10 years ago and demanded N5m from my uncle. He didn’t have the money to give them, and he forfeited his house,” he said.

Angered by the destruction, residents organised a peaceful protest last week. They gathered in front of the affected buildings with placards, calling on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other leaders to intervene.

One protester said, “They mounted our buildings and removed the roofs. We have been to many offices to lodge complaints, but no help has been offered. At this point, we don’t know what to do.”

An official of the Federal Housing Authority, who spoke anonymously, described the demolition as illegal. The official said personnel sent to monitor the situation were chased away.

“They were impersonating. The FHA didn’t send the thugs. We were told about the incident by the residents. We have written to the Commissioner of Police and even the Lagos State Taskforce to that effect. We also sent our officials to the scene, but the thugs chased them away,” he said.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Abimbola Adebisi, said she was unaware of the incident but promised to make inquiries. She did not respond to subsequent calls or messages seeking updates.

The situation has left many residents counting losses and calling for urgent government intervention to halt further demolitions.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has alleged that top security and political figures were involved in the abduction of social media influencer, Abubakar Idris Dadiyata, who has been missing since 2019.

Sowore made the claims in a post published on his Facebook page, where he directly accused former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, of having knowledge of the incident.

According to him, Dadiyata’s abduction was “a joint operation carried out by the Nigeria Police Force,” which he alleged was ordered by former Kano State governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, with El-Rufai’s full awareness at the time both leaders were influential figures in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Sowore further alleged that those he accused “didn’t just know who took Dadiyata, they likely knew why, where, and what was done to him afterwards.”

He added that the prolonged silence surrounding the case raises grave concerns, stating that “the most chilling possibility is that they murdered him and dumped him in a shallow grave somewhere, hoping time would erase the crime.”

The activist also linked the incident to what he described as a pattern of state repression, claiming he was abducted the same night in 2019 from a hotel in Lagos.

He alleged that his own arrest was carried out by operatives of the Department of State Services on the orders of then President Muhammadu Buhari, alongside former DSS Director-General Yusuf Bichi, former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, former Chief of Staff Abba Kyari, and ex-Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele, whom he accused of funding the operation.

Sowore said the presence of CCTV footage at the Lagos hotel where he was arrested served as evidence that prevented what he implied could have been a worse outcome.

He concluded his statement by urging continued public attention to the case, declaring that Nigeria “must not move on from this,” and reiterating the long-running social media campaign hashtag #WhereIsDadiyata.

As of press time, the individuals and institutions named in Sowore’s statement have not publicly responded to the allegations. Dadiyata, a vocal government critic, was abducted by unknown gunmen in August 2019, and his whereabouts remain unknown despite repeated calls for investigation and accountability.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Nigerian university lecturer, Mubarak Ibrahim Lawan, has raised concerns over the scheduling of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria, describing the dates as anti-Islamic and warning that they could spark religious conflict in the country.

In a Facebook post, Lawan criticized the decision to hold the gubernatorial election in the middle of Ramadan and the presidential election on the eve of Eid. He wrote:

“Let Mr. President know that the anti-Islamic election dates set by the Islamophobe, Amupitan, would surely ignite a religious war in the country. To every responsible Muslim, the sacrosanctity of Ramadan is inviolable and, inserting gubernatorial election in the middle of it and the presidential one on the eve of Eid is no different from desecrating the holiness of the month.”

Lawan argued that the timing of the elections could disenfranchise Muslim voters, who may prioritize religious observance over participating in the polls. He added:

“Similarly, this is a criminally insidious way of disenfranchising the Muslim Community as they would surely choose to stay on the holy course and neglect the worldly one, especially on the presidential election day, the eve of Eid. Therefore, we unequivocally disagree and uniformly ask for review of the undue dates.”

The lecturer also expressed concern over the apparent lack of response from northern political representatives, suggesting that the proposed schedule could advantage southern candidates. He stated:

“In the same vein, this dating is anti-northern blog. I wonder why no northern governor, senator or member of the house of representative is yet to attack the proposal. If they think that this dating has only an anti-Islamic agenda they are wrong. I believe, should the elections hold on the dates so far given, voter apathy would be remarkably seen everywhere in the North and that would be an advantage to the South. So, we do not agree!”

Lawan’s post reflects growing debate among civil society groups and political commentators about the potential impact of the election timetable on voter participation and national cohesion.

At the time of filing this report, neither the presidency nor the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had responded to the concerns raised by Lawan.

By The Daily Reality

The Commanding Officer of the 133 Special Forces Battalion in Azare, Bauchi State, Lt. Col. A.K. Kachalla, has come under allegation from soldiers who accused him of protecting a lance corporal said to have absconded with funds belonging to colleagues and business partners.

The claims, raised by whistleblowers who spoke to SaharaReporters on Friday, revolve around 15NA/74/3376 L/Cpl Usman Umar Kao’oje, who is reported to be serving in the unit.

Sources alleged that the soldier was declared absent without leave around September 2025 after he allegedly disappeared with money contributed for business ventures.

One insider said: “He disappeared with between N40 million and N50 million meant for business deals. People trusted him with their money.”

The matter reportedly drew public attention after it appeared on SaharaReporters’ social media platforms on September 30, 2025.

According to insiders, L/Cpl Usman later returned to the unit after about three months. Upon his return, the commanding officer allegedly ordered that he be held in the guardroom pending an orderly room trial or further investigation.

However, sources claimed that while in detention, the soldier threatened to expose senior officers and institute legal action over alleged unpaid debts he said contributed to his financial troubles.

A source alleged: “When the CO (commanding officer) heard about the threat, he quickly ordered his release and assured him that nothing would happen to him. He said he would be protected.”


The soldier was said to have regained freedom after three days.

Another insider claimed that the commander later constituted a Board of Inquiry, which he alleged was meant to suppress the case.

He said: “He was charged and tried at the command level, but since then nothing has been done. A soldier who went AWOL for three months received no punishment. Instead, he was allowed to move freely in the barracks,”

Whistleblowers, according to a report by SaharaReporters, further alleged that the soldier was subsequently posted to Operation Whirl Stroke in Taraba State despite the unresolved accusations.

Sources also claimed that the lance corporal allegedly directed those demanding refunds to the commanding officer.

One source said: “The soldier wouldn’t have been so bold without the support of the CO,”

Insiders added that before he was declared AWOL, the soldier allegedly acted as an intermediary for the commanding officer. They claimed he collected “returns” from military checkpoints in Azare.

The whistleblowers further alleged that part of the disputed funds was used to acquire properties, including a heavy-duty truck reportedly valued at N24 million and deployed for transport business, alongside houses and other assets.

They questioned why due military procedures were not followed in handling the absence and financial allegations.

One whistleblower asked: “How can a soldier be away for three months and the AWOL not be forwarded to the Army authorities? Why was his account not blocked? Why was he not properly tried and punished?”

They argued that the handling of the case suggested complicity within the command structure.

Another source alleged: “This clearly shows that the CO supported the soldier to defraud his colleagues.”

The development, according to the whistleblowers, has angered many personnel within the battalion, who believe the situation has hurt morale and the reputation of the Nigerian Army.

A source said: “Nobody owns the Army. Neither the CO nor the soldier is above the law,”

They called on the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, alongside the Army Intelligence Corps and the Military Police Provost, to open an independent probe into the matter.

The source added: “The CO and the soldier should be investigated. This attitude is tarnishing the image of the Army,”

Efforts to obtain official responses were unsuccessful. Attempts to reach Lt. Col. Kachalla did not go through as his phone line was unavailable at the time of filing this report.

Similarly, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Onyinyechi Appolonia Anele, neither answered calls nor replied to a text message seeking comment as of press time.