By Muhammad Abubakar

Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from international football, ending a historic career with Argentina that spanned over two decades.

The 39-year-old captain, who led his nation to victory in the 2022 World Cup and played in a record-tying six World Cups, confirmed the decision in an emotional social media statement.

Messi wrote that he penned the letter just two days after Argentina’s loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final but delayed its release following the death of his father—an event that ultimately solidified his conviction.

He retires with 207 appearances and 125 goals for his country, saying he has “nothing more to give” and that the time is right for a new generation to take over.

By Anwar Usman

Kaduna State Police Command, in collaboration with the Kaduna State Vigilance Service, has distroyed two suspected bandit camps in Makarfi Local Government Area of the state.

The operation, which took place during the weekend, followed credible intelligence provided by members of the local community on the activities of suspected bandits operating around Durum and Danguzuri general areas, extending to the boundary with Kano State.

A statement issued by DSP Mansir Hassan, the Kaduna Police Command’s Public Relations Officer said the joint security team engaged the bandits during a clearance operation which led to the destruction of their enclaves.

According to the statement, two enclaves identified as camps allegedly used by the bandits to hold abducted victims were destroyed at Rugar Mijin Goggo and Unguwar Maryamu, Danguzuri.

The Command said the operation was part of its sustained efforts to deny criminal elements freedom of movement and ensure the safety of residents and property across the state.

It added that joint security patrols were still ongoing in the area, noting that normalcy had been restored and the general area remained calm.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, commended the communities for providing intelligence that facilitated the operation, as well as the security personnel for their gallantry.

He reaffirmed the Command’s determination to sustain its offensive against banditry and other forms of criminality in Kaduna State.

The police also urged the residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing security operations.

By Uzair Adam

Amnesty International has called for a thorough investigation into a viral video in which Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, allegedly threatened political opponents at a campaign event.

Buba was reportedly speaking at an event organised by the Tinubu City Boy Movement when he warned opponents against challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In the video, the commissioner was heard saying those who “point a finger” at his group would have their fingers broken, in what has sparked reactions among Nigerians.

“Whoever points a finger at us, we are ready to cut off that finger. We are now playing politics. Whoever points a finger at us, we will point a finger back. But whoever dares to challenge us again, we will break that finger,” Buba was quoted as saying.

Reacting to the development, Amnesty International Nigeria described the remarks as reckless and irresponsible, warning that such statements could create a climate of fear ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The rights organisation, in a statement posted on its social media platforms, urged the relevant authorities to investigate the commissioner’s comments and ensure that political differences do not become a basis for intimidation or punishment.

“The Nigerian authorities must thoroughly and effectively investigate a viral video in which a member of Borno State cabinet was threatening opponents or those who belong to opposition political parties,” Amnesty said.

The organisation further condemned an alleged threat that those who refused to support the commissioner’s party would be punished, describing such conduct as unlawful in a democracy.

According to Amnesty, Nigerians have a constitutional right to freely choose which political party or candidate to support without fear of punishment or intimidation.

It said Buba’s remarks, reportedly made on August 29, were “reckless and irresponsible” and called on authorities to act to prevent impunity.

“Ahead of 2027 elections, some politicians are already overheating the polity through threats and intimidation directed at opponents. This is already creating a toxic climate of fear,” the organisation said.

Amnesty also urged political parties and politicians to publicly condemn statements capable of promoting hatred, discrimination, hostility or violence.

“Election is not war and those who belong or choose to vote for an opposition political party are not the enemy,” it said, stressing that political choices are protected by Nigeria’s Constitution, the Electoral Act and international law.

The controversy comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, with Amnesty warning that threats against political opponents could undermine democratic participation and freedom of political choice.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested 17 suspects over alleged involvement in theft, shop breaking, cattle rustling, vandalism and other criminal offences across the state.

The command said the arrests were made during separate operations in Malam Madori, Gwaram, Garki, Kiyawa, Taura, Birniwa, Dutse, Ringim, Miga, Kazaure and Roni Local Government Areas.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Shiisu Lawan Adam, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday. He said the operations were based on credible intelligence, prompt responses and investigative efforts by the command.

Among the items recovered were five motorcycles, five cows, two goats and one sheep.

The police also recovered nine Android smartphones, a keypad phone, 44 batteries, four SIM cards and a Lenovo laptop.

Other items recovered included a plasma television, a solar battery, a ceiling fan, cutting pliers, a ring spanner, two pairs of shoes and parts of vandalised school desks.

The command further reported the arrest of three suspects over an alleged armed robbery involving a Boxer motorcycle valued at N1.2 million. The motorcycle has yet to be recovered.

Police said efforts were underway to trace the owners of the recovered property and return the items to them on bond. The command also said it was working to recover the stolen motorcycle.

The suspects were identified as Usman Sale, Abubakar Aminu, Musa Sale, Abubakar Bashir, Yau Yahaya, Shaibu Muhammed, Anas Uba, Gali Ibrahim, Shafiu Ilyasu, Haruna Alhaji, Musa Haruna, Basiru Datti, Abdullahi Bello, Usman Adamu, Adamu Sani, Umar Wada and Salisu Nasiru.

According to the command, the suspects had been taken before a court for prosecution. The armed robbery case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Dutse for further investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Tijjani Murtala, reaffirmed the command’s resolve to strengthen intelligence-led policing, surveillance and coordinated operations across Jigawa State.

He also warned criminals and those who assist them to abandon their activities, stressing that the police would ensure that offenders face the full weight of the law.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of the traditional ruler of Igbesi community in Isin Local Government Area of the state.

The monarch, Oba Moses Oyinloye Iwedunmoye I, the Kabiyesi Onigbesi of Igbesi land, was reportedly taken away by armed bandits who invaded the community in the Oke-Onigbin area at about 11 p.m. on Saturday.

The state Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the incident.

The development was also confirmed by the Coordinator of Joint Security Watch, Kwara South, Comrade Zubair Olaitan.

Olaitan said a joint search and rescue operation had commenced to locate and rescue the monarch.

According to him, soldiers, police officers, local vigilantes, hunters and members of Sunday Igboho’s Iru-Ekun group were part of the operation.

The whereabouts of the traditional ruler remained unknown at the time of the report.

However, the police commissioner clarified that the monarch was the only person abducted during the incident.

The police boss said, “Efforts are in top gear to rescue the victim.

“The narrative of attacks within the past 24 hours is far from the truth; nothing of such,” he added.

Authorities are expected to provide further updates on the rescue operation and the circumstances surrounding the monarch’s abduction.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Benue State Police Command has arrested a 500-level student of Fr Moses Adasu University, formerly known as Benue State University, over an alleged attack on a fellow student with hot water.

The incident reportedly occurred on Friday, August 28, 2026, after a disagreement between the two female students who were living together.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Peter Aondongu, confirmed the incident to journalists on Saturday and said an investigation had commenced to determine what led to the confrontation.

He said, “Yes, it happened yesterday, Friday, August 28, 2026.

“From the information I have, both students were staying in the same room and had an issue. The suspect allegedly boiled water, added salt and pepper, and poured the mixture on the victim and then locked her inside.

“After some time, people became aware of what had happened and were able to intervene and rescue the victim. She was subsequently taken to the hospital for treatment, while the suspect was arrested.

“I don’t have much information yet about the genesis of the disagreement or what led to the incident, but I can confirm that the incident happened. I also understand that both of them are students of the Benue State University.”

The victim, identified as Rose, is a 200-level Political Science student of the university, while the suspect was identified as Felicia.

The Students’ Union President, Akighirga Vitalis, who visited Rose at the hospital with members of his executive, said the victim told them that a disagreement with Felicia over personal matters had preceded the alleged attack.

According to Vitalis, the two students had been living together before unresolved personal issues reportedly affected their relationship and eventually resulted in the confrontation.

The Students’ Union president expressed concern over Rose’s condition and condemned the alleged assault, describing it as “a grave and unacceptable assault on the life and well-being of a fellow student.”

He said, “We are deeply concerned about this incident. The Students’ Union will follow this matter closely until justice prevails.”

Vitalis also said the union would work with the relevant authorities and monitor the police investigation as well as any disciplinary proceedings that might follow within the university.

He added that the Students’ Union would back appropriate disciplinary measures under the institution’s regulations if the allegations against Felicia were established through due process. Such measures, he said, could include expulsion where warranted.

“The Students’ Union will not condone violence or any conduct capable of endangering the life of another student,” Vitalis said.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Sector 2, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have recovered two AK-47 rifles and other military-related items after a suspected terrorist was killed during a stop-and-search operation in Plateau State.

The incident occurred at Zak village in Wase Local Government Area of the state on Saturday, August 29, 2026.

Counter-terrorism expert, Zagazola Makama, disclosed the development in a statement shared on X on Saturday.

According to the statement, the incident happened at about 9:50 a.m. when troops carrying out security checks in the area stopped a green-coloured Golf vehicle with registration number DKA-808XM.

A search of the vehicle reportedly revealed a concealed compartment inside the dashboard.

The driver was asked to open the compartment but allegedly refused and escaped into a nearby bush. While some soldiers went after him, others stayed behind to secure the vehicle and continue the search.

The fleeing suspect was later apprehended but reportedly attempted to disarm one of the soldiers. The troops reacted immediately, and the suspect was killed.

A further search of the vehicle led to the discovery of two AK-47 rifles bearing registration numbers 506034 and 4690, alongside one magazine.

The troops also recovered two wooden rifle butts, nine magazine pouches, two camel bags, six jungle hats, one mobile phone and an ATM card.

Zagazola said the discovery had heightened concerns about the movement of arms through the region.

“The recovery of the weapons and military-style accessories from a vehicle fitted with a concealed compartment has raised further security concerns over attempts by criminal and terrorist elements to move arms through the region.

“The operation forms part of sustained stop-and-search activities by troops of Operation Enduring Peace aimed at disrupting the movement of armed groups, illegal weapons and other threats across Plateau State.

“Security forces have continued to intensify patrols and intelligence-led operations across vulnerable communities and major access routes in the state as part of efforts to prevent attacks and protect civilians.

“The latest operation also demonstrates the importance of routine vehicle checks and vigilance by security personnel in identifying concealed weapons and preventing their movement into communities,” Zagazola said.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A political disagreement involving former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and Governor Uba Sani has escalated into a public dispute between two of El-Rufai’s sons.

The latest development followed a series of social media posts by Bashir El-Rufai, in which he launched strong criticisms against his elder brother, Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency.

Bashir accused Bello of hypocrisy and abandoning the family over his political relationship with Sani. He also made allegations of substance abuse against his brother.

In one of the posts, Bashir wrote: “I have a useless excuse for a brother, with his bony-ass face coated with an unknown white substance around his nostrils every night. That is your Member of the House of Representatives, representing a whole constituency, but he prefers alcohol and cocaine.”

Bashir also responded to an alleged comment by Bello in which he was reportedly told to kill himself.

“Wawa (Fool). Telling me to kill myself. The idiot should first slaughter his daughter, then I will believe he is real and serious,” he wrote.

He further alleged that Bello had remained politically close to Governor Sani until their relationship deteriorated, after which he returned to the family’s political camp.

“He was stuck with Uba Sani until he realised he was being dumped, then suddenly remembered family loyalty and moved to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Where was he before then?” Bashir said.

Bashir also accused his brother of pursuing personal political interests rather than standing with the family during its disagreements with the governor.

“He is purely serving his own interests. When people like us were countering the ‘towel governor,’ the bastard was nowhere to be found—hiding, eating, and wiping his mouth. This is the same idiot who asked me to pipe down on my criticisms,” he added.

The dispute between the El-Rufai brothers is linked to the worsening relationship between their father and Governor Sani.

Sani and Nasir El-Rufai were previously political allies, but their relationship deteriorated after Sani accused the administration he inherited of leaving behind substantial financial obligations.

The governor had said the state inherited debts of $587 million, N85 billion and 115 contractual liabilities. According to him, the financial burden affected the government’s capacity to meet salary obligations and execute development projects.

Bashir has since become a vocal critic of the Sani administration on social media, with repeated accusations of poor governance.

Bello, on the other hand, had initially maintained a different position. He reportedly stayed away from Bashir’s public attacks on Sani and continued to express support for the governor, whom he described as a political mentor.

Bashir’s latest outburst has now placed the differing political positions of the two brothers at the centre of public attention, with his comments accusing Bello of prioritising political interests and only returning to the family after his relationship with Sani became strained.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Moody’s Ratings has revised Nigeria’s credit outlook from stable to positive, citing stronger-than-expected economic growth and improved macroeconomic stability, according to a report by Bloomberg.

The credit rating agency affirmed the nation’s long-term issuer rating at B3, which remains six levels below investment grade. However, the positive outlook revision signals that Africa’s largest oil producer is moving closer to a potential credit upgrade.

In a statement released Friday, Moody’s analysts Jorge Valez and Matt Robinson highlighted the country’s strengthening external buffers and greater macroeconomic stability. The agency also noted that rising oil production is expected to boost economic growth in 2026 and 2027.

“If sustained, the economic growth would enhance the country’s capacity to absorb external shocks, strengthen economic resilience and, over time, support a gradual increase in government revenue,” the analysts wrote.

The positive assessment underscores President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to fiscal consolidation and economic reforms, which have been a cornerstone of his administration’s policy agenda since taking office.

The outlook revision comes amid ongoing efforts by the Nigerian government to address structural challenges in the economy, including foreign exchange shortages and inflationary pressures. Tinubu’s administration has implemented several bold policy measures, including the removal of fuel subsidies and unification of the exchange rate, aimed at attracting foreign investment and stabilising the economy.

Economic analysts view the Moody’s decision as a vote of confidence in the administration’s reform trajectory, though they caution that sustained implementation will be critical to achieving a full credit rating upgrade.

Finance Ministry officials welcomed the development, describing it as recognition of the government’s prudent economic management and reform agenda.

The improved outlook is expected to boost investor sentiment and potentially lower borrowing costs for the West African nation, which has faced significant economic headwinds in recent years.

Moody’s noted that continued policy discipline and sustained economic growth would be key factors in determining Nigeria’s future credit rating trajectory.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have killed two terrorists and recovered weapons and motorcycles during an encounter in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The operation took place after security forces received intelligence in the early hours of 28 August 2026 about the movement of terrorists who were reportedly transporting hundreds of rustled cattle through the Maikujera general area of Rabah LGA.

Acting on the information, troops from Sector 2 moved to the area to intercept the suspected terrorists. The troops, however, came under attack after encountering an ambush laid by the terrorists.

The soldiers responded with superior firepower and fought their way through the ambush. Two terrorists were killed, while others fled into nearby bushes.

A subsequent search of the area resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles and three motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.

The gun battle caused the rustled cattle to scatter into the surrounding bushes. The military said efforts were underway with the support of local vigilantes to trace and recover the livestock.

According to the Joint Task Force, the area remained calm after the operation as troops continued to maintain a strong presence and monitor the surroundings to prevent further attacks.

The force said its personnel remained committed to sustaining operations against terrorist and criminal groups while protecting lives and property within its area of responsibility.

The statement was signed by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, on 28 August 2026.