By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Kano State Police Command has successfully dismantled a notorious six-member car theft syndicate, recovering three stolen vehicles in a targeted operation led by the Special Intervention Squad (SIS).

The crackdown followed a directive from the Inspector-General of Police to intensify efforts against organized crime. According to a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna, the breakthrough began on February 13, 2026, with the arrest of the primary suspect, 35-year-old Aliyu Mamman.

Mamman, a resident of Gusau, Zamfara State, was apprehended at Hotoro Ring Road in Kano. During interrogation, he confessed to stealing several vehicles across Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina States. His testimony led detectives to five accomplices: Abdulhamid Usman, Saliha Abdulhamid, Auwal Shuaibu, Sani Bala, and Ahmad Mannir.

The recovered vehicles include a Golf Wagon, a Golf Opel, and a Hijet (commonly referred to as “Kurkura”).

The Kano State Police Command attributed the success to its transition toward intelligence-led and technology-driven operations. Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori has ordered a full investigation to identify other members of the network and urged the public to stay vigilant.

The suspects are expected to be charged in court following the conclusion of the investigation.

Mexican authorities have killed Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), sparking widespread violence across several states, including Jalisco, Colima, Michoacan, Nayarit, Guanajuato, and Tamaulipas.

The Mexican Secretariat of National Defence said Oseguera was wounded during a clash with soldiers in Tapalpa, Jalisco, on Sunday and later died while being flown to Mexico City. He had a $15 million bounty on his head from the United States.

The operation triggered a wave of unrest, with gunmen torching vehicles and blocking highways. Jalisco’s capital, Guadalajara, which will host matches in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, was largely deserted as civilians stayed indoors. Videos circulating online showed people fleeing through the Guadalajara airport and smoke rising over Puerto Vallarta.

Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus instructed residents to remain at home and suspended public transport. Schools were closed in several affected states.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the security forces and urged calm, writing on X: “There is absolute coordination with the governments of all states. In the vast majority of the national territory, activities are proceeding with complete normality.”

Oseguera, 59, is one of the highest-profile Mexican drug lords taken down since the capture of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman and Ismael Zambada of the Sinaloa cartel. The Defence Secretariat reported that four CJNG members were killed during the raid and two others died en route to Mexico City. Two more suspects were arrested, and weapons, armored vehicles, and rocket launchers were seized. Three military personnel were wounded and are receiving treatment.

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau called the operation a “great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world” and described Oseguera as “one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins.”

Security warnings were issued by the US and Canada. The US advised Americans in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero, and Nuevo Leon to remain in safe locations, while Canada warned travelers in Jalisco, Guerrero, and Michoacan to take precautions. Airlines, including Air Canada, United, and American Airlines, suspended flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.

Oseguera, a former police officer and avocado farmer, co-founded the CJNG around 2007. The FBI considers CJNG Mexico’s most powerful drug trafficking organisation, responsible for most cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl entering the US.

Al Jazeera correspondent John Hollman described Oseguera as “the undisputed head” of CJNG and “the most powerful Mexican drug trafficking figure that was free in the country,” but warned that his death could spark a violent power struggle among regional cartel bosses.

Analysts emphasized that removing Oseguera alone would not end cartel operations. Mike Vigil, former chief of international operations at the US Drug Enforcement Administration, stated, “Killing or capturing the head of the cartel is not really going to have a major impact. They have to go after the infrastructure, their logistics, the money laundering, their armed wings… They have to do it quick and efficiently, or there is going to be hell to pay in terms of violence.”

The raid followed pressure from the US administration under Donald Trump to intensify Mexico’s anti-drug trafficking efforts, including threats of direct intervention.

Oseguera’s low public profile had made him elusive for years, with all known photographs of him decades old, further contributing to the shock and disruption following his death.

Arsenal FC strengthened their position at the top of the Premier League table after defeating Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 in the North London derby.

Mikel Arteta’s side secured the victory with two goals each from Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres, who both delivered outstanding performances.

Tottenham managed to score once through Randal Kolo Muani, but it was not enough to stop Arsenal’s dominance throughout the match.

The result sees Arsenal move five points clear at the top of the table, after Manchester City had earlier reduced the gap to two points following their own win.

Meanwhile, Tottenham remain in danger of slipping into a relegation battle, sitting just four points above the drop zone.

It was an intense encounter, with Arsenal winning both North London derby matches this season by the same 4-1 scoreline.

A Chinese livestreamer has reportedly lost about 140,000 followers after a beauty filter malfunctioned during a live broadcast.

The incident occurred while the content creator was streaming to her audience. A sudden glitch caused the filter to drop. Viewers then saw her natural appearance in real time. Clips from the moment later spread widely across social media platforms.

The development triggered fresh conversations online. Many users debated the role of beauty filters and how they shape digital identity. Others also discussed the pressure on content creators to maintain a flawless appearance during broadcasts.

Some commentators said the incident highlights the gap between online images and reality. Others noted that it shows the human side of creators who often feel the need to meet unrealistic standards.

The situation has also renewed calls for more authenticity in online spaces. Several users argued that audiences may value genuine content more than heavily edited visuals.

By Uzair Adam

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have thwarted attempts by suspected traffickers to smuggle consignments of cocaine and opioids concealed in a fake pregnancy and inside the body through the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport and the Seme land border in Lagos en route to Europe and other destinations.

A 35-year-old Kano-based businesswoman, Rabi Muhammad, was intercepted on Monday, February 16, 2026, at the Seme border while attempting to cross into Cotonou, Benin Republic.

NDLEA officers grew suspicious of her protruding stomach during checks at the departure point.

A thorough search later revealed that the pregnancy was staged. Officers discovered she had strapped a pink-coloured calabash to her stomach to simulate a baby bump and conceal 3,200 capsules of tramadol, which she allegedly intended to sell in Cotonou.

On the same day in Kano, NDLEA operatives at the screening point of the departure hall of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport intercepted a 41-year-old Ivorian national, Michael Gohouri, also known as Anunwa Onyinye Michael.

He was apprehended during the outward clearance of passengers on an Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940 bound for Milan via Addis Ababa.

A body scan confirmed he had ingested illicit substances. In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the suspect was placed under observation, during which he expelled 82 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.49 kilograms.

Investigations revealed that Gohouri had arrived in Lagos from Milan on January 17, 2026, and had travelled between Lagos and Enugu for three weeks before heading to Kano, where he reportedly ingested the cocaine in a hotel room.

He was allegedly promised 5,000 Euros upon successful delivery of the drugs in Milan.

The suspect, who claimed to have both Ivorian and Nigerian parentage, reportedly applied for asylum in Italy in 2013 and obtained a resident permit valid until May 25, 2026.

He was also found to possess a Nigerian National Identification Number bearing the name Anunwa Onyinye Michael.

In a related development, NDLEA operatives arrested the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Trans Fortress Global Resources, Kolapo Oladapo Raji, who had been on the agency’s watchlist since 2025 following intelligence reports.

The 57-year-old suspect was apprehended at his residence in Safe Court Apartment, Ikate, Lekki, Lagos, on Thursday, February 12, 2026, shortly after returning from the United Kingdom.

A search of his home reportedly led to the recovery of four large bags containing parcels of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, weighing 89.20 kilograms. A 2024 Toyota Hilux was also recovered at the point of arrest.

According to the agency, Raji admitted financing drug consignments for an overseas associate and said substantial profits encouraged him to establish an independent drug distribution network.

In other operations across the country, NDLEA operatives arrested suspects in Lagos, Rivers, Kogi, Ondo, Bauchi, Delta and Edo states, seizing large quantities of skunk and codeine-based syrup.

At the Port Harcourt Ports Complex in Onne, Rivers State, a joint examination by NDLEA, Customs and other security agencies uncovered 170,900 bottles of codeine-based syrup concealed in a container following processed intelligence.

Along the Okene/Lokoja highway in Kogi State, operatives recovered 7,300 pills of tramadol hidden inside two sound systems during a routine patrol.

A follow-up operation in Abuja led to the arrest of two suspects linked to the consignment.

Further raids in Ondo forests led to the seizure of hundreds of kilograms of skunk and the arrest of multiple suspects, while in Bauchi and Edo states, large quantities of cannabis were confiscated and illicit farms destroyed.

The NDLEA said the operations underscore its intensified efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks across the country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has stated that candidates are not asked to remove their hijabs during registration for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The clarification followed a viral video that sparked concerns over alleged discrimination against Muslim candidates at Afe Babalola University.

In the video shared by a social media user, AsakyGRN, a man complained about the treatment his sister received at a registration centre.

“I followed my sister to the JAMB centre to collect her form. She was told to remove her hijab before she could be captured,” the man said.

“After the capturing, they asked her to sign an undertaking for wearing a hijab. Are Muslims now being discriminated against for wearing hijabs?”

Reacting in a statement posted on its X platform on Saturday, JAMB explained that it has never issued any directive banning the use of hijabs during registration.

The examination body noted that, as part of biometric requirements used worldwide, candidates are expected to have their ears visible during photograph capture for identification purposes.

“This requirement is purely technical and is intended to ensure that proper facial recognition and identification do not require the candidate to remove her hijab,” the board said.

JAMB also addressed the incident at the university. It said the candidate’s religious belief was respected throughout the process.

“She was requested to formally state in writing that she personally chose not to comply with the guideline regarding ear visibility, so that the record would accurately reflect the circumstances and prevent future misrepresentation,” the board said.

“She obliged and was successfully captured, albeit after considerable time and effort.

“For clarity, candidates are not required to remove their hijab. The simple requirement is that the ears be visible during photo capture, which can be done without removing the hijab itself.

“This is a standard biometric procedure, similar to what is obtained during passport or visa applications at embassies worldwide.”

The board urged members of the public to avoid spreading misleading information and encouraged them to seek proper clarification when necessary.

JAMB also reaffirmed its commitment to respecting the rights and religious beliefs of all candidates, regardless of their background.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that its victories in last weekend’s by-elections across several states serve as a clear public referendum endorsing the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration’s policies.

The Lagos State Chapter of the APC characterized the outcomes in Rivers, Kano, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as a resounding affirmation of the “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

“The resounding victories recorded by our candidates reaffirm the confidence of the electorate in the Renewed Hope Agenda and the transformative policies being implemented at both the federal and state levels,” the statement read.

The ruling party asserted that the results demonstrate public recognition of its governance strides, including economic reforms and infrastructural development. It framed the wins as a direct rebuttal to opposition criticism, stating that “the people have spoken decisively through the ballot.”

In a pointed critique of its political rivals, the APC described the opposition as “uninspiring and unworthy of serious consideration.” The party suggested that the by-election results represent “the final straw on the back of an opposition that has remained largely uninspiring,” accusing them of relying on “rhetoric, sensationalism, and obstruction” rather than offering credible alternatives.

The Lagos APC also downplayed the influence of digital activism, suggesting that the opposition’s significant presence on social media failed to translate into actual votes. “The amplified noise of the opposition across digital platforms did not translate into real electoral penetration or public acceptance when it mattered most—at the ballot box,” the statement noted, adding that “Democracy is ultimately decided by voters, not virtual trends.”

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the party expressed strong confidence, suggesting the recent momentum could make the next national vote “a walk in the park” for the APC.

The party extended its appreciation to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting the polls and commended security agencies for their professionalism. It also lauded its party members and campaign teams for their grassroots engagement.

The Lagos APC concluded by reaffirming its “unwavering support” for President Tinubu and calling on all Nigerians, including those in the opposition, to collaborate on the task of nation-building.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Nigerian fashion designer living in the United States, Sheriff Shittu, has lost his life after a shooting incident at a nightclub in Brooklyn, New York.

The 30-year-old was killed in the early hours of February 14 during a birthday gathering at the Quilox Restaurant and Lounge, located in the East Flatbush area.

Reports from local authorities indicate that the incident happened around 4:25 a.m. A man who was reportedly intoxicated had been asked to leave the club by security personnel. While being escorted out, he allegedly pulled out a gun and opened fire.

Witness accounts suggest that the situation began after the suspect caused a disturbance inside the venue. He was said to have acted inappropriately toward some female guests, including Shittu’s girlfriend. This behaviour led to a confrontation that later escalated.

Shittu had attended the celebration with his younger brother, Fawaz Shittu, as they joined others to mark a friend’s birthday.

Fawaz later described the moment of the tragedy in an emotional account. “I was screaming his name. I was trying to wake him up,” he said.

Further reports stated that the suspect had been behaving in a disorderly manner before the argument broke out, which eventually led to the shooting.

Family members of the deceased have raised concerns over the security measures at the nightclub. They questioned how a firearm was brought into the venue without detection.

“We don’t know how the security did not do the job and search properly before somebody could bring a gun into the club,” Salem Shittu said.

“He was being kicked out, and he was being escorted out when he did it,” he added.

Police confirmed that the suspect escaped immediately after the attack and has not yet been apprehended.

Shittu was rushed to One Brooklyn Health–Brookdale University Hospital Medical Centre, where doctors later confirmed his death.

Relatives described him as a young designer who had been working hard to build a career in the United States before his life was cut short.

Authorities have begun investigations into the incident and are currently searching for the gunman.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The All Progressives Congress has claimed three of the six chairmanship seats in the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections, while the Peoples Democratic Party took Gwagwalada, according to results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

In AMAC, the incumbent chairman, Christopher Maikalangu of the APC, polled 40,295 votes, defeating his closest rival from the African Democratic Congress, who scored 12,109 votes. The PDP candidate trailed with 3,398 votes.

In Bwari, APC candidate Joshua Ishaku won the chairmanship with 18,466 votes, while the ADC candidate came second with 4,254 votes. The Zenith Labour Party candidate received 3,515 votes.

The ruling party also prevailed in Kwali, where Daniel Nuhu of the APC scored 17,032 votes, defeating the PDP candidate, Haruna Pai, who garnered 8,575 votes.

The PDP secured a major win in Gwagwalada, where Mohammed Kasim defeated his APC rival, Yahaya Shehu, with 22,165 votes to Shehu’s 17,788. Other parties in the race included the Social Democratic Party with 432 votes, the New Nigeria Peoples Party with 175 votes, and the Young Progressives Party with 158 votes. Several smaller parties received minimal support.

INEC Returning Officer, Philip Akpen, described the Gwagwalada election as peaceful and orderly, noting that voting and collation proceeded without major disruptions. Out of 207,577 registered voters, 46,294 were accredited, with 43,960 valid votes and 1,521 rejected ballots.

The results sheets were signed by party agents, including those of APC, PDP, ADC, APGA, YPP, and NNPP. INEC is yet to announce results for the remaining two FCT Area Councils as collation continues.

The elections were closely watched amid a keen contest between the APC and PDP, while smaller parties struggled to gain traction in most declared councils.

By Kamal Alkasim

The PDP candidate’s manifesto during his campaign focused on community welfare, women’s empowerment, improved healthcare services, and enhanced education opportunities for children.

The Premium Times reported that the PDP defeated its contender from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Yahaya Shehu, who scored 17,788 votes.

Declaring Mr Kasim as the winner, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer, Philip Akpen, said the election was peaceful and smooth.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Mohammed Kasim, has won the Gwagwalada Area Council chairmanship in the local government elections held across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Sunday.

Mr Kashim polled 22,165 votes to defeat his rivals in the election.

Mr Kasim’s manifesto during his campaign focused on community welfare, women’s empowerment, improved healthcare services, and enhanced education opportunities for children.

The elections were in two categories: the chairmanship and the councillorship.

PDP pulled through in the election at a time it is facing its most devastating crisis, which has led to division in its national leadership and loss of governors and lawmakers elected on its platform to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its top figures, such as the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Although the outcome of the local election does not necessarily mirror the PDP’s popularity at the national level, it is a significant victory for the party in a section of Nigeria’s capital, reflecting the country’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious composition.

It may also point to the fact that APC’s enhanced dominance, driven by high-profile defections from opposition parties to its fold in the last year, may not have taken strong hold in many local areas of the country.

INEC conducted the local elections across the six council areas of the FCT, including Gwagwalada, on Saturday. The rest are the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abaji, Kwali, Abaji and Kuje.