Nigeria

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called on the National Assembly to invite the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) to explain what he described as conflicting accounts over the bank accounts of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).

Atiku made the demand in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu. He argued that the contradictory positions taken by the CBN and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) have raised serious concerns about the credibility of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

According to the former vice-president, the testimony presented by the CBN before the House of Representatives differs sharply from the earlier position of the OAGF regarding the opening of the PFIPC accounts.

He alleged that the conflicting explanations point to an effort to conceal the circumstances surrounding the accounts.

“This is where the cover-up appears to begin. One institution denied authorising the opening of the PFIPC accounts and alleged forgery,” he said.


“Another, before the representatives of the Nigerian people, stated that the accounts were opened on the directive of the Accountant-General after due process was followed. Both accounts cannot be true.”



Atiku also said the inconsistencies have left the administration caught in what he described as a “web of deception.”

“When two of your most sensitive financial and monetary authorities publicly contradict each other on the same transaction, no serious leader needs a clairvoyant to know that his administration is trapped in a web of deception and a profound crisis of credibility,” he stated.



“The President cannot continue to watch from the sidelines while his government tears itself apart with conflicting narratives.”



The ADC presidential candidate challenged President Tinubu to state which account of events he accepts.

“President Tinubu must answer a simple question: Which version does he believe—the Accountant-General’s or the Central Bank’s? If he believes neither, why has he not acted?” he said.



“Every day he delays ordering a truly independent investigation, he deepens public suspicion that preserving his administration’s image has taken precedence over establishing the truth.”



Atiku further argued that the silence of the Attorney-General of the Federation has worsened the controversy.

“The continued silence of the Attorney-General of the Federation, the nation’s chief law officer, only compounds this credibility crisis and reinforces the perception that this administration is more interested in containing the political fallout than uncovering the truth,” he stated.



He urged the National Assembly to invite both the CBN governor and the Accountant-General to appear together before its investigative committee under oath.

“If a single individual could allegedly orchestrate a scheme that has thrown two of Nigeria’s most critical financial and monetary authorities into public contradiction, Nigerians are entitled to ask how many other abuses may have escaped detection because of weak oversight and institutional failure,” he said.



Atiku also called on President Tinubu to order an independent investigation into the matter.

By Uzair Adam

The Jigawa State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the death of a 60-year-old man who reportedly suffered a medical emergency at a hotel in Dutse, the state capital.

Police said the incident occurred on Tuesday at about 12:50 p.m. after the man, who had checked into the hotel with a 20-year-old woman, developed breathing difficulties shortly after ordering a meal.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Lawan Shiisu Adam, said officers from the Yalwawa Police Division responded to a distress call and immediately rushed the victim to the General Hospital, Dutse, where doctors confirmed him dead.

Shiisu said detectives secured the scene and conducted a preliminary investigation, during which they recovered food items, beverages, a suspected sexual enhancement substance and other personal belongings for forensic analysis.

He noted that all exhibits were properly preserved as part of efforts to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to the police spokesman, the deceased’s body was released to his family for burial after medical certification of death and completion of the necessary procedures.

He added that the 20-year-old woman who accompanied the deceased is cooperating with investigators by providing information to help establish the sequence of events leading to the man’s death.

The Commissioner of Police in Jigawa State assured residents that the investigation would be carried out professionally, thoroughly and impartially.

He also urged members of the public to avoid spreading rumours or unverified information that could hamper the investigation or cause unnecessary panic.

Shiisu said the police would provide further updates as the investigation progresses.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has announced a ₦2 billion donation for the revitalisation of the Akwete weaving industry during her maiden visit to the Akwete Weaving Cooperative Village in Abia State on Tuesday.

Mrs Tinubu, who described the visit as a personal engagement rather than a formal event, said she would personally wear an Akwete wrapper if her husband, President Bola Tinubu, secures a second term in office.

“If God brings my husband in a second time, I’ll be wearing a buba and wrapper made from Akwete. I am going to be wearing that because it is very soft breathable cotton,” she stated.

The First Lady commended the women of the cooperative for their passion and resilience in preserving the craft across generations. She noted that young people in the community were continuing the family tradition, describing it as “a craft transferred from generation to generation.”

Mrs Tinubu explained that she had approached the visit informally, opting to spend time with the women rather than follow a scripted programme. She came without a prepared speech because the trip was intended as personal engagement.

She thanked Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, describing him as a good man. The First Lady recalled reaching out to his wife in the past specifically to enquire about the weaving tradition and expressed gratitude that the visit had finally materialised despite the delay.

“I just wanted to meet with these women, which I will tell the story. But we went on, and my husband said something. He said I was getting frustrated. I said, Otti is a good man. He’s a very good man. I see that, and I want to thank you,” she said.

The First Lady urged Nigerians to patronise locally made textiles as a way of preserving indigenous craftsmanship and boosting the livelihoods of rural weavers, while also encouraging citizens to embrace Igbo traditional attire made from Akwete fabric as a means of supporting local artisans.

By Salmanu Isah


The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has once again demonstrated its preference for caution and stability, opting to retain the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 26.5 per cent despite a gradual easing of inflationary pressures across the country.


At the end of its 306th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, the apex bank resisted calls for an immediate adjustment to interest rates, choosing instead to hold all major monetary policy parameters steady. The decision reflects the CBN’s determination to protect the progress made in stabilising the economy while remaining vigilant against fresh threats emerging from the global environment.


For the CBN, the modest decline in inflation is encouraging but not yet sufficient to justify a policy shift. Although headline inflation eased slightly in June and core inflation recorded a more noticeable drop, policymakers remain concerned that renewed tensions in the Middle East could trigger another wave of global price increases, particularly in energy and food markets. Such developments would inevitably have consequences for Nigeria, where imported inflation continues to influence domestic prices.


The Bank’s decision signals confidence in the effectiveness of its previous policy actions. Over the past two years, the CBN has maintained a firm anti-inflation stance, tightening monetary conditions and implementing reforms aimed at restoring confidence in the foreign exchange market. The latest economic indicators suggest that some of these measures are beginning to deliver results.


Exchange rate stability has improved considerably compared to previous periods, helping to reduce pressure on prices. External reserves have also strengthened, rising above $52 billion, providing a significant buffer against external shocks and reinforcing investor confidence in the economy. These developments have given the CBN greater room to maintain its current course while carefully monitoring future trends.


Beyond inflation, the MPC’s statement highlights the growing importance of collaboration between the CBN and the Federal Government. The Committee acknowledged that recent coordination between fiscal and monetary authorities has helped cushion the domestic economy from global disruptions. This recognition reflects a broader understanding that sustainable economic stability cannot be achieved through monetary policy alone.


While the CBN continues to focus on price and financial system stability, the government is expected to complement these efforts through reforms that boost productivity, improve infrastructure, increase oil production and diversify revenue sources. The Committee’s endorsement of ongoing reforms in the oil and solid minerals sectors underscores the need for broader economic transformation beyond monetary interventions.


The banking sector also emerged as a bright spot in the MPC’s assessment. The Committee expressed satisfaction with the progress of the banking recapitalisation exercise, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening the resilience of financial institutions. A stronger banking system not only enhances financial stability but also positions banks to support economic growth through increased lending and investment.


Despite a slight slowdown in economic growth during the first quarter of 2026, signs of resilience remain visible. The non-oil sector continues to drive economic activity, supported by telecommunications, financial services, transportation and trade. The return of the Purchasing Managers’ Index to expansion territory further suggests that business confidence may be gradually improving.


Looking ahead, the CBN appears cautiously optimistic. Inflation is expected to moderate further as the effects of previous monetary tightening continue to filter through the economy and food supplies improve during the harvest season. However, policymakers are clearly unwilling to declare victory too early. The possibility of a prolonged conflict in the Middle East remains a major concern, with the potential to disrupt global markets and reignite inflationary pressures.


Ultimately, the CBN’s latest decision reflects a central bank focused on protecting hard-earned gains rather than pursuing quick wins. By holding rates steady, the Bank is sending a message that economic stability remains its overriding objective. For businesses, investors and households alike, the decision provides a measure of predictability at a time when uncertainty continues to dominate the global economic landscape.


As Nigeria navigates both domestic challenges and external risks, the CBN’s cautious approach suggests that maintaining stability will remain more important than pursuing aggressive policy changes in the months ahead.


Salmanu Isah Darazo is a publisher and policy analyst. He can be reached via Salmanudrz@gmail.com

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and running mate to the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said an NDC government would engage terrorists and other criminal groups in dialogue as part of efforts to end insecurity in Nigeria.

Kwankwaso made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today. He argued that residents of communities affected by violence often possess valuable information about those responsible for attacks.

“You see, all these things that are happening today, if you go to the localities, those places where these insecurities are happening, I can tell you people know almost everything,” he said.

“They know their locations, they know the names of all those involved, and so on and so forth.”

He, however, said many residents are reluctant to provide such information to security agencies because they have lost confidence in the system.

“But what is happening now is that many of the communities are even afraid to go forward and tell the security agencies or agents what is actually happening because many of them have done that in the past, and of course, they did not enjoy it,” he said.

Kwankwaso said his administration would restore public confidence and adopt an inclusive approach to addressing insecurity.

“We will give people confidence. We will work with the people, even the terrorists, and of course, the criminals themselves to see what can be done to discourage their action. We will talk with everybody.”

“And of course, if there is any issue that will require the services of the military or other security agencies, I can tell you, we will be very happy to do it,” he added.

Nigeria has faced an insurgency in the North-East since 2009, when Boko Haram launched its violent campaign.

Kwankwaso’s comments come weeks after Peter Obi said he would negotiate with bandits and other armed groups if they showed a genuine commitment to peace. Obi also stated that his administration would promote national unity and engage all groups willing to renounce violence and participate in rebuilding the country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Sector 4 of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected foreign terrorist fighter and an alleged illegal immigrant during a security operation in Lassa, Dille General Area of Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

The arrests took place at about 11:48 a.m. on July 19, 2026, during an intelligence-led operation conducted by troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion, according to a statement issued by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai.

The military identified one of the suspects as 32-year-old Musa Fashir, a Sudanese national. It said he is suspected to be a foreign terrorist fighter and collaborator. Preliminary intelligence, according to the statement, indicates that the suspect has established links with terrorist elements, a development the military said points to attempts by foreign actors to support insurgent activities in the North-East.

The troops also arrested Mary Florence, 36, who claimed to be an illegal immigrant from the Republic of Ghana. The military said it is investigating the circumstances surrounding her presence in the area as well as the authenticity of her claims.

According to the statement, both suspects remain in military custody, where they are undergoing profiling and interrogation. The process is expected to establish their identities, determine the extent of their activities and ascertain any possible links to terrorist groups or transnational criminal networks.

The military said the arrests reflect the effectiveness of its intelligence-driven operations and the vigilance of troops in preventing terrorists and their collaborators from operating freely.

It added that Operation Hadin Kai remains committed to disrupting terrorist logistics, financing and support networks. The military also reaffirmed its determination to prevent the infiltration of foreign fighters and protect communities across the North-East.

The statement urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, noting that public cooperation remains essential to restoring lasting peace, security and stability in the region.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian Army has disowned a fake recruitment advertisement circulating on social media and other online platforms, which invites applications for the Short Service Combatant Commission (SSCC) Course 50/2027.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, described the advertisement as fraudulent. She said it did not originate from the Nigerian Army.

The Army urged members of the public to ignore the fake notice. It also advised prospective applicants not to submit applications through, patronise or make payments to any individual, group or website claiming to recruit on behalf of the Nigerian Army.

According to the statement, all recruitment and commissioning exercises conducted by the Army are free, transparent and based strictly on merit. It stressed that official recruitment announcements are published only through national newspapers, the Nigerian Army’s verified social media platforms and other recognised official communication channels.

The Army further stated that no recruitment form is sold and that no individual or agent has been authorised to facilitate enlistment or collect money from applicants at any stage of the recruitment process.

It warned those responsible for creating and circulating the fake advertisement to stop immediately. The statement disclosed that security agencies have commenced efforts to identify, arrest and prosecute everyone connected to the fraudulent scheme.

The Army also warned that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.

It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of its recruitment process and advised Nigerians to verify all recruitment information only through official Nigerian Army channels. The public was also encouraged to report any suspicious recruitment activities to the nearest military formation or security agency.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Sector 1 of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested 6 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and recovered a large cache of materials believed to be intended for terrorist groups during an intelligence-led operation in Borno State.

According to a statement issued on Monday by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer at the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, the operation took place at about 4:00 p.m. on July 19, 2026.

The statement said troops acted on credible intelligence and mounted a stop-and-search operation along a route suspected to be used for supplying logistics to terrorists. The operation led to the arrest of the suspects, who were travelling in 5 vehicles and transporting materials allegedly meant for terrorist elements.

Items recovered from the suspects include 202 cartons of herbicides, 1 jerrycan containing suspected acid, 1 Starlink wireless internet communication system, 6 bags of NPK fertiliser, 10 bags of rice, 50 hoes and 20 packs of knapsack sprayer pumps.

The military said preliminary findings suggest the seized items could serve both civilian and military purposes. It added that such materials could support terrorist logistics, mobility, communications and other operational activities. The statement noted that the recovered NPK fertiliser and suspected acid would undergo technical and forensic examination to determine whether they were intended for the production of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The statement described the seizure as a major setback for suspected terrorist logistics networks. It added that the suspects and all recovered exhibits have been handed over to the appropriate Military Intelligence Regiment for further investigation. Authorities hope the investigation will identify the intended recipients of the materials, uncover other members of the logistics network and lead to the arrest of additional collaborators and sponsors.

The military also said preliminary debriefings of rescued hostages and families of surrendered terrorists indicate that sustained efforts to disrupt terrorist supply chains have weakened the operational capacity of insurgent groups. According to the debriefings, shortages of food, medical supplies, communication equipment and other essential materials have forced many terrorists to abandon their hostages, families and camps while escaping sustained military operations.

The statement reaffirmed that Operation Hadin Kai would continue intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling terrorist support structures. It said troops would maintain pressure on terrorists, their financiers, logistics suppliers, informants and collaborators in order to deny them the resources and freedom of movement needed to sustain their activities.

The military also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information on suspicious individuals, movements and activities within their communities.

It said such cooperation remains essential to the success of ongoing counter-terrorism operations and efforts to restore lasting peace in the North-East.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United Nations (UN) has raised concerns over the growing sophistication of terrorist groups operating in northern Nigeria, West Africa and the Sahel. The organisation said the groups now rely on drones, advanced communication technology and cryptocurrencies to strengthen their activities.

The warning came during a briefing to the UN Security Council by Leonardo Simão, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, who also heads the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS).

Simão presented the Secretary-General’s latest report on developments in the region. The report covered the period from November 29, 2025, to June 30, 2026. The briefing took place as the Security Council reviewed the political, security and humanitarian situation across West Africa and the Sahel. It also followed the council’s decision to extend the mandate of UNOWAS until January 31, 2029.

According to Simão, terrorist groups have continued to improve their methods, which has made them more difficult to defeat.

“Armed groups are increasingly using drones, sophisticated communications and cryptocurrencies while coordinating operations across borders,” he said.


He noted that the activities of the groups are now closely linked with transnational organised crime. He said their objective is to gain territorial and economic control while undermining public confidence in state institutions.

“The problem is acute, especially in the central Sahel and northern Nigeria,” he said.


“Their actions intersect with transnational organised crime, and are aimed at consolidating territorial and economic control, erosion of public confidence in state authority, with serious damage to social cohesion.”


Simão also stated that Nigeria, Niger and Burkina Faso continue to suffer terrorist attacks, kidnappings and heavy civilian casualties.

He disclosed that about 6.8 million people have been displaced across the region, while another 1.28 million people are now refugees or asylum seekers. He added that women, children and young people remain the most affected because insecurity and inadequate funding have restricted humanitarian operations.

Despite the security challenges, Simão acknowledged some positive developments. He cited the reopening of the Kamba border crossing between Nigeria and Niger. He also referred to progress by the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission in implementing the 2002 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling on the two countries’ land and maritime boundary.

“These are some examples of regional efforts towards dialogue,” he said.


The UN official stressed that military action alone would not end terrorism. He urged governments across the region to address poverty and other socio-economic conditions that fuel violent extremism.

“Fighting poverty and vulnerability must therefore remain a common objective in the broader fight against terrorism. Regional actors are working hard to find solutions,” he said.


Simão also revealed that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has renewed efforts to operationalise its standby force, although funding constraints remain a major obstacle.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on leaders of West African countries to respect constitutional term limits, warning that attempts to alter them could undermine democratic governance and regional stability.

Shettima made the appeal on Sunday during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Lungi, Sierra Leone. He spoke during a discussion on the future of regional integration in West Africa.

The vice president said Nigeria remains committed to promoting peace, security and democratic governance across the region. He stressed that sustainable development cannot thrive where insecurity and political instability persist.

“Nigeria supports the Compact’s commitment to constitutional governance, the rule of law, respect for human rights, and zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government,” he said.



He also urged leaders to focus on good governance, which he described as the strongest safeguard against unconstitutional changes of government and widespread protests.

“I am to add that beyond adventurism, the most effective tool against Unconstitutional Changes of Government and mass protests that is capable of undermining good order is for us to enthrone good governance that delivers more tangible benefits to our citizens.


“We must also avoid the temptation to tamper with the constitutional term limits or exploit constitutional processes.”


The ECOWAS Compact on the Future of Regional Integration is a six-pillar framework designed to implement the bloc’s Vision 2050. The initiative seeks to transform ECOWAS into an institution that delivers practical benefits to citizens in areas such as security, economic integration and digital connectivity.

Shettima described the compact as a forward-looking document that reflects the shared aspirations of the people of West Africa.

“Nigeria recognises the evolving global geopolitical landscape and the Compact’s vision of ECOWAS as a more cohesive, influential, and strategically autonomous regional actor,” he said.


“In an increasingly multipolar world, West Africa must speak with one voice in advancing its collective interests, safeguarding its sovereignty, and building partnerships anchored on mutual respect, equality and shared prosperity.”


The vice president also reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the establishment of the ECOWAS counter-terrorism force and the strengthening of the regional standby force. He said the measures would improve intelligence sharing, strengthen joint security operations and reinforce preventive diplomacy to promote peace and stability across West Africa.