Nigeria

By Kamal Alkasim

It began with hope. Like many young Nigerians chasing a better life, Sulaiman Abubakar left Kano with dreams of greener pastures. But four years after crossing into Algeria illegally, his journey has become a nightmare — one of arrest, detention, and silence that has left his loved ones pleading for help.

Sulaiman Muhammad, a native of Kano, fled his hometown’s rising cost of living and crossed into Algeria illegally. After four years abroad, he was arrested and has been detained there for more than four months.

In an interview with The Daily Reality, his fiancée Khadija Abubakar, 20, shared the untold story:

“I met him before he left for Algeria. The hardship at home forced him to go. We lost touch for a long time,” she said.

“When we reconnected, he sent ₦1 million to my family so my parents could buy marriage materials (Lefe) and prepare our wedding. A month later, back in Kano, he returned to his business, and I haven’t heard his voice since.”

Her words, spoken with sorrow, highlight the human cost of irregular migration.

His Kindness and Impact on My Life

“He is generous and very good to me. If I marry him, I know he will be a supportive partner. He sent me money as capital to grow my business, and in every situation he has never failed to support me. He always told me that if he had enough capital, he would return to Kano, start his own business, and stay home rather than travel again. Missing him is a great loss to me.”

“After he went missing, I contacted his boss on WhatsApp. We spoke, and he told me to stay calm and promised to do his best to rescue him. He thought the police might have arrested him. We talk every day, but the story remains the same. I don’t know what to do.”

A Mother’s Plea

Sulaiman’s mother, Aishatu Abubakar, who asked not to be photographed, shared her anguish: “My son is one in a million. He’s obedient. If I lose him, they will finish me. He always takes on my responsibilities. The whole family is proud of him. He promised to finish building my home. This tragedy ends that hope for me. But in my body, I feel my son will escape soon.”

Final Call for Help

“I called on people who can help me to rescue him,” Khadija said. His mother, Aisha Abubakar, added, “I call on anyone who can do anything to help us. We are ready to join hands.”

What Algerian law says about illegal immigration

Algeria’s main rule for people who enter the country without a visa or proper documents is set out in Law No. 08-11 of 25 June 2008 on the conditions of entry, residence and movement of foreign nationals. The law makes “illegal entry” a punishable offence, and once caught, migrants can be detained, fined, and then deported. 

In practice, authorities often place undocumented migrants in administrative detention centres while arranging removals, and they may also issue re-entry bans. Human rights bodies have repeatedly urged Algeria to decriminalise irregular migration and to use detention only as a last resort, but the 2008 law remains the legal basis for treating unauthorised entry as a criminal matter.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI has continued its offensive against terrorist networks, with fresh operations targeting logistics and financial structures that sustain insurgent activities.

Military authorities said the renewed push followed recent defensive victories recorded in Pulka and Madara-Girau. The successes, they noted, created the momentum for troops to expand operations aimed at cutting supply routes and weakening terrorist support systems across the theatre.

According to the press statement, the coordinated efforts are designed to retain operational advantage, restrict the movement of insurgents, and dismantle their logistics and funding framework.

On 16 February 2026, troops of Sector 1, working with Vigilante Forces, launched a night ambush along a crossing route often used by ISWAP عناصر moving from the Cameroon axis into Nigeria. The fighters were unaware of the concealed troop positions. They advanced into heavy enfilade fire and retreated in confusion after the engagement.

Security forces later searched the scene of the encounter. They recovered a large quantity of logistics materials believed to have been meant for terrorist resupply. The development, according to military sources, has reduced the group’s ability to sustain operations in the area. Troops still dominate the location and continue follow-up actions to consolidate their hold.

In a separate operation, soldiers at the Forward Operating Base, Chabbal Checkpoint, intercepted a suspicious vehicle carrying five occupants. A detailed search led to the discovery of approximately Thirty-Seven Million Naira (₦37,000,000.00) hidden in bags. Several mobile phones were also recovered. Authorities suspect the items are linked to terrorist financing and coordination.

The military described the interception as a major success in efforts to dismantle financial channels believed to support insurgent logistics and operations.

Officials added that the combined actions reflect a broader strategy focused on choking supply chains while targeting funding sources. Pressure on transit routes and support networks, they said, is intended to weaken terrorist elements and limit their ability to rebuild combat strength.

The Military High Command praised the vigilance, professionalism, and resilience of troops as well as collaborating security agencies. It stated that the morale and combat efficiency of personnel remain high.

Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to defeating terrorist threats and restoring lasting peace and economic stability across the North-East region.

The statement was signed by Sani Uba, Lieutenant Colonel and Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, and dated 16 February 2026.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

TheCable newspaper has issued a correction to its earlier report on the 2003 general elections, clarifying that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not shift the poll dates despite protests by Catholic bishops over a clash with Easter.

The Daily Reality had earlier followed the report, citing TheCable as its source.

According to the updated clarification, INEC fixed the National Assembly elections for April 12, presidential and governorship polls for April 19, and state assembly elections for May 3, 2003.

The April 19 date coincided with Holy Saturday, prompting objections from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, which described the schedule as “unacceptable” and called for a review.

However, despite the concerns raised and the public debate that followed, INEC retained its original timetable and conducted the elections as planned.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In the wake of a devastating fire that ravaged Singer Market in Kano, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead a high-powered Federal Government delegation to the state to commiserate with affected traders and pledge immediate financial support.

The delegation is scheduled to depart Abuja on Monday to assess the situation firsthand. The visit aims to convey the President’s condolences over the weekend blaze that consumed billions of Naira in goods and property at one of Nigeria’s largest food markets.

According to a statement from the State House, the Vice President will pledge federal financial assistance to help alleviate the suffering of the victims and collaborate with the Kano State Government to facilitate the swift reopening of the market.

The high-level team comprises key figures from the legislature and emergency services. Members include the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin; Senator Kawu Ismaila; and Rep. Abubakar Kabir Bichi, Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations. The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, and the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, are also part of the entourage.

The fire, which ignited on Saturday evening and persisted into Sunday morning, caused widespread destruction. President Tinubu, who had previously spoken via telephone with Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, expressed deep concern over the incident, noting his alarm that this marked the second fire at the same market in less than two weeks.

In response to the recurring incidents, the President has ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the root causes of the frequent market fires that continue to plunge traders into despair.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram terrorists have killed 36 people and destroyed over 50 houses in a three-hour rampage on two communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

The attack, which targeted Tungan Makeri and Nkpaso villages in Konkoso Ward, has left the communities deserted as all women and children have fled for safety.

According to local sources, the death toll rose from 26 on Saturday to 36 by Sunday morning as more bodies were recovered from surrounding bushes. Several residents remain unaccounted for.

“As of this morning, we have recovered 36 bodies, some of them from the nearby bushes. Many people are still missing, and we don’t know whether they were taken away by the terrorists or not,” said Musa, a community source from Tungan Makeri.

The attackers, who operated freely for over three hours, slaughtered residents and set buildings ablaze without encountering any resistance. Tungan Makeri bore the brunt of the assault, with more than 50 houses either destroyed or burnt down.

“We have been burying our dead since yesterday. All the women and children have left. No security agent has visited the communities since the attack began,” Musa lamented.

As of Sunday afternoon, neither the state government nor the police had issued any statement regarding the massacre. Multiple attempts to reach the Chairman of Borgu Local Government Area, Mallam Nasiru Mohammed, proved unsuccessful.

The Borgu kingdom, encompassing Borgu and Agwara Local Government Areas, has witnessed escalating terrorist violence in recent months. The region has seen scores killed, many abducted, and properties worth millions of naira destroyed.

Notable previous incidents include the abduction of over 300 students from Papiri Missionary School in Agwara Local Government last November. Unconfirmed reports suggest over ₦1 billion in ransom was paid for their release after one month in captivity.

In January, terrorists also razed a cattle market in Kasunwa Deji, killing seven people and stealing numerous cattle.

Concerned political and traditional leaders in the kingdom have urgently appealed to the Federal Government to deploy security agents and establish a military base in the area.

Speaking to journalists, the leaders described the situation as “not only worrisome but scary,” noting that the entire Borgu kingdom has been under siege for the past three months.

By Uzair Adam

The Chairman of the Singer Market Development Association, Alhaji Junaid Zakari, has described the latest fire outbreak at Singer Market in Kano as a severe setback for traders, revealing that goods and property valued at over N5 billion were destroyed.

In an interview with the journalists on Sunday, Zakari said more than 1,500 shops, including containers and makeshift stalls operated by small-scale traders, were completely razed.

He explained that the affected section is among the busiest parts of the market, housing high-value goods acquired through substantial capital investment.

“The affected area contains a large concentration of goods. Based on our preliminary assessment, over 1,500 shops and small containers were burnt. We estimate that properties worth more than N5 billion have been lost,” he said.

Zakari expressed deep concern over the economic consequences of the incident, noting that many traders depend entirely on daily sales to support their families.

“This is a major blow to our members. Some traders operate with borrowed capital, while others rely on cooperative contributions.

“The impact of this loss is enormous,” he added, confirming that the main fire had been extinguished while firefighters continued efforts to put out remaining pockets of flames.

When The Daily Reality visited the market around 10:12 a.m. on Sunday, smoke was still rising from parts of the affected areas, including Gidan Gilas, Gidan Gashash, Gidan Mai and the Audu Yahaya Danbatta section.

Firefighters were seen battling lingering flames and carrying out cooling operations to prevent a fresh outbreak.

Some traders sifted through debris in search of salvageable items, while others stood in clusters discussing the scale of their losses.

Alhaji Isa Abubakar, a shop owner, said he lost goods worth over N200 million.

“From God we come, and to Him we shall return. It is heartbreaking to witness goods worth billions of naira destroyed by fire,” he stated.

He also commended Yusuf for visiting the scene to show solidarity with affected traders.

Another trader, Musa Ibrahim, said he lost goods valued at over N340 million, lamenting that the fire had consumed everything in his shop.

Similarly, Halifa Abubakar, who operates a Point of Sale (POS) business in the market, said he lost all the cash in his shop, much of which belonged to other people.

He, however, noted that his loss was minor compared to traders who lost goods worth billions of naira, adding that he could not immediately determine the exact amount involved.

The fire, which broke out on Saturday evening, raged into the early hours of Sunday, causing widespread destruction and anxiety among traders.

The incident occurred just weeks after another devastating fire at the market resulted in significant losses, compounding the hardship faced by business owners.

As of the time of filing this report, the cause of the fire had yet to be determined, and authorities were still investigating the circumstances surrounding the outbreak.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Suspected bandits have abducted the wives and daughters of Imam Abubakar Muhammad Digare, the Chief Imam of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), during an attack on Digare town in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The incident occurred on Saturday night. The assailants reportedly invaded the cleric’s residence under the cover of darkness and took several victims away to an undisclosed location. Authorities are yet to confirm the exact number of those kidnapped.

Residents said the attack has heightened fear across the community. Many people have remained indoors, while movement within the town has reduced sharply due to safety concerns. Witnesses added that women and children were among those abducted. Neighbours described the operation as chaotic, noting that the gunmen fled immediately after seizing their victims.

Security analyst Bakatsine spoke on the development, stressing the implications for security in the area.

He said, “The attack on the residence of Imam Abubakar Muhammad Digare is a clear indication of the growing audacity of criminal gangs in the region. Such acts are designed to instil fear and demonstrate the weakness of local security arrangements.”

He also warned about the broader social impact of targeting religious leaders.

According to him, “Abductions targeting prominent religious leaders are particularly alarming because they can destabilise communal trust and provoke tensions within the community.”

Bakatsine called for urgent government intervention to curb the trend.

He said, “Authorities need to respond swiftly and effectively to prevent further escalation. This incident underscores the urgent need for coordinated security strategies in Bauchi and surrounding states.”

The latest raid adds to a string of violent incidents recorded in parts of Bauchi State in recent times. Communities across the state have reported kidnappings, armed robberies, and other attacks, which continue to raise concerns about public safety.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Government has cautioned Nigerians against falling victim to illegal recruitment schemes that lure citizens into participating in foreign armed conflicts.

In a statement released by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the government disclosed that investigations have uncovered a growing trend in which unsuspecting Nigerians are enticed with promises of well-paid jobs, security positions, academic opportunities, and migration benefits, only to be deployed to conflict zones under false pretences.

According to the Ministry, recruiters allegedly dangle attractive incentives such as high salaries, signing bonuses, and expedited citizenship processes.

Victims are sometimes persuaded to sign contracts written in foreign languages without proper legal advice.

In certain cases, their travel documents are confiscated upon arrival. Authorities also revealed that some agents arrange travel under tourist or other non-military visa categories to conceal the true purpose of the trip.

The government warned that engaging in foreign armed conflicts outside official and approved channels poses serious risks and could amount to violations of both Nigerian and international laws regulating mercenary activities and foreign enlistment.

It stressed that citizens who choose to participate in such activities without government authorization do so at their own peril.

To curb the trend, the Federal Government said it is collaborating with local and international partners to investigate the matter and intensify public awareness efforts.

Nigerian missions abroad have also been directed to heighten consular vigilance and issue timely advisories to citizens.

The Ministry further called on parents, guardians, community leaders, and educational institutions to sensitize young people about the dangers of deceptive overseas recruitment schemes.

Nigerians seeking employment or educational opportunities abroad were advised to verify offers through official government channels and promptly report suspicious approaches to the relevant authorities.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has declared that the successful holding of the 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival signals the return of stability to Kebbi State and the nation at large, as over 50,000 fishermen from Nigeria and neighbouring countries participated in the four-day cultural extravaganza.

Speaking at the grand finale in Argungu on Saturday, the President witnessed a local fisherman, Abubakar Usman from Maiyama Local Government Area, emerge as the overall winner after landing a 59kg catch. Usman went home with N1 million and two brand new cars.

The festival, which returned after a six-year hiatus, featured cultural displays, water competitions, traditional boxing, and dancing, drawing participants and spectators from across the region.

“This festival has endured for 83 years and stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence among our people,” Tinubu told the gathering. “The organisation, security arrangement, and internal outlook of the event demonstrate what is possible when leadership is purposeful and inclusive.”

The President used the occasion to reassure Nigerians that the fight against banditry and insurgency is being won, attributing the peaceful conduct of the festival to sustained investments in security and community engagement.

“I am pleased to note that significant progress has been made in combating insecurity across Kebbi and other parts of our nation,” he said. “The relative peace we are witnessing today in this region is not accidental. It is the result of sustained investment in security, intelligence gathering, and community engagement.”

Tinubu pledged stronger federal support for agriculture, tourism, and rural development, noting that events like Argungu can only thrive in a conducive security atmosphere. He commended Governor Nasir Idris for what he described as purposeful leadership in organising the historic event.

Before attending the festival, the President commissioned several infrastructure projects in Birnin Kebbi, including the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Secretariat Complex, a new modern motor park, a three-lane dual carriageway, and the Kauran Gwandu College of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences.

Governor Idris, in his remarks, outlined his administration’s achievements across infrastructure, health, education, and agriculture, including the recruitment of over 1,800 health workers, construction of thousands of classrooms, and free distribution of fertilisers and improved seedlings to farmers.

The Emir of Argungu, Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, described the President’s presence at the festival as “a profound identification with the core values of courage, reconciliation, peace, and friendship” that the 61-year-old festival represents.

In the keenly contested fishing competition, Abdullahi Garba from Argungu secured second place with a 40kg fish, winning N750,000, a brand new car, and a Hajj seat. The third position was jointly claimed by two contestants from Jigawa and Kogi states with a 33kg catch each, earning them N1 million and a motorcycle apiece.

All four winning fish were presented to President Tinubu as souvenirs at the conclusion of the event.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

First Lady Remi Tinubu has justified her husband, President Bola Tinubu’s Muslim-Muslim ticket, saying Muslims outnumber Christians in Nigeria. She made the remarks during her visit to the United States.

A pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Mrs Tinubu told The Free Press that the decision for a Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2023 election was political.

Explaining the choice, she said, “Let’s face it, the Muslims are more than us. If a southerner wants to run for president, politics is a game of numbers. You have to pick another Muslim. You can’t pick a Christian.”

The first lady also highlighted her role in the Presidential Villa, saying she attends to the interests of both Christians and Muslims. “I’m a Christian in the presidential villa. I take care of the interests of Christians, and I also take care of Muslims. That is what life should be. We have to respect everybody, irrespective of religion,” she said.

Mrs Tinubu, who attended the National Prayer Breakfast in the U.S., added that her trip was partly to address claims circulating on social media about alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria. She said the campaign followed her husband’s government navigating the country out of economic challenges marked by rising food prices and a declining naira.

In another interview with The Hill, Mrs Tinubu described global concerns over Christian persecution in Nigeria as “based on propaganda.”

She also urged the U.S. to intensify military strikes against terrorists and bandits in northern Nigeria, describing previous Christmas Day military actions ordered by former President Donald Trump as a “blessing” to the country.