Nigeria

By Umar Saleh Burra 

‎Residents of Burra District in Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State have renewed their appeal to telecom companies to establish a fully functional telecommunications network within their community.

‎With an estimated population of over 80,000 people, the Burra District remains without access to reliable mobile network services. Community members report that the only available network provider in the area delivers inconsistent and poor connectivity, making communication extremely difficult for residents.

‎Speaking on behalf of the community, Umar Saleh Burra, the absence of a stable telecommunications network has significantly affected economic activities, healthcare communication, education, security coordination, and access to digital financial services. Business owners lament that unreliable connectivity disrupts transactions and limits opportunities for growth.

‎“Students face challenges accessing online educational resources, while families struggle to maintain contact with relatives and essential services. 

‎Community leaders emphasised that in today’s digital age, telecommunications services are not a luxury but a necessity. They noted that expanding network coverage to the Burra District would enhance socio-economic development, promote financial inclusion, improve emergency response systems, and strengthen overall community connectivity.

‎“We are law-abiding citizens who contribute to the economic and social development of our state. We humbly appeal to Nigerian telecom companies and relevant authorities to consider establishing network infrastructure in Burra District,” Saleh stated.

‎The people of Burra are also calling on political leaders, policymakers, and relevant regulatory agencies to support this request and facilitate collaboration with telecom companies to address the communication gap affecting the district.

‎As Nigeria continues to expand its digital economy, communities like Burra urge telecommunications providers to extend coverage to underserved rural areas to ensure inclusive national development.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian Army has restated its resolve to reinforce its strategic defence relationship with Pakistan as both countries confront changing security threats.

This is contained in a statement issued by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, on 20 February 2026.

The Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, gave the assurance on Friday, 20 February 2026, when he hosted Pakistan’s Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Colonel Kamran Mushtaq, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

General Shaibu described the military ties between Nigeria and Pakistan as strong and mutually beneficial. He pointed to wider prospects in joint exercises, intelligence cooperation, defence technology and operational support as key areas that require further attention. He said stronger collaboration in these fields would improve coordination between both armies and raise their ability to respond effectively to emerging threats.

The Army Chief also praised the long-standing relationship between the two forces. He referred to their similar experiences in the fight against terrorism and insurgency. He stressed the value of sustained professional military education and capacity development. According to him, several Nigerian officers have undergone advanced courses in Pakistan, while arrangements are underway for Pakistani officers to attend programmes at the National Defence College. He added that closer intelligence ties and strategic defence procurement are essential to improve Nigeria’s operational preparedness and combat strength.

In his remarks, Colonel Mushtaq delivered goodwill messages from Asim Munir, Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces. He commended the Nigerian Army for its discipline and achievements in various operations. Drawing on Pakistan’s experience of more than two decades in counter-terrorism campaigns, he expressed his country’s willingness to expand cooperation through specialised training, technical support and the supply of key equipment such as advanced surveillance and communication systems.

Both delegations reaffirmed their dedication to joint professional training and exchange initiatives. They noted that such programmes are crucial for improving operational coordination and strengthening their joint response to regional and cross-border security challenges.

By Uzair Adam

Barely one year after a devastating blaze ravaged parts of Fatima Simra Multipurpose Market at Dakata Industrial Layout in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Kano State — and only weeks after a similar incident at Singa Market — another fire has swept through the commercial hub, destroying more than 100 shops and leaving traders counting losses estimated at over N1 billion.

The Daily Reality reports that the Chairman of the market, Dauda Haruna Chula, said he received a distress call at about 4:00 a.m. informing him of the outbreak.

He stated that, “I was called around 4:00 a.m. and told about the devastating fire at our market. Because I was not nearby at the time, I immediately contacted those who were close to the market and asked them to alert the relevant authorities to help contain the situation.”

Chula explained that the exact cause of the fire had yet to be determined, noting that conflicting accounts were circulating among traders and residents.

He said investigations were ongoing to verify the true source of the blaze.

“As of now, we cannot ascertain the real source of the fire. There are different versions of what might have caused it, and we are working to verify the facts,” he added.

The market is widely known for groundnut oil production and for trading in rubber materials and other consumables such as food items and bread, many of which are highly flammable.

Chula said oil producers were among the worst affected, disclosing that more than 100 makeshift shops were completely burnt to ashes.

He estimated the losses at over N1 billion, stressing that most of the victims are small-scale traders who depend on daily earnings to support their families.

“This market is the only source of livelihood for many of our members,” he said, calling on Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to urgently intervene.

He lamented that a N100 million support earlier promised after the previous fire incident had yet to be fulfilled.

“We are still waiting for the N100 million that we were promised after the last fire. Up till now, nothing has been given, and here we are again facing another tragedy,” Chula said.

While appreciating ASPIRA Nigeria Limited and both the state and federal fire services for their efforts in containing the blaze, the chairman maintained that a quicker response could have reduced the scale of destruction.

In a separate account, one of the victims, Malam Auwal Mahrazu, whose stall was completely razed, said the fire started around 3:00 a.m. during a night shift.

He explained that some workers were attempting to clear a grinding filling machine that had become clogged.

“Sometimes when we are working and the filling machine gets congested, we burn it slightly and then wash it to clear the blockage so work can continue smoothly,” he said.

According to him, the workers briefly left the area, possibly to prepare for their pre-dawn meal, only to return and find the flames spreading to nearby stalls.

“Before they came back, the fire had started catching other places. They tried to stop it, but it was beyond control,” Mahrazu recounted.

He claimed that more than 200 makeshift stalls were affected, though the intervention of firefighters prevented the fire from spreading further.

Another trader, Isa Abubakar, described the incident as a divine test, saying his entire shop was razed.

“This is nothing but a test from Allah. Only God truly knows how it started,” he said, while commending fire service personnel for battling the flames for hours.

Abubakar urged Governor Yusuf to implement lasting measures to curb recurring fire outbreaks in Kano markets.

Similarly, Abdulkadir Aliyu said he had yet to recover from the previous incident before the latest disaster struck.

He appealed to the government to fulfill its earlier financial pledge, lamenting that no assistance had been provided so far.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Fire Service, Saminu Yusuf, confirmed that the agency received information about the incident but noted that a comprehensive report was yet to be compiled.

The latest inferno has intensified concerns over fire safety in Kano’s major markets, where traders operate in densely packed wooden structures and deal in highly combustible materials.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed that at least 33 residents lost their lives after suspected Lakurawa terrorists attacked several communities in Arewa Local Government Area of the state.

The attacks took place on Wednesday across different villages in the council area.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the police spokesperson in Kebbi, Bashir Usman, said the assailants invaded the affected communities with the intention of rustling cattle. He explained that the attackers were confronted by local residents during the incident. He also disclosed that the gunmen reportedly entered the area from Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

“The command deeply regrets the loss of thirty-three innocent lives and extends its heartfelt condolences to the families affected and the entire Arewa community,” the statement reads.

“Preliminary investigations confirm that armed Lakurawa militants entered the area to rustle cattle. The assailants are believed to have crossed into the district from Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

“Residents from Mamunu, Awasaka, Tungan Tsoho, Makangara, Kanzo, Gorun Naidal, and Dan Mai Ago mobilized in response, during which the fatal confrontation occurred.

“The Command emphasizes that incidents involving armed criminal elements require coordinated security intervention.

“Members of the public are urged to promptly report suspicious movements through established security channels rather than engage directly, as such confrontations pose grave risks.”

The police said security personnel have since been deployed to the affected communities to restore calm and prevent further attacks.

In a related development, six members of a vigilance group were killed in March 2025 after bandits attacked Dan Tulu and Rusakde villages in Arewa Local Government Area following a cattle rustling incident.

Authorities have assured residents of continued efforts to address insecurity in the area.

By Ibrahim Yunusa

Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Dambatta, has announced plans to formalize partnerships with selected agri-business firms to expand work-based learning and research development for students.

The Acting Provost of Audu Bako College of Agriculture Dambatta, Hassan Ibrahim, disclosed this during a tour of partner organizations, which include Extension Africa, Al‑Hamsad Rice Mill LTD, Seed Project Company LTD, Royal Blue Contractors, and Kano State Fisheries Institute, Bagauda.

The initiative is being supported by UNESCO under its programme to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training through industry-driven learning.

Speaking on the project, UNESCO consultant Newton Ovie Akpona said the collaboration forms part of the BEAR III programme, which aims to improve education quality, boost employability and promote sustainable development across several African countries.

The partnership is expected to give students practical industry exposure while promoting research, innovation and institutional capacity building.

In separate remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Seed Project Company, Zainab Gwadabe, welcomed the initiative and pledged support, while officials of Al-Hamsad Rice Mill described the move as timely. The formal signing ceremony is expected to take place soon at the college’s permanent site in Dambatta.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, has called for the establishment of a media station of national and international standard in Northern Nigeria.

Pantami made the appeal during a Tafsir session yesterday evening.

He stressed that the proposed platform should broadcast in English, French and other major global languages. According to him, such an outlet would help correct negative narratives and stereotypes about the region and project its true image to the world.

He explained that creating strong and strategic institutions of that nature is, in certain situations, more crucial than building additional places of worship in communities where they are already adequate.

The cleric’s remarks have attracted support from many who believe the region needs a stronger voice in the global media space.

However, observers say the major obstacle lies in preparedness and commitment. They argue that the North has not yet demonstrated the level of unity and readiness required to execute a project of that scale.

Some believe it could take several decades before the necessary structure and coordination are achieved.

Analysts also note that the vision may only become reality sooner if a well-placed individual or organisation takes the initiative and provides the needed support. They maintain that while there is agreement on the importance of the idea, collective action has remained limited.

By Uzair Adam

The push to equip Nigerian students with practical skills for a rapidly evolving global economy received a boost on Wednesday as the Junior Achievement Nigeria paid a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) to deepen collaboration on entrepreneurship and experiential learning.

The Daily Reality reports that the delegation, led by the Chief Executive Officer of Junior Achievement Nigeria, Olaolu Akogun, met with the Executive Secretary of NERDC, Prof. Salisu Shehu, at the council’s headquarters on Monday.

The visit underscored a shared commitment to embedding enterprise education and innovation-driven learning within Nigeria’s national curriculum framework.

Mr. Akogun was accompanied by the organisation’s Programme Specialist, Ndepawe Jonah Kwghe, and other officials.

They were received by Prof. Shehu alongside the Head of Policy and Programmes Unit, Dr. Famade Oladiran; the Special Assistant (Technical) to the Executive Secretary, Dr. Garba Gandu; and the Head of Curriculum Development Centre (CDC), Dr. Chima Egbujuo.

Discussions centred on forging a strategic partnership to advance entrepreneurship education, financial literacy, work readiness and innovation-focused learning for students across the country.

Both institutions stressed the importance of aligning educational content with global best practices while remaining responsive to Nigeria’s socio-economic realities.

In his remarks, Prof. Shehu reaffirmed NERDC’s resolve to enrich the national curriculum with practical and future-oriented competencies that would empower learners to become self-reliant and productive citizens.

He commended Junior Achievement Nigeria for what he described as its impactful programmes designed to equip young people with entrepreneurial and leadership skills.

Mr. Akogun, in his response, expressed appreciation for the warm reception and reiterated his organisation’s readiness to collaborate with NERDC in integrating structured entrepreneurship and enterprise education modules into the national curriculum.

The meeting concluded with both parties pledging closer cooperation in driving innovative educational reforms aimed at preparing Nigerian students to thrive in a dynamic and competitive global economy.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, working alongside local vigilantes and hunters, have neutralised a senior Boko Haram figure identified as Abdullahi Mafa in the Madagali axis of Zamfara State.

Security sources disclosed that Mafa, described as a former hybrid commander of the terrorist group, was killed during a coordinated operation in the area.

In a separate development, troops also apprehended a suspected logistics and drone supplier to the insurgents, Dauda Usman Gubula, during another mission in Madagali Local Government Area.

According to security analyst, Zagazola Makama, the encounter took place on Thursday. He said troops came in contact with suspected Boko Haram fighters during an ambush along the Visik River corridor.

The confrontation led to the death of the terrorist commander after an exchange of fire.

Makama further revealed that the alleged collaborator was arrested in a different operation. He said the suspect was picked up during a raid carried out at Madagali Motor Park.

Quoting officials, he stated that security operatives recovered several items from the suspect. These included two aerial drones and 20 solar power banks believed to be meant for terrorist operations.

The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.

Meanwhile, troops have sustained offensive actions across the region. The ongoing operations are targeted at dismantling Boko Haram cells and restoring normalcy in affected communities.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

New details have surfaced alleging that convicted American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak exploited Nigeria’s Boko Haram insurgency to promote surveillance technology and gain entry into key economic sectors.

The claims are contained in an investigation by Drop Site News (DSN). The outlet relied on emails released by the United States Department of Justice. The report alleged that both men saw Nigeria’s worsening insecurity as a commercial opening rather than a humanitarian concern.

Al Jazeera also cited the investigation. It reported that while Nigeria battled Boko Haram, Epstein and Barak marketed Israeli “field-proven” security systems to Nigerian authorities. The term refers to technologies tested in conflict zones, particularly in Palestinian territories.

One 2014 email referenced unrest across the Middle East and Africa, including Nigeria. Epstein wrote to Barak, saying, “isn’t this perfect for you.” Barak reportedly responded, “You’re right in a way. But not simple to transform it into a cash flow.”

Biometric Technology Promoted As Counterterrorism Measure

The investigation linked Barak to Israeli intelligence-connected technology firms whose products later reached Nigeria.

In 2015, Barak and a partner invested $15 million in FST Biometrics. The company was founded by former Israeli military intelligence chief Aharon Ze’evi Farkash. It developed a biometric platform known as Basel. The system was first tested at the Beit Hanoon (Erez) crossing between Israel and Gaza to monitor movement.

As Boko Haram violence intensified, Barak allegedly helped facilitate the sale of similar biometric systems to Babcock University in Nigeria. The initiative was framed as a counterterrorism project. Promotional materials at the time said the system would “filter away all unwanted persons.”

The report added that such deals opened doors for wider Israeli cyber-security involvement in Nigeria. By 2020, DSN stated that the World Bank had engaged the Israel National Cyber Directorate and a startup linked to Barak to support Nigeria’s national cyber infrastructure planning.

Security Deals Linked To Oil, Maritime Interests

Documents cited in the investigation suggested that security partnerships also created business pathways into Nigeria’s oil and port sectors.

Epstein allegedly arranged high-level meetings on behalf of DP World, the Dubai logistics firm. The talks focused on potential acquisition of strategic port assets in Lagos and Badagry.

In 2018, he reportedly connected Jide Zeitlin, then chairman of Nigeria’s sovereign investment authority, with DP World chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem. Emails indicated that Epstein tried to manage U.S. sanctions concerns involving figures in Nigeria’s mining industry to advance negotiations.

One September 2018 message quoted Zeitlin as telling Epstein: “I hope your pal’s sojourn in Tel Aviv … was more effective than his efforts on the African continent.”

According to the investigation, Bin Sulayem stepped down as DP World chairman on February 13 amid renewed scrutiny over his relationship with Epstein.

Political Access In Nigeria

The emails also pointed to high-level political access secured by Epstein and Barak in Nigeria.

In 2013, Barak attended a cybersecurity conference in Abuja. Organisers privately described the event as an opportunity to arrange meetings with then-President Goodluck Jonathan.

Correspondence cited in the report quoted an organiser saying, “The dinner is one other excellent way … to meet with good Friends of Israel and make new friends for Israel as well.”

Following those contacts, Israeli defence contractor Elbit Systems went ahead with an internet surveillance project in Nigeria despite objections from some lawmakers.

The documents also showed Epstein advising Barak on business strategy. After Barak shared information about a proposed oil transaction, Epstein cautioned him: “I told you on the phone before sending or asking anyone about it you should do your own homework.”

Wider Document Release

The revelations form part of a broader disclosure of millions of files detailing Epstein’s global relationships with political figures, financiers and intelligence-linked actors.

The investigation reported that Epstein funded Israeli groups such as Friends of the Israeli Army and the Jewish National Fund. It also alleged links with individuals connected to Israeli intelligence circles.

Barak, who served as Israel’s prime minister from 1999 to 2001, has previously expressed regret over his association with Epstein. Epstein was convicted in 2008 for procuring a minor for prostitution and served about a year in prison. Barak maintained ties with him for years afterward. He later said he did not know the full extent of Epstein’s crimes until 2019.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked the German government to provide used helicopters to support intelligence and reconnaissance operations in the Sahel region.

The request came during a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday. This was disclosed in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. The discussion centered on ways to deepen security collaboration between Nigeria and Germany.

Onanuga said both leaders showed concern about the deteriorating security situation across the Sahel corridor. He stated, “The two leaders also expressed worry over the situation in the Sahel region. President Tinubu called for the supply of used helicopters to help in intelligence reconnaissance in the region.”

Quoting the President further, he added, “The Sahel corridor is bad and needs our support. Intelligence support reconnaissance is needed.”

Security was not the only issue addressed. Talks also covered Nigeria’s electricity sector, with emphasis on the Presidential Power Initiative. Tinubu stressed the country’s need for support in power transmission.

In response, Chancellor Merz assured that Siemens would offer technical assistance, while Deutsche Bank would show readiness to finance the project.

Onanuga noted that both sides also discussed partnerships in other sectors. According to him, “the two leaders also expressed their willingness to cooperate in creative arts and skill development”.

Railway cooperation also formed part of the conversation, alongside collaboration in arts and vocational development.

Merz spoke about diplomatic relations as well. He said, “Germany is eagerly awaiting the arrival of Nigeria’s new ambassador to Germany.”

Onanuga added that the German leader highlighted cultural cooperation. “He also spoke about the importance of the arts and called for the establishment of the Great Museum of African Arts,” he said.

The phone call started at 2:01 p.m. and ended at about 2:10 p.m., the statement concluded.