Nigeria

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

Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army (NA)/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have intercepted a suspected gun-runner and recovered a large cache of ammunition in Taraba State. The operation took place on 21 February 2026 during a stop-and-search exercise at Sarkin Kudu in Ibi Local Government Area.

According to the Army, the arrest followed actionable and credible intelligence. Vigilant troops on sentry duty flagged down an Audi vehicle with registration number RBC 798 DV (Abuja). A thorough search of the car led to the arrest of Mr. Monday Reuben, a 48-year-old man from Numan Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

Items recovered from the suspect include:

Two AK-47 rifles

One hundred and ninety-seven empty magazines

One box of 7.62 x 51mm NATO ammunition containing 250 rounds

Fourteen packs of 9mm Parabellum ammunition totaling 700 rounds

Nineteen rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition

₦2,440,000 in cash

One wallet with four identification cards and four ATM cards

One Android phone and one Itel keypad phone

One power bank

Eight bottles of perfume

One rechargeable touch light

Assorted local charms


All recovered items and the suspect are now in custody and will be handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation and necessary action.

Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Micheal Akaliro, Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS, praised the troops for their alertness and diligence. He said, “The Brigade must maintain the tempo as it strives to fulfill the mandate given by the Chief of Army Staff, which is to rid Taraba State of all forms of criminality and threats to lives and property.”

He added that the Brigade will continue to implement its reward and sanction policy, noting that officers and soldiers involved in the operation “will be duly recognized and rewarded for their professionalism and commitment to duty.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Joint Task Force Southeast under Operation UDO KA have thwarted a suspected kidnap attack and rescued five victims during a swift response on February 20, 2026.

The incident took place around 6:55 p.m. at the 9th Mile axis within the 82 Division Area of Responsibility. Security sources said the troops acted on a distress call that indicated a suspected attack by IPOB/ESN elements targeting commuters heading towards Anambra State.

Military personnel moved quickly to the location and confronted the armed group. On arrival, they engaged the attackers with force, which forced the suspects to retreat into nearby bushes.

The operation led to the safe rescue of five kidnapped individuals. None of the victims sustained injuries. Troops also recovered the vehicle used to convey them, which was found intact.

After the rescue, security forces intensified patrols across the area. The move is aimed at tracking down fleeing suspects and preventing any attempt by the attackers to regroup. Authorities said the continued presence of troops has helped to reassure residents and commuters while weakening criminal activities in the area.

The Nigerian Army reiterated its determination to protect lives and secure major routes across the Southeast. It also called on members of the public to support security agencies by sharing timely and credible information to help sustain peace and stability in the region.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

At least 50 people have been killed after armed men launched a deadly overnight attack on a community in northwestern Nigeria’s Zamfara State, according to officials and residents.

The incident occurred in Tungan Dutse village, located in the Bukkuyum area. Witnesses said the attackers arrived on motorcycles late Thursday night. The assault continued into Friday morning. During the attack, houses were set ablaze and several women and children were taken away.

A lawmaker representing Bukkuyum South, Hamisu A. Faru, confirmed the scale of the killings. “They have been moving from one village to another … leaving at least 50 people dead,” he said.

Faru also noted that the number of abducted persons remains uncertain. He explained that authorities are still working to determine how many people are missing.

Residents said there were early warning signs before the attack. One of them, Abdullahi Sani, stated that villagers had informed security operatives after seeing more than 150 motorcycles carrying armed men a day earlier. However, no preventive action was taken.

“No one slept yesterday; we are all in pain,” Sani said, adding that three members of his family lost their lives.

The latest violence highlights the ongoing insecurity affecting parts of northern and western Nigeria, where armed groups continue to carry out attacks on communities.

In a related development, reports indicate that at least 46 people were killed last week in separate attacks in the Borgu area of Niger State. The deadliest incident occurred in Konkoso village, where dozens of residents were reportedly shot or killed in brutal circumstances.

Meanwhile, Nigeria has strengthened its security partnership with the United States. This follows concerns raised by former US President Donald Trump, who accused Nigeria of failing to curb killings and threatened possible intervention.

On December 25, US forces carried out air strikes in Sokoto State in coordination with Nigerian authorities. Earlier this week, Nigeria’s military confirmed the arrival of about 100 US personnel to support local forces.

According to Defence Headquarters spokesperson Samaila Uba, the US troops will provide “technical support” and “intelligence sharing” to assist in tackling “terrorist organisations”, along with “associated equipment”.

He added that the foreign troops will not participate directly in combat operations but will operate under Nigerian command.

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.