Nigeria

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Human rights lawyer Audu Bulama Bukarti has called for transparency following the announcement by the Defence Headquarters that about 100 United States military personnel have arrived at the Bauchi Airfield.

According to the statement, the troops are in Nigeria to support the Armed Forces in training and intelligence-sharing operations.

Bukarti raised concerns over the lack of detail in the official release, noting that it did not indicate whether the US troops will be permanently stationed in Bauchi or are simply passing through to another location.

He said, “If they are going to stay in Bauchi, the public deserves to know why that location was chosen instead of frontline theatres of terrorism such as Zamfara, Niger or Borno.”

He acknowledged that there may be tactical or strategic reasons for the deployment but warned that the absence of clear communication fuels speculation. “Given the sensitivities surrounding foreign military presence on Nigerian soil, transparency is not a luxury – it is a necessity,” Bukarti added.

The lawyer further reiterated that Nigerians should be informed about the specific scope, duration, and limits of the mission. “The public deserves to know how long the US personnel will remain, the specific nature of the training they will conduct and mechanisms for Nigerian oversight,” he wrote.

Bukarti noted that if the partnership is lawful, limited, and in Nigeria’s best interest, a straightforward explanation would build public trust. “Silence or opacity, however, risks fuelling suspicion, speculation and misinformation at a time when clarity and candour are most needed,” he stressed.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Ministry of Health has directed the immediate retirement of directors who have spent eight years or more in the directorate cadre.

Those affected include directors working within the ministry, federal health institutions, and related agencies. The directive was contained in an internal memo obtained by our correspondent in Abuja on Tuesday morning.

This development follows an earlier report that the Federal Government had instructed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to implement the eight-year tenure policy for directors and permanent secretaries. The instruction came with a fresh deadline issued through the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

The memo enforcing the decision in the health ministry was signed by the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Tetshoma Dafeta. It stated:

“Further to the Eight (8)-Year Tenure Policy of the Federal Public Service, which mandates the compulsory retirement of Directors after eight years in that rank, as provided in the Revised Public Service Rules 2021(PSR 020909) copy attached, I am directed to remind you to take necessary action to ensure that all affected officers who have spent eight years as Directors, effective 31st December, 2025, are disengaged from Service immediately.

“Accordingly, all Heads of Agencies and Parastatals are by this circular, to ensure that the affected staff hand over all official documents/possessions with immediate effect, their salaries are stopped by the IPPIS Unit and mandate the officers to refund to the treasury all emoluments paid after their effective date of disengagement.

“This is reiterated in a circular recently issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Ref. No. HSCF/3065/Vol.I/225, dated 10″ February 2026. A copy is herewith attached for guidance, please.

“In addition, you are to forward the nominal roll of all directorate officers (CONMESS 07/CONHESS 15/CONRAISS 15) In your institution, send to DHRM@health.gov.ng and Agudosi.obinna@health.gov.ng. You may please note that officials from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the Ministry will conduct a monitoring exercise to ensure compliance.

“Failure to adhere to paragraph 2 above shall be met with stiff sanctions.”

The policy has its roots in the revised Public Service Rules introduced in 2023. The former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Folasade Yemi-Esan, announced the implementation during a lecture held at the State House, Abuja, to mark the 2023 Civil Service Week.

In a circular issued at the time to permanent secretaries, the Accountant-General of the Federation, the Auditor-General for the Federation, and heads of extra-ministerial departments, she confirmed the enforcement date.

“Following the approval of the revised Public Service Rules (PSR) by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on September 27, 2021, and its subsequent unveiling during the public service lecture in commemoration of the 2023 Civil Service Week, the PSR has become operational with effect from July 27, 2023,” the circular read.

Under Section 020909 of the revised rules, permanent secretaries are to serve a four-year tenure, renewable only on the basis of satisfactory performance. The same rules prescribe compulsory retirement for any director on Grade Level 17, or its equivalent, after eight years in office.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has remained silent after a video emerged showing individuals spraying naira notes on popular praise singer, Dauda Kahutu Rarara, during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official visit to Adamawa State.

The footage, circulated online, captured unidentified persons throwing ₦1,000 notes at the singer while he performed in praise of the president. The incident reportedly happened in Tinubu’s presence at the public event.

The development is coming despite repeated warnings by the Central Bank of Nigeria against abuse of the national currency.

The apex bank had earlier renewed its campaign in Abuja, cautioning Nigerians against acts such as spraying, mutilating, hoarding, or mishandling the naira.

Speaking at the campaign launch, the Deputy Governor of Operations, Mr. Bala Bello, represented by Dr. Adetona Adedeji, Director of Currency Operations and Branch Management, condemned such practices.

He said, “The naira is more than just a means of payment. It represents our national pride, sovereignty, and shared destiny.”

He added, “Unfortunately, careless practices like spraying money at events, tearing or writing on notes, and mutilation destroy its dignity and make it expensive to maintain.”

Observers have pointed out that the commission’s silence over the Adamawa incident contrasts with its previous enforcement actions.

Not long ago, the anti-graft agency arraigned and secured the conviction of musician Hamisu Sa’id Yusuf, popularly known as Hamisu Breaker, alongside Kano-based TikToker Abubakar Ibrahim, also called G-Fresh, for abusing the naira.

Justice S.M. Shuaibu of the Federal High Court sitting in Kano delivered the judgment after viral videos showed the duo spraying and mishandling the currency.

According to case details, Abubakar Ibrahim sprayed and stepped on ₦1,000 notes totaling ₦14,000 while dancing at Rahma Sa’idu’s shop in Tarauni Local Government Area in November 2024. The charge was filed under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.

The Adamawa video has since triggered fresh reactions, with many questioning why similar action has not been announced by the EFCC following the latest incident.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Assembly have reportedly agreed to revise the timetable for Nigeria’s 2027 elections, moving the presidential poll from February 20 to January 16 and the governorship elections from March 6 to January 30. The decision comes after widespread criticism that the original schedule coincided with the Ramadan fasting period.

Insiders within the electoral body and federal legislature confirmed the shift, describing it as a response to mounting concerns from religious groups, political stakeholders, and civil society organizations.

“After several meetings, both sides agreed that the February date is no longer tenable. The new proposal now on the table is January 16 for the presidential election and January 30 for the governorship polls,” a senior INEC official told newsmen on condition of anonymity.

A ranking senator echoed the development but noted that the proposal would still undergo debate in the National Assembly.

“That is the working proposal. But until it is formally adopted, it remains subject to change,” the lawmaker said.

The change follows intense opposition to the initial schedule. INEC had first set February 20, 2027, for presidential and National Assembly elections, with governorship and state assembly elections slated for March 6. Muslim groups and political actors criticized the timing, pointing out that it fell within the 2027 Ramadan period, projected from February 7 to March 8.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar publicly warned that holding elections during fasting could suppress voter turnout among Muslims. Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad also urged the commission to reconsider, stressing that meaningful participation could be affected during a period traditionally devoted to fasting and spiritual reflection.

Over the weekend, some lawmakers reportedly proposed February 13 as a compromise. However, fresh consultations between INEC and the National Assembly appear to have produced a more substantial adjustment, pushing the elections into January. If approved, January 16 would rank among the earliest presidential election dates in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.

The National Assembly acted swiftly to reflect the urgency of the matter. Clerk to the National Assembly Kamoru Ogunlana directed senators and members of the House of Representatives to reconvene at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, for what was described as a session to take “very crucial decisions.”

Although the official notice did not outline the agenda, insiders confirmed that reconsideration of the 2027 election timetable was the primary reason for the emergency plenary session. Consequently, a conference committee meeting scheduled for Monday to harmonize differences in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill was suspended.

Sada Soli, a member of the House conference committee, confirmed the suspension, while another member, Iduma Igariwey, acknowledged the postponement. A Senate source said lawmakers would prioritize resolving the sensitive issue of election dates before returning to other contested provisions of the bill.

The proposed change signals INEC’s willingness to respond to public and political pressure, illustrating the influence of citizen engagement, religious concerns, and political discourse in shaping electoral arrangements in Nigeria.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has expressed serious concern over what he described as the inadequate response of security agencies to intelligence on criminal activities, claiming that crucial information is often ignored because it is “not their priority.”

In an interview, Governor Lawal said that despite advances in technology that allow real-time tracking of criminal movements, security operatives have repeatedly failed to act decisively.

“If you follow all my interviews about insecurity, I strongly believe that we are not ready for this. I still believe we are not ready because it doesn’t take anything. With technology, every movement of any bandit, I have it in my system because we have satellites and drones. Every movement is communicated to all the relevant security operators: police, military, DSS and civil Defence real-time. But it is not their priority and it’s frustrating. When you have the tool, you can neutralise these guys easily. They live within us. How is it difficult? You are telling me a bandit, a terrorist is superior to the state? How is that possible? It’s not,” he said in the interview with Vanguard.

Governor Lawal stated that he personally briefed President Bola Tinubu about the true level of insecurity in Zamfara and parts of Kaduna, insisting that federal authorities have not been accurately informed.

“I met the president and I made it very clear to him that this is what you need to do, that they are not telling you the truth,” he added.

The governor lamented that, despite deploying advanced surveillance systems, security agencies have allegedly failed to treat intelligence as urgent, allowing attacks to continue unchecked.

Reflecting on the state he inherited upon taking office, Governor Lawal described Zamfara as “a very, very serious and dysfunctional state,” noting challenges such as unpaid salaries, an empty treasury, collapsed healthcare services, lack of potable water in Gusau for five months, students unable to sit for WAEC and NECO examinations, and widespread infrastructural decay. Electricity had also been disconnected from government offices, including the Government House, due to unpaid bills, forcing him to rely on personal resources to run the state.

Despite these challenges, the governor emphasized that insecurity remains the most pressing issue and warned that neglect by security agencies could continue to undermine peace efforts in Zamfara and neighbouring states such as Kaduna.

His remarks come amid continued violence in the state. Last Monday, SaharaReporters, a Nigerian online newspaper, reported that bandits armed with sophisticated weapons attacked Moriki town in Zurmi Local Government Area, killing a senior local government official and abducting several residents.

The attackers reportedly fired sporadically, causing panic as residents fled. During the attack, Lauwali Musa Moriki, the Zurmi LGA Health Educator, was shot dead, and members of his family were abducted, according to a local source, Bakatsine.

The incident has plunged Moriki town into mourning and heightened fears over worsening insecurity, with residents accusing security agencies of failing to prevent repeated attacks despite multiple warnings. Moriki town, like many rural communities in Zamfara, has faced frequent assaults by armed groups exploiting poor security presence and difficult terrain.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has described 2025 as a period during which Muslims in Nigeria experienced an unprecedented wave of anti-Islamic sentiment. The statement comes amid controversies over claims of a so-called ‘Christian genocide.’

The Council, led by its President-General and Amirul Mumineen, His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto, issued the statement in a release on Sunday. The release, signed by NSCIA Secretary-General, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, also called on Nigerian Muslims to observe the crescent of the month of Ramadan immediately after sunset on Tuesday, February 17.

According to NSCIA, last year presented significant challenges for Islam and Muslims in Nigeria, reflecting difficulties faced by millions of Muslims worldwide.

The Council stated, “Muslims have found themselves in the vortex of heightened Islamophobic hysteria that seeks to criminalise Muslims through spinning narratives that are inconsistent with the reality of insecurity in Nigeria.

“The agenda of the secessionist elements and bigoted religious leaders is to turn Nigeria into a war theatre where Muslims would be annihilated in millions through the spurious ‘Christian Genocide’ that was manipulated to gain the attention of imperial powers.”

NSCIA also highlighted that Muslims have been pressured to condemn actions they did not commit, while victims of attacks are often portrayed as perpetrators. “Muslims have thus become ‘double victims’ who are, on the one hand, the major victims of Boko Haram, banditry, and Lakurawa, the most heinous of such incidents happening in the underreported gruesome murder of about 200 Muslims in Kwara state and also, on the other hand, the victims of negative narratives that erase Muslim suffering.

“The culture of inequality against Muslims is being entrenched because Christians have foreign powers to defend them while Muslims appear defenseless.”

The Council criticized media coverage for failing to uphold fairness and objectivity in reporting matters concerning Muslims. It cited previous cases to illustrate the bias. “These assertions can be illustrated with the deliberate attempt to demonise Islam and Muslims by the media in the case of Yunusa (a Muslim) versus Eze Oruru (a Christian) in 2015, with the incident sensationalised as Muslim jihad to forcefully convert a Christian minor into Islam. Then, a media mob trial of Muslims in general preceded the eventual trial and conviction of Yunusa.

“Conversely, in 2026, it is now public that for years, one Christian, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, had abducted a Muslim minor, Walida Abdullahi, and allegedly forced her both into marriage and conversion to Christianity.

“Yet, no one has condemned Christianity or Christians for this individual act. No faith community is accused of complicity.

“Similarly, Muslims in Nigeria and Islam are being taunted, scandalised and condemned because a mob with a Muslim identity took law into their hands and murdered Deborah for an alleged blasphemy.

“In contrast, Pastor Dio Idon of ECWA, Kasuwan Magani, Southern Kaduna, was on 4th January 2026, killed and totally burnt by a Christian mob that accused him of witchcraft. However, the media have been silent on the religion of the mob in the Christian-dominated community.

“The recent attempt to Christianise the victimhood of Muslim worshippers in Maiduguri by Channels television and the hasty Christianisation of the unfortunate abducted girls in Kebbi are also still fresh in our memory.”

The NSCIA statement reflects ongoing concerns over religious inequality, biased narratives, and the safety of Muslims in Nigeria. The Council urged its followers to remain vigilant while observing religious duties, highlighting the need for accurate reporting and fair treatment in public discourse.

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.