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Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has defended his defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting the decision was driven by the need to strategically align the state with the federal government to fast-track development.

Addressing thousands of supporters at the 2026 Grand Rally held at Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano on Monday, Governor Yusuf said Kano’s size and strategic importance made continued political disconnection from the centre unsustainable.

“Kano is too large and strategically important to remain politically disconnected from the federal government,” Yusuf said. “It is about placing Kano in a position where it can fully participate in national development and secure a better future for its citizens.”

He stressed that the move was not motivated by personal ambition but by a sense of responsibility to the people of Kano, adding that the state must actively engage in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“With the support of our great party and the cooperation of the Federal Government, Kano State is better positioned to move forward with confidence and stability,” he added.

The governor thanked Vice President Kashim Shettima, governors of Jigawa, Sokoto, Kaduna, Katsina, Borno, Yobe, and Plateau states, former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Kano APC Chairman Abdullahi Abbas, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, ALGON Chairperson Hajiya Sa’adatu Yushau Soja, Hon. Alasan Ado Doguwa, and other lawmakers for their support and attendance.

APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda praised the massive turnout, saying: “The turnout today demonstrates that Kano APC members are united, enthusiastic, and committed to advancing the party’s agenda and supporting President Tinubu’s vision.”

Ganduje, Barau Jibrin, Abdullahi Abbas, and other leaders pledged full loyalty, declaring: “We pledge 100 percent loyalty and cooperation to the governor and the APC in Kano.”

The rally, attended by thousands, was widely seen as a show of strength and unity, signalling a new political chapter for Kano as it seeks greater integration into national governance.

Recall that Governor Yusuf resigned from the NNPP in January 2026, citing “deepening internal crises” and “prolonged leadership disputes” after a visit to President Tinubu in Abuja. His defection is part of a broader trend, with several PDP-elected governors—including Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau)—having joined the APC in recent months.

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The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has provided electricity consumers with a step-by-step guide for resolving power supply and billing issues across the country.

The commission disclosed this on Tuesday via its official X platform, urging customers experiencing electricity challenges to follow established complaint channels to ensure prompt resolution.

According to NERC, the first point of contact for consumers should be their respective Distribution Company (DisCo) customer care units, which are responsible for handling technical faults, outages, metering concerns, and billing disputes.

The commission advised that if complaints remain unresolved, customers residing in states that have transitioned to a State Electricity Regulator (SER) should escalate their cases to the relevant state regulatory authority.

For consumers in states without a state regulator, or those requiring further assistance, NERC directed them to contact its call centre to ensure their grievances are heard and addressed.

The commission provided the following contact details for support:

0201 344 4331

0908 899 9244

[email protected]

NERC reiterated its commitment to protecting electricity consumers and improving service delivery across Nigeria’s power sector.

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The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) says it will investigate Temu, an e-commerce online marketplace, over an alleged data breach against the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA).

This is contained in a statement by Babatunde Bamigboye, Head, Legal, Enforcement and Regulations of the commission, on Monday in Abuja.

Bamigboye said that Dr Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner, NDPC, gave the directives following concerns relating to online surveillance, personal data processing practices and compliance obligations under the Act.

He said the probe was triggered by issues surrounding accountability, data minimisation requirements, transparency, duty of care and cross-border transfer of personal data.

Bamigboye said that preliminary findings indicated that Temu processes personal information of about 12.7 million data subjects in Nigeria, while the platform recorded approximately 70 million daily active users globally.

He said the commission warned that data processors, who carried out processing activities on behalf of data controllers without verifying their compliance with the provisions of the NDPA could be held liable under the law.

“Findings on the investigation would be made public as it progressed.”

Bamigboye reiterated the commission’s commitment to protect the privacy rights of Nigerians and ensure that organisations handling personal data operate within the framework of the country’s data protection regulations. (NAN)

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has imposed a N10 million penalty on commercial banks that engage unaccredited cheque printers or personalisers.

The sanction is part of the apex bank’s revised penalties for violations of the Nigeria Cheque Standard (NCS) and the Nigeria Cheque Printers’ Accreditation Scheme (NICPAS).

According to the updated framework, any bank found using an unaccredited cheque printer either through reports from accredited providers or CBN/MTIC audits—will face a N10 million fine and immediate withdrawal of the affected cheques from circulation. A repeat violation will attract a N20 million fine alongside cheque withdrawal.

The CBN also stated that banks that fail or refuse to submit personalised cheque samples for required testing and analysis will be fined N5 million. Additionally, improperly encoded cheques or those that do not meet mandatory security and quality standards will incur a penalty of N10,000 per instrument.

In a circular signed by the Director of the Banking Services Department, Hamisu Abdullahi, the CBN recalled that it had earlier issued sanctions in 2019 for breaches of the Nigerian Cheque Standards and NICPAS.

The bank explained that the review of the sanction regime was necessary to strengthen efficiency and safety within the Nigeria Clearing System and to reflect current developments in the banking sector.

The CBN urged all banks and accredited cheque printers/personalizers to comply strictly with the revised guidelines.

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Nigeria’s food inflation dropped to 8.89 per cent year-on-year in January 2026, marking its lowest level in over 14 years, according to the latest Consumer Price Index report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.

Headline inflation also edged down slightly to 15.10 per cent in January from 15.15 per cent in December 2025, defying earlier projections that it could rise to 19 per cent.

The food inflation rate represents the first single-digit figure in 128 months and the lowest since August 2011, when it stood at 8.66 per cent. Data showed a sharp year-on-year decline from 29.63 per cent in January 2025 to 8.89 per cent in January 2026  a drop of 20.73 percentage points. On a month-on-month basis, food inflation contracted by 6.02 per cent, compared to a 0.36 per cent decline recorded in December.

The bureau attributed the slowdown to falling prices of key staples such as yam, eggs, green peas, groundnut oil, soybeans, palm oil, maize, guinea corn, beans, beef, melon, and cassava.

On a 12-month average basis, food inflation moderated to 20.29 per cent in January 2026 from 38.47 per cent a year earlier. This follows a prolonged surge between 2022 and 2024, when food inflation peaked at 40.87 per cent in June 2024 before gradually easing through 2025.

Headline inflation showed a similar trend. The January rate of 15.10 per cent was 12.51 percentage points lower than the 27.61 per cent recorded in January 2025, making it the lowest level since November 2020. Month-on-month, the headline rate stood at negative 2.88 per cent, indicating a general decline in average prices during the month. The Consumer Price Index fell to 127.4 in January from 131.2 in December.

Urban inflation declined to 15.36 per cent year-on-year, while rural inflation eased to 14.44 per cent. Core inflation, which excludes agricultural produce and energy, also dropped to 17.72 per cent from 25.27 per cent a year earlier.

State-by-state data revealed disparities. Benue recorded the highest year-on-year headline inflation rate at 22.48 per cent, followed by Kogi and the Federal Capital Territory. Ebonyi, Katsina, and Imo posted the lowest rates.

Despite the improved figures, members of the Organised Private Sector urged caution, noting that prices remain high. The National Vice President of the National Association of Small-Scale Industrialists, Kuti-George, attributed the marginal improvement to increased agricultural output and relative exchange rate stability, currently around N1,350 to the dollar.

However, the Director-General of the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, Eke Ubiji, argued that the easing inflation rate has not translated into meaningful relief for consumers, stressing that the cost of living remains elevated.

Overall, while the January data points to a broad moderation in price pressures—largely driven by declining food costs stakeholders maintain that market prices remain high, and the economic impact of previous inflation spikes is still being felt.

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The Federal Government and the Progressive Governors Forum have donated a total of N8 billion to victims of the recent fire disaster that destroyed valuables worth billions of Naira at the Singer Market,Kano.

President Bola Tinubu announced the donation at the formal reception of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf into the All Progressives Congress(APC) at the Sani Abacha Stadium,Kano,on Monday.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu said the Federal Government donated the sum of N5 billion, while the Progressives Governors Forum donated N3 billion to assist traders affected by the inferno.

He said the gesture was the essence and the beauty of aligning with the Federal Government, referring to the recent rejoining of the APC by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after he decamped from the NNPP alongside his followers.

The president said Kano is too big and too important to be in the periphery or be on the sidelines, and therefore welcomed and congratulated the Governor for rejoining the APC.

He also congratulated the governor’s political family whom followed him to the APC, pledging to work with all of them for the success of the party in the 2027 general elections.

In his remarks, Governor Yusuf said his decision to align with the APC was not driven by personal ambition or political excitement,but for the overall development of Kano State.

“Kano is too large,too strategic and too important to be politically disconnected from the centre of national governance.

“Our people are not interested in endless political battles.They are interested in results.They want better roads,they are interested in the provision of infrastructure, reliable services,jobs for our children, security for our communities,and a government that is focused on delivery,” he said.

Highlights of the occasion included the presentation of the APC flag and the symbolic broom to the Governor and other former members of the NNPP who moved to the APC along with him.

Notables at the occasion included the Deputy President of the Senate,Barau Jibrin, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas, APC National Chairman,Prof.Nentawe Yilwatda, former National Chairman of the APC,Prof.Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Others were Chairman of the APC Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, Governors of Kaduna,Jigawa, Sokoto and Katsina States,among others.

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The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced the release of the 2025 Second Series Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) results for private candidates.

In a statement issued Monday by the Public Affairs Unit of WAEC’s National Office in Lagos, and signed by the Acting Head of the Unit, Moyosola Adesina, candidates were advised to check their results via www.waecdirect.org. They are to confirm their status before proceeding to the Digital Certificate platform at www.waec.orgto access their digital certificates.

According to the statement, candidates seeking hard copy certificates must apply online through the WAEC Certificate Request Portal (e-Certman) at https://certrequest.waec.ng/ for processing.

WAEC urged all candidates to carefully review their results and promptly complete all necessary steps, including certificate access and required online applications.

A total of 69,604 candidates registered for the examination, marking a 1.8 per cent increase from the 68,342 recorded in 2024. Out of this number, 65,752 candidates sat for the examination across 370 centres nationwide. Among them were 235 candidates with special needs, including visually impaired, hearing-impaired candidates and albinos.

Of the candidates who wrote the examination, 32,005 were male (48.68 per cent) while 33,747 were female (51.32 per cent).

The council disclosed that 61,943 candidates (94.21 per cent) have had their results fully processed and released, while 3,809 candidates (5.79 per cent) still have some subjects being processed due to errors linked to them. WAEC assured that efforts are underway to complete the processing and release the outstanding results.

Performance analysis showed that 33,989 candidates (51.69 per cent) obtained credit passes in at least five subjects, with or without English Language and Mathematics. Meanwhile, 27,727 candidates (42.17 per cent) secured credits in a minimum of five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

Of those who met this benchmark, 13,416 (48.39 per cent) were male, while 14,311 (51.61 per cent) were female.

The council also revealed that the results of 1,899 candidates (2.89 per cent) were withheld over allegations of examination malpractice. Investigations are ongoing, and findings will be presented to the appropriate committee of the council. Decisions reached will be communicated directly to the affected candidates.

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The Federal Government has donated N5 billion to the victims of the devastating inferno that razed parts of Singer Market in Kano on Saturday, bringing immediate relief to hundreds of the affected traders.

The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that Vice-President Kashim Shettima disclosed the donation during a sympathy visit to the market on Monday.

The visit followed last week’s fire outbreak, which destroyed goods and properties worth billions of Naira, leaving many traders in distress.

Describing the incident as a national tragedy, Shettima said the inferno was not only a loss to Kano State but to the entire federation.

The vice-president, who was accompanied by the Governors of Jigawa, Kebbi and Imo, offered prayers for the victims and prayed to the Almighty Allah to prevent the recurrence of such obnoxious disasters in the future.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Singer Market Traders Association, Junaid Zakari, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for what he described as a timely and generous gesture.

He pledged that the funds would be used judiciously to support the affected members and help restore business activities in the historic market.( NAN)

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The Premier League and English Football League (EFL) have confirmed that matches will include brief pauses during Ramadan to allow Muslim players and match officials to break their fast after sunset.

According to BBC Sport on Monday, Ramadan, the Islamic holy month during which Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset, begins this week and will last for either 29 or 30 days.

With sunset in the UK typically occurring between 17:00 and 19:00 GMT during this period, the only fixtures likely to see a pause are Saturday 17:30 kick-offs and Sunday 16:30 kick-offs.

The EPL explained how the breaks will work: “Play will not stop while matches are in mid-flow. Instead, at the earliest convenient moment, such as a goal-kick, free-kick, or throw-in, players and officials observing Ramadan can take a brief pause to hydrate and replenish energy.”

The procedure has been in place since April 2021, when a match between Leicester City and Crystal Palace was paused at a goal-kick so Muslim players could break their fast.

The measure allowed Leicester’s Wesley Fofana and Palace’s Cheikhou Kouyate to hydrate and consume energy gels shortly after sunset.

Clubs and match officials discuss the stoppage before each relevant match, agreeing on whether it will be required and roughly when it should happen.

The aim is to balance the flow of the game with respect for religious observance.

“We want to make sure players can perform at their best while observing their faith. “These breaks are designed to be practical, brief, and respectful,” EPL said.

Notable Muslim players in English football include Mohamed Salah, William Saliba, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Amad Diallo, all of whom could benefit from the mid-match breaks this month.

The move reflects ongoing efforts by English football authorities to accommodate religious practices while maintaining the competitive integrity of matches.

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A public disagreement has erupted at DAAR Communications Plc as Chairman Raymond Dokpesi Jr and former Group Managing Director, High Chief Tony Akiotu, exchange words over the company’s recent restructuring.

Dokpesi Jr has defended the leadership changes, stating that he has “no regrets” about the decisions taken following the sudden death of the company’s founder, Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi Sr.

Speaking in Abuja, the chairman described the departure of long-serving executives as a tough but necessary move aimed at ensuring stability and future growth. He said the transition process was carefully handled to minimise tension and sustain investor and stakeholder confidence.

According to him, the company faced significant challenges after his father’s passing, including declining investor confidence and a drop in share value. He added that he had to juggle family obligations with urgent corporate matters, and was surprised to learn that the company secretary had convened an emergency board meeting without his knowledge — a development he said raised concerns about corporate governance.

Dokpesi Jr acknowledged that the exiting executives were owed salary arrears and other entitlements, which the organisation had to settle. However, he noted that the arrears had accumulated into billions of naira during their 15-year tenure.

“I will continue to apologise to Mr Tony Akiotu and the affected management staff for any hurt feelings resulting from the actions taken. But I have no regrets — I believe it was the right decision, and the results we are seeing today validate that choice,” he said.

He further explained that the restructuring enabled the company to prioritise outstanding salary obligations and improve operational efficiency. Most of the organisation’s business units, he noted, are now financially independent, with others expected to attain full autonomy before year-end.

Akiotu Rejects ‘No Regrets’ Statement

In response, Akiotu criticised Dokpesi Jr’s remarks, describing them as unfair and misleading.

He argued that it was inappropriate for a chairman who presided overboard meetings and approved management memos to later accuse the same leadership team of mismanaging the company.

“All major operational and financial decisions taken during my tenure were subject to board approval and oversight,” Akiotu maintained.

He also highlighted the achievements recorded under the former management, noting that the company grew into a national and international media brand, with radio and television operations across Nigeria, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Akiotu added that while executive retirements may be permissible under company regulations, the public characterisation of their tenure overlooked the sacrifices made in building one of Nigeria’s pioneering broadcast institutions.

“If Raymond Dokpesi Jr believes we played no part in the growth of the company, we leave it to Nigerians and history to make that judgment,” he said.

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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has clarified its position on foreign exchange rates used in import and export valuation, distancing itself from the reported ₦1,451.63/$1 rate.

In a statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, the Service explained that it does not set or adjust exchange rates for cargo clearance. Instead, it relies exclusively on official rates electronically transmitted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Maiwada said recent public discussions about forex pricing, investor sentiment, and customs valuation made it necessary for the NCS to outline the operational process guiding its digital clearance system.

He noted that the ₦1,451.63/$1 rate reported for February 6, 2026, did not originate from the Service’s system. According to him, the figure was obtained from trade.gov.ng, a legacy trade information portal that does not reflect real-time customs processing data.

The spokesperson explained that all exchange rates applied to trade transactions are automatically integrated into the Service’s Unified Customs Management System, known as B’Odogwu, which serves as the sole official platform for declarations, clearance, and valuation.

He emphasised that the NCS receives exchange rates electronically from the CBN and applies them uniformly across all commands nationwide to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with fiscal and monetary regulations.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Nigeria Customs Service does not independently determine, generate, modify, or apply margins to foreign exchange rates used for import and export valuation,” Maiwada stated.

He added that the B’Odogwu platform operates through structured data-integration protocols that apply exchange-rate feeds exactly as transmitted by the CBN, which remains the legally authorised body responsible for exchange-rate determination under Nigeria’s monetary framework.

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FC Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has explained the reasons behind his side’s 2–1 defeat to Girona FC in Monday’s La Liga clash.

Barcelona fell short despite a goal from Pau Cubarsí, as the hosts secured victory at home.

Speaking after the match, Flick admitted that his team underperformed and struggled defensively, particularly during transitions.

“We defended very poorly, especially in transition. We were not properly positioned and found it difficult to cope with Girona’s attacks,” he said.

The German tactician added that his side lacked control and made too many mistakes, even though they created better chances in the first half.

“We needed greater control and fewer errors. In the first half, we had more opportunities, but we must show the hunger required to win these games,” Flick stated.

He stressed that he would not offer excuses for the loss, insisting that the team must improve its overall performance.

The result leaves Barcelona two points behind league leaders Real Madrid CF in the standings.


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Two media aides to Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, have resigned from their positions.

One of them, Pastor Taiwo Gbamila, who served as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Multimedia, submitted his resignation in a letter dated February 16, 2026. In the letter addressed to the governor, Gbamila expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve and formally announced his decision to step aside.

Sources confirmed that the resignation was acknowledged at the Governor’s Office. In his brief correspondence, Gbamila thanked the governor for the privilege of contributing to the administration during his tenure.

Similarly, another aide, Olugbenga Abire, has also exited the administration. He made his decision public through a Facebook post prior to an official announcement.

Abire disclosed that he personally informed Governor Aiyedatiwa of his resignation on Sunday. According to him, the governor prayed for him, supported his decision, and encouraged him to pursue new opportunities. He said their meeting lasted about six minutes, during which the governor wished him well in his future endeavours.

He added that he chose to announce his resignation early to prevent speculation, stressing that his departure was voluntary and not influenced by external pressure.

The resignations come amid reports of possible further exits within the governor’s media team, with indications that other aides may step down over dissatisfaction with the current situation.

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The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprises (CPPE) has disclosed that Nigeria loses an estimated ₦10 trillion every year to employee corruption and occupational fraud, urging the creation of a national internal-control framework for MSMEs.

Speaking in Abuja, the Executive Director of CPPE, Muda Yusuf, said beyond inflation, weak consumer purchasing power, rising operating costs, poor infrastructure and limited access to finance, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are battling a more hidden but damaging threat—internal fraud perpetrated by employees.

According to him, such fraudulent practices include theft of cash and inventory, diversion of sales revenue, payroll manipulation, procurement kickbacks, collusion with suppliers and customers, abuse of expense claims, and falsification of financial records. Though often seen as internal management problems, he stressed that their broader economic impact is significant.

Citing global workplace fraud surveys, Yusuf noted that organisations typically lose between five and 10 per cent of their annual revenue to employee-related fraud. He added that small businesses are particularly vulnerable due to weak internal controls, heavy reliance on cash transactions, limited audit capacity, poor detection systems and high levels of informality.

Applying conservative estimates to Nigeria’s MSME sector—which contributes about 50 per cent to national output—he said losses linked to occupational fraud could range between ₦5 trillion and ₦10 trillion annually. He described the situation as a “hidden tax” on entrepreneurs that erodes profits, weakens investment capacity and limits job creation, making it a national economic concern rather than merely a governance issue.

Yusuf identified the most vulnerable sectors as retail and wholesale trade, agribusiness and produce trading, transport and logistics services, small-scale manufacturing and processing, personal services, and informal enterprises—particularly those characterised by high cash transactions, weak documentation and dispersed supervision.

To curb the losses, he advised business owners to strengthen internal controls by separating cash handling from record-keeping and approval processes, conducting regular reconciliation of sales and inventory, undertaking periodic independent account reviews, and reducing reliance on cash through digital payment systems.

He also recommended improving hiring and accountability measures, including background checks, clear employment terms, rotation of sensitive duties, and monitoring unexplained lifestyle changes among staff.

The CPPE chief further called on the government to introduce supportive policies, including a national MSME internal-control framework tied to credit schemes and public programmes, accelerated digital financial inclusion, stronger legal enforcement and asset-recovery mechanisms, and expanded governance education to help small businesses tackle occupational fraud

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The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the arrival of approximately 100 United States military personnel at the Bauchi Airfield to assist the Armed Forces of Nigeria with training and intelligence-sharing operations.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, explained that the deployment followed formal engagements between Nigerian and US defence officials and was made at the request of the Federal Government.

According to him, the deployment is part of outcomes from a bilateral working group engagement between both countries. He described the presence of the US personnel as carefully planned and purposeful, focused on meeting specific military training needs and providing technical and intelligence support.

Uba noted that the collaboration would grant Nigeria access to specialised technical expertise aimed at strengthening efforts to deter terrorist threats and safeguard vulnerable communities.

He clarified that the US personnel are technical specialists serving strictly in advisory and training roles, not as combat forces.

“All activities will be conducted under the authority, direction, and control of the Nigerian Government, in close coordination with the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he stated.

The DHQ further disclosed that Nigerian troops and US advisers will begin joint training exercises and intelligence-driven cooperation initiatives to improve operational effectiveness.

The initiative, the statement added, is designed to enhance the ability of Nigerian forces to identify and neutralise extremist groups seeking to destabilise the country.

Major General Uba reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to dismantling terrorist organisations threatening national security and sovereignty. He also assured the public of continued transparency, promising clear, accurate, and timely updates on the military cooperation efforts.

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At least six people have been killed and a police station set ablaze following coordinated attacks by suspected bandits on communities in Niger State.

The assault, which began late Friday night, targeted Tungan-Makeri and Konkoso in Borgu Local Government Area (LGA). Residents said heavily armed attackers stormed Tungan-Makeri, shooting indiscriminately and burning homes, forcing many villagers to flee to nearby communities.

An eyewitness from Zagatina village along the attackers’ route said he saw dozens of motorcycles transporting the gunmen.

“I counted about 41 motorcycles, each carrying two or three people. Some even had women and children with them. When I noticed they were approaching, I quickly hid in the bush as they passed behind my house,” he recounted.

By the end of the raid on Tungan-Makeri, six people had reportedly lost their lives, several houses were razed, and many families displaced.

The attackers were said to have moved to Konkoso in the early hours of Saturday, where they allegedly set a police station on fire, destroying property and escalating tension in the area. Residents described the invasion as brazen, citing the absence of visible security personnel during the hours-long attack.

Some villagers reported sighting a Nigerian Air Force aircraft hovering around Tungan-Makeri after the initial assault, suggesting that aerial surveillance may have contributed to the bandits’ eventual retreat.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the command received reports that suspected bandits invaded Tungan-Makeri around 3:00 a.m. via the Shafachi district in Borgu LGA.

He confirmed that six persons were killed, several houses were burnt, and an unspecified number of residents were abducted. The attackers were also reported to have advanced toward Konkoso before fleeing.

According to the police, joint security teams have since been deployed to the affected communities to assess the damage, pursue the attackers, and rescue the abducted victims.

The latest violence underscores ongoing security challenges in parts of Borgu LGA, as residents call on authorities to strengthen security presence in vulnerable communities to prevent further attacks.

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The Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, has launched a probe into the mysterious deaths of two Nollywood production crew members discovered inside a parked vehicle at a filming location in Lekki Phase 1.

The deceased were identified as Godstime Imeh, a lighting director and CEO of GeeTee Light, and Walter Odediran, a creative video director popularly known as Director Carrinqton.

Their lifeless bodies were found on the evening of Saturday, February 7, 2026, inside Imeh’s tinted Nissan vehicle. The movie project was reportedly directed by former Big Brother Naija housemate Boma.

According to sources, the duo had arrived early at the location to set up lighting equipment. After completing their work around mid-morning, they reportedly rested inside the vehicle while awaiting further instructions. Around 11 a.m., a crew member delivered breakfast—yam and omelette—to them.

They were last seen reclining in the car with the air-conditioning running. Concern grew when repeated phone calls went unanswered by noon. It was not until later that evening, after filming had concluded, that colleagues found them unresponsive inside the vehicle.

Kola Odediran, elder brother of Walter, described the tragic loss as devastating. He said both men had planned to shoot a medical scene at Evercare Hospital earlier that day before taking a break in the car.

“Food was delivered to them; that was the last time anyone saw them alive,” he said. “When they were discovered around 7 or 8 p.m., my brother was seated upright with foam in his mouth, while GeeTee was slumped, bleeding from his nose, eyes, and mouth. It appeared whatever happened occurred suddenly.”

He also expressed dissatisfaction with the initial handling of the case at Maroko Police Station, noting that it was later escalated to SCID, Yaba, where it was officially documented as an unnatural death requiring investigation and autopsy.

Police have confirmed that the producer, Boma, the food vendor, the staff member who delivered the meal, and hospital management have all been questioned. The food vendor remains in custody.

Investigators are exploring multiple possibilities, including environmental exposure, food-related causes, or mechanical issues such as generator fumes, particularly as heavy-duty industrial generators were reportedly positioned above the parking area.

Authorities say forensic examinations including autopsy, toxicology analysis, vehicle inspection, and CCTV revieware ongoing, with all possibilities still under consideration pending laboratory results.

The incident has left the families of the deceased in deep mourning. “It has been very difficult for our family. My mother is devastated. He was the last-born. We were just two male children. This has been extremely painful for us,” Kola Odediran added.

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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has raised fresh concerns over the rising spread of Lassa fever, revealing that two healthcare workers have died and 15 others have been infected in the current outbreak.

In an advisory issued on Monday, the agency said surveillance data up to Epidemiological Week 7 shows a troubling increase in infections among medical personnel. The cases have been recorded across several states, including Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Ebonyi, and Benue—areas already identified as high-burden zones for the disease.

The NCDC noted that it investigates every confirmed infection involving healthcare workers to determine how exposure occurred and to prevent further transmission. However, recent assessments uncovered gaps in infection prevention and control (IPC) practices, as well as overlooked exposure risks in certain hospital departments. According to the agency, these weaknesses have led to IPC measures that do not fully match actual risk levels, contributing to the fatalities.

Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness transmitted primarily through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats. The disease remains endemic in Nigeria and other West African countries.

The World Health Organization explains that, in addition to rodent-to-human transmission, the virus can also spread from person to person, particularly in healthcare settings where adequate infection control measures are lacking.

Since the major outbreak in 2016, Nigeria has continued to record seasonal surges in cases, prompting renewed calls for stricter adherence to safety protocols within medical facilities and improved public health awareness nationwide.

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The Federal Government has entered a three-count charge against the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, alleging that he unlawfully intercepted the phone communication of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

In the charge the FG lodged before the Federal High Court in Abuja, through the Department of State Services (DSS), the former governor, who also served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, was said to have committed the crime with some persons who are currently on the run.

FG told the court that the defendant had, on February 3, when he appeared as a guest on Arise TV station’s Prime Time program, admitted his complicity in the crime.

He was accused of committing an offence under section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024.

In count two of the charge, the former governor, who is a frontline member of a coalition of opposition politicians dissatisfied with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, was said to be aware that someone unlawfully intercepted the NSA’s communications but failed to report the crime to the relevant security agencies.

It was further alleged that by using technical equipment to intercept the NSA’s calls, the defendants endangered public safety and national security, and instilled “reasonable apprehension” among Nigerians, an offence in breach of section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.

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