The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the arrival of approximately 100 United States military personnel and equipment at Bauchi Airfield to support training and advisory operations.

Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, disclosed the development in a statement on Monday, noting that the US personnel are technical specialists serving strictly in advisory and training roles, not combat forces.

According to him, all activities will be conducted under the authority and control of the Nigerian government and in close coordination with the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Joint training and intelligence cooperation

Uba said Nigerian troops will engage in joint training exercises and intelligence-focused cooperation initiatives alongside the advisers.

He explained that the collaboration is aimed at strengthening the capacity of troops to identify and neutralise extremist groups seeking to destabilise the country.

The Defence Headquarters reassured citizens that the Armed Forces remain committed to defeating terrorist organisations threatening Nigeria’s sovereignty and national security.

Deployment follows formal request

The deployment followed engagements between Nigerian and US defence officials and was approved after the Federal Government of Nigeria formally requested support from the United States.

The request covers military training requirements, technical assistance, and intelligence sharing to enhance counterterrorism efforts.

Uba said the cooperation will provide specialised technical capabilities to help deter terrorist threats and improve protection for vulnerable communities nationwide.

He assured Nigerians of transparency and timely updates regarding ongoing military cooperation efforts.

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday interrogated former Nasir El-Rufai at the commission’s headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, following his appearance to honour an invitation by the anti-graft agency.

Neither the commission nor associates of the former Kaduna State governor had provided an official update on his stay as of late Monday.

El-Rufai’s media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, earlier confirmed his arrival in a social media post, stating that the former governor was at the EFCC office to honour the invitation.

Protesters gather at EFCC office

Supporters and critics of the former governor gathered outside the EFCC headquarters, staging opposing demonstrations.

While supporters displayed placards reading “Say No To InJustice” and “We Stand With El-Rufai,” opposing protesters carried signs such as “No One Is Above the Law” and “El-Rufai Must Be Probed,” urging authorities to conduct a thorough investigation.

Security operatives later dispersed the crowd after traffic congestion built up in the area.

Access restricted, EFCC appeals for calm

There was mild drama when some individuals who accompanied El-Rufai were denied entry into the commission’s premises.

A protest group spokesperson, Muhammad Abdullahi, insisted that the corruption allegations against the former governor must not be politicised.

Responding to the protesters, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale assured them that their petition would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities.

“The EFCC recognises the right of Nigerians to lawful protest… and will professionally attend to all issues raised,” he said.

Allegations linked to Kaduna tenure

Sources quoted by the News Agency of Nigeria said detectives questioned El-Rufai over alleged fraud during his tenure as governor between 2015 and 2023.

In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly set up a 13-member committee to review loans, grants and project implementation during his administration.

The committee accused him of money laundering and diversion of public funds amounting to ₦423 billion and recommended his probe.

El-Rufai has denied the allegations and challenged the lawmakers in court.

Possible legal action

A source at the commission said the duration of the interrogation remained uncertain, while another hinted at the possibility of arraignment in court.

Meanwhile, the Department of State Services has reportedly filed charges against the former governor over allegations that he bugged the phone of Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser.

Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the latest developments.

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has urged former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, to drop his 2027 presidential ambition, stating that it’s not yet the turn of the Igbo to produce Nigeria’s president.

Umahi noted that the Southeast should support President Bola Tinubu instead, citing key appointments and infrastructure projects in the region as evidence of the president’s goodwill.

Umahi made the remarks while speaking with newsmen during an inspection of the reconstruction of the 56-kilometre Aba section of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway in Abia State.

He highlighted ongoing projects like the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway and the Onitsha-Owerri corridor, noting that the region has never had a Minister of Works until now.

“Unless we are not telling ourselves the truth, there is no more marginalisation in the Southeast,” Umahi stated.

“We have never had a Minister of Works from this region until now. It is time for the Southeast to be strategic and support President Tinubu. We should tell our brother, Peter Obi, that it is not yet our turn.”

He added that the Southeast must build alliances with other parts of the country, noting that the 2027 general election offers an opportunity for the Igbo to reciprocate what he described as the President’s goodwill towards the zone.

“To have given Southeast the Minister of Works portfolio, we have never been Minister of Works, and you can see the product and the intention and good heart of the President, and so, it is time for a payback. You all know the amount of work from Port Harcourt to Enugu; there is no section of this work that is not going on for completion.

“Never in the history of Nigeria have we benefited as such. I was a Deputy Governor and then Governor for 8 years. No single project came to that state, but today, we can boast of a number of projects that are ongoing. We can boast of trillions of naira projects going on in the Southeast, like in other regions.

“The test legacy project of the President is in the Southeast. We have a service chief, we have key appointments and a lot that is going on in the Southeast under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. So, it is time to support the President; the people of the Southeast should support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We should not engage in sentiments. We should not engage in non-strategic moves. We should tell our brother, Peter Obi, that it is not yet our turn; when it is our turn, Nigerians and Southeast people will know when it is our turn.”

Umahi also disclosed that the current administration inherited 2,068 ongoing projects valued at ₦13 trillion and is working to ensure their completion.

He commended local contractors, announcing a new construction approach to guarantee durability.

The United States has frozen the assets and properties of eight Nigerians accused of having links to Boko Haram and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

The action was disclosed in a 3,000-page document dated February 10 and made available by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

The publication, titled “Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List,” outlines individuals and entities whose assets have been blocked under U.S. counter-terrorism and cybercrime sanctions regimes.

The sanctioned individuals include Salih Yusuf Adamu, also known as Salihu Yusuf, who was convicted in the United Arab Emirates for setting up a Boko Haram cell to raise funds for insurgents in Nigeria.

Others on the list are Babestan Oluwole Ademulero, Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi, Abu Musab Al-Barnawi, Khaled Al-Barnawi, Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali Al-Mainuki, and Nnamdi Orson Benson, who was listed under cyber-related sanctions.

The sanctions were issued pursuant to Executive Order 13224, targeting individuals and entities involved in terrorism and its financing.

This move follows recent recommendations by US lawmakers for visa bans and asset freezes against individuals and groups accused of religious freedom violations in Nigeria, including former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

In October 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Nigeria would again be placed on the U.S. State Department’s list of “Countries of Particular Concern,” citing alleged persecution of Christians.

Nigeria was first designated under the category in 2020 but was removed from the list in 2021 under former President Joe Biden.

Senator Kenneth Eze (APC-Ebonyi) has called for a nationwide debate on replacing Nigeria’s current two-term, four-year presidential cycle with a single, uninterrupted 16-year tenure.

Mr. Eze, chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation, made the proposal on Monday while speaking with journalists at his country home in Ezza South Local Government Area.

He argued that frequent elections disrupt policy continuity and hinder national development.

“Every four years, we return to campaign mode. By the third year, governance slows as attention shifts to re-election; that is why projects are abandoned, and policies are not allowed to mature,” he said.

Nigeria’s constitution currently provides for a four-year presidential term, renewable once.

Mr. Eze proposed scrapping the two-term structure in favour of one extended tenure, saying it would free leaders from electoral pressures and allow for long-term policy implementation.

He emphasized that sectors such as power, infrastructure, agriculture, and fiscal reform require sustained attention.

“Irrigation schemes, mechanized farming programs, and energy reforms demand continuity to yield measurable impact,” he said.

He defended recent economic decisions, including the removal of the fuel subsidy, as necessary to prevent fiscal collapse.

Mr. Eze stressed that his proposal is meant to spark a governance discussion, not undermine democracy.

He called for a broader constitutional dialogue involving the National Assembly, state legislatures, and citizens to evaluate whether an extended tenure could enhance policy implementation while preserving checks and balances.

Beyond tenure reform, the senator urged Nigerians to embrace civic responsibility and patriotism, challenging journalists, teachers, civil servants, and parents to uphold national values.

….Calls for reconstruction of Abam–Ohafia federal road

The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) has commended the Executive Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, for the successful construction and commissioning of the Omenuko Bridge in Abam, Ohafia.

FENRAD in a statement issued by it’s executive director, comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, said the completion of Omenuko bridge marks a significant milestone for the people of Abam and neighboring communities.

According to Nwafor, the bridge stands as a symbol of responsive governance and a strategic intervention that enhances transportation, stimulates local commerce, improves access to healthcare and education, and promotes broader socio-economic integration within the region.

The statement reads: “The completion of this vital infrastructure marks a significant milestone for the people of Abam and neighboring communities. For decades, residents endured mobility challenges, seasonal flooding, and economic isolation due to the absence of a reliable bridge. The Omenuko Bridge now stands as a symbol of responsive governance and a strategic intervention that enhances transportation, stimulates local commerce, improves access to healthcare and education, and promotes broader socio-economic integration within the region.

“FENRAD recognizes the Governor’s demonstrated commitment to infrastructural renewal and rural development across Abia State. Strategic public investments such as this not only improve living standards but also strengthen environmental resilience in riverine and flood-prone communities.

“Call for Immediate Reconstruction of Abam–Ohafia Federal Road
While celebrating this laudable achievement, FENRAD strongly calls for the urgent reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Abam–Ohafia Federal Road. The current deplorable state of the road continues to undermine economic activities, impede safe movement, and diminish the full benefits of the newly constructed Omenuko Bridge.

“The Abam–Ohafia Federal Road is a critical artery for agricultural distribution, trade, and inter-community connectivity. Its reconstruction is therefore essential to unlocking sustainable development, reducing transportation costs, and ensuring that the gains from recent infrastructural interventions are not compromised.

“FENRAD urges the appropriate federal authorities, in collaboration with the Abia State Government, to prioritize this road as a matter of public interest and socio-economic necessity

“FENRAD: An Environmental Rights and Public Accountability Watchdog
As a leading environmental and public accountability watchdog in Abia State, FENRAD remains committed to promoting transparency, fiscal responsibility, environmental sustainability, and good governance. The organization continues to monitor public projects, advocate for due process in contract awards and execution, and demand proactive disclosure of infrastructure spending to strengthen public trust and democratic accountability.

“FENRAD reiterates its dedication to constructive civic engagement and evidence-based advocacy, ensuring that development projects across Abia State align with principles of sustainability, equity, and accountability.”

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

The attack occurred on Saturday night, with attackers invading the residence under the cover of darkness and taking several victims to an undisclosed location.

Security agencies haven’t released an official figure for the number of people abducted.

Diaspora Digital Media understand that the incident has heightened anxiety among residents, with many choosing to remain indoors and restrict their movements.

Security analyst Bakatsine noted that the attack is a clear indication of the growing audacity of criminal gangs in the region, designed to instill fear and demonstrate weakness in local security arrangements.

Bakatsine stressed the importance of prompt government intervention, stating that authorities need to respond swiftly and effectively to prevent further escalation.

The latest raid is part of a series of recent security incidents across Bauchi State, where communities have reported kidnappings, armed robberies, and other violent attacks.

The Senate has explained its decision to make electronic transmission of election results discretionary, citing Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele stated that the decision was informed by data and consultations with stakeholders in the communications and power sectors.

Bamidele highlighted Nigeria’s low internet penetration (44.53%), poor broadband coverage (70% in 2025), and unreliable mobile network (ranked 85th globally).

He also noted that 43% of Nigerians lack access to grid power, with only 4,500 megawatts distributable nationwide.

The Senate rejected mandatory real-time electronic transmission, opting for a discretionary approach. Where internet fails, Form EC8A will serve as the primary method for result collation.

Bamidele warned that making it compulsory could trigger disputes and crises if technical failures occur.

He maintained that keeping the provision discretionary is a safer approach, noting that Section 62(2) of the Electoral Act, 2022 already provides for a National Electronic Register of Election Results.

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

The charges were lodged before the Federal High Court in Abuja through the Department of State Services (DSS).

The FG claimed that El-Rufai, who also served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, committed the offence alongside unidentified accomplices currently at large.

According to the charge, El-Rufai admitted to his involvement during an appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time program on February 3.

Count two alleges that El-Rufai was aware of the unlawful interception of the NSA’s communications but failed to report it to security authorities.

The third count contends that by using technical equipment to intercept Ribadu’s calls, the defendants endangered public safety, national security, and instilled “reasonable apprehension” among Nigerians, in violation of sections 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024 and 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.

The case adds to ongoing tensions between the Federal Government and opposition figures critical of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Supporters of former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai converged at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja as he arrived for questioning.

The protesters had mixed demands, with some backing El-Rufai while others pushed for a thorough investigation into alleged corruption during his tenure as Kaduna State Governor.

Diaspora Digital Media understand that the protest created a tense atmosphere, but activities remained largely peaceful.

Security operatives reportedly stopped some of El-Rufai’s entourage from entering the anti-graft agency premises, causing mild drama.

El-Rufai had honoured the EFCC invitation after his legal team confirmed he would present himself, following a failed arrest attempt at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

More details to follow…..

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has declared he’ll only support candidates backing President Bola Tinubu in the February 21 area council election, regardless of party affiliation.

Wike made this stance clear at former Senator Sandy Onor’s 60th birthday celebration in Abuja, emphasizing his duty to support Tinubu-aligned candidates.

According to the minister, political party lines would not determine his support in the council polls, stressing that his backing would go to candidates aligned with the president.

“We have the FCT area council election coming up on February 21, and I have a duty to support any candidate that supports President Tinubu to win,” Wike said.

“It is also my duty to ensure that any candidate who is not supporting Tinubu does not win in the election, and I owe no apology for my stance.”

As the election approaches, several candidates have called for a free and fair contest with equal opportunities for all participants.

In January, Moses Paul, candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), urged Wike to support his bid.

Paul said he shares the minister’s approach to performance-based governance, describing himself as “Mr Project”, a nickname often linked to Wike during his time as Rivers governor.

Meanwhile, Wike’s statement has sparked concerns about the fairness of the election, with several candidates calling for equal opportunities.

The election is shaping up to be a high-stakes contest, with Wike’s declaration potentially influencing the outcome.

Primate Elijah Ayodele, founder and spiritual head of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has unveiled a mosque he built and dedicated to Abibatu Mogaji, the late mother of President Bola Tinubu.

The mosque was inaugurated during Ayodele’s annual thanksgiving programme in Lagos, with attendees from various religious, traditional, and political backgrounds.

Ayodele emphasized that the project was a “direct divine instruction” and stressed that he has no personal stake in its management, handing it over to a Muslim cleric.

Ayodele dismissed claims of political motives, stating that the gesture was not intended to secure favors or appointments.

A representative of the chief Imam of Ikorodu Division described Ayodele as a genuine prophet sent by God, comparing his name Elijah to the Quranic figure, and urged Nigerians to shun religious conflicts in favour of unity.

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has denied allegations linking it to banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and cattle rustling, following a proposed bill by United States lawmakers seeking sanctions over religious freedom violations in Nigeria.

The proposed sanctions reportedly target individuals and groups including Rabiu Kwankwaso, MACBAN, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, and entities described as Fulani ethnic nomad militias.

Speaking at a press conference, MACBAN National President Baba Ngelzarma said the association respects the sovereign right of the US to deliberate on human rights and religious freedom issues but rejected narratives linking the group to terrorism.

“We categorically reject such insinuations as false, unfounded, and injurious to the integrity of a duly registered national association,” he said.

Ngelzarma noted that MACBAN, established in 1986, operates as a legally registered corporate entity with national, state, and local structures and democratically elected executives.

He added that the association is recognised by federal and state governments as a stakeholder in livestock development, pastoral welfare, and conflict mediation.

He warned that blacklisting legitimate actors could lead to economic losses, trade disruptions, and further marginalisation of vulnerable communities.

According to him, pastoralists have also been victims of insecurity, with armed groups attacking communities, rustling cattle, displacing families, and assassinating leaders.

He said at least eight state leaders of the association were killed in 2025.

MACBAN urged Nigeria’s Senate committees on foreign affairs and national security to pass a resolution correcting what it described as an erroneous characterisation and called for parliamentary diplomatic channels to engage the US Congress.

The association also warned against external narratives undermining Nigeria’s security architecture and stressed that counterterrorism cooperation should not be based on what it termed false equivalences.