Former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Ali Ahmad, has delivered a blistering critique of the Federal Government’s handling of insecurity, accusing security agencies of “sleeping on duty” despite clear warnings of an impending terrorist assault on Woro Emirate in Kaiama.
Speaking at a media parley with the Guild of Digital Journalists in Ilorin, Ahmad said his fact-finding visit to the ravaged Woro community exposed glaring lapses that left residents defenceless. According to him, three military and security posts protecting the axis were previously attacked and overrun, effectively clearing the path for the massacre.
He described the scale of killings and destruction as grossly underreported, recounting that bodies were so mutilated that victims had to be buried at the very spots where they were slaughtered. The former speaker warned that such operational failures risk emboldening terrorists and deepening public distrust in federal security architecture across Nigeria.
Ahmad also took aim at Vice President Kashim Shettima, criticising his decision to remain in Ilorin to offer condolences rather than visiting the “ground zero” in Woro. He argued that Shettima’s physical presence at the devastated community would have amplified national awareness of the carnage and forced a more urgent federal response.
He lamented that Kwara now ranks among the most insecure states in recent years, trailing only long-troubled insurgency zones, and warned that no community can be assured of safety if intelligence warnings continue to be ignored. Ahmad demanded a thorough investigation and prosecution of anyone found culpable in the security breakdown, while calling for stronger intelligence sharing and joint operations with neighbouring states.
On politics, the governorship aspirant insisted that the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party would be settled once the Court of Appeal delivers its imminent judgement, maintaining that the party in Kwara remains united and capable of providing credible leadership despite what he dismissed as “imagined obituaries” from opponents.

The Hausa community in Rivers State has alleged that four of its members were killed during last weekend’s protest targeting northerners at Oil Mill Market in the Rumuokwurusi area of Port Harcourt.

Chairman of the Hausa community in the state, Musa Saidu, disclosed this on Tuesday while leading northern leaders to the market to assess the aftermath of the unrest.

He also reported that several shops belonging to northern traders were looted and vandalised.

Saidu urged northerners living in the state to remain calm and peaceful despite the tensions, stressing that they are law-abiding residents engaged in legitimate businesses.

“About four northern traders were killed during the protest at Oil Mill Market. We visited the affected shops and saw extensive looting,” he said.

Triggering incidents

The protest followed the killing of an indigene, Nchelem Samuel Festus, allegedly by a northern commercial motorcyclist in Igwuruta, Ikwerre. Festus was accused of stealing a motorcycle from a shop owned by northerners.

During an attempt to retrieve the motorcycle, an argument reportedly broke out, and the rider allegedly stabbed him. He later died from his injuries.

The February 10 incident sparked demonstrations, with protesters accusing northern commercial motorcycle operators of involvement in Festus’ death and other crimes. Demonstrators blocked the Port Harcourt International Airport Road and demanded an immediate ban on commercial motorcycle operations by northern riders.

Tensions escalated further on Saturday when a wheelbarrow pusher, identified as Zakara Afaaruwu, allegedly stabbed a trader from Benue State, Higightor Wenem, to death during a dispute over space at Oil Mill Market.

The incident triggered renewed attacks on northern traders, with several businesses reportedly vandalised and looted.

Police confirmed the arrest of Afaaruwu and said he remains in custody pending investigation and possible prosecution.

However, the Police Public Relations Officer in Rivers State, Grace Iringe-Koko, said she was not aware of any fatalities linked to the protest.

“I’m not aware of any killing. I have already stated what happened during the protest,” she said.

The situation has heightened tensions in the commercial hub, raising concerns over inter-ethnic relations and the safety of traders in the area.

The Anambra State House of Assembly is moving to recall suspended lawmaker Bernard Udemezue, representing Ayamelum Constituency, after he was suspended for sharing “damaging content” on social media alleging marginalization in constituency allowance distribution.

Udemezue was initially suspended for three months in August 2025, with an additional three-month suspension added later, set to lapse on February 26, 2026.

However, the Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Somtochukwu Udeze, during plenary on Tuesday, directed the House Committee on Rules, Ethics and Privileges to review the suspension of Udemezue, in preparation for his recall.

Udeze charged the Committee, chaired by the Majority Leader, Ikenna Ofodeme, to “urgently re-examine the matter in line with the House resolution and report back to the Assembly on the next adjourned date”.

The Speaker said: “The suspension remains subject to review by the Committee, which is expected to assess the level of compliance by Hon. Udemezue with the resolutions of the House before making its recommendations.”

The House later adjourned plenary to February 19, 2026.

Dangote Group has signed a $400 million deal with China’s XCMG Construction Machinery Co. to expand its refinery and petrochemical complex, aiming to increase production from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day, making it the world’s largest refinery.

The pact will enable the Group to acquire an additional wide range of advanced construction equipment to support ongoing and forthcoming projects across refining, petrochemicals, agriculture and large-scale infrastructure development.

The new equipment will complement existing assets deployed for the refinery expansion, which is expected to be completed within three years.

Beyond refining, the expansion programme will see polypropylene production increase from 900,000 metric tonnes per annum to 2.4 million metric tonnes per annum.

Area capacity in Nigeria will be tripled from 3 million to 9 million metric tonnes per annum, in addition to the 3 million metric tonnes per annum capacity in Ethiopia, strengthening the Group’s position as the largest urea producer globally.

Production capacity for Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) will also be increased to 400,000 metric tonnes per annum, positioning the Group as the largest producer in Africa and strengthening supply to the detergent and cleaning agents manufacturing industry.

Additional base oil production capacity also forms part of the broader expansion programme.

In a statement, the Group described the agreement as a strategic investment aimed at deepening its construction footprint and accelerating its ambition to build a $100 billion enterprise by 2030.

“The additional equipment we are acquiring under this partnership will significantly enhance execution across our projects. With this investment, we are positioning ourselves to become the number one construction company in the world,” the statement said.

Dangote Group is currently accelerating expansion and regional market development as it advances toward its long-term vision of building a $100 billion enterprise by 2030.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured that results of the upcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections will be transmitted in real time from polling units.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), made the declaration on Tuesday after reviewing preparedness in Kuje, Gwagwalada, and Bwari Area Councils ahead of the February 21, 2026 polls.
Key Highlights:
Real-time transmission: The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) will be used to accredit voters and transmit results promptly. Amupitan confirmed, “BVAS is capable of accrediting and also of uploading and transmitting the results. So definitely the results will be transmitted.”
High preparedness levels: Kuje Area Council reported 99.9% readiness, Gwagwalada 90.8%, and Bwari 100%. Materials, including sensitive and non-sensitive items, were batched, inspected, and verified in storage facilities.
Election day schedule: Polling is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. and, if conducted on time, voting can conclude by 2:30 p.m., allowing counting and result upload before darkness.
Results verification: All results will be uploaded via the INEC Result Viewing Portal, with cross-checking at collation centres to ensure accuracy.
Voter confidence: Amupitan stressed restoring public trust in the electoral process, noting that INEC aims to meet Nigerians’ expectations and encourage voter participation.
The Electoral Officers of the three area councils have also affirmed full readiness, reinforcing INEC’s commitment to conducting a credible, transparent, and timely election across the FCT.

A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has responded strongly to recent claims made by former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, describing the allegations against National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani as grave, divisive, and damaging to national stability.

In a lengthy statement, Fani-Kayode said El-Rufai alleged three serious issues: that he bugged Ribadu’s phone and had access to sensitive conversations; that the Office of the National Security Adviser imported dangerous chemical agents into Nigeria; and that Ribadu and Uba Sani were conspiring to destroy him politically and jail him for life.

Fani-Kayode said the claims were alarming and could threaten national security and public confidence in government institutions.

He suggested that if any phone surveillance occurred, it may have been carried out by destabilising non-state actors rather than state officials.

He warned that boasting about bugging the NSA’s phone, if true, would constitute a serious national security breach.

Recounts long political ties

The former minister reflected on decades-old relationships among the political figures, noting that he, El-Rufai, Ribadu, and Uba Sani worked closely during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

He said the group shared strong ties and worked collaboratively on national issues, adding that their bond endured despite later political differences.

Fani-Kayode criticised El-Rufai’s public statements and urged him to address any allegations through legal and institutional channels rather than media interviews.

He argued that public claims suggesting the importation of chemical weapons or conspiracies within the security establishment risk undermining national security and public trust.

Defence of Ribadu’s record

He described Ribadu as disciplined, strategic, and focused on national security, noting his past leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and his current role as National Security Adviser under President Bola Tinubu.

Fani-Kayode said Ribadu has concentrated on addressing security challenges and strengthening international cooperation.

The former minister urged El-Rufai to exercise restraint and allow due process to take its course amid ongoing investigations.

He noted that political leaders across Nigeria’s history including Muhammadu Buhari and Alex Ekwueme have faced detention or investigations at various points, emphasising that such processes are part of democratic governance.

Background

The response follows recent controversy surrounding El-Rufai’s detention and questioning by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged financial misconduct and other security-related claims.

As the debate continues, analysts warn that escalating rhetoric among political elites could deepen tensions and distract from urgent national security and governance priorities.

A massive fire outbreak on Wednesday morning gutted sections of the popular Nnewi Electrical Market in Nnewi, Nigeria, destroying shops and warehouses stocked with expensive electrical components and spare parts.

The inferno reportedly spread rapidly through the market, sending traders into panic as they struggled to salvage their goods.

Eyewitnesses told reporters that the blaze gained momentum quickly due to the highly combustible nature of materials stored in the market.

Distraught traders were seen weeping and making frantic efforts to move their wares to safety, while others battled thick smoke and flames using buckets of water and sand.

“People are losing everything! We need the Fire Service here immediately,” a shop owner cried. “If they don’t arrive now, the entire market will be gone.”

As of the time of filing this report, the cause of the fire remained unknown. However, traders and residents expressed concern over the delayed arrival of the Anambra State Fire Service.

Emergency calls have intensified, urging the state government and first responders to deploy firefighting trucks urgently to prevent the inferno from spreading to nearby residential buildings and other sections of the market.

Nnewi, widely known as the “Japan of Africa” for its thriving industrial and spare-parts trade, has recorded similar fire incidents in the past, often linked to electrical surges or improper storage of flammable materials.

Authorities are yet to issue an official statement as efforts continue to contain the blaze.

Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai is “a very difficult person to advise,” says Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu.

He made the statement on Tuesday during an appearance on Political Paradigm, a current affairs programme on Channels Television.

Baba-Ahmed urged El-Rufai to concentrate on clearing his name over corruption allegations rather than engaging in public feuds with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

“If I were to advise El-Rufai, there are only a few fronts you can fight on. Limit the damage and concentrate on clearing yourself of allegations that you stole money from the people,” Baba-Ahmed stated, adding that El-Rufai’s temperament makes him challenging to counsel.

He stressed that the accusations and counter-accusations between the two politicians should not be dismissed as mere political theatrics but should instead be subjected to judicial scrutiny.

“The straightforward approach is to put all these allegations on the table,” he said. “From corruption claims against Mallam Nasir El-Rufai to accusations involving Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and even the issue of imported poisonous chemicals these are serious matters. They should be tested in court. We cannot dismiss them as politics.”

The face-off escalated after El-Rufai accused Ribadu of plotting his attempted detention at the Abuja airport, alleging that associates intercepted communications suggesting instructions were given to security operatives to arrest him.

El-Rufai further claimed that the NSA was influencing investigations by anti-corruption agencies and the Kaduna State House of Assembly for political purposes tied to a purported 2031 presidential ambition.

He also raised concerns about the reported procurement of thallium sulphate by the Office of the National Security Adviser, demanding clarification.

Ribadu has denied all allegations, maintaining that he has no presidential ambitions and that agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission operate independently.

While expressing disappointment over the breakdown in their relationship, Baba-Ahmed described the situation as symptomatic of deeper flaws in Nigeria’s political culture.

“I am deeply saddened by this development,” he said. “I know both men and how strong their relationship once was. If a bond of that nature can deteriorate this badly, then we are facing serious problems. It is troubling to see two former allies threatening legal action against each other.”

Both El-Rufai and Ribadu were prominent figures during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a period when they forged a close professional and personal relationship that endured through El-Rufai’s tenure as.

A former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has spent a second night in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as investigations continue into alleged financial misconduct.

Sources familiar with the development confirmed that the former governor, now a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is still responding to questions from EFCC investigators following his appearance before the agency earlier this week.

He was reportedly detained after hours of interrogation linked to an ongoing probe into alleged missing funds amounting to ₦432 billion during his tenure as governor.

In addition to the financial investigation, El-Rufai is also expected to face criminal prosecution over allegations of illegally tapping the phone of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, unauthorised phone interception is a serious offence punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to ₦10 million, or both.

An EFCC source disclosed on Tuesday that the former governor would remain in detention pending further developments and may be granted administrative bail.

“As of now, he will remain with the commission tonight. I cannot confirm what happens tomorrow, but he is still with us,” the source said.

Another source indicated that El-Rufai has been allowed to observe his five daily prayers while in detention and to perform Taraweeh prayers ahead of the commencement of Ramadan.

Attempts to reach EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale for official comment were unsuccessful as of press time.

The investigation marks a significant development in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts and could lead to further legal action depending on the outcome of the probe.

Anambra State chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC), has announced plans to team up with ruling APGA to secure 95% of the state’s votes for President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

This was disclosed by the State Chairman of the party, Basil Ejidike during a stakeholders’ meeting.

“We are working closely with the ruling APGA to ensure that 95 per cent of Anambra votes go to the APC and President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election,” he said.

Ejidike also formally moved a motion for the Anambra APC to adopt Tinubu as its presidential candidate for 2027.

The motion received unanimous backing from party leaders present, including Nicholas Ukachukwu, the APC governorship candidate for the November 8 election, and his running mate, Uche Ekwunife.

The chairman added that the meeting was convened to enable the Congress Harmonising Committee to organise members at the unit, ward, and local government levels ahead of the ward congress scheduled to commence on Wednesday.

In his remarks, Ukachukwu stressed the importance of discipline and unity within the party, noting that cohesion would be key to winning both the presidential and other elections in the state.

“APC in Anambra will only grow when the right steps are taken. We joined the party to strengthen it, not to create division or push away existing members,” he said.

He also criticised the trend of party members defecting to other platforms and later returning while seeking to retain their former positions, insisting that due process and fairness must be upheld.

Thousands of residents of Borgu and Agwara local government areas of Niger State have fled across the border into the Benin Republic following renewed attacks by suspected terrorists, worsening Nigeria’s growing security and humanitarian crisis.

The latest assault occurred early Tuesday when heavily armed gunmen reportedly numbering over 200 stormed Konkoso community on motorcycles, burning houses and forcing residents to flee.

Witnesses said the attackers later advanced to nearby Segbana, a border settlement linking Nigeria and the Benin Republic, where they continued their rampage. No official casualty figures were available as of press time.

The attack came barely 24 hours after the governors of Niger State and Kwara State met in Minna to review the deteriorating security situation in border communities.

Residents said panic intensified due to the absence of security personnel in affected areas, noting that police outposts were recently destroyed by attackers who have reportedly established a base in Konkoso.

Thousands of villagers are said to have crossed into Segbana and other border towns seeking safety.

Community sources revealed that the insurgents had launched sustained attacks over the past five days, during which more than 50 people were reportedly killed and several homes, including a police station, were destroyed.

The renewed violence comes despite the recent arrival of United States military personnel in northern Nigeria to collaborate with local forces in tackling terrorism and insecurity.

Senate Condemns Killings, Calls for Security Overhaul

The Nigerian Senate condemned the killing of at least 56 people and the abduction of women and children in Konkoso and nearby communities, describing the attacks as brutal and unacceptable.

The resolution followed a motion raised by Senator Sani Musa, who warned that persistent attacks in rural communities threaten food security, local economies, and national stability.

He noted that the affected areas serve as corridors linking forests across neighbouring states, enabling cross-border movements by armed groups.

Lawmakers called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, including improved intelligence coordination, unified operational command, deployment of surveillance technology, and strengthened community policing.

The chamber observed a minute of silence in honour of the victims.

Over 3.7 Million Nigerians Displaced — UN

The United Nations has disclosed that more than 3.7 million Nigerians are internally displaced due to insecurity, banditry, and communal violence.

The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, stated that displacement is no longer limited to the Northeast, with the Northwest increasingly emerging as a major epicentre.

He warned that displacement undermines economic productivity, social cohesion, and long-term stability.

Police Seek Strategic Solutions

Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun met with former police chiefs to draw on their experience in tackling evolving security threats.

He pledged improved professionalism, enhanced capacity building, and stronger operational responses to rising crime and terrorism.

Authorities and stakeholders warn that the escalating violence and displacement crisis require coordinated national and regional responses to restore security and support affected communities.