Tinubu Reforms Restoring Global Confidence in Nigeria — Shettima
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday said the ongoing reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration are gradually restoring the confidence of the global community in Nigeria. Shettima noted that renewed international trust is evident in the growing participation of foreigners in professional programmes and engagements within the country, adding that the reforms are repositioning Nigeria as a credible destination for investment and collaboration.
APC Begins Congresses Ahead of 2027 General Election
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will on Monday commence the process of electing party officials through ward, local government and state congresses, culminating in a national convention. The exercise signals the start of preparations for the 2027 general election. The party’s ongoing electronic registration of members, which began earlier this month, is expected to conclude on Friday.
INEC Schedules FCT Area Council, Rivers Constituency Elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the notice of elections for the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory and two State House of Assembly constituencies in Rivers State. INEC said elections will hold on February 21, 2026, in Abuja Municipal, Kuje, Kwali, Abaji, Gwagwalada and Bwari Area Councils, as well as Ahoada East II and Khana II State Constituencies in Rivers State.
Over 160 ECWA Members Held Captive in Kaduna, Kogi — Church
The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has disclosed that no fewer than 160 of its members are currently being held hostage by kidnappers across Kaduna and Kogi states. Church leaders said families of the abducted victims are facing crippling ransom demands, raising fresh concerns over Nigeria’s worsening security situation following recent abductions in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Troops Kill 12 Boko Haram, Recover Arms in Borno Operation
Troops of Sector 1, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have killed 12 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists during a night-dawn operation in Borno State. According to a statement by the operation’s Media Information Officer, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the offensive at Bula Dalo also led to the recovery of a significant cache of weapons and ammunition, forcing surviving insurgents to flee in disarray.
Zamfara Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Youth Leader Abducted
Gunmen suspected to be bandits have abducted the Zamfara State Youth Leader of the Tinubu/Shettima campaign organisation, Bashir Isa Gusau. The abduction, which reportedly occurred in the presence of his wife, was made public on Thursday by security analyst Bakatsine via a social media post, throwing the victim’s family into distress.
Aircraft With 15 On Board Crashes Near Venezuela Border
A twin-propeller aircraft carrying 15 passengers, including Colombian lawmaker Diogenes Quintero, crashed in a mountainous area near the Venezuelan border on January 28. Reports said the aircraft departed from Cúcuta and lost contact with air traffic control shortly before its scheduled landing in Ocaña at about 5:00 p.m. GMT.
Lagos Couple Arrested for Faking Kidnap, Extorting ₦10m
A Lagos-based couple identified as Fred and Goodness have been arrested for allegedly staging their own kidnap and extorting ₦10 million in ransom from family and friends. Investigations revealed that the couple faked the abduction on January 7 to raise funds for the husband’s planned return to the United States due to financial difficulties.
Police Arrest Two Gunrunners, Recover 305 AK-47 Rounds in Katsina
The Katsina State Police Command has arrested two suspected gunrunners and recovered 305 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition along the Zaria–Funtua highway. Police said the suspects, Shu’aibu Musa, 30, and Ahmed Sani, 27, were arrested on January 27 during an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation.
APC Governors Not Worried Over Fubara Impeachment — Sule
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has said governors elected on the platform of the APC are not overly concerned about the impeachment process involving Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Sule, who spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today, described the matter as one currently before the courts.
How Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu, Shettima Was Foiled
Security agencies have uncovered and disrupted an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government and harm key political leaders. According to multiple senior sources, intelligence gathered by the Army and the State Security Service in September 2025 led to coordinated arrests of military and civilian suspects, following briefings between the Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and SSS Director-General Oluwatosin Ajayi.
Fuel Price Jumps Twice in 24 Hours as NNPCL Raises Pump Rate
Petrol prices have increased twice within 24 hours after the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited adjusted its pump price to ₦875 per litre in parts of Abuja. A survey showed the hike followed an earlier increase from ₦815 to ₦839, with other marketers selling between ₦899 and ₦900 per litre across the Federal Capital Territory.
Senate Holds Closed Session on Electoral Act Amendment Bill
The Senate on Thursday went into a closed-door session to scrutinise the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill 2026. Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the bill required careful examination due to its far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s electoral system.
Soludo Accuses Politicians of Sponsoring Sit-At-Home in Anambra
Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo has accused some politicians of sponsoring the renewed Monday sit-at-home in the state, describing it as economic sabotage. Speaking in Awka, Soludo warned that the development would not be tolerated and said sanctions on markets, including Onitsha Main Market, could be extended.
Kano Government Vows Peaceful Resolution of Emirate Dispute
The Kano State Government has assured residents that the long-running Emirate dispute will be resolved peacefully. Commissioner for Information Ibrahim Waiya said the government is engaging stakeholders to restore stability following the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano.
House of Reps Passes ₦58.18trn 2026 Budget for Second Reading
The House of Representatives has passed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ₦58.18 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill for second reading. Lawmakers described the budget, tagged Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity, as critical to Nigeria’s economic reforms.
Osas Ighodaro Recounts Painful Breakup Experience
Actress Osas Ighodaro has shared details of a painful past relationship, alleging that an ex-partner used security personnel to eject her from his home after she discovered his infidelity. She disclosed the experience during an interview on the Lone Wolf podcast.
Tension as Singer Bunmi Akinnaanu’s Son Bars Father From Burial
Drama erupted during the burial of late gospel singer Bunmi Akinnaanu as her son reportedly barred his biological father from participating in the ceremony. The son accused the man of abandoning the family for years, including during the singer’s prolonged illness.
CAF Sanctions Senegal, Morocco Over AFCON Final Chaos
The Confederation of African Football has imposed fines and suspensions on Senegal and Morocco following disorderly conduct during the 2025 AFCON final in Rabat. CAF also suspended Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw and sanctioned officials for breaching disciplinary rules.
NFF Mourns as Samuel Chukwueze Loses Mother
The Nigeria Football Federation has expressed condolences following the death of Mrs Sarah Chukwueze, mother of Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze. The footballer’s siblings confirmed her passing on Thursday, sparking tributes from fans and football stakeholders nationwide.