Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 09 March 2026

Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 09 March 2026

Appeal Court to Deliver Judgment in PDP Factional Dispute

The Court of Appeal in Abuja is set to deliver judgment on Monday in nine consolidated appeals filed by rival factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challenging earlier rulings of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Notices informing the parties of the scheduled judgment were issued by the court’s registry. The outcome of the appeals is expected to determine the legal standing of decisions arising from the internal dispute within the opposition party.


IGP Appoints DCP Anthony Placid as New Police Spokesman

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police, Anthony Okon Placid, as the new Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO). Placid replaces Assistant Commissioner of Police, Benjamin Hundeyin, who previously served as the acting spokesman of the Nigeria Police Force. The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday by Hundeyin, noting that the appointment forms part of ongoing administrative changes within the police hierarchy.


Army Dismisses Report of Mass Casualties in Borno Attacks

The Nigerian Army under the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, has dismissed reports alleging that more than 40 soldiers were killed in recent Boko Haram attacks in Borno State. In a statement, the spokesman of the operation, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, described the claims circulating online as exaggerated and misleading. He urged members of the public to disregard the report, insisting that the situation has been misrepresented.


APGA Demands Resignation of Abaribe, Ikwechegh Over Defection

The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has called on federal lawmakers Enyinnaya Abaribe and Alex Mascot Ikwechegh to vacate their seats in the National Assembly following their defection to other political parties. The party argued that both legislators were elected on the APGA platform and should relinquish the mandates they secured under its banner.


Police Arrest Nigerien National Over Kidnapping in Edo

The Edo State Police Command has arrested a Nigerien national in Ubiaja, Esan South East Local Government Area, in connection with kidnapping activities. Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, said the suspect was apprehended during intensified security operations ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika. The operation was launched in response to rising cases of kidnapping across the state.


Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims in Taraba

Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke have rescued two kidnap victims in Gborgbor Village, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State. The victims, identified as Unity Bank staff members Marwan Abubakar, 40, and Leng’en Cakop, 37, were freed during a military operation in the area. Authorities said efforts are ongoing to track down the kidnappers.


Bandit Attacks Leave One Dead, Several Abducted in Sokoto and Kwara

The Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed that one person was killed while five others were abducted during a bandit attack on Mallamawar Yari village in Gawakuke ward of Rabah Local Government Area. In a separate incident, suspected bandits reportedly abducted a housewife and her son during a late-evening raid on Ndeji village in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State.


APC Member Implicated in Kidnap, Killing of Ebonyi Monarch’s Father

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed shock over reports that one of its members was involved in the kidnapping and eventual death of HRH Francis Igwe, father of former Ebonyi State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kelechi Igwe. Reports indicate that the party’s publicity secretary in the state is allegedly linked to the crime, prompting widespread condemnation.


NDLEA Arrests Former Lagos Councillor Over Drug Trafficking

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a former two-term councillor in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State over alleged involvement in illicit drug trafficking. In a statement on Sunday, NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said the suspect was apprehended following credible intelligence linking him to drug sales and distribution.


Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Victims in Taraba

Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued two victims in Gborgbor Village, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State. Acting Media Information Officer of the operation, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, disclosed the development in a statement issued in Makurdi on Sunday.


Abdulsalami Warns Nigerians Against Vote Selling Ahead of 2027

Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has cautioned Nigerians against selling their votes in the 2027 general elections. Speaking during a Ramadan Tafsir at his residence in Minna, Abdulsalami described vote selling as unreligious and Haram. “Selling of votes is unreligious; your vote is very important, and it is Haram to sell your votes,” he said while urging politicians to avoid bitterness and treat elections as healthy competition.


Outspoken Female Senators Often Tagged Troublesome – Kingibe

Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe, has expressed concern over what she described as oppressive attitudes toward women in the Senate. Speaking during an interview on ARISE Television, she said outspoken female lawmakers are often labelled troublesome. Kingibe also argued that proposals to create six special seats for women would not significantly change representation in the male-dominated chamber.


Niger Government Orders Political Appointees to Resign Before Primaries

The Niger State Government has directed political appointees and public office holders intending to contest the 2027 general elections to resign their positions by March 23, 2026. Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, said the directive followed the release of the revised electoral timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which schedules party primaries to begin on April 23, 2026.


Reps Push for 15% Female Recruitment in Security Agencies

The House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to increasing female participation in Nigeria’s security agencies. In a statement marking the 2026 International Women’s Day, House spokesman Akin Rotimi said lawmakers are proposing reforms to guarantee at least 15 per cent female recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.


NDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor, Seizes Drugs Hidden in Diapers

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested a former councillor in Ibeju-Lekki, Sheleru Sadiq Olalekan, after recovering illicit drugs from his residence. NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi said operatives discovered 40 kilograms of skunk during a search of the property. The operation also led to the interception of drugs concealed in baby diapers and the recovery of improvised explosive device components in other states.


Tiwa Savage Says She Has No Plans to Quit Music

Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage has stated that she has no intention of quitting music anytime soon. Speaking during the launch of her music foundation aimed at supporting young African creatives, the award-winning artiste recalled how studying at Berklee College of Music on scholarship changed the direction of her life and helped her understand both the artistic and business sides of the industry.


Omotola Reveals Why She Turned Down Billionaire-Making Deals

Veteran Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde has revealed that sticking to her personal values prevented her from becoming a billionaire. Speaking on the Afropolitan Show, the actress said she rejected several lucrative offers that conflicted with her beliefs. She explained that remaining true to her principles has given her rewards that cannot be measured financially.


Southampton, Port Vale Cause FA Cup Upsets

Six teams have booked their places in the FA Cup quarter-finals following the latest round of matches on Sunday. Championship side Southampton stunned Premier League club Fulham with a late 1-0 victory at Craven Cottage, while League One team Port Vale defeated Sunderland 1-0 at Vale Park to secure a surprise progression in the competition.


Guardiola Handed Two-Match Touchline Ban After FA Cup Incident

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been handed a two-match touchline ban after receiving his sixth yellow card of the season during his side’s FA Cup victory over Newcastle United. The caution followed a heated exchange with the fourth official during the match. As a result, Guardiola will miss City’s Premier League clash with West Ham United and their FA Cup quarter-final, though the ban will not apply to the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal.

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