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2026

Politics

Kebbi clash: 17 bandits killed, 10 cops, two civilians dead

Ten police officers and two civilians were killed during a gun battle between security forces and suspected bandits in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The incident occurred around 9:25am on Monday along the Rafin Makuku axis, where security personnel intercepted the armed group reportedly moving between Zamfara and Kebbi states. The Kebbi State Police Command said at least 17 suspected bandits were neutralised during the encounter, while four motorcycles belonging to the attackers were also destroyed. The command’s spokesperson, Bashir Usman, said the casualty figure among the bandits was still being verified. He said the security forces suffered significant losses, with 10 police personnel killed and two others injured and receiving medical attention. Usman described the deceased officers as brave personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, adding that their contributions would not be forgotten. Two civilians were also killed during the confrontation, according to the police. The command said its immediate priorities were to support the families of the deceased officers, care for the injured and continue operations to track fleeing members of the bandit group. The Nigeria Police Force also confirmed the deaths of the 10 officers. Its Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, said Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu described the incident as a painful loss to the Force and the country. The remains of the deceased officers were taken to Birnin Kebbi, while additional security personnel were deployed to the area to strengthen ongoing operations and pursue the fleeing suspects. The police said further details would be released as the situation continued to be assessed.

Metro

Scavengers wreak havoc on public infrastructure

Residents across Lagos have raised concerns over the growing vandalism of public infrastructure by scavengers, warning that the activities could endanger lives and property. The concern intensified after the Alakija-Festac link bridge was reportedly vandalised, with scavengers accused of breaking the concrete covering of the bridge’s pillars to remove the iron reinforcement inside. The damage has raised fears about the structural integrity and safety of the bridge. Residents also alleged that some scavengers dug into the laterite piling beneath the bridge, creating hollow spaces that were reportedly used as shelters. They called for urgent intervention to prevent further damage to the structure. Following the circulation of a video showing the vandalism, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu inspected the bridge and ordered efforts to identify and arrest those responsible for the damage. A similar incident was later reported at another bridge around Mile 12, where residents caught a suspected vandal in the act. They urged authorities to strengthen security and surveillance around public infrastructure across the state. The report also noted that scavenger activities have become a wider concern in Lagos, with authorities previously raiding a scavengers’ enclave along the LASU-Iba Expressway, where drugs and dangerous weapons were reportedly recovered and arrests made. Residents and authorities are now facing renewed pressure to curb infrastructure vandalism and ensure that public facilities are adequately protected.

Energy

High crude prices push modular refineries away from local supply

Modular refineries in Nigeria reportedly did not lift crude oil allocated to domestic refiners in the second quarter of 2026, citing high costs and what the Crude Oil Refinery Owners Association of Nigeria described as unrealistic commercial terms. Data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission showed that 68.1 million barrels were offered to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, representing 98 per cent of the crude volumes offered to domestic refiners during the period. Dangote accepted 52.6 million barrels, while no other refinery was identified as having received crude during the quarter. CORAN spokesperson Eche Idoko said international pricing benchmarks such as Platts, Brent and West Texas Intermediate had made crude too expensive for modular refineries. He also said the pricing system resulted in duplicated logistics costs for smaller refiners. According to Idoko, modular refineries often buy crude directly from producing assets and are responsible for transporting it from the production point to their facilities. He argued that international benchmark prices already include certain freight and insurance costs, meaning refiners could effectively pay for logistics twice. The NUPRC’s second-quarter report showed that 53.7 million barrels of crude oil and condensate were supplied to local refiners between April and June, representing 97.4 per cent performance under the Domestic Crude Supply Obligation. However, the regulator noted that the arrangement operates on a willing-buyer, willing-seller basis, meaning allocated volumes may not necessarily be lifted. Idoko called for a domestic crude pricing system that reflects the actual delivery point and removes freight, insurance, transportation and other costs not incurred by producers. He said this would prevent refiners from being charged twice for logistics while ensuring producers receive a fair price. Meanwhile, the NUPRC said it remained committed to enforcing the Domestic Crude Supply Obligation and sustaining recent improvements in domestic crude production as part of efforts to achieve energy sufficiency.

Elections, Politics

OSUN POLL: Candidates unveil plans, intensify campaign

Candidates in Saturday’s Osun State governorship election have expressed confidence in their chances of winning while outlining their plans for the state. Speaking at the Arise Townhall Meeting in Osogbo, the major candidates, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Accord, APC candidate Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, ADC candidate Najeem Salaam and AAC candidate Olajide Esan said they were confident of victory if the election was free and fair. Adeleke, who spoke first, said he was not intimidated by the Federal Government or governors supporting Oyebamiji. Describing himself as a “bulldozer,” he said he was prepared to face what he called federal might. The governor highlighted his administration’s achievements in infrastructure, healthcare and agriculture, including the construction of about 350 kilometres of roads and the rehabilitation of about 200 health centres. He also said his government had purchased 31 tractors and provided agricultural inputs to farmers. Adeleke also said more than 1,500 personnel had been recruited and trained for the Amotekun security outfit. He urged voters to remain peaceful, protect their votes and ensure their ballots were counted. Oyebamiji, however, dismissed claims that the Federal Government would use its influence to secure his victory. He said his priorities would include security, welfare, agriculture, education and healthcare, with the aim of reducing hunger and poverty across the state. The APC candidate also accused Adeleke’s administration of failing to account for the resources it had received, including about N650 billion in federal allocations. He said the immediate past administration of Governor Gboyega Oyetola left about N15 billion for its successor, disputing claims that Adeleke inherited an empty treasury. Meanwhile, ADC candidate Najeem Salaam said he would build on the achievements of previous administrations while addressing gaps in governance. He promised a people-centred government and pledged to tackle political violence and thuggery in the state. AAC candidate Olajide Esan said his priority would be to return governance to the people. He proposed an Osun Residents Database to improve government planning and a financial dashboard that would allow residents to monitor public spending and demand accountability. With the election approaching, the candidates have continued to campaign on different visions for Osun, while urging voters to support their respective programmes.

Sports

Osimhen, Onuachu get fresh competition in Super Lig scoring race

The race for the 2026/27 Turkish Super Lig Golden Boot is expected to be fiercely contested, with Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu facing new competition after sharing the last two scoring honours with Eldor Shomurodov. Osimhen, who plays for Galatasaray, won the 2024/25 Golden Boot after scoring 26 league goals and providing five assists. He finished that season with 37 goals and eight assists in 41 appearances across all competitions. Although he was overtaken last season, when Onuachu and Shomurodov scored 22 league goals each, Osimhen still recorded 22 goals and eight assists in 33 matches for Galatasaray despite an injury-hit campaign. He will now target another Super Lig title and a strong Champions League campaign, with Galatasaray set to open their league season against newly promoted Corum on Friday. Onuachu, who shared last season’s Golden Boot with Shomurodov, will also be looking to retain his scoring crown with Trabzonspor. The Nigerian striker could benefit from the arrival of Mohamed Salah, although the Egyptian is also expected to compete for the scoring award. Salah joined Trabzonspor after nine years at Liverpool, where he scored 257 goals and registered 123 assists in 442 appearances across all competitions. He scored 46 goals and provided 33 assists over his final two seasons in England, making him one of the biggest threats to the established Golden Boot contenders. Meanwhile, Romelu Lukaku is set to join Fenerbahce and could provide another major challenge. The Belgian striker is moving to Turkey from Napoli, where he scored 15 goals and recorded 11 assists in two seasons. Injuries limited him to just seven appearances in his second campaign. Lukaku will hope to rediscover his best form in Turkey after an impressive World Cup outing with Belgium. With Osimhen, Onuachu, Shomurodov, Salah and Lukaku all in the mix, the 2026/27 Super Lig season promises an intriguing battle for the Golden Boot.

Elections, Politics

‘I’m a bulldozer, not afraid of FG, governors’ — Adeleke

Accord Party governorship candidate in the Osun State governorship election, Ademola Adeleke, has said he is not intimidated by the alleged backing of the Federal Government and some state governors for the All Progressives Congress candidate. Adeleke described himself as a “bulldozer” and said he was ready to confront the influence of the Federal Government and governors supporting his opponent. The governor spoke on Tuesday during the Arise Townhall Meeting, where he said he was not afraid of the governors backing the APC candidate. “I am a bulldozer. I am talk and do. I am not afraid of federal might and governors backing the APC candidate. If they like, they should bring all the governors,” Adeleke said. He added that the governors were his friends and would not determine the outcome of the election, noting that only registered voters in Osun State would vote. Adeleke also dismissed allegations that his administration had militarised the state, saying he did not have the authority to deploy the armed forces. “I did not militarise Osun. I have no such capacity. I am not the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,” he said. His comments came amid intensified political activities and campaigns by major political parties ahead of the Osun governorship election.

Crime

Nigerian student’s killing over fake Rolex debt comes before UK court

A UK court has heard how a Nigerian university student, Khaleed Oladipo, was allegedly stabbed to death by a former friend following a dispute over money linked to a fake Rolex watch. Oladipo, 20, a third-year student of De Montfort University, was reportedly on the phone with his girlfriend when he was attacked on Oxford Street in Leicester on February 3. The accused, 18-year-old University of Leicester student Harper Dennis, has denied the murder charge. Prosecutor Jane Osborne KC told Leicester Crown Court that Oladipo and Dennis had met through online gaming and were previously friends before their relationship deteriorated over money. The court heard that Dennis had allegedly tried to sell a fake Rolex which Oladipo gave him, but a jeweller rejected the watch. Prosecutors said Dennis subsequently believed Oladipo owed him £3,000. According to the prosecution, Dennis later confronted Oladipo outside the De Montfort University Innovation Centre, where the pair briefly struggled before Oladipo was stabbed. Oladipo sustained six stab wounds, including five to his chest, with one penetrating his heart. The court heard that he remained on the phone with his girlfriend during the attack and asked Dennis why he had stabbed him. The prosecution also alleged that Dennis had previously made threatening calls to Oladipo’s girlfriend and sent messages threatening to make him suffer. Dennis, who was arrested shortly after the incident, is also charged with possessing a bladed article and failing to provide the PIN for his mobile phone. The trial, which is expected to last three weeks, is ongoing.

Politics

Delta Suspends Works Commissioner Following Alleged Assault

The Delta State Government has indefinitely suspended its Commissioner for Works, Highway and Urban Roads, Reuben Izeze, over allegations linking him to the assault of the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Protocol, Simon Mudi, also known as Temple. The suspension took effect immediately and was announced by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, on Monday. The government said the decision was made to allow security agencies to conduct an impartial investigation into the alleged assault, which reportedly occurred at the Petroleum Training Institute in Effurun. It said the suspension would help ensure that the investigation was carried out without interference, stressing that public safety, law and order, and the protection of human life remained priorities of the administration. The alleged confrontation between Izeze and Mudi is expected to form part of the investigation. The state government did not disclose how long the investigation would last or whether the commissioner would be reinstated afterwards. Izeze, who represents Ughelli South State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, was appointed Commissioner for Works by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

Politics

Col. Ma’aji Reveals Why We Planned Coup Against Tinubu

Nigerian Army Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, accused of involvement in an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government, has said the plan was driven by patriotism and frustration over the country’s worsening conditions. Ma’aji made the comments in fresh court records, where he apologised for his involvement and appealed to the authorities for leniency. He said the alleged plot was motivated by concerns over poor governance, insecurity, inadequate military welfare and declining living standards. The colonel said the situation had become so troubling that he feared Nigeria was heading towards collapse. He also said the movement was still at the mobilisation and discussion stage when security authorities intervened, adding that no date had been set for any action. Ma’aji denied having personal political ambitions or foreign collaborators. However, he acknowledged that his failure to secure promotion to brigadier-general on two occasions contributed to his frustration and that some colleagues encouraged him to revive the movement. He said his detention had changed his perspective and made him realise that there were lawful ways to express grievances within the military. Ma’aji subsequently called for improved salaries and welfare for military personnel, better healthcare and housing, stronger pension packages and a formal channel for officers to communicate concerns to the Chief of Army Staff. He also criticised corruption, fuel subsidy removal, perceived inequality in military postings and poor living conditions, while urging the authorities to address these issues. The colonel appealed for forgiveness and promised that he and others involved would not consider such a course of action again, insisting that their actions were motivated by a desire for a better Nigeria.