Crime News February 12, 2026 Niger: Illegal miners kill NSCDC officer, torch patrol vehicle in Kataeregi

 

A joint security operation turned deadly on Wednesday in Kataeregi, Niger State, as suspected illegal miners attacked security personnel, killing an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and setting a patrol vehicle on fire.

The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. on February 11, 2026, at Zuzungi, during a lawful operation aimed at curbing illegal mining and preventing the smuggling of solid minerals. The joint patrol comprised officers of the NSCDC, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and local security operatives known as Anti-Drugs Control (ADC), working alongside Millennium Metals Mining Company.

According to the Niger State Command of the NSCDC, the operatives had intercepted suspects believed to be illegally transporting solid minerals when armed illegal miners suddenly launched a violent attack. During the assault, the attackers killed an NSCDC officer and burned a Hilux patrol vehicle belonging to the Corps.

Reacting to the incident, the State Commandant of the NSCDC, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, through the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSC Abubakar Rabiu Muti, strongly condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric and a blatant challenge to constituted authority and Nigeria’s economic security.

The Commandant stressed that mining sites and solid mineral resources are classified as Critical National Assets under Nigerian law, adding that illegal mining constitutes economic sabotage. He reaffirmed that the NSCDC remains the lead agency responsible for protecting mining assets and enforcing compliance, in collaboration with other security agencies.

Commandant Aniviye vowed that those responsible for the killing and destruction would be tracked down and brought to justice, warning that there would be no hiding place for perpetrators of violence against security personnel.

He also issued a stern warning to illegal miners to vacate unauthorized mining sites immediately, noting that continued defiance would result in intensified enforcement actions and severe legal consequences.

“The NSCDC will not tolerate violence, sabotage, or resistance against officers carrying out lawful duties. Anyone involved in illegal mining, mineral smuggling, or aiding such crimes will be arrested, investigated, and prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” he stated.

The Command extended its condolences to the family of the slain officer and confirmed that a comprehensive manhunt is underway. Members of the public, particularly those living in mining communities, were urged to provide credible information to assist ongoing investigations.

News February 12, 2026 2 Nigerian men killed while fighting for Russian army in Ukraine

 

Two Nigerian citizens have been confirmed dead in Ukraine after allegedly fighting on the side of Russian forces, according to Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence.

In a report posted on its verified X account, the agency said military intelligence operatives discovered the bodies of Hamzat Kazeen Kolawole, born April 3, 1983, and Mbah Stephen Udoka, born January 7, 1988, in the Luhansk region.

The report stated that both men served in the 423rd Guards Motor Rifle Regiment of the 4th Guards Kantemirovskaya Tank Division of the Russian armed forces.

According to the agency, the Nigerians signed contracts with the Russian military in the second half of 2025. Kolawole reportedly enlisted on August 29, while Udoka signed his contract on September 28.

“Udoka received no training whatsoever — just five days later, on October 3, he was assigned to the unit and sent to the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine,” the report said.

The intelligence body added that no training records were available for Kolawole, but it was “highly likely” he also received no military training. His wife and three children were said to be in Nigeria.

“Both Nigerians were killed in late November during an attempt to storm Ukrainian positions in the Luhansk region. They never engaged in a firefight — the mercenaries were eliminated by a drone strike,” the statement said.

Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence also warned foreign nationals against travelling to Russia or taking up work there, alleging that such trips could result in individuals being forced into dangerous combat units.

International News February 12, 2026 Africa needs vibrant leaders aged 25–50, says Jonathan

 

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged African countries to embrace a generational change in leadership by deliberately encouraging younger people between the ages of 25 and 50 to assume positions of authority, saying they possess the physical and mental strength needed for the demands of modern governance.

Jonathan spoke on Thursday in Abuja at the International Memorial Lecture and Leadership Conference held to mark the 50th anniversary of the assassination of former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed.

Speaking on the pressures associated with leadership, the former president recalled that during his time in office, he sometimes slept for less than two hours within a 24-hour period, noting that advanced age could make it difficult to cope with such demands.

“Why do we begin to think that you must be a hundred years old before you can rule your country?” Jonathan asked.

He said leadership requires exceptional stamina and resilience, insisting that younger leaders are more capable of handling the strain.

“If they need to stay awake for 24 hours, they can stay awake for 24 hours. When I was in office, some days I did not sleep up to two hours. If you subject an older person to that kind of stress, the person will spend 50 per cent of the time in hospital,” he said.

Jonathan said his view aligns with the ideals of Nigeria’s “Not Too Young To Run” movement, which aims to lower age limits for elective offices and promote youth participation in governance.

“I have to reinforce the Not Too Young To Run movement. We have to bring some of these age limits down. If we are looking for people who can run nations in Africa, we should look within the 25 to 50 age bracket. That is when you can be very vibrant, physically strong and mentally sound,” he said.

He also criticised the habit of some public office holders spending long periods outside their states or countries.

“In a country like the United States, some governors do not leave their states for four years. But here, some of our governors spend 50 per cent of their time outside. So who runs the state? Why will we not have security problems? Coming of age must transcend many things. First and foremost, we must have the discipline to manage ourselves,” he added.

Recalling the leadership of General Murtala Muhammed, Jonathan said the late Head of State showed that age was not a barrier to effective leadership. Muhammed became Head of State at 38 and made a lasting impact within his 200-day tenure.

“General Murtala Muhammed assumed office at the very young age of 38. Despite a tenure of only 200 days, his achievements were profound because he was driven by a clear, unyielding vision.

“His leadership sent a clear message: leadership was to serve the national interest, not personal ambition,” Jonathan said.

He also cited other young Nigerian leaders, including General Yakubu Gowon, who became Head of State at 32 and later introduced the National Youth Service Corps, which still exists.

“A young man of 32 managed to pull the country through the civil war. So why do we now think leadership must only come at old age?” he asked.

However, Jonathan warned that being young alone does not guarantee good leadership, stressing the importance of discipline, patriotism and strong institutions. While commending Muhammed’s decisiveness, he said democracy depends more on institutions than individuals.

“Democracy requires vision rather than decree. It requires persuasion instead of command. It depends on institutions, not individuals. Above all, it requires respect for the rule of law and the willingness to submit power to the will of the people,” he said.

He urged leaders across Africa to see governance as stewardship rather than entitlement, while also encouraging young people to treat leadership as service.

“Young people must see leadership as service, not entitlement. Leaders must see governance as stewardship, not a right,” he said.

“I sometimes remember when I contested as a deputy governorship candidate. You had to be 40 years old before you could even be a senator, a deputy governor or a governor, not to talk about president. Yet the Head of State we are celebrating today assumed office at 38,” he said.

Jonathan called on Nigerians and other Africans to learn from history, noting that leadership should be judged by impact rather than length of time in office.

“As we mark 50 years of General Murtala Muhammed’s legacy, let us remember that leadership is not measured by how long you govern; it is measured by the courage to act decisively when the nation needs direction and by the impact you make on society,” he added.

He stressed that while military regimes operate through command, democratic governance requires strong institutions, credible electoral bodies, an independent judiciary, trained security agencies and accountable systems.

“While General Murtala Muhammed symbolised decisive leadership, our democratic future depends on strong institutions. Democracy requires vision rather than decree. It requires persuasion instead of command. It depends on institutions, not individuals. Democracy also demands restraint and respect for the rule of law,” Jonathan said.

News Politics February 12, 2026 Wike : Gov Fubara dissolves Rivers Executive Council

 

Rivers State Governor,  Siminalayi Fubara, has dissolved the State Executive Council, directing all commissioners and special advisers to hand over to permanent secretaries or the most senior officers in their ministries with immediate effect.

The directive was contained in a government special announcement issued on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Onwuka Nzeshi.

According to the statement, the governor expressed appreciation to the outgoing members of the executive council for their service to the state.

“His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State, has dissolved the State Executive Council.

“His Excellency, the Governor, has therefore directed all Commissioners and Special Advisers to hand over to the Permanent Secretaries or the most Senior officers in their Ministries with immediate effect.

“His Excellency further expresses his deepest appreciation to the outgoing members of the Executive Council wishing them the best in their future endeavours,” the statement read.

The dissolution of the cabinet comes in the wake of the recent political settlement between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, following months of political tension that had polarised the state’s political structure.

The feud between both leaders had led to a prolonged power struggle within the state’s political system, resulting in the resignation and reappointment of lawmakers, parallel political alignments, and a split within the executive arm.

However, recent reconciliation efforts by President Bola Tinubu and other political actors reportedly led to a truce between the two camps, paving the way for a reconfiguration of the state’s political structure.

Political observers say the dissolution of the executive council is widely seen as part of the implementation of the peace deal, which is expected to produce a new cabinet reflecting the balance of interests agreed upon by both sides.

A new set of commissioners is expected to be announced in the coming days.

Crime News February 12, 2026 Judge steps down from EFCC cases against Malami, gives reason

 

Justice Obiora Egwuatu has withdrawn from two cases instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

The judge, who had recently been reassigned the matters by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, said his decision was based on personal reasons and the interest of justice.

The cases involve a multi-billion-naira asset forfeiture suit covering 57 properties and the N8.7 billion money-laundering charges filed by the EFCC against Malami, his wife, Asabe Bashir, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami.

The development came shortly after the civil forfeiture suit concerning the 57 properties allegedly linked to Malami was called for mention.

At the resumed proceedings, EFCC counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, told the court that the matter was slated for mention.

He also informed the court that the commission had received a letter from Malami’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu, SAN, requesting an adjournment to Monday, February 16.

According to Iheanacho, the defence counsel explained in the letter that he was attending another matter at the Court of Appeal, hence the request.

Moments later, Justice Egwuatu, in a short ruling, announced his withdrawal.

“Gentlemen, for personal reasons and in the interest of justice, I will recuse myself from this case and in the other sister case,” he said, adding that the case files would be remitted back to the Chief Judge.

Although Daudu was absent from the proceedings, counsel representing other respondents and applicants with interests in some of the properties already placed on interim forfeiture to the Federal Government were present.

The matters were previously handled by Justice Emeka Nwite, who served as vacation judge during the Yuletide break.

Following the end of the Christmas vacation sitting, the Chief Judge reassigned the cases to Justice Egwuatu, fixing February 12 for the civil forfeiture case and February 16 for the money-laundering matter.

Meanwhile, the EFCC has maintained that its investigations are not aimed at opposition figures, including Malami, insisting that cases are handled without regard to political affiliation.

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said this in a recent exclusive interview with Channels Television, stressing that the probe of Malami was not politically motivated.

“Let me tell you about that particular former attorney-general that you are talking about — there is nothing personal in this matter. If Nigeria is to move forward, all of us must agree that this fight must be fought without being partisan, and that’s what I want Nigerians to understand and to agree with us,” Olukayode said in the interview aired on Sunday Politics.

“So now I want to tell Nigerians that the investigation of this man predated me in office, and a lot of people don’t know that. Yes, I edited the investigation file. What I did was to ensure that the investigation was carried out in a very professional and thorough manner.”

“He has been under investigation for almost two and a half years. The file was opened not even under me. I inherited it, and for the past over two years I’ve been in office, we’ve been painstakingly carrying out the investigation, trying to establish some of these offenses and all of that,” the EFCC czar said.

“Not until I was convinced that we had a watertight case — and Nigerians are witnesses — so there’s nothing personal about it. I don’t understand the issue of persecution and all of that.”

Crime News February 12, 2026 Nigerian Army varsity professor dies in captivity month after abduction

 

Professor Abubakar  El-Jummah, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology at the Nigerian Army University, Biu, Borno State, has died while in the custody of Boko Haram insurgents.

The academic was abducted on March 3, 2025, while travelling from Biu to Maiduguri.

The attack occurred along the Damaturu–Buni Yadi–Biu road.

Funeral prayers in absentia were held at the deceased’s family residence at about 2 p.m. on Thursday.

A member of the family said the insurgents had reached out to them.

“They said he felt sick and died after spending almost a year in captivity. We were devastated by the news, but we performed the funeral prayer in absentia,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude to those who supported the family during the difficult period.

However, it was not confirmed whether the insurgents demanded any ransom before the incident.

The funeral prayer was later held at about 2:00 p.m. at the Ngomari Old Airport Juma’at Mosque, close to his residence, with hundreds of sympathisers from the academic community and the neighbourhood in attendance.

(DAILY TRUST)

International News February 12, 2026 Nigerian trapped in Russian military camp begs FG for urgent repatriation

 

A Nigerian citizen, Abubakar Adamu, has appealed to the Federal Government for immediate repatriation after alleging that he was deceived into joining the Russian military following a trip to Moscow for what he believed was a civilian job.

According to his legal representatives, Adamu travelled to Russia on a tourist visa issued by the Russian Embassy in Abuja after being promised employment as a civilian security guard. However, upon arrival in Moscow, his travel documents were allegedly seized and he was forced to sign enlistment papers written entirely in Russian without the assistance of an interpreter.

His lawyers said he later discovered that the documents he signed had enrolled him into the Russian Armed Forces.

In a formal notice submitted to Nigerian authorities, the legal team cited the doctrine of Non Est Factum, arguing that Adamu did not understand the nature of the contract he signed. They also alleged fundamental misrepresentation, claiming he was deceived into military service, and raised concerns about violations of international law, including forced conscription and deprivation of personal freedom.

The lawyers said Adamu is currently stranded at a Russian military camp, where he has reportedly refused deployment to combat zones in Ukraine. He is now seeking urgent intervention from the Nigerian government to secure his release and return him safely to his family.

The development comes amid growing reports that African nationals are being recruited into the Russian military under false pretences. A CNN investigation indicated that citizens from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa and other countries were allegedly lured with promises of high salaries, signing bonuses and eventual Russian citizenship.

Many of the recruits, according to the report, were forced into military service on arrival, given minimal training and, in some cases, deployed to combat zones against their will. There were also allegations of racial abuse, inhumane treatment and coercion.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, had disclosed last year that more than 1,400 citizens from 36 African countries were fighting for Russia in Ukraine, with many reportedly being held as prisoners of war in Ukrainian camps. Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs also reported that over 200 of its nationals might be in Ukraine after being deceived by online recruitment networks advertising fake jobs.

The exact number of Nigerian casualties remains unknown, and Russia has not formally responded to reports of deaths among foreign recruits.

However, at a press conference in Abuja, Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podyelyshev, denied that the recruitment was state-sponsored.

“There is no government-backed programme to recruit Nigerians to fight in Ukraine. If illegal organisations or individuals are involved in such activities, they are acting outside the law and without any connection to the Russian state,” he said, adding that Russia would investigate any reported cases if provided with concrete evidence.

Adamu’s lawyers have formally demanded that Russian authorities halt his military deployment, return his confiscated travel documents and facilitate his repatriation to Nigeria.

As of the time of filing this report, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had yet to comment on the appeal, leaving families and civil society groups calling for swift diplomatic action to secure the return of Nigerians allegedly trapped in the conflict.

(ZAGAZOLA MAKAMA)