News February 15, 2026 Tinubu heads to Adamawa

 

President Bola Tinubu will on Monday pay an official visit to Adamawa State, less than 48 hours after he made a similar visit to Kebbi.

During the one-day visit, President Tinubu will inaugurate completed projects and meet with top government officials and traditional rulers.

A statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President  on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday, said among projects billed for inauguration in the capital, Yola, and Jimeta, is the eight-lane Galadima Aminu Road linking Gimba and the capital.

The model school, comprising pre-primary, primary, and junior secondary classes, will also be inaugurated by the President.

Others include the new multipurpose hall, the remodelled High Court, the newly built officers’ complex, and the renovated Government House.

According to the statement, “The President will return to Abuja after the inauguration and the interaction with the state’s indigenes.”

News February 15, 2026 Primate Ayodele builds mosque for Tinubu’s mother

 

Primate Elijah Ayodele, founder and spiritual head of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Oke Afa, Lagos, has unveiled a mosque he built and dedicated to Abibatu Mogaji, the late mother of President Bola Tinubu.

The mosque was inaugurated on Saturday during Ayodele’s annual thanksgiving programme held at Oke-Afa in Lagos.

The ceremony attracted guests from religious, traditional, political and entertainment circles, among them Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the president’s first daughter, who was represented by delegates, as well as Agbu Kefas, represented by his special adviser on Islamic matters.

Addressing attendees, Ayodele described the project as a “direct divine instruction he could not ignore”, adding that the mosque is simply a “house of worship for God”, just like churches, and that he has no personal stake in its management.

He handed the mosque over to a Muslim cleric present at the event.

“Building this mosque isn’t because I want attention or anything from anyone; it was a divine instruction that I cannot ignore,” he said.

“I am only answerable to God, so whatever anyone says doesn’t matter to me as long as God is pleased with me.”

On the decision behind the mosque’s name, Ayodele said he had first intended to call it Folawuyo Mosque but later changed it following “divine direction”.

He dismissed claims of political motives or criticism over his past position on the APC and Tinubu, stressing that the gesture was not intended to secure favours or appointments.

Muslim clerics at the gathering hailed the move as a strong sign of interfaith harmony.

An Islamic cleric, who began his remarks with Christian hymns, cited Proverbs 3:3 while praising Ayodele, saying it demonstrated “we are one” and pledged reciprocity.

A representative of the chief Imam of Ikorodu Division described Ayodele as a genuine prophet sent by God, comparing his name Elijah to the Quranic figure, and urged Nigerians to shun religious conflicts in favour of unity.

Crime News February 15, 2026 Bandits abduct wives, daughters of JIBWIS Chief Imam, others

 

Suspected bandits have abducted the wives and daughters of Imam Abubakar Muhammad Digare, the Chief Imam of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), in Digare town, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State, along with several other residents.

The incident, which took place on Saturday night, has heightened anxiety among residents and underscored the persistent security concerns in the area.

Security analyst Bakatsine said the attackers invaded the residence under the cover of darkness and forcefully took several victims to an undisclosed location. As of the time of reporting, security agencies had not released an official figure for the number of people abducted.

Residents said the attack has deepened fear in the community, with many people choosing to remain indoors and restrict their movements.

Bakatsine described the implications of the incident for the region’s security.

He said, “The attack on the residence of Imam Abubakar Muhammad Digare is a clear indication of the growing audacity of criminal gangs in the region. Such acts are designed to instil fear and demonstrate the weakness of local security arrangements.”

On the possible impact on community stability, Bakatsine noted, “Abductions targeting prominent religious leaders are particularly alarming because they can destabilise communal trust and provoke tensions within the community.”

He also stressed the importance of prompt government intervention.
“Authorities need to respond swiftly and effectively to prevent further escalation. This incident underscores the urgent need for coordinated security strategies in Bauchi and surrounding states,” he said.

Residents said several women and children were among those abducted, adding that the situation turned chaotic as the attackers quickly fled after seizing their victims.

The latest raid is part of a series of recent security incidents across Bauchi State, where communities have reported kidnappings, armed robberies, and other violent attacks in different areas.

(SAHARA REPORTERS)

Abuja News February 15, 2026 MMU of First Baptist Church, Gwagwalada holds 2026 Emphasis Sunday as Rev. Oyelami urges Christians to rebuild broken walls

 

Men Missionary Union, MMU, of First Baptist Church, Gwagwalada Abuja has celebrated this year’s Emphasis Sunday.

The 2026 Emphasis Sunday themed “Restorer of Broken Walls” was drawn from the book of Nehemiah chapter 1 verse 1 to 9.

Delivering a sermon to mark the occasion, the Minister in charge of the Church, Reverend Deji Oyelami, admonished christians to rebuild whatever walls that have fallen in their service to God.

Reverend Oyelami, who expressed concern over the attitude of some christians towards the gospel, stressed the need for christians to be in the vanguard of rebuilding any fallen walls in their various denominations and society towards ensuring the betterment of the country.

He identified lack of family values, immorality, dishonesty, lack of transparency, patriotism among others as some of the broken walls that needed rebuilding towards repositioning the country for greatness.

According to the Clergyman, propagating the gospel of Jesus Christ and upholding the principles and guidance of the word of God must be strictly adhered to for building the broken walls either in Churches and the society in general.

While admonishing the congregation to allow God to rebuild the broken walls in their lives, Reverend Deji Oyelami emphasized the need for Christians to shun unbiblical messages and false preachers to avoid missing the tracks.

Speaking on the theme of this year’s Emphasis Sunday “Restorer of Broken Walls”, the President of Men Missionary Union, MMU, of the Church, Engr. Aderemi Ajibade said the annual programme was to remind Christian Fathers most especially members of MMU in the Baptist family of what is expected of them in their service to God and humanity in line with the injunction of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, NBC.

Engr. Ajibade therefore advised members of MMU to put into practice the lessons of the Emphasis Sunday towards rebuilding broken walls in their lives and endeavours.

While wishing members of MMU of the Church a blessed Emphasis Sunday stated that the Union would continue to embark on programmes and activities that would strengthen the faith of members in God.

News Politics February 15, 2026 Umahi to Obi: It’s not yet Southeast’s turn to produce president

 

Minister of Works Dave Umahi has said former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, should be clearly told that the time has not come for the Igbo to produce Nigeria’s president, cautioning that his ambition should not place the people of the Southeast at risk.

The minister also disclosed that the current administration met 2,068 ongoing projects valued at ₦13 trillion before the removal of fuel subsidy and the flotation of the naira.

Umahi made the remarks while speaking with journalists during an inspection of the reconstruction of the 56-kilometre Aba section of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway in Abia State.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu, through appointments and projects initiated in the Southeast since assuming office in 2023, has addressed the marginalisation previously experienced by the region.

During the inspection, which also covered the Alaoji Railway overhead bridge and the Obehie axis, the minister cited projects such as the Onitsha–Owerri and Enugu–Abakaliki corridors as evidence that the region is no longer neglected.

“Unless we are not telling ourselves the truth, there is no more marginalisation in the Southeast,” Umahi stated.

“We have never had a Minister of Works from this region until now. It is time for the Southeast to be strategic and support President Tinubu. We should tell our brother, Peter Obi, that it is not yet our turn.”

He added that the Southeast must build alliances with other parts of the country, noting that the 2027 general election offers an opportunity for the Igbo to reciprocate what he described as the President’s goodwill towards the zone.

“To have given Southeast the Minister of Works portfolio, we have never been Minister of Works, and you can see the product and the intention and good heart of the President, and so, it is time for a payback. You all know the amount of work from Port Harcourt to Enugu; there is no section of this work that is not going on for completion.

“Never in the history of Nigeria have we benefited as such. I was a Deputy Governor and then Governor for 8 years. No single project came to that state, but today, we can boast of a number of projects that are ongoing. We can boast of trillions of naira projects going on in the Southeast, like in other regions.

“The test legacy project of the President is in the Southeast. We have a service chief, we have key appointments and a lot that is going on in the Southeast under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. So, it is time to support the President; the people of the Southeast should support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We should not engage in sentiments. We should not engage in non-strategic moves. We should tell our brother, Peter Obi, that it is not yet our turn; when it is our turn, Nigerians and Southeast people will know when it is our turn.”

On the number of projects nationwide, Umahi said, “We inherited 2,068 ongoing projects totaling ₦13tn before the removal of fuel subsidy and naira flotation.

“To ensure these jobs don’t stop, we have migrated contractors like Arab Contractors to the Sukuk fund. They have ₦2bn to claim immediately, and with the 2025 budget allocations, they will have access to ₦4.7bn by the end of this month.”

At the Obehie axis, where work is being handled by CCECC and indigenous contractor JRB, the minister commended the performance of local firms. He also announced a new construction approach, introducing reinforced concrete pavement on the Port Harcourt-bound lane to guarantee durability for at least 50 years.

“We are building roads, not just constructing them. JRB has been mobilised on emergency grounds to fast-track the remaining sections.”

Umahi further directed contractors working on the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway to meet a May 15, 2024, deadline for the commissioning of the Aba to Imo River section by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Responding to criticism over transparency, he said: “They want me to be accountable, and I enjoy it. I am presiding over the funds of the Federation. If you have a petition, send it to the ICPC. Our projects are open for verification.”

(SUN)

News February 15, 2026 NSA : El-Rufai raises alarm over alleged toxic chemical purchase

 

A former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has written to the Office of the National Security Adviser, requesting clarification over what he described as information circulating among opposition leaders about the alleged purchase of a toxic chemical.

In a letter dated January 30, 2026, and addressed to the National Security Adviser in Abuja, El-Rufai said he was seeking “clarification and reassurance” concerning reports that the office intended to import thallium sulphate.

He shared a copy of the correspondence on his official X handle on Sunday.

The former governor described the substance as dangerous and strictly regulated, noting that the situation required openness.

“I am writing as a concerned citizen to seek clarification and reassurance regarding information available to the political opposition leadership about a procurement of approximately 10 kilograms of Thallium Sulphate by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), reportedly from a supplier in Poland.

“Given that thallium salts are highly toxic and tightly controlled substances, I believe it is important – for public safety, democratic accountability and for maintaining public trust – to confirm the following details”, the letter partly read.

He identified six areas where he wants explanations, including “the intended purpose and end-use of the imported thallium sulphate, the identity of the supplier and whether the importation followed due authorisation, the quantity and concentration involved, storage arrangements, and the regulatory oversight and coordination in place with NAFDAC, NCDC, and relevant public-health and environmental agencies.”

El-Rufai also asked, “whether any public-health risk assessments or hazard-mitigation plans have been developed, given the compound’s extreme toxicity.”

While stating that the request was not made with ill intent, he maintained that transparency would help strengthen public confidence in national institutions.

He also sought further engagement from the security office.

“I want to stress that this inquiry is made in good faith, solely to ensure that due processes, safety standards, and transparency are observed.

“Public confidence in the integrity of national institutions is strengthened when potential risks are openly addressed and managed.

“If possible, I would appreciate a response or a point of contact within your office for further engagement to reassure those of us that are Nigerian citizens in opposition,” the letter added.

He added that copies of the letter were sent to other relevant agencies.

“For completeness, I am copying this correspondence to NAFDAC and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), both of which play essential roles in chemical safety and public-health preparedness,” he said.

THE development comes shortly after security operatives attempted to arrest him at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Recall that El-Rufai, in an interview on Arise TV on Friday, alleged that he discovered a plan to arrest him upon his return to the country on Thursday through a leaked conversation from the NSA’s phone.

“Ribadu made the call because we listened to their calls. The government thinks that they’re the only ones that listen to calls. But we also have our ways. He made the call. He gave the order that they should arrest me”, he said in the interview.

The issue also comes amid growing debate over election cycles, national security operations and the role of oversight institutions, with opposition figures repeatedly calling for greater transparency in federal procurements.

As of the time of filing this report, the Office of the National Security Adviser had not issued any public response to the letter.

News Security February 15, 2026 Coalition endorses Nigeria–U.S. military ties, insists sovereignty not threatened

 

The Citizens for Strategic Defence Cooperation (CSDC), a pro-security advocacy coalition, has expressed support for the Federal Government’s move to expand military cooperation with the United States Armed Forces, maintaining that Nigeria’s sovereignty has not been compromised.

In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, the group characterised the development as a “measured and strategic partnership” aimed at reinforcing the country’s campaign against terrorism, insurgency and transnational criminal networks.

The coalition stated that conversations around the presence of U.S. military personnel in Nigeria should be anchored on facts instead of emotional reactions.

“Our sovereignty is not for sale, and it has not been compromised,” the statement signed by CSDC Secretary, Abdulmajid Danladi read.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain in full operational control of all security activities within our territory. Any cooperation with foreign partners is structured, limited and governed by Nigerian law.”

CSDC noted that Nigeria has a history of defence cooperation with allied countries, particularly in training, intelligence exchange and capacity development. It added that the changing nature of security threats—ranging from terrorism and banditry to piracy and cybercrime—demands joint responses.

According to the group, deeper engagement with the United States Department of Defense would open access to advanced training, intelligence systems and modern operational practices.

“Modern warfare is technology-driven. Intelligence gathering, surveillance and counter-terror strategies are globalised. Refusing to cooperate with international allies would isolate Nigeria at a time when collaboration is essential,” the group noted.

The coalition praised the leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces under the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, describing the decision as “forward-looking” and in line with the long-standing diplomatic and security ties between Nigeria and the United States.

It also stressed that the presence of foreign troops—where necessary—should not be interpreted as foreign dominance.

“There is a clear difference between cooperation and occupation,” the statement added. “Nigeria is not hosting foreign bases that override its authority. What exists is structured engagement designed to improve the capabilities of our own troops.”

CSDC called on citizens to assess the partnership from a national interest perspective rather than through partisan considerations.

“Our troops deserve every legitimate advantage in confronting violent threats. If collaboration with experienced global partners enhances their safety and effectiveness, then it is a responsible step,” the group said.

The coalition further urged the government to remain transparent and ensure all defence agreements align with constitutional provisions and the country’s foreign policy framework.