Day: February 8, 2026

NCC reaffirms commitment to regional digital integration in West Africa

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reiterated its commitment to strengthening regional collaboration and digital integration among telecommunications regulators in the West African sub-region. The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, reaffirmed this position when the Commission hosted a high-level delegation from the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) at its headquarters in Abuja. Speaking during the visit, Maida who was represented by the Director of Corporate Planning, Strategy and Risk Management, Dr. Kelechi Nwankwo said the NCC remained committed to continuous collaboration with sister regulatory institutions within…

Troops recover 529 rustled livestock after gun battle with Terrorists in Katsina

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Headquarters 17 Brigade have recorded a major operational success with the recovery of 529 rustled livestock following a fierce engagement with suspected terrorists in Kafur Local Government Area of Katsina State. The operation was carried out by troops of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Malumfashi, led by the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel M.M. Isa, after actionable intelligence revealed the movement of terrorists around Kasuwan Sabo area of Kafur on February 7, 2026. Military sources disclosed that the suspects were believed to have infiltrated the area…

NAFC marks WASA 2025 as COAS assures improved operational capacity in 2026

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has assured Nigerians that the Nigerian Army will record enhanced operational effectiveness in tackling crime and other security threats nationwide in 2026. The assurance was given on Saturday, 7 February 2026, during the West African Social Activities (WASA) 2025 of the Nigerian Army Finance Corps (NAFC), held at the Headquarters Command Finance Office Football Field, Arakan Cantonment, Apapa, Lagos. Represented at the event by the Commander Corps of Signals, Major General MT Abdullahi, the COAS disclosed that the Nigerian Army…

MURIC Sokoto condemns INEC’s plan to hold FCT Area Council Elections during Ramadan

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Sokoto State Chapter, has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its decision to fix the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections for Saturday, February 21, 2026, a date that coincided with the holy month of Ramadan. Speaking on the development, the Chairman of MURIC in Sokoto State, Dr. Muhammad Mansur Aliyu, Esq., described the decision as insensitive, exclusionary and discriminatory against Muslims, particularly residents of the FCT. He explained that Ramadan is a sacred period marked by fasting from dawn to sunset,…

FRSC averts major disaster as fuel Tanker crashes in Kaduna

Lukman Laleye Babalola

A potential disaster was averted on Sunday morning in Kaduna following the swift intervention of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) after a loaded fuel tanker crashed at NEPA Roundabout along Ahmadu Bello Way. The incident, which occurred at about 7:15 a.m. on February 8, 2026, involved a lone tanker that fell on the roadway, raising fears of a possible fire outbreak and secondary accidents in the busy area. According to the FRSC Kaduna State Sector Command, a distress call was received shortly after the crash, prompting the immediate deployment…

Senate to reconvene Tuesday for emergency plenary sitting

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Senate will on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, reconvene for an emergency plenary sitting, following a directive by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio. The decision was conveyed in a statement issued and signed by the Clerk of the Senate, Mr. Emmanuel Odo, who urged all senators to ensure their attendance. According to the statement, the emergency session is scheduled to commence at 12:00 noon.   Although the agenda for the sitting was not disclosed, the unusual recall of lawmakers from recess suggests the consideration of urgent national…

FG reopens Tsamiya Border corridor to enhance legitimate trade, tighten border security

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Government has approved the reopening of the Tsamiya Border Corridor in Kebbi State as part of sustained efforts to strengthen border governance, boost legitimate transit trade, and enhance national security. The development was disclosed during a high-level stakeholders’ engagement convened by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi. The forum brought together key stakeholders including security agencies, traditional rulers, economic operators, and international customs representatives to deliberate on practical measures for reinforcing Nigeria’s north-west border architecture while ensuring seamless…

NITDA taps ITU expertise to fast-track Nigeria’s digital skills,connectivity drive

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has strengthened its collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as part of ongoing efforts to accelerate Nigeria’s digital development and deepen inclusive access to information and communication technologies. This followed a courtesy visit to NITDA headquarters in Abuja by the Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT), Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, who was accompanied by the ITU Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Emmanuel Manasseh. The delegation was received on behalf of NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, by the Director of Corporate…

MURIC Abuja congratulates Mazi Dawud Amuta on appointment as Imo Muslim Pilgrims Board Chairman

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Abuja Chapter, has congratulated Mazi Dawud Amuta on his appointment as the Chairman of the Imo State Muslim Pilgrims Board, describing the development as well-deserved and timely. In a release issued in Abuja on February 8, 2026, the Chairman of the Abuja Chapter of MURIC, Ustaz Yunus Salahudeen, alongside the organisation’s Public Relations Officer, Lukman Laleye Babalola, said the appointment reflected Amuta’s integrity, dedication to Islamic service, and long-standing commitment to the welfare of the Muslim Ummah, particularly in Imo State. They noted that the…

Iran, Beware the Fangs of January, the Scourge of February, the Ides of March, by Hassan Gimba (3)

Emporium Reporters

Israel’s message to one of the intermediaries was that it would not participate in the US attack, and therefore asked Iran not to target it. This request was also met with a negative response from Iran, which explicitly stated that with the start of US military action, Israel would be attacked. This made Netanyahu threaten to attack Iran with a force “1,000 times more than they have known”, alluding to the use of nuclear bombs. The US and Europe have been, as part of their propaganda, telling whoever cares to…