Ebonyi Crisis: Military Intervention Not Targeted At Amasiri – Nigerian Army Clarify

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February 8, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigerian Army on Sunday February 8, 2026, said their presence in the embattled Amasiri Community and environs is to protect innocent and law-abiding residents, restore normalcy, as well as prevent further security breaches.

The Source reports that ever since its reported invasion and killings of some indigenes of its neighbours, Okporojor community, Amasiri has been completely taken over by security personnel drawn from multiple agencies.

Four persons were beheaded, several others abducted, with several homes equally razed when some local Amasiri warriors allegedly invaded and attacked Okporojor neighbours on Thursday, February, 29, 2026.

Several others including women and children were also taken away by the invading attackers.

A statement on Sunday by Lt Col Olabisi Ayeni , the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army Enugu, insisted that the intervention of troops and other sister security agencies in the Communities involved in the festering and deadly communal clashes is to restore normalcy, and not an invasion.

The Army response is coming amidst the condemnation of security presence in Amasiri and neighbouring communities by some media outlets and social critics who are accusing the military of invasion and brutalities against the people.

A viral video in circulation on social media, depicts journalists and others criticizing the deployment of troops and other security operatives to the Amasiri Community and environs.

The Nigerian Army, however, noted that the occupation and brutalities narratives are both misleading, mischievous and do not reflect the true intentions of the joint security operation in the beleaguered communities.

“Troops were deployed as a direct response to the gruesome killings and beheadings of four individuals in Okporojor village , Edda LGA, and subsequent discoveries of shallow graves containing mutilated bodies in Amasiri.

“These atrocities demanded urgent intervention to restore peace, protect innocent lives, and bring perpetrators to justice.

“The Ebonyi State Government, in line with its constitutional responsibility to safeguard lives and property, therefore, imposed a curfew, and temporarily closed schools in Amasiri to prevent escalation and ensure public safety.

“The security agencies were deployed to enforce the curfew, ensure uninterrupted investigations and security operations, protect medical teams, and manage the humanitarian implications of the crisis”, Ayeni stated.

The Army spokesperson noted that the intervention of the security team drawn from the police, the Department of State Service, DSS, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, have been conducting its operations based strictly on credible intelligence, and with emphasis on patrols, cordon-and-search operations, as well as forensic exhumation in the affected areas.

According to him, security personnel based on the receipt of credible intelligence have been able to locate multiple shallow graves where victims of the deadly communal clashes, including women and children were buried.

Ayeni explained that the discovery of these shallow graves underscores the large scale carnage and crimes committed, and the urgent need for security intervention to dismantle criminal syndicates with a view to preventing further violence.

This is as he rejected claims suggesting that the intervention is solely targeted at the people of Amasiri Community.

“It is important to stress that the deployment of troops is not targeted at the people of Amasiri, but at criminal elements exploiting communal tensions to perpetrate heinous crimes.

“The operation is intelligence-led, professional, and conducted in partnership with local leadership to ensure transparency and accountability”, the Army added.

Senate Summons Emergency Session For Tuesday

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Ayodele Oni

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February 8, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Senate is due for an emergency session on Tuesday, according to the President, Godswill Akpabio.

The development was disclosed on Sunday in a statement signed by the clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo.

Mr Odo explained that all senators are invited to attend the emergency plenary.

“The president of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has directed the reconvening of plenary for an emergency sitting on Tuesday, February 10th, 2026,” the statement read in part.

Mr Odo further noted that the emergency plenary will commence at 12:00 noon.

The Nigerian Senate has been embroiled in a controversy over a proposed amendment to the Electoral Act that would mandate the real-time electronic transmission of election results, which the Senate rejected last week.

Following the development, the Senate and Akpabio in particular, faced widespread criticism over allegations that he had passed a motion contrary to what the majority of senators agreed on.

Former Senate President and National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, had said at a forum in Abuja that the Senate President could not speak on behalf of the ADC, adding that the party’s demand—and that of many Nigerians—was straightforward.

Mark pointed out that there was no need for lengthy explanations or justifications, stressing that all the ADC was asking for was for the National Assembly to pass the amendment with provisions for real-time transmission of results, and allow the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to determine its feasibility.

“The National Assembly should pass the law and let INEC complain if there is a problem,” Mark said, noting that neither INEC nor Nigerians are currently complaining about real-time transmission, but rather demanding greater transparency and credibility in elections.

Bishop Kukah Says Nigeria’s Democracy Lacks Values, Principles

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Akinwale Kasali

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February 8, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

His Lordship Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, has faulted Nigeria’s democracy, raising concerns over its weak values and principles.

The revered Clergyman warned that the country’s democratic system thrives despite persistent contradictions and a lack of meaningful change.

He stressed that democracy must be understood and protected because it remains the most viable framework for societal stability.

“Democracy is not perfect, but it is preferable to alternatives,” he said, citing Winston Churchill.

He made this remark at the 10th Convocation ceremony of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, FUOYE, where he was also conferred with an Honorary Degree.

Kukah highlighted that despite protests, court actions, and civil society efforts, political systems in Nigeria often continue without accountability. He added that democracy, as an equal-opportunity system, allows nations to thrive, but institutional culture and citizen attitudes in Nigeria have yet to fully align with democratic ideals.

“There are people who grumble, people who are taken to prison, people who end up as widows, and people in civil society who protest or go to court, yet everything continues as usual. Even when over 80 or 90 per cent of votes are not fully accounted for, normalcy returns,” Kukah said.

He urged Nigerians to embrace the principles of democracy and hold political leaders accountable, noting that empty promises have often hindered genuine national progress.

His remarks underscores the importance of ethical leadership, civic responsibility, and education in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

Insecurity: Kogi Orders Closure Of Major Markets

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Ayodele Oni

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February 8, 2026

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Usman Ahmed Ododo - Governor of Kogi State

By Ayodele Oni

In an attempt to cut off food and other logistics supplies to bandits, not less than 40 major markets where farm produce is being sold in Kogi state have been shut down as part of security measures.

Kogi State Government announced the temporary closure of the selected markets and motor parks across parts of Kogi West Senatorial District, as part of intensified and coordinated security operations, aimed at flushing out terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements operating within the state.

This is coming few days after the state government announced indefinite closure of public and private schools in the state.

The announcement was made in a press statement issued on Sunday, February 8, 2026, by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, who clarified that the measure is in support of ongoing clearance operations being carried out in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and heads of security agencies in Kogi State.

According to the statement, the temporary closure is intended to cut off logistics, restrict the movement of consumables, and deny criminal elements and their informants access to food supplies and other forms of support during the security exercise.

The directive affects selected communities across seven Local Government Areas of the state.

In Lokoja Local Government Area, the affected locations include Oshokoshoko Market and Motor Park, as well as Jakura, Ogbagbon, Agbaja, Atsawa, Obajana, Apata, Abugi, Amomi, Ebee, and Budon, where markets and motor parks will remain closed for the duration of the operation.

In Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, the temporary closure applies to markets and motor parks in Ike Bunu, Aba Marian (Isado), Ofere, Abaa Dola (Ihale Bunu), Aiyede, Oke Offin, Aiyegunle Bunu, Okebukun, Odo Ape Bunu, Agbadu Bunu, and Agbede Apa Bunu.

For Yagba West Local Government Area, affected communities include Okoloke, Isanlu Esa, Okunran, Ogbe, Ejiba, Odo Eri, Igbaruku, Iyamerin, Ogga, Omi, Odo Ara, and Oke Ere, where markets and motor parks have also been shut temporarily.

In Yagba East Local Government Area, the closure covers Irunda Ile, Iyeh Ilotin, Gada, Odogbe, and Ilafin, with all markets and motor parks remaining closed throughout the period of the security operations.

In Kogi Local Government Area, the temporary closure covers the Rice Market at Adingere, Koton Karfe, Okpareke, Girinya, the Okro Market at Opanda, and the Perishable Market at Edeha.

In Mopamuro Local Government Area, markets and motor parks in Otafun Amuro, Oroke Amuro, Takete Ide Amuro, Okeagi, Illai, Ilemo, and Ijagbe are also included in the shutdown.

In Ijumu Local Government Area, the affected markets include Ayegunle Gbedde, Iyah Gbedde, Ayetoro Gbedde, Ayeh Gbedde, Iluhagba, Odokoro, and Okoro Markets, which will remain closed for the duration of the security operations.

The State Government emphasized that the action is strictly temporary and will be lifted immediately after the successful conclusion of the security operations.

The neighbouring state of Kwara suffered major invasion by bandits last week when Woro and Nuku villages were attacked leaving the death toll to at least162.

“There Are No Plans To Impeach Deputy Governor” – Kano Assembly

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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February 8, 2026

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L-R: Kano State Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo and Governor Abba Yusuf

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State House of Assembly has refuted claims suggesting that plans are in the offing to impeach the State’s Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulssalam Gwarzo, over his refusal to join Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf to defect to the All Progressive Congress, APC.

The Source reports that Governor Yusuf had, a couple weeks ago, joined forces with the ruling party at the centre, after resigning his membership of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP.

His Deputy, alongside other top Government functionaries refused to join, preferring instead to stick with the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

However, the Deputy Governor is believed to be facing immense pressure and threats from some die-hard loyalists of the Governor to either voluntarily resign his position or get impeached.

Only penultimate week, the State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, while speaking during a live programme on Muhasa Radio Kano, urged the Deputy Governor to toe the honourable path of resigning his position, insisting that his decision to remain in opposite political camp with the Governor represents a serious set back for the smooth governance of the State.

But speaking during an interview session with the Media on Saturday in Kano, the spokesperson for the Speaker of the House, Kamarudeen Sani Shawai, distanced the Lawmakers from the insinuations in some media outlets suggesting plans for the impeachment of the Deputy Governor.

“There is absolutely no motion or initiative within the House to remove the Deputy Governor.

“The various reports claiming that there are plans to impeach the Deputy Governor are false, misleading, and, therefore, should be disregarded by the public.

“The Deputy Governor continues to discharge his duties with the full support of the House of Assembly”, Shawai stated.

He emphasized that the legislators are primarily occupied with the onerous task of assisting the executive arm in delivering on the people’s mandate.

“The priority of the House is how to deliver good governance and serving the people of Kano, not in embarking on an unnecessary political voyage”, the Speaker’s media aide added.

This is as he tasked members of the public, particularly the media, on the need to verify information before publications, warning that misleading and mischievous reports could undermine the fragile peace of the State.

President Tinubu For State Visit To UK In March

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Adesina Soyooye

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February 8, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, will in March, embark on a two-day State Visit to the United Kingdom.

This was announced on Saturday by the Royal Communications Unit, Buckingham Palace in a statement.

The state visit, on the invitation of British Monarch, His Royal Majesty, King Charles, is scheduled for March 18, according to the announcement.

To be accompanied by First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, it will be the first state visit to the United Kingdom in 39 years, by a Nigerian President/Head of State.

The first Nigerian Leader to be invited to a state visit by a British Monarch was General Yakubu Gowon in 1973. That was followed by the State Visit in 1981 by President Shehu Shagari. The third was in 1989 by President Ibrahim Babangida. The three State Visits were during the reign of the late Queen Elizabeth 11.

39 years after, it is the turn of President Bola Tinubu.

King Charles, when he was Prince of Wales, had visited Nigeria four times – 1990, 1999, 2006, 2018.

The upcoming visit is not, however, the first time the King would meet with President Tinubu. He had, in 2024, received the President on a private visit. Both had, also, earlier met in November 2023 ahead of the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirate.

PSC Reaffirms Commitment To Data Privacy At National Summit

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The Source

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February 7, 2026

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The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (rtd), has underscored the critical importance of data protection in modern law enforcement at the National Data Privacy Summit 2026.

The summit, with the theme, “Privacy in the Era of Emerging Technologies: Trust, Ethics and Innovation,” was organized by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

Chairman Argungu commended the NDPC and its National Commissioner, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, for their pioneering work in strengthening data privacy nationwide. He highlighted the pivotal role of data in contemporary crime prevention and combat, marking a shift from reliance on physical policing methods.

In his address, the PSC Chairman made a firm commitment to uphold the highest standards of data privacy. “In the ongoing recruitment of 50,000 Police Constables and across all our operations, the PSC is dedicated to strict compliance with NDPC policies on data protection,” he stated. He further reaffirmed the Commission’s sustained partnership with the NDPC at the event which took place yesterday, 4 February 2026.

The PSC remains focused on integrating ethical data management practices into its mandate to ensure public trust and enhance policing efficiency.

The Police Service Commission is the Federal Executive Body vested with the powers to appoint, promote and exercise disciplinary control over all police officers, with the exception of the Inspector-General of Police, in accordance with the Constitution (FRN 1999 as amended) and the PSC Establishment Act, 2001.

Torty Njoku Kalu,

Spokesman, PSC,

PSC Headquarters, Abuja.

5 February 2026

Again, Three Killed, Catholic Priest, 10 Others Abducted In Kaura, Kaduna State

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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February 7, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye is among 11 persons kidnapped by suspected terrorist elements in the wee hours of Saturday, February 7, 2026, in Karku Community in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna state.

Rev Fr Asuwaye is said to be the Parish Priest in-charge of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku, under the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan.

Three persons were also killed during the attack, which came just days after the last batch of the 177 worshipers abducted in early January from multiple Churches in Kurmi Wali area of Kajuru local council were released from the abductors’ den.

A statement on Saturday from the Kafanchan Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Jacob Shanet informed that the suspected terrorists invaded the Priest’s residence at about 3.00am on Saturday in what he described as a coordinated operation killing three persons, and whisking 11 others, including Rev. Fr. Nathaniel. Asuwaye.

He gave the names of the dead as Jacob Dan’azumi Maitala Kaura and Alhaji Kusari.

The Diocesan Chancellor, while expressing deep sorrow over the unfortunate incident, called on Priests, Christian faithful, and all people of goodwill to pray for the safe and speedy release of the abducted Priest and others.

He also prayed for the repose of the souls of the those that lost their lives during the attack.

As at the time of reporting, neither the Kaduna State Government nor the State Police Command has reacted to the development.

PDP: INEC Clarifies, Says “We Have Not Recognized Any Faction”

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

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February 7, 2026

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Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan - INEC Chairman

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Saturday, February 7, 2026, dismissed claims suggesting that it has accorded recognition to one of the contending factions within the Peoples Democratic party PDP .

The clarification is coming against the backdrop of widespread claims by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike-backed Abdulraham Mohammed-led National Working Committee, NWC of the PDP that it has been recognized as the authentic leadership of the beleaguered party, following the recent Ibadan Federal High Court pronouncement nullifying the November 15 and 16, 2025, Ibadan National Convention of the party which threw up the Tanimu Turaki-led NWC

The speculated recognition had arisen from the attendance of the Wike-backed group at INEC’s interactive session with leaders of political parties on Thursday February 6, 2026, in Abuja.

The Turaki-led PDP National leadership was conspicuously absent at the meeting, further fueling reports that the INEC may have given its stamp of approval to the Abdulraham Mohammed-led NWC .

But at a media briefing on Saturday ,INEC’s Deputy Director, Osilama Ifogah, noted that the attendance of the Wike-backed faction at its meeting does not, in anyway, amount to its recognition as the authentic faction of the PDP.

According to the INEC’s spokesperson, the PDP as a party was invited to the said meeting just the way other parties were invited, not on the basis of individuals.

“Invitations are extended to parties, and not individuals. And they are addressed to the Chairmen and Secretaries.

“Whoever the party sends as their representatives is okay by the Commission because the letters of invitation are sent to the party, not individuals.

“As far as the party is concerned, we are not sure who comes. It is just the party that sends people and it is not the business of INEC to start verifying and questioning such representations.

“As a matter of policy, INEC doesn’t meddle into party’s internal affairs . Most times, you find out that it is either the person will say he/she is representing the Chairman, or the person is the Chairman himself/herself, with the next person probably standing in for the Secretary.

“The bottom line is that as far as the parties are concerned, we (INEC) are not sure who comes. It is just the party that sends people”, Ifogah noted.

He emphasized, however, that no particular faction and group has been recognized as the authentic leadership contrary to widespread insinuations .

According to him, the INEC does not border itself with the leadership and internal crises within political parties.

“The internal crisis of the party has nothing to do with INEC. We don’t border about that. When ever they settle, we work.

“The only thing or advice we usually give the parties is that whatever be the problems at stake, they should settle it before we have activities”, the INEC’s spokesperson added

Wike Rains Curses On Fubara Supporters, Wishes Them Death

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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February 7, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A still embittered Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday went overboard on Saturday in Port Harcourt, and rained curses on anybody, nationwide, no matter his/her status, supporting the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, wished them death.

“Whether you are a Senator, House of Representatives Member, Governor, Minister or appointed officials, and you are supporting betrayal, people will continue to betray you in life. And the day you will be betrayed, you will not have the mouth to complain. There, you will collapse and go, and they will announce your death.”

Wike and Fubara who he chose as his successor in office as Governor, have been at daggers drawn over the political structure, some say the treasury of the State, since 2023.

The crisis has reduced the State to its knees, and Wike, angry over what he sees as a betrayal by the Governor, has shown absolute disdain and disrespect to the office of the Governor and its occupant.

In Port Harcourt on Saturday when the Minister went to commission the office of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, his anger towards Fubara and his supporters boiled over, and he publicly rained curses on them.

His words:

“Whether you are a Senator, House of Representative Member, Governor, Minister or appointed officials, and you are supporting betrayal, people will continue to betray you in life. Betrayal will be your portion.

“And the day you will be betrayed, you will not have the mouth to complain. There, you will collapse, and go, and they will announce your death.

“Every Governor who is presently serving a second term in office, and who has the ambition of choosing a successor, and is supporting betrayal, he will never survive betrayal.

“That is the seed you have sowed; and whatever you sow, you shall reap. Since you are sowing betrayal, betrayal will follow you everywhere you go.”

A, elder of the Peoples Democratic Party who pleaded anonymity, described Wike’s curses, especially, the death wish as crossing the red line. He said: “Because of betrayal? Wike should look in the mirror, and he will see betrayal written all over him. He has cursed himself.”