₦airaland Forum

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) says Nigeria’s position as the world’s fourth most terrorism-affected country in the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2026 is a clear sign that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is failing to keep the country safe. For the party, this is not just another global ranking. It reflects what many Nigerians are already experiencing: more attacks, more deaths, and communities living in fear, often with little sense of protection or presence from those in charge.

The position was contained in a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, who pointed to fresh data showing a steady rise in violence and its growing impact on civilians.

“Against the deeply troubling backdrop of yet another deadly terrorist attack in Borno State, where dozens of Nigerians have been killed and many more injured, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reviewed the newly released Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2026, which delivers a clear and troubling verdict on the state of insecurity in Nigeria today.

“Nigeria is now ranked the 4th most terrorism-affected country in the world. That is not an abstract statistic. It is a direct reflection of the failure of the Bola Tinubu-led APC government to secure the country,” Abdullahi said.

According to the figures cited, attacks increased from 120 incidents in 2024 to 171 in 2025.

Much of the violence is concentrated in Borno State, which accounts for 67 per cent of attacks and 72 per cent of deaths. Civilians now make up 67 per cent of those killed, a sign of how exposed ordinary people have become.

“At a moment when Nigerians are grieving and communities across the country are living under constant threat, Tinubu, his National Security Adviser, and the Minister of Defence are abroad. The contrast is clear: a country in crisis, and a leadership that is absent,” the party stated.

The ADC also pointed to the continued activities of groups like Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram, as well as the emergence of new actors such as Lakurawa, warning that the situation is evolving rather than improving.

An unidentified individual staged a one man protest against Tinubu during his visit to Windsor. The man, who came with a covered placard, kept shouting on the streets of Windsor

"Tinubu of Nigeria is a drug baron!"

"Tinubu of Nigeria is a drug baron!"

"Tinubu, go and settle your problems with America!"

"Tinubu is killing us!"

"Tinubu is a drug baron!"


The man kept shouting until one of the ushers asking him to leave the road and go on to the sidewalk.

Borno Government Spends N7.7billion On Boko Haram Rehabilitation In 21 Months As Bombings Persist


A review of Borno State’s budgetary spending has revealed that the government expended about N7.7 billion on the rehabilitation and reintegration of “repentant” Boko Haram members within 21 months, even as insurgent attacks continue across the state.

Findings from the 2025 full-year budget performance document show that N4.3billion was spent on “livelihood support for Repentant Boko Haram members” in 2025 alone.

Of this amount, N1.6 billion was disbursed between October and December, reflecting a significant surge in spending within a three-month period.

The figure adds to an earlier N3.45 billion reportedly spent between January and September 2024 under the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) programme, bringing the total expenditure within the period under review to approximately N7.7 billion.

While the state spent these amounts to rehabilitate 'repentant' Boko Haram members, bombings and killings are yet to be stopped.

Earlier, it was reported that no fewer than 23 persons were confirmed dead, while 108 others sustained varying degrees of injuries following multiple bomb explosions that rocked Maiduguri on Monday evening.

The coordinated attacks occurred at three separate locations across the city, throwing residents into panic and prompting a swift response from security agencies and emergency services.

A statement issued by the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso on Tuesday confirmed the casualty figures.

He revealed that investigations were ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the attacks.

The statement read, “Following the devastating suspected suicide IED explosions that occurred at about 7:24pm on March 16, 2026, at (1) Maiduguri Monday Market, (2) University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital gate, and (3) Post Office Flyover area, Maiduguri."

“Preliminary investigation reveals that the incidents were carried out by suspected suicide bombers. Regrettably, 23 persons lost their lives, while 108 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.”

Daso added that security agencies responded swiftly to contain the situation and prevent further harm.

"The scenes were immediately secured, cordoned off, and subjected to thorough sweep operations by Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit Base 13 Maiduguri to rule out the presence of any additional threats,” he added.

He further noted that a combined team of police tactical units, the military, and other security operatives had been deployed to the affected areas.

Victims of the explosions were promptly evacuated by emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency and the State Emergency Management Agency, to nearby medical facilities where they are currently receiving treatment.

“He commiserated with victims and their families, while assuring the public of the command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property,” he said.

IGBOPROMISE1:
But there’s a natural boundary between Anambra and Delta states, River Niger, so how can anyone begin to claim oyel wells east of the river belong to Delta state? Or am i missing something here?

No doubt the seeds for this injustice were sown in the Buhari gov’t, and i can’t say I’m surprised to be honest! That man and his Fulani hegemonic co-travellers despised the Igbo and relished any opportunity to cheat, ridicule or extra-judiciously murder us!

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reaffirmed that its substantive drug trafficking case against suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, remains firmly on track, clarifying that recent court proceedings discharging him on a separate matter do not affect the ongoing trial.

The agency said the core drug case is scheduled to continue before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, March 16, 2026.

NDLEA’s clarification follows the decision of Justice James Omotosho, who discharged Kyari in a 23-count charge relating to alleged money laundering and non-declaration of assets.

The anti-narcotics agency stressed that the ruling pertains to a different case and should not be confused with the main drug prosecution.

Reacting to inquiries on whether the agency would challenge the ruling, NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, explained that the prosecution team has been directed to obtain the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment before determining the next legal step.

He emphasized that the matter decided by Justice Omotosho is distinct from the substantive drug charges pending before Justice Nwite, noting that the latter remains active and unaffected.

The spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Babafemi, in a statement on Thursday, said: “First, I need to clarify that the ruling by Justice Omotosho is completely different from the main and substantive drug case which continues before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, March 16, 2026. That one is very much on course.”

He added that the prosecution team would review the detailed judgment upon receipt of the CTC to guide the agency’s management in deciding whether an appeal is warranted.

The development underscores the complex legal battles facing the suspended senior police officer, as the NDLEA maintains its resolve to pursue the substantive drug allegations to their conclusion in court.

Nigerian Immigration Officers Arrest, Extort Money From Youths Travelling To Visit Nnamdi Kanu, Dump Them In Zamfara

Three Nigerian youths travelling from Kano to Sokoto to visit the detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, have accused officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service of arresting, detaining and extorting money from them before abandoning them stranded in Zamfara State.

A source familiar with the incident told SaharaReporters that the travellers were intercepted and held for about seven hours during the journey. A source familiar with the incident told SaharaReporters that the travellers were intercepted and held for about seven hours during the journey.

“On our way to visit Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in Sokoto we were arrested and detained here for 7hrs, extorted and left us stranded in Zamfara state by Nigeria immigration,” the source said.

A video obtained by SaharaReporters captured moments showing the three youths during their detention by immigration officials.

Speaking during an exclusive interview with SaharaReporters, one of the victims, who identified himself as Cruise Naija, narrated how the incident unfolded on Sunday.

“On Sunday, while travelling from Kano to Sokoto to visit Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, we were stopped by immigration officers at the entrance of Zamfara State. After searching our vehicle, they asked me and my colleague (the shadow dancer) to step down,” he said. According to him, the officers accused them of attempting to travel illegally to Libya despite their explanation that they were heading to Sokoto.

“They accused us of attempting to travel to Libya. We firmly denied this allegation and explained that we were simply on our way to Sokoto. Despite this, they searched our bags and thoroughly examined our phones,” he said.

He added that the situation escalated after officers allegedly discovered photographs of him with activist and politician Omoyele Sowore and other activists on his phone.

“During the search of my phone, they saw photographs of me with Omoyele Sowore and other Nigerian activists. From that moment, they concluded that I am an activist. They immediately seized my phone and refused to allow me access to it,” he said.

The victim alleged that repeated pleas to contact family members or associates were ignored by the officers.

“I pleaded with them to let me make calls so that people would know my whereabouts, but they refused. Instead, they repeatedly warned us about how dangerous the area was,” he added.

He further claimed that the officers demanded large sums of money before allowing them to proceed with their journey.

“We were taken into a room where we met five other people, two young girls and three men. The officers told us that if we wanted to continue our journey, we would have to pay ₦200,000, plus ₦30,000 for transportation to Sokoto,” he said.

According to him, after prolonged arguments, the officers allegedly reduced the demand to ₦50,000, which the travellers still could not afford.

“They continued threatening us, saying bandits could attack at any moment and that the area was unsafe,” he said.

He also alleged that two young female travellers paid ₦230,000 after pressure from the officers.

“I tried to advise them to reconsider… The officers immediately shut me down and warned me not to speak to them. One officer stated that all they cared about was collecting their money, and that whatever happened to the girls afterward was none of their concern,” he alleged.

The victims claimed that the officers later arranged for a truck to transport the girls onward.

Eventually, after continued pressure, the youths said a Point-of-Sale (POS) operator was brought in, and they transferred ₦30,000 before being allowed to leave.

“Shockingly, shortly after leaving the checkpoint, the driver stopped and claimed he had only been given ₦3,000, not ₦30,000. We were left stranded without money and had to start calling people to send us funds so we could continue our journey,” he said.

In January, SaharaReporters reported how the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed an ex parte application filed by the imprisoned leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, seeking his transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Facility.

Justice James Omotosho dismissed the application after Kanu’s lawyer announced his withdrawal from the case.

Kanu’s lawyer, Demdoo Asan, a senior legal officer with the Legal Aid Council, at the resumed hearing of the application on Tuesday, informed the court of his decision to step aside from the matter, citing irreconcilable differences between him and the applicant.

Asan told the court that since the last adjourned date, he had maintained regular telephone communication with Kanu’s relatives, who were expected to visit the Legal Aid Council office to depose to the application.

Suspected Lakurawa Terrorists Kill Dozens In Coordinated Attacks Across Kebbi Communities


At least 34 people were reportedly killed on Wednesday in a spate of coordinated attacks by suspected Lakurawa terrorists across communities in Arewa Local Government Area (LGA) of Kebbi State.

According to security analyst
Bakatsine, on Thursday, the violence, which started in the morning and continued into the afternoon, has left families devastated and forced many residents to flee their homes for safety.

The hardest-hit community was Mamunu, where 16 people were killed. Awashaka lost five youths, while Masama recorded three fatalities. Gorin Dena, Kamzo, Dan Mai Rago, Tungar Bature, and Tungar Tsoho communities each lost two residents in the deadly attacks.

However, by nightfall, fear gripped residents across the wider Kangiwa axis, with many expressing concern over the possibility of further violence.

According to the security analyst, local sources said the assailants appeared highly coordinated, moving swiftly between settlements in what has become one of the deadliest single-day incidents in the area in recent months.

He explained that the attacks highlight the worsening security situation in Kebbi North Senatorial District.

According to the report, residents have voiced frustration over inadequate response from authorities and are calling on the Kebbi State Government and Arewa LGA leadership to implement stronger measures to prevent further loss of life.

When SaharaReporters contacted the Kebbi State Police Command spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman, he said he would respond but had yet to do so as of the time this report was filed.

The monarch of Agamọ Community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Kehinde Falodun, has reportedly been killed by suspected bandits.

It was gathered that the traditional ruler was murdered on Wednesday evening while resisting an attempt by the gunmen to abduct him.

A source in the community said about 10 armed men stormed the palace and attempted to kidnap the monarch, but he resisted them.

According to the source, when the assailants allegedly shot at him several times and the bullets did not penetrate, they reportedly struck his head with a heavy object, leading to his death.

Confirming the incident to our correspondent in a statement on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ondo State Police Command, Mr Abayomi Jimoh, said an investigation had commenced into the matter.

According to him, efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.

“The victim was later found a few metres away with gunshot wounds. He was confirmed dead at the scene.

“Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), alongside tactical teams from the command, promptly mobilised officers in collaboration with local security outfits.

“Atuluse Security, local hunters, and Amotekun operatives also assisted in combing adjoining bushes and surrounding areas in a bid to apprehend the perpetrators. Efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.

“Monitoring and surveillance activities have been intensified across the area to ensure the safety of residents and prevent further breakdown of law and order.

“The public is assured that no stone will be left unturned in bringing those responsible for the heinous act to justice,” he said.

PUNCH Online reports that the incident comes weeks after suspected bandits attacked Ayede Community in the same local government area and abducted a pregnant woman, Mrs Mary Jesulayomi, who was later released after a ransom was reportedly paid.

Days after that incident, the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, arrested 12 men suspected of being involved in banditry in the area.

Residents have expressed concern over the growing insecurity in Akure North, calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to restore peace in the affected communities.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said this on his Facebook wall:

This morning, I was in Gwarinpa with other leaders of our party, the African Democratic Congress ADC), including my brother, H.E. Peter Obi, ahead of the Saturday, February 21 FCT Council elections

We have been speaking with voters about why this election is important and why ADC candidates should be the right choice

This election is very important. It will say a lot about how ready the managers of our elections are to deliver free, fair and credible polls. It will also say a lot about how ready people are to chase the APC out.

I have encouraged voters to come out in large numbers to vote for ADC candidates across all FCT Councils in the elections.

Our party has fielded candidates with competence, capacity and character to offer quality leadership across local councils in Abuja
Voters have the responsibility to defy all forms of intimidation, and make the right choice.

The APC-led Federal Government under Bola Tinubu has failed citizens on many fronts. Ilt has failed to fix the economy. It has failed to fix our education. It has failed to keep our country safe. It has pushed the citizens of a rich nation into deeper poverty. It has allowed criminal elements to hold citizens to ransome

APC must be voted out in the coming elections, and we should start with the FCT elections! -AA[

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has declared that the opposition must remain resolute in its efforts to unseat the government of President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, following an alleged attempt by security agencies to detain him at an airport.


Addressing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar when he visited him, El-Rufai said the incident strengthened his determination to work toward Tinubu’s removal from office.

“Your Excellency, I assure you that what happened today has further reinforced my belief that we must work hard. We must not sleep between now and March 2027 until we remove this tyrant from office,” he said.


He described the airport episode as “unfortunate, totally unnecessary, and probably criminal,” alleging that the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) used operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) to detain him and hand him over to the anti-graft agency without prior invitation.

El-Rufai stated that while the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had previously invited him for questioning, his lawyer informed the commission that he was out of the country and would appear on Monday at 10 a.m. He maintained that he had received no communication from the ICPC before the airport incident.

The former governor further alleged that the ICPC acted on the orders of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, accusing the government of using security agencies for political purposes. He warned that such actions undermine democratic institutions and claimed the administration was attempting to retain power at all costs.

His words: “Your Excellency, I assure you that what happened today has further reinforced my belief that we must work hard, we must not sleep between now and March 2027 until we remove this tyrant from office.

“Your Excellency what happened at the airport today as you correctly observed is quite unfortunate, total unnecessary and probably criminal as well. “This is because agencies have rules of engagement and all I asked for was give me a letter of invitation and I will visit your office.

“But it turned out that it was the ICPC that procured the DSS to abduct me and hand me over to them. The ICPC has never contacted me or sort to invite me up to the point we were at the airport.

“The EFCC had written, inviting me but I was out of the country, my lawyer wrote to them that I will return and be there on Monday at 10am.

“ICPC I have never heard anything from them. We understand that it was the ICPC not EFCC that was responsible for what happened.

ICPC chairman was acting on direct orders from Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security of Adviser. We have reduced security agencies to be arms of a political party and a government that knows its unelectable and wants to remain in power at all cost”.

IkeOnyia:
The Senate a few hours ago passed the amended elecoral act requiring optional transmission of election results either electronically or manually. This is a step in the right direction. Peter Obi and his agents of destabilization planned on holding the nation hostage with the cynical mandatory electronic transmission of results but now their plan have hit the rocks. Nigeria wins again.

IkeOnyia:
What is the difference? It still shows that he is dull.