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 Nigerian Army Recovers Locally Fabricated IEDs in Abia Forest During Clearance Operation Troops of the Nigerian Army's 14 Brigade, Ohafia, have recovered two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during a clearance patrol in Umuchinma Forest, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State. The discovery occurred on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at approximately 9:00 a.m., along the Umuchinma pipeline route leading into the forest. According to a statement from the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 14 Brigade, Captain Mazinho Attah, the IEDs were locally fabricated using 5kg gas cylinders packed with nails, water-gel explosives, two detonators, and electrical cables. The operation was part of intensified security efforts to counter criminal activities linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its affiliated groups, including preparatory actions for the Brigade’s ongoing Operation EASTERN SANITY offensive. Further searches in the area ...

 "I Supported Electronic Transmission of Election Results" – Senator Orji Uzor Kalu Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has declared his full backing for the Senate’s decision to approve electronic transmission of election results directly from polling units. In a statement after today’s emergency plenary, the Senator said: “Today at the emergency plenary, I supported and added my voice to the Senate’s new position approving the electronic transmission of election results from polling units across Nigeria. “With the adoption of the amended Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Act, presiding officers are now permitted to transmit results electronically after Form EC8A has been duly completed and signed. “This means electronic transmission becomes the primary method where the technology is available and functional. However, where it fails or becomes impossible, the duly signed Form EC8A remains the valid and primary source of results. “This balanced approach strengthens transparency, fairness, and...

 Fubara vs Rivers Assembly: I’ve given lawmakers directive to obey Tinubu – Wike The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday disclosed that he has already directed the Rivers State Assembly to “do the needful” by obeying the President’s directives amid the face-off with Governor Sim Fubara. Wike expressed believes that they will carry out his directives and that of President Bola Tinubu without hesitation. The Minister stated this in Abuja, adding that he expects the governor to fulfill his part of the agreement to ensure that Rivers people no longer hear this kind of discord. “I have told the Assembly to do the needful and obey Mr President, which I know they will not hesitate to do. I also believe the governor will carry out his own part to make sure this is the final time Rivers people will hear this kind of discord,” he said.

Raskin claims Trump appears over a million times in unredacted Epstein files Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) said Tuesday that when he searched President Trump’s name in the unredacted Epstein files, it appeared “more than a million times.” Raskin, the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, called the sheer volume of mentions “all over the place” and said it underscores the scale of information in the files, which total more than three million documents. Among the materials Raskin highlighted was a 2009 email exchange between Jeffrey Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. The email paraphrases Trump as saying, “No, Jeffrey Epstein was not a member of Mar-a-Lago, but he was a guest at Mar-a-Lago, and no, we never asked him to leave.” This appears to contradict Trump’s public claim that he expelled Epstein from Mar-a-Lago over inappropriate conduct involving spa workers. Raskin stressed that this email is just one document in millions and that redactions make reviewing the file...

 Emefiele’s Alleged Unlawful Naira Redesign: Court Declines Adjournment by Defence Counsel Over Statement  of MD,  Nigerian Printing and Minting   The trial of the former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele before Justice Maryanne Anineh of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, FCT, High Court, Maitama, Abuja, continued on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 with the refusal of the court to grant a motion of adjournment of proceedings owing to the non-availability of the statement of the managing director of the Nigerian Security  Printing Plc, demanded by the defence counsel      The EFCC is prosecuting Emefiele on a four-count charge of unlawful printing of new naira notes.   At Tuesday’s  proceedings, prosecution counsel, Abbas Mohammed, informed the court that the matter is for the continuation of cross-examination of PW7, and he is in court.   However, defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, raised an objectio...

 Subpoena Dispute Stalls Examination of Access Bank Witness in ₦110.4bn Kogi Fraud Trial   Arguments over the examination of a subpoenaed prosecution witness in the trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, stalled proceedings  before Justice Maryanne Anineh of the Federal High Court, FCT, Abuja.     Bello is standing trial alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on a 16-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and money laundering to the tune of an alleged ₦110.4 billion.   At the resumed proceedings, lead prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed the court that the matter was for continuation of trial and that Prosecution Witness Ten (PW10), Olomotane Egoro, a Compliance Officer with Access Bank, who was under subpoena, was present in court.  Pinheiro subsequently sought to tender the application for the issuance of the subpoena, which was admitted in evidence and marked ...

 INEC Refutes Underage Voter Registration Claim in Ede North The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State has dismissed as false a social media report alleging the registration of underage persons as voters at its Ede North Local Government Office. In a statement, INEC said it observed with concern a Facebook post claiming that students in school uniforms were registered as voters at the Ede North INEC office on Friday, February 6, 2026. The Commission clarified that although some students of YTD Grammar School, Ojoro, Ede, were brought to the INEC office with the intention of registering, electoral officials on duty acted in line with the law and denied them access to the premises. Reaffirming its position, the Commission stated that only Nigerian citizens who have attained the age of 18 years are eligible for voter registration, in accordance with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, and the Electoral Act 2022. The Commission...

 FG Sets To Accelerate Ranching Policy Minister of Livestock Development Idi Mukhtar Maiha says, his ministry is set to accelerate National Ranching Policy to improve livestock production, reduce insecurity and ensure economic prosperity. He disclosed this during an engagement with stakeholders in Livestock production held in Ilorin the Kwara State capital. Aisha Abubakar-Yahaya has the reports that  despite huge potential in livestock production, Nigeria was unable to maximise the benefits of this agricultural sector due to lack of coordination, untill year 2024 when a dedicated ministry was created by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration. Through the Ministry of Livestock Development, the Minister said, the federal government is implementing policies to increase livestock contribution to the national GDP to 74 billion dollars from the  current 32 billion, one of which is the creation of National Livestock Centres. The centers are expected to optimize livestock p...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES AGRICULTURE MINISTER, ABUBAKAR KYARI, ON ELECTION AS IFAD CHAIR   President Bola Tinubu congratulates the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, on his emergence as the new Chairperson of the Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).   Senator Kyari was unanimously elected on Tuesday to head the 49th Governing Council of IFAD, the international body's supreme decision-making authority.   President Tinubu remarks: "The election of the Agriculture and Food Security minister is a confidence vote in his capacity and the reforms he spearheads in Nigeria's agriculture and food security value chain.   "I have confidence that Senator Kyari will give IFAD the right leadership and deepen its relevance and impact, especially at a time of global food security crises."   The President wishes Senator Kyari a successful, impactful tenure a...

 Putin, Ramaphosa discuss peace deal to end Russia-Ukraine war Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a potential settlement in Ukraine during a phone call with his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa, the Kremlin said on Tuesday. In a statement, the Kremlin stated that Ramaphosa expressed support for Russia’s diplomatic efforts toward resolving the Ukraine conflict. "The situation in Ukraine was touched upon. Cyril Ramaphosa expressed support for Russia's efforts aimed at a political and diplomatic resolution of the conflict," the statement read, Anadolu Agency reported. The two leaders also stressed the importance of continuing to coordinate approaches between Russia and South Africa, including within the G20 and the BRICS bloc, and discussed strengthening bilateral economic ties. South Africa has been among the countries offering to mediate in the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which is close to entering its fifth year.

 Zimbabwe cabinet backs bill that would extend Mnangagwa's rule till 2030 Zimbabwe's cabinet backed draft legislation on Tuesday that would change the constitution to extend presidential terms from five years to seven, allowing President Emmerson Mnangagwa to stay in office until 2030. Other proposed changes in the bill presented to cabinet include a provision that the president be elected by parliament rather than through a direct popular vote. Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi told a news briefing that the bill would be sent to the speaker of parliament and published in an official gazette before lawmakers consider it, Reuters reported. Mnangagwa, 83, is currently meant to step down in 2028 after serving two five-year terms, and there has been a succession battle in the ruling ZANU-PF party over who will take over. He came to power after a military coup ousted longtime leader Robert Mugabe in 2017, and opposition politicians have condemned moves by his party to extend his time...

 Egypt approves cabinet reshuffle, state media say Egypt's House of Representatives, the lower house of parliament, approved a relatively limited cabinet reshuffle on Tuesday, state media reported. Mohamed Farid Saleh, who previously served as the executive chairman of the country's Financial Regulatory Authority, was appointed minister of investment and foreign trade. Ahmed Rostom was named minister of planning. He was a senior financial sector specialist at the World Bank. The head of Egypt's State Information Service (SIS), Diaa Rashwan, will lead a revived Ministry of Information. The ministry was dissolved several times in the wake of the 2011 uprising that ousted former President Hosni Mubarak, and in recent years its role has been replaced by media regulatory bodies. Meanwhile, the ministers of finance, foreign affairs, petroleum, supply, defense and interior kept their posts.

 Ethiopia builds secret camp to train Sudan RSF fighters, sources say Ethiopia is hosting a secret camp to train thousands of fighters for the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group in neighbouring Sudan, Reuters reporting has found, in the latest sign that one of the world’s deadliest conflicts is sucking in regional powers from Africa and the Middle East. The camp constitutes the first direct evidence of Ethiopia’s involvement in Sudan’s civil war, marking a potentially dangerous development that provides the RSF a substantial supply of fresh soldiers as fighting escalates in Sudan’s south. Eight sources, including a senior Ethiopian government official, said the United Arab Emirates financed the camp’s construction and provided military trainers and logistical support to the site, a view also shared in an internal note by Ethiopia’s security services and in a diplomatic cable, reviewed by Reuters. The news agency could not independently verify UAE involvement in the project or ...

 CAS MEETS AIR COMPONENT COMMANDERS, OUTLINES ROADMAP FOR SUSTAINED AND INTENSIFIED AIR OPERATIONS The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s uncompromising resolve to intensify air operations against insurgent and terrorist elements, declaring that the Service remains fully committed to decisive, intelligence-driven action across all theatres. Speaking at a high-level strategic meeting with Air Component Commanders (ACCs) on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, the CAS described the engagement as a critical warfighting review forum designed to sharpen operational effectiveness and accelerate the restoration of peace nationwide. He stressed that the gathering enabled commanders to rigorously evaluate ongoing missions, close operational gaps, and align strategies with emerging threats in an increasingly dynamic security environment. Emphasising that counter-insurgency operations demand speed, precision, and relentless pressure on hosti...

Blake Garrett, former child actor from How to Eat Fried Worms, dies at 33 Blake Garrett, a former child actor best known for playing Plug in the family comedy How to Eat Fried Worms, has died in Oklahoma at the age of 33. His mother, Carol Garrett, said he passed away on Sunday, Feb. 8, and the family is awaiting autopsy results to determine an official cause of death. She shared that Blake had visited the emergency room last week due to severe pain and was diagnosed with shingles. She expressed concern that he may have self-medicated to manage the pain, suggesting his death could have been a tragic accident. Born on September 14, 1992, in Austin, Texas, Garrett began performing at age 8 in local theater, taking lead roles such as the magician in Aladdin and his Magical Lamp and Charlie Brown in Peanuts: A Charlie Brown Tribute. His stage credits also included The Wizard of Oz, Annie, and Grease. Garrett earned a Young Artist Award in 2007 for Best Young Ensemble in a Feature Film for ...

 LAGOS TASKFORCE APPREHENDS TWO NOTORIOUS ‘OMOTAKU’ DISCIPLES Operatives of the Lagos State Taskforce have apprehended two notorious street urchins popularly known as Omotaku along the Oshodi–Agunlejika–Apapa Expressway. The suspects, Abiodun Ajasa (44 years) of No. 18 Jimoh Meji Street, off Agunlejika Street, and Junaid Folami of No. 12 Agunlejika Street, Itire-Ikate, were allegedly involved in arresting unsuspecting motorists and extorting money from them whenever their vehicles developed mechanical faults on the highway. The suspects were arrested following a tip-off from a concerned group, ICU – To Save A Soul. Acting swiftly on the intelligence, operatives of the Agency swung into action and apprehended the duo while they were attempting to extort a motorist. The suspects initially claimed to be a bystander and a revenue collector respectively. However, investigations by Taskforce officials confirmed that they are notorious Omotaku operatives who had evaded arrest on several o...

 Noah Wyle honored as ICG Publicists’ television showperson of the year Actor and producer Noah Wyle is set to receive the 2026 Television Showperson of the Year Award from the Publicists of the International Cinematographers Guild (ICG). The honor will be presented at the 63rd annual ICG Publicists Awards luncheon on March 13 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. The award celebrates “professional impact, artistic excellence and special spirit defined as showmanship,” according to the ICG. Wyle currently serves as actor, co-writer, director, and executive producer on the HBO series The Pitt. For his work on the show, he earned top accolades for lead male actor and drama series at the 2025 Emmy Awards, 2026 Golden Globes, and 2026 Critics' Choice Awards, along with two 2026 Actors Awards nominations and recognition for the full cast. Wyle is also widely known for his portrayal of Dr. John Carter on NBC’s ER, which earned him five consecutive Emmy nominations a...

 'ONE-DAY GOVERNOR', OTHERS PAY COURTESY VISIT TO LAGOS HOS … As Agoro Commends SPELLING BEE Winner For Diligence, Dedication  Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, today, hosted Miss. Esther Etiyemonu, the One-Day Governor; Miss Dorcas Awoyemi, her Deputy, and Miss Olaide Jumai Salami, Secretary to the State Government, on a courtesy visit to him in his Office at Alausa. Welcoming the visitors, Mr. Agoro congratulated Miss Etiyemonu and her cabinet members on their achievement, commending their diligence, intelligence, and responsibility in earning the opportunity to serve as leaders of their peers.  He highlighted that the One-Day Governor initiative aimed to expose young people to governance, leadership, Public Service, and inspire students to strive for excellence and civic engagement. Mr. Agoro advised Miss Etiyemonu to view her achievement as a stepping stone for future leadership roles, emphasising the importance of responsibility, service, and integrity....

 LAGOS EDUCATION DISTRICT I, EMPOWERS PRINCIPALS WITH TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP TRAINING The Lagos State Government Education District I, Agege, in collaboration with Africa Brands Review, has successfully organised a capacity-building programme titled “Transformative Principals: Leading 21st Century Schools.” The training, held recently at Girls Senior Secondary School Iyana-Ipaja, brought together principals across the district for an engaging, insightful, and impactful learning, brought together principals across the district for an engaging, insightful, and impactful learning experience aimed at strengthening school leadership and administrative effectiveness. The programme was designed to equip school leaders with the skills, mindset, and strategies required to navigate the evolving demands of modern education. In response to the growing complexities of the 21st-century school environment, the training emphasised transformational leadership, innovation, accountability, teamwor...

 LASG, C40 CITIES PARTNER TO LAUNCH, HANDOVER IKOSI FRUITS MARKET BIOGAS PLANT The Lagos State Government and the C40 Cities on Monday collaborated to launch and hand over the iconic Ikosi Fruit Market Biodigester Plant for the conversion of generated organic waste into energy. Speaking during the Launch and Handing over ceremony, held at the Ketu Fruit Market, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab said that the facility is a resounding success for the Ikosi community, the State and for generations to come. He said Lagos State and C40 cities are not commissioning a facility but unveiling a vision on how Lagos can turn the everyday challenges into powerful opportunities, saying the Biogas Plant represents a bold step in re-imagining waste, not as a burden, but as a valuable resource that can drive sustainability, resilience and inclusive growth. He emphasised that the bio-gas would be used for electricity and cooking gas while the high-quality o...

 I Was Never Tinubu’s Friend; His Administration’s Governing Style Contradicts My Values — El-Rufai Former Kaduna State Governor and ex–Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasir El-Rufai, has rejected claims that he fell out personally with President Bola Tinubu, saying there was never any personal relationship between them to begin with. El-Rufai made the clarification on Monday during an interview on Trust TV, explaining that his support for Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election was based on party loyalty and political calculations, not friendship. “I was never Tinubu’s friend. We didn’t have a personal relationship like the one I had with General Muhammadu Buhari of blessed memory,” he said. According to him, his role in Tinubu’s emergence followed consultations within the All Progressives Congress and broader political considerations ahead of the election. He revealed that the process began after some Islamic leaders from the South-West approached him to support t...

 Marwa mourns fallen officer as NDLEA arrests 6 suspects in bloody Bonny Island raid, Recovers cache of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, skunk, tramadol ABUJA – Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have raided a notorious drug enclave known as Ama Hausa in Bonny Island, Rivers state where six suspects were arrested and a significant cache of illicit substances, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, skunk, and tramadol was recovered.  An NDLEA personnel, Chief Narcotic Agent Sadiq Bako Mujahid, however lost his life as a result of severe head injuries sustained when the drug dealers mobilized armed hoodlums to attack operatives during the raid. Notwithstanding the violent attack, the NDLEA operatives were able to apprehend all the six targets of the raid including the gang leader, Genesis George Benson, who is responsible for the death of the NDLEA operative. Other suspects arrested during the strategic operation at the Ama Hausa area of Bonny I...