In an update published by Vanguard, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has vowed to take decisive action against the remnants of terrorist groups and insurgents operating within the country. Speaking at the West African Social Activities (WASA) event in Abuja, the COAS stated that the Nigerian Army is entering a new phase of high-intensity operations designed to permanently secure troubled regions.
The Army Chief emphasized that troop welfare remains a top priority, as motivated soldiers are essential for the success of “Operation Desert Sanity V” and other ongoing missions. He noted that the military has seen significant gains in the North-East and North-West, with scores of terrorists recently neutralized and large caches of weapons recovered.
Despite these successes, the COAS urged the public to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies. He reiterated that the military’s goal is to create a peaceful environment conducive to economic development and social stability.
The Punch confirmed these reports, adding that recent operations in the North-East led to the recovery of sophisticated anti-aircraft guns. Daily Post reported on the killing of several Boko Haram commanders, quoting a military spokesperson: “We are squeezing the operational space of the terrorists until they have nowhere left to hide.” Leadership also highlighted the COAS’s remarks, with a security analyst stating, “The focus on troop welfare is a critical shift that will likely improve battlefield performance in the coming months.”
Echotitbits take: The rhetoric from the COAS is strong, but the persistence of abductions in the Middle Belt remains a thorn in the side of the military. Watch for a possible shift toward more aerial-led operations Reuters – https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigerias-army-chief-vows-crush-insurgents-amid-us-pressure-over-religious-2025-11-07/, and February 15, 2026
Photo credit: Reuters
Tag: abuja
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Army Chief Pledges Final Blow to Insurgency Amid Renewed Offensive
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Former Governor El-Rufai Set to Return to Nigeria and Face EFCC Inquiry
According to Premium Times reporting in an exclusive update, Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, is expected to return to Nigeria within the next 48 hours. Contrary to ongoing rumors that he was in self-imposed exile, sources close to the former governor confirm that he has already notified the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of his intention to appear at their office. He is scheduled to meet with investigators at 10 a.m. on Monday, February 16.
The return of the high-profile politician comes amid various investigations into his eight-year tenure as governor. El-Rufai, who has recently aligned himself with the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), has alleged that the current administration is using state institutions to exert political pressure on opposition figures. His voluntary return is seen by many as a move to clear his name and re-engage with the Nigerian political scene ahead of future electoral cycles.
Sources indicate that the EFCC inquiry will likely center on financial allocations and urban renewal projects undertaken during his administration. El-Rufai has maintained that his actions were always in the best interest of Kaduna State and has expressed readiness to defend his record. His homecoming is expected to be a major political event, potentially shifting the dynamics within the opposition bloc.
Validating this, The Nation reports that “security at the EFCC headquarters is being reviewed ahead of the high-profile visit.” Vanguard also confirmed the story, quoting an ADC chieftain who said, “The former governor is coming back to show that he has nothing to hide from the public.”
Echotitbits take: El-Rufai remains one of Nigeria’s most polarizing and influential political figures. His decision to face the EFCC directly, rather than fighting from abroad, suggests a calculated strategy to reclaim his political narrative. This could be the start of a long-drawn legal and political battle.
Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/856066-el-rufai-im-on-my-way-back-to-nigeria.html, February 12, 2026
Photo credit: Premium Times
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Federal Government Unveils ‘RenewHER’ Initiative to Transform Women’s Healthcare
According to Daily Post reporting on Thursday, the Federal Government has officially launched a strategic deliberative process aimed at revamping healthcare delivery for women across Nigeria. The initiative, coordinated through the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women’s Health, Dr. Adanna Steinacker, brought together over 20 prominent women’s groups at the Presidential Villa to align grassroots needs with national policy. The move is central to the “RenewHER Presidential Women’s Health Transformation Initiative,” which seeks to eliminate barriers to medical access for underserved populations.
The program adopts a “statewide approach” to ensure that health interventions are not centralized but felt at the community level. During the stakeholders’ engagement in Abuja, officials emphasized that the primary goal is to listen to civil society and professional leaders who interact daily with women in rural areas. By fostering this collaboration, the government intends to examine existing policies, increase advocacy, and improve the actual delivery of maternal and reproductive services nationwide.
The project emphasizes that the solutions for women’s health cannot be designed in isolation. Dr. Steinacker noted that by involving groups closest to the grassroots, the administration can better understand the specific pain points and cultural barriers that prevent women from seeking care. This coordinated framework is expected to serve as a blueprint for future health investments under the current administration’s development agenda.
Validating this development, The Guardian reports that the initiative is a response to rising maternal mortality concerns, noting, “The RenewHER project represents a shift toward data-driven and inclusive health governance.” Similarly, Leadership highlights the involvement of international partners, quoting a health advocate who stated, “This is the first time we are seeing a dedicated presidential office focused specifically on the nuances of women’s clinical needs.”
Echotitbits take: This initiative is a critical step in addressing Nigeria’s high maternal mortality rates. By shifting from a top-down approach to a “listening” model, the government might finally bridge the gap between policy and the reality of rural clinics. Watch for the rollout of specific funding allocations to primary healthcare centers in the coming months.
Source: Daily Post – https://dailypost.ng/2026/02/12/nigerian-govt-initiates-strategies-to-improve-women-health/, February 12, 2026
Photo credit: Daily Post
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Nigeria and China Strengthen Ties via Cultural Exchange
Nigeria and China have reaffirmed their commitment to bilateral cooperation through the 2026 Wushu Cultural Exchange and Chinese New Year celebration in Abuja. According to The Punch, the event served as a platform to deepen “people-to-people” relations, using martial arts as a bridge for cultural understanding. The Nigeria Wushu Kungfu Association emphasized that such exchanges are vital for fostering mutual respect and shared values between the two nations.
Reporting by Leadership indicates that the exchange is part of a wider diplomatic strategy to enhance cooperation beyond economics and infrastructure into the realm of soft power and sports. The event featured demonstrations by school children and professional athletes, showcasing the discipline and philosophy of Wushu. Daily Trust validated the event, quoting a Chinese embassy official: “Our friendship is rooted not just in trade, but in the shared heartbeat of our cultures and traditions.”
In an update published by The Nation, the Nigerian government expressed interest in incorporating Wushu into school sports curriculums to promote physical fitness and discipline. A representative from the Ministry of Youth and Sports stated, “This cultural bridge provides our youth with new perspectives and opportunities for global engagement.” The celebration also coincided with the Lunar New Year, highlighting the growing Chinese community and influence in Nigeria.
Echotitbits take:
While China is often seen through the lens of infrastructure loans, this move toward “soft power” indicates a desire for more sustainable, long-term social integration. It is a strategic move to soften the image of Chinese involvement in Africa. Watch for more educational and cultural exchange programs being rolled out in Nigerian universities later this year.
Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/nigeria-china-deepen-cultural-ties-through-martial-arts/, February 9, 2026
Photo credit: Medium
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President Tinubu and US AFRICOM Chief Hold Critical Security Talks
President Bola Tinubu met with the Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin Anderson, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja to discuss deepening military cooperation. According to The Punch, the high-level meeting focused on regional stability and the expanding role of technology in counter-terrorism operations following recent strikes on insurgent camps. The discussions highlighted the strategic partnership between Nigeria and the U.S. in addressing the evolving threats in the Sahel and West Africa.
Figures cited by Premium Times show that the visit comes on the heels of reports indicating that insurgent groups like ISWAP have begun deploying more sophisticated technology, including armed drones, against Nigerian troops. General Anderson’s visit is seen as a commitment to intelligence sharing and tactical support. Channels TV validated the meeting, quoting a State House source who noted: “The partnership aims to leverage U.S. technical expertise to bolster Nigeria’s homegrown security architecture.”
Validation from The Guardian also highlighted the presence of top Nigerian security chiefs, including the National Security Adviser and the Chief of Defence Staff. The report cited General Anderson saying, “The United States remains committed to a secure and prosperous Nigeria, which is central to the stability of the entire continent.” This diplomatic engagement underscores the administration’s intent to professionalize the military and integrate global best practices into local operations.
Echotitbits take:
This meeting signifies a deepening of military ties at a time when Nigeria faces new-age threats like drone warfare from ISWAP. The involvement of AFRICOM suggests that Nigeria might soon receive more advanced surveillance and counter-drone technology. Watch for a possible announcement regarding new hardware acquisitions or training programs for the Nigerian Air Force.
Source: Arise – https://www.arise.tv/tinubu-meets-africom-commander-us-envoy-to-discuss-security-cooperation/, February 9, 2026
Photo credit: Arise
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Massive Shift in Regional Markets: ECOWAS Projects 5% Growth for 2026
According to reporting from The Guardian, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, has officially projected a regional economic growth rate of 5.0% for the current 2026 fiscal year. This optimistic forecast follows a resilient 4.6% growth recorded in the previous year, despite global economic headwinds and high inflation. Speaking at a news conference in Abuja regarding the exit of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the commission emphasized that the West African bloc continues to outperform other regions on the African continent.
The projections are built on the back of recovering industrial output and a steady decline in inflation across member states. Officials noted that while the global economy has slowed down, Africa’s resilience remains a key driver for the regional uptick. The commission is now focusing on harmonizing trade policies to ensure this 5% target is met through increased intra-regional commerce and infrastructure stability.
This development has been corroborated by Vanguard and The Nation. Vanguard noted that the “resilience of the West African economy is a testament to recent fiscal reforms,” while The Nation reported that “member states are being urged to maintain fiscal discipline to meet the 5% growth threshold.”
Echotitbits take:
This 5% growth projection is a bold signal of stability for a region recently rocked by the exit of three key members. Investors should watch for new trade treaties within ECOWAS to compensate for the “exit shock,” as the commission seeks to prove that the bloc remains economically viable without the Sahelian trio.
Source: Daily Trust – https://dailytrust.com/ecowas-targets-5-growth-for-west-african-countries-in-2026/ , January 31, 2026
Photo credit: Daily Trust
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Angela Okorie reportedly detained in cybercrime-linked dispute involving Mercy Johnson
According to Daily Post, Angela Okorie was reportedly arrested by operatives linked to a cybercrime unit in a case connected to her dispute with Mercy Johnson—fueling heavy chatter across Nollywood timelines. The story escalated because it’s not just “beef”—it’s now framed as a legal/police matter, and that changes how the public reads every prior post and shade.
Echotitbits take: If this proceeds beyond “reports,” watch for court filings, verified statements, or withdrawals (common in celebrity disputes). Also watch who speaks: when producers/bloggers jump in early, it often signals deeper industry alignments behind the scenes.
Source: Daily Post – https://dailypost.ng/2026/01/28/mercy-johnson-reportedly-arrests-angela-okorie-for-cyber-bullying/ January 28, 2026
Photo Credit: Daily Post -
Federal Government Defends Constitutional Legitimacy of Budget Re-enactment
Federal Government Defends Constitutional Legitimacy of Budget Re-enactment
The Attorney-General says the National Assembly can repeal and re-enact budgets as a ‘clean slate’ approach to reduce legal risk and improve transparency.
Further reporting across multiple outlets indicates the development is drawing heightened attention, with stakeholders watching for next steps from relevant authorities and institutions.
Echotitbits take: This ‘clean slate’ approach to budgeting is a tactical move to prevent the executive-legislative friction seen in previous years. The success of this N48.31 trillion plan will depend entirely on the transparency of the newly introduced ‘Renewed Hope’ ward projects.
Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/fg-defends-overlapping-budgets-as-budgit-raises-concerns/ (2026-01-21)
Photo credit: The Punch
2026-01-21 12:00:00
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Fire Service Decorates Newly Promoted Officers, Pushes Faster Emergency Response
Figures cited by The Guardian indicate fire service leadership urged newly promoted officers to respond swiftly to emergencies during a decoration ceremony for newly elevated personnel.
The message aligns with broader calls to strengthen emergency readiness in cities facing frequent market, residential, and industrial fires.
Promotion events are symbolic, but impact is measured in response times, functioning equipment, and improved dispatch systems.
BusinessDay also reported the service “decorates 2,620 newly promoted senior officers,” while the Federal Fire Service’s public updates have referenced property-loss prevention at “₦500,000,000” scale.
Echotitbits take: Watch funding and equipment delivery—training without trucks, water access, and dispatch modernization won’t change outcomes.
Source: BusinessDay — https://businessday.ng/news/article/fire-service-decorates-2620-newly-promoted-officers-reaffirms-commitment-to-safety/ January 10, 2026
BusinessDay 2026-01-10
Photo Credit: BusinessDay
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Court warns INEC chair against ignoring Labour Party-related FCT poll orders
2026-01-01 07:20:00
A report carried by The Nation says an FCT High Court warned INEC leadership against disregarding its earlier directives tied to Labour Party candidate processing for the FCT area council elections.The warning follows interim orders on portal access and candidate publication timelines, signalling possible contempt consequences if compliance is not met.
At the core is a procedural dispute over whether INEC must grant the party digital credentials to submit candidates and publish their details as ordered.
The Nigerian Observer also reported the court warned INEC against disregard of the order on Labour Party candidates.
Punch earlier reported the underlying directive, stating the court ordered INEC to “grant the Labour Party an access code.”
Echotitbits take:
Candidate-list disputes can trigger legitimacy problems long before voting day. Watch for INEC’s documented compliance steps, and whether the matter escalates into contempt proceedings or further interim orders.
Source: The Nation — January 1, 2026 (https://thenationonlineng.net/court-warns-inec-chair-against-disobeying-order-to-recognise-lps-candidates-for-fct-polls/amp/)
The Nation 2026-01-01
Photo Credit: Punch