Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 31 October 2026

October 31, 2026

Obasanjo Slams Tinubu Over “Borrowing Is Not Leprosy” Remark

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his comment that borrowing is not leprosy, describing the position as “absolute nonsense”.

Speaking at an event on Friday, Obasanjo said leprosy destroys only one person at a time, while debt destroys generations.

Obi Accuses Tinubu Of Borrowing Nearly $100bn Without Accounting For It

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has accused President Bola Tinubu of borrowing nearly $100 billion without giving an account of it.

Obi spoke in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Friday at the homecoming of the party’s national leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, and the commissioning of the party secretariat. He urged Nigerians to change the All Progressives Congress government.

Troops Kill Over 217 Terrorists, Criminals In One Month, Says DHQ

Troops conducting internal security operations across Nigeria killed more than 217 terrorists and other armed criminals in October, the Defence Headquarters has said.

The operations, held between September 30 and October 30, also led to the rescue of hundreds of kidnapped victims and the arrest of suspected terrorists and their collaborators. More than 50 terrorist fighters and their family members surrendered.

Ondo Businessman Tolufe Dies In Alleged Suicide After Viral Video

A businessman, Akinbolusere Kayode, popularly known as Tolufe, has allegedly died by suicide in Igba town, Ondo State, after lamenting his personal and business challenges in a viral video.

The 46-year-old reportedly died in his office beside BOVAS Petrol Station at about 3pm on Thursday. The state police spokesperson, Jimoh Abayomi, confirmed his death in a statement in Akure on Friday evening.

Sowore, Police Give Conflicting Accounts Of Ado-Ekiti Restaurant Incident

Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, and the Ekiti State Police Command have given conflicting accounts of an incident at a restaurant in Ado-Ekiti on Friday.

Sowore insisted he and members of his team were violently attacked. The police described it as an altercation with some individuals and said the activist sustained a minor injury.

Police Arrest Pastor, Another Suspect Over Stolen Toyota Camry In Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested a pastor, Edwin Nwabueze, and another suspect, Sadiq Jamiu, over the alleged theft of a Toyota Camry in Abuja.

The vehicle was reportedly stolen at UTC Plaza in Garki. Police said Nwabueze, who identified himself as a pastor with Salvation Power Bible Ministry in North Bank, Benue State, was arrested following investigations.

APC Loses Over 5,000 Members To APM In Adamawa

The All Progressives Congress in Adamawa State has lost over 5,000 members to the Allied Peoples Movement.

The defections came barely 24 hours after the inauguration of the party’s campaign team, headed by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri. Abdulrahman Haske, who defected from the APC, is the APM’s governorship candidate.

Oshiomhole Defends Tinubu’s Decision Not To Attend Every Campaign Rally

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision not to attend every campaign rally ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He insisted there is no contradiction between the president’s religious activities and his responsibility to govern. Oshiomhole said limiting his participation in campaign activities was a matter of choice and the prerogative of the ruling APC.

NSCDC Busts Illegal Diesel Refinery In Kano, Arrests Five

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kano State Command, has busted an illegal diesel refining site at Panisau, Ungoggo Local Government Area, and arrested five suspects.

This was disclosed on Friday in a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Abdullahi.

Troops Neutralise Three Terrorists, Recover Arms In Kaduna, Kano

Troops of Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma have neutralised three terrorists and recovered arms, a motorcycle and cattle in Kaduna and Kano States.

The Acting Media Information Officer, Capt. Tamuno Sinivie, disclosed this in a statement made available to reporters in Kaduna on Friday.

FG Begins ₦50,000 Monthly Cash Payments To Vulnerable Nigerians

The Federal Government has begun monthly cash payments of ₦50,000 to vulnerable Nigerians under a new relief programme meant to cushion rising living costs.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, announced this on October 30 in Abuja, according to Channels Television. He said the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention is a presidential initiative, with payments reviewed regularly and made through licensed digital financial service providers.

Obi Vows To Go Into The Bush To Rescue Abducted Schoolchildren

NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi has promised that kidnappers will find no hiding place under his administration, vowing to personally go into the bush to rescue abducted citizens if elected.

Naija News reports that Obi spoke at the party’s rally in Bayelsa State. He also pledged free primary education and at least 10,000 megawatts of power supply.

Sowore Was Not Kidnapped, Says Ekiti Police

The Ekiti State Police Command has debunked reports that AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore was kidnapped.

In a statement on Friday, the command said Sowore had an altercation with some individuals at a restaurant in Ado-Ekiti, sustained minor injuries and was treated at the Police Hospital. Sowore insisted he was attacked. The Commissioner of Police has ordered an investigation.

INEC Has No Preferred Candidate In 2027, Says Amupitan

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan, has assured that the commission has no favoured candidate or party in the 2027 general elections.

Naija News reports that he spoke in Abuja on Friday while receiving an ECOWAS pre-election mission. He said registered voters exceed 103 million, and INEC will deploy BVAS and electronic result systems.

El-Rufai Demands Fair Trial As Detention Reaches 256 Days

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has renewed his call for a fair trial as his detention reaches 256 days.

In a statement on 𝕏 on October 30, he described a fair trial as a fundamental human right, not a favour. He has been in custody since February 16, over alleged financial misconduct and unlawful phone interception, and has pleaded not guilty in the latter case.

“Unite With Obi,” Isaac Fayose Tells Sowore After Ado-Ekiti Attack

Isaac Fayose, younger brother of former Ekiti governor Ayo Fayose, has urged AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore to work with Peter Obi and other opposition leaders ahead of 2027.

In a Facebook video on Friday, he condemned the attack on Sowore and called on security agencies to arrest those behind it, warning that other opposition leaders could face the same danger.

Doris Ogala Kneels In Court, Apologises For Disruption

Nollywood actress Doris Ogala knelt in court on Friday to apologise for her behaviour at an earlier sitting.

Naija News reports that she faces charges of alleged cyberstalking, cyberbullying and attempted extortion of Pastor Chris Okafor. Justice Akintayo Aluko said her Wednesday disruption stopped the court from hearing seven other cases. Her counsel also apologised.

Tacha Says Controversial Tattoo Was Not Davido’s Face

Reality TV star Tacha Akide has explained the controversy over a tattoo she once had, which many believed was the face of singer Davido.

Naija News reports that she said on the Thanks For Coming Podcast that it was a child’s face. She said she covered it because people can outgrow things and move on.

Man United, Leeds Eye Super Eagles Defenders Bassey, Sanusi

Manchester United and Leeds United are reportedly interested in Super Eagles defenders Calvin Bassey and Zaidu Sanusi ahead of the January transfer window.

According to TEAMtalk, United are monitoring the 26-year-old Fulham captain, Bassey, whose contract expires next summer. Newcastle, Everton, Inter Milan, Dortmund and RB Leipzig are also reportedly watching his situation.

U-17 World Cup: Busari Warns Flamingos Against Underestimating Venezuela

Flamingos head coach Akeem Busari has warned his players against underestimating Venezuela ahead of their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup quarter-final in Rabat, Morocco, on Sunday, November 1.

Naija News reports that Nigeria beat Mexico 2-1 in the last 16, while Venezuela edged Germany 1-0.

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