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Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 11 August 2026
Opposition Parties Set For Fresh Unity Talks Ahead Of 2027 Polls
Opposition parties are set to reconvene on August 18 in another bid to forge an alliance and settle on a single presidential candidate to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. The meeting is scheduled to hold a day before the official start of campaigns for the January 16, 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections. It is widely seen as the opposition’s last realistic window to unite behind one candidate before the race formally begins, following repeated failed attempts at coalition-building in recent months.
EU Confirms Election Monitoring Team For Nigeria’s 2027 Polls
The European Union’s delegation to Nigeria has announced it will send an Electoral Expert Mission, made up of two to four independent experts, to monitor next year’s general election. The EU issued the statement to push back against reports claiming it had turned down an invitation from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to observe the polls. It confirmed the experts would be formally accredited by the electoral body, dismissing the earlier reports as inaccurate.
Security Forces Nab Three Over Enugu Church Kidnapping
Security operatives in Enugu State have arrested three suspects linked to the August 2 kidnapping at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Inoyi-Affa, in Udi Local Government Area. During the operation, security forces recovered cash suspected to be ransom payment, along with arms and ammunition. A gun duel broke out in the course of the raid, during which one of the suspects was killed.
Coup-Accused Colonel Cites Patriotism, Frustration Over Nation’s Woes
Nigerian Army Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government, says his actions were rooted in patriotism and frustration over deteriorating conditions in the country. His account emerged in fresh court records detailing how investigators believe a group of military officers and civilians developed, suspended, and later revived a coup plot against the administration.
Troops Ambush Lakurawa Terrorists Heading To Kebbi Community
Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, deployed for counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations in Kebbi State, say they ambushed members of the Lakurawa terrorist group as they moved to attack Dandi Local Government Area. According to Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Olayinka Osoba, the troops acted on credible intelligence about the terrorists’ movement and swiftly mobilised a tactical ambush before they could strike.
Abducted Ondo Farmer Dies In Captivity, Amotekun Confirms
One of two farmers kidnapped by gunmen in Okeigbo, Ondo State, has died while in captivity. The Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun Corps, disclosed this while noting that five other kidnap victims have since been rescued in separate operations across the state.
Atiku, David Mark, Aregbesola Rally Support For ADC In Osun
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, African Democratic Party National Chairman David Mark, and the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, have urged Osun State voters to back the party’s governorship candidate, Dr Najeem Salaam, in Saturday’s election. Atiku said the party now parades some of Nigeria’s best minds, while Aregbesola said an ADC government would revive the legacy of the late Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Ogun Police Arrest 23 Foreigners Over Ponzi, Visa Scam
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested 23 foreign nationals over an alleged Ponzi scheme, visa fraud, and other immigration-related offences in the Onipanu-Ota area. According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, the suspects were arrested last Tuesday at about 11am when operatives of the Atan-Ota Division raided a gated residential building off Iyana Iyesi, Onipanu-Ota.
Fake Pastor Nabbed For Duping Members With Jerusalem Pilgrimage Promise
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested Kehinde Makinde, popularly known as Pastor Kenny, in Ibadan, Oyo State, over allegations that he obtained N2.5 million from 18 fellowship members in Saje, Adatan. He allegedly duped them under the guise of organising a government-sponsored pilgrimage to Jerusalem, promising each member N2 million in return.
NDLEA Recovers 604kg Of Cannabis In Edo Raid
The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, working with the Nigerian Army, has recovered 65 bags of skunk cannabis weighing 604.5kg during a raid in the state. State commander Mitchell Ofoyeju said the operation targeted a known drug hub in Ewe Luleha, Owan West Local Government Area, on August 5, 2026.
Why I Planned Coup Against Tinubu Govt – Colonel Ma’aji Breaks Silence
Fresh court documents have shed light on how an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration was conceived, funded, and revived before security agencies disrupted it in September 2025. The records, running over 7,400 pages, include bank statements, hotel receipts, electronic communications and interrogation files gathered by military investigators.
At the centre of the alleged plot is Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, described by investigators as one of its principal figures. He and several serving officers are facing a General Court Martial, while six retired military personnel and civilians are being tried separately at the Federal High Court in Abuja. All defendants deny wrongdoing.
In a statement to investigators, Ma’aji said discussions about military intervention began in 2023 near the end of the Buhari administration, driven by worsening insecurity, corruption and economic hardship.
‘Assault On Public Trust’ – Atiku Questions Tinubu Over Alleged $20bn Chagoury-Linked Deals
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has asked President Bola Tinubu to address questions reportedly raised by The Economist over projects worth about $20 billion linked to businessman Gilbert Chagoury, a longtime associate of the President.
Atiku, the ADC’s presidential candidate, said in a statement by his aide, Phrank Shaibu, that the reported concerns had pushed questions about the administration’s procurement practices beyond domestic politics into an international credibility issue. He called on the Presidency to clarify how the projects were awarded, whether competitive bidding occurred, and what tax incentives may have been granted, questioning why firms tied to the same associate kept appearing in major contracts.
Order From Above – Nigerian Army Orders Abuja Residents To Vacate Their Homes
Residents of Angwa Dio and Angwa Shibaba in Tungamaje, a satellite community in the Gwagwalada Area Council of Abuja, have been ordered to leave their homes by Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The directive, reportedly issued by the Nigerian Army, marks an escalation of a long-running land dispute between residents and army personnel over farmland access.
Several houses have also been marked for demolition, with more than 30 structures reportedly earmarked across both communities. Residents were initially given until Saturday, August 8, but a five-day extension followed stakeholder intervention.
Wike Speaks On Lobbying To Be APC Presidential Campaign DG
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has denied reports that he is seeking to become Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 election. Through his aide, Lere Olayinka, Wike dismissed the claims and said he had not discussed the council’s leadership or membership with anyone.
Reacting on Monday, Wike said his support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid remained firm regardless of any role in the campaign structure, adding that he was currently outside the country resting after more than a month working on FCT projects.
EU Denies Withdrawing From Monitoring Nigeria’s 2027 Election
The European Union has denied reports that it declined an invitation to monitor Nigeria’s 2027 general election. In a statement by its Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, the EU said there was no truth to claims that it told INEC it would not monitor the polls over security concerns and past treatment of its observers.
Mignot clarified that the EU had instead informed INEC it would deploy an Electoral Expert Mission of two to four independent experts, describing reports of a withdrawal as speculation. The EU also reaffirmed its continued support for Nigeria’s democratic governance and electoral process.
Osun Election: ADC Will Shock APC, Accord On Saturday – Says Atiku
ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has declared that the party has become home to some of Nigeria’s best minds, speaking at its final campaign rally in Osogbo ahead of Saturday’s Osun governorship election. He urged residents to vote for the party’s candidate, Najeem Salaam, promising a government focused on good governance.
Atiku said the ADC stood apart from other political platforms and assured voters they would not regret their choice, adding that his presence at the rally was to thank Osun residents for past support and seek their votes once more.
Why I Cut My Hair For My Wedding – Jarvis
TikTok creator Amadou Elizabeth Aminata, known as Jarvis, has dismissed claims that cutting her hair before her wedding was tied to marriage rites. Jarvis and fellow TikTok star Peller held their traditional wedding on August 1 and a white wedding on August 8. In a video shared on social media, Jarvis explained that her stylist requested the haircut simply to ensure her hair installation looked flawless.
2Baba Speaks On Marital Crisis With Natasha After Nightclub Clash
Singer Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has broken his silence following reports of a marital crisis with wife Natasha Osawaru and a confrontation at an Abuja nightclub. Natasha reportedly stormed Faze’s event at 90s Lounge, where 2Baba was billed to perform.
A source close to his management said Natasha arrived with security personnel and other men who attempted to remove 2Baba from the venue, sparking tension that escalated into a confrontation. The source added that the couple have been apart for over two months. Speaking for the first time at Daddy Showkey’s anniversary concert, 2Baba said in Pidgin that he had decided to stop courting trouble.
Maikaba Admits Tactical Errors Led To Flying Eagles’ Defeat In WAFU B Final
Flying Eagles head coach Abdul Maikaba has admitted that tactical errors contributed to his side’s 4-1 defeat to Burkina Faso in the WAFU B U-20 Championship final on Sunday. Speaking on Brila FM, he said conceding three goals within the first ten minutes forced Nigeria into an open approach that left them exposed to counter-attacks.
The loss marked Nigeria’s second defeat to Burkina Faso in the tournament, having lost 2-0 to them in the group stage. Maikaba praised Burkina Faso’s consistency throughout the competition, describing them as a deserving winner.
Jeff Bezos-Led Consortium Advances Talks For Liverpool Stake
A consortium involving Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has intensified talks to acquire around 30 per cent of Liverpool Football Club. The group, led by British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia, also includes Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin. Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group, confirmed the consortium’s interest in a strategic minority investment in the club.
Bhatia, son-in-law of Indian billionaire Lakshmi Mittal, previously spent 18 years as a director and co-owner of Queens Park Rangers before exiting the club in July. Bezos, the world’s fourth-richest person with an estimated net worth of $256 billion, stepped down as Amazon’s chief executive in 2021 but retains an eight per cent stake in the company.