Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 14 September 2026

September 14, 2026

FCT Fuel Stations Hike Pump Prices As Brent Crude Hits $104.61

Retail fuel outlets in the Federal Capital Territory raised pump prices on Sunday following a rise in Brent crude oil prices to $104.61 per barrel.

Crude oil prices have been on an upward trend since February this year, following the outbreak of the US-Iran war. The situation escalated further after the warring parties renewed hostilities a few weeks ago, pushing prices to new highs.

Air Force Bomb Kills Seven Vigilantes In Niger State

A suspected military bomb dropped by a Nigerian Air Force jet killed seven members of a local vigilante group and injured eight others in Kukoki-Bassa community, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

The blast struck a camp occupied by the vigilantes, also known as DSS Hunters, while they were gathered to plan a response to reported bandit movements near the community.

Delta Police Foil Cult Initiation, Arrest Eight Suspects

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have foiled an alleged cult initiation and arrested eight suspects during an operation in the state.

The suspects were arrested while allegedly gathering at Aragba-Orogun Community in Ika North Local Government Area for cult-related activities.

Zulum: 5,000 School Structures Destroyed, 2.2 Million Children Out Of School At Height Of Boko Haram Crisis

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has said over 5,000 school structures were destroyed, leaving behind 2.2 million out-of-school children at the height of the Boko Haram crisis.

Governor Zulum disclosed these figures when Governor Abdullahi A. Sule of Nasarawa State commissioned several projects in Maiduguri on Sunday.

Tinubu Arrives In Paris For Next Leg Of European Vacation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Paris, France, for the next phase of his three-week annual leave in Europe.

Tinubu arrived in the French capital on Sunday and was received by Nigeria’s Ambassador to France, Ayodele Oke, according to a video shared on the official X handle of the President.

Banks Shut 476 Branches In Nigeria Between 2022 And 2025 – CBN

Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria closed a net 476 branches and cash centres between 2022 and 2025, reducing their physical footprint by 8.8 per cent in three years, according to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Figures contained in the CBN’s 2025 Statistical Bulletin for the Financial Sector showed that the number of bank branches and cash centres across the country declined from 5,410 in 2022 to 4,934 in 2025.

Outrage As Two Nigerians Killed In Separate Attacks In South Africa

There has been outrage among Nigerians following the killing of two Nigerian nationals, Bishop Michael Fakunle and James Nwankwo, in separate incidents in South Africa.

Fakunle, an indigene of Iye in the Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, was allegedly shot dead by unknown persons at his residence in Johannesburg on September 4, after reportedly receiving a series of threats.

NDLEA Intercepts Drugs Hidden In Cargo, Speakers And Bread

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has intercepted consignments of synthetic cannabis, opioids and other illicit drugs concealed in consolidated cargoes, music speakers and loaves of bread in operations across several states.

The agency said on Sunday that its operatives intercepted two consignments of synthetic cannabis, popularly known as Colorado or Colos, from the United Kingdom, while two other consignments hidden in music speakers were recovered from motor parks in Lagos.

Army Arrests Suspected Kidnapper, Recovers AK-47 In Edo

Troops of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Operation WABAIZIGAN, have arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition during a targeted operation along the Benin–Sapele Road in the Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.

The suspect, identified as Olamide Oyeniyi, was arrested on September 12, 2026, at Obaretin Community by troops conducting operations to disrupt criminal activities and safeguard major transportation routes in the area.

Adeleke Orders Probe Into Killing Of Accord Party Chieftain In Ile-Ife

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered an investigation into the killing of an Accord Party chieftain, Olalekan Ajagungbade, popularly known as Emir, during a clash over control of a motor park in Ile-Ife.

Adeleke also directed the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, to immediately arrest all those involved in the killing and restore normalcy to the affected areas.

Tinubu: Everybody Has FBI Records – Omokri

Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has declared that President Bola Tinubu has no criminal record with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States of America.

He added that the records the FBI has about Tinubu are just details like his DNA, blood group, fingerprints and other normal records which everybody has.

According to Omokri, who spoke on Sunday during a Channels Television interview, everyone who has ever applied to the U.S. Embassy or gone through a background check has similar records with the FBI.

He added that reports that the FBI has criminal records about President Tinubu are being sponsored by opposition politicians to confound Nigerians with the use of the term criminal record.

Naija News reports that Omokri’s position follows fresh concerns, particularly from opposition politicians, over the alleged United States government documents concerning President Tinubu.

However, Omokri asserted that the United States government or the FBI never declared that Tinubu has any criminal record.

The former presidential spokesperson insisted that Tinubu does not want his DNA and other records released because it can be cloned, manipulated and used for nefarious activities if it gets into the wrong hands.

NIDCOM Speaks On Nigerians In Indian Prisons, Reveals FG’s Next Move

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has updated the public on the situation of Nigerians in Indian prisons.

NIDCOM explained that the Federal Government, through its High Commission in India, has been attending to cases of hundreds of Nigerians in various prisons in India.

Naija News reports that the Commission disclosed the development in a statement in Abuja by its Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun.

NIDCOM said Nigeria High Commission officials in India visited 198 inmates in five prisons in Mumbai.

Speaking further, NIDCOM said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, has been speaking with her counterpart in India about a six-month amnesty for Nigerians in detention camps.

Tinubu Arrives In France To Continue Annual Leave

President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Paris, France, to continue his three-week annual leave in Europe.

Naija News learnt that Nigeria’s Ambassador to France, Ayodele Oke, received the President on arrival.

Recall Tinubu departed Abuja on Sunday, August 30, 2026, for a three-week holiday, with London as his first stop, before proceeding to Paris for the next leg of the vacation.

According to a statement issued at the time by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, titled ‘President Tinubu Begins Three-Week Leave,’ the President is expected to return to Abuja after the vacation to join the campaign for the January 2027 general election.

‘You’ve Lost The Right To Talk About Asking People To Sacrifice’ – Atiku Blasts Tinubu’s Govt

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, said President Bola Tinubu’s government has lost the right to talk to citizens about sacrifice after taking away their relief and failing to offer real social support.

Naija News reports that Atiku, in a statement on Sunday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, accused Tinubu’s government of perpetrating one of the most cynical economic deceptions in Nigeria’s history.

According to the former Vice President, Tinubu’s government has left citizens to handle everything independently after his economic decision, instead of offering help.

Atiku further stated that Tinubu’s government removed the fuel subsidy, which caused trouble for millions of families, but cannot pay the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

He added that ASUU’s new threat to strike shows the dishonesty behind promises that savings from subsidies would support education and stop the ongoing problems in universities.

Adeleke Reacts To Terror Alert, Issues Directive To Osun Residents

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has directed residents to remain alert and promptly report suspicious persons, movements, and activities to security agencies across the state.

Naija News reports that the governor’s directive came after a security meeting between the Department of State Services (DSS) and leaders of the Muslim community and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Osun State.

The meeting focused on intelligence received by the DSS concerning an alleged plan by terrorists to move into parts of the South-West and cause violence.

According to the information presented to the religious leaders, the alleged plan was linked to efforts to create fear, discourage people from voting and disrupt the 2027 general elections.

Reacting to the development, Adeleke said residents should take greater interest in security matters within their communities.

He urged people to quickly alert the police and other relevant agencies whenever they notice unusual activities or an unexpected movement of people into their neighbourhoods.

My Feelings Toward Nigeria Have Changed, I Do Not Want To Go Back – Chimamanda

Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has said her feelings toward Nigeria have changed.

Naija News reports that the renowned author stated this during an interview with The New York Times while speaking on the loss of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu.

According to her, the loss has changed how she feels about her home country.

Asked whether Nigeria still felt like somewhere close to her heart, the author gave a blunt response.

“My feelings toward Nigeria have changed.

“I do not want to go back to Nigeria,” she said.

Nkanu, one of Adichie’s twin boys, died in December 2025 following a medical emergency at Euracare in Nigeria.

Recalling the incident, Adichie said a doctor approached her in a state of panic after the procedure.

He Poured Spit On My Face – Carter Efe Explains Why He Dumped Wizkid For Davido

Nigerian skit maker, Carter Efe, has explained his support for some of the country’s biggest music stars, saying his loyalty is not tied permanently to one artiste.

Naija News reports that Carter Efe made the remarks during an interview with TVC News.

The content creator said he had learnt not to place himself permanently in one camp after his experience with Wizkid.

He said his decision to move between different artistes was influenced by what happened after he chose to remain with one person.

Carter Efe also addressed the continued use of the name “Machala,” which is widely associated with Wizkid.

He claimed that the name has become closely connected to him and that people on the streets now identify him with it.

The skit maker said he now considers himself the person being referred to when the name is mentioned, rather than Wizkid.

Some People Were Happy – Olaiya Igwe Speaks On Illness, Death Rumours

Veteran Nigerian actor, Olaiya Igwe, has denied reports claiming that he is seriously ill after a video of him looking unwell circulated on social media.

Naija News reports that the video began spreading online on Thursday, September 10, 2026, as some social media users expressed concern about the actor’s health.

However, Olaiya explained that the footage was taken during the production of a movie directed by fellow actor and filmmaker Mr Latin.

According to the actor, he was portraying a sick father in the film, which led some people to mistake the movie scene for a real-life health situation.

He also expressed displeasure over the reaction of some people who celebrated the false report and appeared to wish for his death. At the same time, he appreciated those who reached out to him to confirm whether he was actually ill.

Olaiya, in a statement posted on his Instagram page, assured his fans, colleagues and members of the public that he is fine and has no health problem connected to the viral video.

Ronaldo Seeks Stadium Bans Over ‘Jota’ Chants

Portugal and Al Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo has called for lifetime stadium bans for fans who chanted the name of the late Diogo Jota at his Portugal teammate Ruben Neves during a Saudi Pro League match.

Supporters appeared to target Neves during Al-Hilal’s 6-0 victory over Al-Taawoun on Saturday, repeatedly shouting “Jota” at the midfielder.

Jota, the former Liverpool and Portugal forward, died in a car crash in Spain last July at the age of 28.

His death had a profound impact on Neves, who played alongside him at Wolverhampton Wanderers and for Portugal.

Ronaldo, who plays for Saudi Pro League rivals Al-Nassr, condemned the supporters’ behaviour in a social media post on Sunday.

Ronaldo wrote, “The league must take action and punish this kind of fan behaviour. This is no longer football, and there have to be limits. People who behave like this should never be allowed to enter a stadium again.”

CAF Champions League: Rivers United Crash Out After Home Draw Against San Pedro

Rivers United were eliminated from the CAF Champions League after a 2-2 home draw against Cote d’Ivoire’s San Pedro on Sunday.

Finidi George’s side fought back from two goals down at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

The Port Harcourt outfit thus crashed out of the competition on the away goals rule after both teams were tied 3-3 on aggregate.

Nigeria’s other representatives in the CAF Champions League, Enugu Rangers, booked a spot in the second preliminary round after a 5-4 penalty shoot-out win over Beninese side Sobemap FC.

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