Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 16 October 2026

October 16, 2026

Tinubu Orders Security Chiefs To Demolish Bandits’ Camps, Rescue Abductees

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday charged heads of security agencies to demolish all bandits’ camps and rescue abducted victims nationwide. The meeting, which lasted for hours, also focused on creating an enabling environment for the 2027 general elections.

Akpabio: I Have Supported Muslim Pilgrimages For 25 Years

Senate President Godswill Akpabio says he has supported Muslim pilgrimages to Mecca for 25 years and would not disparage the religion. Speaking during Thursday’s plenary, he said he had sponsored people to pray for him and Nigeria in the holy city, insisting his remarks were taken out of context and misinterpreted for political purposes.

10 Soldiers, Four Civilians Feared Dead As Terrorists Attack Borno Military Base

At least 10 soldiers and four civilians are feared dead after suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists launched a coordinated assault on a military base in Mairari, Borno State. The attack reportedly occurred last Tuesday in Guzamala Local Government Area, about 120 to 130 kilometres north of Maiduguri.

Kwara Doctors Begin Seven-Day Warning Strike Over Salary Deductions

Doctors in the service of the Kwara State Government on Thursday began a seven-day warning strike over alleged salary deductions for the state’s health insurance scheme. They also cited unpaid allowances, staffing shortages and other unresolved welfare concerns.

Gas Pipeline Explosion Injures 20, Burns 50 Houses In Rivers

About 20 people were injured and more than 50 houses burnt after a gas pipeline exploded in Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State. The incident, around 5 p.m. on Thursday, was reportedly caused by a ruptured Nigeria Gas Company pipeline along Old Bori Road.

FG Has No Plan To Raise Electricity Tariffs, Says Power Minister

Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, said on Thursday that the Federal Government has no plan to increase electricity tariffs. Speaking in Ibadan at the flag-off of a 17.7MW hybrid solar mini-grid project in Oyo State, he described reports of a planned hike as misinformation and urged Nigerians to disregard them.

NAFDAC Seizes Over N200m Counterfeit Packaging In Aba

NAFDAC has seized counterfeit packaging materials worth more than N200 million from five shops at Old Court Road Market, Aba, Abia State. The agency said the materials, allegedly meant for counterfeit alcoholic beverages and other products, included labels, corks, packs and outer packaging bearing popular brand names.

APC Will Win 2027 Elections, Says Yilwatda

APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, assured members in Abuja on Thursday that the party will convert its numerical strength and organisational capacity into victory in 2027. He said the APC has over 261,000 executive committee members nationwide, plus more governors, ministers, local government chairmen and councillors than other parties.

Police Arrest Three Over Murder Of Seun Ajayi In Osun

The Osun State Police Command has arrested three suspects over the murder of Seun Ajayi in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area. Spokesperson DSP Abiodun Ojelabi said in a statement on Thursday that on October 3, a man reported that hoodlums attacked him and his friend at a barbershop in Oja-Ale, Ikire.

FG Reopens First Niger Bridge After Rehabilitation

The Federal Government on Thursday reopened the First Niger Bridge linking Asaba and Onitsha after extensive rehabilitation. Minister of Works, David Umahi, said the intervention reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to maintaining critical infrastructure, improving structural safety, strengthening security and restoring vehicular movement between the South-South and South-East.

Tegbe Urges Nigerians To Ignore Tariff Hike Reports As Oyo Mini-Grids Take Off

Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has urged Nigerians not to panic over a purported electricity tariff increase, saying government is focused on improving power supply. Speaking in Ibadan at the groundbreaking of five mini-grid projects with a combined 17.7 megawatts capacity and battery storage, Naija News reports, he said they will serve communities across five Oyo local government areas.

You Are Ashamed To Face Nigerians But Want Second Term – Atiku Fires Tinubu

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said President Bola Tinubu cannot seek four more years while sending governors, ministers and defectors to defend the hardship of the past three and a half. In a statement by Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said Tinubu was assembling politicians to speak for him, adding that the President, not his campaign council members, received the 2023 mandate.

Minimum Wage: NLC Rejects FG’s Position, Warns Of Looming Strike

The NLC has rejected the Federal Government’s decision to delay negotiations for a new minimum wage until June 2027, insisting preparations begin immediately. In an October 13 letter signed by Joe Ajaero, it also demanded lower petrol prices and tax relief. Union sources told Vanguard a dispute may follow if issues remain unresolved before its 14-day ultimatum expires.

Wike: Don’t Vote For Someone Who Celebrates Birthdays In IDP Camps Because He Wants To Be President

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has urged Nigerians to reject political gamblers who use deceit to gain public office. Speaking Thursday at the inaugural Idoma Hall of Fame induction, he said someone who did not celebrate birthdays with the downtrodden as governor should not be taken seriously for doing so now, and urged voters to demand competence, fairness and accountability.

Nigeria’s Inflation Rate Drops To 14.63%

Nigeria’s headline inflation rate slowed to 14.63% in September from 15.39% in August, the National Bureau of Statistics said on Thursday. Month-on-month inflation was 0.06%, while food inflation stood at 19.59% year-on-year and -1.55% month-on-month. Urban inflation was 15.64% year-on-year.

Tinubu Has Packed INEC With Yoruba Officials – Momodu Alleges

ADC chieftain, Dele Momodu, has accused President Bola Tinubu of filling the Independent National Electoral Commission with people of Yoruba extraction. Naija News reports that Momodu, speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Wednesday night, claimed the move was part of a plot to undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

‘Hospitals Were Giving Excuses’ – Fresh Details On Toluwanisings’ Death Emerge

Personal assistant, Babadunni Gbolabo, says gospel singer Toluwanisings, who died on Wednesday, October 14, suddenly slumped and was rushed to eight hospitals in Ibadan but was rejected. In a viral video, Gbolabo said excuses included doctors being unavailable due to an ongoing strike. The family has yet to conclude arrangements.

Being A Single Parent Is Not Easy – Bisola Aiyeola Opens Up On Marriage Plans

Nollywood actress Bisola Aiyeola, 40, says marriage is not the main focus of her life and she feels no pressure to marry. Speaking on the In My Opinion podcast, she questioned why a woman should remain in a marriage where she does almost everything herself without enough support from her partner.

Victor Osimhen’s Pregnant Girlfriend Involved In Car Crash

Stefanie Kim Ladewig, eight-month pregnant partner of Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, escaped unhurt in a three-vehicle accident in Istanbul, Turkey. The 26-year-old was discharged after medical checks. Türkiye Today reports the crash happened around 3:10 p.m. Tuesday in Kemerburgaz, when her SUV collided with a light commercial vehicle and another SUV.

Infantino Told To Release FIFA World Cup Deal Documents Or Face Leadership Questions

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been urged to release documents on his abandoned World Cup commercial rights proposal and answer outstanding questions or face further challenges. The call followed a three-and-a-half-hour FIFA Council meeting in Zurich on October 15. FA chair Debbie Hewitt said Infantino apologised but did not answer council members’ questions.

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