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Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – August 27, 2026
Bandits Feared Killed As Security Operatives Foil Attack On Sifawa Town In Sokoto
Several bandits were feared killed on Wednesday as security operatives foiled an attempt to attack Sifawa town in Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State. Sifawa is the hometown of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya (rtd.), and the Secretary to the Sokoto State Government, Barrister Bello Sifawa.
ADC Demands Arrest Of Kuje Chairman Over ‘Vote APC Or Leave’ Threat
The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has demanded the immediate arrest of the Kuje Area Council Chairman, Mr. Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, over his declaration that residents must vote for the All Progressives Congress, APC, or leave the council area. The opposition party described the development as “a threat of forced displacement” that breaches Sections 40, 41 and 42 of the Constitution.
Presidency Accuses Atiku Of Lacking Understanding Of His Own Subsidy Proposal
The Presidency on Wednesday accused former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of lacking a basic understanding of his own proposal to restore the petrol subsidy, describing his recent pronouncements on the issue as confused, incoherent and politically motivated. The Special Adviser to the President, Bayo Onanuga, faulted Atiku’s argument that his proposed subsidy would “follow the barrel of crude.”
Police Arrest Woman, Others Over Fake Kidnapping, Armed Robbery, Illegal Firearms Trafficking
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a 34-year-old woman, Nansik Wuyep Sule, and several other suspects over alleged cases of fake kidnapping, armed robbery and illegal firearms trafficking across different states. The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) and Intelligence Response Team (IRT) during intelligence-led operations.
Umahi Orders Arrest Of Contractors Removing Asphalt From Benin-Asaba Highway
Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi has criticised the concessionaire handling the Benin-Asaba Highway over the slow pace of work and ordered the arrest of any contractor found removing asphalt from existing carriageways. Umahi gave the directive on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, during an on-the-spot assessment of the 125-kilometre road following complaints from road users and host communities about the hardship caused by the ongoing construction.
EFCC To Appeal Court Ruling Dismissing Forfeiture Of Malami-Linked Properties
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has said it will appeal a Federal High Court ruling that dismissed its application for the final forfeiture of nine properties linked to the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami. EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, disclosed this on Wednesday while speaking at the 43rd Cambridge International Symposium on Economic Crime at Jesus College, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Gunmen Abduct Dangote Cement Driver In Ogun State
Gunmen have abducted a senior driver with Dangote Cement Company, Ibese Plant, Ogun State, Usman Umar, popularly known as “Baba Olowo,” in Yewa North Local Government Area of the state. Umar was reportedly abducted around midnight on Wednesday at Ajibawo Village, near Ijako-Orile, shortly after returning home from work. According to sources, the victim was attacked by three gunmen as he alighted from his motorcycle in front of his residence.
US Pauses All Immigrant Visa Applications Worldwide
The United States has paused all immigrant visa applications worldwide as the Donald Trump administration moves to tighten restrictions on applicants it considers likely to rely on US public assistance. A State Department official confirmed the pause on Wednesday, saying the agency launched the initiative at all US embassies and consulates in early August.
Oyo Police Smash Transnational Stolen Vehicle Trafficking Network
Oyo State Police Command has smashed a transnational criminal network allegedly involved in trafficking stolen luxury vehicles across Nigeria’s borders for sale in foreign countries. The operation led to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of a stolen Lexus RX 350 SUV. The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement released on Wednesday and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Presidency Says APC Campaign Council List Not Withdrawn, Only Adjustments Coming
The Presidency has said the All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Campaign Council list for the 2027 election has not been withdrawn, although adjustments will be made to the structure. Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, gave the clarification on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.
Tinubu Gives Security Chiefs 90-Day Ultimatum To Draw Up Five-Year Defence Strategy
President Bola Tinubu has given Nigeria’s top defence, intelligence, and security chiefs 90 days to submit a national threat assessment and a five-year strategic defence operations plan.
Naija News reports that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, disclosed the directive on Wednesday.
Akume, who inaugurated the Presidential Committee on National Threat Assessment and Five-Year Strategic Defence Operations Plan on behalf of the President, urged members to approach the assignment with professionalism, objectivity, urgency and patriotism.
The committee, comprising the National Security Adviser, ministers of defence, service chiefs and heads of major security and intelligence agencies, is expected to move Nigeria’s security from reacting to individual threats to anticipating them, prioritising risks and aligning resources with clearly defined national security objectives.
The SGF said the documents must be submitted within 90 days for President Tinubu’s consideration and approval.
He said the initiative had become important considering the nature of security threats plaguing the nation.
2027: We Are Competing With Thieves – Atiku
Former Vice President of Nigeria and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has lamented that he is “competing with thieves.”
Naija News reports that Atiku, who spoke in a video released via his 𝕏 account, said those he referred to as thieves have stolen the election, the economy, and everything.
“We are competing with thieves. They stole the election. Now they have stolen the economy. They have stolen everything,” he said while addressing some of his supporters at his residence.
The former Vice President also clarified that he would restore fuel subsidy if elected president in 2027.
He added that the claim by his media aide, Paul Ibe, suggesting that he would restore fuel subsidy and later remove it, is not the same as his plans, adding that Ibe’s words were not authorised by him.
Atiku lamented that many citizens have been thrown into poverty as a result of the fuel subsidy removal policy implemented by the Bola Tinubu administration.
The ADC presidential candidate insisted that Nigeria has enough resources to take care of its citizens.
Wike Ruled Like A Monarch In Rivers, Wants To Do Same In Abuja – Gololo
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Haruna Gololo, has accused the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, of attempting to rule like a monarch.
The politician said Wike ruled like a monarch during his tenure as Governor of Rivers State.
He, however, argued that Abuja is not Rivers and the people are not his slaves.
Naija News reports that Gololo made the claim in an interview with The Whistler in which he spoke against the backdrop of floods ravaging some areas in Abuja and the Minister’s demolition orders as part of efforts to solve the problem.
The ADC chieftain, however, insisted that the people of Abuja are not afraid of Wike, adding that the Minister is not older than him.
Presidential Campaign Council List Will Not Be Reviewed – Presidency
The Presidency has clarified that the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council list for the 2027 election will be adjusted and not subjected to a total review.
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, made the clarification during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.
Naija News reports that Dare was responding to claims that the list had been withdrawn following backlash over individuals of questionable character on it.
However, the presidential aide said the list remained valid, stressing that the party had yet to constitute all the subcommittees that would make up the campaign structure.
Asked whether the list was therefore open to review, Dare avoided the term “review,” describing the expected changes instead as adjustments.
ADC Demands Kuje Chairman’s Arrest, Asks Tinubu To Clarify ‘All Is Fair In Politics’ Comment
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of the Kuje Area Council Chairman, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo.
Naija News reports that the Kuje Area Council Chairman had reportedly threatened that residents must vote APC or leave the council area.
In a statement on Wednesday, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the council chairman’s statement as “a threat of forced displacement” that breaches Sections 40, 41 and 42 of the Constitution.
The party linked the remark to APC Senator Francis Fadahunsi, who was questioned and released without charge after threatening opposition voters during the Osun governorship election; while tracing both comments to President Bola Tinubu’s 29 July comment that “all is fair in politics.”
The opposition party, therefore, demanded that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should personally clarify his statement and call his party to order.
The ADC also urged the National Peace Committee (NPC) to speak now, warning that if it waits until 2027, it could find itself issuing condolences, instead of appeals.
‘Wike Has Been Taking Loans Without National Assembly Approval’ – Kingibe
The senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, has alleged that the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, has taken loans without the National Assembly’s approval.
Naija News reports that Kingibe made the allegation during an interview on Channels Television on Tuesday, while speaking on the FCT administration, the Abuja master plan and the oversight responsibilities of the National Assembly.
According to Kingibe, the Debt Management Office (DMO) records indicated that loans had been taken for the FCT between August 2023 and March 2026, despite Wike not appearing before the Senate to seek approval for such borrowing.
Kingibe noted that she had brought the issue of Wike’s borrowing to the attention of the Senate leadership.
Not True – Ogogo’s Family Denies Reports Of Daughter Giving Birth
The family of late Nollywood actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has denied reports claiming that his daughter, Shakirat Taiwo, also known as Kira, welcomed a baby boy.
Naija News reports that the clarification came on Wednesday after a video and reports circulated online claiming that Kira had given birth shortly after her father’s burial.
Haleemah Taiwo, another daughter of the late actor, addressed the reports through a post on Instagram.
She explained that the information about her sister giving birth was false and said the family had been receiving calls and messages from relatives and friends seeking clarification.
She also appealed to members of the public to stop spreading information about the family without confirming whether it was genuine.
I Nearly Ran Mad After Getting Married – Ronke Oshodi
Nollywood actress Ronke Oshodi Oke has spoken on the difficult period she experienced during her marriage.
Naija News reports that the thespian revealed that she developed high blood pressure for the first time while she was newly married.
The actress shared the experience during an interview on African A-List, where she reflected on her former marriage and the effect the challenges she faced had on her physical and emotional well-being.
Ronke explained that several problems emerged during the marriage and became increasingly difficult for her to handle.
She made it clear that her former husband did not physically abuse or beat her, but said the difficulties in the relationship still became overwhelming.
According to the actress, the pressure she experienced during that period affected her health.
NPFL Clubs To Get 60% Of $7.5 Million Sponsorship Deal
Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clubs will receive 60 per cent of the league’s new $7.5 million title sponsorship deal with EUROMATCH, with the funds expected to boost players’ wages and welfare ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The three-year agreement, valued at $2.5m per season, was unveiled in Abuja on Wednesday, with EUROMATCH confirmed as the NPFL’s new title sponsor.
NPFL chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye said 60 per cent of the sponsorship proceeds would go directly to the clubs, with the agreement requiring them to reflect the increased revenue in improved welfare for their players.
Elegbeleye said the league was putting players at the centre of its commercial plans because they remained the main attraction.
The NPFL chairman said improved earnings would help to improve players’ welfare and productivity as the league continues reforms in club finances, broadcasting, branding and commercial development.
FIFA Crisis: UEFA Set To Back Down On Boycott Threat
European football nations are set to back down from their threat to boycott FIFA competitions after reportedly receiving assurances from the world football governing body.
The development is expected to end an immediate standoff between UEFA and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, following a controversial proposal that had sparked strong opposition from European football officials.
Naija News reports that UEFA had threatened to withdraw European teams from FIFA competitions last month after raising concerns over Infantino’s plan to sell shares in a commercial venture linked to the World Cup to private investors.
Although Infantino eventually dropped the proposal, UEFA insisted that European teams would need guarantees that similar attempts to change the structure of the game would not happen again.
According to Sky News, those assurances have now been provided and are expected to be discussed during meetings in Monaco on Thursday.
The development means England and other European countries are expected to take part in the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland next week as scheduled.