News February 16, 2026 Six killed, Police station torched in bandit attack on Niger communities

 

At least six people have been killed and a police station set ablaze following coordinated attacks by suspected bandits on communities in Niger State.

The assault, which began late Friday night, targeted Tungan-Makeri and Konkoso in Borgu Local Government Area (LGA). Residents said heavily armed attackers stormed Tungan-Makeri, shooting indiscriminately and burning homes, forcing many villagers to flee to nearby communities.

An eyewitness from Zagatina village along the attackers’ route said he saw dozens of motorcycles transporting the gunmen.

“I counted about 41 motorcycles, each carrying two or three people. Some even had women and children with them. When I noticed they were approaching, I quickly hid in the bush as they passed behind my house,” he recounted.

By the end of the raid on Tungan-Makeri, six people had reportedly lost their lives, several houses were razed, and many families displaced.

The attackers were said to have moved to Konkoso in the early hours of Saturday, where they allegedly set a police station on fire, destroying property and escalating tension in the area. Residents described the invasion as brazen, citing the absence of visible security personnel during the hours-long attack.

Some villagers reported sighting a Nigerian Air Force aircraft hovering around Tungan-Makeri after the initial assault, suggesting that aerial surveillance may have contributed to the bandits’ eventual retreat.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the command received reports that suspected bandits invaded Tungan-Makeri around 3:00 a.m. via the Shafachi district in Borgu LGA.

He confirmed that six persons were killed, several houses were burnt, and an unspecified number of residents were abducted. The attackers were also reported to have advanced toward Konkoso before fleeing.

According to the police, joint security teams have since been deployed to the affected communities to assess the damage, pursue the attackers, and rescue the abducted victims.

The latest violence underscores ongoing security challenges in parts of Borgu LGA, as residents call on authorities to strengthen security presence in vulnerable communities to prevent further attacks.

News February 16, 2026 2 Nollywood crew members found dead on set in Lekki

 

The Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, has launched a probe into the mysterious deaths of two Nollywood production crew members discovered inside a parked vehicle at a filming location in Lekki Phase 1.

The deceased were identified as Godstime Imeh, a lighting director and CEO of GeeTee Light, and Walter Odediran, a creative video director popularly known as Director Carrinqton.

Their lifeless bodies were found on the evening of Saturday, February 7, 2026, inside Imeh’s tinted Nissan vehicle. The movie project was reportedly directed by former Big Brother Naija housemate Boma.

According to sources, the duo had arrived early at the location to set up lighting equipment. After completing their work around mid-morning, they reportedly rested inside the vehicle while awaiting further instructions. Around 11 a.m., a crew member delivered breakfast—yam and omelette—to them.

They were last seen reclining in the car with the air-conditioning running. Concern grew when repeated phone calls went unanswered by noon. It was not until later that evening, after filming had concluded, that colleagues found them unresponsive inside the vehicle.

Kola Odediran, elder brother of Walter, described the tragic loss as devastating. He said both men had planned to shoot a medical scene at Evercare Hospital earlier that day before taking a break in the car.

“Food was delivered to them; that was the last time anyone saw them alive,” he said. “When they were discovered around 7 or 8 p.m., my brother was seated upright with foam in his mouth, while GeeTee was slumped, bleeding from his nose, eyes, and mouth. It appeared whatever happened occurred suddenly.”

He also expressed dissatisfaction with the initial handling of the case at Maroko Police Station, noting that it was later escalated to SCID, Yaba, where it was officially documented as an unnatural death requiring investigation and autopsy.

Police have confirmed that the producer, Boma, the food vendor, the staff member who delivered the meal, and hospital management have all been questioned. The food vendor remains in custody.

Investigators are exploring multiple possibilities, including environmental exposure, food-related causes, or mechanical issues such as generator fumes, particularly as heavy-duty industrial generators were reportedly positioned above the parking area.

Authorities say forensic examinations including autopsy, toxicology analysis, vehicle inspection, and CCTV revieware ongoing, with all possibilities still under consideration pending laboratory results.

The incident has left the families of the deceased in deep mourning. “It has been very difficult for our family. My mother is devastated. He was the last-born. We were just two male children. This has been extremely painful for us,” Kola Odediran added.

News February 16, 2026 Lassa fever claims two health workers as NCDC confirms 15 infections nationwide

 

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has raised fresh concerns over the rising spread of Lassa fever, revealing that two healthcare workers have died and 15 others have been infected in the current outbreak.

In an advisory issued on Monday, the agency said surveillance data up to Epidemiological Week 7 shows a troubling increase in infections among medical personnel. The cases have been recorded across several states, including Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Ebonyi, and Benue—areas already identified as high-burden zones for the disease.

The NCDC noted that it investigates every confirmed infection involving healthcare workers to determine how exposure occurred and to prevent further transmission. However, recent assessments uncovered gaps in infection prevention and control (IPC) practices, as well as overlooked exposure risks in certain hospital departments. According to the agency, these weaknesses have led to IPC measures that do not fully match actual risk levels, contributing to the fatalities.

Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness transmitted primarily through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats. The disease remains endemic in Nigeria and other West African countries.

The World Health Organization explains that, in addition to rodent-to-human transmission, the virus can also spread from person to person, particularly in healthcare settings where adequate infection control measures are lacking.

Since the major outbreak in 2016, Nigeria has continued to record seasonal surges in cases, prompting renewed calls for stricter adherence to safety protocols within medical facilities and improved public health awareness nationwide.

Crime News February 16, 2026 BREAKING: FG files criminal charges against El-Rufai over alleged interception of NSA Ribadu’s phone

 

The Federal Government has entered a three-count charge against the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, alleging that he unlawfully intercepted the phone communication of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

In the charge the FG lodged before the Federal High Court in Abuja, through the Department of State Services (DSS), the former governor, who also served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, was said to have committed the crime with some persons who are currently on the run.

FG told the court that the defendant had, on February 3, when he appeared as a guest on Arise TV station’s Prime Time program, admitted his complicity in the crime.

He was accused of committing an offence under section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024.

In count two of the charge, the former governor, who is a frontline member of a coalition of opposition politicians dissatisfied with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, was said to be aware that someone unlawfully intercepted the NSA’s communications but failed to report the crime to the relevant security agencies.

It was further alleged that by using technical equipment to intercept the NSA’s calls, the defendants endangered public safety and national security, and instilled “reasonable apprehension” among Nigerians, an offence in breach of section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.

News February 16, 2026 Her Excellence Conference and Awards 2026 to Celebrate International Women’s Day in Abuja

Abuja, Nigeria – In commemoration of International Women’s Day 2026, ASo Multi Media and Partners proudly announce the Her Excellence Conference and Awards 2026, scheduled to hold on Sunday, 8th March 2026, at the prestigious Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments, Asokoro, Abuja, by 4:00pm prompt.

The high-profile event is designed to celebrate, honour, and amplify the achievements of women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, resilience, and impact across diverse sectors in Nigeria. This year’s edition will recognise 50 Outstanding Women of Excellence, carefully selected for their remarkable contributions to national development and societal advancement.

The 2026 theme, “Balance and Scales,” reflects the crucial role of women in creating equilibrium in leadership, governance, enterprise, family, and community development. The conference will spark meaningful conversations around gender balance, inclusion, and sustainable progress, while inspiring the next generation of female leaders.

Speaking ahead of the event, the organisers emphasized that Her Excellence Conference and Awards is more than an awards ceremony; it is a platform for dialogue, empowerment, collaboration, and legacy-building, bringing together accomplished women, policymakers, corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers from across the country.

The event promises an atmosphere of elegance and purpose, featuring keynote addresses, panel discussions, special recognitions, and networking opportunities, all within a celebration of excellence and impact.

Participation, nominations, sponsorship opportunities, and table reservations are currently open to the public.

News February 16, 2026 Barau visits Kano’s singer Market, donates N100m to fire victims

 

The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, on Sunday paid a condolence visit to the popular Singer Market in Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State following a devastating fire that destroyed goods and properties estimated at over N5 billion.

Barau, who was received by the market chairman, Alhaji Junaidu Zakari, alongside thousands of affected traders, announced a donation of N100 million to support victims and help cushion the impact of the inferno.

Speaking during the visit, the Deputy Senate President expressed deep sympathy over the incident, describing it as a tragedy not only for the traders but for the entire people of Kano and the country at large.

“This fire outbreak and the massive losses recorded have affected all of us. It concerns the entire Kano community and the nation. Commerce is the backbone of Kano, so we are deeply saddened by this development,” he said.

Barau, who also serves as First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, further pledged to facilitate the establishment of a modern fire control system in the market to prevent future occurrences.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Singer Market, Alhaji Junaidu Zakari, revealed that the market had experienced two major fire incidents in recent times, leading to losses exceeding N5 billion. He thanked the senator for his visit and continued support.

“We are proud to receive you in Kano. We sincerely appreciate your consistent support and everything you have done for us,” he said.

Barau was accompanied by the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, the Kano State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Malam Salisu Sagir Takai, members of the Kano State House of Assembly, special advisers, and other aides.

News February 16, 2026 Presidency fires back at El-Rufai over ‘poison’ procurement allegation

 

The Presidency has responded strongly to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over his claim that the Office of the National Security Adviser planned to procure a toxic substance.

In a letter dated January 30, 2026, addressed to the National Security Adviser in Abuja, El-Rufai requested clarification regarding alleged plans to import about 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate from Poland. He shared the letter publicly on his X account, stating that he was seeking reassurance over reports available to opposition figures.

However, the Presidency dismissed the allegation, insisting that there was no government procurement or importation of thallium sulphate through the Office of the National Security Adviser.

In a statement posted on X, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, accused El-Rufai of attempting to mislead the public. He claimed that El-Rufai had already received a response from the NSA’s office and challenged him to make it public.

Ajayi further alleged that the former governor’s actions were aimed at stirring political tension and diverting attention from corruption allegations he is currently facing in Kaduna State. He argued that El-Rufai was trying to portray himself as a victim while nationalising his personal political challenges.

The Presidency also referenced ongoing investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commissionover alleged financial misconduct amounting to ₦432 billion during his tenure.

El-Rufai, who recently returned from Egypt, has confirmed he will honour invitations from both anti-graft agencies. His lawyer, Ubong Esop Akpan, said he would appear before the EFCC as scheduled.

In his letter, El-Rufai described thallium sulphate as a highly toxic and tightly regulated substance and asked for details about its intended use, supplier identity, regulatory approvals, storage plans, and coordination with agencies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

He maintained that his inquiry was made in good faith to promote transparency and public safety.

Meanwhile, a coalition of concerned Nigerians criticised El-Rufai’s claims, describing them as reckless and capable of causing public panic. The group insisted that allegations of such magnitude should be backed by credible evidence and handled through proper institutional channels.

As of the time of reporting, the Office of the National Security Adviser had not issued a public response to the letter.