Author: Naija Daily News

By Deborah Nnamdi At least 35 people were killed on Tuesday evening when armed bandits stormed Woro village, a remote community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, in what residents and officials described as the deadliest attack in the area so far in 2026. The assailants, who struck at about 6:00 pm, reportedly opened fire on residents and set houses and shops ablaze, forcing villagers to flee into surrounding bushland to escape the violence. Several residents were still missing as of Wednesday, raising fears that the death toll could rise. A member of the Kwara State House of…

The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Engr. Bayo Ojulari, has said the corporation currently lacks the capacity to operate a refinery, describing the reoperationalisation of the Port Harcourt Refinery and Petrochemical Company as a major waste of resources. Ojulari made the remarks on Wednesday while speaking at the ongoing 2026 Nigerian International Energy Summit, where he outlined the challenges facing government-owned refineries and NNPC’s new operational direction. According to him, efficient refinery operations require strong financing, competent Engineering, Procurement and Construction contractors, as well as world-class operational and maintenance capacity, conditions he said NNPC does not presently possess.…

By Deborah Nnamdi The Nasarawa State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested a suspected serial rapist, Hussaini Shuaibu, also known as “Abati,” for allegedly defiling five minors in different parts of the state. The arrest was carried out following credible intelligence and complaints from residents, which led NSCDC operatives to track down and apprehend the suspect, according to a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SC Jerry Victor. Preliminary investigations revealed that the alleged offences were committed at different times and locations, with the suspect reportedly targeting vulnerable children across the state. Confirming…

File photo : Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan By Deborah Nnamdi The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it is fully prepared for the 2027 general election, noting that key preparations are already underway despite delays in the amendment of the Electoral Act. The Commission disclosed that it has completed the election timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 polls, even as the National Assembly is yet to conclude work on the proposed amendments to the Electoral Act. INEC explained that it is awaiting the completion of the legislative process, which is expected to provide the legal…

The United States has confirmed that it has deployed a limited number of military personnel to Nigeria as part of a renewed joint security effort aimed at strengthening counter-terrorism and stability operations. The disclosure came from the head of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, who said the move followed fresh security understandings reached between Washington and Abuja to deepen operational cooperation against militant threats. According to reports, the deployment is structured as a targeted support mission rather than a large troop presence. US officials described the team as a small, specialized contingent designed to provide…

President Bola Tinubu has called on the World Bank to deepen its support for Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms, with emphasis on agriculture, youth employment and private sector growth, as his administration intensifies efforts to strengthen the economy and expand opportunities for citizens. The president made the appeal on Tuesday while receiving a delegation from the World Bank led by its Managing Director of Operations, Anna Bjerde, at the State House, Abuja. Tinubu said his administration remained firmly committed to the reform agenda despite the initial challenges, noting that the government would not reverse course. “Since we went into this tunnel…

By Deborah Nnamdi Celebrated American Christian worship leader, singer and songwriter Ron Kenoly has died at the age of 81. The death was confirmed by his longtime music director, Bruno Miranda, in a statement posted on Kenoly’s official Instagram page. According to the statement, Kenoly passed away on February 3, 2026. No cause of death was disclosed. Miranda, who worked closely with Kenoly for more than two decades, described him as a mentor and spiritual father whose life and ministry were defined by deep faith and humility. “This morning, Feb. 3, 2026, we said goodbye to Dr. Ron Kenoly,” Miranda…

President Bola Tinubu has intervened again in the protracted political crisis in Rivers State, ordering the immediate suspension of impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and imposing firm political conditions aimed at restoring stability in the oil-rich state. The latest intervention followed renewed tensions that threatened to plunge the state into legislative paralysis and a possible removal of the governor, despite months of failed reconciliation efforts. Sources familiar with the development said the President issued the directive shortly before departing Nigeria for an official visit to Türkiye on January 26. According to the sources, Tinubu directed that all impeachment-related actions…

By Deborah Nnamdi The Senate on Tuesday confirmed the appointment of Justice Joseph Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, completing his elevation to the apex court after a successful screening exercise. The confirmation followed the consideration and adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, chaired by Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC, Ondo Central). Presenting the report on the floor of the Red Chamber, Adegbonmire urged lawmakers to approve the nomination of Oyewole, who was, until his elevation, a Justice of the Court of Appeal. He subsequently made…

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant technological trend; it is fast becoming a defining economic force, and Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads in how it responds. As AI tools spread across banking, media, agriculture, logistics, and public services, they are opening new doors for youth employment and IT-sector expansion while simultaneously threatening traditional jobs and creating fresh avenues for digital abuse. The real issue is not whether AI will change Nigeria’s economy, but whether the country — and especially its young workforce — is prepared to seize the upside and survive the disruption. Growth Potential: Jobs and IT…