BANNER NEWS

Month: February 2026

  • FG Reopens Tsamiya Border as 2,000 Trapped Trucks Set to Enter Nigeria

    FG Reopens Tsamiya Border as 2,000 Trapped Trucks Set to Enter Nigeria

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter
    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the reopening of the Tsamiya border between Nigeria and Benin Republic in Kebbi State, paving the way for the movement of about 2,000 trucks loaded with assorted goods into the country.
    The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this on Saturday during a stakeholders’ engagement in Birnin Kebbi.
    Adeniyi said the decision followed strong assurances from the Benin Republic government and Nigeria’s security agencies that the reopening would not pose any threat to national security.
    According to him, Kebbi State has been designated as a strategic transit point, with commitments from the Federal Government, the Kebbi State Government and Benin Republic authorities to ensure strict compliance with transit regulations.
    He said Customs would deploy technology to monitor all trucks moving through the corridor, warning that any vehicle found outside the approved route would be seized.
    “The essence of the transit arrangement is to facilitate legitimate trade between Nigeria and Benin Republic without compromising national security or the economy,” the Customs boss said.
    Adeniyi described Kebbi as critical to Customs operations due to its borders with Niger and Benin Republics and its access to the River Niger, stressing that security cooperation with stakeholders was key to curbing smuggling and other cross-border crimes.
    Also speaking, a Benin Republic official, Immora Idrisu, commended the Nigerian government for the decision, saying both countries had agreed to secure the trade corridor to ensure smooth commercial activities.
    In his response, Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, said the state was ready to provide logistical and infrastructural support, noting that the reopening would boost trade, employment and economic activities along the border communities.
  • Golden Remembrance For Late Gen. Murtala Muhammed Held in Kano

    Golden Remembrance For Late Gen. Murtala Muhammed Held in Kano

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter

    Activities marking the 50th anniversary of the death of former Nigerian Head of State, Gen. Murtala Ramat Muhammed, were held on Friday in Kano State, with prayers offered for the repose of his soul.

    Family members, Islamic clerics and other dignitaries converged on Masallacin Murtala, Hausawa, Zoo Road, for special prayers organised by the Muhammed family in collaboration with the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF).

    The programme featured Qur’anic recitations and supplications, with the Chief Imam of the mosque, Sheikh Kabir Badamasi-Dantaura, leading the Juma’at prayers and graveside observance in honour of the late leader.

    Speaking at the event, a son of the former Head of State, Malam Risqua Murtala Ramat, said the 50th anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on his father’s legacy and core values.

    He said the remembrance was also meant to encourage Nigerians to continue celebrating the sacrifices of past leaders who played key roles in nation-building.

    “Fifty years after his death, he is still remembered for his service to the nation. Present and future generations must understand the sacrifices made by leaders who built this country,” he said.

    Also speaking, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Aminu Bashir Wali, described Gen. Muhammed as a leader of rare conviction, recalling his personal encounters with him and the aftermath of his assassination in Lagos in 1976.

    According to Wali, the late Head of State lived a modest life and died without amassing wealth, noting that his commitment to national service and integrity remained unmatched.

    In his remarks, the Sarkin Fadan Kano and Hakimin Fagge, Alhaji Ado Kurawa, a cousin of the late general, urged Muslims, particularly in Northern Nigeria, to continue praying for him, calling for regular recitation of Suratul Ikhlas in his memory.

    An independent researcher, Ibrahim Ado Kurawa, said despite spending only about 200 days in office, Gen. Muhammed left enduring legacies, including the creation of additional states, initiating the relocation of the Federal Capital from Lagos to Abuja, and laying the groundwork for the presidential system of government.

  • Minister of Industry Hosts BCS Delegation, Doubts Jesus Christ Was A White Man

    Minister of Industry Hosts BCS Delegation, Doubts Jesus Christ Was A White Man

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter

    The Honourable Minister of State for Industry in the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan-Enoh played host in his office in Abuja to a large delegation from international spiritual organization, Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, with world headquarters in based in Calabar, Cross River State.

    The delegation was led by a retired Brigadier General, Patriarch Christ Shepherd Enang Essien as well as other notable dignitaries from the organisation.

    They delivered a special message from the Universal Leader of the fold, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu whom his adherents recognized as the King of kings and Lord of Lords.

    The delegation informed the Minister and his management team about the upcoming Silver Jubilee celebration of the coronation of the Divine Personage.

    They formally invited the Minister and his management team to the weeklong mega celebration climaxing at UJ Esuene Stadium Calabar on Sunday 19th April 2026.

    Essien described the reception by the minister as a rare honour and pronounced peace and blessings upon him and the entire Ministry of Industry.

    Also speaking during the visit, Professor Peace Irefin, a high ranking priest in the fold, informed the Minister that through such divine encounters, many people have unknowingly entertained God and Angels in disguise. She admonished the Minister to remain upright in all his dealings, assuring that greater heights awaited him.

    Minister Owan-Enoh appreciated the delegation, stating that he could not have turned down the request of the spiritual organization.

    He disclosed that BCS has contributed immensely to promote tourism in Cross River and country in general through increasing influxes of faithful and pilgrims, as well as establishment of several industries in the state and country as a whole.

    Owan-Enoh described His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu as the best thing to have happened to the world, expressing delight that the Being is physically from Cross River State, where he also hails.

    “The manifestation of the Holy Father, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu is the best thing that has happened not only to my state but to the whole world”, the Minister disclosed.

    He also reflected on the long-held misconceptions surrounding the identity of Jesus Christ, questioning the empirical basis for His portrayal as a white man.

    “We need empirical evidences to affirm that Jesus Christ was a White Man”, he maintained.

    On the invitations extended to him, he stated that he would make every effort to be available, noting that only the Father will ultimately make it possible.

    He described the Silver Jubilee celebration as very remarkable, assuring the delegation of his support in due course.

    The Administrator of BCS in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Archbishop Utibe Akpan Willie, appreciated the Minister for granting the audience and prayed for continued blessings upon him, his family and the Ministry of Industry.

    The delegation also presented a copy of the Everlasting Gospel, a compilation of different breaching of the founder and supernatural teacher, Leader Olumba Olumba Obu to the Honourable Minister as a symbol of Brotherhood’s message of peace and salvation.

    Other members of the delegation included, Region 3 Administrator, PCS Victor Ebong, HG Archbishop Utibe Akpan Willie (FCT Administrator), Her Eminence Lena Eyesan (Gombe State Administrator, MCS Jane Akinbami, Professor Peace Irefin, Bishop Odey, CA Otu Okoi, Her Eminence Evelyn Willie, Christ Ambassador Josiah Oyakire, Bishop Victor Asuquo, and CA Ibiebin Arnold Ejomafuvwe.

  • Bush-Comb­ing of Criminal Hideouts in Kogi Yields Eight Arrests

    Bush-Comb­ing of Criminal Hideouts in Kogi Yields Eight Arrests

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter

    Operatives of the Kogi State Police Command have arrested eight suspects during a coordinated security operation targeting forested and remote areas suspected to be criminal hideouts across the state.

    The operation, carried out on Thursday, involved intensive bush-combing exercises in identified flashpoints believed to be vulnerable to criminal exploitation. Some alleged informants linked to criminal gangs were also picked up during the exercise.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Lokoja.

    According to the statement, the operation was conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, local hunters and vigilante groups as part of sustained, intelligence-driven efforts to dismantle criminal networks in the state.

    The police said ground operations were complemented with aerial surveillance, which enhanced situational awareness, enabled the tracking of suspicious movements and aided the identification of concealed criminal camps.

    “Discovered bandit hideouts were neutralised to prevent their reuse and deny criminal elements any operational comfort,” the statement said, adding that many suspects fled their enclaves on sighting the overwhelming security presence.

    Eight suspects were arrested at different locations and are currently in custody for questioning, with preliminary investigations indicating that some may be informants aiding kidnapping syndicates operating in the area.

    The command assured that investigations are ongoing and that appropriate legal action will be taken upon conclusion of the process.

    Police authorities said the areas covered during the operation have remained calm, with sustained security presence to reassure residents and prevent any breach of peace.

    The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, reaffirmed the command’s resolve to maintain firm control of the security situation, urging residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities.

  • Fire Service Rescues Two Victims in Separate Water Accidents, Confirms Deaths in Kano

    Fire Service Rescues Two Victims in Separate Water Accidents, Confirms Deaths in Kano

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter

    The Kano State Fire Service has confirmed the recovery of two victims from separate water-related accidents in Ungogo and Karaye Local Government Areas of the state, both of whom were later pronounced dead.

    The incidents, which occurred on February 5, 2026, were confirmed in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Fire Service, Saminu Yusif Abdullahi.

    According to the statement, the first incident was recorded at Bachirawa, Kwanar Madugu, in Ungogo Local Government Area, where an 18-year-old man, Yusif Malam Gwani Isah, reportedly fell into an open water source.

    The Fire Service said it received a distress call from Sulaiman Abdullahi Tela, prompting the immediate deployment of a rescue team from the agency’s headquarters.

    “On arrival at the scene, the rescue team entered the water and successfully retrieved the victim unconscious. He was later confirmed dead,” the statement said.

    The remains of the deceased were subsequently handed over to the Ward Head of Bachirawa quarters, Jibrin Isah.

    The second incident occurred at Kofar Yamma, Karaye town, in Karaye Local Government Area, involving an eight-year-old boy identified as Abdussalam Ibrahim, who reportedly fell into a well.

    The Karaye Branch Office of the Fire Service received the distress call from one of its personnel, PFS II Murtala Magaji, and immediately mobilised a rescue team to the scene.

    “The victim was rescued unconscious but was later confirmed dead,” the statement added, noting that the child was handed over to his father, Malam Musa Mudi.

    The Kano State Fire Service expressed sympathy to the bereaved families and advised residents to take precautionary measures around open wells and water sources, particularly to prevent children from being exposed to such dangers.

  • Palace Guard Accused of Killing Teenager Lynched by Mob in Keffi

    Palace Guard Accused of Killing Teenager Lynched by Mob in Keffi

    By  BANNERNEWS Reporter

    A palace guard identified as Isma’ila Zaria has been lynched by an angry mob in Keffi, Nasarawa State, following allegations that he killed a teenage boy after a dispute with the boy’s father.

    The victim, Aliyu Muhammadu Lawal, was reportedly killed in the Sabon Kasuwa area of Keffi, triggering outrage among residents after his body was discovered in a nearby pit.

    Witnesses said suspicion quickly fell on Zaria, a guard attached to the Keffi Emirate Palace, who was alleged to have had a long-standing disagreement with the boy’s father, Muhammadu Lawal.

    A local vigilante group reportedly arrested the suspect and took him into custody, but an irate crowd later overpowered the vigilantes, set the suspect ablaze and killed him before security agencies could restore order.

    Police officers who later arrived at the scene were said to have faced resistance from the mob, with some officers sustaining injuries and patrol vehicles damaged.

    Speaking to onlookers, the bereaved father said he had previously quarreled with the suspect over noise disturbance in the neighbourhood, adding that he could not confirm whether the disagreement was linked to his son’s killing.

    A traditional title holder, the Kakakin Sarkin Keffi, Yahaya Ladan Shafale, confirmed that the Emir of Keffi had earlier dismissed Zaria from palace service, stressing that he was no longer a palace guard at the time of the incident.

    Shafale condemned the killing of the teenager, describing the incident as shocking and unprecedented in the historic town of Keffi.

    Confirming the development, the Nasarawa State Police Command spokesperson, SP Ramhan Nansel, said the incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. following a distress call from a vigilante commander in the area.

    According to him, the suspect was already killed by the mob before police arrival, but officers later evacuated the burnt body to the General Hospital in Keffi, while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.

  • Deputy Governor Visits 13 Journalists Injured in Bauchi Auto Crash

    Deputy Governor Visits 13 Journalists Injured in Bauchi Auto Crash

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter
    The Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Auwal Jatau Mohammed, on Friday led members of the management and board of the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) on a sympathy visit to journalists injured in a fatal road accident.
    The deputy governor visited the victims at the Cottage Hospital in Yelwan Duguri, where they were receiving initial medical attention following the crash.
    During the visit, Mohammed directed that the injured journalists be immediately transferred to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, for more specialised medical care.
    The 13 journalists are from various media organisations. They were involved in the accident while covering the commissioning of projects by the NEDC in Bauchi State.
    The accident occurred at Yelwan Duguri when the driver of the vehicle conveying the journalists attempted to overtake a convoy, lost control, veered off the road and somersaulted several times.
    The incident happened along the Yashi–Yelwan Duguri Road in Alkaleri Local Government Area, shortly after the delegation led by the Minister of State for Regional Development, Alhaji Uba Maigari Ahmadu, commissioned and handed over a Government Secondary School project in the community.
    The victims sustained varying degrees of injuries, including fractures, head injuries and bruises, and were first rushed to the Yelwan Duguri Cottage Hospital for emergency treatment.
    Those injured include reporters and cameramen from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), The Guardian, The Nation, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Channels Television, AIT, Arise TV, Bauchi Radio Corporation (BRC), Bauchi State Television (BATV), an online media organisation, as well as the driver.
    Rescue operations were carried out by security personnel, officials of the NEDC, colleagues and other sympathisers, who assisted in evacuating the victims from the scene.
    The vehicle involved was one of those assigned to convey journalists for the coverage, while several mobile phones and journalistic equipment, including cameras, were damaged in the crash.

  • PadBank Distributes Sanitary Pads To School Children In Calabar

    PadBank Distributes Sanitary Pads To School Children In Calabar

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter

    A group, PadBank Mobile Outreach, has intensified its monthly campaign on young women’s health by distributing sanitary towels to about 300 girl students of West African People’s Institute, WAPI, in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State.

    Coordinator of the Non-governmental organization, Archibong Bassey noted that many young women in the state still grapple with inability to access some health services vices, especially availability of sanitary towels.

    She said sanitary products remains critical to the dignity, confidence and wellbeing of women and girls.

    Bassey said she took up the challenge singlehandedly by undertaking to assist the girl children with the pads.

    So far, Bassey said her initiative which started early in 2025, has reached several schools and communities.

    She further explained that the PadBank Mobile Outreach was created to address menstrual hygiene challenges by directly supporting girls who are unable to afford sanitary pads, thereby helping them remain confident and active in school.

    She encouraged the students to remain focused on their education and make responsible choices capable of shaping their future.

    “Whatever you do today reflects in your tomorrow. Do not play with your future. Discipline and commitment will always matter,” Bassey said.

    She explained that the February 2026 edition of the outreach also served as part of activities to mark birthday, adding that she invited members of her class set ” WAPI 94″ to join her in giving back to her alma mater.

    Before the distribution of the free sanitary pads, health talks and how to use the pads, how to dispose them and how to tackle the side effects of menstrual cycle, were given by National Health Fellows.

    Receiving the team, the school’s principal, Gertrude Egbelo, commended the group for its consistency and concern for the welfare of the students.

    “This gesture will go a long way in supporting our girls. It addresses an important need and shows that people truly care about their wellbeing,” the principal said.

    Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Assistant Head Girl, Goodness Udo, expressed appreciation for the initiative.

    “We are grateful for the sanitary pads given to us. This support means a lot to many girls who find it difficult to afford them,” she said.

    The PadBank Mobile Outreach said it would continue its monthly interventions aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene and supporting vulnerable girls and women across Cross River State.

     

     

  • Unqualified Practitioners Driving Fake News, Media Quackery — UNICAL Don

    Unqualified Practitioners Driving Fake News, Media Quackery — UNICAL Don

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter
    The Head of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, University of Calabar (UNICAL), Dr. Ukam I. Ngwu, Esq., has blamed the rising wave of fake news and quackery in Nigeria’s media space on the growing invasion of the profession by unqualified persons.
    Dr. Ngwu made the assertion during an orientation programme organised by the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies for newly admitted students, held on January 4, 2026, at the University of Calabar International Conference Centre.
    He lamented that accurate, credible and reliable information had become increasingly scarce in the country, warning that the trend poses serious threats to societal development and democratic governance.
    According to him, the erosion of professional standards in journalism has allowed misinformation to thrive, thereby undermining public trust in the media.
    The university don urged students, particularly those in the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, to take full advantage of their academic training to acquire the knowledge, ethics and technical competence required to restore professionalism to the media sector.
    He said the responsibility of rebuilding public confidence in journalism rests largely on the next generation of trained practitioners.
    Dr. Ngwu also called for stricter regulation of Nigeria’s media space, advocating legislation that would address the growing porosity in journalism practice.
    He stressed that journalism should be restricted to licensed and properly trained professionals in order to curb quackery and effectively combat the spread of fake news.

  • Police Rescue 81-Year-Old Pensioner From Fraud Syndicate in Uyo

    Police Rescue 81-Year-Old Pensioner From Fraud Syndicate in Uyo

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter

    The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has rescued an 81-year-old pensioner from a fraud syndicate allegedly using diabolic means to defraud unsuspecting members of the public in Uyo, the state capital.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, confirmed that the octogenarian was rescued unhurt during an intelligence-led operation, adding that suspects arrested in connection with the crime had confessed to their involvement.

    According to the police, the syndicate specialised in luring victims with a tricycle lacking a motor number, which was used to convey them to isolated locations before dispossessing them of money and other valuables.

    DSP John said the operation followed credible intelligence provided by a concerned and public-spirited individual, which exposed the activities of the group within Uyo metropolis and surrounding areas.

    The suspects were said to be members of a local fraud network popularly referred to as “Utotoh,” known for deceiving victims through deceptive and diabolical practices.

    “Operatives of the Command, acting on credible intelligence, successfully dismantled a suspected fraud syndicate operating within Uyo and its environs,” the police spokesman stated.

    Those arrested were identified as Otoabasi Ekpeyong, 52; Ubong Sylvanus, 42; and Sunday Akpan, 60. Police said investigations were ongoing to identify additional victims and apprehend other members of the syndicate.

    The Command reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of lives and property and urged residents to continue to support the police with timely and credible information to enhance public safety.