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Ghana police bust prostitution ring, arrest 12 Nigerians, others
Operatives of the New Juaben South Municipal Police Command in Koforidua, Eastern Region of Ghana, have arrested 13 suspected commercial sex workers, consisting of 12 Nigerians and one Ghanaian, during a special operation targeting prostitution and human trafficking. Further enquiries led officers to a suspected brothel in the same area, resulting in the arrest of 12 additional suspects. So far, about 15 persons, the youngest aged between 15 and 32 years, are in police custody and will be put before the court immediately,” Superintendent Nsiah said. Police said about 15 suspects aged between 15 and 31 are currently in custody and will be arraigned in court after investigations. The suspects, police said, have violated Sections 273, 274, and 277 of the Act, which prohibit prostitution, human trafficking, and brothel operations.
Source:Punch
February 12, 2026 02:48 UTC
US sanctions bill: NNPP defends Kwankwaso, alleges blackmail
The bill recommends visa bans and asset freezes under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act against individuals and entities accused of involvement in religious freedom abuses. Reacting at a press conference heldin Abuja, the NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, dismissed any suggestion that Kwankwaso was responsible for religious freedom violations. “In a statement posted on his X handle at the time, Senator Kwankwaso cautioned against what he described as oversimplified characterisations of Nigeria’s internal challenges. Questioning the allegation, the NNPP asked, “But is this enough to accuse Kwankwaso of severe religious freedom violations? Tensions over religious freedom have intensified amid persistent violence in parts of northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt.
Source:Punch
February 12, 2026 02:13 UTC
Abducted Gombe bizman rescued and regains freedom
The Gombe State Police Command on Wednesday announced the successful rescue of a businessman kidnapped in Tingile Village, Birin Fulani area of Nafada Local Government Area. In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, said the victim was abducted after a violent attack on his cattle ranch, during which his son was also injured. “On February 11, 2026, at about 3:00 a.m., unknown assailants armed with sticks, cutlasses, and knives invaded the cattle range of Alhaji Adamu Bappah, 48, of Tingile Village via Birin Fulani,” Abdullahi stated. “The victim was safely rescued in the Dawo bush area of Kwani Local Government and taken to the hospital for medical examination before being reunited with his family,” he added. “The command reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety and security of all residents within Gombe State,” Abdullahi said.
Source:Punch
February 12, 2026 01:40 UTC
Experts to push safety design at NITP lecture
Experts and decision-makers from both the public and private sectors will, on Tuesday, 17 February, converge in Abeokuta, Ogun State, to discuss how engineering and planning could help to enhance national security. The discussion at the 12th Waheed Kadiri Lecture Series, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Ogun State Chapter, will focus on the topic ‘Designing a Safer Nigeria: Engineering, Planning and the Fight against Insecurity’. The event is scheduled for 11am at Ogun Pensioners Hall, opposite Waheed Kadiri House, NITP Ogun State Secretariat, off Moshood Abiola Way, Ijeun-Lukosi, Abeokuta. The chairman of the organising committee, Oladunjoye Arowosegbe, said the choice of topic for the lecture series was part of the institute’s contributions towards the development of the country. The annual lecture coincides with his birthday and brings together professionals and dignitaries from far and wide in an atmosphere of professional excellence and community service.
Source:Punch
February 12, 2026 00:53 UTC
Preventing Violent Extremism: Why Tech is the Game Changer
AS the world marks the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism on February 12, Nigeria has no cause for ceremonial speeches. According to local officials, the attackers opened fire randomly, leaving families searching for missing loved ones and entire communities traumatised. On the same day, gunmen stormed Woro and a neighbouring town in Kwara State, massacring about 200 people. On this Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism, Nigeria must move beyond rhetoric. Beyond the killings, violent extremism tramples other fundamental rights: the right to education, worship and free movement.
Source:Punch
February 12, 2026 00:46 UTC
EPL: Man City thrash Fulham 3-0 to close gap on Arsenal
/Manchester City ramped up the pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal by strolling to a 3-0 win over Fulham on Wednesday to cut the gap at the top to three points. Pep Guardiola has sought solutions to his side’s second-half slumps that have cost them precious points in the title race. But the Gunners’ advantage has reduced from nine points to three in four days to give City hope of denying them a first league title in 22 years. The January signings of Semenyo and Marc Guehi have added firepower up front and steel at the back to reignite City’s title charge. Haaland scored his first non-penalty Premier League goal since December 20 when he drilled into the bottom corner from outside the box on 39 minutes.
Source:Punch
February 12, 2026 00:36 UTC
NCS to Remove Barriers for Nigeria's Onion Export Sector
The Nigeria Customs Service has assured onion farmers and export-focused stakeholders of the service’s commitment to removing non-tariff barriers to boost the onion sector valued at N1.17tn. This is even as the service vowed to tackle operational bottlenecks and work with relevant agencies to create an enabling environment for export trade and boost the N1.17tn onion sector. “So let me assure onion farmers and other export-oriented stakeholders that the NCS will stand solidly behind you. We will remove all known non-tariff barriers and work with other government agencies and stakeholders to create a more facilitating environment for your trade,” Adeniyi said. According to him, while discussions on transit corridors often focus on imports, the engagement with onion exporters presents an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s export narrative and unlock broader economic benefits.
Source:Punch
February 11, 2026 23:27 UTC
Police detain suspect after IED blast at Bayelsa secretariat
A suspected improvised explosive device detonated early Wednesday at the Bayelsa State Secretariat Complex in Yenagoa, prompting an emergency response by security agencies and a temporary disruption of official activities. Following the incident, the Bayelsa State Government ordered a temporary four-hour suspension of work at the secretariat as a precautionary measure, affecting over 6,000 state employees. Security operatives, including anti-bomb units, cordoned off access roads leading to the Secretariat and the Bayelsa State Government House while investigations and safety procedures were carried out. Confirming the incident in a statement on Wednesday, the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, CP Iyamah, assured residents that no casualties were recorded and no property was damaged. “The Bayelsa State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a suspected IED explosion which occurred today, 11th February 2026, at about 0600hrs within the State Secretariat Complex.
Source:Punch
February 11, 2026 23:16 UTC
Senate laments delay in implementation of defence budget
… says tardiness gives terrorists edgeThe Senate on Wednesday cautioned against delay in the implementation of Nigeria’s defence budget. Senator representing Yobe North and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmed Lawan, expressed concern at a budget defence session where the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, presented the ministry’s 2025 performance review and 2026 budget proposal. Lawan said the Senate is ever willing to partner with the executive in ensuring that the needs of the Armed Forces are met, timeously. How are we prepared to move forward if we are unable to implement the 2025 budget fully? “It is defence; you cannot postpone the implementation of the defence budget because that gives an edge to the enemy.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 11, 2026 23:06 UTC
VIDEO: Drama as Nwaebonyi, Hanga’s shouting match disrupts Senate committee hearing
A heated exchange between the Deputy Whip of the Senate, Senator Peter Nwaebonyi, and the Deputy Minority Whip, Senator Rufai Hanga, disrupted a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Works on Wednesday. Tension flared shortly after Senator Adams Oshiomhole concluded his presentation and it was Senator Nwaebonyi’s turn to speak. Umahi, the Minister of Works, is a former governor of Ebonyi — the same state represented by Nwaebonyi. “Please, don’t interrupt me because you allowed Senator Oshiomhole to spend not less than 15 minutes to make his remarks, observations and ask questions without any interruption. Earlier in his presentation, the Minister of Works lamented funding constraints hampering the completion of ongoing federal road rehabilitation projects.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 11, 2026 23:06 UTC
Those wishing my father death will die before him — Pete Edochie’s son
Leo Edochie, the eldest son of legendary Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie, has warned that those wishing his father’s death will die before him, as the family dismissed viral rumours claiming the film icon is dead. Reacting in a video shared on his Instagram page recently, Leo described the reports as false and malicious. “I’ve been receiving text messages and calls over the nonsense post by some people that our father, Chief Pete Edochie, is dead. ALSO READ: Why Pete Edochie is trending on X in Nigeria – Tribune OnlineLeo added that the actor is alive and in good health, condemning those responsible for spreading the rumour. Tribune Online reports that Pete Edochie recently trended on X in Nigeria following the rapid spread of the unverified claims, which alleged that the 78-year-old actor had been rushed to the hospital and passed away.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 11, 2026 23:04 UTC
Local content: Indigenous suppliers reduce import dependence, shorten downtime — Ewanehi
ALSO READ: Dangote makes history, becomes first refinery in the World to hit 650,000bpd capacityWhile noting that local content policies have matured across Africa, the GMD said countries are currently mulling over local content plans, training commitments, and supplier development pathways. Indigenous suppliers reduce import dependence, shorten downtime, and localise maintenance capability. “Across Africa, local content policies have matured. Many countries now require local content plans, training commitments and supplier development pathways. “Nigeria’s local content framework demonstrates a strong legislation and empowered implementing institutions on giant strides that can be achieved- driving participation, in-country fabrication and service growth,” he added.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 11, 2026 23:04 UTC
GEEP 3.0 set to empower micro businesses, strengthen communities — FCT Minister
Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has stated that the relaunch of the Renewed Hope Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) 3.0 would not only stimulate micro and small enterprises but also strengthen household incomes and community resilience. The Minister made the statement at the official launch of GEEP 3.0 and the flag-off of the FarmerMoni Dry/Wet Season Disbursement, held in Abuja on Wednesday. Mahmoud praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visionary leadership for sustaining people-centred interventions that combat poverty, foster inclusive growth, and empower citizens. She described GEEP 3.0 as a strategic and timely demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda, expanding affordable financing to traders, artisans, farmers, women, and youth to boost micro-enterprises, household incomes, and community resilience. She also called on implementing partners to maintain diligence and innovation.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 11, 2026 23:02 UTC
North-East forum raises alarm non-release of N218bn 2025 health funding gap
The North East Health Awareness Forum (NEHCAF) has expressed serious concern over the inability of the Federal Ministry of Health to access the budgeted sum of ₦218 billion in capital expenditure for 2025, as only ₦36 million was reportedly released. The disclosure was contained in a statement distributed to journalists by the Chairman of the Forum, Abdullahi Ahmad, and the Secretary, Ummu Kulsum Rabiu. The Forum stated, “Our attention has been drawn to the widely circulated publication in various national dailies of a statement credited to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, alleging that out of the ₦218 billion capital project funds appropriated for the health sector in 2025, only ₦36 million was released.”It added, “We express our profound shock and astonishment at this revelation made by the Coordinating Minister. It is alarming to learn that only ₦36 million has been received by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare out of the staggering ₦218 billion earmarked for this critical sector.”The statement further noted, “This disclosure raises serious concerns about transparency and the effective management of healthcare resources in Nigeria. We remain committed to advocating for the necessary reforms to ensure that financial resources are not only allocated but also effectively utilised for the benefit of all Nigerians.”It urged stakeholders, “We urge all stakeholders, including government officials, civil society, and the media, to collaborate in addressing these concerns and to work towards a more accountable and responsive health financing system.”The Forum concluded, “Together, we can ensure that the promise of quality healthcare is fulfilled for every Nigerian.”
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 11, 2026 21:52 UTC
Dangote makes history, becomes first refinery in the World to hit 650,000bpd capacity
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has achieved a major operational milestone with the full restoration and optimisation of its Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) and Motor Spirit (MS) production block. Following a scheduled maintenance exercise on the CDU and MS Block, the refinery has commenced an intensive 72-hour series of performance test runs in collaboration with licensor UOP. These tests are designed to validate operational efficiency and confirm that all critical parameters meet global standards. He further confirmed that all remaining processing units will begin their respective performance test runs in Phase 2, scheduled to commence next week. With the CDU and MS Block now fully restored, the refinery is positioned to comfortably deliver up to 75 million litres of PMS to the domestic market as required.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 11, 2026 21:09 UTC