President of the International Press Institute Nigeria, Mojeed Musikilu, has called on the Nigeria Police to see journalists as allies during elections and not enemies.

Musikilu made the call on Thursday when he appeared as a guest in an interview on Arise Television, lamenting the rate of attacks on journalists during elections.

He questioned why the police should continue to use the cybercrime law against journalists for doing their legitimate constitutional duties.

“The rate of attacks on journalists is high during elections. The police must see journalists as allies

“The media is a critical institution in a democratic setting. Recent years have seen journalists harassed, detained, assaulted, and even shot while performing their duties.

“This led to the former Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, being placed on an infamy list for failing to address these issues.

“An early warning is now being issued to his successor, especially with upcoming elections, as attacks on journalists tend to increase during these periods.

“It is crucial for authorities to view journalists as allies in national development, as journalism is not a crime, nor are journalists enemies or criminals,” he said.

Members of the National Assembly have said they will withhold comment on the cause of Monday’s fire outbreak at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport until investigations being conducted by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, are concluded.

The lawmakers stated this after a joint delegation from the Senate and the House of Representatives Committees on Aviation carried out an on-the-spot inspection of the damaged Terminal 1 wing of the airport.

The visit followed public concern triggered by the inferno, which caused extensive damage to part of the facility.

The delegation arrived at the airport at about 3:07 p.m., toured the affected areas, and later held a closed-door meeting with FAAN’s management team led by the Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku.

Speaking after the inspection, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Abdulfatai Buhari, said the lawmakers were encouraged by the swift response of airport authorities and the fact that no lives were lost.

He explained that the visit was aimed at firsthand assessment rather than speculation, noting that the lawmakers had earlier been engaged in budget defence sessions.

“We thank God that there was no loss of life, which is the most important thing. Despite the scale of the incident, FAAN and other agencies rose to the occasion,” Buhari said.

He added that emergency measures were promptly activated, allowing flight operations to continue with limited disruption.

“Flights were diverted appropriately. Some landed in Malabo and Accra, while others, including Emirates and Lufthansa, still arrived in Lagos later that night. This shows the level of preparedness and response,” he noted.

Buhari stressed that the National Assembly would not draw conclusions while investigations were ongoing.

“The investigation is still in progress, and we do not want to pre-empt the outcome. Issues such as sabotage or otherwise will only be addressed after the relevant authorities complete their work,” he said.

Also speaking, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, Abdullahi Garba, said the legislature would rely strictly on official findings before taking any further steps.

“Just like my senior colleague said, the investigation is ongoing, and we will wait for the same before anything can be done on this development.

“For the MD, she has done very well because within just three hours she was able to achieve stability; that is a very good one,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of FAAN’s Board, Abdullahi Ganduje, praised the airport management for what he described as a timely and effective emergency response, saying it helped prevent casualties and ensured continuity of operations at the nation’s busiest airport.

The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, rtd, says Nigeria’s new National Drug Control Master Plan, NDCMP, 2026-2030 will strengthen efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking across the country.

He made the remark at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja while receiving the final evaluation report on the 2021-2025 drug control strategy.

Marwa said the new plan was designed to improve existing measures and address identified gaps in drug control operations.

According to him, “the National Drug Control Master Plan 2026-2030 will strengthen Nigeria’s ongoing drug control efforts,” particularly in areas affecting public health and national security.

He spoke after reviewing the performance of the NDCMP 2021-2025, which assessed the country’s response to drug-related challenges over the past five years.

The NDLEA chairman commended the evaluation team, praising “the team of consultants who worked on the evaluation of the implementation of the NDCMP 2021-2025 for doing an excellent work.”

The agency noted that findings from the assessment would guide strategies in the new policy framework. Marwa assured that “when fully implemented, the NDCMP 2026-2030 will bridge gaps in the area of drug demand reduction in Nigeria,” highlighting efforts to reduce substance abuse and strengthen prevention programmes.

The development reflects ongoing government efforts to review national drug policies and improve enforcement and rehabilitation systems.

Authorities say the new plan aims to enhance coordination among stakeholders and improve Nigeria’s overall response to drug-related challenges.

Former Labour Party governorship candidate in Edo State, Olumide Akpata has disclosed why some members of the Party in the state chose to move to the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

Speaking in an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today monitored by DAILY POST on Wednesday, Akpata said they moved to support former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi.

It could be recalled that Akpata was formally received into the ADC earlier in the week. During the ceremony, that there was an assassination attempt on Peter Obi and other ADC chieftains.

“I moved to the ADC because I belong to a group who believe that a better Nigeria is possible.We were members of the Labour Party. December 31, 2025, the leader of that group moved to the ADC.

“Those of us in the Edo State Labour Party sat down and decided that the journey to a better Nigeria that we think is possible would be best traveled on this platform to continue to support Peter Obi.

“This is because we recognised that supporting him at the level of the Labour Party will come to nought if we are not able to help him achieve the objective of becoming the presidential candidate of the ADC,” he said.

National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Ajibola Basiru, has said the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, works for the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Basiru clarified that although Wike is not a member of the APC, he is working for the APC-led federal government headed by Tinubu.

Featuring on TVC’s Beyond The Headlines, Basiru said the level of infrastructural development witnessed across the Federal Capital Territory over the past two and a half years contributed significantly to the party’s success in the recent FCT local government elections.

He noted that the improvements were evident not only in urban centres but also in suburban communities, describing the minister’s performance as “sterling.”

Basiru added that the minister’s administrative efforts, alongside the party’s strategic engagement and careful selection of candidates with credible political track records across different parties, played a key role in the APC’s electoral victory in the FCT.

He maintained that the effective delivery of democratic dividends under the current FCT administration cannot be separated from the party’s success at the polls.

According to Basiru: “Wike is not a member of our party, but he works for an APC government headed by Tinubu.

“When you see the massive infrastructural development that has occurred in the FCT, not only in the urban areas, but even in the suburbs.

“In the past two and half years, you’ll discover that the sterling performance of the FCT Minister together with the engagement that our party has done and the careful selection of candidates who have the history of a sterling different political parties have contributed to APC’s victory in the FCT local government elections.

“So you can’t discountenance effective administrative deployment of the dividends of democracy in the FCT under the present FCT administration from the success of our party in that election.”

Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi has taken custody of Walida Abdulhadi Ibrahim, the girl whose disappearance and subsequent recovery sparked controversy,.

Walida had since been held at the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters in Abuja.
The handover took place late last night in the presence of senior officials from the Jigawa State Government, representatives of civil society organisations, and religious bodies, including the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA).

Walida, a native of Hadejia Local Government Area of Jigawa State, was reportedly taken away by a woman identified as Mariam before later resurfacing in Abuja in the company of a DSS agent. Her family had sought legal intervention after efforts to regain custody were unsuccessful. A petition was filed by her uncle at the DSS headquarters in Abuja, and thereafter, the family approached a court in Jigawa State. The court directed that Walida should be released to her parents, but the DSS filed a counter-motion, insisting that they were investigating the matter.

The raging controversy revolved around Walida’s alleged abduction and conversion to Christianity and suspected sexual exploitation of a minor.

Governor Namadi said the state government would assume responsibility for Walida’s welfare and protection while legal proceedings continue to address the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.

“Our major concern is that she was taken away from her home. The matter will be resolved through the courts, and the state government will ensure that justice is done,” he said.

He explained that Walida would remain under government supervision in Abuja for now and would be provided with security and psychosocial support to help her recover.

“Taking her into our custody does not automatically mean that she will be taken back to Jigawa. Walida will be kept in Abuja for now and provided with adequate security,” he added.

The governor also stated that the child she delivered would be placed under the care of the Jigawa State Government pending the outcome of ongoing investigations and legal processes.

On his part, Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, said the agency acted within the framework of the law and prioritised Walida’s safety throughout the investigation.

He confirmed that a DSS officer allegedly linked to the case, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, remains in custody and would face appropriate legal consequences if found guilty. “He will face the music when found wanting. We have rules guiding our operations,” Ajayi stated.

According to him, several agencies, including law enforcement, civil defence, women’s rights organisations, and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, are working together to ensure proper handling of the case.

Governor Namadi assured that all outstanding issues, including the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, would be determined through due legal process, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting her rights and wellbeing.

Newly appointed Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Tunji Disu, has said that this is not the right time to start receiving congratulatory messages.

The new IGP said that the burden placed on his shoulder is a heavy one and that he must swing into action immediately.

Disu stated this after he was decorated by President Tinubu on Wednesday to take over as the 23rd Indigenous Inspector-General of Police.

Disu is replacing Kayode Egbetokun who was earlier asked to resign by President Bola Tinubu .

He highlighted the areas of focus and added that he would not waste or treat the confidence reposed in him carelessly.

“I am dedicated to supporting and maintaining it until it meets the standards expected by His Excellency and the hopes of Nigerians, making sure that the safety and belongings of every lawful citizen and all residents throughout the country are protected,” he said.

Disu said he had received thousands of congratulatory messages already, stressing that “I firmly believe that it’s not the right time for me to be praised yet. It’s not the right time yet because a big responsibility has been given to me and my coworkers.

“It’s not the right time yet because I understand the expectations are really high. It’s not the right time yet because I believe we shouldn’t just meet expectations, but aim to go beyond them.

“I want to let all the officers and men of the indefatigable Nigeria Police know that Tunji Disu, as most of you call me, is first and foremost a police officer before being the Inspector-General of Police.

“This includes the fresh recruits who are still learning the weight of the uniform, as well as the veterans who have given decades of quiet service. I really value this and want to keep it going.

“I see you, I respect you, and I’m right here with you. I know what it feels like to stand on duty in the rain. I know there are dangers in answering any emergency call. I know what it’s like to work for people who sometimes cheer for you and sometimes don’t trust you.

“Those experiences aren’t behind me; they will influence every choice I make in this office. By the favor of Almighty God, I have been given this position to guide you with honesty and faithfulness, and to work for the benefit of our beloved country, Nigeria.

“It’s good to see that our Service has a lot of strong capabilities that are always ready to use when needed to deal with today’s security challenges.

“We can proudly say that Nigeria has overcome many tough challenges thanks to the courage, skill, deep knowledge, strong dedication, and great strength of its officers.

“I am also aware that we all have injuries: a lack of trust from the communities we are supposed to protect; old systems, not enough resources, and in some places, a culture of wrongdoings that has damaged the badge many of us wear with pride.

“These are not comfortable truths. But these are realities we need to confront with determination in order to rebuild the Nigeria Police as a highly trusted and people-focused institution. My time in this role will be based on three clear promises.

“We will take this Service and bring it up to date in a professional and modern way. How we do our work will be guided by smart policing, detailed investigations, digital technology, and using evidence to make decisions. Not threatening, not taking easy paths, not using power unfairly.

“We will invest in the people who do this work. A skilled officer, who is well-prepared and truly appreciated, is the strongest tool this Service has for stopping crime.

“I want to be clear about this, so there’s no misunderstanding: the time for getting away with things is over. The badge shows that people trust the public. Anyone who handles it differently will have to deal with the complete effects of our discipline procedures.

“This rule applies to everyone, no matter their rank, even those who are closest to me. I won’t ask people to trust a service unless it takes responsibility for its actions first. We will improve our internal checks, make our procedures clearer, and ensure that when we talk about the rule of law, we really mean it.

“No police department anywhere in the world has ever been able to create real and lasting safety by working against the community instead of being part of it. We will go to the people.

“To the markets, the town halls, the schools, and the informal settlements. Not to lecture, but to listen. Community policing is not a programme. It’s a way of thinking, and it will guide how this Service works from the inside out.

“To my officers, I will expect the best from you, because the people we serve deserve nothing less.

“Integrity. Compassion. Courage. These are not optional qualities. They are the job. But I promise you this: I will work hard to protect your well-being, respect your dignity, and ensure you have the right conditions to do your job properly. You won’t be asked to do anything that’s impossible without any help.

“Starting today, leadership in this Service needs to be clear, responsible, and deserving of people following them. To the people of this country,

I ask for just one thing more than anything else.

“Your partnership. Report crime. Engage with your local officers. Hold us responsible when we don’t meet the standards, and support us when we do things right. We are not your adversaries. We are your neighbors in uniform, and the only way to know if we’re doing our job right is by how safe you stay.

“The path forward isn’t easy, and the changes we need to make also won’t be simple. There will be resistance, tough decisions, and times when the easier choice seems better. I plan to choose the more difficult option each time. My door will be open. My ears will be attentive.

“My promise to turn this Service into one that every citizen can trust and every officer can be proud to work in will never change. This is not the end of the ceremony. This is the beginning of work! Let us get to it, together. God bless our Police Service. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Organised labour in the federal public service has given a Friday deadline to the federal government to meet its demands of three months’ outstanding wage award and other pending allowances owed workers in ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs.

Giving this ultimatum on Wednesday, the leadership of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, JNPSNC, (Trade Union Side), warned that failure to meet its Friday, February 27, 2026, deadline would compel the eight unions in the civil service to take decisive action.

The unions alleged that the federal government is deliberately withholding funds meant for workers, despite agencies reportedly being ready to process payments once funds were released.

According to the unions, the wage award dispute, which has lingered for over two years, followed the federal government’s approval of a N70,000 minimum wage after the removal of fuel subsidy.

The unions disclosed that while partial payments were made after sustained pressure, three months remained unpaid since July 2024, creating growing tension within the federal workforce.

Addressing the matter in a letter to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the union stated: “This wage award has dragged on for over two years now since the implementation of (N70,000) Minimum Wage Payment was approved.”

They also recalled that the wage award was approved as a cushioning measure, following fuel subsidy removal and was to run until the commencement of the new minimum wage implementation in July 2024.

“It is beyond the imagination and expectations of federal workers that federal government left five months unpaid abinitio, not until there was much pressure, there and then, federal government effected the staggered payment of two months, leaving the balance of three months since July, 2024 unpaid,” it added.