A pro-security advocacy coalition, the Citizens for Strategic Defence Cooperation (CSDC), has thrown its weight behind the Federal Government’s decision to deepen military collaboration with the United States Armed Forces, insisting that Nigeria’s sovereignty remains fully intact.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, the group described the arrangement as a “measured and strategic partnership” designed to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, insurgency and transnational crime.

According to the coalition, public debate surrounding the presence of U.S. military personnel in Nigeria should be guided by facts rather than emotion.

“Our sovereignty is not for sale, and it has not been compromised,” the statement signed by CSDC Secretary, Abdulmajid Danladi read.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain in full operational control of all security activities within our territory. Any cooperation with foreign partners is structured, limited and governed by Nigerian law.”

The group stressed that Nigeria has long maintained defence partnerships with friendly nations, particularly in areas of training, intelligence sharing and capacity building. It argued that the evolving security landscape—marked by terrorism, banditry, piracy and cyber threats—requires collaborative responses.

CSDC said enhanced cooperation with the United States Department of Defense would provide access to advanced training, intelligence technology and operational best practices.

“Modern warfare is technology-driven. Intelligence gathering, surveillance and counter-terror strategies are globalised. Refusing to cooperate with international allies would isolate Nigeria at a time when collaboration is essential,” the group noted.

The coalition commended the leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces led by the Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede for what it described as a “forward-looking decision,” adding that the partnership aligns with Nigeria’s long-standing diplomatic and security relations with the United States.

It further emphasised that the presence of foreign military personnel—where applicable—does not equate to foreign control.

“There is a clear difference between cooperation and occupation,” the statement added. “Nigeria is not hosting foreign bases that override its authority. What exists is structured engagement designed to improve the capabilities of our own troops.”

CSDC urged Nigerians to view the development through the lens of national interest rather than partisan politics.

“Our troops deserve every legitimate advantage in confronting violent threats. If collaboration with experienced global partners enhances their safety and effectiveness, then it is a responsible step,” the group said.

The coalition also called on the government to maintain transparency and ensure that all defence partnerships remain consistent with constitutional provisions and Nigeria’s foreign policy principles.

The Chairman of Ayambo Community in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, Warisenibo Godswill Jumbo, has called for an immediate re-evaluation of structures affected by the ongoing right-of-way demolition linked to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, insisting that justice and equity must prevail.

Speaking with reporters on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at his residence in Ayambo, Jumbo expressed concern over what he described as discrepancies between the information initially provided by company officials and the realities on ground.

According to him, representatives of the company had earlier briefed him on specific demolition dimensions along the pipeline corridor, but subsequent findings by a community surveillance team revealed a significantly expanded scope.

“What they told me when they visited is different from what my surveillance team reports they are now doing. You cannot agree on five metres, 10 metres or even three metres, and later return to say it is 25 metres or any other figure,” he said.

Jumbo maintained that he would not condone injustice against members of his community, particularly where livelihoods and homes are concerned.

“Everyone who knows me understands that I do not pander to injustice, especially when it affects my people. I am calling on them to go back, conduct a new assessment and pay the people what they are legitimately entitled to,” he added.

While acknowledging the existence of pipelines and their legally designated right-of-way in the area, the community leader urged affected residents to vacate the corridor in the interest of safety — but only after a transparent reassessment and proper compensation.

“We are aware of the dangers of living along the right of way and I advise those affected to vacate for their own safety. But the right thing must be done,” he said.

He further blamed what he termed “greedy and selfish land speculators” for selling parcels of land within the restricted corridor to unsuspecting buyers, despite longstanding community warnings.

“That place is called pipeline for a reason. It has pipelines, and nobody is supposed to build or live on top of them. We have consistently warned our people to avoid that area,” Jumbo stated, while appealing to those who have erected structures there to relocate.

Tension escalated in the community on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, as residents protested the sudden demolition of properties by Kristal Polis Limited, a contractor to WAGL Energy Limited, which in turn is engaged by NNPC Exploration and Production Limited — a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

Several residents alleged that they were misled into signing documents in Port Harcourt under the pretext that payments made to them were to facilitate minor fence adjustments away from the pipeline corridor. They claimed the same payments are now being presented as full compensation for their properties.

The unfolding dispute has heightened concerns over transparency, community engagement and adherence to due process in the execution of pipeline right-of-way enforcement projects in the oil-rich region.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has dragged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) before the Federal High Court in Abuja over its alleged failure to account for N3 trillion in public funds, including over N629 billion reportedly paid to “unknown beneficiaries” under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP disclosed that the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/250/2026, was filed last week.

The organisation said the legal action was prompted by what it described as “grave allegations” contained in the latest annual report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, published on September 9, 2025. The report allegedly raised concerns about the management and disbursement of trillions of naira in public funds under the apex bank’s supervision.

SERAP is seeking an order of mandamus compelling the CBN to account for and explain the whereabouts of the alleged missing or diverted N3 trillion, as well as provide detailed reports on how the funds were spent.

Specifically, the group is demanding clarity on the disbursement of over N629 billion under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, which it claims was paid to unidentified beneficiaries.
In a post on its official X handle, SERAP stated:

“We’ve sued @cenbank over failure to account for and explain the whereabouts of the missing or diverted N3 trillion of public funds, including the over N629 billion paid to ‘unknown beneficiaries’ as part of the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme.”

The organisation argued that the allegations, if established, amount to a breach of public trust and contravene provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the CBN Act and established anti-corruption standards.

According to SERAP, the alleged infractions reflect a broader failure of accountability at the apex bank and underscore what it described as persistent non-compliance with statutory obligations relating to transparency and prudent financial management.

“Nigerians have the right to know the whereabouts of the missing or diverted public funds,” the group said, adding that granting the reliefs sought would advance citizens’ rights to restitution, compensation and guarantees of non-repetition.
The CBN has yet to publicly respond to the suit.

The Federal Government has sounded a stern warning over the growing cases of Nigerians being illegally recruited into foreign armed conflicts, particularly amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, raised the alarm in a statement issued on Sunday by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, expressing grave concern over what he described as an “alarming trend” of deceptive recruitment practices targeting Nigerian citizens.

According to Tuggar, recent media investigations and security reports reveal that several Nigerians were lured abroad under false pretences, including promises of lucrative jobs, security-related employment, educational opportunities and migration incentives. Many of the victims, he said, were subsequently deployed to combat zones after being misled and coerced into signing military service contracts.

He disclosed that some recruitment schemes involved enticing offers such as high monthly salaries, sign-on bonuses and fast-tracked citizenship in foreign countries. In several reported cases, victims allegedly signed contracts written in foreign languages without proper legal guidance, while their travel documents were confiscated upon arrival.

The minister further noted that intermediaries and agents were believed to be facilitating the travel of recruits under tourist or other non-military visa categories, thereby masking the true nature of their engagement.

“The Federal Government unequivocally warns all citizens against engaging in or accepting any offer that involves participation in foreign armed conflicts,” Tuggar said, stressing that such actions not only endanger lives but could also contravene Nigerian and international laws regulating mercenary activities and foreign enlistment.

He emphasised that Nigerians who choose to participate in foreign conflicts outside approved governmental frameworks do so at their own risk.

To curb the trend, Tuggar disclosed that the government is collaborating with relevant domestic and international partners to investigate the development and intensify public awareness on the dangers of illegal recruitment. Nigerian missions abroad, he added, have been directed to heighten consular vigilance and provide timely advisory services to citizens.

He urged parents, guardians, community leaders and educational institutions to sensitise young Nigerians about the grave risks associated with fraudulent overseas recruitment schemes.

Citizens, he advised, should verify all foreign employment and study opportunities through official government channels and promptly report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its citizens, Tuggar declared that Nigerians “must not be exploited or trafficked into foreign conflicts under any circumstances.”

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Friday declared that what critics brand as “weakness” in his leadership style is, in fact, a deliberate strategy of restraint adopted to safeguard peace and stability in the oil-rich state.

Speaking in Lagos while receiving the New Telegraph Man of the Year Award, Fubara said his decision to appear weak amid prolonged political tensions was a conscious sacrifice made in the larger interest of Rivers State and the nation.

Describing “weakness” as a virtue that yields dividends in due season, the governor maintained that preserving calm and preventing further escalation of conflict guided his approach.

“Some call it weakness; others call it strength,” he said. “But for many reasons, I chose to be weak — weak because I want peace, weak because we need to survive, and weak because I want to protect what is dear not just to me, but to our state and nation. Weakness is a virtue; it pays at the right time.”

In a move likely to stir political interpretations, Fubara dedicated the award to God, the people of Rivers State and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, whom he acknowledged as his political benefactor.

“I must dedicate this award to my Oga, the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Chief Nyesom Wike, who discovered me, not minding the situation. It was that discovery that gave me this loudness,” he said.

Fubara also paid tribute to the people of Rivers State for their patience and composure in the face of political uncertainty, noting that their maturity had helped sustain stability.

He expressed gratitude to the organisers for the recognition, observing that in a nation of over 200 million people, the decision to single him out was both humbling and motivating.

Chairman and Publisher of New Telegraph, Orji Uzor Kalu, said the awards were based strictly on merit and designed to honour individuals whose contributions have impacted national development.

Former Ogun State governor, Olusegun Osoba, who also spoke at the event, commended Fubara and other recipients for their service and urged them to remain steadfast in advancing the country’s progress.

Fubara was accompanied to the ceremony by a delegation of Rivers elders, political leaders and stakeholders, in what observers described as a symbolic show of solidarity amid ongoing tensions in the state’s political landscape.

Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has called on the Federal Government and key stakeholders to urgently reposition Nigeria’s radio sector, warning that regulatory bottlenecks and policy neglect are undermining one of the country’s most accessible and trusted media platforms.

In a statement to commemorate the 2026 World Radio Day, the organisation described radio as a critical vehicle for information dissemination, civic engagement and social inclusion, particularly for rural and underserved communities.

MRA noted that although technological advancements have transformed the media landscape, radio remains a lifeline for millions of Nigerians due to its affordability, accessibility and cultural relevance.

“Since its introduction into Nigeria in 1933, radio has continued to serve as a dependable source of news, emergency information, cultural expression and civic participation,” the group said.

The statement, signed by MRA’s Programme Officer, Ms. Adesewa Akintokun, observed that despite the growth of digital media across Nigeria and other African countries, radio remains the primary source of information for a significant segment of the population, bridging literacy gaps and connecting citizens with governance processes.

However, the organisation lamented that the sector has suffered neglect in the face of rapid digital transformation, while what it described as insensitive and, at times, exploitative regulatory practices have further weakened its sustainability.

Akintokun argued that Nigeria could significantly expand the reach and impact of radio through policy reforms, technological innovation, content development and sustainable financing.

She urged the Federal Government to collaborate with stakeholders to institute a transparent, fair and non-punitive regulatory framework. According to her, simplifying licensing procedures and reducing excessive fees, particularly for community and campus radio stations — would enhance growth and inclusivity within the sector.

Stressing the importance of regulatory certainty, she maintained that investment and innovation can only thrive in an environment where editorial independence is guaranteed and arbitrary sanctions are eliminated.

Akintokun also advised radio owners and managers to adapt to evolving audience habits by embracing digital broadcasting and streaming platforms. With Nigeria’s high mobile phone penetration, she said, online radio and podcasts offer significant opportunities to reach younger, urban audiences who may no longer rely on traditional FM/AM sets.

On content development, she encouraged operators to prioritise relevance and quality by investing in investigative journalism and public-interest programming, while expanding youth-focused content and programmes on health, entrepreneurship, agriculture and digital literacy.

She emphasised that the long-term viability of radio depends on freedom of expression, warning that independent broadcasting cannot flourish in an atmosphere of harassment, arbitrary sanctions or politically motivated licensing decisions.

Calling on governments at all levels to respect constitutional guarantees of media freedom, Akintokun urged authorities to refrain from punitive actions against broadcasters and to foster an enabling environment for diverse and community-based stations.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights of broadcasters and journalists, promoting access to information and advancing media freedom as a cornerstone of democratic governance.