Nigeria’s Leading Newspaper Headlines For Today, Thursday, February 26, 2026

Good morning, Nigeria. Here is a roundup of the leading stories making headlines across the country today.

President Bola Tinubu has directed Acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to restore peace and reinforce security nationwide. The President gave the charge at the State House during Disu’s decoration as Acting IGP, following the retirement of Kayode Egbetokun. According to official sources, the Nigeria Police Council is scheduled to meet next week to ratify the appointment, which is also subject to Senate confirmation. Tinubu emphasized that Disu’s role is critical for rebuilding public trust in the police and collaborating with other security agencies.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash O. Amupitan, presided over a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners from across the country to review recent FCT Area Council and state constituency elections and prepare for the upcoming Ekiti and Osun Governorship polls as well as the 2027 General Election. Official statements revealed that the meeting also addressed the new Electoral Act, 2026, with a revised election timetable expected shortly. Prof. Amupitan stressed that excellence in election management is mandatory and issued directives to address identified gaps in past polls.

In Edo State, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested Sani Yusuf, a key commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), in connection with the 2022 Owo church massacre. The suspect, who had been evading authorities since the attack that claimed over 40 lives, was apprehended in Iguosa community along the Powerline axis in Ovia North Local Government Area. Security sources confirmed Yusuf’s involvement in planning and executing the attack.

Former Kano State Governor and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) National Leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, dismissed speculation about political motives for his visit to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, explaining that his trip was to inaugurate the party’s new state office in Ibadan. The inauguration is part of efforts to strengthen party structures ahead of the 2027 general elections. Kwankwaso was accompanied by NNPP officials, including National Chairman Dr. Ajid Ahmed and National Publicity Secretary Ladipo Johnson.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State of political intimidation, describing the party as a “terrorist organization.” The statement followed Tuesday’s attack on former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, elder statesman John Oyegun, and former governorship candidate Olumide Akpata. The ADC indicated it would report these incidents to diplomatic missions and the ECOWAS Court of Human Rights.

The Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, declined to grant bail to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, describing the application as premature. The case has been adjourned to April 23, 2026, while El-Rufai remains in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

Nigerian gospel singer Busola Oke clarified reports suggesting she contemplated suicide, attributing her social media livestream to frustration and emotional strain rather than self-harm intentions. She explained that her live session was aimed at seeking support from friends and fans, not public sympathy.

Clergywoman Sunmbo Adeoye shared the personal challenges she faced after marrying Pastor David Adeoye, revealing that some church members left due to her past relationship with musician 2Baba. Adeoye emphasized that her marriage was founded on faith and purpose rather than public opinion or pity.

In sports, the Super Falcons of Nigeria have opened camp in Yaoundé ahead of friendlies against the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon in preparation for WAFCON 2026. Eleven players, including captain Rasheedat Ajibade, have reported, with the full squad expected to assemble shortly. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Premier Football League announced that Shooting Stars Sports Club will host Kano Pillars at the Lekan Salami Stadium after the lifting of a previous ban, and Kun Khalifat FC appointed Ekpemandu Christopher Chijioke as their new team manager.

These are the top headlines making news in Nigeria today.