News
Military Takes Over Security In Kano
In apparent reaction to the recent well-coordinated bomb attacks by the dreaded islamist fundamentalist sect, Boko Haram which killed over 180 people in Kano, military men have taken over the security of Kano City in Kano State.
This followed the series of attacks by Boko Haram in the city between last Friday and Tuesday.
Sources told The Tide that military men were now patrolling the city day and night.
Some are reported to have erected checkpoints for stop and search.
A source told The Tide from Kano on telephone: “The town is now heavily militarised. Even at junctions, you find them controlling the traffic.”
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that it had become obvious that the police had been overwhelmed by the dreaded sect, Boko Haram.
The source added, “you need to come and see how these guys operate. They are usually young men whose age can be put at between 18 and 25.
And they come with machine guns and other heavy guns apart from the bombs. How do you expect the police to be able to cope? “I am sure that must be the reason the military was drafted in.
“And there is a relative sense of security now, I must confess.”
The Tide could not confirm the veracity of the claim that another bomb exploded in Kano yesterday afternoon.
As at press time, it was still unclear if the noise that was heard from the Sabongari area of the town was a bomb explosion or a tyre burst.
A source said it was the trye of a luxury bus that gave way that afternoon and not a bomb explosion.
Few hours after the appointment of Acting Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Dikko Abubakar, the Nigerian Police Force has arrested about 200 people, including 160 from neighboring Chad, suspected of involvement in last week’s bombings that killed over 250 people in the ancient city of Kano.
Nigeria’s government has informed Chadian authorities to investigate the possibility the Islamist sect, Boko Haram, which claimed responsibility for the attacks, of having training facilities in Chad, a Police official said in Kano, who declined to be named because he is not authorised to speak with newsmen.
As the search for bombs and Boko Haram members intensified, the Federal Government had earlier deployed more soldiers and other security personnel to the troubled city.
Boko Haram, which draws its inspiration from Afghanistan’s Taliban movement, is responsible for a surge in violence in the mainly Muslim north of Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer. The group, whose name means “Western education is sacrilege,”claimed responsibility for church bomb attack on Christmas Day that killed 43 people.
Chad’s government told Nigerian authorities that President Idriss Deby had asked for security forces in the country to investigate and dismantle any training camps, if found, the Nigerian police official said.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that the country would win the fight against insecurity.
The President gave the assurance at the Argungu International Fishing Festival in Argungu town, Kebbi State, on Saturday.
He noted that the relative peace currently being enjoyed in Kebbi and neighbouring states was the result of sustained investments in security intelligence, coordination among security agencies, and community engagement.
Tinubu assured farmers and fishermen of sustained federal support to guarantee food security and safety across the country.
“The peace we are witnessing today is not accidental. It is the outcome of deliberate and sustained efforts. I assure you that the fight against banditry, insurgency, and insecurity will be won.
“Our farmers, fishermen, traders, and families will go about their lawful activities without fear,” he assured.
The President commended the organisers of the festival for sustaining the cultural event for decades, noting that it had endured for 83 years despite social and security challenges.
Describing the Argungu festival as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence, Tinubu stated that it reflects the richness of the country’s culture and the opportunities to harness its natural and human resources for national growth.
He said, “Today, this festival stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence among our people.
“It reflects the richness of our culture, the strength of our traditions, and the opportunities inherent in harnessing our natural and human resources for national development.”
The President was received by a large crowd of residents, traditional rulers, fishermen, tourists, and government officials from across the country.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth and women empowerment, irrigation development, rural electrification, and agricultural productivity.
Earlier, the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, said his administration was determined to elevate the Argungu Fishing Festival to full international standards while pursuing aggressive development across critical sectors of the state.
The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed today, in observance of Presidents’ Day.
The mission made this known in a notice shared on its official X page, yesterday.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents’ Day,” the post read.
According to the embassy, Presidents’ Day was originally established to honour the birthday of the former US President, George Washington, but has evolved into a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents and their leadership in shaping the country’s history.
The embassy noted that the holiday also recognises the influence of U.S. presidents on global affairs.
In a related message, the mission highlighted that Washington created the first “Badge of Military Merit,” which later became the Purple Heart. The medal still bears Washington’s image today.
Presidents’ Day is observed on the third Monday of February annually in the United States as a federal holiday.
News
Guterres Backs Nigeria’s Bid For UN Security Council Seat …Hails Tinubu’s Reforms, Regional Security Role
United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has charged Nigeria with spearheading Africa’s quest for a restructured global order, describing the country as uniquely positioned to lead the continent toward superpower status.
Guterres, who backed Nigeria’s bid for the world body’s security council seat, also praised the economic reforms of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration as well as Nigeria’s leadership in stabilising the Sahel and ECOWAS regions, despite facing its own security challenges.
The UN scribe made the remarks last Friday night during a high-level bilateral meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima on the sidelines of the 39th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Speaking during the meeting, Guterres said Nigeria’s large population, sustained democratic governance, vast natural and human resources, and longstanding commitment to multilateralism placed it in a unique position to lead Africa in the evolving global order.
“Given Nigeria’s demographic strength, democratic continuity and deep resource base, the country stands a real chance of leading Africa to becoming the next superpower in the evolving global architecture,” he said.
The UN Secretary-General and the vice president discussed key developments in Nigeria and the country’s expanding leadership role in promoting regional stability across West Africa and the Sahel.
Guterres commended the remarkable and outstanding reforms of the administration of President Tinubu, noting that Nigeria’s bold economic restructuring and security commitments have strengthened its continental standing.
The meeting focused on strengthening Nigeria–UN collaboration to advance global economic growth, peace and security, sustainable development, and a coordinated humanitarian response across Africa.
In his remarks, Shettima thanked the UN Secretary-General for his leadership in advancing global peace, noting that Africa has benefited immensely from his tenure, even as the United Nations undergoes internal restructuring.
“We remain committed to multilateralism and to deepening our partnerships with the United Nations and other global institutions,” the vice president said.
Shettima also reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding call for comprehensive reform of the United Nations system to reflect evolving global realities.
He emphasised that Africa must have stronger representation in global decision-making structures and declared that Nigeria deserves a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation, with Guterres reaffirming the UN’s support for Nigeria’s reform agenda and its growing leadership role in advancing peace, security, and development across Africa.
