Compilations of top 10 key latest stories that you need to know this Saturday morning, 14th February, 2026
Terrorists’ warning letters spark mass exodus
Attacks by suspected terrorists may not be abating anytime soon as the hoodlums have started circulating warning letters to several communities in Kwara State.
Saturday PUNCH gathered that in the last six days, they had sent letters to four different communities, threatening to strike at any time.
Our correspondents learnt that on Thursday, a letter was dropped in Ira, a community linking Inaja and Aho towns in Oyun Local Government Area.
The terrorists had earlier sent a threat letter to Dunshigogo community in Kaiama LGA, a few days after the February 3 attack on Woro town, which left over 176 people dead and 38 abducted.
Our correspondents gathered that residents of Ira, Inaja and Aho had started leaving their homes over the threat letters by the suspected terrorists.
A copy of one of the letters was signed by “The Writer (SANUFH).”
2027: Opposition seeks credible polls as INEC releases timetable
Nigeria’s major opposition parties have expressed readiness for the 2027 general elections following the release of the timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission, while demanding credible and transparent polls.
The Peoples Democratic Party, the New Nigeria Peoples Party and the African Democratic Congress said they were prepared to participate, but stressed that the integrity of the process would determine the legitimacy of the outcome.
According to INEC, the presidential and National Assembly elections will be held on February 20, 2027, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for March 6, 2027.
Campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly polls will run from November 18, 2026, to February 19, 2027.
Governorship and state Assembly campaigns will begin on December 15, 2026, and end on March 5, 2027, 24 hours before the elections.
Thugs demolish Lagos houses, demand N25m from landlords
Many homeowners in Surulere Community, Amikanle, near the Command area of Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, are counting their losses after suspected landgrabbers, popularly known as Omo Onile, demolished several houses in the area.
Saturday PUNCH learnt that the thugs invaded the community on Tuesday January 27, 2026, and started demanding between N15m and N25m from house owners.
The thugs, according to some residents, have demolished the houses of those who were unable to pay.
Checks by Saturday PUNCH show that no fewer than 50 buildings, including residential houses, shops and fences, have been destroyed by the hoodlums.
Fubara submits new commissioner-nominees to Assembly
There are indications that the Rivers State Governor, Sinminalayi Fubara, has forwarded a list of commissioner-nominees to the state House of Assembly for screening and approval, Saturday PUNCH has learnt.
One of the governor’s aides familiar with the process told our correspondent that the list was submitted to the Assembly Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, on Friday, barely 24 hours after Fubara dissolved his cabinet and dismissed all Special Advisers.
The governor had been working with eight commissioners unaffected by the Supreme Court judgment recognising the Amaewhule-led Assembly leadership, until Thursday’s cabinet dissolution.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the aide said,
“The governor has already sent the names of commissioner-nominees to the House of Assembly.
It is now for the Speaker to invite them for screening. In the spirit of reconciliation, some names may come from the camp of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Commissioners who performed well may also be reappointed.”
Attempted Arrest: Odua group defends NSA, dismisses el-Rufai’s Claim
The Odua People’s Assembly (OPA) has pushed back against allegations that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, orders arbitrary arrests, describing the claims as baseless and warning that such statements could weaken public trust in Nigeria’s security institutions.
The group was reacting to remarks reportedly made by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, during an interview with DCL Hausa, in which he alleged that National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu simply calls security agencies to “arrest” individuals without any form of investigation.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Richard Kayode, the Odua group said the allegations misrepresented the constitutional role of the Office of the National Security Adviser, stressing that the NSA does not have the authority to order arrests or interfere in judicial matters.
I won’t be governor without Wike– Fubara
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said he would not have attained office without the support of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, declaring that the former governor “discovered” him and gave him the platform to contest.
Fubara spoke on Friday while receiving the New Telegraph Man of the Year Award, where he dedicated the honour to Wike despite the lingering rift between them.
The governor said Wike’s backing brought him into political limelight and shaped his emergence as governor.
“I do not care how you interpret it or misinterpret it.
I also dedicate this award to somebody who also discovered me not minding the situation, the Honourable Minister of the FCT, my oga, Nyesom Wike,” he said.
“Without him, I wouldn’t be standing here as governor.
He discovered me and it’s a discovery that gave me this loudness. Thank you for everything.
United Nigeria eyes direct Lagos-New York service
Professor Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman, United Nigeria Airline (middle) flanked by Mr Eze Anaba, Editor, Vanguard Newspapers/President, Nigerian Guild of Editors (3rd left); Chiaka Ben-Obi, member, Board of Directors (4th right); Captain Ahmad Ibrahim Mahmud, Director of Operations (3rd right); Kelechi Asuquo, Director of Human Resource (2nd right) and others during the United Nigeria Airline World Press Conference to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the Airline held in Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos
Professor Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman, United Nigeria Airline (middle) flanked by Mr Eze Anaba, Editor, Vanguard Newspapers/President, Nigerian Guild of Editors (3rd left); Chiaka Ben-Obi, member, Board of Directors (4th right); Captain Ahmad Ibrahim Mahmud, Director of Operations (3rd right); Kelechi Asuquo, Director of Human Resource (2nd right) and others during the United Nigeria Airline World Press Conference to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the Airline held in Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
United Nigeria Airlines has disclosed plans to commence direct flights to New York, United States, in the second quarter of 2026.‘
Nobody planned to arrest him’ — Adeyanju describes El-Rufai as drama artist
Civil rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has dismissed claims that there was a plot to arrest former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai at the airport, insisting that the incident was exaggerated and staged for public attention.
Adeyanju spoke on Friday during an interview on ARISE News, following El-Rufai’s claim that security operatives attempted to unlawfully detain him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
“I am not convinced that there was any plan to arrest him. I’m not convinced from the clip,” Adeyanju said.
He described El-Rufai as someone who thrives on political drama.
“I think Malam Nasir El-Rufai, just like everyone who agrees with me, is always extremely sensational and is a drama artist as well.
He’s very good at this opposition thing.
He knew what he was doing, and when he came in, he came very prepared for cameras.”
Atiku urges INEC to review 2027 election date over Ramadan observance
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently reconsider the February 20, 2027 date announced for the next general elections, citing concerns over its overlap with the Ramadan fasting period.
In a statement shared on his Facebook page on Friday, Atiku noted that the scheduled date falls within Ramadan, expected to run from February 7 to March 8, 2027 — a sacred period of fasting, reflection, and devotion for millions of Nigerian Muslims.
He stressed that elections are major national exercises that require broad participation, physical stamina, and collective focus, arguing that fixing such a crucial civic activity during a significant religious observance demonstrates poor judgment and insensitivity to Nigeria’s socio-religious diversity.
DSS rescues kidnapped five-year-old in Kano, arrests suspect
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kano State have rescued a five-year-old boy, Muhammad Haruna, who was abducted in Minjibir Local Government Area, and arrested a suspect in connection with the crime.
Security sources disclosed that the child was rescued during a targeted operation at Danzaki Village on the evening of February 12, 2026, following a formal complaint by the victim’s family.
According to the sources, the abductors had demanded a ransom of ₦15 million for the child’s release.
Acting on intelligence, a DSS tactical team tracked the suspects and carried out a coordinated operation that led to the safe recovery of the minor at about 7:40 p.m.
