South Africa backs Russia’s peace efforts
South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has said the country backs Russia’s peace efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict through political and diplomatic means. He made this known during a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday. “This is in line with South Africa’s long stated position during talks with both sides that all wars end through negotiations,” the South African presidency said. Since then, he has held separate talks with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the need for an inclusive peace process involving all parties. Putin and Ramaphosa last spoke in August, when Putin briefed the South African leader on his meeting with US President Donald Trump in Alaska, where discussions focused on ending the conflict.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 11, 2026 13:00 UTC
Zamfara SUBEB inaugurates anti-corruption, transparency unit
The Universal Basic Education Board, Zamfara State (ZSUBEB), has inaugurated an Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) to promote ethical conduct in the administration of basic education in the state. In a statement issued by the ZSUBEB Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Musa Maizare, on Tuesday night, he said the establishment of the unit is aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability. The Executive Chairman charged members of the ACTU Committee to discharge their duties with professionalism and impartiality, and urged staff of the Board to give the unit maximum cooperation. In his goodwill message on behalf of the ICPC Chairman, IC Suleman Muhammad Maishanu of the ICPC Katsina Resident Office commended the ZSUBEB management for supporting the establishment of the ACTU. The event was attended by Permanent Members, Directors, the Secretary of the Board, Education Secretaries, ICPC representatives and other senior officials of ZSUBEB.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 11, 2026 12:50 UTC
Somali pilot praised after crash-landing plane with 55 people on board
An airline in Somalia has praised one of its pilots after he crash-landed his passenger plane on the shoreline near Mogadishu’s international airport on Tuesday morning, with all 55 people on board surviving. READ ALSO: Maharashtra deputy chief minister, Ajit Pawar, killed in plane crashFootage shared on X showed passengers exiting the aircraft and walking away from the wreckage. The African Union’s mission in Somalia said UN and AU troops were “swiftly deployed” to assist with rescue efforts. Somalia’s transport minister was also present at the scene, according to a post on X.Starsky Aviation credited the pilot’s actions for the outcome. Investigations are under way to establish what caused the technical issue that led to the emergency landing,” Starsky spokesman Hassan Mohamed Aden said.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 11, 2026 12:44 UTC
50th anniversary: Gov Bala lauded for transformative leadership in Bauchi
Bauchi, on February 3, marked its 50th anniversary with a week-long series of activities, as stakeholders commended Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed for what they described as transformative leadership since 2019. They cited ongoing infrastructure projects in the state capital and across local government areas, including road construction and rehabilitation, flyovers and bypasses designed to ease traffic congestion. They also referenced the establishment of the Bauchi Road Traffic Agency and the introduction of mass transit buses under the Yankari Express Corporation. While commending the governor’s stance on governance, the analysts said Mohammed had faced political pressures but maintained that leaders must take responsibility for their decisions. The anniversary events concluded with calls from participants for sustained development efforts as the state enters its second half-century.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 11, 2026 12:41 UTC
Indonesia preparing to deploy up to 8,000 soldiers to Gaza
Indonesia is preparing to deploy up to 8,000 soldiers to Gaza as part of a potential peacekeeping mission, the first country to do so as part of phase two of the ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States (US) late last year. However, Indonesia has joined President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, which was announced last month. According to the report, this move is part of President Prabowo Subianto’s effort to position Indonesia as a key player in international security. BBC reports that the deployment timeline and specific responsibilities of Indonesian troops in Gaza are still pending, although it seems President Prabowo Subianto has already committed to sending them. His decision to join Trump’s Board of Peace has been criticised by some Islamic groups in Indonesia, where there has been widespread public anger against the US.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 11, 2026 12:40 UTC
Ebonyi LP warns EBSIEC against rigging
The Ebonyi State Chairman of the Labour Party, Chief Udeh, on Tuesday said the party will resist any attempt by EBSIEC to rig the forthcoming LG election, saying the party is following the process and keeping an eye on the ball. Ebonyi people are aware of this and will not forget it,” Udeh said. Ahead of the forthcoming elections, he warned the EBSIEC against any attempt to compromise the process, insisting that the people of Ebonyi State would resist any form of rigging. He added that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was already engaging with the recognised leadership, dismissing contrary claims as baseless. The Labour Party leadership reiterated its commitment to peaceful participation in the electoral process and urged its members to remain law-abiding throughout the campaign and election period.
Source:The Guardian
February 11, 2026 12:18 UTC
Red Raiders top Blue Devils to punch postseason ticket
LEOMINSTER — Needing just one win, just one, in order to get into the postseason was on Fitchburg’s agenda Tuesday night. The Red Raiders got it, and they went through the mixer in order to get it. Fitchburg only hit six field goals in the second half, but key rebounds and plays helped the Red Raiders hold on for a crucial 54-51 win over archrival Leominster at the Leominster High Gymnasium. Trailing 51-50 with 3:10 remaining, Fitchburg called a key time out. Leominster had closed the gap down to two, 30-28, before the Red Raiders closed the half on an 8-2 run.
Source:Punch
February 11, 2026 11:22 UTC
Morning recap: US deploys 200 troops to Nigeria, Dangote cuts fuel price, Eagles await World Cup fate, Electoral Act row, other top stories
Rising concerns over subnational debt also emerged after states paid about ₦455bn to service foreign loans, even as football fans await clarity on the Super Eagles’ World Cup fate ahead of crucial play-offs, among others. Here are the top stories to start your day:US deploys 200 troops to NigeriaAbout 200 United States troops are to be deployed to Nigeria, according to reports outlining ongoing security cooperation between both countries and the context of current defence engagements. https://punchng.com/us-deploys-200-troops-to-nigeria/Dangote cuts fuel price, explores new Burundi investmentsDangote cut fuel prices and is exploring new investment opportunities in Burundi, according to details on the company’s pricing adjustments and expansion plans released on Wednesday. https://punchng.com/dangote-cuts-fuel-price-explores-new-burundi-investments/Eagles await World Cup fate ahead play-offsThe Super Eagles are awaiting their World Cup fate ahead of scheduled play-off fixtures expected to determine Nigeria’s qualification pathway for the tournament. https://punchng.com/pressure-mounts-on-bayelsa-gov-over-choice-of-deputy/States pay ₦455bn to service foreign loansStates paid about ₦455bn to service foreign loans, according to recent figures highlighting subnational debt servicing obligations across the country.
Source:Punch
February 11, 2026 10:09 UTC
Experts urge FG to criminalise ransom payments to terrorists
SECURITY experts and stakeholders have called on the Federal Government to criminalise ransom payments to terrorists, describing them as the biggest betrayal in the war against insurgency in Nigeria. The experts, who condemned the menace, especially when the government secretly paid terrorists a ransom, said that such a practice would only further encourage and deepen insecurity in the country. He said that the system comprises multiple layers, including state police, county police, rangers, and sheriffs, which work together in synergy to achieve their goals. MEANWHILE, the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) has condemned the recent killing of more than 178 people in Kwara State communities, describing the incident as “heartbreaking” and a grave provocation. He, however, cautioned South-West governors against politicising insecurity, urging them instead to adopt a united regional response.
Source:The Guardian
February 11, 2026 06:18 UTC
NSW police punch person multiple times during Sydney anti-Herzog protest – video
Police cracked down on people in Sydney protesting a visit by the Israeli president, Isaac Herzog. Footage provided to Guardian Australia appears to show a person being repeatedly punched by a police officer while on the ground. The New South Wales premier, Chris Minns, has defended the actions of police at a rally against Herzog’s visit, after video footage emerged showing officers repeatedly punching a number of protesters
Source:Punch
February 11, 2026 03:26 UTC
Driver, passenger killed as fire razes vehicle in Lagos
Two persons —a commercial bus driver and his passenger—were burnt to death, while eight others sustained injuries after a minibus caught fire along the Okota–Mile 2 corridor in Lagos State. “Preliminary findings revealed that an unknown private vehicle reversed on the main carriageway, compelling the commercial minibus to apply an abrupt brake. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Lagos State Ambulance Service were also deployed to extinguish the fire and manage rescue operations. “On behalf of the Lagos State Government, I express deep sorrow over this needless loss of life and extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. We pray for the speedy and complete recovery of the eight rescued passengers,” Giwa said.
Source:Punch
February 11, 2026 01:16 UTC
Security guard hacked to death at Ogun church altar
A PUNCH Metro correspondent, who visited the area on Tuesday, gathered from residents and video clips circulating in the community that the attackers struck inside the church, where Baba Iwo was allegedly hacked to death on the altar. In one clip lasting less than a minute and seen by PUNCH Metro, the deceased, dressed in Ankara fabric, had his neck almost severed. She explained that Baba Iwo, who was outside the church at the time, became suspicious after noticing movements within the premises. “With his cutlass in hand, he told another security guard who works in a nearby area that he wanted to go inside the church to inspect what was going on,” she said. “When he peeped through the entrance of the church, he saw Baba Iwo lying helpless on the altar.
Source:Punch
February 11, 2026 00:54 UTC
Super Eagles await FIFA verdict on 2026 World Cup fate
There is growing confidence within the Nigeria Football Federation that the Super Eagles could receive another lifeline in their bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, as the country awaits FIFA’s verdict on a protest against DR Congo, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. As the play-offs draw closer, a verdict from FIFA is expected soon, and the NFF remains confident in the process. Nigeria’s protest is hinged on the alleged illegal switch of nationality by some DR Congo players. “I mean, we’re still waiting — hopefully we can go to the World Cup,” midfielder Alex Iwobi said recently. The 2026 World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19 across 16 cities in the three host countries.
Source:Punch
February 11, 2026 00:51 UTC
Cargo agents suspend strike as FAAN crashes tariff
The cargo agents operating at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos, have suspended their strike following a reduction in tariff by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). Ogunojemite said that the crisis was resolved on Monday in a meeting with the representatives of FAAN at the Lagos airport. According to him, FAAN crashed the cargo tariff from the initial N20per kg to N15per kg. Agbebire in the statement, said that FAAN had reached an agreement with the cargo agents on the tariff. “FAAN believes the resolution will enhance the ease-of-doing business at MMA while supporting sustainable airport and cargo infrastructure development.”The air cargo agents had last week embarked on industrial action to protest the upward review of tariff introduced by FAAN, describing it as anti-business
Source:The Guardian
February 11, 2026 00:49 UTC
PDP slams Senate’s manual result clause as ‘backdoor move’
The Peoples Democratic Party has rebuked the Senate’s inclusion of a manual result transmission clause in the Electoral Amendment Bill, describing it as a “backdoor move” that undermines efforts to strengthen electoral reforms and ensure credible elections in Nigeria. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, in a statement released on Tuesday said it is inconceivable that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, which reliably handles election accreditation, would suddenly fail in transmitting results. The decision followed a review of a disputed clause in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill during an emergency plenary session on Tuesday. Should this democracy fail, the names of Senator Akpabio and all Senators who voted against electronic transmission will undoubtedly occupy a conspicuous chapter in the book of infamy. “We also call on Nigerians to remain resolute in their demand for the real-time electronic transmission of election results.
Source:Punch
February 10, 2026 23:55 UTC