1. NAF Airstrike Kills Nine ISWAP Fighters Including Key Commander in Borno
The Nigerian Air Force has killed nine Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, including senior commander Abu Khalid Al Muhajir, in a precision airstrike around the Sambisa Forest in Borno State. The operation was carried out on Saturday after intelligence reports indicated movements by the terrorist group in the area.
The Nigerian Air Force used remotely piloted aircraft to monitor the location before launching the strike. Al Muhajir was reportedly responsible for providing security escorts to high-value ISWAP members, making his death a significant setback for the group’s operations in the area.
Some of those killed were also linked to a recent ambush on Nigerian troops in Gwoza Local Government Area. The military said battle damage assessments confirmed the deaths and injuries among the fighters, as Operation Hadin Kai continues efforts to disrupt terrorist movements and logistics in the North-East.
2. Super Falcons Crash Out of WAFCON After 1-0 Defeat to Cameroon
Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been eliminated from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after losing 1-0 to Cameroon in the quarter-finals at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco.
Cameroon’s Myriam Maéva Nyadjou scored the only goal of the match in the 19th minute with a long-range effort. The Falcons controlled much of the game and created several opportunities but could not find an equaliser, even after late changes that included the introduction of Asisat Oshoala.
The defeat ends Nigeria’s defence of the WAFCON title and means the team will not secure an automatic ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup through the semi-finals. The Falcons will now enter the African play-off route alongside other quarter-final losers, with South Africa next in their path.
3. Tinubu Urges Religious Leaders to Speak Out Against Terrorism and Banditry
President Bola Tinubu has called on religious and spiritual leaders across Nigeria to intensify their efforts against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify violence.
Tinubu, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, made the call at the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani in Kano. He said religion should never be used to promote violence or the destruction of innocent lives.
The President also urged religious leaders to promote peace, justice and responsible citizenship while reminding political leaders of their duties to the people. He said clerics have an important role in guiding young Nigerians away from criminality and lawlessness.
4. Nigeria’s Public Debt Rises to N159.3 Trillion
Nigeria’s total public debt has risen to about N159.3 trillion as of March 2026, according to the latest figures from the Debt Management Office. The figure represents an increase of nearly N10 trillion compared with the previous year.
Domestic debt accounts for about N87.4 trillion, while external obligations stand at approximately N72 trillion. The increase reflects continued borrowing by the Federal Government and states to meet fiscal obligations and finance public spending.
The rising debt has renewed concerns about Nigeria’s debt sustainability, revenue generation and the growing cost of servicing government obligations. Analysts are also watching the effect of exchange rate movements on the country’s external debt burden.
5. Osun Governorship Race Intensifies as Political Alliances Shift
The race for the Osun State governorship has entered its final stretch, with political alliances and endorsements reshaping the contest ahead of the August 15 election. A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party led by former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola has endorsed the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.
The development adds another layer to a closely watched election involving incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party and candidates from other political parties. Campaigns have continued amid allegations of political violence, security concerns and calls for the redeployment of the state Commissioner of Police.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has concluded the collection of permanent voter cards and other key preparations for the poll. The election is expected to attract close attention as a major off-cycle test ahead of the 2027 general elections.
6. Atiku Criticises Tinubu Over Security and Economic Hardship
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Tinubu administration over the country’s security situation and worsening economic hardship, describing reports of more than 5,000 killings in recent months as a serious indictment of the government.
Atiku argued that the reported deaths reflected failures in protecting lives and property, while also accusing the administration’s economic policies of making decent living increasingly difficult for ordinary Nigerians.
The criticism comes amid an ongoing political debate over the government’s record ahead of the 2027 elections. The Federal Government has continued to defend its reforms and point to recent military operations against terrorists and bandits as evidence of progress in the security sector.
7. Lawmakers Demand Emergency National Assembly Session Over Insecurity
A bipartisan group of House of Representatives members operating under the Save Nigeria Group has called for an emergency session of the National Assembly to address insecurity, state police proposals and concerns over government spending.
The lawmakers said the continuing violence across different parts of the country requires urgent legislative action, particularly on Nigeria’s security architecture and fiscal oversight.
The demand comes amid wider discussions on security reforms, off-budget spending and proposals to strengthen the role of state governments in policing. Further deliberations are expected as lawmakers consider how to respond to the growing pressure for stronger action on insecurity.
8. Survivor Recounts Ordeal of 163 Kwara Kidnap Victims
A survivor of the mass abduction of 163 people from Woro and surrounding communities in Kwara State has recounted the difficult conditions victims faced while in captivity, including the deaths of 13 children.
The victims were among the 308 people rescued from different locations in Kwara and Niger states during a major security operation. They were later handed over to state authorities for medical care and reunification with their families.
The survivor’s account has drawn fresh attention to the human cost of mass abductions in the North-Central region. Families and communities are now dealing with the trauma of the ordeal, while security agencies continue efforts to identify and pursue those behind the attacks.
9. Flood Threatens 6.5 Million Nigerians Across 151 Communities
The Nigerian Red Cross has warned that about 6.5 million Nigerians living in 151 communities are at risk of flooding as the rainy season continues across the country.
The warning covers possible displacement, destruction of homes and farmland and increased pressure on local resources in vulnerable communities. Parts of Lagos and other southern states are among the areas being monitored for potential flooding.
Government agencies and humanitarian organisations have begun assessments and contingency planning in high-risk locations. The Red Cross has also stressed the importance of early-warning systems, proper drainage and stronger infrastructure to reduce the impact of flooding.
10. Osun APC Candidate Gains More Support Ahead of August 15 Poll
The All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, has continued to receive support from political figures and party factions as campaigning enters its final days.
The latest endorsements form part of wider political realignments ahead of the August 15 election, with the major contenders stepping up grassroots mobilisation across the state.
INEC and security agencies are under pressure to ensure a peaceful and credible election amid allegations of political violence and partisanship. The outcome is expected to shape governance in Osun and provide an early indication of political trends ahead of the 2027 elections.
