NIGERIAN ARMY: REMEMBERING A HERO - LATE COLONEL TAIWO’S LEGACY LIVES ON (PHOTOS)

Sunday, February 15, 2026 No comments

The Nigerian Army has honoured one of its distinguished senior officers as the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu NAM, represented by Major General Nansak Danjuma Shagaya, Commander Corps of Supply and Transport, led the commemoration of the 50th Memorial Remembrance of Late Colonel Ibrahim Adetunji Taiwo, former Director of the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport. The solemn ceremony was held on 13 February 2026 in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

A statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya who is the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 81 Division said the event drew senior military officers, government representatives, family members, and well wishers, including representatives of the Executive Governor of Kwara State and the Chief of Defence Staff.

The commemoration featured special prayers, a wreath laying ceremony and a ceremonial gun salute in honour of Late Colonel Taiwo’s exemplary service and sacrifice. Speakers described him as a disciplined, visionary officer who made enduring contributions to strengthening the Nigerian Army’s logistics framework.

In his vote of thanks, Major General Ahmed Taiwo (Rtd), speaking on behalf of the family, expressed deep appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff for supporting the memorial and thanked the Nigerian Army and the Corps of Supply and Transport for preserving the late father’s legacy. The Ceremony concluded with a call for serving personnel to uphold the values of professionalism, dedication and selfless service that defined the late Colonel Taiwo’s career.

Streets in Jos, Plateau State, Ilorin, Kwara State and elsewhere were named after the Ogbomosho born late military officer.

Colonel Ibrahim Taiwo served as the Military Governor of Kwara State from 1975 to 1976.

Born in Wushishi, Niger State, ge grew up in Kagara and was sometimes called Ibrahim Kagara while he was in school.

Taiwo's father was of Ogbomosho ancestry.

MILITARY CAREER

Taiwo joined the military in 1961. During the Civil War, he was head of the transport and supplies division of the Nigerian Army.

NIGERIAN COUNTER-COUP OF JULY 1966

Taiwo, then a captain with the Lagos Garrison in Yaba, was one of the many officers (including 2nd Lieutenant Sani Abacha, Lieutenant Muhammadu Buhari, Lieutenant Ibrahim Bako, Lieutenant Colonel Murtala Muhammed and Major Theophilus Danjuma, among others) who staged what became known as the Nigerian counter-coup of 1966 because of grievances they felt towards the administration of General Aguiyi Ironsi's government, which quelled the 15 January 1966 coup.

NIGERIAN MILITARY COUP OF 1975

Taiwo played a central role in the coup that ousted Yakubu Gowon and brought Murtala Mohammed to power, under cover of his supply and transport duties in the army, working closely with Lieutenant Colonel Muhammadu Buhari.

VICTIM OF 1976 MILITARY COUP

Taiwo was the military governor of Kwara State during the failed coup of 13 February 1976, in which the then head of state, General Murtala Mohammed, was assassinated. Taiwo was also killed by the coup plotters because of his alliance with Mohammed. General Olusegun Obasanjo was later appointed as head of state, keeping the rest of General Murtala Mohammed's chain of command in place.

PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT IN OGBORIELEMOSO

Streets in Jos, Plateau State, Ilorin, Kwara State and elsewhere were named after the Ogbomosho born late military officer.

Colonel Ibrahim Taiwo served as the Military Governor of Kwara State from 1975 to 1976.

Born in Wushishi, Niger State, ge grew up in Kagara and was sometimes called Ibrahim Kagara while he was in school.

Taiwo's father was of Ogbomosho ancestry.

MILITARY CAREER

Taiwo joined the military in 1961. During the Civil War, he was head of the transport and supplies division of the Nigerian Army.

NIGERIAN COUNTER-COUP OF JULY 1966

NIGERIAN MILITARY COUP OF 1975

VICTIM OF 1976 MILITARY COUP

PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT IN OGBORIELEMOSO

Near Impossible to Reach Any Deal: US Military Prepares for Potential Weeks-Long Operations Against Iran

Saturday, February 14, 2026 No comments

Iran and the United States will hold a second round of talks over Tehran's nuclear program next week, the Swiss Foreign Ministry said Saturday. Oman, which welcomed the first round of indirect talks on Feb. 6, will host the talks.

(Reuters) — Two U.S. officials told Reuters that the American military is preparing for the possibility of sustained operations against Iran if President Donald Trump orders an attack. Such operations could escalate into a far more dangerous conflict than either country has experienced before.

The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of planning, said the developments increase the risks to ongoing U.S.-Iran diplomatic efforts.

U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are scheduled to meet with Iranian representatives in Geneva on Tuesday, with Oman acting as mediator. Earlier Saturday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that although Trump prefers a deal with Tehran, achieving one is “extremely difficult.”

U.S. officials confirmed Friday that the Pentagon will deploy an additional aircraft carrier to the Middle East, along with thousands of troops, fighter jets, missile destroyers, and other firepower capable of conducting and defending attacks.

In a speech at a North Carolina base Friday, Trump said: “It’s been difficult to reach an agreement” with Iran. He added: “Sometimes you have to feel fear. That’s the only thing that will really solve the problem.” Trump also suggested the possibility of regime change in Iran, stating: “That seems to be the best that can happen,” without naming potential leaders.

Trump has historically expressed skepticism about deploying ground troops, saying last year: “The last thing you want is to use ground forces.” Current U.S. deployments in the region indicate a focus on air and naval strikes, though special operations forces remain an option, as demonstrated by recent operations in Venezuela.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated: “President Trump is keeping all options on the table regarding Iran. He listens to various viewpoints but makes the final decision based on what is best for our country and national security.” The Pentagon declined to comment.

Officials noted that current planning is more complex than before. U.S. forces could target Iranian governmental and security facilities, not just nuclear infrastructure, though details were not disclosed. Experts warn that the risks to U.S. troops would be significant, given Iran’s extensive missile arsenal, and that Iranian retaliatory strikes could trigger a broader regional conflict. The U.S. anticipates Iranian responses, potentially resulting in prolonged exchanges of attacks.

Trump has repeatedly threatened strikes on Iran over its nuclear and missile programs and domestic repression. The Revolutionary Guard has warned that any attacks on Iranian soil could lead to retaliatory strikes on U.S. bases. The U.S. maintains military bases across the Middle East, including in Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, UAE, and Turkey.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Trump in Washington Wednesday, stating that any deal with Iran “must include critical elements for Israel.” Iran has expressed willingness to discuss restrictions on its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, but has ruled out linking this to missile limitations

The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of planning, said the developments increase the risks to ongoing U.S.-Iran diplomatic efforts.

In Case of No deal with Tehran, American President Donald Trump confirms second aircraft carrier to head to Iran soon

Friday, February 13, 2026 No comments

Despite the security warning that the carrier needs maintenance, US President Donald Trump claims the reason he dispatched a second aircraft carrier is that it will be "needed" if a nuclear deal is not reached with Iran.

rump confirmed on Friday that he is sending a second aircraft carrier group to the Middle East, warning it would be a “bad day for Iran” if Tehran fails to reach a deal on its nuclear program.

American president said the move when asked about reports that the USS Gerald R. Ford would be redeployed from the Caribbean to the Middle East. “In case we don’t make a deal, we’ll need it,” Trump told journalists at the White House. “It’ll be leaving very soon. We have one out there that just arrived. If we need it we’ll have it ready, a very big force.”

additionally , Trump said he believed the talks with Iran would be “successful” but cautioned: “If they’re not, it’s going to be a bad day for Iran, very bad.” The US leader had already sent one aircraft carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln, to the Middle East, as part of a fleet of 12 US Navy ships in the region.

The four vessels led by the Ford, described as the world’s largest aircraft carrier, have been in the Caribbean, where US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January. According to The New York Times, the ships are not expected to return to their home ports until late April or early May. Trump has increased military pressure against Iran following Tehran’s crackdown by security forces on protests last month. Rights groups say thousands were killed.

Rather than focusing publicly on the crackdown, Trump has recently centered his military warnings on Iran’s nuclear program. Western governments fear the program is aimed at developing a bomb, an allegation Tehran denies. The head of the UN nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, said on Friday that reaching an agreement with Iran on inspections of its processing facilities was possible but “terribly difficult.”

Iran and the United States, which have had no diplomatic relations since shortly after the 1979 revolution, held talks on the nuclear issue last week in Oman. No dates have been set for further negotiations.

The United States joined Israel’s 12-day war against Iran in June, carrying out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after meeting Trump in Washington on Wednesday that the US president believed he could secure a “good deal.” However, Netanyahu expressed skepticism over any agreement that does not also address Iran’s ballistic missile program and its support for regional proxies.

While protests inside Iran have subsided for now, US-based Reza Pahlavi, son of the shah ousted in the 1979 revolution, urged Iranians to chant slogans against the clerical establishment in the coming days to coincide with demonstrations abroad.

Videos verified by AFP showed people in Iran chanting anti-government slogans this week as authorities marked the anniversary of the Islamic revolution. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, 7,005 people, mostly protesters, were killed in the recent crackdown. The group added that more than 53,000 people were arrested, while rights organizations caution the toll may be higher.

The Norway-based Iran Human Rights NGO said “hundreds” of people face charges linked to the protests that could carry the death penalty.

It said one protester, Saleh Mohammadi, 18, was sentenced to death on charges of killing a policeman. Iran’s judiciary stated that no final and “enforceable” verdict has yet been issued in the case.

Three politicians associated with the reformist wing of Iranian politics supportive of President Masoud Pezeshkian — Azar Mansouri, Javad Emam, and Ebrahim Asgharzadeh — were detained this week and later released on bail Thursday and Friday, their lawyer Hojjat Kermani told the ISNA news agency.

The deployment of the second aircraft carrier underscores Washington’s warning that diplomatic progress on the nuclear file will determine the next phase of US action in the region

Meanwhile, the reality of the modern warfare as revealed even by the 12daya Israeli and US joint war against Iranian that While the US and Israeli forces burned fuel moving bombers to Iran for attacks Terhan with just launchpads responded with ballistic missiles forcing Israel to beg for ceasefire.

Any confrontations with Iran will definitely not be without casualties from both sides while the entire middle east will bleed. The global economy will also be impacted.

2027 Polls: INEC Fixes 20th February for Presidential and National Assembly Elections, 6th March for Governorship and State Assembly Elections

Friday, February 13, 2026 No comments

The Nigeria's Electoral umpire has fixed 20th February for Presidential and National Assembly Elections and 6th March for Governorship and State Assembly Elections in the country.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan formally released the Notice of Election and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections, setting February 20, 2027, as the date for the Presidential and National Assembly polls.

Addressing political party leaders, civil society organisations, and members of the press in Abuja on Friday, the INEC Chairman described the announcement as “a significant milestone in our democratic journey” and a constitutional obligation aimed at consolidating Nigeria’s democracy.

According to the Commission:

* Presidential & National Assembly Elections – February 20, 2027

* Governorship & State Houses of Assembly Elections – March 6, 2027

The elections will cover the offices of:

* President and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

* Governors and Deputy Governors (except in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun States)

* Members of the Senate

* Members of the House of Representatives

* Members of the State Houses of Assembly

Prof. Amupitan emphasized that the release of the Notice complies strictly with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates publication not later than 360 days before the election date.

The INEC Chairman addressed recent speculation surrounding election dates, noting that some individuals had attempted to preempt the Commission by circulating unofficial schedules.

“For some time now, this has been a subject of speculation,” he said, adding that such actions were misleading and orchestrated by detractors. He reaffirmed that only INEC has the constitutional authority to fix election dates.

INEC is closely monitoring ongoing amendments to the Electoral Act, 2022, currently before the National Assembly. While welcoming reforms that could strengthen the electoral framework, the Commission stressed its obligation to operate within the existing law until any amendments are duly enacted.

“The timely announcement of the election date allows political parties, civil society organisations, and the electorate to prepare adequately,” Prof. Amupitan noted.

Under the approved timetable:

* Political party primaries must hold within the statutory period.

* Submission of nomination forms must comply strictly with the designated window.

* Campaigns will commence as provided by law and end 24 hours before Election Day.

The Chairman warned that the Commission would not hesitate to enforce compliance with electoral laws and timelines.

Reaffirming INEC’s independence and neutrality, Prof. Amupitan outlined key priorities for the 2027 polls, including:

* Expanded deployment of technology to enhance transparency;

* Continuous cleaning and updating of the National Register of Voters;

* Strengthened collaboration with security agencies to ensure peaceful elections;

* Increased voter education and stakeholder engagement.

He urged political parties to conduct peaceful primaries, avoid inflammatory rhetoric, and uphold internal democracy, while appealing to citizens to maintain peace throughout the electoral cycle.

Describing the 2027 General Elections as a collective national responsibility, the INEC Chairman called on government institutions, the media, security agencies, civil society groups, and Nigerians at large to play their roles in safeguarding the integrity of the process.

“As we commence this important national exercise, I assure Nigerians that the Commission is fully prepared and determined to deliver elections that reflect the sovereign will of the people,” he declared.