Nigerian newspapers headlines for today, Tuesday, 17th February 2026

1. DHQ Confirms Arrival of 100 U.S. Military Personnel

Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters confirmed that about 100 United States military trainers arrived in Bauchi under a bilateral agreement to provide advisory, technical, and intelligence-sharing support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

2. Nigeria’s Inflation Drops to 15.1%

The National Bureau of Statistics reported that Nigeria’s inflation rate declined slightly to 15.10% in January 2026 from 15.15% in December 2025, marking a continued slowdown in price pressures.

3. FG Arraigns Nasir El-Rufai Over Alleged Phone Interception

The Federal Government has charged former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, at the Federal High Court, Abuja, over alleged unlawful interception of communications belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

4. Protesters Demand Mandatory Electronic Transmission of Results

Civil society groups, including ActionAid, stormed the National Assembly demanding that real-time electronic transmission of election results be made compulsory in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026.

5. Kenneth Okonkwo Urges INEC to Reschedule 2027 Elections

Politician and actor Kenneth Okonkwo called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct all 2027 elections in one day to cut costs and ease logistics challenges.

6. DSS Explains Seizure of El-Rufai’s Passport

The Department of State Services said it confiscated El-Rufai’s passport to prevent him from fleeing amid investigations linked to the disappearance of Abubakar Idris (Dadiyata).

7. Toke Makinwa Explains Why She Stopped Paying Tithe

Media personality Toke Makinwa revealed she stopped paying tithe after questioning how church funds are utilized, citing concerns about members’ welfare.

8. Davido’s Child Custody Case: Lawyer Warns Against Intimidation

Legal representatives of Sophia Momodu cautioned singer Davido and his fans against social media attacks amid ongoing child custody proceedings.

9. Mourinho Warns Real Madrid Ahead of Benfica Clash

Benfica coach Jose Mourinho warned that Real Madrid will be “wounded and dangerous” in their UEFA Champions League rematch after a shocking 4-2 loss.

10. Premier League, EFL to Pause Matches for Ramadan

The Premier League and English Football League will allow short in-game pauses during Ramadan to enable Muslim players and officials break their fast at sunset.