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Ramadan Begins in Nigeria as Sultan Confirms Crescent Sighting

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Borgu attacks: NSCIA demands urgent rescue of abducted Muslim worshippers
President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III

Ramadan Begins in Nigeria as Sultan Confirms Crescent Sighting

Abuja — The Sultanate Council on Tuesday night confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon, officially signaling the commencement of Ramadan 1447AH in Nigeria.

The President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, announced that the new moon was sighted in parts of the country, thereby declaring Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of fasting for Muslims nationwide.

The announcement followed verified reports from moon-sighting committees across several states, in line with Islamic tradition which requires physical sighting of the crescent to mark the beginning of the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

In his message to the Muslim faithful, the Sultan urged Nigerians to use the holy month to pray for peace, unity, and national development. He also called on Muslims to embody the virtues of patience, compassion, charity, and self-discipline which Ramadan represents.

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Ramadan, one of the five pillars of Islam, requires adult Muslims to abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset throughout the month. The period is also marked by increased devotion, nightly congregational prayers in mosques, recitation of the Qur’an, and acts of charity to the less privileged.

Across major cities including Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt, mosques recorded increased attendance for special night prayers following the announcement. Markets also witnessed heightened activity as families made last-minute purchases in preparation for the fasting period.

Ramadan will last 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the next crescent, and will culminate in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the fasting month.

Muslim leaders have encouraged faithful to observe the fast in accordance with Islamic teachings while maintaining harmony and mutual respect within Nigeria’s diverse society.

Ramadan Begins in Nigeria as Sultan Confirms Crescent Sighting

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Monarch Dies Shortly After Being Rescued From Kwara Kidnappers

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The Onigbesi of Igbesi Land in Kwara State, Oba Moses Oyinloye Iwedunmoye I, has died days after he was rescued from kidnappers.

The monarch passed away in the early hours of Saturday at a hospital, according to his son, Prince Olasunkanmi, who said his father had been receiving treatment following a brief illness.

Yes, the news is true. He died after a brief illness following his release. We took him to the hospital, hoping he would survive, but he died there very early this morning,” Olasunkanmi said.

Oba Iwedunmoye was abducted on August 22 when armed men invaded Igbesi community in Isin Local Government Area.

He regained his freedom five days later after security forces launched an operation around the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro area, where three kidnapped victims were found.

The rescue followed a report received at the Oro Police Station from a vigilante member, who alerted authorities after one of his colleagues was shot while operating in the bush.

A combined team of police officers, soldiers and vigilantes was subsequently deployed to the area.

Police said the suspected kidnappers engaged the team in a gun battle after spotting the advancing operatives. One alleged kidnapper was killed during the exchange, while others escaped into the surrounding area.

The security team continued the search and eventually located the three victims, who were evacuated for medical treatment.

News of the monarch’s death was announced by Bisi Fakayode, National President of Omo Ibile Igbomina, who mourned the traditional ruler and prayed for the repose of his soul.

The circumstances surrounding the monarch’s illness and death have not been publicly disclosed beyond his family’s account that he fell ill after his release.

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Police Arrest Woman Over Alleged Drug Trafficking in Delta

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Police Arrest Woman Over Alleged Drug Trafficking in Delta

A 40-year-old woman, Joy Anthony, has been arrested by the Delta State Police Command over alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade.

Police said operatives attached to the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit carried out the arrest in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, following intelligence received about suspected drug-related activities.

According to the command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, officers subsequently obtained and executed a search warrant at Anthony’s residence in Agbor-Obi.

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The search reportedly resulted in the recovery of several suspected illicit substances, including tramadol, codeine, swinol, Canadian loud and weeds suspected to be Indian hemp.

The suspect and the recovered exhibits have been taken into police custody as investigators continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged offence.

Edafe said Anthony would be prosecuted after the investigation is completed.

Police have not disclosed the exact quantities of the substances recovered.

 

Police Arrest Woman Over Alleged Drug Trafficking in Delta

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AI on the Roads: LASTMA Turns to China to Fix Lagos Traffic

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AI on the Roads: LASTMA Turns to China to Fix Lagos Traffic
From smart cameras to real-time tracking, the agency looks to modern technology to clear city gridlock.
Lagos drivers may soon see smarter technology on the roads as the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) moves to partner with China to tackle the city’s notorious traffic jams.
LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki led a senior team to the Chinese Consulate in Lagos to meet with Consul General Yan Yuqing, discussing how modern digital tools can help manage everyday road chaos.
The move comes at a time when the number of vehicles on Lagos roads continues to climb, making manual roadside control increasingly difficult. According to the agency, the plan is to move away from guesswork by using Intelligent Transportation Systems.
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This includes setting up smart surveillance cameras, artificial intelligence, and automated systems that can detect road accidents instantly and track gridlock in real time.
Bakare-Oki explained that buying modern equipment is only part of the solution; officers on the ground also need the proper skills to operate it. He stressed that the partnership must include specialized training and technical knowledge transfer so local personnel can manage the systems effectively.
In response, Consul General Yan welcomed the initiative, confirming China’s readiness to share expertise and work together on urban mobility solutions. For everyday commuters, the talks offer hope for a shift toward smarter, faster, and more organized roads.

AI on the Roads: LASTMA Turns to China to Fix Lagos Traffic

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