Nigeria faces terror alert, N124bn graft, fuel price jump ahead of 2027 polls
On September 13, 2026, Nigerian newspapers highlighted ten pressing issues. The Department of State Services warned Muslim and Christian leaders in Osun State of an alleged terrorist plot to attack places of worship and public gatherings to disrupt the 2027 elections. The Auditor‑General for the Federation uncovered contract and procurement irregularities worth N124.12bn across multiple federal ministries. In Cross River State, police arrested 41‑year‑old Bassey Ekpo for allegedly setting a house ablaze in Calabar. The Nigerian Army opened an investigation into sexual abuse allegations against Captain Etim Essien of 3 Division, Jos. Senator Mohammed Onawo of Nasarawa South emerged as the Allied Peoples Movement governorship candidate for Nasarawa State in 2027. Petrol pump prices jumped to N1,395 per litre after the Dangote Petroleum Refinery raised its gantry price to N1,350/litre. Akwa Ibom police raided a suspected drug hideout in Idu Uruan Village, arresting two dealers and seizing Indian hemp and Cannabis sativa. Ondo State confirmed 29 deaths from suspected poisoning linked to alcohol consumption in Odigbo LGA. Former Gongola governor and ex‑PDP chairman Alhaji Bamanga Tukur died after an undisclosed illness. Ebonyi State Police rescued abducted Methodist cleric Rev. Ede Sunday and recovered a locally made Beretta pistol and a stolen phone.
These developments signal heightened security threats ahead of the 2027 polls, massive fiscal losses that could affect public services, and immediate cost‑of‑living pressures from record fuel prices. The arrests and investigations point to ongoing criminal and misconduct challenges within security forces, while the political nominations show early party positioning. The poisoning deaths highlight risks from unregulated alcohol, and the rescue shows ongoing abduction threats.
Stay alert for suspicious activity around worship sites, report any threats to DSS or police, consider adjusting travel or budgets for higher fuel costs, verify alcohol sources before consumption, and monitor political party primaries for your area's candidates.
SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/13/nigerian-newspapers-10-things-you-need-to-know-sunday-morning-143/