Nigeria This Week: Deadly Attacks, Energy Expansion and Trade Push Dominate Newspaper Headlines (Feb 2–7, 2026)
Nigerian newspapers between Monday, February 2 and Saturday, February 7, 2026, were dominated by grim security developments, major energy-sector expansion, and renewed efforts to boost regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Below is a summary of the stories that shaped national conversations throughout the week.
1. Mass Killings in Kwara State Shock the Nation
The most disturbing and widely reported story of the week was the deadly attack on villages in Kwara State, where armed assailants killed over 160 people in coordinated assaults on rural communities.
According to reports, the attackers burned homes, killed residents, and displaced hundreds, triggering widespread outrage and renewed criticism of the government’s security response.
In reaction, the Federal Government deployed additional troops to the affected areas, vowing to restore order and prevent further bloodshed.
Why it mattered:
The scale of the killings pushed insecurity back to the top of Nigeria’s national agenda and dominated front pages across The Guardian, Daily Trust, The Nation, and Punch.
2. Dangote Refinery Expands Gas Supply Deals with NNPC
Business and energy pages focused heavily on the expansion of gas supply agreements between Dangote Group and NNPC.
The new deals are designed to:
Support refinery and petrochemical expansion
Boost domestic energy supply
Advance Nigeria’s 2026 Gas Master Plan
Analysts described the move as a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s industrial base and reducing dependence on fuel imports.
3. Nigeria Targets $5 Billion Trade Deals at AfCFTA Fest
Nigeria also made strong headlines on the continental stage after announcing plans to secure up to $5 billion in trade partnerships during the AfCFTA Fest.
Government officials and trade experts highlighted opportunities in:
Manufacturing
Agriculture
Services and logistics
Newspapers framed the development as a strategic push to diversify Nigeria’s economy and deepen African market integration.
4. Politics, Governance and Social Issues Fill Daily Front Pages
Beyond the major breaking stories, newspapers throughout the week carried recurring headlines on:
Governance reforms and public accountability
Press freedom concerns
Environmental enforcement by state governments
Political maneuvering ahead of future elections
Weekend editions, particularly on Saturday, February 7, reflected growing public anxiety over leadership performance and national direction.
5. Editorial Mood: Fear, Reform and Economic Hope
Editorials and opinion columns struck a mixed tone:
Fear and anger over persistent insecurity
Cautious optimism about industrial and energy sector growth
Calls for deeper reforms in governance and security architectureMany commentators warned that economic progress would remain fragile unless Nigeria resolves its worsening security crisis.
