Morning recap: US pulls troops from Nigeria, Tinubu calls First Lady Iya Alakara, Atiku vows 2027 fight, other top stories

Nigeria's security landscape and political arena are making headlines, with the United States significantly scaling back its counterterrorism presence in the country. Most U.S. troops involved in a joint operation in the Lake Chad Basin have been withdrawn, a move reportedly linked to the recent killing of an ISIS deputy. While direct troop involvement is reduced, the U.S. continues to share intelligence and cooperate on security matters with Nigeria.

In the political sphere, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reiterated his intention to contest the presidency in 2027. This declaration follows a Federal High Court ruling that affirmed David Mark's leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Abubakar welcomed the judgment, viewing it as a victory for constitutional democracy and a rejection of attempts to manipulate the judiciary for political purposes.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu offered a light-hearted moment by playfully referring to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as "Iya Alakara" (Mama Akara Seller). The President made the remark during an event at the State House in Abuja, seemingly in reference to recent discussions surrounding small-scale businesses and the First Lady's comments.

Other notable stories include the police destroying a criminal camp in an Abia forest and a tragic incident where an Ifa priest in Ogun State set himself on fire and later died from his injuries. Additionally, petrol prices remain stubbornly high, hovering above N1,000 per litre, despite a global decrease in crude oil prices, sparking concerns among consumers and importers.

“

My wife, Iya Alakara