As the new work week begins across the Federation, several critical updates in politics, security, and national infrastructure are shaping the discourse. From a persistent power crisis in the nation’s commercial hub to high-stakes political realignments in Kano and Lagos, here are ten essential reports for Monday, March 23, 2026.
1. Grid Collapse Leaves Lagos in Weekend Darkness Major sections of Lagos and surrounding areas experienced a total blackout throughout the weekend and the Eid-el-Fitri celebrations. Reports indicate that ten electricity distribution companies (DisCos), including Eko and Ikeja Electric, received zero energy allocation as of Sunday evening. The systemic failure has hampered commercial activities in Nigeria’s economic nerve center, with no official timeline yet provided for restoration.
2. President Tinubu Pledges Intensified Security Measures President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, speaking in Lagos on Sunday following his return from the United Kingdom, declared that the “next phase of the struggle” for his administration is the elimination of national insecurity. The President assured citizens that high-level security consultations held during his state visit would translate into immediate tactical improvements to ensure the safety of all Nigerians.
3. Gunmen Assault ECWA Church in Kwara State Security concerns escalated in Kwara State on Sunday morning as gunmen attacked the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in the Omugo community of Ifelodun Local Government Area. The assault occurred during the regular Sunday service, marking a troubling trend of targeting religious centers despite recent security alerts issued for the Kwara South Senatorial District.
4. Gang Violence Claims Three Lives in Katsina A surge in inter-community clashes and suspected gang activity has left at least three people dead in the Katsina metropolis between Friday and Saturday. The violence, which affected areas including Tudun Wada and Bakin Gawo, persisted despite increased security patrols, highlighting a volatile security situation within the state capital.
5. APC Commences Screening for National Office Aspirants The All Progressives Congress (APC) has scheduled Tuesday, March 24, for the screening of aspirants vying for national offices. The exercise, a precursor to the March 27 National Convention, will take place at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja. The screening committee, led by Alhaji Isa Yuguda, aims to vet candidates for leadership roles within the ruling party.
6. Peter Obi Leads High-Profile Political Meeting in Kano In a significant move ahead of the 2027 cycle, Labour Party leader Peter Obi visited the Kano residence of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso on Sunday. The meeting, which included Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Senator Seriake Dickson, has sparked intense speculation regarding a potential cross-party alliance involving the LP and the NNPP.
7. Progressive Governors Forum Convenes in Lagos Thirty-one governors under the aegis of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) held a strategic meeting in Lagos on Sunday to discuss the “state of the nation.” A primary agenda item was the coordination of peaceful and rancor-free governorship primaries scheduled for the coming month, as the APC seeks to maintain internal cohesion.
8. Delta Police Arrest 11 More in Ozoro Harassment Case The Delta State Police Command has arrested 11 additional suspects linked to the sexual harassment and molestation of women during a festival in the Ozoro community. Police Spokesman SP Bright Edafe confirmed that 15 suspects are now in custody, reinforcing the command’s commitment to prosecuting gender-based violence.
9. Navy Seizes 44,000 Litres of Illegal Petroleum in Rivers The Nigerian Navy has intercepted a significant consignment of suspected illegally refined petroleum products in Rivers State. Commodore Abiodun Folorunsho confirmed the arrest of eight suspects and the seizure of approximately 44,000 litres of product, marking another successful operation in the ongoing campaign against crude oil theft.
10. Anti-Drug Operations Net Suspects in Akwa Ibom The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has detained four suspected drug traffickers in the Okopedi area of Eket Local Government Area. The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, stated that the arrests are part of a broader crackdown on the distribution of illicit substances within the state.
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