A disturbing video from northeast Nigeria shows children in oversized Nigerian Army uniforms performing military drills, some reportedly belonging to soldiers killed in battle. Observers link the clip to Boko Haram’s practice of recruiting children, with reports suggesting they are from Ngoshe in Gwoza LGA, Borno State.
Zuwaira Gambo warns some may be recent abductees, underscoring a growing humanitarian crisis.
Meanwhile, another viral clip has shocked many online, showing young boys, some appearing as young as nine, carrying firearms beside suspected militants. The footage has renewed fears about child recruitment by extremist groups.
At the same time, controversial cleric Ahmad Gumi has accused the government of knowing the identities and locations of terrorists. He again called for dialogue with militants while criticising the management of Nigeria’s defence spending.
In response to the growing insecurity debate, Peter Obi urged the government to take stronger action to protect affected communities.
However, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu insists Nigeria will defeat terrorism and banditry. He made the pledge during an interfaith breaking of fast with military chiefs at the State House in Abuja, despite recent attacks in Borno State, where more than 100 women and children were reportedly abducted.
In Lagos, Nollywood actress Sarah Martins has drawn attention after returning to the streets to cook and distribute food to the underprivileged despite warnings from the state government. Tokunbo Wahab earlier cautioned against public food distribution, citing sanitation and safety concerns.
In Akwa Ibom State, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu went viral during a visit to Uyo, where she played table tennis with Governor Umo Eno at the ARISE Senior Citizens Centre. Afrobeats star Teni also thrilled the crowd by performing her hit song “Case,” prompting Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno to sing along.
Elsewhere, a man who previously criticised the Benin-Asaba highway has returned to praise its rehabilitation, commending Minister of Works Dave Umahi and the federal government for the progress.
Under good news, 18-year-old Nigerian American racer Ugo Ugochukwu made history by winning his first FIA Formula 3 Feature Race in Melbourne.
Finally, the Arise News Africa Women of Impact Awards 2026 at the Eko Convention Centre honoured 100 influential women to mark International Women’s Day, closing with a performance by Asa, who sang her iconic song Jailer.
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