Today's Paper Roundup: Sun 27-09-2026
Security worries in the north-central belt, a fresh spike in Nigeria's public debt, and the early jostling for 2027 dominate the Sunday papers, alongside business headaches in aviation and civil service recruitment, and lighter fare from entertainment and sport.
Security: Attacks and Rescues
Plateau State is again in mourning after gunmen struck a mining site in Marit village, Barkin Ladi LGA, killing at least five miners and wounding two others. Punch reports that "Gunmen kill miners in Plateau", while ThisDay's account from Jos describes the same assault as a "Fresh Plateau Attack" on unsuspecting workers. In Benue, there was better news as troops of Operation Whirl Stroke freed six kidnap victims near Gbise community in Katsina-Ala LGA, with Premium Times reporting that the "Army rescues six abductees in Benue". Meanwhile in the south-west, Punch notes police success in Ogun State, where the command "arrest[ed] 11 suspects" and recovered stolen vehicles, firearms and ATM cards in coordinated operations across the state.
“Gunmen kill miners in Plateau”
“Gunmen Kill Five Miners in Fresh Plateau Attack”
“Army rescues six abductees in Benue”
“Police arrest 11 suspects in Ogun, recover stolen vehicles, firearms”
Economy: Debt Burden Deepens
Nigeria's public debt has climbed to N166.79 trillion, prompting sharp reaction from the opposition. Punch reports that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar "demands answers as Nigeria's debt hits N166.79tn", calling for a full reconciliation of the figures. ThisDay adds granular detail, noting the debt "rose by N7.44 trillion" in the second quarter of 2026 even as interest now accounts for "56.5% of External Payments", according to its report. Elsewhere, BusinessDay explores the broader corporate fallout of a shaky economy, describing "Economic instability and project management" as an unavoidable reality of doing business in the country.
Politics: 2027 Jostling and Old Ghosts
With the 2027 general election on the horizon, party machinery is grinding into gear. Leadership reports that the "APC-PCC Intensifies Consultations" while "Atiku Names Campaign Council" and the NDC signals its own team is ready soon. In Lagos, Tribune Online turns its attention to internal APC dynamics in a piece on "Koro Ibo, Oladejo and Lagos APC search for ransom", detailing tensions within the Bola Tinubu/Kadri Obafemi Hamzat campaign structure. Leadership also revisits an old controversy, asking hard questions in "The Games Malami Played" over judgment debts tied to the former Attorney General's tenure, while a separate commentary warns that despite repeated pacts, "Peace Accords, Persistence Violence" continue to define Nigeria's electoral process.
“APC-PCC Intensifies Consultations, Atiku Names Campaign Council, NDC Says Team Ready Soon”
“Koro Ibo, Oladejo and Lagos APC search for ransom”
“The Games Malami Played”
Business: Aviation Troubles and Recruitment Rows
Air Peace has moved to address widespread disruptions at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, with BusinessDay reporting the airline "explains Abuja flight disruptions, cites aviation fuel scarcity, sunset restrictions" after public complaints. In Akwa Ibom, a civil service hiring drive has drawn backlash, as BusinessDay describes "Discontent, allegations of unfairness" trailing the exercise amid applicant complaints of discrimination. On a more reflective note, BusinessDay also profiles the legacy of a business titan in "Mike Adenuga and the art of nation-building."
“Air Peace explains Abuja flight disruptions, cites aviation fuel scarcity, sunset restrictions”
“Discontent, allegations of unfairness trail Akwa Ibom civil service recruitment exercise”
“Mike Adenuga and the art of nation-building”
Entertainment & Sport
In entertainment, Tribune Online reports that industry figures have gone quiet following comedian AY's claims about exorbitant artiste fees, noting "Artistes, stakeholders keep mum over AY's revelation on 'N200 million charges'", while Punch covers the Abuja premiere of the faith-based film "Agbara Nla", whose director hopes to "win one million souls for Christ." Football fans get a double dose of news: NotJustOk reports Real Madrid's statement confirming Kylian Mbappé's fresh injury concern after medical tests, while on the home front ThisDay highlights Moses Simon's reflections after the Super Eagles' 2-1 win over Madagascar in Uyo, and previews the "Herizon Cup 2026" set for November in Lagos.
“Agbara Nla premieres in Abuja”
“Real Madrid release statement on Kylian Mbappé Injury”
“Simon Reveals Secret to Super Eagles Longevity after Madagascar Win”