According to the report, Nigerian authorities called for the deployment to enhance capabilities in tracking and responding to terrorist threats. The United States has deployed multiple MQ-9 Reaper drones and about 200 military personnel to Nigeria to provide intelligence and training support to local forces battling insurgency in the country’s northern region, according to a report by Reuters. The report, published on Saturday, cited both U.S. and Nigerian officials as confirming that the deployment is strictly limited to surveillance and advisory duties, with no American troops involved in frontline combat or drone strike operations. “The U.S. military has multiple MQ-9 drones operating in Nigeria alongside 200 troops to provide training and intelligence support to the military,” officials told Reuters. According to the report, the deployment was made at the request of Nigerian authorities to strengthen efforts to identify, monitor, and respond to terrorist threats. A U.S. defence official quoted by Reuters described the move as a collaborative security initiative. “We see this as a shared security threat,” the official said, stressing that the mission remains confined to intelligence gathering and advisory support. Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters… 

The King further highlighted Nigeria’s strong cultural and diplomatic impact, noting that “a significant part of Britain’s culture is, in fact, deeply enriched by Nigeria.” King Charles III has revealed that top Nigerian banks are increasingly selecting the United Kingdom as their global base, underscoring evolving economic ties between the two nations. click the instagram link for more insight Speaking at a state banquet held in honour of Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on March 18, 2026, the monarch noted that the visit provided an opportunity to celebrate growing mutual investment. He pointed out that leading Nigerian banks have established their global presence in the City of London, while prominent Nigerian companies are listing on the London Stock Exchange, with UK Export Finance also backing investments in Nigeria’s ports. He added that economic cooperation is expanding across key sectors, particularly in education and technology, where British institutions are opening in Nigeria and companies from both countries are building closer partnerships. Highlighting Nigeria’s rising role in global trade, King Charles observed that the country became the UK’s largest export market in Africa earlier this… 

Hoiby, 29, the son of Mette-Marit from a relationship before her 2001 marriage to Haakon, is facing 40 charges that could see him jailed for up to 16 years. Prosecutors in Norway on Wednesday urged the court to hand Marius Borg Hoiby a prison sentence of seven years and seven months over allegations of rape, drug-related offences, and marijuana trafficking, as his high-profile trial nears its conclusion. Hoiby, 29, the son of Mette-Marit from a relationship before her 2001 marriage to Haakon, is facing 40 charges that carry a maximum penalty of up to 16 years behind bars. The closely watched case, which has drawn global attention, centres on accusations that he raped four women, alongside a range of other offences, including drug-related crimes. “Rape can leave lasting scars and destroy lives,” prosecutor Sturla Henriksbo told the court in Oslo during closing arguments. “It can be something the victim carries with them for their entire life.” At the core of the case are allegations that the victims were asleep or unconscious at the time of the incidents, raising serious legal questions about consent. Prosecutors argue… 

“In a statement underscoring his position in Iran’s security apparatus, officials said: ‘Esmaeil Khatib  the Iranian regime’s intelligence minister was eliminated in a precision strike in Tehran.’” Esmaeil Khatib, the Iranian government’s Minister of Intelligence, has been killed in a precision strike in Tehran, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed. In a statement highlighting his role in Iran’s security apparatus, the IDF declared: “Eliminated: Esmaeil Khatib, the Iranian terrorist regime Minister of Intelligence, in a targeted strike in Tehran.” Khatib was reported to have played a central role in suppressing protests across Iran. According to the statement, “Khatib orchestrated the arrest and killing of protestors and led terrorist operations against Israelis and Americans worldwide.” The report also tied him to the Mahsa Amini protests of 2022–2023, noting that he actively targeted Iranian citizens during that period. As head of the Ministry of Intelligence, Khatib oversaw a powerful security network. The IDF described the ministry as possessing “advanced intelligence capabilities, conducting surveillance, espionage, and covert operations globally, particularly against Israeli and Iranian targets.” The strike represents a major escalation in regional tensions, as the elimination of a senior… 

In a Wednesday statement, the Israeli military said its Air Force unleashed a broad offensive in Tehran, hitting critical command centres tied to Iran’s leadership. Israel’s Air Force launched a wide-scale airstrike in Tehran, targeting key command centers and military infrastructure, including a headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, as tensions between the two nations escalate. In a statement Wednesday, the Israeli military said, “The Air Force completed a wide-scale airstrike in Tehran: Command centers of the Iranian terror regime were attacked.” The strikes, carried out Tuesday with intelligence guidance, hit multiple strategic sites tied to what Israel described as the “Iranian terror regime,” including command centers, ballistic missile facilities, and other critical infrastructure. Among the high-profile targets was the Revolutionary Guards’ security unit headquarters, responsible for suppressing protests and maintaining public order. Also struck were a logistics and maintenance center and a ballistic missile command hub. The Israeli military noted that several air defense systems were simultaneously targeted to expand the Air Force’s operational freedom and air superiority over Iranian airspace. “The completed strikes are part of the phase deepening the damage to… 

Iranian authorities cautioned that using, owning, or distributing Starlink terminals violates wartime laws and may lead to harsh penalties. Iranian authorities have reportedly seized hundreds of Starlink satellite internet systems, claiming the devices were smuggled into the country by the United States and Israel amid rising regional tensions. Officials said the confiscated equipment is part of a broader foreign-backed effort to bypass government-controlled communications and undermine national security. The development comes as Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starlink network continues to be a point of controversy in Iran, where strict internet controls and periodic blackouts are enforced. Authorities warned that using, possessing, or distributing Starlink terminals constitutes a criminal offense under wartime regulations and could carry severe penalties. They classified the devices as “anti-security” tools linked to espionage, particularly given ongoing hostilities involving Western powers. “Firm and uncompromising action” will be taken against anyone found with the equipment, officials said, as enforcement operations intensify nationwide. While the exact number of recently seized devices was not disclosed, past operations have confiscated over 100 Starlink systems in coordinated raids targeting illegal communications networks. The crackdown forms part of Tehran’s… 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sharply criticized the Federal Government over the recent bombings in Maiduguri, Borno State, which killed at least 23 people and left over 100 injured. In a statement on Tuesday, National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong accused the APC-led administration under President Bola Tinubu of failing to tackle Nigeria’s worsening insecurity. Ememobong said the attacks highlight a long list of security lapses under the APC, noting that violence, once largely confined to the Northeast, has now spread to previously peaceful regions of the country. “The multiple bombings in Maiduguri, causing at least 23 deaths and over 100 injuries, are clear proof of the federal government’s inability to curb the growing insecurity,” the statement read. The PDP condemned the Tinubu administration for prioritizing political battles over public safety, saying the country was far safer in 2015 than it is today. The party extended condolences to victims’ families and urged the government to move beyond empty rhetoric. PDP called for a “whole-of-society” approach, including engagement with community leaders, to effectively tackle the nation’s security challenges. The bombings occurred Monday evening near the Monday… 

Taliban-led Afghan authorities accuse Pakistan of launching the attack, warning it marks a dangerous escalation in tensions between the two neighboring nations. A devastating airstrike has torn through a drug rehabilitation hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan, leaving at least 400 people feared dead and around 250 others injured in one of the deadliest incidents in recent times. Afghan authorities under the Taliban have accused Pakistan of carrying out the strike, calling it a grave and dangerous escalation in the already fragile relations between the two neighboring nations. According to a Taliban spokesman, the attack struck a major state-run rehabilitation center late Monday night, reducing large parts of the facility to rubble and igniting a massive blaze that engulfed patients and staff. Reports from Reuters described scenes of widespread destruction and panic. Pakistan, however, has firmly denied responsibility, dismissing the allegations as “false and misleading.” Officials in Islamabad insist the operation targeted only militant infrastructure as part of a precise counter-terrorism mission. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that the strikes were aimed at “military installations and terrorist support infrastructure,” adding that secondary explosions at the site suggested… 

The UK government has imposed an unprecedented “emergency brake” on study visas for nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan following a sharp rise in asylum claims from individuals who initially entered the country through legal routes. The UK Home Office confirmed that sponsored study visas for all four countries will be halted, while skilled worker visas for Afghan nationals will also be suspended. The changes will be introduced through an amendment to Immigration Rules on 5 March and will take effect from 26 March. Officials said the move follows a significant surge in asylum applications from people who entered the UK legally on student and other visas before subsequently seeking protection. Nearly 135,000 Asylum Claims from Legal Routes According to government data, 133,760 people have claimed asylum after arriving legally in the UK over the past five years. Since 2021, nearly 135,000 individuals entered on student or other visas before lodging asylum claims. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said asylum claims from legal entry routes now account for nearly 40 per cent of all applications. “In 2025, they represented 39 per cent of the 100,000… 

Moore revealed on X Thursday that President Trump labeled Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern and tasked him with investigating religious violence and security threats in the nation. US Representative Riley M. Moore revealed Thursday on X that President Donald Trump is reviewing a report recommending sanctions and other measures against Nigeria, citing worsening insecurity and alleged persecution of Christians. Moore noted that Trump designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) and tasked him with leading an investigation into religious violence and security threats. “President Trump named Nigeria a CPC due to horrific persecution of Christians and serious security threats. On Monday, I delivered our report to the White House, and @POTUS is reviewing our recommendations,” Moore wrote. According to Moore, Christians bear the brunt of two decades of attacks, with Fulani militias and terrorist groups targeting pastors, schools, and churches, often on holy days, killing tens of thousands. The lawmaker urged Nigeria’s government under President Bola Tinubu to take stronger action while recommending that any US-Nigeria bilateral agreement include co-funded humanitarian programs, early-warning systems, and measures to remove militias from farmland to… 

Clinton took the hot seat before Congress at 11:00 EST (16:00 GMT) in Chappaqua, New York, following weeks of relentless pressure from lawmakers. Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton appeared before the House Oversight Committee on Thursday in a dramatic turn in the ongoing investigation into disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The testimony came after weeks of mounting pressure from lawmakers. Clinton took the stand at 11:00 EST (16:00 GMT) in Chappaqua, New York, near the couple’s residence. Traditionally conducted behind closed doors, the hearings have been opened up at the Clintons’ request to prevent selective leaks. Her husband, former President Bill Clinton, is expected to testify on Friday, a move that would mark the first time a former U.S. president has appeared before Congress since Gerald Ford in 1983. Both Clintons initially dismissed the summons as politically motivated but ultimately agreed to comply amid looming contempt-of-Congress proceedings. A spokesperson for Bill Clinton said the couple “look forward to setting a precedent that applies to everyone,” signaling cooperation while challenging what they view as partisan tactics. Hillary Clinton has consistently denied any connection to Epstein.… 

The move, disclosed on Thursday, follows the forum’s decision to launch an independent investigation into Brende’s association with Epstein. The president and CEO of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Børge Brende, has announced he is stepping down, expressing regret over how he handled his past relationship with U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Brende’s decision, disclosed Thursday, comes weeks after the forum launched an independent investigation into his ties to Epstein. The probe followed disclosures from the U.S. Justice Department revealing that Brende attended three business dinners with Epstein and exchanged emails and text messages with him. In a statement issued by the WEF, Brende said: “After careful consideration, I have decided to step down as President and CEO of the World Economic Forum. My time here, spanning eight and a half years, has been profoundly rewarding.” While the forum’s statement did not mention Epstein, Brende told Norwegian media he regretted how he handled the association and did not want the matter to become a distraction for the organisation, which convenes global leaders annually in Davos. Brende, who became WEF president in 2017 after serving as… 

The move coincides with a major U.S. military buildup in the Middle East, as President Donald Trump signals he might authorize strikes on Iran if nuclear talks with Tehran fail. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has intensified efforts to recruit Iranians as intelligence sources, posting detailed instructions in Farsi on how to safely contact the agency, amid rising tensions and the possibility of U.S. military action against Iran. This outreach comes as the United States continues a major military buildup in the Middle East, with President Donald Trump suggesting he could order strikes on Iran if nuclear negotiations with Tehran fail. On Tuesday, the CIA published a message across X, Instagram, Facebook, Telegram, and YouTube, urging potential Iranian contacts to prioritize their safety before reaching out. Vibeslyfe translated the opening of the message on X as:“Hello. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) can hear your voice and wants to help you. Below is the necessary guidance on how to securely contact us virtually.”Source The agency advised individuals to take precautions, including avoiding work computers and personal mobile phones. It recommended using a new, disposable device if… 

Footage shared on TikTok captures the officer shooting into the air along the Oyo–Ilorin Road while colleagues watched. A Nigerian police officer has sparked outrage after firing multiple gunshots into the air at the prompting of a TikToker identified as @matta.omo.afusatu, popularly known as Matta (Lee). In a video shared on TikTok, the officer is seen discharging his weapon along the Oyo–Ilorin Road highway as other officers stood nearby. In the clip, the TikToker is heard saying, “I want to hear gbaoo, my oga, the money has entered. Ohhh! My God. Oga, do am for my GLE.” After the first shots rang out, he added, “One more, I’ll give you another N20,000. Do am, one more.” The incident has drawn comparisons to a similar case in 2023, when three police officers were dismissed for firing into the air while escorting Dauda Adamu Kahutu, popularly known as Rarara, a well-known praise singer associated with the The then Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, announced the officers’ dismissal, citing misuse of firearms, abuse of authority, gross indiscipline, and the reckless discharge of live ammunition. According to him,… 

Calling the development “an insult to the working people, youth, women, and poor residents of the FCT,” the statement emphasized that they “deserve dignity not mere crumbs for their future.” The Revolutionary Socialist Movement (RSM) has expressed unwavering solidarity with the African Action Congress (AAC), rejecting what it described as rampant irregularities during the February 21 Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In a statement released Wednesday, the group condemned the elections, alleging “widespread vote buying, massive rigging, and shockingly low voter turnout” across the councils. Signed by Awofe Ismail, FCT Coordinator of the RSM, the statement affirmed the group’s full support for AAC candidates, including Isah Lawal Boyi (Kabusa Ward), Kenneth E. Ochogwu (Orozo Ward), and Usman Sydney (Pai Ward). RSM said the elections “fell far short of genuine democratic choice,” describing the process as “a troubling display of monetized politics and manipulation of the people’s will.” The group cited reports of open vote buying, with party agents handing out cash and gifts to impoverished voters. The statement described the situation as “an insult to the working people, youth, women, and… 

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has said he is no stranger to political turbulence after an attack allegedly targeted him and other opposition figures in Edo State. The incident occurred in Benin during the formal reception of Olumide Akpata into the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Obi, alongside former APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun and other party leaders, was reportedly caught up in the violence. In a statement issued Tuesday, Obi expressed gratitude to Nigerians at home and abroad for their prayers and solidarity following the incident at the ADC office in Benin. He also acknowledged the support shown to Odigie-Oyegun and former Edo governor Oserheimen Osunbor, describing the outreach as a testament to shared humanity and hope for a better Nigeria. According to Obi’s former campaign spokesman and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, armed individuals allegedly trailed the group from the ADC secretariat to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence, firing at the gate and vandalising vehicles in what he described as an apparent assassination attempt. Images shared online showed damaged gates and shattered SUV windscreens, intensifying concerns over rising political tension in the… 

The university called the incident heartbreaking, stating that the victims were final-year students who were committed to finishing their studies. The management of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, has confirmed the tragic death of six final-year Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Nursing students in a fatal road accident along the Ilorin–Ogbomoso highway. In a special statement issued on Tuesday by the Registrar, Mrs. Olayinka O. Balogun, the university disclosed that the students lost their lives in a devastating crash that occurred on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Otte in Kwara State. The victims — Shehu Nana Firdawsi Hamza, Idris Jamila, Abdulraheem Maimunah Hamza, Blessing Kevwe, Owoicho Elizabeth, and Aroke Ozavize Victoria — were reportedly travelling in a commercial bus from Suleja in Niger State to Ogbomoso for their final examinations when the accident happened. Describing the incident as heartbreaking and deeply painful, the university noted that the students were in the final phase of their academic journey and remained resolute in their pursuit of excellence. LAUTECH expressed profound condolences to the bereaved families and loved ones, affirming its solidarity with them during what… 

The voter, speaking candidly at the polling unit, alleged that agents associated with the PDP were handing out ₦2,000 to voters in return for their backing in the ongoing council poll. Tension gripped Kutunku I Primary School in Kutunku Ward, Gwagwalada Area Council, FCT, as allegations of vote-buying surfaced during the ongoing council election. A voter at the polling unit claimed that agents of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were offering cash to sway votes. The voter, speaking openly, revealed that he personally received ₦5,000 from a man he named Usman Nga’aha. “I had no plans to vote this year, but because of Usman Nga’aha and his people, they made me come here,” he confessed. He added chillingly, “Usman Nga’aha gave me ₦5,000. If you vote for PDP, they will give you ₦2,000.” When pressed for details, he reiterated, “Usman Nga’aha. ₦5,000.” Yet, despite admitting to taking the cash, the voter insisted it did not sway his choice. “I didn’t take their money for the vote. I just like them. I just vote. I don’t need their money. I just vote. I get joy for… 

Vietnamese police have discovered two dead tigers stored in freezers in a man’s basement, arresting him and another suspect for the illegal trade of the endangered animals. Authorities in Thanh Hoa province, south of Hanoi, said the frozen bodies of the two adult tigers weighed about 400 kilograms (882 pounds) in total. The 52-year-old homeowner, Hoang Dinh Dat, told police he bought the animals for two billion dong ($77,000) from 31-year-old Nguyen Doan Son, who was also arrested. Police said Dat had equipment to produce “tiger bone glue,” a traditional medicine believed to treat skeletal ailments. Tigers once roamed Vietnam’s forests but have now almost entirely disappeared. The Southeast Asian country remains a hub and transit route for illegal wildlife products, including tiger bones.

A female pedestrian and member of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) was fatally struck by a Mercedes-Benz C-300 in a hit-and-run on Saturday at the NYSC Bus Stop in Igando, Lagos State. According to Vanguard, the victim was reportedly on her way to a worship service at MFM Church, Igando, when the accident occurred. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that its personnel responded quickly. “Upon receiving distress alerts, LASTMA officers along the Igando axis acted promptly, cordoning off the accident scene to prevent secondary collisions and ensure the safety of other road users,” the agency said. LASTMA added that the driver fled the scene immediately after the collision. “The Mercedes-Benz C-300 driver absconded upon realising the fatal outcome of the incident. This act not only worsens the tragedy but also violates statutory and civic obligations of motorists involved in traffic incidents,” the agency said. The vehicle was later removed from the road by LASTMA operatives in coordination with the Nigeria Police Force, Igando Division. Police have launched an investigation to apprehend the driver. LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olajide Bakare-Oki,… 

Addressing a press conference in Benin City, Oshiomhole disclosed that the state has recorded 28 confirmed cases of the disease. Six people have died from Lassa Fever in Edo State, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, confirmed on Friday evening. Speaking at a press conference in Benin City, Oshiomhole stated that the state has recorded 28 confirmed cases of the disease. He highlighted that the recent rise in cases from Etsako West and Esan West Local Government Areas indicates ongoing community transmission that demands urgent action. “After a thorough epidemiological review and risk assessment by the Edo State Ministry of Health, I formally declare a Lassa Fever outbreak in Edo State,” Oshiomhole said. “As of today, Edo State has 28 laboratory-confirmed cases of Lassa Fever, including six deaths. The recent surge, especially in Etsako West and Esan West, points to sustained community transmission that requires an immediate, coordinated, and intensified response.” He added that the state government had anticipated Lassa Fever’s periodic outbreaks and had proactively provided Lassa packs to Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital to support treatment and containment efforts.

In addition, the EMA has withdrawn Reuters’ accreditation to report on the 39th African Union Summit, set to be held in the Ethiopian capital on February 14 and 15. The Ethiopian Media Authority (EMA) has refused to renew the accreditation of three Reuters journalists based in Addis Ababa. The regulator also withdrew Reuters’ credentials to cover the 39th African Union Summit, scheduled to take place in the Ethiopian capital on February 14 and 15. The decision came after Reuters published an investigative report on February 10 alleging that Ethiopia was hosting a secret training camp for thousands of fighters linked to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group. According to the news agency, Ethiopian authorities have not publicly responded to the report. While the EMA has informally suggested that the investigation influenced its decision, it has yet to release an official statement explaining the revocation. In a statement, Reuters said it is reviewing the situation and remains committed to covering Ethiopia in line with the Thomson Reuters Trust Principles, emphasizing independent, impartial and reliable journalism. The move is likely to restrict foreign media coverage in Ethiopia,… 

England manager Thomas Tuchel has signed a new contract that will keep him in charge of the national team until the end of Euro 2028. The 52-year-old German, who succeeded Gareth Southgate in October 2024, guided England through an unbeaten World Cup qualifying campaign, winning all eight of their matches. Speaking in a statement released by The Football Association, Tuchel expressed his delight at extending his tenure. He said he was proud to continue in the role and looked forward to leading the team at the upcoming World Cup, describing it as an incredible opportunity to make the country proud. His previous deal had been due to expire after this year’s tournament. The FA said the extension offers clarity and stability amid speculation about Tuchel’s future beyond the World Cup. Chief executive Mark Bullingham noted that while the new contract includes performance-related conditions, it removes uncertainty for players and staff heading into major competitions. Tuchel had also been linked with a move to Manchester United, but the new agreement appears to rule out a post-World Cup switch to Old Trafford. He thanked Bullingham, FA colleagues… 

Barbir, who recently traveled to Nigeria, made these claims during an interview with the US-based news outlet CBN News, addressing concerns about insecurity in several states. American Christian missionary Alex Barbir has accused Fulani militias of orchestrating a wave of killings across parts of Nigeria, claiming the Federal Government has failed to act and is attempting to suppress what he described as a “targeted campaign” against Christians. Barbir, who recently visited Nigeria, made the remarks in an interview with US-based news outlet CBN News, addressing growing insecurity in several states. “The Fulani terrorists are massacring Christians across Nigeria, they are taking over land, and the Nigerian government is doing nothing about it,” he said, dismissing claims that Boko Haram insurgents were primarily responsible for violence in regions such as Benue, Plateau, Taraba, and Kaduna. “It’s not Boko Haram—it’s the Fulani going about killing and massacring,” he added. The missionary further accused the government of shielding perpetrators and downplaying attacks on Christian communities. “We need to deal with them. The government is not doing anything; they are basically covering them up. They are paying billions to… 

The Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday sentenced two Chinese directors of Genting International Co. Limited, Huang Haoyu (aka Ken) and An Hongxu, to 46 years in prison each for their involvement in a multi-billion-naira cybercrime and money laundering scheme. Justice Daniel Osiagor gave them an option of a ₦56 million fine, ordered three days of community service, and ruled that they would be repatriated to China after serving their sentences and completing the service. The duo were among 792 suspected internet and cryptocurrency fraudsters arrested by the EFCC in December 2024. At the proceedings, they changed their plea from not guilty to guilty, while a third defendant, Audu Friday, maintained his innocence and will face trial separately. EFCC prosecutor Bilkisu Bala-Buhari urged the court to impose maximum sentences, noting that the charges carried life imprisonment for some counts. Justice Osiagor also approved the forfeiture of assets recovered during the investigation, including thousands of phones, office equipment, electronic devices, vehicles, and other household items. The defendants were accused of recruiting Nigerian youths to impersonate foreign nationals online for financial gain, laundering fraud proceeds—including over… 

The Meta-owned messaging service revealed this in a brief statement shared on its verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday. WhatsApp has accused the Russian government of attempting to fully block its messaging platform in the country, calling the move an effort to drive users toward a state-owned alternative. The Meta-owned service made the claim in a brief statement shared on its verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday. “Today the Russian government attempted to fully block WhatsApp in an effort to drive people to a state-owned surveillance app,” the company said. WhatsApp warned that such restrictions would undermine private and secure communication for millions of users in Russia. “Trying to isolate over 100 million users from private and secure communication is a backwards step and can only lead to less safety for people in Russia,” the statement added. The company did not provide further details about the attempted block or whether services had been restored at the time of the announcement. Widely used for both personal and business communication, WhatsApp said it remains committed to keeping users connected in Russia. “We continue to do… 

US actor James Van Der Beek, best known for his lead role in the hit TV series Dawson’s Creek, has passed away at the age of 48. Van Der Beek died on Wednesday after a battle with colorectal cancer, which was diagnosed in 2023. A statement posted on Van Der Beek’s Instagram page confirmed his passing, noting that he faced his final days with “courage, faith, and grace.” His wife, Kimberly, shared the news, requesting privacy for the family during their grief. “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now, we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend,” she wrote. Van Der Beek rose to fame for his portrayal of Dawson Leery in the 1998–2003 teen drama, which followed a group of friends growing up in a small Massachusetts town. Van Der Beek also appeared in films such as Varsity Blues and… 

In a statement issued Thursday and signed by Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide on behalf of the forum, the group described the situation as “unjust, discriminatory and unacceptable,” warning that the prolonged delay is undermining morale among nurses nationwide. The Elegant Nurses Forum (ENF) has accused the Federal Government of discrimination and injustice over the alleged failure to pay January salaries of nurses in federal health institutions, despite reports that doctors and other hospital workers have received theirs. In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide on behalf of the forum, the group described the development as “unjust, discriminatory and unacceptable,” warning that the delay is eroding morale among nurses nationwide. According to the ENF, nurses in federal hospitals are yet to be paid their January salaries, even as other health professionals have reportedly been settled. “This development is disturbing, unfair and discriminatory. It represents a serious act of injustice against a group of professionals who play one of the most critical roles in the healthcare system,” the statement read. The forum emphasised that nurses are central to healthcare delivery, providing… 

“The incident took place at Mogadishu’s Aden Abdulle International Airport after the aircraft reportedly experienced a technical fault shortly after takeoff.” A passenger aircraft carrying 55 people narrowly avoided disaster on Tuesday after it overran the runway at Somalia’s main airport and ended up in shallow seawater near a beach during an emergency landing. The incident occurred at Mogadishu’s Aden Abdulle International Airport after the plane reportedly developed a technical fault shortly after takeoff. Operated by Starsky Aviation, the flight had 50 passengers and five crew members on board. In a statement to ABC News, the airline’s CEO, Ahmed Nur, confirmed that the aircraft “overran on the runway” before coming to rest “on the shore of the Indian Ocean near the airport.” He added: “No injuries, no deaths.” All passengers and crew were safely evacuated despite the dramatic landing. Somalia’s Transportation Minister, Mohamed Farah Nuh, said rescue teams were able to account for everyone on board and noted that only the aircraft was damaged. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. According to Ahmed Moalim, Director of Somalia’s Civil Aviation Authority, the flight was… 

The incident occurred during descent as Flight W3 740, operated by aircraft 5N-MJF, was travelling from Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, to Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa. An Arik Air Boeing 737-700 flying from Lagos to Port Harcourt was forced to make an emergency diversion to Benin on Wednesday after aviation authorities reported “significant damage” to one of its engines, raising fresh concerns over aircraft maintenance and in-flight safety procedures. The aircraft, registered 5N-MJF and operating flight W3 740, experienced the issue during its descent toward Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa. According to Arik Air spokesperson Adebanjo Ola, the crew heard a loud bang from the left engine as they approached Port Harcourt airspace. “On descent, the crew detected an unusual noise from the left engine. As a precaution, they safely diverted the flight to Benin,” Ola said. The emergency landing, a textbook example of aviation safety protocols, ensured that all 80 passengers and crew disembarked without injury. Arik Air confirmed there were no casualties and apologised to passengers for the disruption. “We sincerely apologise to our Port Harcourt-bound passengers whose journey was affected. Passenger safety… 

The Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Hussaini Magaji (SAN), has accused some banks and financial institutions of weakening Nigeria’s anti-corruption and compliance framework by allowing inactive and non-compliant companies to operate freely. Magaji revealed that the CAC reported 248 fake company registrations to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation and prosecution. Additionally, three CAC staff members were handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for alleged internal misconduct. The disclosures were made on Tuesday in Abuja during an Anti-Corruption Day presentation and panel discussion, held to mark the CAC’s 35th anniversary. Speaking on “Transparency for Development: The Nigeria Experience,” Magaji warned that the corporate regulatory system remains vulnerable unless compliance is enforced uniformly. “Companies that fail to disclose their Persons with Significant Control (PSC) are flagged as inactive and are unfit for credible transactions. Yet, some financial institutions continue to allow these companies to operate, open accounts, and transact freely. This is a major weakness in our national compliance chain,” he said. Magaji stressed that non-compliant companies should not enjoy the privileges of legality,… 

According to updated DHS records published on Monday, the names were added as part of a broader nationwide enforcement effort against immigrants convicted of serious crimes. The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has added 18 more Nigerians to its list of individuals slated for deportation under what it describes as its “worst-of-the-worst” criminal immigrants programme, bringing the total number of Nigerians facing removal to 97. The update is contained in records published on the DHS website on Monday, which show that the additional names were included as part of an expanded nationwide enforcement operation targeting immigrants convicted of serious crimes. According to the records, offences linked to the newly listed individuals include wire fraud, mail fraud, and identity theft—crimes U.S. authorities say pose significant financial and security risks. A statement accompanying the update said the arrests were carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as part of a coordinated crackdown across multiple states. “The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of the worst criminal aliens arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE),” the statement said. It… 

NUSA said the shooting occurred around 3 p.m. on Sunday at a Caltex filling station in Windsor East, Randburg, where Uzor was killed. A Nigerian national living in South Africa, Emeka Uzor, has been killed after he was shot at a filling station in Johannesburg. The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) said Uzor was fatally shot at about 3 p.m. on Sunday at a Caltex filling station in Windsor East, Randburg. In a statement issued on Monday, NUSA President, Mr Smart Nwobi, and National Publicity Secretary, Mr Akindele Olunloyo, said the deceased, who hailed from Nkerefi in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, was attacked while seated inside his vehicle. The union described the killing as part of a troubling pattern of violence against Nigerian nationals in South Africa. It called on South African authorities, including the Minister of Police and the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. “NUSA also calls on the Nigerian government, through the offices of the Consul General and the High… 

Kyiv has rejected claims of involvement in Friday’s attack. Alexeyev, deputy head of Russia’s GRU military intelligence agency, has since regained consciousness following surgery. Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) said on Monday that the men accused of shooting Lieutenant General Vladimir Alexeyev, a senior Russian military intelligence official, were promised $30,000 to carry out the attack. According to the FSB, the suspects confessed to acting on orders from Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU). The agency claimed that one suspect, identified as Korba, was recruited by the SBU in August 2025 in Ternopil, western Ukraine, trained in Kyiv, and paid a monthly stipend in cryptocurrency. The FSB said the $30,000 payment was offered specifically for the killing of Alexeyev. Ukraine has denied any involvement in the attack, which took place on Friday. Alexeyev, the deputy head of Russia’s GRU military intelligence service, has since regained consciousness following surgery. The FSB did not present evidence to support its claims. Reuters said it was unable to independently verify the allegations. The detained suspects could not be contacted, and the SBU was unavailable for immediate comment. Polish authorities were also… 

The number was disclosed during a three-day hearing at the Court of Session in Edinburgh last week, where Scottish National Party (SNP) ministers defended guidance permitting transgender women to be housed in female prisons following individual risk assessments. Fourteen male-bodied transgender prisoners, including individuals convicted of murder and sexual offences, have been housed in Scotland’s women’s prison estate, triggering renewed controversy and intensifying pressure on the Scottish Government over its transgender inmate policy. The figure emerged during a three-day Court of Session hearing in Edinburgh last week, where Scottish National Party (SNP) ministers defended guidance allowing biological males who identify as women to be placed in female prisons following risk assessments. Details were highlighted in a report by The Scottish Sun, prompting campaigners and opposition politicians to call for the policy to be abandoned, warning that it endangers vulnerable female prisoners. Independent MSP Ash Regan condemned the practice, stating that “male violence does not disappear because an offender changes gender identity.” “No man should be housed in the female estate,” Regan said. “Male-pattern offending does not suddenly evaporate because a man says he is a… 

Nigeria and China have reaffirmed their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and commitment to deeper cooperation, emphasizing initiatives that will positively impact the lives of citizens in both countries. The declaration was made on Saturday in Abuja at the 2026 “Happy Chinese New Year” Temple Fair, which also marked the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Speaking at the event held at the Chinese Cultural Centre, Mr. Joseph Tegbe, Director-General and Global Liaison of the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), said Nigeria remains firmly committed to the One-China Principle, describing it as “the bedrock of our enduring friendship.” He highlighted that over five decades, bilateral ties have evolved from cordial diplomacy into a robust partnership with direct benefits for citizens in both countries. “As we welcome the Year of the Horse and mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China, we are reminded that both nations share the same spirit of resilience and determination as we gallop into a future of deeper cooperation and shared prosperity,” Tegbe said. He cited China’s role in Nigeria’s infrastructure drive, noting ongoing rail projects and the… 

A United States court has sentenced Nigerian national Tochukwu Albert Nnebocha, 44, to 97 months in prison for his role in a transnational inheritance fraud scheme that targeted elderly and vulnerable Americans. According to a statement from the US Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday, Nnebocha and his co-conspirators “operated a lucrative transnational inheritance fraud scheme that exploited vulnerable people in the United States” over a period exceeding seven years. Court documents reveal that Nnebocha and his collaborators sent hundreds of thousands of personalized letters to elderly individuals in the US, falsely claiming they were representatives of a Spanish bank and that recipients were entitled to multimillion-dollar inheritances from deceased relatives. Victims were then instructed to pay various fees—purportedly for delivery, taxes, or other costs—before accessing the fictitious funds. “In total, the defendant and his co-conspirators defrauded over 400 U.S. victims of more than $6 million,” the DOJ said. Nnebocha was arrested in Poland in April 2025 and extradited to the United States in September 2025. He pleaded guilty in November 2025 to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. At sentencing, the court ordered… 

A Nigerian court has ordered the British government to pay £420 million ($570 million) to the families of 21 coal miners killed by British security forces in 1949 during colonial rule, according to a report from the state-run news agency. “These defenseless coal miners were asking for improved work conditions,” Justice Anthony Onovo of the Enugu High Court said. “They were not engaging in any violent action against the authorities, yet they were shot and killed.” The ruling marks the conclusion of a long-standing fight for justice over the killings, which many in Nigeria view as a key catalyst for the country’s independence movement. Nigeria officially gained independence from Britain 11 years later, in 1960. The incident took place at the Iva Valley Coal Mine in Enugu State, southeastern Nigeria, where miners were protesting poor working conditions. While occupying the mine, colonial police opened fire, killing 21 and injuring several others. Justice Onovo also criticized the Nigerian government for failing in its constitutional duty to pursue justice for the victims. Lawyers representing the victims described the ruling as a historic step, saying it delivers “historical… 

Badejo recently returned to Nigeria for an appeal court case scheduled in Ibadan on February 16, 2026, before being summoned by law enforcement authorities. The Nigeria Police Force is set to arraign UK-based Nigerian blogger Maureen Badejo before the Federal High Court on Monday on multiple charges related to alleged cybercrime, Vibeslyfe has learned. Badejo’s lawyer, Barrister George Ogunjimi, disclosed in a statement on Saturday that the police intend to file a multi-count charge against the blogger following petitions reportedly submitted by senior Christian clerics. According to Ogunjimi, Badejo had recently returned to Nigeria for an appeal court matter scheduled in Ibadan on February 16, 2026, before being invited by law enforcement authorities. He explained that Badejo was arrested and interrogated by operatives of the police Cybercrime Unit at Adekunle Police Station in Yaba, Lagos, following a petition allegedly submitted by Apostle Johnson Suleman, the General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries. Addressing circulating claims on social media, Ogunjimi insisted that Badejo was not abducted or forcefully taken by the police, emphasizing that she voluntarily responded to the invitation. “She was not picked up or abducted.… 

The Israeli mission extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and everyone affected by the deadly attack, which is regarded as one of the most severe mass killings in Nigeria in recent years. The Embassy of Israel in Nigeria has strongly condemned the horrific massacre in Kwara State that claimed the lives of over 160 people, describing the killings as a brutal act of violence against innocent civilians. In a statement shared on its X handle on Friday, the Israeli mission extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and all those affected by the attack, which is being regarded as one of the deadliest mass killings in Nigeria in recent times. “The Embassy of Israel in Nigeria condemns the horrific massacre in Kwara State, in which over 160 innocent people were brutally murdered,” the statement read. The Embassy characterized the attack as an affront to humanity, emphasizing that the deliberate targeting of civilians is unacceptable under any circumstances. “The deliberate targeting of civilians is an affront to humanity and can never be justified, no matter when or where it takes place,”…