The Bauchi State Police Command has dealt a significant blow to criminal elements in the state, rescuing two kidnap victims and apprehending five suspected members of an abduction gang during a coordinated security operation in Alkaleri Local Government Area. The breakthrough was announced on Friday in a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Nafiu Habib. According to the police, the ordeal began on June 2, 2026, when heavily armed assailants invaded a residence in Kwarin Gadali Hamlet, located in the Pali District of Alkaleri LGA, and forcefully whisked away a woman and her adult son. Habib said security operatives wasted no time in launching a manhunt after receiving a distress report about the incident. “Immediately the report reached us, officers attached to the Pali Outstation mobilised to the area and commenced a targeted intelligence operation aimed at identifying the culprits and securing the safe return of the victims,” he stated. Acting on credible intelligence, a joint task team comprising police operatives, military personnel and local vigilantes tracked down and arrested three suspects in Kuka Village, Duguri District, on the day of the abduction. The suspects… 

Cholera Tightens Deadly Grip on Borno as Cases Rise Above 4,200, Death Toll Reaches 39 The cholera outbreak in Borno State has worsened, with health authorities recording 274 new suspected cases within 24 hours, pushing the total number of infections to 4,204 across affected communities. Officials also confirmed that 39 people have lost their lives since the outbreak began, raising concerns over the growing public health emergency in the state. The Incident Manager of the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, Dr. Jacob Thlizer, disclosed the figures on Tuesday during a sensitisation meeting on preventive measures and management of acute watery diarrhoea held in Maiduguri for stakeholders from the state’s 27 local government areas. According to Thlizer, the latest cases were reported from 36 wards spread across several affected local government areas. “In the last 24 hours, 274 new suspected cases were recorded, while the total line-listed suspected cases stand at 4,204 from 36 wards in seven local government areas. In total, we now have 39 deaths,” he said. The affected areas include Jere, Bama, Kaga, Mafa, Kwaya Kusar, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Konduga, Monguno, Magumeri and… 

Commercial tricycle operators in Onitsha and Ogbaru Local Government Areas of Anambra State have vowed to work closely with the police and other security agencies to clamp down on criminals using tricycles for one-chance robberies. Operating under the umbrella of the Anambra Keke Drivers Forum (AKDF), the operators said they were determined to support ongoing efforts to rid the state of crime and criminality. The group also commended the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, and Governor Chukwuma Soludo for what they described as significant improvements in security across Onitsha, Ogbaru and surrounding communities. Speaking during a press briefing at the group’s office along Obodo-Ukwu Road, the Coordinator of AKDF in Onitsha and Ogbaru, Ugochukwu Adiele, praised the police commissioner for ordering the removal of officers allegedly extorting tricycle operators at checkpoints. Flanked by the group’s secretary, Diribe Achuko, and other members, Adiele said the reduction in checkpoints had eased the financial burden on operators and urged the commissioner to sustain the directive. He also called on other security agencies to follow suit by ensuring their personnel stop harassing and extorting tricycle drivers. “Before… 

Bandits in Zamfara State have reportedly killed a councillor representing Jangebe Ward, Habibu Jangebe, and the Director of Planning for Talata-Mafara Local Government Area, Alhaji Jamilu Sani, over allegations that they were involved in facilitating payments to the Lakurawa terrorist group. The two local government officials were said to have been murdered after being accused of overseeing monthly payments to the Lakurawa group as part of efforts to shield communities from attacks. A resident of the area, who spoke to The PUNCH on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, confirmed the identities of the victims and claimed they had been tasked by the local government with delivering funds to the Lakurawa terrorists. According to the source, the arrangement allegedly involved regular payments to the Lakurawa group, while bandits operating in the area received no such support. “A certain amount of money is allegedly paid to the Lakurawa terrorists every month by the local government, but the bandits are excluded from the arrangement,” the source said. He alleged that the bandits abducted the two officials 10 days earlier and later killed them in retaliation. The… 

Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre has arrested a mother and her daughter over their alleged involvement in a romance scam that reportedly defrauded a Malta-based victim of over N18 million. According to a statement released on Wednesday by DSP Unwana Imah, Acting Police Public Liaison Officer of the NPF-NCCC in Abuja, the suspects were identified as 39-year-old Urowhe Diana and her 22-year-old daughter, Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru. Preliminary findings by investigators suggest that a Lagos-based man, Emmanuel Amanfo—currently at large and described as Rokibat’s stepfather—allegedly worked with her to open and operate multiple bank accounts used to move proceeds from the fraud. Authorities say the accounts were allegedly used to channel funds obtained through the romance scam targeting the victim based in Malta. Investigations are ongoing as police continue efforts to track down other suspects linked to the case. The statement further disclosed that proceeds from the alleged romance scam were moved through money transfer operators and direct bank deposits into several accounts linked to Rokibat. Investigators also alleged that the funds were later transferred into an Ecobank account belonging to her mother, Urowhe Diana,… 

Pete Hegseth has revealed that former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a directive ordering the Pentagon to prioritise the protection of Christians in Nigeria who were being targeted by ISIS-linked groups. Speaking at a White House press briefing on Wednesday, Hegseth said the instruction was given roughly a year earlier after Trump was alerted to attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria. According to him, the directive led to covert military coordination and the deployment of U.S. assets, with intelligence gathered during the mission later contributing to the killing of ISIS deputy leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki during a joint U.S.–Nigeria operation in the Lake Chad Basin. Hegseth said Trump personally pushed for stronger action, recalling the former president’s order that the U.S. “do everything possible” to protect Christians under threat in the region. He added that the operation produced significant gains in the fight against terrorism, including the elimination of high-ranking ISIS figures responsible for attacks in Nigeria and threats against the United States. Over time, he claimed, intelligence-driven strikes led to the killing of hundreds of ISIS fighters linked to violence against Christian communities. Describing the… 

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has dismissed reports alleging that a court order halted environmental services and food safety enforcement sittings across the FCT. In a statement issued on Thursday, the Legal Officer of the FCTA Public Health Department, Idris Suleiman, described the circulating claims as “completely false and misleading.” According to the department, the order delivered by Justice Yusuf Halilu of the FCT High Court in Motion No. M/7935/2026 only restrained proceedings relating to a case filed by H-Medix Pharmacy Limited against the FCTA Health and Human Services Secretariat and six others. The department clarified that the ruling did not stop the Public Health Department’s broader enforcement operations or food safety court sittings within the territory. It therefore urged residents and business operators to ignore reports suggesting a total suspension of environmental health enforcement activities in the FCT.

Murtala Muhammed Airport 2’s operator, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, has defended the recent hike in parking fees, insisting it is not intended to boost revenue but to return the facility to its original role as a short-stay car park. Speaking on Arise TV, the Head of Corporate Communications, Ajoke Yinka-Olawuyi, explained that the review became necessary after years of misuse, with motorists turning the short-stay car park into a long-term storage area. She stressed that the primary goal is to improve accessibility to the terminal, noting that the car park previously recorded up to 300 vehicles left overnight, with some abandoned for weeks, months, and in extreme cases, up to a year. According to her, “it is not a garage,” highlighting how prolonged parking has distorted the facility’s intended use. Yinka-Olawuyi added that the congestion has spilled over into the drop-off zone, making it difficult for passengers to access the terminal even for quick stops. The situation, she said, often leads to traffic gridlock, frustrating both drivers and travellers. She also pointed out that MMA2 has operated for nearly 19 years, maintaining a focus on… 

The United States Justice Department on Wednesday filed drug trafficking charges against the governor of the Mexican state of Sinaloa and several other officials. The US Attorney for the Southern District of New York announced that 10 officials, including Governor Ruben Rocha Moya, are accused of collaborating with the Sinaloa Cartel to distribute large volumes of narcotics into the United States. Mexico’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that it had received extradition requests from the United States for multiple individuals but did not reveal their identities. Rocha Moya strongly denied the allegations in a statement posted on X, describing the charges as “categorically and absolutely” false. “This attack isn’t only against me, it’s against the Fourth Transformation,” he stated, referring to the ruling left-leaning Morena, which has governed Mexico since 2018. Rocha Moya has served as governor of the conflict-affected state of Sinaloa since 2021, a region that has experienced prolonged violence due to clashes between rival factions of the cartel bearing the same name, resulting in thousands of deaths. Among those charged alongside Rocha Moya are a senator from Morena, the municipal president of the state… 

The Oyo State Police Command on Wednesday arrested 16 students 14 males and two females over suspected cult-related activities at The Polytechnic Ibadan. Investigations showed that some of the suspects had previously been placed on the Command’s watchlist due to alleged links to several murder cases and cult-related incidents across the state. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, the suspects include Olusoji Pelumi, also known as Lumi; Fatoki Sunday, also known as Cwise (Chief Carrier); Gbenga Opatunbi, also known as Opa (Chief Aza); Olami Lekan Lateef Micheal (Finance); Olaniyi Oyedeji; and Olaoluwa Sunday. Others listed were Okedokun Olayemi; Sulaiman Oyewole; Moshood Abdullahi; Faruk Olosogunro; Oyegbori Ibrahim; Bello Olalekan; Amusan Emmanuel; Babatunde Abeeb; Mustapha Omotola Kafilat; and Balogun Roqibat. Items reportedly recovered from the suspects included two locally fabricated cut-to-size guns, two foreign-made pistols, 16 live cartridges, four axes, and various charms. Ayanlade explained that the police received credible intelligence indicating that members of the notorious Aiye Confraternity were planning a major gathering within the school premises. Acting on the information, operatives launched a coordinated operation aimed at preventing any potential breakdown of… 

China has officially blocked Meta’s planned acquisition of AI startup Manus, according to the country’s top economic planning authority on Monday. The decision follows a regulatory review that also reportedly included travel restrictions on two of the company’s co-founders. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, had reached an agreement in December to acquire Manus, an AI agent developed by a firm originally founded in China but now headquartered in Singapore. The deal had already faced skepticism from analysts, who warned it could run into regulatory obstacles amid intensifying tech competition between the United States and China. Last month, the Financial Times reported that Chinese authorities had barred two Manus co-founders from leaving the country, citing sources familiar with the matter. Chief executive Xiao Hong and chief scientist Ji Yichao—both typically based in Singapore—were reportedly summoned to Beijing in March and informed they were prohibited from travelling abroad due to an ongoing review of the Meta deal. On Monday, China’s National Development and Reform Commission announced it would “prohibit foreign investment in the acquisition of the Manus project” and require all parties to withdraw from the… 

Nigeria and nine other conflict-affected countries now account for two-thirds of the world’s population facing acute food insecurity, according to a new international report highlighting how violence continues to fuel a worsening global hunger crisis. The 2026 Global Report on Food Crises, released Friday by a coalition of UN agencies, the European Union, and partner organisations, revealed that 266 million people across 47 countries experienced high levels of acute food insecurity in 2025. This represents nearly a quarter of the populations assessed and almost double the proportion recorded in 2016. The report describes a crisis that has become increasingly entrenched rather than temporary, with hunger now heavily concentrated in a small number of conflict-affected nations. Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization, warned that acute food insecurity has become structural, stressing that it is both persistent and recurring. Earlier in January, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Nigeria estimated that about 35 million Nigerians are at risk of acute hunger this year. Conflict remains the leading driver of food insecurity, responsible for more than half of all severely hungry… 

China on Friday announced restrictions on seven European defence-related entities, citing their alleged involvement in arms sales to or “collusion” with Taiwan. According to a statement from the commerce ministry, the measures took effect immediately and were introduced to “safeguard national security and interests” while fulfilling international obligations, including non-proliferation commitments. The restrictions target several companies, including Belgian firearms manufacturer FN Herstal, German defence electronics company Hensoldt, and the Czech Republic’s national aerospace research and development centre, VZLU Aerospace. Under the new rules, exports of so-called “dual-use items” to the listed entities are prohibited. The measures also ban foreign organisations and individuals from transferring such China-origin items to the affected companies. “Any ongoing related activities must be stopped immediately,” the statement added. However, it noted that applications could be submitted to the commerce ministry in “special circumstances” where exports are deemed truly necessary. Beijing continues to regard self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory and has pledged to bring it under its control one day, if necessary by force. In a separate statement, a spokesperson for China’s commerce ministry said the measures are directed at… 

Healthcare workers at the facility, in their original report, portrayed the hospital as an unsafe environment rather than a proper healthcare center. Governor Peter Mbah’s administration is facing growing backlash following the indefinite suspension of a student nurse who went viral after exposing the deteriorating condition of Uwani General Hospital in Enugu State. The nurse, in an emotional follow-up video shared on TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), confirmed that she had been barred from her clinical duties and removed from the hospital workforce as punishment for what she described as whistle-blowing. The controversy began in late March 2026 when the student nurse recorded and shared a video documenting what she described as distressing conditions at the state-owned facility. In the footage, two nurses were seen lamenting that medical staff were forced to work in complete darkness due to persistent electricity outages, lack of running water, and the absence of essential life-saving equipment such as oxygen, even while attending to a pregnant woman in labour. “I’m the nurse who posted about the hospital at Uwani. Sadly, I was given an indefinite suspension and removed from my… 

The tragedy occurred Wednesday near Daulatdia in Rajbari district, about 84 kilometres from Dhaka, when a bus carrying 40 passengers lost control while approaching a ferry terminal. A tragic bus accident in central Bangladesh has claimed at least 26 lives after the vehicle plunged into the Padma River, raising renewed concerns over the country’s road and waterway safety. The incident occurred Wednesday near Daulatdia in Rajbari district, about 84 kilometres from Dhaka, when a bus carrying 40 passengers lost control while approaching a ferry terminal. Fire service officials recovered 22 bodies from the submerged bus, including five children, 11 women, and six men, according to Talha Bin Qasim. Two more women later died after being rescued. The overturned bus sank nearly nine metres into the river, creating a challenging environment for rescue teams. “The bus was waiting to board a ferry when it fell into the river,” said Noor Jahan Begum, 35, who witnessed the accident. “Some passengers got out of the bus, but their family members died, trapped inside.” Bystanders joined rescue efforts, throwing long scarves to pull passengers from the water as survivors… 

Israeli Defence Minister, Israel Katz, who confirmed the development on Thursday, stated that Tangsiri was “directly responsible for the terrorist act of bombing and blocking the Strait of Hormuz.” The Israeli government has announced the killing of Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the naval arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), in what it described as a targeted military operation. Confirming the development on Thursday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz alleged that Tangsiri was “directly responsible for the terrorist act of bombing and blocking the Strait of Hormuz.” Katz further claimed that the naval commander was “blown up” along with several other senior naval officials, whose identities have yet to be fully disclosed. The development was reported by BBC. Tangsiri, a senior military figure within Iran’s naval command structure, was appointed commander of the IRGC Navy in 2018 after serving as deputy commander of the force since 2010. Iranian authorities had not issued an official response to the reported strike at the time of filing this report. Tangsiri had been known as a vocal critic of Western influence in the Middle East. Since March 10,… 

Israel’s Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, said on Saturday that Iran fired long‑range missiles toward the Diego Garcia military base, which hosts U.S. and UK forces and is located roughly 4,000 km from Iran. Israeli officials cited the launch as evidence that Tehran’s missile capabilities could put major cities in Europe within range. The Israeli military has raised fresh concerns over Iran’s missile capabilities following what it described as a long-range ballistic missile launch targeting a United States military installation. Israel’s Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, said on Saturday that Iran fired a two-stage intercontinental ballistic missile with a range of about 4,000 kilometres toward an American target on Diego Garcia Island. “Just yesterday, Iran launched a two-stage intercontinental ballistic missile with a range of 4,000 kilometers toward an American target on the island of Diego Garcia,” Zamir stated. According to Zamir, the missile was not aimed at Israel but demonstrated a broader strategic threat extending well beyond the Middle East. “These missiles were not intended to hit Israel. Their range reaches the capitals of Europe — Berlin, Paris, and Rome are… 

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…