Washington, D.C. — The United States, despite maintaining the world’s most formidable navy, is ramping up efforts to assert dominance on the high seas amid China’s expanding maritime influence. Recent strategic pronouncements by former President Donald Trump—spanning naval expansion, the Panama Canal, and Greenland—underscore Washington’s push to strengthen its sea power across multiple fronts, mirroring…
Peshawar, Pakistan — A Pakistani man has been charged with murder after allegedly gunning down the administrator of a WhatsApp group for removing him from the chat. Authorities confirmed that the victim, Mushtaq Ahmed, was fatally shot on Thursday evening in Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The suspect, identified only as Ashfaq, allegedly…
Abuja, Nigeria — Security and defense experts emphasize the need for greater financial investment to strengthen the logistical capacity of the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) in tackling regional security challenges. The call was made during the Experts Validation Meeting on the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) Logistics Concept and Logistics Depot Policies, held in Abuja. Air…
Kyiv, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has declared his willingness to step down if it guarantees Ukraine’s accession to NATO. Zelensky made this statement on Sunday amid ongoing discussions on Ukraine’s NATO bid, emphasizing the strategic importance of alliance membership in securing the country’s future. Facing mounting criticism from the new U.S. administration, Zelensky…
London, United Kingdom — Nigerians residing in the UK have taken to the streets to protest the increasing prevalence of Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) scams, calling out 30 individuals allegedly involved in fraudulent visa schemes. The demonstration took place on Thursday, with protesters assembling on Marsham Street, London, to voice their grievances. A live TikTok…
Jerusalem, Israel — The Israeli government has delayed the scheduled release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners, citing repeated violations by Hamas. The postponement was announced after Hamas freed six Israeli hostages on Saturday, the last captives designated for release under the initial phase of a ceasefire agreement that began last month. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s…
Bukavu, DRC — Defected Congolese police officers were seen celebrating in Bukavu as they prepared for retraining under the M23 rebel group, which now controls the city. The officers, clad in new uniforms and black berets, sang and clapped in apparent support of the Rwanda-backed faction, signaling M23’s intent to solidify its grip on the…
Vatican City — Pope Francis, 88, is in critical condition following a severe respiratory crisis, requiring intensive medical intervention. A Vatican statement on Saturday confirmed that while the Pope remains alert and seated, he is on high-flow oxygen support and has received blood transfusions to manage anemia-induced low platelet levels. The pontiff is currently undergoing…
Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Government has returned over $50 million in recovered assets to the governments of Spain, Switzerland, and the United States for onward restitution to victims of financial fraud. During the handover ceremony, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, emphasized that the restitution aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to combating…
Abuja, Nigeria — The Senate has summoned top security officials to investigate claims linking the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to terrorism financing. The decision follows a motion by Senator Ali Ndume, who urged an immediate probe into allegations raised in a viral video featuring U.S. Congressman Scott Perry. The video accuses USAID…
Malabo, Equatorial Guinea — The National Examinations Council (NECO) has granted accreditation to additional schools in Equatorial Guinea, allowing them to participate in its Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). The announcement was made in a statement by Azeez Sani, Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, confirming that a…
Paris, France — UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has emphasized the need for a United States-backed security guarantee in any peace agreement involving Ukraine to prevent future Russian aggression. Following a high-level meeting with European leaders in Paris, Starmer stressed that a US commitment was essential to effectively deter Russia. He also revealed plans…
Rome, Nigeria — Pope Francis is receiving treatment for a respiratory infection at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, the Vatican announced on Monday The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to the hospital on Friday for bronchitis treatment and tests, which revealed a polymicrobial infection affecting his respiratory tract. According to Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni, the pope’s medication…
Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Government has urged the United States to comply with international protocols in the deportation of Nigerian immigrants. The appeal was made by Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, during a meeting with US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., at her office in Abuja. Addressing concerns over…
Paris, France — In response to growing concerns over U.S.-led peace talks with Russia that may sideline European nations, leaders across the continent are set to hold an emergency summit next week to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The high-level meeting, scheduled to take place in Paris, is expected to feature the participation of…
Abuja, Nigeria — The Israeli government has expressed deep appreciation for Nigeria’s steadfast support, reaffirming the enduring diplomatic ties between both nations. Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, conveyed this gratitude while addressing delegates at the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria’s biennial conference in Abuja. He acknowledged Nigeria’s consistent solidarity with Israel, emphasizing the mutual benefits…
Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump has directed his administration to explore imposing reciprocal tariffs on key trading partners, intensifying his drive for what he calls fairer trade practices. In a formal directive signed on Thursday, Trump instructed the US Trade Representative and the Commerce Secretary to develop country-specific tariff proposals aimed at addressing trade…
Gaza City, Palestine — Hamas has halted the planned release of Israeli hostages, citing Israel’s alleged failure to uphold ceasefire commitments, further complicating ongoing negotiations. The announcement, made by Al-Qassam Brigades spokesperson Abu Obaida via Telegram, stated that the scheduled release, set for Saturday, would be postponed indefinitely. “The handover of the Zionist prisoners set…
Washington, D.C. & Pretoria, South Africa — U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent offer to resettle white South Africans as refugees has been met with skepticism, even among Afrikaner advocacy groups who prefer to address land reform challenges domestically. The proposal, which follows Trump’s executive order cutting U.S. aid to South Africa, was signed last Friday…
Abuja, Nigeria — The Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have solidified their partnership with the adoption of a comprehensive 2025 workplan aimed at enhancing legal protection and support for vulnerable populations in West Africa. The initiative was formalized…
Washington, D.C. — Former U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified his campaign to dismantle the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), calling for its immediate closure. Trump made the demand in a statement on his Truth Social platform, declaring, “THE CORRUPTION IS AT LEVELS RARELY SEEN BEFORE. CLOSE IT DOWN!” His remarks reflect his…
Lilongwe, Malawi — President Lazarus Chakwera has ordered the withdrawal of Malawian troops from their peacekeeping mission in the conflict-ridden eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The troops were initially deployed to help combat armed groups in the region. However, last week’s deadly attack on Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, resulted in at least…
Panama City, Panama — The Panamanian government has denied US claims that it has waived transit fees for American government vessels using the Panama Canal. In a post on X, the US State Department asserted that its government ships could now cross the canal free of charge, a move it said would save the US…
Washington, D.C. — Former US President Donald Trump has suggested that the United States could take control of Gaza, a proposal that has sparked widespread controversy. Speaking at a joint White House press conference alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump floated the idea as an alternative to ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hamas. His…
Abuja, Nigeria— The ECOWAS Court of Justice is set to officially launch its upgraded Electronic Case Management System (ECMS), marking a significant step toward digital transformation. The Communications Division of the Court announced that a comprehensive Quality Assurance Workshop and Group Training will precede the platform’s Go-Live Ceremony. The workshop, scheduled for February 2–5, 2025,…
Abuja, Nigeria. — The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has congratulated Amanda Azubuike on her promotion to Brigadier General in the United States Army. In a statement from Abuja, Dabiri-Erewa hailed Azubuike’s elevation as a remarkable achievement reflecting her unwavering dedication, resilience, and outstanding service. Born in London to…
Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where he joined other African leaders at the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit. The two-day event, hosted by the Tanzanian government in collaboration with the African Union, African Development Bank (AfDB), and the World Bank, culminated in the adoption of the…
Washington, D.C. — The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has listed 3,690 Nigerians among nearly two million non-citizens slated for deportation, as part of a large-scale immigration enforcement initiative. According to a report from ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), obtained by Fox News, as of November 24, 2024, over 1.4 million individuals…
Columbia, South Carolina — A 24-year-old Nigerian, Hassanbunhussein Abolore Lawal from Osun State, has been extradited to the United States to face charges related to sextortion, which allegedly led to a minor’s tragic death. Lawal was transferred to US custody on Saturday through a diplomatic agreement with the Nigerian government that ensures he will not…
Abuja, Nigeria — The European Union (EU) has restated its commitment to enhancing economic cooperation with Nigeria, describing the nation as a key partner in Africa. During his maiden press briefing in Abuja, the EU’s new ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, highlighted the deep economic ties between the two entities, noting that total trade between…
Bolu, Turkey — A devastating fire at the 12-storey Grand Kartal Hotel in Bolu has claimed the lives of at least 76 people, with dozens more injured. The blaze broke out at 3:27 am local time (00:27 GMT) during the peak holiday season, with 234 guests at the popular ski resort. Turkey’s Interior Minister, Ali…
