Author: Opalim Lifted

Several US warplanes crashed in Kuwait on Monday morning as Iran pressed ahead with a third consecutive day of retaliatory strikes across the Gulf region. Kuwait’s defence ministry confirmed the incident, stating that all crew members survived and were evacuated for medical evaluation. Authorities said the cause of the crash remains under investigation. “Search and rescue operations were immediately initiated,” a ministry spokesman said, adding that the crew were transported to hospital and are in stable condition. The crashes came amid intensifying Iranian attacks targeting American interests and regional allies. Black smoke was seen rising near the United States Embassy…

The Dangote petrol price has climbed sharply after the Dangote Petroleum Refinery increased its ex-gantry rate to N874 per litre. Sources at the facility confirmed the refinery raised the petrol price by N100, moving from N774 per litre to N874 per litre. “The refinery increased its ex-gantry petrol price to N874 per litre,” a source familiar with the development said. The petrol price hike comes as global crude oil markets react to worsening tensions in the Middle East. Brent crude surged to around $79 per barrel, pushing up costs across the downstream oil and gas sector. The supply shock deepened…

The family of Nasir El-Rufai says no phone-tapping equipment was recovered from the Abuja residence of the former Kaduna governor during a search conducted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). In February, the former governor alleged that “someone tapped” the phone of Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA), enabling him to listen to a conversation in which the NSA allegedly ordered his arrest. El-Rufai admitted the action was illegal but claimed that the government routinely engages in similar practices without court orders. On February 19, the ICPC, which is investigating the former governor over…

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has directed hotels in the emirate to extend the stay of guests affected by ongoing travel restrictions. In a recent notice addressed to general managers of hotels in the region, DCT Abu Dhabi said it will cover the cost of the extended stay. “Pursuant to Law No. 8 of 2018 establishing the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) with a mandate to develop the tourism industry in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi; in light of the current circumstances, and given that some guests…

The federal government has commenced payment of February 2026 salaries to treasury-funded workers and will start clearing the outstanding three months’ wage award arrears from March. The move follows pressure from organised labour, which had issued a Friday deadline demanding the immediate release of funds to settle pending wage awards and allowances owed to workers across ministries, departments, and agencies. The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (Trade Union side) warned that failure to meet the February 27 ultimatum would prompt decisive action by the eight civil service unions. In a statement on Monday, the office of the Accountant-General of…

Israeli strikes has killed 31 in Lebanon after fresh cross border hostilities with Hezbollah, Lebanese health authorities have confirmed. The deadly raids, carried out overnight, targeted areas in southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut known to be strongholds of Hezbollah. Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health said at least 31 people were killed, while more than 100 others sustained injuries. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the strikes were aimed at Hezbollah infrastructure and senior operatives. Israeli officials described the operation as a response to recent rocket and drone fire launched from Lebanese territory into northern Israel. Security sources…

The Nigerian Embassy in Doha has issued a security advisory to Nigerian nationals in Qatar, urging them to register their presence and strictly comply with safety directives from Qatari authorities as the Middle East crisis escalates. In a statement issued late Saturday, the embassy said the advisory was necessary “in view of the evolving security situation in the region.” It directed Nigerians residing in Qatar to register by sending their personal details to nigerianembassy.doha@gmail.com. The required information includes full name, contact address in Qatar, mobile number, and copies of their international passport and/or Qatar Identification (QID) card. The mission also…

Iranian state media have confirmed the killing of Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, following a barrage of missile strikes allegedly carried out by Israel and the United States on Saturday. Khamenei’s daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law and son-in-law were also reportedly killed in the military operation. Debate over whether Khamenei was indeed among those killed in the joint operation raged across the world late Saturday, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu choosing his words carefully when he said, “There are many signs the supreme leader is no longer with us.” “The Supreme Leader of Iran has reached martyrdom,” state broadcaster Islamic Republic…

A notorious drug kingpin, Reginald Peter Chidiebere, has been apprehended by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) following a large seizure of cocaine and heroin linked to him at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja, Lagos. Chidiebere was first arrested in 2013 for his involvement in a cocaine shipment into Nigeria and was subsequently charged before Justice Ayokunle Faji at the Federal High Court. However, he jumped bail after being granted release and evaded capture for over a decade. According to a statement by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, “He (Chidiebere)…

One person has been confirmed dead and 11 others injured after Iranian missiles struck airports in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Iran launched the attacks on Saturday night in response to what it described as a massive and ongoing assault on the country by the United States and Israel. Abu Dhabi Airports confirmed the incident in a statement posted on X on Sunday. “Authorities in Abu Dhabi are responding to an incident resulting from the interception of a drone that targeted Zayed International Airport. The interception led to falling debris, which resulted in the death of an Asian national and seven…