Author: Opalim Lifted

Several international airlines have begun restoring operations after days of disruption caused by escalating tensions between Iran and the United States in the Middle East. Flight services are gradually returning on key routes linking the Middle East, Africa and other global destinations, although most carriers say schedules remain limited while security assessments continue. The disruption began on February 28 when Iran launched reprisal attacks on United States military bases in the region. Explosions were reported in cities including Abu Dhabi, Manama, Doha, Kuwait City, and Riyadh. The attacks followed a joint missile strike by the US and Israel on Iranian…

Police operatives in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have rescued 20 kidnapped victims after a fierce gun battle with suspected kidnappers in forest areas of Kaduna State. The rescue operation was carried out by personnel of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the FCT Police Command between March 6 and 7. The team worked alongside soldiers from the Nigerian Army Guards Brigade, operatives of the Department of State Services and local vigilantes. The operation followed intelligence that suspected kidnappers fleeing ongoing security operations in Gauraka Forest in Niger State had moved into Gidan Dogo and Kweri forests in Kaduna State with abducted…

Daniel Bwala, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on policy communication, has said there is no evidence that Abubakar Bagudu, minister of budget and economic planning, misappropriated public funds. Bwala made the remarks during an appearance on Head to Head, a programme on Al Jazeera hosted by Mehdi Hasan. The interview examined Tinubu’s administration on issues including corruption, insecurity and political appointments. During the discussion, Hasan challenged the government’s anti-corruption stance by citing Bagudu’s appointment to the cabinet. He referenced allegations by the United States Department of Justice that Bagudu played a role in helping to move billions of dollars…

The Socio‑Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the administration of Bola Tinubu over the continued enforcement of Nigeria’s 2019 regulations allowing interception of private communications. The case was filed at the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice in Abuja, where SERAP is asking the court to declare the rules unlawful and compel the government to withdraw them. The regulations, known as the Lawful Interception of Communications Regulations, 2019, permit certain security agencies to intercept phone calls and digital communications under specific conditions. Triggered by El-Rufai allegation The legal action follows claims by former Kaduna State governor…

US President Donald Trump attended the solemn return of six American soldiers killed in the escalating conflict with Iran, as tensions in the region continued to intensify. The flag-draped remains arrived on Saturday at Dover Air Force Base, where US service members who die overseas are traditionally brought back to American soil. Wearing a white “USA” baseball cap and accompanied by senior cabinet officials, Trump saluted as each transfer case was carried from a military transport plane. The troops were killed last Sunday after a drone strike hit a key US command centre in Kuwait. The attack came just a…

Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal booked their places in the FA Cup quarter-finals after dramatic victories in the fifth round on Saturday. Manchester City fought back to defeat Newcastle United 3–1 at St James’ Park, while Chelsea edged Wrexham 4–2 after extra time and Arsenal survived a scare to beat Mansfield Town 2–1. City had to recover after falling behind early when Harvey Barnes fired Newcastle ahead in the 18th minute. Pep Guardiola’s side responded before half-time through Savinho, whose effort levelled the score in unusual fashion. Egypt forward Omar Marmoush then took control of the contest in the second…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said 30 banks have successfully met the new minimum capital requirements introduced under its banking sector recapitalisation programme. In a statement issued on Friday, Hakama Sidi Ali, acting director of corporate communications at the apex bank, said lenders across the industry have continued to strengthen their capital bases in response to the policy introduced in 2024. According to the regulator, 33 banks have already raised additional funds through rights issues, initial public offerings (IPOs), and private placements as part of the recapitalisation process. “The Central Bank of Nigeria introduced a capitalisation programme for…

Nigeria’s electricity network operators have explained why power supply is sometimes switched off during heavy rainfall, saying the move is primarily to protect lives and prevent damage to critical infrastructure. In a post on its official X account, the Transmission Company of Nigeria-managed national grid said water and electricity pose serious safety risks when rain affects power installations. According to the operator, electricity distribution companies, commonly known as DisCos, may intentionally cut supply when intense rain begins to prevent accidents such as fires, sparks or electrocution. The grid operator explained that rainwater can seep into weak electrical connections, leaking transformers…

President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country will ultimately overcome insecurity, praising the courage and sacrifice of the Armed Forces. The president gave the assurance on Friday during an interfaith breaking of fast with members of the Armed Forces at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja. Tinubu told the troops that the nation remained grateful for their commitment and the risks they take in defending the country. “I have listened to the Chief of Army Staff on my recent approvals to the Nigerian Armed Forces. My duty is to thank all of you on behalf of a…

A deadly Boko Haram/ISWAP attack in Ngoshe community of Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State, has left civilians, soldiers and insurgents dead, while more than 100 residents remain missing or abducted, according to Senator Ali Ndume. Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, confirmed the development during a recent interview in Maiduguri. He said the assault occurred on Tuesday evening when suspected insurgents stormed the community. The senator revealed that thousands of residents, mostly women and children, fled the attack and are now taking refuge in Pulka community. According to Ndume, the attackers overran the military formation stationed in Ngoshe.…