Author: Opalim Lifted

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected operative of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) over an alleged plan to attack two military formations in Borno State. The suspect, identified as Muhammad Shuaibu, was apprehended by troops of the 212 Battalion at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Chabbol after intelligence reports indicated an imminent terrorist attack. According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication covering the Lake Chad region, Shuaibu was arrested during a routine perimeter patrol about 500 metres from the anti-vehicle ditch protecting the military base. The report, quoting military sources, said the operation was carried…

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has called on petroleum marketers to reduce the retail price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), saying Nigerian consumers should benefit from the recent decline in global crude oil prices. In a statement, the commission said its monitoring of the downstream petroleum sector showed that recent reductions in petrol prices by refiners, depot operators and marketers have not matched the sharp drop in international crude oil prices. According to the FCCPC, global crude oil prices have fallen to about 73 dollars per barrel following the ceasefire between the United States and Iran and…

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has extended its strike deadline by four weeks, warning that it could begin a nationwide industrial action if the Federal Government fails to address its outstanding demands. The decision was reached during the association’s Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting, held virtually on Saturday to review developments following the expiration of its earlier 21-day ultimatum. In a communiqué issued on Sunday and signed by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, Secretary-General Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity and Social Secretary Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, the association declared an industrial dispute with the Federal Government.…

Stephen Eustaquio scored a dramatic winner in the second minute of injury time as co-hosts Canada defeated South Africa to move into the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time. In a scrappy game short of clear-cut chances, and with extra time looming, Eustaquio provided a rare moment of quality with a superb low strike from the edge of the penalty area to give Canada the victory. Canada had lost all six of their World Cup matches before this tournament, but this victory continued a superb competition for them. They defeated Qatar 6-0 on 18 June for…

A helicopter operated by Saudi state oil giant Aramco crashed in eastern Saudi Arabia on Sunday, killing all 14 people on board, according to the country’s official press agency. The Saudi Press Agency, citing an official from the energy ministry, said the helicopter went down in Ras Tanura, a key hub for the kingdom’s oil industry. “The accident claimed the lives of all 14 passengers, all Saudi citizens,” the agency said, adding that an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the crash. Aramco operates one of the largest corporate aviation fleets in the Middle East, with more…

Several people, including a woman who suffered serious injuries, were hurt after lightning struck a tree at an amusement park in southern Sweden on Sunday. The incident happened at Tosselilla Sommarland, where severe thunderstorms swept across the area. In a statement posted on Facebook, the amusement park said the storm caused multiple lightning strikes in the vicinity. “Today we had a severe thunderstorm over Tosselilla, which led to several lightning strikes directly in the area. This has resulted in a few people being injured,” the park said. The park initially reported that none of the injuries were serious. However, regional…

A powerful 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck northeastern Afghanistan on Saturday, sending strong tremors through the capital, Kabul, and neighbouring Pakistan, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake’s epicentre was located in northeastern Afghanistan at a depth of 208.3 kilometres, making it widely felt across several regions despite its deep origin. Journalists in Kabul reported buildings shaking, with one describing a large crack appearing across an internal wall. The tremor was also felt in the Afghan provinces of Balkh, Badakhshan, Nangarhar and Khost, as well as in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad. There were no immediate reports of casualties or significant…

The Department of State Services (DSS) has released Nura Idris, who was wrongly linked to Boko Haram insurgents, after an internal review cleared him of any involvement with the terrorist group. According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, the release followed a review by a DSS investigation panel, which found no evidence to support allegations that Idris collaborated with terrorists. The publication said Oluwatosin Ajayi, director-general of the DSS, ordered Idris’ immediate release and approved a ₦3 million compensation package to help him restart his life. The report added that the DSS boss also pledged to support the Kaduna farmer…

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas to immediately refer allegations involving the suspected diversion of more than ₦6.3 billion in constituency project funds to Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies for investigation. In a letter dated 27 June 2026 and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation urged the National Assembly leadership to ensure that anyone found responsible is prosecuted where sufficient evidence exists. SERAP also demanded that any diverted or unaccounted public funds be recovered and returned to the national treasury. The organisation…

Lionel Messi came off the bench to score and break yet another record as Argentina maintained their perfect start to the World Cup with a comfortable victory over Jordan in Dallas. Having been left on the bench, with Argentina having already won Group J, Messi was brought on in the 60th minute to the loudest cheer of the night. That was until he curled a low free-kick around the wall to extend Argentina’s lead with 10 minutes to go. The goal was Messi’s sixth of the tournament already – putting him two clear of his nearest challengers in the race…