Author: Opalim Lifted

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has announced the commencement of exceptional flight operations across UAE airports to enable stranded passengers affected by recent regional developments to depart. The UAE closed its airspace, while Qatar Airways suspended all flights, after Iran launched reprisal missile attacks on United States military bases across the Middle East. Dubai Airports also shut down operations indefinitely, while several global airlines announced temporary suspensions of services to and from the Middle East. In a statement on Monday, the authority said flights would operate in line with schedules to be communicated by airlines…

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed that the shooting down of three American fighter jets over Kuwait on Monday was the result of a friendly fire incident involving Kuwaiti air defence systems. Earlier, the Kuwait Ministry of Defence announced that several US military aircraft had crashed but did not disclose the cause or the number involved. The ministry stated that all crew members were safe. In a subsequent statement, CENTCOM clarified that three United States Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft were flying in support of “Operation Epic Fury” when they were mistakenly engaged by Kuwaiti air defences…

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…