By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government of Nigeria has congratulated the Islamic Republic of Iran on the anniversary of its Islamic Revolution, describing the occasion as an important landmark in the country’s contemporary history.

This was contained in a statement released on Wednesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and signed by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria extends warm congratulations to the Government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the occasion of the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution,” the statement read.

Nigeria said the commemoration reflects Iran’s “enduring commitment to sovereignty and national development.”

The ministry stated that Nigeria acknowledges the importance of the anniversary to Iranians. It also recognised their “continued pursuit of progress, stability and prosperity.”

According to the statement, Nigeria and Iran have sustained diplomatic relations for more than five decades. It explained that the relationship has been anchored on mutual respect, shared interests and constructive engagement.

The ministry added that both nations continue to work together at bilateral and multilateral levels. Their cooperation covers political, economic, cultural and technical fields. It said this engagement demonstrates a shared dedication to peaceful collaboration and global partnership.

Nigeria used the occasion to restate its resolve to deepen diplomatic relations with Iran through dialogue and mutually rewarding cooperation.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria conveys its best wishes to the Government and people of Iran for continued peace, stability and prosperity,” the statement added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf to serve as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

This is contained in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, today February 11, 2026.

The nomination was announced in a State House press statement released on Wednesday. The appointment, however, awaits the approval of the Senate in line with the provisions of Section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act, 2006.

As part of the process, President Tinubu has written to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, seeking swift confirmation of the nominee. The request follows the resignation of the immediate past chairman, Professor Abdullahi Usman, who stepped down earlier this week after spending about 14 months in office.

Ambassador Yusuf is described as an experienced Nigerian diplomat. He previously served as Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Türkiye between 2021 and 2024.

By Uzair Adam

Five members of the United States Congress have introduced a bill requiring the US Secretary of State to submit a comprehensive report on efforts to address ongoing religious persecution and mass atrocities in Nigeria.

If passed into law, the proposed legislation would mandate the Departments of State and Treasury to impose sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes, on individuals or entities found responsible for severe violations of religious freedom in Nigeria.

Among those named in the bill for possible sanctions are a former Kano State Governor and national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN); Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore; and groups described as “Fulani-ethnic nomad militias in Nigeria.”

The bill, titled Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, was introduced on Tuesday in the US House of Representatives.

Its sponsors include Chris Smith, Riley Moore (the bill’s author), Brian Mast, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Bill Huizenga.

The lawmakers said President Donald Trump “acted justly” by redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), a classification that enables the US government to apply diplomatic and economic measures.

According to the sponsors, the United States should deploy “all available diplomatic, humanitarian, economic, and security tools to pressure the Government of Nigeria to end impunity for perpetrators of mass atrocities and religious persecution and protect Christian communities, clergy, and other targeted religious minorities.”

The bill also directs the Secretary of State to determine whether certain Fulani-ethnic militias in Nigeria meet the criteria for designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation.

Part of the proposed legislation states that the US should provide humanitarian assistance — co-funded by the Nigerian government — through trusted civil society and faith-based organisations operating in Nigeria’s Middle Belt states.

It further urges the Departments of State and Treasury to impose targeted sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act on those responsible for serious religious freedom violations or report to Congress why such measures have not been applied.

Representative Moore, who authored the bill, has consistently maintained that Christians in Nigeria face systemic persecution. He visited Nigeria in November 2025 in connection with the issue.

In November 2025, President Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, a move that paved the way for possible diplomatic and economic actions.

He also authorised coordinated strikes with the Nigerian government against suspected militants on Christmas Day 2025.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Ten people, including a female gunman, were killed in a shocking attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia on Tuesday, in what authorities have described as one of the deadliest mass casualty incidents in recent Canadian history.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reported that the suspect, identified as female, opened fire inside the school before being found dead from what appears to be a self-inflicted injury. Authorities confirmed there are no additional suspects and no ongoing threat to the public.

The tragedy struck the remote town of Tumbler Ridge, a tight-knit community of around 2,400 residents located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, leaving the population in deep shock.

According to the RCMP, six victims were discovered inside the high school, while two more were found at a nearby residence believed to be linked to the incident. Another person died while being transported to the hospital. At least two individuals remain hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, and approximately 25 others received treatment for non-critical wounds.

Authorities have offered limited details about the shooter, beyond confirming the suspect was female — a rare occurrence in North American mass shootings, which are predominantly committed by men. An earlier police alert described the suspect as “female in a dress with brown hair.” Police Superintendent Ken Floyd later confirmed that this was the same person found dead at the school. Officials have not revealed a motive or the ages of all victims, some of whom may have been minors.

The attack has left the community struggling to process the scale of the tragedy. British Columbia Premier David Eby expressed his grief, saying, “It’s hard to know what to say on a night like tonight. It’s the kind of thing that feels like it happens in other places and not close to home.”

Images from Tumbler Ridge show a snow-covered town surrounded by pine forests, highlighting the isolation of the northern British Columbia community, roughly 1,155 kilometres northeast of Vancouver.

The school, which serves about 160 students in grades seven through 12, will remain closed for the rest of the week. Officials said counseling services will be available to both students and staff as the community begins the process of mourning and recovery.

By Ibrahim Yunusa

The Federal University Dutse (FUD) has officially handed over its leadership to the newly appointed Vice Chancellor, Professor Ahmad Muhammed Gumel, who succeeds Professor Abdulkarim Sabo Muhammad. The ceremony marked a significant transition in the university’s administration.

Professor Gumel, who previously served as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), pledged to transform FUD into Nigeria’s premier hub for research-driven solutions and a centre of excellence for innovation across diverse fields by the year 2030.

He stated that this vision would be pursued through the careful implementation of an 11-point agenda designed to reposition the institution for greater impact and global relevance.

The agenda focuses on Academic Excellence; Research and Innovation; Digital Transformation; Student Welfare and Empowerment; Staff Welfare and Development; Infrastructure Expansion; Financial Sustainability; Global Partnerships; University-Community Engagement; Governance and Accountability; and Environmental Stewardship.

While expressing appreciation to the outgoing Vice Chancellor for the support and opportunities that paved the way for his emergence as Vice Chancellor, Professor Gumel assured his predecessor of continued consultation and collaboration, noting that he would frequently seek his advice and guidance.

In his remarks, Professor Abdulkarim Sabo Muhammad described his successor as generous, humble, approachable, and highly competent. He urged him to maintain these qualities despite the demands of his new office.

The outgoing Vice Chancellor also thanked academic and non-academic staff, students, and the university community for their unwavering support throughout his five-year tenure.

In his closing remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Services), Professor Ahmad Shehu Kutama, described the transition as a continuity of leadership, emphasizing that it represents a handover from a mentor to his mentee, who had been an integral part of the previous administration.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Security operatives in Adamawa State have arrested three suspects, including a son accused of taking part in the abduction of his own father in Malabu community, Fufore Local Government Area.

The arrest was confirmed in a statement released on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Adamawa State Command, Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje. He said the development followed the kidnapping of Alhaji Ahmadu on January 30, 2026.

Nguroje explained that the action of the operatives was “in compliance with the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, to intensify operations against criminal elements.”

He stated that police personnel, in collaboration with members of the Miyetti Allah local security outfit, stormed a hideout believed to be used by kidnappers in Jera village, Malabu District of Fufore LGA.

During the raid, three men were taken into custody. The suspects were identified as Lawali Haruna, 45; Yahaya Ibrahim, 25; and Da’u Alhaji Ahmadu, 28. All are residents of Jera community.

Police authorities described the incident as “more worrisome,” after confirming that one of those arrested is the biological son of the victim.

“All the three suspects confessed to their involvement in the crime,” the statement added.

The command disclosed that efforts are ongoing to rescue the abducted victim safely and track down other members of the kidnapping gang. The suspects remain in detention while investigation continues.

The Commissioner of Police praised the joint effort between the police and local security groups. He assured residents of sustained operations to protect lives and property across the state. He also called on the public to assist law enforcement agencies with “timely and credible information” as the investigation progresses.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Flight records have indicated that the aircraft conveying Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu passed through the airspace of three member states of the International Criminal Court (ICC) even though an arrest warrant remains in force against him.

According to TRT World, data obtained from flight-tracking platform FlightRadar showed that the plane flew over Greece, Italy, and France while heading to the United States.

The ICC issued the warrant on November 21, 2024. The court accused Netanyahu of war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, where more than 72,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023.

Greece, Italy, and France are all signatories to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. Member states are required to cooperate with the court. This obligation includes enforcing arrest warrants issued by the tribunal. Despite this responsibility, none of the three countries shut their airspace to the Israeli leader’s aircraft.

The route taken mirrors a similar journey in late December when Netanyahu also travelled to the United States for talks with President Donald Trump.

On earlier trips, the Israeli prime minister avoided certain national airspaces due to fears of possible arrest. During his visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly in September last year, his plane crossed Greece and Italy but did not enter French airspace, according to flight data from that period.

Netanyahu departed Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv on Tuesday. He is expected to meet President Trump in Washington for discussions centred on Iran.

The visit followed indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran held in Muscat, the capital of Oman. The talks came amid heightened regional tensions and a growing US military presence in the area.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated after US President Donald Trump warned that Washington could resort to military action if Tehran fails to comply with its demands on key security issues.

In remarks made to Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 and published on Tuesday, Trump suggested that the United States was prepared to act forcefully if ongoing efforts to reach an agreement with Iran collapse.

“Either we reach a deal, or we’ll have to do something very tough,” Trump told the news outlet.

His warning came at a time when Iran’s security chief, Ali Larijani, held talks with Oman’s Sultan, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said. Their meeting focused on the outcome of recent discussions between American and Iranian officials.

In the past few weeks, Trump has highlighted the expansion of US military deployments around the region. He disclosed that a “massive armada” had been dispatched to nearby waters. The deployment includes the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. Reports by Channel 12 and Axios also indicated that Washington is weighing the option of sending a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East.

The growing military presence has raised fears of a possible US strike on Iran. Critics argue that such action could further destabilise an already fragile region. Earlier on Monday, the United States issued fresh guidance to commercial vessels flying its flag. The advisory urged them to remain “as far as possible” from Iranian territorial waters.

‘With Speed And Violence’

Since January, Trump has intensified pressure on Tehran. He warned that the US military is “locked and loaded and ready to go”.

He drew parallels between Iran and Venezuela, where a US military mission on January 3 led to the removal of former President Nicolas Maduro.

“Like with Venezuela, [the US military] is ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfill its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary. Hopefully Iran will quickly ‘Come to the Table’ and negotiate a fair and equitable deal,” Trump wrote on social media on January 28.

Toward the end of last month, the Trump administration outlined three broad conditions for Iran. These include halting uranium enrichment, cutting ties with regional proxy groups, and restricting its ballistic missile arsenal. Israel has long pushed for such limits.

During his first presidency, Trump withdrew the United States from the 2015 nuclear agreement that imposed strict limits on Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief.

After returning to office for a second term in January 2025, he reinstated his “maximum pressure” strategy against Tehran. The campaign features sweeping sanctions and demands to dismantle Iran’s nuclear programme, which Iranian authorities insist is strictly for civilian energy use.

Last June, Trump approved military strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities during a 12-day conflict involving Iran and Israel.

Focus On Anti-Government Protests

Trump’s renewed threats have coincided with a fresh wave of anti-government protests inside Iran.

Authorities in Tehran responded with a violent crackdown that reportedly left thousands dead. The development drew condemnation from international human rights organisations.

Reports indicated that security forces fired live rounds at demonstrators during an internet blackout.

On January 2, one day before the Venezuela operation, Trump threatened to intervene in support of the protesters and “come to their rescue”, though no such action was eventually taken.

Some analysts believe that proposed US strikes on Iran would do little to assist protesters. They argue that military action would instead align with long-standing US and Israeli objectives of weakening Iran’s military strength.

Iranian officials maintain that armed groups infiltrated the protests and attacked security personnel, leading to the deaths of hundreds of officers. Tehran has also accused foreign powers, including the United States and Israel, of backing the unrest.

While many aspects of the protests remain difficult to independently verify, Iranian authorities have acknowledged that thousands were killed during the government response.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Russian government has dismissed reports that it is hiring Nigerians to participate as soldiers in the ongoing war with Ukraine.

Russia began a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The offensive led to the occupation of several Ukrainian territories and marked the most significant conflict in Europe since the Second World War.

Recent media reports alleged that four Nigerians — Adam Anas, Akinlawon Tunde Quyuum, Abugu Stanley Onyeka and Balogun Ridwan Adisa — lost their lives while fighting on the frontlines. The report stated that the men were lured with promises of a “security job” but were later drafted into the war after only three weeks of training.

According to the publication, the deaths occurred on different dates between December 2025 and January 2026. It also claimed that news of their deaths first surfaced in a private WhatsApp group reportedly created by African mercenaries.

Further allegations suggested that the Russian Embassy in Abuja issued the recruits single-entry tourist visas without biometric capture or full application procedures. The men were allegedly promised a monthly salary of 200,000 rubles, estimated at about ₦3.6 million, alongside allowances and other benefits.

The report added that upon arrival in Russia, the Nigerians were forced into military service. They were said to have received minimal training before deployment to combat zones. It also alleged that they signed military contracts written in Russian without legal guidance or translation. Some claims indicated that their passports were seized, which made escape difficult.

Russia has rejected these allegations. Authorities insisted there is no state-sponsored programme aimed at recruiting Nigerians or any other foreigners to fight in Ukraine.

The Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podyolyshev, addressed the issue on Tuesday in Abuja. He responded directly to the circulating reports.

“There is no government-supported programme to recruit Nigerians to fight in Ukraine. If there are illegal organisations or individuals trying to recruit Nigerians by unlawful means, this is not connected with the Russian state.”

“If anybody has this information, we are ready to send it to Russian law enforcement authorities so they can investigate those cases,” he said.

The ambassador also reacted to reports from Western media that Nigerians were deceived into joining the war.

“You are receiving information from Western sources. Their main task is to demonise Russia. If you want to know the real situation, you should send journalists to Russia to understand what is really happening,” the Ambassador said.

While he acknowledged that Nigerians may be present within the conflict environment, he maintained that the Russian government has no official recruitment policy targeting them.

“There are such Nigerians, I know, but there is no government-supported programme to recruit them. If there are agencies, including Russian agencies, violating Russian law, we are ready to transmit this information to our law enforcement authorities,” he said.

Podyolyshev also spoke about bilateral relations. He called for stronger economic cooperation between Russia and Nigeria. He noted that the last meeting of the Russia–Nigeria Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation took place about a decade ago.

He further highlighted Nigeria’s strategic role in Africa. He referenced the country’s peacekeeping missions in Liberia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia.

“Nigeria showed readiness to take responsibility for regional stability. Within ECOWAS, Nigeria is the core of the organisation in terms of population, economy and military potential,” he said.

On energy collaboration, the ambassador disclosed that both nations are discussing long-term partnerships. He said this includes projects in the nuclear energy sector.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kwara State Government has rejected reports spreading on social media which alleged that some deaths at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in the state were caused by Lassa fever.

The clarification appeared in an official statement released by the Information Officer of the Kwara State Ministry of Health, Saad Hamdalat. The statement followed an emergency probe launched after the rumours gained public attention.

Authorities disclosed that the investigation was headed by the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Kamaldeen Khadeejah. Findings from the probe showed that there was no confirmed case of Lassa fever among corps members or camp officials.

The statement further explained that the corps member whose health condition circulated widely online became sick and was rushed to a hospital on February 1, 2026. The individual later passed away on February 7.

Officials, however, stressed that laboratory tests did not confirm Lassa fever as the cause of the illness.

The state government advised residents and the general public to disregard unverified information. It also assured that surveillance systems and health sensitisation activities at the NYSC camp have been reinforced to enable early detection of any possible health threat.