By Sabiu Abdullahi

Tension has intensified in the Middle East after Iran launched a series of missiles and drones targeting the United Arab Emirates, in what signals a major escalation in the ongoing regional crisis.

Authorities in the UAE confirmed that air defence systems were deployed to intercept the incoming threats. Explosions and fires were reported in several locations across the country.

Officials disclosed that fragments from intercepted ballistic missiles landed in an industrial zone in Abu Dhabi. The incident triggered fires and left several people injured.

Security sources said the operation involved both missiles and drones. Analysts believe this reflects a more coordinated and sophisticated strategy by Tehran.

The latest strikes are linked to a broader confrontation involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. In recent weeks, Iran has stepped up retaliatory attacks after joint U.S. and Israeli operations targeted its military and nuclear facilities.

Iran has made its position known. Its foreign minister warned that Israel and the United States would pay a “heavy price” for continued strikes, signaling that attacks across the Gulf could persist or intensify.

The UAE is not the only country affected. Similar missile and drone incidents have been recorded in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait. This has raised concerns about a wider regional conflict.

In response, Gulf states issued a joint statement condemning Iran and allied groups. They warned that such actions threaten regional stability and could lead to a broader war.

Officials also raised alarm over the growing use of proxy groups and cross-border strikes. They noted that both civilian and strategic locations are increasingly at risk.

Despite the scale of the attack, UAE authorities said most of the incoming threats were intercepted. This helped reduce the level of damage and casualties.

However, the crisis is already affecting the global economy. Shipping routes have been disrupted, while oil prices have surged. There are growing fears that the conflict could drag on in one of the world’s most critical energy regions.

The situation remains tense, with each new development increasing the risk of further escalation beyond current battle lines.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

More than 300 pupils at Community Primary School in Ayama, located in Auyo Local Government Area of Jigawa State, are reportedly learning under hazardous conditions due to years of neglect.

The situation came to light after a recent inspection by Tracka, a civic accountability organisation, which described the state of the school as alarming and unsafe for both pupils and teachers.

The report highlighted the poor condition of the school facilities. It blamed the situation on prolonged neglect and what it described as a failure of the education system under the administration of Governor Umar Namadi, despite repeated appeals from the host community.

“During a recent field visit by the Tracka team to Community Primary School in Ayama, Auyo LGA of Jigawa State, the reality on ground was both shocking and heartbreaking,” the report read.

Further details in the report painted a grim picture of the learning environment.

“This single primary school, which serves more than 300 pupils from the community, is in a deplorable and dangerous condition that should never be associated with a place of learning.

“Many of the classrooms are severely dilapidated, with cracked walls, weak and damaged floors, and roofs that have partially collapsed.

“Ventilation is extremely poor, and some structures are so unsafe that they can only be described as death traps.

“Yet, these are the spaces where innocent children are expected to sit every day in pursuit of an education and a better future.”

Findings from the visit showed that several classroom structures have lost their strength. This has exposed both pupils and teachers to danger, especially during periods of harsh weather.

The report stated that the condition of the school has remained unchanged for years. It added that government response has been minimal despite several appeals.

“For more than three years, the community and school authorities have made repeated appeals for help.

“With little or no government response, residents have tried to carry out minor repairs using their limited resources just to keep the school functioning.

“Unfortunately, these temporary efforts have not been enough to address the scale of the problem,” the report added.

Residents of Ayama community have attempted to fix parts of the school by contributing what they can. They repaired leaking roofs and supported weak structures. However, these efforts have not solved the larger problem of decay.

The report also pointed to overcrowding as a major concern. It noted that the shortage of desks and chairs has forced many pupils to sit on bare floors during lessons.

“Overcrowding has also become a major challenge. With very few desks and chairs available, many pupils are forced to sit directly on the bare floor during lessons,” the report noted.

Education stakeholders have warned that such conditions can harm pupils physically and also affect their learning ability over time.

The situation has raised fresh concerns about the state of public education infrastructure, especially in rural communities across Nigeria.

Reacting to the findings, civic technology group MonITNG expressed worry over the development. The organisation linked the poor learning conditions to declining school attendance and increasing dropout rates in the state.

“Unsurprisingly, this terrible learning environment has contributed to declining attendance, with some children eventually dropping out of school altogether,” the organisation said.

It also questioned the gap between government spending on education and the reality in schools like the one in Ayama.

“This situation is particularly troubling considering that billions of naira are allocated to education annually.

“The contrast between budget figures and the conditions seen in schools like this raises serious concerns that must be addressed.”

MonITNG called for urgent intervention to address the situation. It urged authorities to rebuild damaged classrooms and provide essential facilities.

“We call on the relevant authorities to urgently intervene by reconstructing the damaged classrooms, providing adequate furniture, and ensuring access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities.

“Every child deserves a safe and dignified place to learn.

“Our children’s education should never be a gamble with their lives. It is time to fix our schools and secure their future.”

The situation in Ayama reflects wider challenges facing many public schools in rural parts of the country. Poor infrastructure, inadequate funding, and weak oversight continue to affect the quality of education, leaving many children at risk.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have disrupted an attempt by suspected criminals to siphon diesel from equipment belonging to Sterling Petroleum and Fertilizer Limited in Akwa Ibom State.

This is contained in a statement signed by Lawal Bala Muhammad, a Captain and Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the Headquarters of 2 Brigade in Akwa Ibom, on March 27, 2026.

The incident occurred at Ukpe Ete in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area after soldiers acted on intelligence about illegal activities around the company’s facility. The troops moved to the location and carried out an operation that led to the arrest of a driver who was transporting the stolen products.

Sources said the situation took a dramatic turn when the troops attempted to return the suspect and recovered items to the company for further questioning. Some youths in the area blocked the road in a bid to free the suspect. They attacked the soldiers with stones and bottles despite efforts by the troops to maintain calm.

The army personnel fired warning shots to disperse the crowd. The action did not bring the situation under control. The confrontation intensified and forced the troops to identify and neutralise the ringleader, who was shot in the leg. He was later taken to a hospital for treatment.

The unrest escalated as the youths reportedly vandalised vehicles, harassed commuters, and attacked trucks belonging to the company along the route.

Reinforcements were later deployed from the Brigade to restore order. After the crowd was dispersed, troops carried out further checks in the area. During the operation, they discovered an unidentified corpse placed beside a coffin. Security personnel moved the body to a mortuary with support from the Nigeria Police Force.

The army said troops have remained in the area to secure the company’s assets and prevent further breakdown of law and order.

In the statement, the military authorities appreciated members of the public for their cooperation. They also assured residents of their resolve to protect lives and property across the state. The public was urged to share useful information with security agencies as investigations continue.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially released the full list of its National Executive Committee members, with Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda confirmed as the National Chairman. The detailed roster, which outlines the party’s leadership structure across various offices, was made public in a recent announcement.

Yilwatda heads a comprehensive team of national officers, supported by Ali Bukar Dalori as Deputy National Chairman (North) and Dr. Benjamin Obi Nwoye as Deputy National Chairman (South). Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru serves as the National Secretary, while Prof. AbdulKarim Abubakar Kana takes on the role of Deputy National Secretary.

The list also includes key appointments across critical portfolios: Murtala Aliyu Kankia as National Legal Adviser, Uguru Mathew Ofoke as National Treasurer, and Amb. Haruna Ginsau as National Financial Secretary. Muhammad Sulaiman Argunu OFR was named National Organising Secretary, while Donatus Enyinnah Nwankpa was appointed National Welfare Secretary.

Felix Morka will continue as National Publicity Secretary, with Sen. Abubakar Maikafi as National Auditor. The party’s demographic representation is led by Dr. Mary A. Idele (National Women Leader), Dayo Isreal Abdulai (National Youth Leader), and Aare Durotolu Oyebode Bankole as National Leader for Persons with Disabilities.

The party also announced deputies for several positions, including Hamman Adamu Ali Kumoo (Deputy National Financial Secretary), Barr. Emeka Okafor (Deputy National Organising Secretary), and Zainab Abubakar Ibrahim (Deputy National Women Leader). Other deputy roles were filled by Hon. Meseko Durosinni Josiah (Publicity), Dr. Christopher Michael Akpan (Welfare), Mr. Olugbenga Olayemi (Auditor), Barr. Ibrahim Salawu (Legal Adviser), Engr. Ben Akak (Treasurer), and Jamaludeen Kabiru (Youth Leader).

Rounding out the executive committee are six National Ex-officio members representing the geopolitical zones: Dr. Opawoye Oluwatoyin Bunmi (North Central), Adamu Jallah (North East), KanoMuhammed Jamu Yusuf (North West), Hon. Ikechukwu Umeh (South East), Mr. Francis Kolokolo (South South), and Hon. Bunmi Orinowo (South West).

The announcement underscores the party’s efforts to solidify its leadership structure ahead of upcoming political activities.

By K.H.M Haladu Muhammad 

As I wrote this article from my point of view on leadership, or what leadership is all about, we already know that leadership is a collective responsibility, not a one-person business. Some may think leadership is only one person’s business or responsibility, that’s the one people elected or chosen to be in the mantle of leadership.

A leader is a servant of the people, meaning that leaders serve the interests and affairs of the state, not their personal interests. Some people think that if a leader is done with some developmental projects or programmes, my fellow youth and citizens think that the government or the leader is privileged; they forget that anything the government has done is our right, not a privilege.

In these points, I would like to call our attention to what values and self-leadership are. Let us take a look at what values are: beliefs and principles that guide someone on how they think, how they act, how they treat others, and how they make decisions.

Values enable leaders to earn respect and trust, make the right decisions, stay consistent under pressure, and lead without fear.

My question is whether there are some core values that we all have, these are: Accountability, commitment, discipline, fearlessness, integrity, respect for others, tolerance, hardworking and timeless.

Please, are you accountable, committed, disciplined, hardworking, and respectful of others? I just selected five of the nine to see whether any of us are practising the core values.

Let us take a look at self-leadership, a process of intentional self-influence that fosters motivation, direction, and continuous personal growth. It’s taking ownership of your thoughts, actions, and development without waiting for external directions. Why I say self-leadership matters as a young person: it allows you to build confidence, enhances autonomy, increases adaptability, and sharpens decision-making.

Are we all practising self-leadership? Please, if we are not, let us start not tomorrow or later, the time is ticking, we should start now.

We should start taking care of our little problems, because leadership starts from our home, school, office, and even up to where you think the so-called leaders are based. Because change starts with you, not others, if we do not change ourselves, we can’t have the leaders we aspire to.

And lastly, who are those leaders? Their people, like me, you, and us, are from the society and community; they’re like you, so if we don’t change our values and practice self-leadership. We should start making nonsense all over social media or at gatherings because we’re the ones producing the leaders we have.

Please let us look at these core values and reflect on some of them. Thank you  

K.H.M Haladu Muhammad wrote from Maru LG, Zamfara State.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has taken the unusual step of blocking the promotion of four Army officers to the rank of one-star general, a move that has drawn concern among senior military officials.

According to officials familiar with the development, two of the affected officers are Black, while the other two are women.

According to a report by The New York Times, the names were removed from a promotion list that includes about three dozen officers, most of whom are white men.

Sources said Hegseth had, for months, urged top Army leaders, including Army Secretary Daniel P. Driscoll, to drop the officers from the list. Driscoll reportedly declined on several occasions, citing the officers’ long-standing records of distinguished service.

The situation changed earlier this month when Hegseth acted on his own to strike the names from the list. It remains unclear whether he has the legal authority to make such a decision.

The list is now under review at the White House and is expected to be forwarded to the Senate for final approval. Officials noted that some Black and female officers are still included.

The decision has attracted rare attention at this level, as promotion lists for one-star generals do not usually face this degree of intervention from a defense secretary. The development has also highlighted divisions within the military leadership.

Hegseth has defended his broader stance on military reforms. He has argued that he is working to overhaul a system he believes was shaped by “foolish,” “reckless” and “woke” leaders from previous administrations.

However, critics have raised concerns that his actions, particularly toward minority and female officers, could undermine trust in a promotion process that is expected to remain neutral and based on merit.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Friday formally decorated Moshood Jimoh with the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

During the ceremony, the IGP said the elevation was merited. He pointed to Jimoh’s track record of disciplined leadership and clear operational achievements, especially during his time in Lagos, as reasons for the promotion.

Disu also called on the senior officer to apply his experience and professionalism to enhance policing efforts across the country.

“Your promotion reflects the confidence of the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force in your capacity to deliver,” the IGP said, urging the senior officer to sustain his commitment to service, integrity and strategic policing.

Jimoh is among several senior officers recently elevated to the rank of AIG and assigned to different zones and departments within the Nigeria Police Force.

Before his promotion, he served as Commissioner of Police in Lagos. He is now set to take charge of Zone 2, Lagos, in his new capacity.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Members of Iran’s national football team staged a solemn tribute to schoolgirls who lost their lives in an airstrike amid the country’s ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.

The gesture took place on Friday before an international friendly match against Nigeria at the Mardan Titanic Sports Complex in Antalya. Iranian players entered the pitch carrying school bags to symbolise the children killed in the attack.

The tribute followed a deadly incident on February 28, when a US/Israel missile struck Shajareh Tayyebeh Primary School in Minab, located in Hormozgan province. Authorities in Tehran reported that more than 175 people, including pupils and teachers, died in the bombing.

The attack marked the start of a broader conflict that has since claimed over 2,000 lives. The situation also forced Iran to pull out of the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which is scheduled to be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

In the match itself, Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a 2-1 victory over Iran. Moses Simon and Akor Adams scored the goals for Nigeria.

Nigeria is expected to face Jordan in its next game on Tuesday. Iran will take on Costa Rica in its final fixture of the international window.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Bashir El-Rufai has announced that his father, former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, has been released from detention, a development that has again drawn attention to the former governor’s strained relationship with the current administration.

In a post shared on his verified X account, Bashir wrote, “Alhamdulillah,” before alleging that his father “is being released from his unlawful & illegal detention at the hands of one of the most corrupt agencies in the Federal Republic of Nigeria that is a lame excuse of a pathetic institution.”

He added, “Thank you all for all the support. Our family shall never forget these times. We have overcome, as the El-Rufai’s always do.”

Background to the Detention

Details surrounding the detention were around alleged tapping of NSA Ribadu’s phone calls, as no official statement has been issued by the agency allegedly involved. However, the incident comes amid a period of political tension involving the former governor.

Nasir El-Rufai, a key former figure in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and an early supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saw his relationship with the administration deteriorate after the 2023 general elections.

His ministerial nomination by President Tinubu was withheld by the Senate, which cited security concerns. The decision marked a turning point in his standing within the ruling party and sparked speculation of internal disagreements.

Fallout With the Tinubu Administration

Since then, El-Rufai has made several public comments that analysts interpret as critical of the government. He has spoken about governance challenges and internal party dynamics, fueling perceptions of a rift between him and key figures in the administration.

While he has directly declared opposition to President Tinubu, his absence from the current government and his occasional remarks have kept him at the center of political discussions.

Observers say the reported detention and subsequent release may further deepen debates about political alignments within and outside the APC, especially as the country approaches another electoral cycle.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Federal Government nor relevant authorities have provided clarification on the circumstances of the detention or confirmed the claims made by Bashir El-Rufai.

Tension is rising in Taraba State following the prolonged detention of a cleric of the Global Methodist Church, Reverend Beziel, who was reportedly arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Sources within the church said the cleric was taken from his residence in the early hours of February 22, 2026. The arrest reportedly occurred around 2am under conditions described as “shocking and unlawful.”

Concern has continued to grow among church members and residents over the development, especially as no official explanation has been given for the arrest.

According to a report by a Nigerian online newspaper SaharaReporters, a church member, Ruhania Idris, expressed worry over the situation. He stated that efforts to secure the pastor’s release have not been successful.

“Our pastor, Reverend Beziel, was taken from his home in the dead of night by DSS operatives without prior notice or explanation. Since then, he has been held for weeks without any clear charges brought against him,” Idris said.

He also alleged that a payment was made in an attempt to facilitate the cleric’s freedom, but the situation remains unchanged.

“We were made to believe that paying N15 million would secure his freedom, but even after raising and paying the money, he is still in detention. This has left us confused, distressed and feeling completely helpless,” he added.

Idris further revealed that the pastor is no longer in DSS custody. He said the cleric has been moved to a correctional facility in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital. He noted that the transfer has raised fresh concerns about due process.

“He is no longer even in DSS custody; he has been moved to the correctional centre in Jalingo, yet no one has told us what offence he committed. We are in the dark,” Idris said.

The situation has become more troubling after claims that a top state government official distanced the administration from the matter.

“The Secretary to the State Government allegedly told us plainly that he does not know anyone who can facilitate the pastor’s release. That statement has deepened our fears that justice may not be served,” Idris stated.

The development has triggered reactions from religious groups and residents. Many are demanding transparency and accountability from the authorities. They are also calling for clarity on the legal basis of the arrest and continued detention.

Family members and church leaders have appealed to civil society organisations, human rights advocates, and the public to intervene. They want either the immediate release of Reverend Beziel or his appearance in court without further delay.