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By Sabiu Abdullahi

Israel has issued a stern new warning to Iran as tensions between the two rivals spiraled into open confrontation, with both sides launching deadly attacks in what appears to be one of the most dangerous escalations in recent years.

Reacting to continued Iranian missile attacks on Israeli cities, Defence Minister Israel Katz declared that Tehran had crossed a critical threshold.

“If Ayatollah Ali Khamenei continues to fire missiles at the Israeli home front, Tehran will burn,” Katz said in a strongly worded statement released on Saturday.

His comments came in the wake of sustained Iranian rocket fire, which Israel claims has hit civilian areas.

The barrage followed an Israeli air assault on Friday targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure.

Tehran says the Israeli strikes killed at least 78 people, including civilians and some of the country’s most senior military officials.

According to Iran’s envoy to the United Nations, among those killed were General Hossein Salami, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and Major General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces.

Former top security official, Ali Shamkhani, was also reportedly among the casualties.

On the same day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that his government had launched a large-scale military offensive known as Operation Rising Lion.

In a national broadcast, he said the operation had focused on Iran’s nuclear enrichment plant in Natanz, its missile facilities, and key scientists suspected of aiding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

“Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival,” Netanyahu said.

“This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.”

In response to the loss of senior commanders, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei announced new appointments within the nation’s military command structure.

The changes were made public through a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.

“In view of Lt. Gen. Gholamali Rashid’s martyrdom at the hands of the vile Zionist regime… I appoint [Major General] as Commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central HQ,” the post read.

Similar announcements were made for the IRGC and the Armed Forces.Iran has since intensified its missile strikes and warned that foreign military bases helping Israel may be attacked.

“Israel’s allies must know that their bases in the region will not be spared if they assist in intercepting our missiles,” Iranian state media warned.

Despite not officially confirming responsibility for Friday’s strikes, Israeli officials have consistently reiterated the country’s readiness to act alone in neutralizing threats from Iran.With both nations refusing to back down and missiles still being exchanged, fears of a broader regional war continue to mount.

The conflict has now gone beyond verbal threats and proxy battles, with both Israel and Iran directly striking each other’s core assets.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly condemned Israel’s recent unprovoked strikes on Iran, which have triggered a fresh wave of hostilities between the two Middle Eastern powers. In a statement issued on Friday, the Nigerian government described the escalating conflict as a grave threat to regional and global peace.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, expressed deep concern over the sustained missile and aerial exchanges between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the State of Israel, calling for an “immediate cessation of hostilities” and restraint from both parties.

“The continued cycle of retaliation not only endangers civilian lives but threatens to plunge the broader Middle East into further instability, with implications for international security and economic development,” the statement read.

Nigeria, which has long championed non-aggression and multilateral diplomacy principles, urged Iran and Israel to return to dialogue and constructive engagement. The government also called on the United Nations Security Council and the broader international community to intensify de-escalation efforts and provide diplomatic platforms for resolution.

Reaffirming its stance against military confrontation, the statement noted that “military action is not a substitute for negotiation” and that lasting peace must be built on diplomacy, mutual respect, and adherence to international law.

“Nigeria stands ready to support all genuine efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and promoting peace in the region,” the Ministry added.

The statement comes amid growing international alarm over the potential fallout of the conflict, which many fear could destabilise the already volatile Middle East and disrupt global economic and political systems.

By Uzair Adam 

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has commenced the return transportation of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia, with 1,310 already flown back home from Jiddah.

According to data released by Malam Shafii Mohammed, Principal Information Officer of NAHCON, four Nigerian Hajj air carriers operated a total of four flights as part of the initial phase of the inbound operation.

MaxAir flight VM269 departed Jeddah for Bauchi at 08:07 hrs, carrying 551 pilgrims and seven officials. Flynas flight XY9006 left for Kebbi at 09:45 hrs with 413 pilgrims and six officials onboard. 

UMZA flight UY3534 took off for Abuja at 13:12 hrs with 41 pilgrims and 122 officials, while Air Peace flight APK7901 departed for Owerri at 23:45 hrs, transporting 305 pilgrims and seven officials.

It was gathered that about 63,000 Nigerian pilgrims participated in the just-concluded 2025 Hajj.

In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Iranian missiles penetrated Israel’s air defense systems and struck the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv, widely regarded as the country’s equivalent of the Pentagon.

The attack, part of Iran’s newly launched “True Promise 3” operation, reportedly caused substantial damage to the highly fortified complex.

Analysts say the consequences of this strike may severely impact Israel’s military coordination, intelligence functions, and high-level decision-making.

The offensive comes on the heels of an earlier Israeli operation, “Rising Lion,” which was carried out in the early hours of June 13.

Tehran has described the Israeli move as an unprovoked act of aggression, prompting its forceful response.

Military sources suggest the success of the Iranian missiles in bypassing Israeli interceptors raises questions about the effectiveness of the country’s air defense systems.

The Kirya compound serves as a nerve center for Israeli military planning, making it a highly symbolic and strategic target.

While Israeli officials have yet to provide full details on the extent of the damage, the attack marks one of the boldest direct strikes by Iran on Israeli territory to date.

Observers fear this development could lead to a broader regional confrontation if de-escalation efforts fail.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued a strongly worded statement condemning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s unilateral military strike on Iran, calling it a reckless escalation that defies international law and endangers global stability.

Sanders accused Netanyahu of previously violating the Geneva Conventions through the starvation of children in Gaza and now pursuing an illegal attack on Iran, risking a full-scale regional war. He stated that the strikes ignored the diplomatic efforts of the United States to resolve tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and undermined planned negotiations.

“The world is more dangerous and unstable as a result of the extremist Netanyahu’s government ongoing defiance of international law,” Sanders said.

The senator urged the U.S. and international community to resist being drawn into another conflict, and instead push for de-escalation and renewed diplomacy.

“We should do everything possible to prevent an escalation of this conflict and bring the warring parties to the negotiating table,” he emphasized.

By Muhammad Abubakar

In a stunning display of cyber warfare, Israeli forces reportedly rendered Iran’s military defenses inoperative during a recent strike, leaving the Islamic Republic’s army effectively “blind, deaf and dumb,” according to military analysts cited by the German outlet Bild.

The report suggests that a sophisticated and large-scale cyberattack paralyzed Iranian radar systems throughout the night, allowing Israeli aircraft to carry out their operations without detection. Only a single Iranian air defense base managed to register the strikes, underscoring the scale of the electronic disruption.”

Israeli forces appear to have disabled Iran’s radar infrastructure so thoroughly that Iranian fighter jets scrambled without ever spotting the incoming targets,” Bild reported, citing military observers.

The extent of the cyber intrusion also reportedly severed internal communications among Iran’s air defense units. Mobile networks, radios, pagers, and even encrypted messaging platforms such as WhatsApp were reportedly jammed or rendered inoperable during the attack. This effectively left military personnel and targeted sites unaware of the impending strike.

“Hundreds of Iranian officers and pilots did not even know that anything was happening,” the report stated. “This points to a massive cyberattack using advanced electronic warfare, likely initiated as Israeli aircraft began their mission.”

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have not officially commented on the operation, but the reported scale and precision of the strike suggest a high level of coordination between Israel’s cyber, intelligence, and air units.

If confirmed, the incident would mark one of the most significant uses of cyberwarfare in a live military operation to date, raising serious questions about the resilience of critical defense infrastructure in the face of digital threats.

By Salisu Uba Kofarwambai

The annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election by General Ibrahim Babangida stands as one of the most consequential events in Nigeria’s political history. What began as a tragedy for democracy soon became a powerful weapon of political repositioning for the Yoruba elite, who skillfully leveraged national sympathy to strengthen their grip on Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

This singular incident opened the doors for the Yoruba to produce three heads of state—an achievement that might never have occurred under normal political circumstances. Ironically, this is the same political milestone that the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the revered father of Yoruba nationalism, spent his entire life trying to attain but could not.

Sadly, many who ultimately benefited from the June 12 crisis were not even supporters of Chief M.K.O. Abiola during the election. Instead, they emerged later as political opportunists—vultures who hijacked the struggle, turned it into a sectional movement, and weaponized it for political dominance.

It is important to recall that the North overwhelmingly voted for Abiola over its own son, Alhaji Bashir Tofa. But following the annulment, the Yoruba intelligentsia cleverly shifted the blame from the military, a national institution, to the North, creating a narrative that painted the region as the villain of democracy. This deflection became a foundation for the Yoruba to assert political superiority, while the North unknowingly fell for the narrative.

In the aftermath, Chief Ernest Shonekan—a Yoruba technocrat—was installed as head of the Interim National Government. Later, in 1999, the North once again conceded power to the South-West, with Chief Olusegun Obasanjo returning as a civilian president. However, Obasanjo’s tenure is remembered by many in the North for economic policies that led to the decline of the region’s industrial capacity. Many northerners believe these policies were deliberate, politically motivated, and economically harmful to the North.

Today, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the helm, the North’s frustration appears to be deepening. Recently, a ₦16 trillion infrastructure project was allocated to the South, while liberal economic policies continue to disproportionately impact northern states, compounding existing inequalities.

This growing sentiment of marginalization was reinforced by President Tinubu’s Democracy Day national address. During the broadcast, a list of recipients of national awards was unveiled to honour those who fought for democracy. Yet, the list revealed a clear bias. While individuals like Professor Wole Soyinka—who went into exile during the military era—were honoured, many who stood their ground and bore the brunt of military repression were ignored.

Where are the names of Abubakar Rimi, Abdulkarim Dayyabu, Sule Lamido, Gani Fawehinmi, and M.D. Yusuf—figures who paid a heavy price for resisting military rule? Most of them were imprisoned under General Abacha and only released after his death. Yet, these sacrifices appear forgotten, excluded from a national recognition that should be inclusive.

Even the institutionalization of June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day under the Buhari administration has continued to project the day as a Yoruba affair—further entrenching the idea that the Yoruba were the sole victims of the annulled election. This skewed narrative continues to sideline other critical voices and regions, especially the North, which was deeply invested in the democratic struggle of the 1990s.

As we mark June 12, the North must soberly reflect on how much has been lost—from the annulment of 1993 to the current political dispensation. The region must also begin to ask tough questions about its place in the national project and how to reclaim a fair share in Nigeria’s democratic future.

June 12 was a national tragedy and should be a national symbol of resilience—not a sectional emblem of victimhood. Until this is fully acknowledged, the spirit of June 12 remains only partially honoured.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Tensions between Iran and Israel escalated sharply on Friday after Iran launched around 100 drones toward Israeli territory.

The Iranian response came hours after Israel carried out widespread airstrikes targeting nuclear facilities and key military sites across Iran.

According to a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), “all the defense systems are acting to intercept the threats,” as the military moved swiftly to neutralize the incoming drones.

The drone attack follows a pre-dawn offensive by Israel, which struck multiple targets in Iran, including nuclear installations and military compounds.

The assault reportedly resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, issued a stern warning following the Israeli operation, stating that Israel would face “severe punishment” for the attack.

The situation has drawn international concern, with fears of a broader regional conflict if tensions continue to spiral.

Both nations remain on high alert as the world watches for what comes next.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Israel’s military has confirmed it carried out strikes on nuclear sites in Iran, targeting the country’s nuclear program.

The operation, dubbed “Operation Rising Lion,” reportedly killed several senior Iranian military figures and nuclear scientists, including Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and Maj Gen Mohammad Bagheri, overall commander of the Iranian army and the IRGC.

According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), the strikes were aimed at thwarting Iran’s nuclear program, which Israel believes poses an existential threat.

“If not stopped, Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in a very short time,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The attack has sparked a significant escalation in tensions between Israel and Iran. Iran’s foreign ministry has condemned the attack, calling on countries worldwide to denounce Israel’s actions.

“The attack exposes global security to unprecedented threat,” the ministry said, adding that the US will be held responsible for the consequences.

The US has strongly denied any involvement in the attack. US President Donald Trump said he was aware of Israel’s plans beforehand but emphasized that the US played no part.

“Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb,” Trump said, expressing hope for renewed negotiations.

Global oil prices have surged over 10% following the news, amid concerns that the conflict could disrupt energy supplies. The UN chief has condemned the strikes, calling for maximum restraint to avoid deeper conflict.

Individuals confirmed dead include Hossein Salami, Commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps; Gholamali Rashid, Commander of Khatam-al Anbiya Central Headquarters; Fereydoon Abbasi, Nuclear scientist and former head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization; Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, Nuclear scientist involved in Iran’s nuclear weapons program; Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of Iran’s armed forces.

Israel has declared a state of emergency, anticipating counter-attacks from Iran. The situation remains volatile, with uncertainty surrounding potential retaliatory actions.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The National President of the Parents-Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), Haruna Danjuma, has expressed strong doubts over the feasibility of the Federal Government’s plan to fully transition West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) tests to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) by 2026.

In April, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, directed both examination bodies to adopt full CBT formats by the May/June 2026 session.

According to the Minister, the process would begin in November 2024 with multiple-choice papers, followed by full adoption—including essay sections—within two years.

However, speaking to The PUNCH, Danjuma questioned the practicality of this target, citing the inadequate digital infrastructure in many public schools, particularly in rural areas.

“It can only be practicable if the 36 state governors and the FCT Minister provide all senior secondary schools with functional computer laboratories powered by solar energy. They must also provide computer instructors/teachers to train the student,” he said.

He further warned, “Anything short of that, I don’t think it will be possible, because over 70 per cent of students—especially those in rural areas—are not computer literate.”

Danjuma emphasized that unless all state governments invest heavily in ICT infrastructure and personnel, the proposed transition could widen educational inequality and damage the credibility of national exams.

Echoing similar concerns, the Secretary of the Education Rights Committee at the University of Ibadan, Nnamdi Ochi, described the federal directive as another case of “motion without movement.”

In a statement shared journalists, Ochi acknowledged that CBT could improve how public exams are administered but maintained that the current state of public education infrastructure makes the goal unachievable.

“We have also campaigned for improved conditions of learning for students, and WAEC and NECO transitioning into a computer-based examination would be an improvement. However, it goes beyond empty proclamations. For this not to be another colossal failure, the necessary facilities must be put in place,” he said.

Ochi pointed out that many secondary schools in Nigeria lack even the most basic amenities. He noted that in several public schools, classrooms are either dilapidated or nonexistent, and students continue to learn under trees without proper learning materials.

“Presently, the country is far behind and incapable of this transition. Over the years, public education has continued to wallow in decay, without any genuine and sincere effort by the government to uplift it. Many public secondary schools lack classrooms—students are still studying under trees and in dilapidated structures without any learning facilities or equipment,” he said.

He also referenced the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s own struggles with CBT implementation, despite over ten years of adoption.

According to him, JAMB still relies heavily on privately-run computer centres, a practice that has created recurring technical and logistical challenges for candidates.

“A transition to CBT for WAEC and NECO exams will only create more problems under the current conditions. The proclamation by the Federal Government is not driven by genuine concern for students,” Ochi said.

He added that for meaningful reform, the government must commit more funding to revitalising public education and ensure it becomes truly accessible. He also advocated for broader involvement in policy-making.

“There is also a need to democratise the decision-making structures in the education sector by involving students, parents, and education workers through their associations and unions,” he said.