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By Sabiu Abdullahi

Spain has announced that the United States is neither using nor expected to use joint military facilities on Spanish soil for operations linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares made the position clear during an interview with Spanish public television on Monday. “Based on all the information I have, the bases are not being used for this military operation,” he said.

The statement follows criticism from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who denounced the US and Israeli strikes on Iran that began on Saturday. He described the action as an “unjustified” and “dangerous military intervention” that falls outside international law.

Albares stressed that Madrid would not permit any activity beyond the scope of existing agreements. “The Spanish government will not authorise the use of the bases for anything beyond the agreement or inconsistent with the United Nations,” he stated. He referred specifically to the Rota naval base and the Moron airbase, facilities operated jointly by Spain and the US but which remain under Spanish sovereignty.

Defence Minister Margarita Robles also addressed the issue. She said the bases “will not provide support, except if, in a given case, it were necessary from a humanitarian perspective”.

Spain further criticised Iran’s retaliatory strikes on Gulf states, even as it maintained opposition to the initial US and Israeli attacks.

Flight data published on Monday by tracking service FlightRadar24 indicated that 15 US aircraft departed from bases in southern Spain after the launch of military operations against Iran. At least seven of the planes later arrived at Ramstein airbase in Germany, according to the same source.

Madrid’s stance differs from that of several other leading European nations. The United Kingdom had earlier declined to allow the use of its bases for strikes on Iran. However, Prime Minister Keir Starmer reversed that decision on Sunday. He authorised their use for “collective self-defence” following Iranian counterattacks aimed at US assets in the Middle East and energy facilities in the Gulf.

France and Germany have signalled readiness to take a similar approach.

In a joint statement issued on Sunday, the leaders of the three countries said they were “appalled by the indiscriminate and disproportionate missile attacks launched by Iran against countries in the region, including those who were not involved in initial US and Israeli military operations”.

They added, “We have agreed to work together with the US and allies in the region on this matter.”

By Muhammad Sulaiman

The Alumni of the Kashim Ibrahim Fellowship have called for the immediate release of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, describing his continued detention as unlawful and a violation of his fundamental human rights.

In a press statement issued on Monday, the group expressed “deep concern” over what it termed the illegal detention of El-Rufai, arguing that it contravenes constitutional guarantees of personal liberty, dignity and due process under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The alumni further criticised the Department of State Services (DSS) for failing to produce the former governor before the Federal High Court on February 25, 2026, stating that this action infringes his right to a fair hearing within a reasonable time as provided under Section 36 of the Constitution.

According to the statement, the right to be brought promptly before a court is “not discretionary but an essential safeguard of personal liberty and justice.” The group urged all relevant authorities to ensure strict adherence to constitutional provisions and uphold the rule of law.

The fellowship alumni also highlighted El-Rufai’s record in public service, particularly his tenure as governor of Kaduna State, where they said he implemented institutional reforms and socio-economic development programmes with measurable impact. They noted that the establishment of the Kashim Ibrahim Fellowship was among his initiatives to encourage youth participation in governance and leadership.

Reaffirming their solidarity, the group called on well-meaning Nigerians to support their demand for justice and due process. They insisted that every citizen is entitled to protection from unlawful detention and urged authorities to grant El-Rufai full rights to defend himself without prejudice.

The statement concluded with a renewed demand for his immediate release, emphasising that adherence to democratic principles and the rule of law is critical to strengthening public trust in national institutions.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United States has announced new sanctions against the Rwandan Defense Force (RDF) and four of its top officers over claims that they provided assistance to the March 23 Movement (M23) operating in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The decision was made public on Monday in a statement from the U.S. State Department. Principal Deputy Spokesperson Thomas “Tommy” Pigott said the action followed allegations that Rwanda offered “direct operational support” to the rebel group. He linked the move to the recent takeover of the Congolese city of Uvira by M23 fighters.

The statement noted that the fall of Uvira came “just days after President Trump presided over the December 4, 2025 signing of the historic Joint Declaration of the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity” together with DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame.

Washington described the rebel offensive as a “clear violation of the Washington Accords,” which were introduced as a peace framework for the troubled Great Lakes region.

U.S. officials stressed that M23 is already under sanctions from both the United States and the United Nations. The group faces accusations of carrying out serious abuses in eastern Congo.

“M23, a U.S.- and UN-sanctioned entity, is responsible for horrific human rights abuses, including summary executions and violence against civilians, including women and children,” the statement said.

The State Department also alleged that backing from the RDF and its senior commanders made it possible for M23 to take control of territory in the DRC and maintain its campaign.

“The continued backing from the RDF and its senior leadership has enabled M23 to capture DRC sovereign territory and continue these grave abuses,” the statement added.

The sanctions were issued under Executive Order 13413, as amended. The order authorises the U.S. government to penalise individuals and organisations accused of contributing to unrest in the DRC.

Pigott said the United States remains committed to the peace agreement and regional stability.

“The United States stands firm in its support for peace and stability in eastern DRC and the wider region,” he said.

“The Washington Accords mark a decisive turning point for the Great Lakes region, setting a new course for peace, cooperation, and prosperity among neighbors.”

The statement said the latest measures reflect Washington’s determination to see that the agreement is respected.

“As President Trump has made clear, the United States is prepared to use all available tools to ensure the DRC and Rwanda deliver on the promises of this historic agreement,” it said.

Eastern Congo has experienced prolonged conflict involving several armed groups. Rwanda has repeatedly faced accusations of backing M23. Kigali has denied those claims in the past.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Riyadh has become a major departure point for wealthy individuals and top executives seeking to leave the Middle East amid rising regional tensions.

A report by Semafor indicated that private security companies have arranged fleets of sport utility vehicles to move clients from Dubai to Riyadh. From the Saudi capital, chartered private aircraft then transport them out of the region.

Those leaving reportedly include senior executives of global financial institutions as well as high-net-worth individuals who were in the region for business engagements or leisure activities.

Ameerh Naran, chief executive of Vimana Private, a private jet brokerage firm, said the cost of chartering flights has surged sharply.

“Saudi Arabia is the only real option for people who want to get out of the region right now. Private jets from Riyadh to Europe now cost up to $350,000,” he said.

Ian McCaul, operations and future plans director at Alma Risk, a United Kingdom-based security company, also confirmed increased demand for evacuation support.

“We’ve been approached by a mixture of clients including families, individuals, and corporations that want to get out of the region either because their fear for their safety, or for business reasons they just need to be able to travel,” McCaul said.

Tensions escalated on Saturday morning after Iran carried out retaliatory strikes on United States military bases across the Middle East. Explosions were reported in Abu Dhabi, Manama, Doha, Kuwait, and Riyadh.

The development followed a joint missile attack on Iran by the United States and Israel.

The conflict has disrupted commercial activities across the region. The United Arab Emirates closed its airspace. Qatar Airways suspended all flights. Airports in Dubai halted operations indefinitely. Several international airlines also paused flights to and from Middle Eastern destinations.

By Anwar Usman

The National Police Council has unanimously endorsed the appointment of Olatunji Disu as the 23rd substantive Inspector-General of Police.

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed this after the council’s meeting at the State House, Abuja, which lasted about 40 minutes.

The meeting is in compliance with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, which requires the Police Council to consider the appointment.

The statement in parts reds “In compliance with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, President Tinubu will convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council shortly to formally consider the appointment of AIG Disu as substantive Inspector-General of Police, after which his name will be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation.”

The Police Council is chaired by the President and comprises all 36 state governors, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, and the Inspector-General of Police.

Those in attendance were the meeting are Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Head of Civil Service, Didi Walson-Jack, and Governors of Enugu, Nasarawa, Ogun, Kwara, Plateau, Ondo and Lagos.

Others were the Deputy Governor of Kogi State also attended alongside the Ministers of the Federal Capital Territory, Police Affairs and Interior.

Disu, 59, has been serving in an acting capacity since his appointment on Wednesday following Egbetokun’s resignation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Germany has confirmed that Israel moved its official government aircraft to Berlin over the weekend amid escalating strikes involving Iran.

A spokesperson for Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Monday that the Israeli government sought permission to park the aircraft in Germany for security reasons. The request was approved.

Stefan Kornelius told reporters at a press conference in Berlin that no senior Israeli officials were on board when the plane arrived on Saturday.

“The Israeli government asked if they could park this plane here. We complied with that request,” he said.

He added that only the flight crew was present when the aircraft landed in Berlin.

The plane, known as the “Wing of Zion,” departed Israel on Saturday. Its movement led to speculation on social media that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might be travelling to Germany.

Flight tracking data showed the aircraft left Israel early in the afternoon. It remained over the Mediterranean Sea for several hours before heading to Germany. It later landed in Berlin that evening.

The Boeing 767 is specially configured for official overseas trips by Israel’s president and prime minister. Israeli media have reported that the aircraft is equipped with advanced secure communication systems.

The relocation took place as tensions escalated following strikes linked to the conflict between Israel and Iran. German authorities did not indicate how long the aircraft would remain in Berlin.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed that the United Kingdom will not take part in offensive military action against Iran, despite criticism from United States President Donald Trump.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Starmer said he stood by his decision not to join the initial US-Israeli strikes. Trump had earlier expressed frustration with the UK’s stance and told The Daily Telegraph he was “very disappointed”. He also claimed Starmer “took far too long” to permit the use of British bases such as the Chagos Islands for operations linked to the strikes.

Responding to the remarks, Starmer told MPs: “President Trump has expressed his disagreement with our decision not to get involved in the initial strikes.

“But it is my duty to judge what is in Britain’s national interest, and I stand by it.”

The prime minister explained that although British forces will not participate directly in attacks, the UK has allowed US forces to use certain British bases for limited defensive purposes. He said the request concerned targeting Iranian missiles at storage depots or launch sites.

“It is simply not possible to shoot down every Iranian missile and every drone after they’ve been launched,” he said.

“The US requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purposes.”

Starmer stressed that UK bases in Cyprus were not being used by American bombers. He addressed reports of a drone strike at RAF Akrotiri and clarified the circumstances.

“It is important for me to say that our bases in Cyprus are not being used by US bombers,” he said.

“I want to be clear. The strike on RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus was not in response to any decision that we have taken. In our assessment, the drone was launched prior to our announcement.”

He added that developments since the weekend had changed the security picture. “It is clear that Iran’s outrageous response has become a threat to our people, our interests, and our allies, and it cannot be ignored,” he said.

Around 300,000 British nationals are believed to be in countries affected by the crisis. More than 100,000 have registered with the Foreign Office for updates. Airspace closures have disrupted travel across much of the region.

Starmer urged citizens to remain vigilant and register their presence. “We’re asking all British citizens in the region to register their presence so we can provide the best possible support and to monitor the Home Office travel advice, which is being regularly updated,” he told MPs.

He noted that local authorities in several areas have advised people to stay indoors. The government has deployed rapid response teams to assist British nationals and is working with regional governments and the travel industry to facilitate safe returns.

The prime minister also addressed concerns about the legality of military action. He referred to lessons from the Iraq war and underlined the need for a clear legal foundation.

“We all remember the mistakes of Iraq and we have learned those lessons. Any UK action must always have a lawful basis, and a viable thought-through plan,” he said.

He repeated that Britain would not join offensive operations. “ I say again, we were not involved in the initial strikes on Iran, and we will not join offensive action now. But in the face of Iran’s barrage of missiles and drones, we will protect our people in the region and support the collective self-defence of our allies, because that is our duty to the British people.”

Starmer also said the long-term objective of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons must be resolved through talks rather than force.

“So it’s clear the Iranian regime must never be allowed to get their hands on nuclear weapons. That remains the primary aim of the United Kingdom and our allies, including the US, and ultimately, this will have to be achieved at the negotiating table,” he said.

Elsewhere in Parliament, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey criticised Trump’s decision to launch strikes, which he described as “an illegal war”. He also called on wealthy British tax exiles in the Middle East, including “billionaires and washed up footballers”, to “pay their fair share to fund British defence”.

In a separate exchange, Starmer said the UK is working with Ukraine to counter drone threats in the Gulf. He highlighted Ukraine’s experience in responding to Iranian-made drones during Russia’s invasion.

“Ukraine, sadly, has more expertise than anyone in dealing with drones, and that’s why we’re putting their expertise and our expertise together and using it to help our allies in the region of nations as we speak,” he said.

As tensions escalate, the government has pledged to enhance security at Jewish and Muslim places of worship in the UK. Ministers say efforts will continue to protect British interests abroad while pushing for a diplomatic solution to the crisis.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump is facing mounting criticism over Washington’s recent military action against Iran, as senior lawmakers question the basis and legality of the operation.

U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said the administration has yet to provide proof that Iran posed an imminent danger that required military intervention. His remarks have intensified debate in Congress about both the constitutional authority for the strikes and the broader strategy behind them.

During a television interview before attending a classified congressional briefing, Jeffries stated that he would continue to review intelligence to determine whether the action was warranted. According to CNN, he expressed concern that lawmakers had not been shown evidence to support the decision.

“I will continue to look for information … to suggest that there was intelligence indicating that Iran was prepared to strike the United States. Nothing has been presented to justify what’s taking place up until this point,” Jeffries was quoted as saying.

He maintained that many Americans expect their leaders to address economic pressures at home instead of committing the country to another prolonged conflict abroad.

“Americans want the government to focus on making their life better, making their life more affordable, not getting involved in another endless war in the Middle East that is going to end in failure,” he added.

Jeffries also raised questions about the President’s authority to launch extensive military operations without prior approval from Congress. He pointed to Article I of the U.S. Constitution, which assigns the power to declare war to the legislative branch.

Reports indicate that lawmakers are seeking a vote on a war powers resolution in response to the strikes. Concerns have grown in Washington following briefings that reportedly did not show Iran was preparing an immediate attack before the joint U.S.-Israeli operation. The situation has drawn criticism from members of both major parties, who are asking for clarity on the objectives and long-term plan.

International reaction has also intensified. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) condemned the bombing of a girls’ primary school in southern Iran. The agency described the attack as a serious breach of international humanitarian law.

According to CNN, missiles struck a school in Minab during ongoing military operations. About 150 people were killed. Many of them were believed to be students. Nearly 100 others sustained injuries.

“The killing of pupils in a place dedicated to learning constitutes a grave violation of the protection afforded to schools under international humanitarian law,” UNESCO said, according to CNN.

The organisation warned that assaults on schools place students at grave risk and weaken the right to education. The incident ranks among the deadliest civilian casualties reported since tensions escalated.

While the strike occurred within the context of wider military action against Iranian targets, investigations into responsibility are still underway.

Humanitarian groups have renewed appeals for the protection of civilians and public infrastructure. Save the Children stressed that children often suffer most during armed conflicts.

“Every war is a war on children, and the world cannot stand by and watch children be killed or injured,” said Inger Ashing, the organisation’s chief executive, in a statement.

As tensions rise across the Middle East, lawmakers, diplomats and international bodies have warned that the crisis could spread across the region. In Washington, debate continues over the legality, purpose and human cost of the military campaign.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Israel has defended its decision to launch military strikes on Iran, stating that the action complied with international law even in the absence of an imminent attack.

President Isaac Herzog said the joint US-Israeli operation constituted self-defence. He rejected suggestions that Israel needed to present proof of an “immediate use of force” by Tehran before carrying out the assault. According to him, Iran had taken steps toward developing a nuclear weapon that could threaten Israel’s existence.

The remarks place Israel’s position at odds with that of British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who did not authorise direct British participation in the strikes over the weekend amid concerns about international law.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Mr Herzog faced repeated questions about whether Israel possessed evidence of an immediate threat prior to the attack.

He said: “We are not attacking anything civilian. We are attacking places where there are launchers of huge missiles who have created havoc, death and destruction in Israel and in the entire region.”

When pressed again, he pointed to comments made earlier by Sir Keir that Iran had backed more than 20 potentially lethal plots in Britain within the past year.

He said: “If they carried out 20 attacks in Britain, or perpetrated 20 attacks in Britain, you think they didn’t attack Israel? They’ve tried to attack Israel from all corners of the earth in the last two years.”

Asked a third time to clarify the legal basis for the action, Mr Herzog responded: “But that’s not a reason in international law. In international law, you use self-defence when you know that your enemy is perpetrating and planning movement towards a bomb that wants to annihilate you, because they say: ‘This bomb is in order to annihilate you. We need to remove Israel off the map.’”

Under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, a country may act in self-defence if it suffers an armed attack. Some legal interpretations permit pre-emptive action if the threat is overwhelming and leaves no room for delay.

Sir Keir initially declined a request from Washington to use British military bases, including RAF Fairford and the base at Diego Garcia, for the operation. He later allowed limited use of British facilities after Iran launched missiles across the region. An Iranian Shahed drone struck RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus hours after the strikes.

In a video message posted on X, the Prime Minister said: “The United States has requested permission to use British bases for specific and limited defensive purpose.

“We have taken the decision to accept that request, to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region, killing civilians, putting British lives at risk and hitting countries that have not been involved.”

During the BBC interview, Mr Herzog insisted Israel had evidence of a serious threat.

He said: “We have huge amount of proof, which we are sharing, of course, with our British allies and every other ally. The fact that your base in Akrotiri in Cyprus was attacked for the first time by missiles from Iran, what does it mean?

“They think you’re a friend or a foe? If you’re a foe, then everybody should get together and fight.

“Fight these evil forces and break this empire of evil once and for all, and bring different hope for the region and for the Middle East and for the future of the world. That’s exactly what we do.”

Germany also expressed support for the US action. Chancellor Friedrich Merz said there was little value in debating legal interpretations at this stage.

He said: “Legal assessments under international law will achieve relatively little in this regard, and this applies all the more if they largely remain without consequences … that is why now is not the moment to lecture our partners and allies.”

Mr Merz added that Germany, the United States and Israel shared an “interest in ending this regime’s terror and stopping its dangerous nuclear and ballistic armament”.

The developments have intensified diplomatic tensions across Europe and the Middle East as the conflict widens.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has extended its Student Loan Application Portal to accommodate the growing nationwide interest generated by its ongoing awareness campaign.

The extension follows a reminder last week that the portal was scheduled to close on February 27, 2026. In response to feedback from students and stakeholders, NELFUND provided additional days to allow eligible applicants sufficient time to complete their submissions.

In a statement on Monday, signed by the Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, NELFUND said:

“The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has approved an extension of its Student Loan Application Portal following a significant increase in awareness and nationwide demand generated by its ongoing sensitisation campaign.

“The Fund has approved some additional days to ensure all eligible students are given adequate opportunity to complete their applications, pending further management decisions and communications.”

The announcement targets students requiring extra time, prospective applicants informed through recent outreach, institutions that have just commenced their 2025/2026 academic session, and schools that have yet to submit verified student lists.

“Our sensitisation efforts across the six geopolitical zones have significantly increased awareness and participation. Therefore, in line with our mandate to expand access to tertiary education financing, we have approved an extension to ensure that all eligible students have a fair and equal opportunity to apply,” said NELFUND Managing Director and Chief Executive, Akintunde Sawyerr.

NELFUND advised institutions that have not yet started the 2025/2026 session to submit an official extension request with their approved academic calendar. Students are urged to complete their applications via the official portal before it closes permanently.

The Fund reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustainable student financing solutions designed to remove financial barriers to higher education in Nigeria.

As of the portal’s previous closure date, NELFUND had received 1.69 million applications and disbursed N183.8 billion.

Established under the Nigeria Student Loan Scheme, enacted by President Bola Tinubu in April 2024, NELFUND provides interest-free loans to students in public tertiary institutions to cover tuition and living expenses. Applications opened in May 2024 to support students from low-income backgrounds. Beneficiaries repay the loans after graduation and securing employment.