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By Sabiu Abdullahi

Traders at the Onitsha Main Market have resumed commercial activities after a one-week shutdown, following directives issued by the Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo.

The reopening took place amid heightened security presence and fresh warnings by the state government against adherence to sit-at-home orders issued by non-state actors, particularly the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra.

Governor Soludo had earlier ordered the closure of the market after reports indicated that some traders were observing a Monday sit-at-home directive linked to IPOB. He also warned that continued closure of shops could attract further sanctions from the state government.

Confirming the development, Channels Television reported on Monday that traders had complied with the governor’s directive and reopened their shops.

“Traders of the Onitsha Main Market have reopened their shops in compliance with a directive by the Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo,” the report stated.

A visit to the market by Channels Television showed that many traders returned as early as 8:45 a.m. Shops were seen opening across major sections of the market, including Egerton Road, Ose Foodstuff Market, and The Young Park, which serves as a key entrance to the Main Market. Other busy areas included Emeka Offor Plaza, Sokoto Road, Lagos Line, and Marine, as customers gradually returned to patronize traders.

“It is clear that the traders are complying with government directives to ignore the sit-at-home order,” the report added.

Meanwhile, IPOB had announced a lockdown across the South-East, citing solidarity with Onitsha traders. Through its spokesman, Emma Powerful, the group called on traders, transport operators, banks, schools, and civil servants to observe the action peacefully.

However, IPOB’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, dismissed the directive, describing it as “a fake” and “a calculated falsehood.” He urged members of the public to disregard it and stressed that the group had repeatedly disassociated itself from sit-at-home orders.

The Anambra State Police Command also issued a statement on Sunday, warning residents against threats posed by non-state actors on social media.

“Following the security assessment of the implications, or otherwise, of full resumption of all social, commercial, and official activities in Anambra State on Monday, the Police Command has identified a deliberate, recurring pattern of coordinated social media posts by some non-state actors aimed at spreading fear, misinformation, and bigotry among the public,” the statement said.

According to the police, such narratives were intended “to cause panic, undermine public confidence, and disrupt the peace currently enjoyed in the State.”

“The resilience, cooperation, and timely sharing of credible information by residents continues to play a critical role in sustaining public order and safety,” the statement added.

The police further announced intensified intelligence-led patrols, increased surveillance, and proactive security operations across the state to prevent threats to lives and property. Residents were also advised to ignore unverified social media messages and report suspicious activities.

“Members of the public are advised to disregard unverified social media content being propagated by non-state actors and to report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest Police formation or through established emergency channels,” the statement said.

The police reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and public safety, while the state government assured traders of adequate security as business activities return to normal across Onitsha.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Iran has summoned all ambassadors of the European Union in Tehran to protest the bloc’s decision to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation, a move that has further strained relations and heightened fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East.

According to the Associated Press, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, confirmed on Monday that the summons started on Sunday and continued into the new week. He described the EU decision as “illegal, unreasonable and very wrong.”

“A series of actions were reviewed, various options are being prepared and sent to relevant decision-making bodies,” Baghaei said. He added that Tehran would soon decide on “reciprocal measures.”

The diplomatic confrontation comes at a time when Iran is under growing international scrutiny following its violent response to nationwide protests in January. Reports indicate that thousands were killed and tens of thousands arrested during the unrest. Human rights organisations have also warned about the risk of mass executions of detainees.

Last week, the European Union agreed to blacklist the IRGC over its role in the crackdown. Although the decision is largely symbolic, it adds to economic and political pressure on Tehran because of the Guard’s deep involvement in Iran’s economy. The United States and Canada had earlier taken similar actions.

In response, Iran’s parliament speaker spoke on Sunday and said the Islamic Republic now regards all EU militaries as “terrorist groups,” referring to a 2019 Iranian law.

At the same time, military tensions in the region continue to rise. The United States has deployed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln alongside several guided-missile destroyers to the Middle East.

While it remains uncertain whether President Donald Trump will approve military action, Washington says the deployments aim to deter further violence and safeguard international shipping routes.

“Trump is trying to calibrate a response to Iran’s mass killing of protesters that punishes Iranian leaders without dragging the United States into a new, open-ended conflict,” the New York-based Soufan Center said in a statement on Monday.

The group added that some U.S. officials want to take advantage of Tehran’s weakened position. It also noted that American conditions for diplomacy are “unacceptable” to Iran.

Regional anxiety has also increased after Iran confirmed that the Revolutionary Guard has begun a military drill in the Strait of Hormuz. The narrow waterway carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil shipments. Iran had warned shipping operators last week about planned exercises, although it initially avoided confirming their commencement.

Satellite images analysed by the Associated Press showed small, fast-moving vessels believed to belong to the Guard operating between Iran’s Qeshm and Hengam islands, away from major commercial routes.

The U.S. Central Command has cautioned Tehran against harassing naval vessels or interfering with commercial traffic.

Despite the sharp rhetoric and military movements, Baghaei sought to calm public fears. He urged Iranians not to worry about the prospect of war, although he declined to confirm whether Washington had given Tehran any deadline to meet U.S. demands.

The IRGC was formed after Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution to protect the clerical system. Over the years, it has grown into a powerful military, political and economic force. Its Basij militia faces widespread accusations of leading the violent suppression of recent protests. Leaked videos have shown armed men beating and shooting demonstrators after authorities shut down internet and phone services across the country.

By Anas Abbas

The Singer Market Development Association (SIMDA) has reported a major fire outbreak at Singer Market, which began at about 3:00 a.m. and is still ongoing as of the time of this report. The incident has caused panic among traders and residents in the area.

In a statement shared by the chairman of the association, Barrister Muhammad Zakari called on members of the public and the business community to offer prayers for divine intervention as efforts continue to contain the fire. The association described the situation as serious and distressing.

The chairman urged everyone to remember the affected traders in their prayers, asking Allah to protect lives and minimize losses resulting from the inferno. He emphasized the importance of unity and support during this difficult moment for the market community.

The statement concluded with prayers for Allah’s mercy and protection, asking Him to bring the fire under control and restore calm to the market. “May Allah save us from this calamity,” the chairman prayed

Updates on how the fire started and the level of damage recorded will be communicated in due course.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

China, Iran, and Russia have formalized a wide-ranging strategic agreement, a development experts say could shift global power balances and heighten tensions with the United States.

The pact was announced simultaneously in Tehran, Beijing, and Moscow. Officials from the three countries described it as “a cornerstone for a new multipolar order.”

While the full text is being gradually released, authorities confirmed that the agreement covers collaboration in energy, trade, military coordination, and diplomatic strategy.

Iranian state media cited officials saying the pact reflects a joint commitment to “mutual respect, sovereign independence and a rules-based international system that rejects unilateral coercion.” Beijing and Moscow issued similar statements, highlighting their shared opposition to Western dominance.

This trilateral agreement builds on years of close bilateral ties. In January 2025, Iran and Russia signed a 20-year Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty to strengthen economic and defense cooperation and counter Western sanctions. That treaty became effective last year.

Iran and China had also signed a 25-year cooperation deal in 2021, aimed at expanding trade, infrastructure, and energy cooperation.

What sets this new pact apart is that it explicitly unites all three countries under a coordinated framework. Unlike previous bilateral agreements, the pact aligns them on issues such as nuclear sovereignty, economic resilience, and military coordination.

No Formal Defence Commitment

Officials emphasized that the agreement is not a mutual defense treaty like NATO’s Article 5, which obligates members to defend one another militarily.

Past agreements between Iran and Russia did not include such guarantees, and this pact follows the same cautious approach. Analysts say it signals a political and strategic alignment intended to counterbalance US influence, resist sanctions, reduce dependence on Western financial systems, and expand regional influence.

The signing comes as tensions rise between Iran and the United States. Washington has accused Tehran of enriching uranium beyond the limits of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The Trump administration withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 and reimposed sanctions that have severely impacted Iran’s economy.

Attempts to revive the deal have repeatedly stalled. Talks in Oman and Rome in 2025 ended without an agreement, deepening mistrust. US military deployments in the Gulf, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, have also raised fears of escalation.

Inside Iran, protests that began in December 2025 over economic hardship have added domestic pressure. Iranian authorities accused foreign actors of fueling unrest, citing statements by US President Donald Trump in support of demonstrators as interference in domestic affairs.

Strategic Implications

For Tehran, the pact offers economic relief and strengthens deterrence against military threats by deepening ties with Russia and China.

For Moscow and Beijing, the agreement provides access to Iran’s energy resources and strengthens their capacity to challenge US alliances in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific. Both countries have expanded military cooperation with Iran, including joint naval exercises in the Gulf.

For the United States and its allies, the pact complicates efforts to isolate Iran. Gulf states, wary of Tehran’s ambitions, fear the agreement could embolden Iran and destabilize the region further.

Experts caution, however, that the pact has limits. Russia and China remain cautious about overcommitting, mindful of possible US retaliation. Iran’s ongoing economic challenges and domestic unrest could also hinder its ability to meet obligations. Without a formal defense guarantee, Tehran remains vulnerable to confrontation with the US or Israel.

Much will depend on whether Moscow and Beijing risk deeper involvement in Iran’s disputes with the West. For now, the agreement strengthens Tehran’s diplomatic position, even as tensions with Washington persist.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Islamic scholarly community in Northern Nigeria is in mourning following the death of the renowned Zaria-based cleric, Sheikh Usman Kusfa, popularly known as Sheikh Rigi-Rigi.

The scholar passed away after a prolonged illness. He was widely respected for his teachings and influence within the Muslim community of Zaria and beyond.

His funeral prayers (Jana’iza) have been scheduled for 4:30 PM today at the Babban Filin Low-Cost in Zaria.

Condolence messages have begun pouring in, with many expressing their grief and praying for divine mercy for the departed. A common prayer among the faithful is: “May God grant him paradise, forgive him, and may his illness serve as an atonement for his sins.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have overrun the stronghold of a notorious bandit leader, Gwaska Dan Karmi, in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, killing scores of bandits during a fierce gun battle.

This is contained in a statement signed by Lolaniyi Osoba, Lieutenant Colonel, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, on February 1, 2026.

The military operation followed credible intelligence which revealed that more than 100 armed bandits had converged at the camp to plan coordinated attacks on surrounding communities and military supply routes. Troops placed the location under close surveillance for several days before launching the assault with support from the Nigerian Air Force.

The troops engaged the bandits on January 31, 2026. Heavy exchanges of gunfire broke out after the terrorists attempted to flank and encircle the advancing forces. The soldiers, backed by superior firepower, repelled the attempt and gained control of the camp. Many of the bandits were killed during the clash, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

After securing the area, the troops set the camp ablaze and withdrew in an organised manner. The Nigerian Air Force has continued interdiction missions to track and eliminate fleeing bandits, while ground forces retain control of the area.

The Nigerian Army confirmed that some soldiers lost their lives during the encounter. One combat enabler vehicle was also struck by an enemy Rocket Propelled Grenade and caught fire. The Army paid tribute to the fallen personnel and reaffirmed its resolve to sustain the fight against banditry.

According to the military, troop morale and combat effectiveness remain high as operations continue to dismantle criminal networks and disrupt their logistics across the region.

By Dahiru Kasimu Adamu

Ahead of Argungu International fishing and cultural festival which was scheduled to hold from 11 February to 14 February 2025 we take a look of some tourist centers to visit in the ancient town of Kabawan Kanta.

Argungu International fishing and cultural festival is a unique  global event previously celebrates annually, it rooted in the pursuit of peace and unity. This extraordinary event showcases the rich historical legacy of the Kabawan Kanta and preserves the invaluable cultural heritage of the Kabawa people.

More than a festival, Argungu is a world-renowned tourism destination, significantly contributing to the socio-economic development of the town, Kebbi State and Nigeria as a whole.

Most people don’t know that, beside the famous fishing festival, there are so many colorful cultural and traditional activities, which are observed concurrently, during the same period. Some of  these activities which are attached to the festival include, 

1. Traditional Boxing, 
2. Durbar, Horse Racing,
3. Motor Rally,
4. Kabanci Display,
5. The Grand Fishing Competition and many more.

Apart from the series activities of the festival, visitors also would have opportunities to visit historical and tourist centers of the town such as; the famous Kanta Museum.

Kanta Museum, is a Historical and cultural Center, which was the Emirs palace between 1831 and 1940, but it was converted to a Museum in 1942 after the European colonialists built the new Emir Palace in Tudun Wada Area of the ancient town of Argungu during the reign of Muhammed Sani.

Since then, the place has been a tourist center for many years. It showcases the true meaning of diversity with different cultures and histories of the Kabawan Kanta on display. It was named after Muhammed Kanta, who founded the Kebbi Kingdom in 1515. The Museum boasts a collation of historical artifacts and a testament to the ancient architectural beauty of the people.

It has eleven sections and contains historical and cultural elements related to the Kabawa and their history, which include the Royal Palace, then the Cultural section, the people and their religion section, the traditional crafts and the music section, the antiques section, a section dedicated to Surame, the first settlement of the Kabi Kingdom, war equipment, (such as spears, swords, woods, stones, bows and arrows and even drums on display) fishing tools section, amongst others.

Many people, including students from different schools and neighboring countries visit the museum at all times, for different purposes including educational and cultural research, although during the festive season about five to seven hundred people visit the Museum a day.

The Matanfada River

Matanfada river is a very special stage of the famous Argungu Fishing Festival competition. Over five hundreds fishermen storm the river for fishing competition. Visiting the river and the scenario give a deeper appreciation of its cultural and historical importance.

Another river site is the Mala River, which is another significant tributary in the Argungu. It forms part of the fertile river system that feeds the farmlands and fishing grounds of Argungu and its stage of Kabanci display.

The Argungu Bridge:

It is a prominent bridge that crosses the river connecting local governments of Argungu Emirate and also a route to Niger republic. It is a central landmark and a prime viewing spot for spectators during the fishing festival, offering a vantage point over the competitions. If you have a chance to be there during the event, try and climb the bridge!

The Argungu Fadama Land is a vast fadama land, which is nourished by the rivers. It is exceptionally fertile and crucial for agricultural activities, producing crops like rice, vegetables and many others, supporting the local economy of the residents.

The Emir’s Palace: Argungu Emir palace which is also known as Kanta Palace is located at Tudun wada Area of Argungu. The palace is the seat of the Emir of Argungu, the overall constituted authority of the Emirate. The palace also showcases historical and administrative system of government of the Kabawa, and it’s many sections reflecting living heritage of the Kabawan Kanta.

For equestrian culture, the Horse Racing Course roars to life during the festival and NSK Polo Ranch hosts the Polo tournaments and fates illustrating the horse sporting in the region.

There are 7 historical gates in Argungu and all are connected to the history and culture of the town, this gates are; Kofar Maicibi, Sagware, Kofar Tudu, Kofar Mala, Kofar Marina, Kofar Dankoji and Kofar tsohi.

Some of the gates such as Kofar Maichibi, Kofar Tudu had been rehabilitated and they serve as a symbolic of Argungu’s past history, marking and signifying old boundaries and stories of the community, its trade, strength and defense.

All these locations are interconnected elements of Argungu’s geography and culture and they are stages for a major cultural event contributing greatly to the socio-cultural development of Kebbi State and Nigeria at large.

See you there, and you will surely thank me for what you get.

The new series, Bakan Gizo, is unique for departing from the usual Kannywood storytelling. It is much like a thriller, narrated with suspense and tension, while exploring the immoral lifestyle that is rampant among young people today.

Directed by Kamal S. Akali, the story follows Sharifa (Mommy Gombe), a young woman who leaves her home state, Gombe, to study at Bayero University, Kano. There, she is drawn into a new social circle through her free-spirited friends, Salma (Zahrah Aliyu) and Zee (Bilkisu Abdullahi). She also begins an affair with Abba (Yusuf Saseen), who is deeply in love with her but increasingly possessive.

Sharifa is not content with Abba as her partner. She, therefore, enters a new relationship with Sharif (Isah Adam Feroz Khan), a spoiled brat from a wealthy family. However, things take a violent turn when her two lovers discover each other, leading to Sharif being stabbed in the stomach.

Judging by its genre, which is well-suited for a series film format, Bakan Gizo promises to be a compelling and attention-grabbing production. Viewers are already left in suspense to see how the story unfolds, particularly how Sharif’s wealthy mother, a high-ranking police officer (played by Hauwa Farar Lema) who also sleeps with Abba, will investigate the unfortunate incident that befalls her son.

The series appears to draw stylistic inspiration from Indian cinema. This is unsurprising, given director Kamal S. Akali’s creative history, including adaptations of films like Velayudham (as Kanwar Dubarudu) and Drishyam (as Umar Sanda) for Kannywood audiences.

The narrative revolves around a single storyline with interrelated characters. However, while the characters are well connected, some scenes feel disjointed, making the transition between episodes one and two almost convoluted.

On the other hand, although the performances come across as slightly over-the-top, the stellar cast remains highly effective. Seeing Mommy Gombe and Zahrah Aliyu reunite their chemistry from Gidan Sarauta, alongside the rivalry of Isah Adam (Feroz Khan) and Yusuf Saseen (as seen in Labarina), makes for an enjoyable watch.

Finally, it is too early to pass judgment, but I recommend Bakan Gizo for its fresh storytelling approach in the Kannywood series.

Reviewed by:

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has warned that any military attack by the United States would lead to a “regional war” in the Middle East, as tensions continue to rise between Tehran and Washington.

Khamenei issued the warning on Sunday amid the presence of the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and other American warships in the Arabian Sea. The deployment followed President Donald Trump’s decision to send the vessels after Iran’s violent crackdown on nationwide protests.

Iranian state television reported Khamenei’s remarks online before broadcasting any video of his speech.

“The Americans should know that if they start a war, this time it will be a regional war,” Khamenei was quoted as saying.

He also insisted that Iran had no intention of attacking other countries but would respond forcefully to any provocation. “We are not the instigators and we do not seek to attack any country. But the Iranian nation will deliver a firm blow to anyone who attacks or harasses it,” he said.

Khamenei further described the ongoing protests across Iran as an attempted coup, adopting a tougher stance after earlier acknowledging that economic hardship had contributed to public anger. The protests began on December 28 after the collapse of Iran’s currency and later turned into a direct challenge to his leadership.

“The recent sedition was similar to a coup. Of course, the coup was suppressed,” he said. “Their goal was to destroy sensitive and effective centers involved in running the country, and for this reason they attacked the police, government centers, (Revolutionary Guard) facilities, banks and mosques — and burned copies of the Quran. They targeted centers that run the country.”

Reports indicate that tens of thousands of people have been detained since the demonstrations began. In Iran, charges related to sedition can carry the death penalty, a development that has drawn concern from the United States. Trump has previously described the killing of peaceful protesters or mass executions as red lines for possible military action.

Meanwhile, Iran also scheduled live-fire military drills for Sunday and Monday in the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route through which about one-fifth of the world’s traded oil passes. The US military’s Central Command warned against any threat to American forces or disruption of commercial shipping during the exercise.

In a related development, the Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, announced that Tehran now considers all European Union militaries to be terrorist groups. The statement followed the EU’s decision to designate Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization over its role in the crackdown on protests.

Qalibaf, a former Revolutionary Guard commander, made the declaration as lawmakers appeared in Guard uniforms in parliament.

“By seeking to strike at the (Guard), which itself has been the greatest barrier to the spread of terrorism to Europe, Europeans have in fact shot themselves in the foot and, once again, through blind obedience to the Americans, decided against the interests of their own people,” Qalibaf said.

Lawmakers later chanted “Death to America!” and “Death to Israel!” during the session.

Trump, for his part, has said Iran is engaged in talks with the United States, even as he declined to confirm whether he had decided on military action.

“I don’t know that they will. But they are talking to us. Seriously talking to us,” Trump said, while stressing the need for a “satisfactory” deal to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

However, Iran’s Supreme Leader has repeatedly ruled out direct negotiations with Washington. Despite that, Ali Larijani, a senior Iranian security official, wrote on social media that “structural arrangements for negotiations are progressing,” although no public evidence of direct talks has emerged.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East, under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded a major operational success with the killing of a senior Boko Haram commander, Abu Khalid, alongside 10 other terrorists during a night operation in Borno State.

This is contained in a statement signed by Sani Uba, Lieutenant Colonel and Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, and dated February 1, 2026.

Abu Khalid was identified as the second-in-command of Boko Haram in the Sambisa Forest. He was also described as a key figure within the terrorist hierarchy who coordinated operations and logistics across the Sambisa axis.

The development came less than 24 hours after troops neutralised another notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Julaibib, who operated within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle.

According to the military, troops of Sector 1, working with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) under Operation DESERT SANITY, engaged the terrorists at the Komala general area of Konduga Local Government Area at about 11:00 p.m. during a night offensive.

Following the encounter, the troops recovered five AK-47 rifles, magazines, several bicycles, assorted logistics and food supplies, as well as a large quantity of medical consumables.

The military confirmed that no casualty was recorded among the troops during the operation. It added that the morale of personnel remains high as clearance operations continue across the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, Timbuktu Triangle and other known Boko Haram and ISWAP hideouts in the North East.

The Joint Task Force, North East, reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the tempo of operations until all terrorist elements are neutralised and lasting peace and economic stability are restored to the region.

The Military High Command also commended the troops for their sacrifices and dedication in the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities in the North East, while urging them to maintain the current operational momentum.