International

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 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 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

A Nigerian-born Australian woman, Binta Abubakar, has been arrested by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for allegedly trafficking 15 students from Papua New Guinea (PNG) and forcing them into unpaid labour on farms in Queensland.

Abubakar, 56, was taken into custody on Wednesday at Brisbane Airport shortly after returning from PNG, where she had reportedly been operating from.

Her arrest marks the culmination of a two-year investigation launched in July 2022 by the AFP’s Northern Command Human Trafficking Team, following a report received from Queensland Police.

The AFP stated, “A group of PNG nationals who had moved to Australia to study were instead allegedly forced to work against their will on farms.”

According to investigators, Abubakar used her company, BIN Educational Services and Consulting, to lure young people aged between 19 and 35 into Australia under the false promise of full educational scholarships.

The company had advertised itself as offering a “holistic and modern approach to education, training, and employment.”

However, after their arrival in Australia between March 2021 and July 2023, the students were allegedly compelled to sign legal agreements binding them to repay various undisclosed expenses, including tuition, flights, visa fees, insurance, and legal services.

Authorities alleged that, to repay these supposed debts, the students were forced to work long hours on fruit farms in areas such as Lockyer Valley and Stanthorpe.

Police say the work arrangements often breached their visa terms.According to the AFP, “The students were made to work 10 hours a day, seven days a week,” and their earnings were allegedly collected by Abubakar.

“The farmers did not know of Abubakar’s alleged scheme,” the police added.

The situation reportedly worsened when some of the students resisted.

Police claimed Abubakar intimidated them with threats of deportation or warned their families back in PNG.

“She would allegedly receive the wages on the workers’ behalf and withhold them. If they refused to comply, Abubakar allegedly threatened to have the students deported or intimidated their family in PNG,” authorities said.

Abubakar is facing 31 criminal charges.

These include four counts of trafficking in persons, 14 counts of deceptive recruiting for labour or services, and 13 counts related to debt bondage.

Although she has been granted conditional bail, Abubakar is due to appear in court again on September 19.

Reacting to the arrest, AFP Detective Superintendent Adrian Telfer said, “The AFP is committed to protecting vulnerable foreign workers who are targeted by those driven by greed and profits.”

He further noted, “Victims of debt bondage and other human trafficking offences can be lured to Australia with a promise of a dream career or free education—things they may not have access to in their country of origin. If the conditions of that promise change, it can leave victims in an extremely vulnerable situation in a foreign country, where they are likely to have little financial or emotional support and face issues with language barriers.”

Telfer urged the public to report suspected cases of exploitation and reassured them of the AFP’s continued focus on safeguarding victims. “The AFP can help people who are exploited. We are focused on ensuring the welfare of victims,” he said.

This case comes shortly after German authorities arrested 13 suspected members of a Nigerian criminal syndicate in a separate crackdown on transnational crime.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

In a historic academic achievement, Dr. Zaidu Jibril Muhammad, a lecturer at Sule Lamido University (SLUK), Kafin Hausa, has become the first African recipient of the prestigious King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Award for Translation.

Dr. Zaidu, who lectures in the Department of Arabic, Faculty of Humanities, clinched the 2025 award for his Hausa translation of the Arabic literary masterpiece Maqāmāt al-Ḥarīrī, published under the title Dandalin Hikimomi. The Prize’s Board of Trustees praised the translation for its scholarly depth and cultural resonance, calling it a significant contribution to African scholarship and global cross-cultural understanding.

Born on May 15, 1985, in Shungurum village, Birnin Kudu Local Government Area of Jigawa State, Dr. Zaidu holds a Ph.D. in Arabic Language among other qualifications.

Dr. Zaidu is also a prolific author, with four major Hausa translations of classical Arabic works. In addition to Dandalin Hikimomi, his works include Dandalin Dabaru (from Maqāmāt Badī‘ al-Zamān al-Hamadhānī), Bakandamai Bakwai(from Al-Mu‘allaqāt al-Sab‘a), and a Hausa version of a widely used Arabic academic guide for university students. He has also published fifteen academic articles in national and international journals.

Currently serving as a Lecturer I and a member of the International Union of Arabic Language, Dr. Zaidu’s groundbreaking achievement has been described as a landmark not just for Nigeria but for the entire African continent.

By Muhammad Abubakar

A young Indian family’s new life abroad ended in tragedy when Air India flight 171 from Ahmedabad to London crashed this morning, killing 241 people on board, with one miraculous survivor.

Among the victims were Dr Pratik Joshi and Dr Komi Vyas, both accomplished medical professionals, and their three children: aged 9, 6, and just 18 months. Their story, tragically, has come to embody the human cost of an unthinkable disaster.

Dr. Joshi, 38, had been living and working in London for the past six years, laying the foundation for a new life in the UK. Tirelessly working through the red tape of immigration and professional certification, he had long dreamed of reuniting his family abroad and offering them a brighter, safer future.

That dream was finally within reach. Just two days ago, Dr. Komi Vyas resigned from her job at a government hospital in Gujarat. The couple had packed up their lives, said their goodbyes, and looked forward to turning the page. Friends and relatives recall their excitement and plans to settle in South London, enrol their children in school, and continue their medical careers.

Before boarding the flight, the family took a photo after boarding and sent it to relatives with the caption: “One way to a new beginning.” Minutes later, the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control moments after taking off.

The Indian diaspora in the UK, especially among the medical fraternity, is mourning the loss. “Pratik was more than a colleague; he was a friend and a father trying to do right by his family,” said Dr. Meena Chauhan, who worked alongside him at St. George’s Hospital in London. “He was so excited they were finally joining him. It’s just incomprehensible.”

Back home in Vadodara, grief has swept through the neighbourhood. Friends and family gathered at the now shuttered family home, still echoing with recent packing sounds. A neighbour, clutching the last family photograph, said, “They were finally going to be together. They had waited so long.”

In a world fixated on the future, this family’s tale serves as a profound reminder to value the present—to embrace life, to express love, and to never delay happiness.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

A devastating tragedy unfolded near Ahmedabad early Thursday morning as AI171, a commercial flight carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed shortly after taking off. Authorities have confirmed that there appear to be no survivors.

Ahmedabad’s city police commissioner told The Associated Press that rescue teams at the scene found no signs of life amid the wreckage. “It is with deep regret that we believe all 242 people on board have perished,” he said.

Emergency responders and investigators are working to secure the site and begin efforts to identify the victims. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with aviation officials and forensic teams en route.

The flight, operated by Air India, was en route to London. Eyewitnesses reported seeing smoke and hearing a loud explosion in the area shortly before dawn.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences via social media, calling the incident “a heartbreaking loss.” Grief counselling and support services have been offered to the families of those on board.

More updates will follow as the investigation continues.

By Maryam Ahmad

Anti-migrant riots have spread across parts of Northern Ireland, with violent mobs attacking police and targeting migrant communities.

Clashes erupted in several towns, leaving police vehicles damaged and officers injured. The unrest, sparked by anti-immigrant rhetoric online, began in a Belfast suburb and quickly spread.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland condemned the violence and confirmed multiple arrests. Community leaders and rights groups have called for calm and urged protection for vulnerable communities.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation.

By Uzair Adam 

Elon Musk, the world’s richest person and a former advisor to Donald Trump, admitted on Wednesday that he went too far in some of his social media criticisms of the US president after their public fallout last week.

“I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far,” Musk posted on his social media platform X.

Musk’s apology came just days after Trump warned the billionaire of “serious consequences” if he tried to punish Republican lawmakers who supported a controversial spending bill.

Their dramatic split played out on social media last Thursday, when Musk harshly criticised Trump’s so-called “big, beautiful” spending bill, which Congress is considering.

Some Republican lawmakers opposed the bill and urged Musk, a major Republican financial backer in last year’s presidential election, to fund primary challenges against those who voted for it.

“He’ll have to pay very serious consequences if he does that,” Trump, who called Musk “disrespectful,” told NBC News on Saturday, though he did not specify the consequences.