International

By Muhammad Abubakar

Nearly half of Americans believe the United States should arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he enters the country, according to a new Economist/YouGov poll.

The survey found that 49 per cent of respondents support enforcing the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Netanyahu, while 27 per cent oppose such action and 23 per cent remain undecided.

The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu in November 2024 over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Netanyahu and the Israeli government reject the allegations, describing them as politically motivated.

The poll reflects growing public criticism of Netanyahu in the United States. Recent surveys have also shown declining support for his leadership and increasing concern among Americans over U.S. policy toward Israel, particularly among Democratic voters and younger Americans.

Despite the poll results, legal experts note that the United States is not a member of the ICC, making the enforcement of the court’s arrest warrant highly unlikely under current U.S. law.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A court in the United Kingdom has sentenced a 19-year-old Nigerian student, Oluwatobiloba Akinrinola, to seven years in prison after convicting him of robbery, blackmail and assault linked to a violent attack on partygoers in Leicestershire.

According to the BBC, Leicester Crown Court also sentenced Richile Vangu, 20, to 11 years’ imprisonment over the same offences. The sentences were handed down on Monday by trial judge Steven Evans.

The court heard that the incident occurred during a house party in North Kilworth, Leicestershire, on November 21, 2025. Evans said Vangu masterminded a plan to intimidate guests with a knife and force them to perform dances that would later appear on social media. He added that Akinrinola was among those recruited to execute the scheme.

The judge said the pair forced at least eight men into a bedroom, threatened them with a large knife and stole designer clothing and an iPhone.

The BBC reported that Vangu demanded £1,000 from each victim. He allegedly threatened to stab anyone who refused to pay before ordering them to perform TikTok dances.

The report stated that some victims who could not transfer the money immediately were instructed to report later that day to student accommodation on Bath Lane.

When they arrived, Akinrinola allegedly forced some of the men to perform star jumps and high knees before punching them several times.

The court also heard that Vangu whipped some of the victims with a belt, fired a BB gun at their heads and threatened to cut off their dreadlocks if they failed to make the requested payments. He later uploaded videos from both locations to TikTok.

While delivering judgment, Evans said Akinrinola had acted under Vangu’s influence. However, he concluded that the Nigerian student played a significant role in the crimes.

The judge held that although Akinrinola was “subservient” to Vangu, he played “an essential part” in the offences.

Vangu was convicted on four counts of robbery, 10 counts of blackmail and one count of actual bodily harm.

Akinrinola was found guilty of nine counts of blackmail, four counts of robbery and two counts of actual bodily harm. The court, however, acquitted him on one count of blackmail.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The South African government has expressed gratitude to Nigeria for its contribution to the country’s liberation from apartheid. It also pledged to strengthen cooperation with Abuja as both nations seek solutions to the recurring attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa.

Ronald Lamola, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, made the remarks on Monday during a meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, in Abuja.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had reportedly asked Lamola to deliver a message to President Bola Tinubu. However, Tinubu delegated the meeting to Enikanolaiye.

Lamola said his visit was intended to reaffirm the long-standing relationship between both countries and discuss concerns over the violence directed at foreign nationals in South Africa.

He acknowledged Nigeria’s support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle. He described the assistance as a historic sacrifice that South Africans continue to appreciate.

“We remain deeply indebted to the people of Nigeria for their sacrifice,” Lamola said.

He also stated that President Ramaphosa’s administration rejects xenophobia, racism, discrimination, homophobia and every form of intolerance.

The minister, however, maintained that South Africa has the responsibility to enforce its immigration laws and tackle irregular migration as well as crimes such as drug trafficking, internet fraud and other offences.

Lamola added that migration has become a challenge across Africa. He said the issue requires collective action in line with the African Union’s framework on orderly and regular migration.

“We believe that Nigeria and South Africa have a shared responsibility to respond to these challenges within the African continent,” he said.

He noted that President Ramaphosa’s message to Tinubu would be discussed during a private meeting.

In his remarks, Enikanolaiye said President Tinubu directed the engagement to address the continued attacks on Nigerians in South Africa openly and sincerely.

He called on the South African government to take decisive steps to end what Nigeria described as repeated Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals. He warned that the violence could undermine decades of cooperation between Africa’s two biggest economies.

The minister disclosed that official records show 98 Nigerians have lost their lives in mob and hate-related attacks in South Africa since 2022.

He added that 5 Nigerians have been killed this year, although some returnees claimed the actual number could be higher.

Enikanolaiye stressed that Nigeria does not support criminal activities. He said anyone accused of an offence should face prosecution through the courts instead of mob action.

“Nigeria will not support drug traffickers or any criminal activity, but those accused of crimes must be treated in accordance with the rule of law, South Africa’s Constitution and international human rights standards,” he said.

He also noted that many victims of the attacks were lawful residents of South Africa. He questioned why security agencies failed to intervene in some cases. He said such incidents raise concerns about the protection of foreign nationals.

According to the minister, nearly 1,500 Nigerians have been repatriated from South Africa this year.

“I shed tears when I received the first batch of evacuees. I saw children, women and the elderly returning home with almost nothing after their properties had been looted and destroyed. That is not the Africa we want,” he said.

Enikanolaiye reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining cordial relations with South Africa. He expressed hope that both countries would deepen dialogue, rebuild mutual confidence and uphold the ideals of African solidarity.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Global oil prices declined sharply on Monday after the United States and Iran reportedly paused military attacks, easing concerns over supply disruptions that had pushed crude prices higher in recent weeks.

Brent crude, the international benchmark, fell by 6.76 per cent to $90.24 per barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) also recorded a 6.04 per cent decline, settling at $83.92 per barrel.

The drop followed reports that both countries had agreed to halt attacks over the weekend after nearly two weeks of hostilities.

Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, said President Donald Trump had decided to suspend US military action against Iran to create room for diplomatic engagement.

“He’s giving talks some space, he’s ⁠giving it a little bit of room,” Waltz said.

Reuters also reported that a senior Iranian official confirmed Tehran would stop its attacks as long as the United States maintains the ceasefire.

The latest decline comes days after Brent crude climbed to $100 per barrel on July 23 following reports of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea.

The earlier surge in crude prices triggered fresh increases in petrol prices across Nigeria.

On July 23, Dangote Petroleum Refinery raised its ex-gantry price of petrol from ₦1,075 per litre to ₦1,215 per litre. The refinery also resumed the sale of petrol in naira.

Earlier, on July 16, fuel importers had proposed an increase in the depot price of petrol from ₦1,230 per litre to ₦1,350 per litre.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has warned Russia and China against providing military assistance to Iran, saying such a move would not be in the interests of either country.

Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping had assured him that their governments were neither supplying weapons to Tehran nor taking part in the conflict involving the United States and Israel.

According to the U.S. president, it would be “certainly not in their best interests” for either Russia or China to arm Iran.

His comments followed earlier Western intelligence reports that alleged Russia had supplied Iran with drones, food and medical supplies. China was also reported to have been considering the delivery of air defence systems to Tehran.

In a post on social media, Trump said Xi had given him assurances during their recent meeting in Beijing that China would not provide military equipment to Iran.

He said the Chinese leader told him that Beijing would not sell or transfer weapons to the Islamic Republic under any circumstances.

Trump also said Putin made a similar commitment despite Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. According to him, the Russian president stated that Moscow would not sell weapons to Iran.

The U.S. leader expressed confidence that neither country was currently providing military support to Tehran. He, however, cautioned that any reversal of that position would have serious consequences.

Trump added that although Russia and China are often linked to discussions about Iran, he did not believe either country was backing Tehran militarily because doing so would not serve their interests.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that Iran has executed more than 100 people over the past month, including three women. The development has drawn fresh concern from human rights organisations, which said repression in the country has intensified.

The reports said Iranian authorities resumed executions several weeks after hostilities with the United States and Israel began in March. The executions were reportedly part of efforts to suppress anti-government protests.

More than 50 people have also reportedly lost their lives over their participation in the demonstrations, which observers described as the largest wave of unrest since Iran’s Islamic leadership assumed power in 1979.

Analysts have warned that the number of executions could increase further following the collapse of efforts to secure a ceasefire.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Global oil prices surged past the $100-per-barrel mark on Thursday after reported attacks on oil tankers in the Red Sea heightened concerns over disruptions to international energy supplies.

Brent crude, the global benchmark, gained 6.9 percent to trade at $100.60 per barrel. United States West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude also rose by 5.63 percent to $91.72 per barrel.

Reuters reported that the rally followed attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement on two Saudi oil tankers. The incidents have raised fears over the security of oil shipments through the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, two of the world’s most strategic maritime routes.

The Houthi group confirmed that it carried out the operation against the two Saudi vessels. A Saudi news agency also reported that one of the tankers caught fire after it came under attack while sailing in the Red Sea.

The latest escalation came after the Iran-backed Houthis announced on Tuesday that they would target vessels transporting Saudi oil through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The group also declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, the United States military said on Wednesday that it conducted its 11th straight night of strikes on Iran.

The increase in crude oil prices could boost earnings for oil-producing countries such as Nigeria. However, it may also push up the cost of petroleum products and slow recent progress in easing inflation.

Reflecting the changing market conditions, Dangote Petroleum Refinery on Thursday raised its ex-gantry price of petrol from ₦1,075 to ₦1,215 per litre.

The refinery also resumed the sale of petrol in naira.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Global oil prices climbed sharply on Wednesday, with Brent crude rising above $95 per barrel for the first time in six weeks amid growing concerns over instability in the Middle East.

Market data showed that Brent crude gained 3.41 percent to close at $95.11 per barrel, its highest level since June 11. United States West Texas Intermediate (WTI) also recorded an increase of 3.11 percent, reaching $86.96 per barrel.

Analysts linked the rise in prices to fears of possible disruptions to major oil supply routes following the intensifying conflict between the United States and Iran. Concerns have also grown over threats to maritime activities by the Iran-backed Houthi group in Yemen.

On Wednesday, the US military announced that it had carried out attacks on Iran for an 11th consecutive night. The development came shortly after the Kuwaiti military reported that its air defence systems intercepted Iranian drones.

US President Donald Trump also warned Tehran against actions in the Strait of Hormuz, saying the United States would “bomb and destroy one bridge or power plant” whenever Iran targets ships passing through the strategic waterway.

The tension widened further on Tuesday after the Houthis threatened to attack vessels transporting Saudi oil through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia.

The increase in Brent crude prices could have implications for Nigeria, which relies heavily on imported petroleum products. Higher international oil prices may lead to an increase in local petrol prices if import costs continue to rise.

Reports had earlier indicated that oil marketers were considering an upward review of ex-depot petrol prices due to the rising cost of imported fuel cargoes.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has said the war involving the US, Israel and Iran has so far cost $37.5 billion, according to the latest official estimate released by the Pentagon.

Hegseth disclosed the figure on Tuesday during a hearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee. He appeared alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, to defend a proposed $1.5 trillion US defence budget. The request includes nearly $70 billion for military operations linked to the conflict with Iran.

“The estimate we have as of today is $37.5bn,” Hegseth said in response to a question from Democratic Senator Dick Durbin.

He explained that the estimate covers some operational and maintenance expenses through the end of September. However, he did not provide a detailed breakdown of the spending.

The latest estimate is about $8 billion higher than the $29 billion figure the administration of President Donald Trump announced in May.

Other estimates place the economic impact much higher. Moody’s Analytics, for example, has estimated that the war could cost the US economy as much as $150 billion after accounting for higher domestic energy prices and other indirect effects.

The hearing took place as hostilities between the US and Iran continued after a memorandum of understanding that had paused attacks since June 17 collapsed last week.

On Monday, Trump said Iran would “pay” after two US soldiers were killed over the weekend. In recent days, he has also threatened further military action, including strikes on Iranian energy facilities, bridges and a deeply buried nuclear-linked site known as Pickaxe Mountain.

The Pentagon said the conflict has also increased pressure on US weapons supplies.

Hegseth told lawmakers that additional funding would help “to expand production lines and accelerate delivery of high-demand munitions. We’re talking about solid rocket motors, JDAMs [Joint Direct Attack Munition], hypersonics, and counter-drone capabilities”.

He also warned that military readiness could suffer if Congress failed to approve the requested funding.

“Training in the future would have to be curtailed if we do not get our budget needs met and met urgently, and yes, some of that has to do with the current budget cycle and how things come together,” he said.

Democratic Senator Patty Murray criticised the broad spending proposal, which also includes funding for National Guard deployments in Washington, DC, military operations against suspected drug smugglers in the Caribbean and border security missions.

“So I’ll be blunt,” she said. “The truth is, your request does not make a lot of sense.”

By Agabi Charis 

Spain were crowned 2026 FIFA World Cup champions after edging Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a captivating final at New York New Jersey Stadium. Ferran Torres’ decisive strike in the 106th minute settled a tactical battle that showcased Spain’s discipline, defensive resilience and control, handing La Roja their second World Cup title. 

From the opening whistle, Spain looked the more complete side. They dominated possession, limited Argentina’s attacking opportunities and remained composed under pressure. While Lionel Messi and his teammates fought until the very end, Spain’s organisation and patience ultimately proved too much. Simply put, the better team on the night emerged victorious. 

Despite the heartbreak, Lionel Messi’s final World Cup campaign deserves enormous praise. The Argentine captain delivered one of the finest tournaments of his illustrious career, finishing with eight goals and four assists, inspiring Argentina to another World Cup final and reminding the football world why he remains one of the greatest players ever to grace the game. Though the trophy slipped away, his performances will be remembered for years to come. 

Spain’s triumph was reflected in the post-tournament awards. Midfield maestro Rodri was deservedly named the Player of the Tournament (Golden Ball) after orchestrating Spain’s midfield throughout the competition with intelligence, composure and leadership. At the other end of the age spectrum, teenage defender Pau Cubarsí claimed the Young Player of the Tournament award following a sensational campaign that saw Spain concede just one goal throughout the tournament. 

The final was also a celebration of football’s global appeal, with cameras frequently cutting to a host of celebrities in attendance. Among those spotted were Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Tom Cruise, Matt Damon and Luciana Damon, Tom Brady, Timothée Chalamet, Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union, James Harden, Draymond Green, Rob Gronkowski, Odell Beckham Jr., Lindsey Vonn, Kevin Hart, Julia Garner, Winnie Harlow and tennis star Carlos Alcaraz, while the historic halftime show featured performances from Shakira, Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS, Burna Boy and Jennifer Hudson. 

The 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered unforgettable moments from start to finish. Spain leave North America as worthy champions, Rodri leaves as the tournament’s outstanding player, Cubarsí announces himself as football’s brightest young defensive talent, and Lionel Messi bows out of World Cup football having once again produced a campaign worthy of his legendary status.

Agabi Chubiyojo Charis is a 300-Level student in Information and Media Studies at Yakubu Gowon University and is currently interning at IMPR. He can be reached via chubicharis@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United Nations (UN) has raised concerns over the growing sophistication of terrorist groups operating in northern Nigeria, West Africa and the Sahel. The organisation said the groups now rely on drones, advanced communication technology and cryptocurrencies to strengthen their activities.

The warning came during a briefing to the UN Security Council by Leonardo Simão, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, who also heads the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS).

Simão presented the Secretary-General’s latest report on developments in the region. The report covered the period from November 29, 2025, to June 30, 2026. The briefing took place as the Security Council reviewed the political, security and humanitarian situation across West Africa and the Sahel. It also followed the council’s decision to extend the mandate of UNOWAS until January 31, 2029.

According to Simão, terrorist groups have continued to improve their methods, which has made them more difficult to defeat.

“Armed groups are increasingly using drones, sophisticated communications and cryptocurrencies while coordinating operations across borders,” he said.


He noted that the activities of the groups are now closely linked with transnational organised crime. He said their objective is to gain territorial and economic control while undermining public confidence in state institutions.

“The problem is acute, especially in the central Sahel and northern Nigeria,” he said.


“Their actions intersect with transnational organised crime, and are aimed at consolidating territorial and economic control, erosion of public confidence in state authority, with serious damage to social cohesion.”


Simão also stated that Nigeria, Niger and Burkina Faso continue to suffer terrorist attacks, kidnappings and heavy civilian casualties.

He disclosed that about 6.8 million people have been displaced across the region, while another 1.28 million people are now refugees or asylum seekers. He added that women, children and young people remain the most affected because insecurity and inadequate funding have restricted humanitarian operations.

Despite the security challenges, Simão acknowledged some positive developments. He cited the reopening of the Kamba border crossing between Nigeria and Niger. He also referred to progress by the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission in implementing the 2002 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling on the two countries’ land and maritime boundary.

“These are some examples of regional efforts towards dialogue,” he said.


The UN official stressed that military action alone would not end terrorism. He urged governments across the region to address poverty and other socio-economic conditions that fuel violent extremism.

“Fighting poverty and vulnerability must therefore remain a common objective in the broader fight against terrorism. Regional actors are working hard to find solutions,” he said.


Simão also revealed that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has renewed efforts to operationalise its standby force, although funding constraints remain a major obstacle.