International

By Muhammad Abubakar

The world’s foremost body of genocide experts has declared that Israel’s military campaign in Gaza meets the legal definition of genocide.

In a resolution issued this week, the International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) urged Israel to “immediately cease all acts that constitute genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity against Palestinians in Gaza.”

The association cited starvation, the blocking of humanitarian aid, and forced displacement among the practices that, in its view, fulfill the criteria set out under international law.

The resolution adds to growing international pressure as civilian casualties and a deepening humanitarian crisis continue to draw condemnation from human rights groups and global leaders.

By Muhammad Abubakar

A new survey published by The New York Post has revealed that more than 60 per cent of Generation Z in the United States sympathise with Hamas over Israel in the ongoing conflict.

The findings highlight a significant generational divide in perspectives on the Middle East, with younger Americans expressing stronger support for Palestinians compared to older demographics who largely align with Israel.

Analysts suggest that Gen Z’s views may be shaped by social media narratives, human rights advocacy, and growing criticism of U.S. foreign policy in the region. The data underscores shifting attitudes that could have long-term implications for American politics and international relations.

The survey has sparked debate across the political spectrum, with some commentators arguing that the results reflect rising awareness of Palestinian suffering, while others warn of increasing radicalisation among youth.

By Muhammad Abubakar

A U.S. congressional committee is investigating the Wikimedia Foundation, demanding it hand over data on contributors who edited articles critical of Israel, a move the nonprofit is calling an “act of government overreach.”

The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability claims the probe is necessary to examine “potential misinformation and anti-Israel bias” on the online encyclopedia. 

In a letter to the foundation, lawmakers requested internal communications and, crucially, the identifying information of volunteer editors.

The Wikimedia Foundation has vowed to reject the request for user data. “We will not comply,” a foundation spokesperson stated, arguing the demand jeopardises free speech, privacy, and the project’s neutral model. 

Digital rights groups have also condemned the investigation, calling it an attempt to intimidate and identify anonymous critics.

The standoff sets the stage for a significant legal battle over congressional power, free speech, and the independence of digital platforms.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The BBC has suspended Aliyu Tanko, the editor of its Hausa Service, due to bullying allegations, and has refused his resignation attempt.

Tanko, who took charge of the service in 2020, was handed a three-month suspension after former staffer Halima Umar Saleh accused him of mistreatment. The BBC has now launched a full investigation, with a team flown in from London to Abuja.

Sources say Tanko tried to resign a day after his suspension, but the corporation refused, insisting he must follow due process — either serve a two-month notice period or pay in lieu.

In an interview with Daily Nigerian, Tanko confirmed that he had resigned but declined to comment on the allegations. Attempts to reach him directly were unsuccessful.

Halima Umar, now a Senior Digital Editor at TRT Africa, had earlier spoken out in an interview with Arewa24, alleging Tanko maltreated her during her BBC days. The clip was later pulled down, sparking debate on social media.

BBC Hausa, with more than 40 staff across Nigeria and beyond, is the corporation’s biggest African language service. It reaches over 23 million weekly radio listeners and drives 10 million website visits. 

Under Tanko’s leadership, the service rolled out hit shows like Daga Bakin Mai Ita, Ku San Malamanku, and Mahangar Zamani.

Mohammad Qaddam Sidq Isa (Daddy) 

The recent revelation that three Nigerians, recently detained by Saudi authorities on allegations of drug trafficking, had been framed by an international drug trafficking syndicate operating at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) further confirms the persistence of such nefarious activities, bringing to mind a similar scandal in 2019 that nearly cost an innocent woman her life in the Kingdom. 

The syndicate’s modus operandi begins by targeting unsuspecting travellers at MAKIA who appear to have little or no experience in international air travel protocols. 

Exploiting the fact that such travellers rarely turn up at the airport check-in counter with enough luggage to take up their full luggage allowance, if they are even aware of it, the syndicate members covertly tag and check in drug-containing luggage under the travellers’ names.

On arrival in Jeddah or Madinah, the syndicate’s Saudi-based Nigerian accomplices monitor the luggage processing. If the bags make it through undetected, they somehow manage to claim them, sometimes with, and other times without, the traveller’s knowledge or involvement.

However, if the bags are flagged, the accomplices vanish, leaving the unsuspecting travellers to be apprehended and subjected to the Kingdom’s strict judicial system, where drug trafficking can carry the ultimate punishment: public beheading.

Despite Nigerian authorities’ assurances since the 2019 scandal that all structural and operational loopholes exploited by the syndicate had been addressed, the latest incident demonstrates that these measures were insufficient. It also underscores the growing notoriety of the otherwise reputable MAKIA as a hub for international drug trafficking syndicates specialising in framing unsuspecting travellers. 

If organised crime of this sophistication can occur at the relatively less corruption-prone MAKIA, one can only imagine what might be happening at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos or Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. 

Only Allah knows how many innocent people, framed in this way and too unlucky for their ordeals to be publicised or their innocence to be proven, ended up publicly beheaded in Saudi Arabia. 

Although the Nigerian government has assured that it will leave no stone unturned to secure the exoneration of these innocent Nigerians currently facing drug trafficking charges in Saudi Arabia, it should not take the situation for granted. 

Meanwhile, it should also take decisive action to address this menace at MAKIA and other airports across the country. After all, the few individuals apprehended may represent only a fraction of the culprits, with many others likely still out there.

Mohammad Qaddam Sidq Isa (Daddy) wrote via mohammadsidq@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The African Union (AU) has officially endorsed the Equal Earth map projection this month, marking a shift away from traditional world maps that many critics say distort the size of Africa and other regions in the Global South.

Developed in 2018 by cartographers Tom Patterson, Bernhard Jenny, and Bojan Šavrič, the Equal Earth projection aims to present landmasses in their true proportions while maintaining a visually appealing shape. Unlike the widely used Mercator projection, which significantly shrinks Africa relative to Europe and North America, the Equal Earth map shows the continent’s actual scale.

“The Equal Earth map restores dignity to Africa’s representation,” said an AU spokesperson. “It reflects the continent’s real size and importance in the world.”

Supporters argue that adopting the Equal Earth projection will help challenge Eurocentric biases in education, media, and policy discussions. The AU plans to encourage member states to introduce the map in schools and official publications.

Cartographers say the Equal Earth map strikes a balance between scientific accuracy and accessibility, offering a fairer perspective of the world’s geography.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Chadian authorities have arrested Muslim Muhammad Yusuf, identified as the son of Boko Haram’s late founder, Muhammad Yusuf. Muslim, believed to be 18 or 19 years old, was captured along with five others while leading an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) cell.

Analyst Bulama Bukarti confirmed Muslim’s identity after speaking with family friends and relatives, who said he is the son of Bintu, Muhammad Yusuf’s first wife. His arrest reportedly followed a tip-off from Nigerian intelligence.

The development comes in the same week Nigeria announced the capture of two top leaders of Ansaru, a Boko Haram offshoot, and the head of the Mahmuda Group, active in parts of North Central Nigeria.

Security experts describe the arrest as a turning point, marking the first time a major faction leader has been taken alive. They warn, however, that Nigerian authorities must now focus on dismantling bandit groups wreaking havoc in the North West and North Central regions.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

The Ulama Forum in Nigeria has condemned the reported Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Government and the State of Israel on security cooperation, describing it as “a dangerous and insensitive diplomatic move.”

In a statement signed by its Convener, Aminu Inuwa Muhammad, and Secretary, Engr. Basheer Adamu Aliyu, the Forum accused the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, of unilaterally engaging Israel despite global outrage over its alleged genocide against Palestinians.

“At a time when the world of conscience is against Israel, Nigeria should be at the forefront of supporting South Africa’s genocide case at the International Court of Justice, not courting a state increasingly isolated for human rights violations,” the statement read.

The Forum warned that involving Israel in Nigeria’s internal security would erode national sovereignty, risk human rights abuses, and entrench dependence on foreign powers. It argued that “internal security issues require homegrown solutions that prioritise community engagement, social cohesion, and inclusive governance.”

Instead of seeking external assistance, the group urged the government to strengthen security institutions, address poverty and corruption, and ensure justice for offenders. It further called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to “call the erring minister to order” in the interest of national unity and public sensitivity.

The Forum reaffirmed its confidence in Nigeria’s security personnel and pledged continued prayers for “Allah’s guidance and support to our gallant forces.”

By Muhammad Abubakar

In a stunning act of political defiance, nine Dutch ministers have resigned en masse, declaring they could not be complicit in what they described as the “silent endorsement of a humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza.

The resignations have sent shockwaves through the Netherlands’ political establishment, shaking the foundations of the coalition government and igniting fierce debate across Europe. In their fiery joint statement, the departing ministers condemned the West’s “selective morality” and accused their own government of “turning a blind eye to mass suffering.”

Crowds gathered outside parliament in The Hague to applaud the move, with activists hailing it as an unprecedented moral stand in modern European politics. Critics, however, warned the resignations could plunge the government into chaos at a time of deepening international tensions.

“This is not about politics; it is about conscience,” one of the resigning ministers declared. “History will not forgive silence in the face of Gaza’s devastation.”

Analysts say the mass resignation marks a rare moment where political survival has been sacrificed for principle—an act many believe will reverberate far beyond Dutch borders.

By Uzair Adam 

The Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), in collaboration with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre and the Al-Balsam Association from Saudi Arabia, has successfully conducted free open-heart surgeries for patients in Kano.

Speaking to journalists about the development, the Head of the Cardiothoracic Surgery Unit at AKTH and team lead for the local medical team, Dr. Jamil Ismail Ahmad, said the initiative has brought relief to many patients who cannot afford treatment abroad.

“Normally, open-heart surgery costs between eight to ten million naira in Nigeria. But here, patients are getting it almost free of charge. 

“Outside the country, it would cost between 25 to 30 million naira, including logistics. This partnership is therefore very important,” Dr. Ahmad explained.

He noted that patients with heart diseases who require surgery but have no high-risk complications are usually considered for the program, stressing that safety remains a top priority.

“Some patients are excluded because their cases were neglected for too long, and operating on them would be too risky. Our key watchword is safety — we want to ensure that after surgery, patients are in much better condition than before,” he said.

Dr. Ahmad commended the partnership with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, describing it as highly supportive in both service delivery and local capacity building.

“Such collaborations are important globally, not only for providing services but also for building local capacity. The visiting team shares its expertise, which enhances our training and helps us sustain these services,” he added.

On patient outcomes, he revealed that survival rates in previous missions with the same team ranged between 80 and 90 per cent, and similar results are expected this time.

Dr. Ahmad also called on the government, philanthropists, and the private sector to support such initiatives, noting that investment in infrastructure, human resource training, and collaboration would strengthen healthcare delivery.

On his part, Dr. Abdullah, the team leader of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, emphasised the challenges of delivering such care in underserved regions like Nigeria, Sudan, and Yemen.

“Patients often present late because they were neglected for years. Some should have undergone surgery 10 or 20 years ago before developing complications that now make operations riskier. 

The best approach is continuous local services and proper screening. This saves lives and is more cost-effective than patients spending millions abroad in Europe, India, or North Africa,” he said.

He disclosed that so far, five patients had undergone surgery in Kano, with plans for six more cases in the following days. 

Dr. Abdullah praised the dedication of AKTH staff, including doctors, nurses, technicians, blood bank staff, and even cleaners, saying their support was crucial to the success of the program.

One of the beneficiaries’ relatives, Fatima Muhammad, expressed gratitude, saying her family could not have afforded the surgery if they had been asked to pay.