News

US President Donald J. Trump has renewed his long-standing claim that he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize, arguing that his actions strengthened NATO and prevented wider war in Europe.

In a social media post, Trump said Norway—a NATO member and host country of the Nobel Peace Prize committee—“foolishly” failed to award him the prize, despite what he described as ending multiple wars and forcing NATO allies to increase defence spending. He claimed his leadership deterred Russia and elevated U.S. global standing.

Trump concluded by asserting that NATO depends primarily on American military strength, crediting his presidency for rebuilding U.S. power and saving millions of lives.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Members of the Super Eagles, alongside their technical crew, have declined to proceed to Marrakech following unresolved issues concerning unpaid bonuses.

The development was disclosed by BBC Africa journalist, Oluwashina Okeleji, who is currently in Morocco.Nigeria are scheduled to face Algeria in the quarter-final fixture of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday evening.

However, reliable information indicates that the team is yet to receive their entitlements for the four matches they have contested so far in the competition.

The Super Eagles secured victories over Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda during the group stage. The team also recorded a 4–0 win against Mozambique in the Round of 16.

Following the situation, the players and their coaches have resolved to suspend all travel and training activities until the matter of the unpaid bonuses is addressed.

The decision has now cast uncertainty over Nigeria’s preparations ahead of the crucial encounter against Algeria.

By Maryam Ahmad

The military government of Burkina Faso says it has thwarted a plot to assassinate President Ibrahim Traore and destabilise the country.

Security Minister Mahamadou Sana said the alleged plot was masterminded by former national leader Paul-Henri Damiba, who was ousted by Captain Traore in a 2022 coup. He claimed the plan was financed from the Ivory Coast.

There has been no immediate comment from the Ivorian authorities or from Lieutenant-Colonel Damiba regarding the allegations.

Captain Traore’s government has reported several attempted coups since he took power, repeatedly accusing Ivory Coast of involvement, claims which Abidjan has previously denied.

By Anwar Usman

Sokoto State Hisbah Board has shutdown a hotel in the state capital over allegations of accommodating underage girls on its premises.

The incidence was confirmed by the Deputy Commander General of the board, Prof. Abubakar Usman Ribah, on Tuesday, saying that the action followed repeated violations by the hotel despite earlier warnings.

Ribah said the hotel was found to have breached regulations prohibiting the lodging of underage persons, describing the act as contrary to the moral and legal standards upheld by the board.

He stated that, the hotel had previously been cautioned and had also entered into an agreement with the Hisbah Board and other hotel operators in the state not to allow underage children to stay in their facilities.

“This is the second time such an offence has been recorded at the Executive Hotel, despite previous warnings and assurances by the management to desist from the practice,” he said.

He further explained that the decision to shut down the hotel was taken due to its failure to comply with the board’s directives and the conditions agreed upon during engagements with hotel owners across the state.

Riba further reiterated the board’s unwavering commitment to enforcing laws and would continue to enforce its regulations in line with the state’s religious and cultural values, emphasising that such measures were necessary to maintain public order and morality.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A suspected missile warhead has been discovered in a bush in the Zugurma area of Mashegu Local Government, Niger State.

The device was found by local residents on Monday afternoon, who immediately alerted security forces. Authorities have cordoned off the area.

Confirming the incident, Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, stated that the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit has been deployed to the scene for investigation and safe recovery.

“The item is under investigation and further development will be made public,” Abiodun said.

While unconfirmed local sources speculated the object could be a Tomahawk missile warhead linked to U.S. military operations, official identification is pending the EOD unit’s assessment.

Security forces are currently securing the area.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A directive from BBC News editors instructing journalists not to describe the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as a “kidnapping” has sparked controversy, placing the broadcaster at odds with U.S. President Donald Trump’s own terminology.

Socialist commentator Owen Jones revealed an internal BBC memo on X, which stated that while journalists could use “captured” (if attributed to U.S. sources) or “seized,” they must “Avoid using ‘Kidnapped.’

“This editorial guidance clashes with comments from President Trump. When asked about Venezuelan Interim President Delcy Rodríguez’s use of the term “kidnapping” for Maduro’s detention, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, “It’s alright. It’s not a bad term.”

Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, pleaded not guilty in a New York court to narco-terrorism and cocaine importation conspiracy charges.

During the hearing, Maduro declared he was “kidnapped” and “a prisoner of war,” while Flores asserted her status as Venezuela’s first lady.

Following the operation, Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s former vice president, was sworn in as Venezuela’s new leader in Caracas. Trump asserted the U.S. was now “in charge” of Venezuela, warning its interim government to cooperate or pay a “very big price.”

By Ibrahim Yunusa

The World Council of Churches (WCC) has called on the European Union to impose sanctions and an arms embargo on Israel, citing what it described as a “war of genocide” in Gaza and an ongoing pogrom against Palestinians in the West Bank.

Speaking on Tuesday, Iskandar Majlton, a local coordinator of the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel a WCC-affiliated initiative said the council was deeply shocked by the relentless violence and human suffering unfolding in the region.

Majlton emphasized that the WCC’s position is grounded in international law and human rights, condemning all attacks on civilians regardless of the source. He described the situation in Gaza as an “unprecedented humanitarian disaster,” with thousands killed mostly women and children and nearly the entire population displaced amid destruction, hunger, and disease.

He further stressed that the ongoing crisis did not begin in October 2023 but is rooted in decades of occupation, the blockade of Gaza, and structural inequality, urging global actors to address the deeper causes behind the cycle of violence.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a direct order to the nation’s security chiefs to track down and bring to justice the terrorists responsible for the deadly attack on Kasuwan Daji community in Niger State.

He also mandated the urgent rescue of all abducted victims. The directive, given on Sunday, follows reports that terrorists, possibly fleeing from military pressure in Sokoto and Zamfara states, carried out the assault, killing villagers and kidnapping women and children.

President Tinubu strongly condemned the attack, extending his heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and the people of Niger State.”These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people.

They must, therefore, face the full consequences of their criminal actions,” the President declared. “No matter who they are or what their intent is, they must be hunted down.”

He warned that not only the perpetrators, but also their accomplices, would be caught.

The President assured Niger State residents that security operations would be intensified around vulnerable communities, especially those near forest areas used as criminal hideouts.

Calling for national unity, Tinubu urged citizens to remain resolute and avoid divisive rhetoric that could undermine security.

“These times demand our humanity. We must stand together as one people and confront these monsters in unison,” he said, emphasizing the goal to reclaim peace and security in the affected communities.

The orders were issued to the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, all Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS).

By Anwar Usman

No fewer than thirty people are feared dead as a canoe capsized in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

An eye witness revealed that the incident happened Saturday evening when the canoe conveying passengers from Garbi village, Nguru local government of Yobe state to Adiyani village of Guri Local Government of Jigawa State mishaped He said sixteen people died, fourteen still missing while people were able to rescue ten.

When contacted, SP. Lawan Shiisu Adam, the police public relations officer in the state confirmed the incident saying, “On Saturday evening around 7pm there was a report of a capsized Canoe at Adiyani village of Guri Local. The incident happened when the canoe carrying about forty passengers capsized.

“Sixteen people were reported dead, ten rescued, while fourteen are still missing after a canoe capsized in Adiyani village, Guri LGA.”

He said that personel on rescue mission are still going on to find the missing bodies while investigating is ongoing on the cause of the incident.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Governor Alex Otti has signed the Senior Citizens Bill into law to improve the welfare of elderly residents in Abia State. The legislation forms part of a broader set of executive bills recently assented to by the governor.

The new law establishes a framework to support senior citizens aged 60 and above, granting them access to monthly stipends, free medical care, and other social welfare benefits. The initiative is designed to enhance the quality of life of older persons and provide sustained social protection.

The policy has been widely commended by stakeholders and civil society groups, who describe it as a progressive step toward inclusive governance and social responsibility. Government officials say implementation modalities are being developed to ensure the effective and transparent delivery of benefits.

Governor Otti’s action reflects his administration’s commitment to social reforms and the strengthening of welfare systems for vulnerable groups in the state.