News

By Uzair Adam

A Sokoto-based cleric, Sheikh Musa Lukuwa, on Thursday led Eid al-Fitr prayers in his community, diverging from the officially announced date by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar.

The Daily Reality recalled that the Sultan had declared that the Shawwal moon was not sighted anywhere in Nigeria, directing Muslims to continue fasting and observe Eid on Friday.

Contrary to this position, Lukuwa gathered his followers at his Mabera mosque, where he conducted the Eid prayer in the morning.

Explaining his stance, the cleric said his decision was based on credible reports indicating that the crescent moon had been sighted in neighbouring Niger Republic.

According to him, confirmations from contacts across the border provided sufficient grounds to mark the end of Ramadan.

He noted that proximity should play a role in validating such reports, arguing that it would be inconsistent to accept moon sightings from distant Nigerian cities while dismissing those from a nearby country.

Lukuwa clarified that his action should not be interpreted as a rejection of the Sultan’s authority, emphasizing that he generally aligns with official directives.

However, he maintained that religious obligations require adherence to verified moon sightings, even when they conflict with central announcements.

He also alluded to earlier traditions in Nigeria, when prominent scholars like the late Abubakar Mahmoud Gummi were actively involved in moon sighting declarations before the process became unified under the Sultanate.

Residents familiar with the situation said the cleric had alerted his followers late Wednesday night about the reported sighting, instructing them to prepare for Eid prayers the next day.

This is not the first time Lukuwa has taken a different position on the timing of Eid, reflecting ongoing differences in interpretation regarding moon sighting within parts of the Muslim community.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

U.S. President Donald J. Trump has firmly denied any American participation in the recent Israeli attack on Iran’s South Pars gas field, the country’s largest gas facility. He also warned that Israel will not conduct further strikes on the site.

In a post on his Truth Social page, Trump said, “Israel, out of anger for what has taken place in the Middle East, has violently lashed out at a major facility known as South Pars Gas Field in Iran,” adding that “a relatively small section of the whole has been hit.”

He emphasized that “the United States knew nothing about this particular attack,” and made clear that “the country of Qatar was in no way, shape, or form, involved with it, nor did it have any idea that it was going to happen.”

Trump accused Iran of responding without full understanding of the situation, stating that Tehran “unjustifiably and unfairly attacked a portion of Qatar’s LNG Gas facility.”

The president further stated, “NO MORE ATTACKS WILL BE MADE BY ISRAEL pertaining to this extremely important and valuable South Pars Field,” unless Iran escalates tensions. He also warned that any future strikes on Qatar’s gas infrastructure could trigger a powerful response from the United States.

“If Qatar’s LNG facilities are hit again,” Trump said, “the United States of America, with or without the help or consent of Israel, will massively blow up the entirety of the South Pars Gas Field at an amount of strength and power that Iran has never seen or witnessed before.”

While highlighting the gravity of such action, he added, “I do not want to authorize this level of violence and destruction because of the long term implications that it will have on the future of Iran, but if Qatar’s LNG is again attacked, I will not hesitate to do so.”

South Pars represents the Iranian portion of the world’s largest natural gas deposit. Iran shares the resource with Qatar, a close U.S. ally that hosts America’s largest military base in the Gulf.

The ongoing conflict has seen Tehran target not only Israel but also U.S. diplomatic and military facilities in the Gulf, while warning neighboring countries against hosting attacks on Iran.

Earlier reports from SaharaReporters indicated that Qatar’s main gas production hub, Ras Laffan Industrial City, was struck by a missile fired from Iran. The attack caused extensive damage and prompted immediate emergency operations.

QatarEnergy confirmed in a statement, “that Ras Laffan Industrial City on Wedy was subject of missile attacks.” The company added, “emergency response teams were deployed immediately to contain the resulting fires, as extensive damage has been caused,” noting that “all personnel have been accounted for and no casualties have been reported at this time.” QatarEnergy also assured that it “will continue to communicate the latest available information.”

The Qatari Ministry of Defense said, “the State of Qatar was subjected today, Wednesday, to an attack involving (5) ballistic missiles launched from the Islamic Republic of Iran.” The ministry explained that “Our Armed Forces, by the grace of God, successfully intercepted (4) of the ballistic missiles, while one missile fell in Ras Laffan Industrial City, causing a fire.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed the enduring friendship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, emphasizing that the relationship will continue to grow. He made the remarks during a state banquet held in his honour at Windsor Castle.

Addressing the royal audience, President Tinubu said:
“It is a profound honour to stand before you today, representing the people of Nigeria as we reaffirm the enduring bonds of friendship, history, and shared purpose that have united our two nations for several centuries.”

He expressed deep appreciation to King Charles III and Queen Camilla for their hospitality, noting the warmth extended to him, his wife Oluremi, and the Nigerian delegation. Highlighting the historic nature of his visit, Tinubu remarked that he is the first Nigerian leader to speak at Windsor Castle, which has stood as a symbol of continuity for nearly a millennium.

“Nigeria and the United Kingdom have shared more than just history; our two nations share a vision of progress and resilience. Today, we continue that journey, committed to building a future rooted in partnership, mutual respect, and common values,” he said.

President Tinubu reflected on Britain’s contributions to democratic governance, citing the Magna Carta of 1215 and the works of thinkers like Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Edmund Burke. He also acknowledged the influence of British literary figures, including William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens, whose works have shaped the English language spoken worldwide.

“In Nigeria, elements of these traditions continue to inform the institutional foundations of our own republic,” he added, noting that Nigerian courts, parliamentary structures, and civil services draw inspiration from British models adapted to local contexts.

The President also highlighted the role of Nigerians living in the UK. “The Nigerian community in the United Kingdom has become one of the most dynamic diaspora communities worldwide. Nigerians contribute enormously to the vitality of this nation. Within the National Health Service, Nigerian doctors and nurses play an indispensable role in delivering healthcare,” he said. He further cited contributions in sports, mentioning rugby star Maro Itoje, footballers Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, and champion boxer Anthony Joshua.

Tinubu emphasized the strategic importance of the Commonwealth of Nations, underlining Nigeria’s commitment to the growth of the global community. He also addressed regional security challenges: “Our West African region faces complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel. Nigeria carries an enormous responsibility to help safeguard regional stability. In confronting these threats, partnership with the United Kingdom remains essential.”

Despite the challenges, the President expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future: “We are a nation of diverse and vibrant people, of young people dreaming big, of entrepreneurs with a global outlook, and of a hopeful people determined to realise their full potential.”

He paid tribute to the United Kingdom for providing refuge during Nigeria’s military dictatorship, recalling his personal experience: “Like many Nigerians involved in the pro-democracy struggle, I found safety here, and I recall that my residence was placed under Metropolitan Police surveillance for protection following threats from agents of the junta.”

Concluding his speech, President Tinubu proposed a toast:
“To the special bond between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, and to the bright future that we shall build together. God bless His Majesty The King. God bless Nigeria. God bless the United Kingdom. Thank you very much.”

United States President Donald Trump has criticised Israel’s recent strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field, as tensions escalate across the Middle East with retaliatory attacks hitting key energy facilities in several countries.

In a message shared by the White House on X early Thursday, Mr Trump stated that the United States had no involvement in the Israeli operation. He said, “Israel, out of anger for what has taken place in the Middle East has violently lashed out at a major facility known as South Pars Gas Field in Iran.”

He added that further attacks on the facility would not occur under certain conditions. According to him, “NO MORE ATTACKS WILL BE MADE BY ISRAEL pertaining to this extremely important and valuable South Pars Field…” unless Iran continues its strikes on Qatar.

The US president also condemned Iran’s response, which targeted gas infrastructure in Qatar. He warned that any additional assault on Qatar’s facilities would trigger severe consequences, including the destruction of “the entirety of the South Pars Gas Field.”

The developments follow reports that Iran launched missiles at the Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar. QatarEnergy confirmed that the strike caused fires and “extensive damage.” The company later disclosed that multiple liquefied natural gas facilities were hit, leading to “sizeable fires and extensive further damage.”

Authorities had evacuated the site earlier after Iran announced plans to strike several locations in the region. The move was described as retaliation for earlier attacks on the South Pars gas field, which Iran attributes to Israel and the United States. Washington has since denied any role in that incident.

Beyond Qatar, Iran extended its response to other parts of the region. Two refineries in Saudi Arabia were struck, while the Habshan gas facility in Abu Dhabi was also targeted. The United Arab Emirates subsequently shut down the affected facility.

There has been no official response from Iran regarding Mr Trump’s warning as of the time of filing this report.

Analysts say the latest attacks on critical energy infrastructure could deepen the global gas supply crisis. Prices of gas and other petroleum products have already climbed sharply since late February, when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran.

The ongoing conflict has claimed more than 1,500 lives, with most of the casualties reported in Iran.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH, marking the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.

According to a statement released by the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee, no credible reports of the new moon sighting were received from various committees across the country on Wednesday, March 18, which corresponded to the 29th day of Ramadan.

As a result, Thursday, March 19, will complete the 30 days of Ramadan, with the crescent of Shawwal officially sighted on Friday.

The Sultan, in the declaration, congratulated the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and urged them to continue praying for the nation’s peace, progress, and development.

He also extended his warm wishes for a happy and blessed Eid-el-Fitr celebration, praying that Allah accepts the religious deeds of the faithful.

The statement was signed by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States intelligence agencies have concluded that Iran has not resumed efforts to rebuild its nuclear enrichment programme following the destruction of key facilities in a joint US-Israeli strike in June 2025. The finding contrasts with President Donald Trump’s justification for his ongoing military campaign.

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard disclosed the assessment in a written submission presented during an annual threat review before the Senate intelligence committee. However, she did not repeat the position while addressing lawmakers in person.

“As a result of Operation Midnight Hammer, Iran’s nuclear enrichment program was obliterated. There has been no efforts since then to try to rebuild their enrichment capability,” Gabbard said in the testimony to the Senate intelligence committee.

When questioned by a Democratic senator over the omission during the hearing, Gabbard explained that time constraints prevented her from reading the full statement. She did not dispute the conclusion.

President Trump has consistently defended the February 28 strike on Iran, which was carried out alongside Israel. He cited what he described as an “imminent threat.” After the 2025 bombing, Trump stated that Iran’s nuclear facilities had been completely destroyed. More recently, he has claimed that Tehran was close to producing a nuclear weapon. That position is not widely supported by analysts and comes amid ongoing negotiations over a possible nuclear agreement.

Meanwhile, a senior aide to Gabbard stepped down on Tuesday. The official said there was no “imminent threat” and argued that Trump had been misinformed by both Israel and sections of the media.

In her remarks to senators, Gabbard noted that Iran had suffered significant damage in recent weeks of attacks. The strikes included the killing of longtime supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Despite this, she said the country’s governing system remains in place.

The US intelligence community “assesses the regime in Iran to be intact but largely degraded due to attacks on its leadership and military capabilities,” Gabbard said.

She added that if the current leadership remains, it may attempt to rebuild over time.

“If a hostile regime survives, it will likely seek to begin a years-long effort to rebuild its military, missiles, and UAV forces,” Gabbard said.

The number of ISWAP fighters killed during a failed attempt to overrun a military position in Malam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State, has increased to 75. Security analysts have described the outcome as one of the most significant recent setbacks for the group.

According to Zagazola Makama, a security expert, initial figures had placed the death toll at 61 after troops of Operation Hadin Kai, with support from the Nigerian Air Force, responded to the attack. Fresh battlefield reviews and follow-up clearance operations now show that at least 75 insurgents were eliminated. Several others are believed to have fled with serious injuries.

The incident took place in the early hours of Wednesday when ISWAP fighters advanced on foot toward the 68 Battalion base. They reportedly used armed drones in a bid to break through the defence. The movement, which came from the Duguri axis toward the Bravo Company position, was quickly identified and repelled.

Military sources linked the success of the defence to strong coordination between ground forces and air support. They noted that this reflects improved joint operations in the North-East counter-insurgency campaign.

Air components carried out four targeted strikes on routes used by the attackers to withdraw. These strikes disrupted their movement and reduced their fighting strength. Sustained aerial pressure forced the fighters into a disorganised retreat toward the Arege axis.

Additional air support from the Niger Republic targeted fleeing insurgents. Although a full assessment is still ongoing, security sources said the joint effort contributed to the higher casualty figure.

Troops also recovered a significant quantity of weapons and ammunition from the scene, a development expected to further limit the group’s activities around the Lake Chad area.

On the side of the military, four soldiers suffered minor injuries and have received treatment.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has confirmed that the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, will lead the 2026 Eid-el-Fitr Durbar in the state.

The government said the decision was approved by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf following intelligence reports suggesting that some individuals might attempt to cause unrest during the Sallah celebrations.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, said the government remains committed to preserving Kano’s cultural heritage while prioritising peace and security across the state.

He explained that the Hawan Idi (Eid Durbar) would be conducted by Emir Sanusi from the Kofar Mata Eid Ground through designated routes to Gidan Shettima, ending at Kofar Fatalwa of the emir’s palace.

According to him, Hawan Nasarawa will take place in a modified format without horseback displays, while Hawan Daushe, Hawan Fanisau and Hawan Dorayi have been suspended temporarily in the interest of public safety.

The commissioner added that security agencies had been directed to intensify surveillance and ensure strict compliance with the directives before, during and after the festive period.

He urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding and to cooperate with security agencies, while also warning against the spread of unverified information.

The government further assured the public of its commitment to ensuring a peaceful and hitch-free Sallah celebration and wished Muslims in the state a joyous Eid-el-Fitr.

By Uzair Adam

Twenty-eight Islamic and social organisations in Kano State have received food items and cash support from the state government to assist thousands of residents during the Ramadan period.

The Daily Reality reports that the items were presented to representatives of the organisations during the “Kano First End of Ramadan Support” programme held at the Government House in Kano on Monday.

The initiative, organised by the Kano State Government, is aimed at enabling the groups to support their members and other vulnerable persons observing the Ramadan fast.

Officials said the intervention is expected to reach more than 6,000 beneficiaries across the state, drawn largely from vulnerable groups including women, youth and other less-privileged members of society.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented at the event by the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Sheikh Tijjani Auwal, said the intervention reflects the administration’s commitment to supporting residents, particularly during the holy month.

“The Ramadan period is a time of compassion, charity and reflection. This support is part of our government’s effort to ease the burden on families and ensure that more people benefit during the fasting period,” Auwal said.

He further noted that the state government has established about 160 Ramadan feeding centres across Kano, where around 1,000 people benefit daily from prepared meals to break their fast.

He said the initiative is expected to reach about 1.5 million beneficiaries throughout the Ramadan period.

He urged the beneficiary organisations to continue praying for peace, unity and sustained development in Kano State and the country at large.

Speaking during the programme, the Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Alhaji Abduljabbar Muhammad Umar, said the initiative was designed to strengthen collaboration between the government and religious as well as community-based organisations.

“This support is meant to complement the efforts of religious and social groups that are already working to assist the less privileged in our communities,” he said.

He explained that each beneficiary would receive one bag of rice, one carton of noodles and a cash support of N20,000 during the distribution exercise.

According to him, the programme is being conducted over two days, with about 3,480 beneficiaries receiving support on the first day, while an additional 2,600 people were expected to benefit on the second day, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 6,080.

Umar added that the initiative involves the distribution of over 21,000 bags of rice and more than 21,000 cartons of noodles, alongside cash assistance, as part of efforts to cushion the impact of economic hardship on vulnerable residents.

Some of the organisations that benefited from the intervention include the Kano State Council of Imams, Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah, Jama’atul Nasril Islam, the Kano State Hisbah Board and the Zakkat and Hubsi Commission.

Others are the Council of Qur’anic and Islamiyya Schools, Fityanul Islam First Aid Group, the Nigerian Association of the Blind (Kano chapter), the Association of the Deaf, as well as groups representing widows, divorcees and orphans.

The Commander-General of the Kano State Hisbah Board, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked the state government for the gesture.

“This intervention has come at the right time. It will go a long way in supporting many families during the Ramadan fast,” Daurawa said.

Meanwhile, the distribution exercise continued on Tuesday with additional community groups receiving the support under the programme.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by his Political Adviser, Alhaji Hamza Buhari, commended the Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning for initiating the intervention aimed at supporting vulnerable residents and community organisations.

He said the programme would help ease economic hardship for many families and strengthen solidarity among residents during the Ramadan period.

Officials said the intervention involved the distribution of food items and cash support valued at over N42 million.

Among the groups that benefited on the second day were APC Media Forum, APC Marshals, APC Youth and Women groups, Kano First Movement, Abba Door-to-Door supporters and the Kannywood association.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Fire Service says a fire outbreak caused by an electric spark destroyed parts of three residential buildings and an electrical transformer site in Gaida area near Fatima Bread in Kumbotso Local Government Area.

The agency’s Public Relations Officer, Saminu Yusif Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, noting that the fire service received a distress call at about 11:05 a.m. on Tuesday from a resident, Aminu Bello, reporting the incident.

Abdullahi said firefighters from the agency’s headquarters, as well as Sharada and Rijiyar Zaki fire stations, were immediately deployed to the scene to contain the blaze.

According to him, when the firefighters arrived, they discovered that an open space measuring about 50 by 50 feet, which serves as an electrical transformer site, had already been engulfed by fire.

He explained that the fire later spread to old wooden ceilings and three nearby residential buildings. The first building, a ground-floor structure measuring about 30 by 25 feet and used as a dwelling house with one room, a parlour and a toilet, was fully ablaze.

The statement further noted that the second building, a one-storey house measuring about 30 by 30 feet and consisting of a bedroom, kitchen and toilet, had its upper floor severely affected by the fire.

A third ground-floor building of about 30 by 30 feet, containing two rooms and a toilet, was also caught up in the blaze.

The fire service said preliminary findings showed that the incident was caused by an electric spark.

Meanwhile, the Director of the Kano State Fire Service, Sani Anas, urged residents to take preventive measures against fire outbreaks.

He advised the public to avoid open flames in residential areas and to ensure the proper handling and maintenance of electrical appliances.