News

By Anwar Usman

The President of the United States on Monday held “very good” talks with an unidentified Iranian official after abruptly shelving plans for fresh attacks, even as Washington’s ally Israel vowed to keep up strikes on the Islamic republic.

The surprise disclosure  denied by Tehran, which accused Trump of manipulating energy markets came ahead of a Monday night deadline imposed by Trump for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz shipping lane or see the US “obliterate” its power plants.

Ghalibaf said on X that “no negotiations” were underway, insisting Trump was seeking “to manipulate the financial and oil markets and escape the quagmire in which the US and Israel are trapped.”

Oil prices fell and stock markets jumped as observers scrambled to interpret Trump’s statements despite the Iranian denial.

AFP reports that, the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said messages were received from “some friendly countries indicating a US request for negotiations aimed at ending the war”, but denied any such talks had taken place, Iran’s official IRNA agency reported.

In response, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had spoken to Trump and acknowledged the US thought a deal was possible, but vowed to continue striking Iran and Lebanon to protect Israel.

“Trump believes there is a chance to leverage the tremendous achievements of the IDF and the US military in order to realize the war’s objectives in an agreement — an agreement that will safeguard our vital interests,” he said.

“At the same time, we continue to strike both in Iran and in Lebanon.”

Although Oman mediated indirect US-Iran talks prior to the US and Israel launching the war, Egypt, Qatar and Pakistan have been suggested as alternative go-betweens.

On a day of whiplash developments, Iran’s neighbors breathed a sigh of relief after Trump stepped back from his threat to target Iranian power infrastructure.

Tehran had vowed to deploy naval mines and target power and water infrastructure across the region in retaliation, threatening to escalate an energy crisis of already historic proportions.

“Trump blinked first — out of a clear understanding that striking Iran’s energy infrastructure would trigger a direct and significant retaliation,” Danny Citrinowicz, a security analyst and former Israeli intelligence Iran expert, wrote on X.

Trump said his administration was holding talks with an unidentified “top person,” but not the country’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who is believed to be injured.

“We’ve wiped out the leadership phase one, phase two, and largely phase three. But we’re dealing with the man who I believe is the most respected and the leader,” Trump said.

He described the individual as “very reasonable,” while warning if talks failed in the next five days, “we’ll just keep bombing our little hearts out.”

Thousands of US Marines are headed to the Middle East, reinforcing America’s presence amid weekend speculation Trump was mulling ground operations either to seize Iranian oil assets or to forcibly reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Iran’s foreign ministry has dismissed US President Donald Trump’s claim of “productive” talks to end hostilities, suggesting the remarks aim to calm energy markets and gain time for military planning.

On Monday, Trump announced that Washington and Tehran had held “VERY GOOD AND PRODUCTIVE” conversations over the past two days about a “COMPLETE AND TOTAL RESOLUTION OF HOSTILITIES IN THE MIDDLE EAST”. He added that he had instructed the US Department of War to postpone all strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five-day period. This announcement came just hours before the deadline of his ultimatum demanding that Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning that failure to comply would result in Tehran being “obliterated.”

Iran’s foreign ministry rejected the notion of direct negotiations with the US. It stated that while regional countries had initiated efforts to reduce tensions, “all requests should be directed towards the US as we did not initiate the war.”

Citing an unnamed source, Iran’s Fars news agency reported that Trump delayed military action after learning that Iran would respond by targeting all power plants in the region. The source also indicated that Tehran could lay mines across the Persian Gulf if the US proceeded with attacks on the country’s coast or islands.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has intensified pressure on Trump. The vital waterway is a major conduit for oil, and its disruption has caused energy prices to surge since hostilities escalated in late February.

In London, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed Trump’s announcement to delay strikes. His official spokesman said: “Any reports of productive talks are welcome. We have always said that a swift resolution to the war is in global interests and the Strait of Hormuz specifically needs to be reopened.”

The spokesman added that the UK was in contact with the US about the situation and had discussed safeguarding international shipping. “It has been something the prime minister has talked about since the beginning of this conflict, that we want to work with the US and international partners to develop a viable plan to safeguard international shipping and see an end to this crisis,” he said.

Financial markets responded to Trump’s announcement with modest optimism. Analysts warn, however, that prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz will continue to drive energy prices upward, potentially prompting multiple interest rate increases in the UK. Rising costs are expected to affect transport, fuel, and production, increasing inflationary pressures.

Meanwhile, Israel’s military confirmed fresh strikes on “Iranian terror regime targets” in Tehran, and Iranian sources stressed that the country would continue to respond and defend its territory. According to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, “the Strait of Hormuz will not return to pre-war conditions and energy markets will remain unsettled,” and no direct negotiations with the US are underway.

Trump’s announcement of a temporary pause came as he described ongoing discussions with Iran as “very good and productive,” aimed at achieving a “complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East.”

“Based on the tenor and tone of these in depth, detailed, and constructive conversations, witch [sic] will continue throughout the week, I have instructed the Department of War to postpone any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five day period, subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“Thank you for your attention to this matter! President Donald J. Trump”

By Uzair Adam

The Senate of Bayero University Kano has approved the expulsion of 171 students for falsifying their admission entry qualifications, following deliberations at its 433rd meeting held on March 4, 2026.

The Daily Reality reports that the decision, according to an official bulletin issued by the university, came after the Senate considered and adopted the report of its Committee on Entry Qualification Irregularities.

The committee had investigated multiple cases involving discrepancies in admission credentials and found the affected students culpable.

The bulletin stated that the students were discovered to have presented forged or altered qualifications to secure admission into the institution.

It noted that such actions constitute a serious breach of the university’s regulations, specifically Section 20.7, Category A (vii) of the General Examinations and Academic Regulations (GEAR), which prescribes expulsion for offenders.

University authorities emphasized that the measure was necessary to preserve academic standards.

The institution reiterated that it “will continue to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity and discipline,” warning that any violation of its rules would attract strict sanctions in line with established regulations.

In a separate development, the Senate also approved the expulsion of a Civil Engineering student, Yusuf Muhammad Sani (ENG/18/CIV/00065), for engaging in physical violence against invigilators during an examination.

The incident reportedly disrupted the conduct of the examination and was similarly deemed a violation of the university’s disciplinary code.

While the university did not provide detailed comments on individual cases, it stressed that all decisions were reached after due process.

An official familiar with the proceedings said the Senate acted “based on clear evidence presented by the investigative committee,” adding that the institution remains committed to fairness and accountability.

The affected students cut across several faculties, including Arts and Islamic Studies, Law, Engineering, Education, and Management Sciences.

The university released a comprehensive list of the expelled students as part of the bulletin.

The development highlights the institution’s renewed stance against academic misconduct, as authorities insist that maintaining credibility in its admission process remains a top priority.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United States Embassy in Jerusalem has advised its citizens in ‘Israel’ to consider leaving the country through land borders due to ongoing travel difficulties and limited immediate options.

In a message posted on its official Instagram page, the embassy explained that overland routes currently offer the quickest way out. It pointed to border crossings into neighboring countries such as Egypt and Jordan as the most viable options for departure.

According to the advisory, commercial flights are still operating from airports in Egypt, including Sharm el-Sheikh and Cairo, as well as from Jordan’s capital, Amman.

To support those seeking to leave, the U.S. Department of State has begun arranging bus transportation for American citizens. The service is scheduled to start on March 23 and will move passengers from ‘Israel’ to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman.

As part of the “departure by land” plan, assisted transport will be available through the northern crossing known as the Jordan River/Sheikh Hussein border point. The embassy said this option is intended for citizens who require help exiting the country.

Americans interested in using the service must first complete an online registration form. After that, they will receive information on departure schedules and designated meeting locations. Current arrangements cover departures from both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Officials stressed that travelers will still need to handle their onward journeys themselves, including securing flights from Amman.

The embassy added that it will continue to provide updates to U.S. citizens in ‘Israel’ as the situation develops.

By Ibrahim Yunusa


The Kano State Government has dismissed reports alleging that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf snubbed the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, during the Hawan Nasarawa celebration at Government House.

In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the government described the claims as false, misleading, and lacking any factual basis.

According to the statement, the report was deliberately fabricated to misinform the public and create unnecessary tension.

The government clarified that there was no breach of protocol, noting that it is a longstanding tradition for governors to pay homage to the President during the Sallah period.

The government explained that this year’s Hawan Nasarawa coincided with a strategic meeting of Nigerian governors, requiring Governor Yusuf’s presence outside Kano.

It added that the governor had duly informed the Emir and delegated the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly and other senior officials to receive the Emir on his behalf at the Government House.

Despite the scheduling conflict, the statement noted that Governor Yusuf participated in other Sallah activities, including attending the Eid prayer led by the Emir and making arrangements to receive other traditional rulers.

The government reaffirmed that relations between the state government and the Kano Emirate Council remain cordial, urging the public to disregard the report and rely on credible sources for information.

By Uzair Adam

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State on Sunday witnessed the maiden landing of an aircraft at the Gusau International Airport, marking a significant milestone more than 30 years after the state’s creation without an operational airport.

According to a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the test flight was operated by the Federal Government of Nigeria and touched down at exactly 4:30 p.m.

The aircraft, identified as a Bombardier Challenger 605, carried out a one-off assessment flight aimed at evaluating the airport’s preparedness for upcoming VIP movements scheduled for next week.

Governor Lawal described the development as historic, noting that the successful landing represents a major step forward for the state’s aviation infrastructure.

He said the event would remain a memorable moment in Zamfara’s history, as it signals the beginning of airport operations in the state.

The Nigerian Army has announced the start of online registration for its 91st Regular Recruits Intake (RRI), targeting both trade and non-trade applicants.

In a notice shared on its official Facebook page, the Army stated that the exercise will begin on 30 March and close on 17 May. It said the opportunity is open to eligible Nigerian citizens and stressed that the process is free of charge. It also cautioned applicants to stay away from fraudsters.

According to the guidelines, applicants must be Nigerians by birth and must be single. They are required to present a valid National Identity Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN). The Army added that candidates must be medically, physically, and psychologically fit, and must not have any criminal record.

For educational qualifications, applicants are expected to have at least four credits, including English Language, obtained in not more than two sittings. Accepted examinations include WASSCE, GCE, NECO, and NABTEB.

The Army further explained that those applying as tradesmen or women must possess relevant trade or guild certificates.

On age limits, non-trades applicants must be between 18 and 22 years old. Trades applicants must not be older than 26 years as of 30 June. The minimum height requirement is 1.68 metres for men and 1.65 metres for women.

Shortlisted candidates will take part in a screening exercise in their states of origin from 9 June to 23 June.

Applicants were advised to complete their registration through the official recruitment portal and print necessary documents, including guarantor forms. The Army warned that anyone who submits fake documents will face prosecution.

It also highlighted benefits of joining the service. These include career growth, competitive salary, access to education and training, healthcare services, and pension after retirement.

The Army urged interested candidates to apply early and follow all instructions carefully. It added that there are no special recruitment centres and no pre-selection computer-based tests for the exercise.

By Uzair Adam

Prominent opposition figures in Nigeria have paid a visit to the residence of Kwankwasiyya leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Those present at the visit included former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and Senator Seriake Dickson, among other political stakeholders.

In a post shared on his Facebook page, Kwankwaso stated that the politicians were at his residence on a Sallah homage.

Kwankwaso, a leading figure in the opposition New Nigeria Peoples Party, is widely speculated to be considering a move to another political party.

This follows the recent defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, from the NNPP to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Meanwhile, Peter Obi recently confirmed his official move to the African Democratic Congress, while Governor Makinde remains one of the few governors still in the Peoples Democratic Party, alongside his Bauchi State counterpart.

By Uzair Adam

One year after Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf announced automatic employment for 54 postgraduate students trained in India, the beneficiaries say the promise remains unfulfilled, raising concerns about accountability and policy follow-through.

The graduates, who studied at Symbiosis International University under the Kano State Government’s foreign scholarship programme, returned to the state on March 22, 2025. 

The Daily Reality recalls that during an official reception and Iftar held in their honour, the governor declared that the students would be absorbed into the state civil service.

“I was pleased to have Iftar with another set of our students who returned from India after completion of their studies,” the governor said at the time, adding that the 54 beneficiaries would be given automatic employment.

He also urged them to justify the investment made in them by contributing meaningfully to the development of the state, stressing that they should “repay the state by working assiduously.”

However, despite the governor’s public promise of automatic employment, the graduates remain without jobs one year later. 

The delay has created uncertainty and hardship for the scholars, who had planned their careers around the assurance, while no formal communication or timeline has been provided by the authorities.

Speaking on behalf of the affected graduates, a student’s representative who pledged anonymity said the commitment has not been implemented despite repeated follow-ups through appropriate channels.

“During the reception, His Excellency publicly announced automatic employment for all 54 returning scholars,” he said.

He explained that many of the graduates had structured their professional plans around the governor’s promise, but the delay has left them facing uncertainty and hardship. 

According to him, there has been no formal communication or clear timeline from the authorities regarding when the employment will take effect.

He said the situation has persisted for a year despite the group’s efforts to seek clarification.

“We believe this is a matter of public accountability and policy follow-through,” he added, calling for attention to the issue.

The Director General, Media and Publicity to the governor, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, did not respond to several calls seeking comment. 

Efforts to reach the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, were also unsuccessful due to network constraints at his location.

The development comes amid ongoing state government investments in foreign education programmes to build skilled manpower, particularly in critical sectors such as health and education.

Many people believe that delays in implementing such commitments could weaken public confidence in government policies and affect future beneficiaries of similar programmes, even as the affected scholars remain hopeful that the promise will eventually be fulfilled.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

There is growing unrest within the Nigeria Police Force following a directive from Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tunji Disu, ordering the immediate dissolution of multiple tactical units across the country.

Units reportedly affected include the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Anti-Cultism, Anti-Kidnapping, Scorpion Squad, Tactical Intelligence Response Squad (TIRS), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Monitoring Units, Tiger Squad, Gender Units, and Anti-Robbery squads, among others.

The directive, obtained from an internal wireless message by SaharaReporters, followed a recent virtual meeting between the IGP and senior police officers. According to the message, “all existing tactical teams at commands are being reformed into two, with operational names to be provided by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations.”

The signal further specified that units such as “Lion, Tiger, Scorpion squads and others by whatever names called” will no longer operate in their current form. Under the new arrangement, only area commands and divisional surveillance units are allowed to function temporarily, pending further instructions.

Personnel from the disbanded units are to be redeployed into conventional policing structures, including patrol and guard duties, the Divisional Crime Branch (DCB), Juvenile and Women Centre (JWC), and general beat assignments. “The dissolved teams are to be subsumed into patrol and guard, DCB, JWC and beat with immediate effect,” the directive added.

Further details on the restructuring are expected to be revealed during the Officers’ Conference scheduled for March 26, 2026. While the rationale for the sweeping reforms was not explicitly stated, the move comes amid longstanding public concerns over misconduct by some tactical units, many of which have faced accusations of human rights abuses, extortion, and extrajudicial operations.

The restructuring follows closely on the heels of a special resit promotion examination for senior officers reportedly overlooked in previous cycles. A confidential police message dated March 16, 2026, shows that the Police Service Commission (PSC) has rescheduled the exercise for Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs), and Superintendents of Police (SPs) who were “not successful” in the December 2025 and March 2026 promotion cycles.

Sources say that some officers were allegedly sidelined by a bribery scheme orchestrated during former IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s tenure. The current IGP is reportedly moving to “reconsider and rectify” these injustices by providing a transparent opportunity for affected officers to earn their next ranks.

The wireless signal directs all commands to release the affected officers to attend the interviews as scheduled and advises them to refresh their knowledge in professional studies, law, and local acts. Security arrangements include twelve armed men provided by AIGPOL MOPOL and two Hilux vans from the transport wing (TRANSFOR), to be ready at the FHQ Parade Ground by 06:00 HRS.

This move marks one of the most significant structural overhauls in the Nigeria Police Force in recent years.