News

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Kano State Government has approved the early payment of March 2026 salaries to civil servants to enable them to prepare for the forthcoming Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

According to a statement issued by the Office of the Head of Service, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf directed the immediate release and payment of the salaries to all workers in the state civil service.

The Acting Head of Service, Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, said the directive was intended to help workers make adequate preparations for the Sallah festivities in a convenient and dignified manner.

She explained that the early payment reflects the administration’s commitment to the welfare of civil servants and its appreciation of their dedication and contributions to the development of the state.

Maimota also urged civil servants to utilise the gesture responsibly while continuing to demonstrate commitment, discipline and efficiency in the discharge of their duties for improved service delivery.

The state government further reaffirmed its resolve to sustain policies that promote workers’ welfare and enhance productivity within the civil service.

By Anwar Usman

The Palestinian group Hamas has urged its ally Iran to end attacks on Gulf states, while affirming Tehran’s right to defend itself against Israel and the United States in the war they launched.

Hamas on Saturday called upon its “brothers in Iran” not to target neighbouring countries, and urged the region to end the ongoing conflict that has embroiled much of the Middle East.

The group fought back against Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza following its October 7, 2023, attack, while Israel razed the besieged and bombarded enclave to the ground, killing more than 72,000, with Gulf nations, particularly Qatar, stepping in through mediation, diplomacy and aid.

Since the start of the Iran war by the US and Israel on February 28, several Gulf states in the region have reported Iranian missile and drone attacks.

Hamas said in a statement, “While affirming the right of the Islamic Republic of Iran to respond to this aggression by all available means in accordance with international norms and laws, the movement calls on the brothers in Iran to avoid targeting neighbouring countries.”

 The statement added that countries of the region should “cooperate to halt this aggression and preserve the bonds of fraternity among them”.

Iran has supported Hamas financially and militarily for decades, the group being a part of the now much-weakened so-called “axis of resistance” that includes Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthis.

Last month, Gulf countries pledged more than $4bn in combined financial support to US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, signalling backing for efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The pledges were announced during the first meeting of the Board of Peace, which has gone quiet in the wake of the war, in Washington, where Qatar and Saudi Arabia each committed $1bn. Kuwait also pledged $1bn over the coming years, while the United Arab Emirates announced an additional $1.2bn in support for Gaza through the board.

Qatar, throughout the genocidal war on Gaza, also played a leading role as mediator, alongside the US and Egypt.

A US-backed “ceasefire” agreement has been in place in Gaza since October 2025, which was meant to halt Israel’s two-year onslaught that killed more than 72,000 people and injured more than 171,000 since October 2023.

Despite the “ceasefire”, however, Israeli forces have continued hundreds of violations through shelling and gunfire, killing hundreds of Palestinians.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Japanese authorities reported on Saturday that North Korea may have launched a ballistic missile targeting Japan.

The Prime Minister’s Office of Japan shared the information on its verified X account, noting that officials are closely monitoring the situation. In the post, the office stated: “North Korea has launched a suspected ballistic missile. More updates to follow.”

No additional details were provided regarding the missile’s type, trajectory, or possible impact location. Japan has previously tracked multiple missile tests from North Korea in recent years, prompting heightened vigilance by both national and regional authorities.

Authorities have promised to release further updates as new information becomes available.

The missile alert comes amid an ongoing military confrontation between the United States and Iran in the Middle East, which intensified in late February 2026 following coordinated airstrikes by U.S. and Israeli forces on Iranian military and strategic sites.

Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli territory, U.S. military bases, and allied states in the Gulf region. Iranian-backed organizations, including Hezbollah, have also participated in the conflict.

The hostilities have disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil transport, raising concerns about energy supplies. Casualties and injuries have been reported among U.S. personnel as well as civilians in the region.

No formal ceasefire has been declared, and both sides continue military operations while monitoring each other’s movements.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 13 Brigade have neutralised five armed criminals and uncovered an illegal weapons production site in Odonget Community, Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State.

This is contained in a statement issued by Yemi Sokoya, Major and Assistant Director Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, on March 13, 2026.

The operation was carried out under the command of Headquarters 82 Division of the Nigerian Army. It followed a recent ambush on troops who had responded to a distress call linked to a communal dispute in the community.

Military sources said the troops continued their follow-up operation between March 12 and March 13, 2026. During this period, soldiers conducted cordon-and-search operations and fighting patrols across several identified locations. The action formed part of efforts to locate those responsible for the earlier attack on security personnel.

On March 13, the troops encountered the armed group again within the area. A gun battle broke out during the encounter. Five of the attackers were neutralised, while others escaped from the scene.

Further search of the surrounding area led to the discovery of an illegal gun manufacturing facility. Authorities believe the site served as a production centre where criminal elements fabricated weapons used in violent activities within the locality.

During a detailed search of the facility, troops recovered three AK-47 rifle magazines, 10 locally made firearms and a toolbox that contained equipment used for manufacturing weapons.

The military later destroyed the illegal arms production site to prevent further use by criminal elements.

The Commander of 13 Brigade, Brigadier General Patrick Alimikhena, who led and supervised the operation, praised the troops for their courage and professionalism during the encounter.

He assured residents that the Brigade remains committed to ensuring peace and stability in the area. He also said troops will continue sustained operations, surveillance and patrols to track down fleeing suspects and prevent further threats to law-abiding citizens.

Security authorities also urged members of the public to support ongoing operations by providing timely and credible information that could assist efforts to eliminate criminal activities in the area.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) under Operation HADIN KAI have repelled attempted terrorist assaults on military positions at Azir Bridge in Sector 2 and Banki in Sector 1.

According to a press release issued by the headquarters of the operation, the incidents occurred in the early hours of March 13, 2026. The attackers reportedly advanced in large numbers in what the military described as a desperate effort to overrun the two locations.

The statement noted that troops on duty responded immediately. Soldiers mounted strong resistance and executed coordinated counter-attacks that disrupted the movement of the insurgents and forced them to retreat from the areas.

Air support also played a key role in the operation. The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided close air support during the engagements, which the military said helped secure victory over the attackers.

The military command also dismissed reports circulating on some online platforms that suggested otherwise. It said the failed assaults contradict claims that troops had lost control of the locations.

The statement maintained that soldiers remain in charge of both Azir Bridge and Banki and continue to maintain operational dominance with strong morale and sustained action against terrorist groups.

The task force reassured residents of the North-East that it remains determined to eliminate terrorist threats and restore lasting peace in the region.

In the statement, the military said: “Troops remain firmly in control of the locations and continue to dominate the operational environment with high morale, decisive firepower and sustained offensive action against terrorist elements.”

Pope Leo XIV has urged Christian political leaders who initiate wars to reflect on their actions and seek confession, as part of a moral examination of their conduct.

Speaking on Friday at the Vatican, the pontiff addressed Catholic priests during a conference focused on the practice of confession. He raised concerns about the responsibility of Christian leaders involved in armed conflicts and questioned whether they remain faithful to the teachings of Jesus.

“Do those Christians who bear grave responsibility in armed conflicts have the humility and courage to make a serious examination of conscience and to go to confession?” the pope asked in a speech to priests.

Although the pope did not mention any specific leader or conflict, his comments came amid increasing appeals from the Vatican for an end to the ongoing Iran war. The conflict began on February 28 after joint airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel.

United States President Donald Trump, who was raised in the Presbyterian Christian tradition, leads the country during the conflict. Some of his senior officials are Catholics. They include Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Christian teaching emphasizes peace and rejects violence. The Catholic Church generally opposes war. However, the Church has long used the “just war” tradition to assess whether a conflict may be morally justified. The framework includes conditions such as defending against an unjust invasion.

Earlier this week, Cardinal Robert McElroy of Washington, D.C., criticized the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. He said the military action did not meet the Church’s moral standards. According to him, the strikes were “not morally legitimate”.

During his remarks at the Vatican event, Pope Leo also highlighted the importance of confession within Catholic life. In that sacrament, believers admit their sins to a priest and seek forgiveness from God.

The pope said the practice encourages personal moral reflection. He added that it can also strengthen peace and unity within society.

The remarks formed part of a Vatican conference organized to discuss the role of confession in the life of the Church. The event brought together clergy who study and guide the practice of the sacrament.

Five U.S. Air Force refueling aircraft sustained damage after an Iranian missile attack targeted Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.

The newspaper said on Friday that the aircraft were struck while stationed on the ground at the military facility. It cited two U.S. officials who confirmed the incident.

The report stated that the strike occurred during an Iranian missile attack on the Saudi base in recent days. The aircraft were damaged but not completely destroyed. Repair work is now underway to restore them to service.

The Wall Street Journal also reported that the attack did not cause any fatalities.

Reuters said it could not immediately verify the report.

Prince Sultan Air Base hosts U.S. military personnel and serves as a key facility for American air operations in the region. The reported strike comes at a time of rising tension linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran and its regional rivals.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

China has announced a $200,000 humanitarian donation to support the families of students killed in a missile strike on a school in Iran earlier in the war, according to reports by Agence France-Presse (AFP).

In a statement on Friday, China’s foreign ministry said the Chinese Red Cross Society will channel the funds through the Iranian Red Crescent Society to assist the parents of the victims.

Beijing described the incident as an “indiscriminate” missile strike carried out by the United States that resulted in the deaths of several students. The donation, officials said, will serve as emergency humanitarian assistance intended for “condolences and compensations” to the bereaved families.

China also reiterated its call for the protection of civilians, particularly children, during armed conflicts.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the creation of a new Presidential Petroleum Reform & Value Optimisation Taskforce, tasking it with designing the next phase of structural reforms in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

The time-bound, high-level working group is chaired by Mr. Fola Adeola, a co-founder of Guaranty Trust Bank and founder of the Fate Foundation. The President has tasked the committee with producing execution-ready blueprints aimed at consolidating ongoing reforms, unlocking capital, and strengthening Nigeria’s position as a premier global energy investment destination.

The Taskforce includes a diverse group of members: Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, Osagie Okunbor, Abubakar Suleiman, Adaeze Aguele, Farouk Gumel, Phillipa Osakwe-Okoye, and Seyi Bella. Mofoluwasho Fadayomi will serve as secretary.

Operating as a technical reform body rather than a representative committee, the group is expected to engage industry operators, regulators, investors, and civil society as consultees while focusing on actionable policy design.

The Taskforce has been given a clear mandate to deliver three major reform blueprints within six months. According to a State House press release, the deliverables include:

1. Immediate Structural Fixes: An implementation toolkit featuring draft legislative amendments, executive instruments, and institutional restructuring proposals.
2. Capital & Liquidity Acceleration Blueprint: A strategy aimed at unlocking between $5–$10 billion in sectoral liquidity while safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereign interests.
3. National Energy Transformation Strategy: A ten-year roadmap with measurable targets for production, foreign exchange earnings, GDP contribution, and cost competitiveness.

The Taskforce will report directly to the President, providing monthly progress memoranda. An interim report is expected in three months, with final outputs due within six months of its inauguration.

To ensure coordination and avoid duplication, President Tinubu has directed all existing committees, teams, and working groups established under various reform initiatives within the sector to align their activities with the new Taskforce.

Furthermore, all relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have been instructed to provide full technical support and share institutional knowledge with the group. The Taskforce is designed to be a temporary body and will automatically dissolve upon submission and acceptance of its final report.

The Presidency stated that the creation of the Taskforce represents a strategic instrument to accelerate reforms, strengthen governance, and position Nigeria’s petroleum resources as a foundation for sustainable economic transformation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), commonly known as Shi’ites, held a demonstration on Friday at the National Mosque in Abuja to show support for Iran.

The protesters first joined other worshippers for the routine Friday prayers at the mosque. Shortly after the prayers ended, they began their demonstration within the mosque premises.

Witnesses said the group started chanting “Allahu Akbar” as they assembled in large numbers. The gathering quickly grew to about 200 participants.

During the protest, the demonstrators voiced strong criticism of the United States and Israel. They also declared their support for Iran. The crowd chanted “shame to America”, “shame to Israel”, and “we support Iran”.

Similar demonstrations were also reported in other parts of the country. Members of the group organised protests at Idimota Central Mosque in Lagos. Others took to the streets in Kaduna and Bauchi.

The protests come at a time of rising tension in the Middle East following a recent escalation in the conflict involving Iran.

Last week, Shi’ite supporters organised demonstrations in several Nigerian states after the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. Reports said he was killed during recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Protests took place in Lagos, Kano, Niger state, Sokoto, Gombe, and Kaduna. Demonstrators condemned the joint military operation carried out by the United States and Israel. The strikes reportedly led to the death of Khamenei and some members of his family.

Authorities also recorded similar protests in Bauchi and Yobe states.

Many of the protesters waved Iranian flags and carried portraits of Khamenei. Some also displayed placards that criticised the United States and Israel while expressing solidarity with Iran.