News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

US President Donald Trump was reportedly moved from Turkey to Britain aboard a smaller military aircraft last month after US authorities received what they considered a credible threat from Iran, The Washington Post and The New York Times reported on Tuesday.

The reported security operation occurred during Trump’s visit to Ankara for a NATO summit attended by several world leaders.

According to The Washington Post, Trump initially boarded the former Air Force One in front of television cameras. He was later transferred to another aircraft through an airport catering truck that is normally used to deliver meals and supplies to planes before departure.

A US official told the newspaper that the move was prompted by a credible threat linked to Iran.

The New York Times separately reported that the White House concealed Trump’s actual location from journalists and some members of his travelling staff.

The White House had earlier stated that Trump left Turkey on July 8 aboard the former Air Force One. Trump had also said on Truth Social that he intended to use the older Boeing 747 instead of the newer Boeing 747-8 aircraft donated by Qatar, which had taken him to Turkey.

The Qatar-donated aircraft was on its first international trip during the NATO visit. Its security features and planned modifications had previously attracted public attention.

Before departing Ankara, Trump said he would use the older blue-and-white presidential aircraft “for old time’s sake” to travel to RAF Mildenhall in Britain. He said the newer aircraft would also stop at the British airbase so US military personnel stationed there could inspect it.

However, The Washington Post reported that Trump was first taken aboard a third aircraft before being transferred to the older Air Force One shortly before departure.

The reported operation allowed Trump to enter the older presidential aircraft through a different entrance before later appearing on its stairs in public, creating the impression that he had travelled aboard the plane throughout the journey.

Members of the travelling press pool were reportedly told to keep the window shades in their section closed during the flight.

Some White House personnel travelling with Trump were also reportedly unaware that he was not aboard the aircraft they believed was carrying him.

Reporters later asked Trump why they had been instructed to keep the window shades closed. He responded jokingly that they were “probably on a dangerous flight.”

“But if I go, you go. Right?” Trump added.

The C-32A aircraft reportedly carrying Trump landed in Britain at about 10:20pm local time. The former Air Force One and the media aircraft arrived separately several minutes later.

Trump’s travelling press pool said he came out of the older Air Force One at about 10:56pm. He reportedly gave reporters a peace sign, greeted US service members and proceeded towards the aircraft donated by Qatar.

The reported security manoeuvre was similar to an operation carried out during former US President Bill Clinton’s 2000 visit to Pakistan. Clinton reportedly used an unmarked executive aircraft to enter the country while Air Force One served as a decoy.

White House Communications Director Steve Cheung, in response to questions about the reported operation, said the Qatar-donated aircraft had been fitted with high-level security measures to protect Trump and his staff.

“As the president has said recently, there are many enemies of America who have their sights on him, and we use every tool at our disposal to address those threats,” Cheung said.

By Muhammad Abubakar

A fatal traffic accident claiming the life of a prominent Israeli liturgical singer has triggered a fierce online battle over the musician’s legacy.

Avishai Levy, a 30-year-old paytan (liturgical singer) from the Haredi community, was killed on August 7, 2026, on Adoniyahu HaCohen Street. Authorities report that Levy had just exited his vehicle when it unexpectedly began to roll forward. In an apparent attempt to halt the runaway car, Levy was pinned between the vehicle and a nearby utility pole.

First responders from Magen David Adom and United Hatzalah performed emergency resuscitation maneuvers, but Levy succumbed to severe trauma and was pronounced dead at the scene. Traffic police have launched a mechanical investigation to determine why the vehicle failed to remain parked.

While the incident is being handled as a tragic accident, it has sparked a polarized narrative on social media.

Local Hebrew-language media and religious organizations widely mourned Levy, profiling him as a former child prodigy who dedicated his career to traditional Jewish liturgical music, weddings, and faith-based albums.

Simultaneously, pro-Palestinian social media accounts circulated counterclaims, alleging that Levy was an Israeli military major who utilized his platform to perform anti-Palestinian music and nationalist chants for troops.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

US President Donald Trump has warned Fifa against removing its president, Gianni Infantino, amid growing pressure on the football governing body’s leadership over a controversial investment proposal.

Trump said replacing Infantino would be a “terrible mistake”, as opposition to the Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal continues to grow among major football confederations.

The FFE plan reportedly involved the creation of a new company to oversee the commercial and ticketing rights of Fifa competitions, including the World Cup. Under the proposal, a 21 per cent stake in the company would have been sold to a private investment firm.

Trump made his latest comments on social media, marking his first public defence of Infantino since details of the FFE proposal emerged on 28 July.

“Fifa would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing president Gianni Infantino,” Trump wrote on social media.

“He is fantastic, having just presided over the most successful World Cup, by four times, ever presented. If he is gone, it will never be as successful or profitable again.”

The 2026 World Cup was jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, with Spain winning the tournament after defeating Argentina in the final.

Trump had earlier said on 31 July, when the FFE proposal first came under scrutiny, that he had not discussed the plan with Infantino.

The proposed investment group was expected to be led by Thrive Eternal, an American venture capital firm founded by Joshua Kushner, who is the brother of Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

Infantino has maintained a close relationship with Trump. In December 2025, the Fifa president presented the US president with the inaugural Fifa Peace Prize.

The pressure on Infantino has increased after Uefa, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation accused him of violating their trust “through deception” over the abandoned FFE proposal.

The three confederations have also threatened further action. Uefa has warned that it could boycott Fifa competitions and pursue legal action over the failed investment plan.

In a joint letter, the confederations said:

“When trust is broken through deception, when an individual places himself above the collective that entrusted him with authority, that duty has been abandoned,”

Although the statement did not identify Infantino by name, sources cited by BBC Sport said it should be interpreted as an opportunity for him to resign.

There have also been preliminary discussions among the three confederations about possible breakaway competitions if Infantino remains in office. However, substantive negotiations have reportedly not started.

Fifa had earlier described the opposition to the proposal as a “concerted and ongoing effort” to “undermine” the organisation and Infantino.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Nigerian Army colonel, Mohammed Ma’aji, has said his alleged involvement in a plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration was motivated by patriotism and concern over the country’s worsening condition, rather than a quest for personal power.

Ma’aji, who has been accused of spearheading the alleged coup plot, cited economic difficulties, poor governance and concerns over the welfare of Nigerians and military personnel as factors that influenced his actions.

“What has happened has a very long history, and it is driven by patriotism and I love the job and country,” Premium Times quoted Ma’aji as saying.

“What has happened has a very long history, and it is driven by patriotism and I love the job and country,” he said.

“As we are all sitting down here, we have our biases and our thoughts and concerns on what was going on in our country from a state of gradual decline up to now, and we are almost at the point of collapse.”

The colonel also pointed to his personal financial difficulties as part of what shaped his concerns about the country.

“Every time I look at how I’m struggling to raise 5 children with my meager salary, I get worried,” he said.

“I attended Army Day Secondary School, but today, how many of us afford to take our children to these schools, and for one reason or the other, which is connected to the bad governance.”

Ma’aji further raised concerns about the treatment of military personnel, particularly soldiers who suffered injuries during combat.

He alleged that some wounded soldiers receiving treatment at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna were not getting adequate care. He said the situation reflected wider challenges within the armed forces.

According to the colonel, his concerns convinced him that significant changes were necessary to prevent further deterioration in the country.

“The summary of all this is that this action was driven by the desire to have a prosperous nation and country that we all can be proud of. It got to a point that I was worried that if nothing is done, we may not have a country to call our own in the near future,” he said.

Ma’aji said the alleged plan was still at the mobilisation stage when he was arrested. He explained that the intention was to bring together military officers who shared similar concerns about the state of the nation.

“Nigeria was turning into a banana republic right before our eyes. We know that during the era of the military regime, the country was functioning better. I believe that, as it is now, we are on a dangerous trajectory,” he added.

“The plan was to get enough officers of like minds who could participate. We were still at the stage of mobilizing to get more officers involved.

“This team has not been fully formed because there were supposed to be other meetings. There was no D-Day. We were waiting for the availability of resources and more officers and soldiers.”

He claimed that he personally financed a significant portion of the alleged plan, while Timipre Silva was said to have provided about N400 million.

Ma’aji denied any foreign involvement in the alleged plot and said no specific date had been fixed for its execution.

He also denied contacting some senior military officers. However, he said dissatisfaction among members of the armed forces and his unsuccessful promotion attempts were among the factors that contributed to the revival of the movement.

The colonel called for the establishment of a formal avenue through which military officers could present their grievances to the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, without fear of punishment.

He also advocated better salaries, improved welfare packages, stronger pension benefits and better educational opportunities for military personnel. He called for stronger measures against corruption within the country and the armed forces.

Ma’aji also criticised the removal of the fuel subsidy, arguing that the policy should have been phased out gradually.

Following his arrest and subsequent interaction with the panel investigating the matter, the colonel said he had reconsidered his approach and appealed for leniency.

“From the time I have been arrested till now, If I were to be released and these issues in the country persist, I will consider a different approach,” he said.

“We are pleading for leniency and pardon as first offenders. The system should take a deep breath and pardon us. They should give us a chance to mend our ways. We have no other country than Nigeria and no other job.

“This incident has really opened our eyes and has changed our mindset forever. It was not intended to destabilize the country at all.

“Everything we planned was born out of patriotism, love of country, and the desire to have a prosperous Nigeria that we all can be proud of.”

The alleged coup plot, which was uncovered in late September 2025, led to the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade and changes within the military hierarchy.

The development also resulted in the removal of Christopher Musa as Chief of Army Staff at the time.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Tazkiyah University, Zaria, the first all-female university in Nigeria, has opened applications for admission into its 2026/2027 academic session.

Based in Kaduna State, the university is inviting qualified female candidates to apply through UTME, Direct Entry and transfer admission routes for programmes across Allied Health Sciences, Management and Social Sciences, and Computing.

Available programmes include Nursing Sciences, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Public Health, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, Taxation, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Software Engineering and Information Technology.

Operating under the philosophy of “Blending Knowledge with Noble Character,” the university says it is committed to providing quality education alongside character development.

Students will have access to modern facilities and dedicated faculty, while scholarship and financial aid opportunities are also available for eligible students, including orphans.

Interested candidates can obtain further information and apply for admission through the university’s official website, www.tazkiyah.edu.ng.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nigerian Army troops have recovered four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and 133 rounds of ammunition from a forest in Enugu State.

The weapons were reportedly linked to a kidnapping syndicate that has been operating across Enugu, Abia, Anambra and neighbouring states.

The recovery was carried out on Monday, August 10, at Umuchingu Ujenike Forest by personnel from the 82 Division Garrison and 103 Battalion of the Nigerian Army.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, the troops located the weapons after some suspected members of the kidnapping group who had earlier been arrested provided information about the location of the hideout.

The operation followed the rescue of two kidnap victims as well as the arrest of a logistics supplier and two suspected leaders of the criminal network.

The recovered items included four AK-47 rifles, seven AK-47 magazines and 133 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

The latest operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security forces to dismantle criminal networks operating in forests and communities across the region.

On July 31, a joint military operation rescued Ofor Amobi, a senior army officer, and Ikechukwu Onwuanra, a civilian, after a 10-day search for them across forests and communities in Enugu State.

During that operation, troops searched Inyi, Awlaw and Akpugo-Eze forests as well as surrounding communities in Oji River Local Government Area of the state.

Earlier in June, soldiers, in partnership with operatives of the Department of State Services, also raided suspected armouries linked to the Eastern Security Network in Enugu State.

By Muhammad Abubakar 

The reported emergence of Ibn Mohammed bin Shakau, the biological son of late Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau, within the ranks of the insurgent group has raised fresh concerns about the possible continuation of his father’s ideological and militant networks.

Security and conflict analyst Zagazola Makama reported that Ibn Mohammed has reportedly begun taking steps into the Boko Haram insurgency, potentially following the path of his father, one of the most notorious figures associated with the group’s violent campaign in Nigeria’s North-East.

The report, however, does not independently establish the extent of Ibn Mohammed’s involvement or his current position within the insurgent organisation.

Abubakar Shekau became the leader of Boko Haram following the death of the group’s founder, Mohammed Yusuf, in 2009. Under his leadership, the insurgency intensified, with Boko Haram carrying out attacks against communities, security forces, government institutions and civilian targets across north-eastern Nigeria and parts of the wider Lake Chad region.

Shekau became particularly known for his uncompromising leadership style and frequent propaganda videos in which he issued threats, claimed responsibility for attacks and denounced governments and security forces.

His leadership was also marked by growing internal divisions within the insurgency. In 2015, Boko Haram pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, leading to the emergence of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) as a major rival faction.

Shekau was killed in 2021 after a confrontation with ISWAP fighters in the Lake Chad region. His death significantly altered the balance of power among insurgent factions and further fragmented the militant landscape.

The reported involvement of his son could therefore carry symbolic significance for Boko Haram remnants and raises questions about whether family ties and the legacy of former commanders could contribute to the recruitment and mobilisation of a new generation of insurgents.

However, the significance of the development remains unclear, and further independent confirmation would be required to establish Ibn Mohammed’s role, influence and operational involvement within the group.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for political parties to upload their candidates for the governorship and state House of Assembly elections.

The commission moved the deadline from Saturday, August 8, to Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

Mohammed Haruna, chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, announced the extension in a statement issued on Saturday.

“The submission window, which, according to the revised timetable and schedule of activities for the general election, was originally scheduled to close on Saturday, 8th August, 2026, has been extended to Tuesday, 11th August, 2026,” the statement reads.

According to the commission, the decision followed requests from several political parties for more time to complete the submission process.

“The extension follows growing appeals by political parties for additional time to complete the process.”

INEC also announced the end of the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

It said voters who applied to replace lost, damaged or defaced PVCs had until midnight on Sunday, August 9, to print downloadable copies of their cards.

“In a related development, the commission wishes to notify voters who applied for replacement of lost, damaged or defaced PVC that the window to print downloadable copies of their cards will expire by midnight of Sunday, 9th August, 2026,” the statement added.

The commission said the measure would enable it to determine the final number of PVCs collected before the election.

“This is to allow the commission to compile the data of downloaded PVCs for final statistics of total PVCs collected ahead of the August 15th Osun governorship election.”

INEC also disclosed that replacement downloadable PVCs had been provided for voters in Odo-Otin and Ife Central Local Government Areas whose cards were reportedly taken during an invasion of two collection centres.

“The commission also wishes to state that replacement downloadable PVCs have been made available to voters in Odo-Otin and Ife central local government areas whose cards were carted away by hoodlums who invaded the two centres. The commission reiterates that the stolen cards cannot be used to vote,” INEC said.

Haruna explained that the PVC collection exercise in Osun began at the Registration Area level on July 22 and was initially scheduled to end on July 28.

“It will be recalled that the collection of PVCs in Osun State commenced at the Registration Area (RA) level from 22nd to 28th July, 2026,” he said.

He added that the commission extended the exercise after voters complained about overcrowding and challenges at collection centres.

“Owing to complaints of large crowds and difficulties encountered by voters at collection centres, the commission approved an extension of RA-level collection to 31st July, 2026, before collection moved to LGA level, running from 1st to 7th August, 2026.”

INEC restated its commitment to conducting a free, fair, credible and inclusive governorship election in Osun State on August 15.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been eliminated from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Cameroon on Sunday.

The result at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium ended Nigeria’s defence of the continental title and left the nine-time African champions facing a tougher route to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Cameroon secured the victory through Myriam Nyadjou, who scored the decisive goal in the 20th minute.

The encounter was closely fought, with both teams engaging in physical challenges and intense battles in midfield.

Nigeria struggled to create clear opportunities after falling behind. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade attempted to control the game and organise the Super Falcons’ attacks, but the team relied largely on efforts from distance during the first half.

Cameroon returned from the break with greater intensity and applied pressure higher up the pitch. The approach disrupted Nigeria’s attempts to build attacks and limited the Super Falcons’ ability to find openings.

Nigeria increased the pressure as the match progressed and continued its search for an equaliser into stoppage time. Cameroon, however, maintained its defensive shape until the final whistle.

The victory gave Cameroon its first WAFCON knockout-stage win over Nigeria since the 2012 third-place play-off.

Cameroon will now advance to the semi-finals, which guarantees the team a top-four finish and an automatic qualification spot for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Nigeria, by contrast, will have to go through a playoff tournament to secure a place at the 2027 World Cup.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Air operations by Nigerian military forces have reportedly killed four Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters and severely injured a senior commander in the Lake Chad area.

The operations were carried out under Operation HADIN KAI, according to intelligence sources cited by counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama.

One of the commanders injured in the attacks was identified as Ba Ari Hisbah, a senior figure in ISWAP’s police wing in the Lake Chad region.

Field assessments indicated that Hisbah suffered serious injuries to both legs after an airstrike near Arege on August 5.

The attack formed part of military aerial operations aimed at disrupting terrorist fighters and their logistics networks around the Lake Chad basin.

Sources said the strikes disrupted the activities and movements of the insurgents and forced some surviving fighters to leave the area.

In a separate air operation on Friday, troops reportedly killed Ba Usman Maidhar­aib, a 55-year-old ISWAP member who was described as one of the group’s longest-serving fishing tax collectors in the Lake Chad area.

Maidhar­aib was reportedly travelling with three other fighters on two motorcycles when the aircraft struck.

The intelligence report said the four fighters died in the attack, while both motorcycles were destroyed.

The death of Maidhar­aib is considered significant because of the role played by ISWAP’s fishing tax collectors in raising funds for the group across the Lake Chad region.

For several years, ISWAP has imposed illegal taxes, levies and other charges on fishing and other economic activities in communities around the Lake Chad islands.

According to the sources, the loss of a key revenue collector and disruption of movement routes could weaken the group’s ability to raise funds and maintain its operations.

Military sources said intelligence surveillance detected the movements of the fighters before the airstrikes were conducted.

They added that Operation HADIN KAI would sustain aerial interdiction operations alongside ground forces to restrict terrorist movements and target their logistics, command and control networks.

The Lake Chad area remains one of the major operational theatres in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism campaign, as security forces continue efforts to weaken ISWAP formations and their support networks across land and waterways.