News

By TDR

Soldiers attached to the 133 Special Forces Battalion in Azare, Katagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State, have accused their Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. A.K. Kachalla, of compelling troops stationed at checkpoints to remit weekly financial “returns” of as much as ₦500,000, with the threat of redeployment for those who fail to comply.

The allegations were disclosed by several military sources who spoke with newsmen on condition of anonymity on Wednesday.

According to SaharaReporters, one of the sources said soldiers are frequently posted to checkpoints on major routes such as Kano Road, Maiduguri Road, Dambam, and Jama’are, where they are allegedly expected to collect money from motorists and passengers.

“Soldiers will be deployed to a checkpoint to be collecting money from passengers and a commanding officer will be waiting for return of ₦500,000 every week,” the source alleged. “If the soldiers didn’t meet up with the demands, they will change them immediately from the checkpoint and bring new soldiers.”

Another source described the alleged practice as entrenched, adding that it started shortly after Lt. Col. Kachalla assumed command of the battalion.

“Since this CO took over, things have gone from bad to worse,” the source said.

The same source complained about deteriorating living conditions within the barracks, particularly irregular power supply.

“Apart from the extortion at checkpoints, we don’t have regular electricity supply anymore. We only have light for about four hours out of 24 hours.”

The soldiers also alleged that water supply in the barracks has broken down, which they said has created serious hardship for their families.

“There is no water in the barracks. Women are suffering seriously just to get water for daily use,” one soldier said.

They compared the current situation with conditions under a former commander, Lt. Col. P.O. Mukoro, who is now a colonel.

“We remember during Lt. Col. P.O. Mukoro, now Col. P.O. Mukoro, we enjoyed 24 hours light and water everywhere,” a source said. “He is one of the best commanding officers the unit has ever had, and we are still missing him till now.”

The soldiers called on the military authorities to step in without delay.

“We are calling on the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for the removal of Lt. Col. A.K. Kachalla as the Commanding Officer of 133 SF BN,” one source said.

They also urged the military high command to order an independent investigation into the alleged extortion linked to checkpoint postings.

“The issue of checkpoint deployment return must be properly investigated,” another source said. “This is damaging the image of the Army and destroying morale among soldiers.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Spain has announced plans to grant legal status to about 500,000 undocumented migrants, a move officials describe as a recognition of the economic and social value of migration, even as other Western countries adopt stricter immigration policies, Aaljazeera has reported.

For Joel Caceda, a 30-year-old migrant from Peru, the decision offers long-awaited relief. After losing his left arm in a farming accident, he now struggles to earn a living through delivery work, a situation common among migrants who arrive in Spain without legal documents.

Caceda welcomed the government’s plan, which stands in contrast to tougher approaches in parts of Europe, including Denmark, Germany and Austria, as well as in the United States.

“This is good for me and many others. It will mean the chance to become legal after six years working here without any official papers,” he told Al Jazeera from his home in Barcelona.

“It will give me the chance to get a flat with my partner and her daughter and live a better life.”

His experience reflects that of thousands of migrants who survive through Spain’s informal economy while navigating lengthy and complex administrative processes in pursuit of residency papers.

Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, Spanish Migration Minister Elma Saiz said those covered by the policy would have the right to work “in any sector, in any part of the country,” while stressing “the positive impact” of migration on Spain.

“We are talking about estimations, probably more or less the figures may be around half a million people,” she said, adding that the government was “recognising” migrants already living in the country and restoring dignity to their lives.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has repeatedly argued that migration remains essential to Spain’s economy. He has said the country needs foreign workers to fill labour shortages and to balance the effects of an ageing population that places pressure on pensions and social services.

Civil society groups have also welcomed the decision. Laetitia Van der Vennet of the Platform for Undocumented Immigrants described the policy as a sharp contrast to rising hostility toward migrants in Europe and North America.

“At a time when a hostile environment against migrants is spreading on both sides of the Atlantic, this move shows both humanity and common sense,” she said.

Ousman Umar, a Ghanaian migrant and founder of the NASCO Feeding Minds NGO, said the policy would benefit Spain as much as migrants themselves. Umar spent five years attempting to reach Europe and survived extreme hardship before arriving in Spain, where he once lived on the streets.

“This is not only going to be good for migrants but the whole society. It will mean that these people can start working legally, pay taxes and social security,” he told Al Jazeera.

“This will mean that all these people pay into the pension system in a country where the birthrate is low and there is a growing number of older people.”

Lamine Sar, who came to Spain from Senegal 18 years ago and now works with the Top Manta fashion label, echoed similar views. The brand highlights the reality faced by migrants who sell goods on blankets, known as mantas, in city streets.

“This is a huge step forward, not just for migrants in Spain but for everyone. It will mean these people contribute to society instead of being used in a kind of slavery in the black economy,” he said.

Under the new rules, the regularisation will cover migrants who have lived in Spain for at least five months and who applied for international protection before December 31, 2025. Children of eligible applicants who already reside in Spain will also be included. Applications will open in April and close in June.

The government approved the measure through a decree, which avoids a parliamentary vote. The Socialist-led coalition lacks a majority and could have faced strong resistance from the conservative People’s Party and the far-right Vox party.

Vox leader Santiago Abascal criticised the move, warning of serious consequences. “The invasion kills. The arrival of half a million migrants will be a call to another half million migrants and put under strain on our health system, social security and security,” he wrote in an online post.

Despite such opposition, official figures show that irregular migration to Spain dropped by more than 40 percent last year. Authorities attribute the decline largely to agreements with Morocco and several West African countries that focus on security and cooperation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former United States President Joe Biden has condemned the killing of two people by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis and has called for full, fair, and transparent investigations into the incidents.

In a statement shared on his X handle on Tuesday, Biden described the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good as actions that run contrary to America’s core values. He said the country is “not a nation that guns down our citizens in the street” and “not a nation that allows our citizens to be brutalized for exercising their constitutional rights.”

“We are not a nation that tramples the 4th Amendment and tolerates our neighbours being terrorized,” the former President said.

Biden also commended residents of Minnesota for what he described as their strength and unity in the face of hardship. He said Minnesotans have continued to support one another and speak against injustice despite difficult conditions.

“The people of Minnesota have stood strong — helping community members in unimaginable circumstances, speaking out against injustice when they see it, and holding our government accountable to the people,” he said.

“Minnesotans have reminded us all what it is to be American, and they have suffered enough at the hands of this Administration,” Biden added.

The former President stressed that violence has no place in the United States, especially when it involves state authorities.

“Violence and terror have no place in the United States of America, especially when it’s our own government targeting American citizens,” he said.

Biden urged citizens to protect democratic values and insisted that the foundations of the country cannot be destroyed by one individual.

“No single person can destroy what America stands for and believes in, not even a President, if we — all of America — stand up and speak out. We know who we are. It’s time to show the world. More importantly, it’s time to show ourselves,” he stated.

He concluded by extending condolences to the families of the victims.

“Jill and I are sending strength to the families and communities who love Alex Pretti and Renee Good as we all mourn their senseless deaths,” Biden said.

Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen and registered nurse, was killed during an immigration enforcement operation on the south side of Minneapolis. Colleagues described him as a healthcare worker known for caring for critically ill veterans.

His death has intensified scrutiny of federal law enforcement actions and has widened mistrust between frontline healthcare workers and federal authorities.

The incident is the second fatal shooting linked to federal immigration agents in Minneapolis in recent weeks. It has sparked protests, renewed debate over enforcement methods, and growing calls for accountability.

The shootings occurred during a weeks-long deployment of immigration enforcement and other federal agents in Minneapolis. Authorities have intensified raids in the city as part of President Donald Trump’s anti-immigration agenda.

Minneapolis has also seen daily protests since the January 7 killing of Renee Good, a 37-year-old resident who died after an ICE officer fired into her vehicle. In a separate incident last week, U.S. security operatives also shot a Venezuelan man in the city.

By Uzair Adam

The Presidency has dismissed concerns about President Bola Tinubu’s health, saying he remains fit and is carrying on with his state visit to Türkiye as scheduled.

The assurance was given on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, who said the President moved from the ceremonial welcome in Ankara straight into planned bilateral engagements with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other top Turkish officials.

According to Dare, the meetings are focused on strengthening diplomatic ties and widening cooperation between Nigeria and Türkiye in key areas such as defence and security, trade and investment, energy and overall economic development.

He noted that the seamless flow of activities reflects the growing relationship between both countries and Nigeria’s renewed diplomatic drive under the Tinubu administration.

Addressing enquiries about a brief incident involving the President, Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga clarified that Tinubu only lost his balance momentarily after stepping on an object.

He explained that the President stepped on a metal on the floor, which caused a slight loss of balance, stressing that it was “not a big deal” and should not be exaggerated.

Onanuga added that it was “a mere stumble, not a fall,” and urged the public to ignore attempts to sensationalise what he described as a fleeting incident.

The Presidency maintained that President Tinubu remains in good health and fully engaged in all official activities during the visit.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

More than half of Europeans now regard US President Donald Trump as an “enemy” of Europe, a new opinion poll has shown.

The survey, published on January 23, was conducted across seven European Union countries. It revealed that 51 percent of respondents hold a negative view of Trump’s relationship with the continent. By contrast, only eight percent described him as a “friend” of Europe.

The findings indicate a steady rise in distrust toward the US president since September last year. Public confidence has weakened over time, reflecting growing unease about his policies and rhetoric toward Europe.

According to TRT World, respondents in Denmark emerged as some of the most critical in the poll. This followed repeated statements by Trump in which he threatened to take control of Greenland, an autonomous territory under Danish sovereignty.

The poll highlights widening scepticism across Europe about the US president’s intentions and his approach to transatlantic relations.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

North Korea on Tuesday launched several ballistic missiles into the sea, moves that South Korea and Japan said appeared to involve short-range projectiles, as officials from Washington and Seoul continued discussions on reshaping their joint defence posture against Pyongyang.

According to Reuters, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missiles were fired from an area near the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, at about 3:50 p.m. local time (0650 GMT). The missiles travelled roughly 350 kilometres (217 miles) before landing in waters off the country’s east coast.

Japan’s coast guard also reported detecting what it described as possible ballistic missiles from North Korea, which fell into the sea minutes after launch. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the launches posed no impact on Japan.

Japanese authorities said the missiles reached a maximum altitude of 80 kilometres.

In response, South Korea’s Office of National Security called on North Korea to immediately stop ballistic missile launches. It described the action as provocative and a breach of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Japan issued a similar condemnation, stating that “repeated launches of ballistic missiles…by North Korea threatens the peace and security of our country, the region and the international community”.

“Such ballistic missile launches also violate relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions and constitute a grave issue affecting the safety of the public. Japan has lodged a strong protest with North Korea and strongly condemned these actions,” the statement added.

North Korea has in recent months carried out tests of short-range missiles and multiple-launch rockets. Pyongyang has said these weapons form a central part of its tactical nuclear arsenal, which it claims is meant to counter threats from the United States and South Korea.

Attention to North Korea’s short-range ballistic missiles and artillery has increased after Pyongyang supplied such weapons to Russia for use in the war in Ukraine under a mutual defence pact signed with Moscow in 2024.

Tuesday’s launch came as a senior U.S. Defense Department official visited South Korea. During the trip, discussions focused on modernising the military alliance, at a time when Washington seeks a more limited role in joint defence efforts against North Korea.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian Army has recorded another operational success after troops rescued eleven kidnapped persons during a late-night operation carried out on January 26, 2026, along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway.

The rescue followed the detection of armed terrorists who attempted to relocate their captives through the Gidan Duna–Amale bush path under the cover of darkness. Troops from the Forward Operating Base, Doka, spotted the movement through high-definition long-range CCTV surveillance and quickly moved to intercept the suspects.

Security sources said the soldiers launched a coordinated pursuit with tactical vehicles and motorcycles. The swift response put pressure on the criminals and forced them to abandon the victims before fleeing into nearby bushes, which stopped their attempt to escape deeper into the hinterland.

Those rescued included five adult men, three adult women, and three children. The victims were abducted from the Gada Mallam Maman Community on October 26, 2025, and had remained in captivity for 92 days.

Military authorities said the operation demonstrated the Army’s ability to combine modern surveillance equipment with effective ground action. They added that the force remains committed to protecting lives, securing major routes, and denying criminal groups any freedom of movement at all times.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Laken Hope Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student whose life was cut short during a morning jog at the University of Georgia, continues to be remembered across the United States for the profound impact her death had on her community and the national conversation on public safety and immigration.

Riley was attacked and murdered on February 22, 2024, while running near Oconee Forest Park on the University of Georgia campus in Athens, Georgia. Her body was later discovered near Lake Herrick. Medical findings confirmed that she died from blunt force trauma and asphyxiation after suffering multiple severe injuries.

On the morning of the incident, Riley sent her mother a text message at 8:55 a.m., writing: “Good morning, about to go for a run if you’re free to talk”. She placed a call to her mother minutes later. Security footage later showed Riley jogging with her phone at 9:05 a.m., before she turned toward the wooded park area at 9:06 a.m. That was the last time she was seen alive.

Investigators established that Riley’s phone placed an emergency call to 911 at 9:11 a.m. Her watch later indicated that her heart stopped at 9:28 a.m. Police believe the attack occurred between 9:06 a.m. and 9:32 a.m.

University police discovered Riley’s body at 12:38 p.m. after her roommate reported her missing earlier that day. Sergeant Kenneth Maxwell, one of the first officers on the scene, said Riley had visible injuries and no detectable pulse. Efforts to revive her were unsuccessful.

An autopsy conducted by Dr. Michelle DiMarco revealed that Riley suffered eight cuts to the left side of her head, a complex skull fracture, hemorrhaging, and multiple injuries to her ear, neck, torso, abdomen, hand, and leg. Petechiae were also found in her eyes and gums. Authorities described the killing as a “crime of opportunity”, noting that the attacker acted alone. It was the first murder recorded on the university campus since 1983.

Riley was born on January 10, 2002, in Marietta, Georgia, to Jason Riley and Allyson Phillips. She grew up with three siblings and graduated from River Ridge High School in 2020, where she ran on the cross-country team. Her former coach, Keith Hooper, remembered her as “a beautiful person, passionate about her health care studies and an unselfish teammate”.

At the time of her death, Riley was studying nursing at Augusta University in Athens and had previously attended the University of Georgia as an undergraduate. She was also an active member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority.

Police later identified the suspect as José Antonio Ibarra, a 26-year-old Venezuelan national who had entered the United States illegally in September 2022. He was arrested after investigators linked him to the crime through surveillance footage, forensic evidence, and witness accounts. Riley’s hair was found on a jacket recovered from a dumpster near Ibarra’s residence, and police observed scratches on his arms and redness on his knuckles during questioning.

Ibarra faced ten criminal charges, including felony murder, malice murder, kidnapping, aggravated assault with intent to rape, false imprisonment, and concealing the death of another. He pleaded not guilty. After a bench trial that began in November 2024, Judge H. Patrick Haggard found him guilty on all counts on November 20, 2024, and sentenced him to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

Riley’s death drew international attention and sparked renewed debate over illegal immigration policies in the United States. Lawmakers cited her case during deliberations on the Laken Riley Act, legislation that mandates federal detention of illegal immigrants arrested for burglary or theft. The bill was signed into law on January 29, 2025, becoming the first legislation approved during President Donald Trump’s second term.

Her funeral took place on March 1, 2024, at Woodstock City Church, followed by her burial at Enon Cemetery in Woodstock, Georgia. A memorial now stands near Lake Herrick in her honor. Her family later announced plans to establish the Laken Hope Riley Foundation.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Riley’s stepfather said: “She will be missed every day, but we promise to honor her life moving forward in a very big way”.

One year on, Laken Riley is remembered not only as a promising nursing student and devoted daughter, but also as a symbol of a life lost too soon and a tragedy that continues to resonate far beyond the University of Georgia campus.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have uncovered an illegal arms manufacturing site in Nasarawa State, leading to the arrest of a suspect and the recovery of weapons and cash.

This is contained in a statement signed by AHMAD ZUBAIRU ZUBAIRU, Lieutenant, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, on 26 January 2026.

The operation took place in Agwatashi, Doma Local Government Area, where troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Idadu carried out a fighting and confidence-building patrol. The patrol formed part of ongoing efforts to restrict the activities of criminal elements in the area.

During the operation, the soldiers discovered a hidden location believed to be used for the production of locally made firearms. Several suspects reportedly fled when they sighted the patrol. One of them, identified as Baba Ogar, a 26-year-old male from Arusu village in Kokona Local Government Area, was arrested while attempting to escape by hiding on top of a tree.

Items recovered from the site included six locally fabricated pistols, various tools suspected to be used for weapon production, the sum of ₦40,500, and a mobile phone found with the suspect.

Initial findings suggest that the site functioned as an illegal arms factory that supplied firearms to criminal groups within and outside the area. The suspect remains in custody, while security forces have stepped up efforts to locate and arrest other suspects who escaped.

The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, praised the troops for their alertness, discipline, and sustained pressure, which led to the discovery of the illegal facility. He urged them to sustain the operational drive and rely on intelligence-based actions to dismantle criminal networks across the Joint Operations Area.

Major General Gara also highlighted the importance of public support, calling on residents to continue providing timely and credible information. He noted that useful intelligence remains key to lasting security and economic development.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, has announced that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf will enjoy full backing of the party ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Kano State.

Ganduje made the declaration while formally receiving Yusuf back into the APC. He stated that all other aspirants interested in the governorship seat had agreed to step aside in favour of the governor.

According to him, “I can categorically tell you that you are going to wins 2027 with a landslide because all those contesting for the same seat have agreed to allow you alone go for it.”

He described Yusuf’s return as a historic moment for the party. “To us, leaders of the APC, this is a memorable occasion we are all waiting for. I strongly welcomed Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf back to his home,” Ganduje said.

The former party chairman recalled the governor’s earlier exit from the APC and expressed appreciation over his return. He said, “We were in APC together with you, it was formed with you, but later on because of some political differences, political redirection, you left the party to NNPP. But now we are thankful that you are back to our party and your home.”

Ganduje also praised Yusuf’s leadership style and governance approach. “You as our brother, the Governor of Kano State, you are a progressive politician from your utterances, your policies and the implementation of those policies,” he added.

He stressed that within the APC structure, Governor Yusuf now occupies the position of party leader in Kano State. Ganduje noted that the declaration was meant to end speculation and internal disagreements over the party’s leadership in the state.

He further spoke on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as a leader who does not discriminate. Ganduje said the president treats Nigerians equally, without regard to religion or ethnicity, and expressed confidence that Yusuf would secure victory in the 2027 election.

In his remarks, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, praised Governor Yusuf for his decision to return to the APC. He maintained that the move was firm and irreversible.

The development has continued to draw attention within political circles as preparations gradually begin ahead of the 2027 polls.