News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Venezuelan authorities have announced that no fewer than 100 people lost their lives during a United States military operation that led to the removal of President Nicolás Maduro from office.

The country’s interior minister, Diosdado Cabello, disclosed the figure late on Wednesday. This marked the first official confirmation of the death toll since the operation took place on Saturday.

According to Cabello, “100 people died in the U.S. attack which removed President Nicolas Maduro from power on Saturday.” Officials had previously refrained from releasing a comprehensive casualty count.

Earlier, the Venezuelan military had released the names of 23 personnel who were confirmed dead. Government officials later stated that a significant portion of Maduro’s security detail was killed “in cold blood.”

Cuba also announced that some of its military and intelligence officers deployed in Venezuela died during the operation.Cabello further revealed that injuries occurred during the raid. He said that Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, who was detained alongside him, sustained a head injury. He also stated that Maduro suffered an injury to his leg.

The operation followed prolonged diplomatic and political tensions between Washington and Caracas. Over the years, the two countries have exchanged accusations over governance, security concerns, sanctions and diplomatic pressure. United States officials have repeatedly accused Maduro’s administration of failures in leadership and public security, claims that Venezuelan authorities have consistently rejected.

On Saturday, U.S. forces carried out a controversial mission in Venezuela that resulted in the arrest of President Maduro and his wife. American authorities later justified the action by linking Maduro to allegations of drug trafficking and narco-terrorism.

Federal indictments alleged that his administration aided the shipment of large quantities of cocaine into the United States. These allegations were presented as the legal grounds for his arrest.

After the operation, President Donald Trump publicly stated that the United States intended to assert control over Venezuela’s oil sector. He argued that the industry was built with American investment and accused Maduro’s government of taking over U.S. energy assets. In a post on social media, Trump said the United States would “run Venezuela and take over its oil” after Maduro’s arrest.

In his first public remarks following his transfer to the United States, Maduro described himself as “kidnapped” and maintained his innocence.

During a weekly broadcast on state television, Cabello announced that Venezuelan authorities had declared a week of mourning for members of the armed forces who were killed in the operation. He referred to the fallen personnel as “courageous.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Humanitarian workers have raised fresh concerns over the deteriorating living conditions in the Gaza Strip, warning that freezing temperatures are worsening the health situation of displaced families as Israel maintains tight restrictions on relief supplies.

Doctors Without Borders, also known as MSF, disclosed on Wednesday that infants across Gaza are “suffering from severe cold” while thousands of families remain in fragile, makeshift shelters following months of destruction.

The organisation reported a surge in respiratory infections, skin ailments and other cold-related illnesses, which have spread rapidly among vulnerable groups living in overcrowded and poorly protected encampments.

In a message shared on social media, the group stated: “People are facing torrential rain and heavy winds while living in makeshift shelters,” and added, “All the while Israel continues to block or delay the entry of vital supplies like tents, tarpaulins, and temporary housing.”

Large parts of Gaza’s population have been displaced since the outbreak of the war, forcing hundreds of thousands of families to seek refuge in tent settlements and damaged structures that offer little protection against the harsh winter weather.

Humanitarian observers note that the continued blockade of essential materials has contributed to widespread hunger and worsening health conditions. Legal analysts have also pointed out that the restrictions breach Israel’s obligations as an occupying power to ensure the welfare of civilians in territories under its control.

The limits on aid deliveries also contradict a ceasefire arrangement brokered by the United States in October, which required Israel to permit the daily entry of 600 humanitarian trucks into Gaza. Despite repeated appeals from the United Nations and other international bodies, the restrictions have remained in place.

Israel has further tightened its stance by cancelling the operating permits of 37 aid organisations, among them MSF and the Norwegian Refugee Council. The new regulations demand extensive disclosure of staff details, funding sources and operational activities.

Responding to the development, MSF said the decision “is a cynical attempt to prevent organisations from providing services in Palestine and is in breach of Israel’s obligations under international humanitarian law”.

Meanwhile, Gaza continues to endure strong winds, heavy rainfall and sub-zero temperatures, which have intensified the suffering of displaced families sheltering in inadequate living conditions.

The ceasefire has not halted violence completely. According to figures released by the Palestinian Health Ministry, at least 424 Palestinians have lost their lives since October 11, while another 1,199 people have sustained injuries in continued Israeli attacks.

As winter deepens, humanitarian agencies warn that without the urgent delivery of shelter materials and relief items, the health crisis in Gaza could worsen further in the coming weeks.

US President Donald J. Trump has renewed his long-standing claim that he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize, arguing that his actions strengthened NATO and prevented wider war in Europe.

In a social media post, Trump said Norway—a NATO member and host country of the Nobel Peace Prize committee—“foolishly” failed to award him the prize, despite what he described as ending multiple wars and forcing NATO allies to increase defence spending. He claimed his leadership deterred Russia and elevated U.S. global standing.

Trump concluded by asserting that NATO depends primarily on American military strength, crediting his presidency for rebuilding U.S. power and saving millions of lives.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Members of the Super Eagles, alongside their technical crew, have declined to proceed to Marrakech following unresolved issues concerning unpaid bonuses.

The development was disclosed by BBC Africa journalist, Oluwashina Okeleji, who is currently in Morocco.Nigeria are scheduled to face Algeria in the quarter-final fixture of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday evening.

However, reliable information indicates that the team is yet to receive their entitlements for the four matches they have contested so far in the competition.

The Super Eagles secured victories over Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda during the group stage. The team also recorded a 4–0 win against Mozambique in the Round of 16.

Following the situation, the players and their coaches have resolved to suspend all travel and training activities until the matter of the unpaid bonuses is addressed.

The decision has now cast uncertainty over Nigeria’s preparations ahead of the crucial encounter against Algeria.

By Maryam Ahmad

The military government of Burkina Faso says it has thwarted a plot to assassinate President Ibrahim Traore and destabilise the country.

Security Minister Mahamadou Sana said the alleged plot was masterminded by former national leader Paul-Henri Damiba, who was ousted by Captain Traore in a 2022 coup. He claimed the plan was financed from the Ivory Coast.

There has been no immediate comment from the Ivorian authorities or from Lieutenant-Colonel Damiba regarding the allegations.

Captain Traore’s government has reported several attempted coups since he took power, repeatedly accusing Ivory Coast of involvement, claims which Abidjan has previously denied.

By Anwar Usman

Sokoto State Hisbah Board has shutdown a hotel in the state capital over allegations of accommodating underage girls on its premises.

The incidence was confirmed by the Deputy Commander General of the board, Prof. Abubakar Usman Ribah, on Tuesday, saying that the action followed repeated violations by the hotel despite earlier warnings.

Ribah said the hotel was found to have breached regulations prohibiting the lodging of underage persons, describing the act as contrary to the moral and legal standards upheld by the board.

He stated that, the hotel had previously been cautioned and had also entered into an agreement with the Hisbah Board and other hotel operators in the state not to allow underage children to stay in their facilities.

“This is the second time such an offence has been recorded at the Executive Hotel, despite previous warnings and assurances by the management to desist from the practice,” he said.

He further explained that the decision to shut down the hotel was taken due to its failure to comply with the board’s directives and the conditions agreed upon during engagements with hotel owners across the state.

Riba further reiterated the board’s unwavering commitment to enforcing laws and would continue to enforce its regulations in line with the state’s religious and cultural values, emphasising that such measures were necessary to maintain public order and morality.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A suspected missile warhead has been discovered in a bush in the Zugurma area of Mashegu Local Government, Niger State.

The device was found by local residents on Monday afternoon, who immediately alerted security forces. Authorities have cordoned off the area.

Confirming the incident, Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, stated that the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit has been deployed to the scene for investigation and safe recovery.

“The item is under investigation and further development will be made public,” Abiodun said.

While unconfirmed local sources speculated the object could be a Tomahawk missile warhead linked to U.S. military operations, official identification is pending the EOD unit’s assessment.

Security forces are currently securing the area.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A directive from BBC News editors instructing journalists not to describe the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as a “kidnapping” has sparked controversy, placing the broadcaster at odds with U.S. President Donald Trump’s own terminology.

Socialist commentator Owen Jones revealed an internal BBC memo on X, which stated that while journalists could use “captured” (if attributed to U.S. sources) or “seized,” they must “Avoid using ‘Kidnapped.’

“This editorial guidance clashes with comments from President Trump. When asked about Venezuelan Interim President Delcy Rodríguez’s use of the term “kidnapping” for Maduro’s detention, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, “It’s alright. It’s not a bad term.”

Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, pleaded not guilty in a New York court to narco-terrorism and cocaine importation conspiracy charges.

During the hearing, Maduro declared he was “kidnapped” and “a prisoner of war,” while Flores asserted her status as Venezuela’s first lady.

Following the operation, Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s former vice president, was sworn in as Venezuela’s new leader in Caracas. Trump asserted the U.S. was now “in charge” of Venezuela, warning its interim government to cooperate or pay a “very big price.”

By Ibrahim Yunusa

The World Council of Churches (WCC) has called on the European Union to impose sanctions and an arms embargo on Israel, citing what it described as a “war of genocide” in Gaza and an ongoing pogrom against Palestinians in the West Bank.

Speaking on Tuesday, Iskandar Majlton, a local coordinator of the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel a WCC-affiliated initiative said the council was deeply shocked by the relentless violence and human suffering unfolding in the region.

Majlton emphasized that the WCC’s position is grounded in international law and human rights, condemning all attacks on civilians regardless of the source. He described the situation in Gaza as an “unprecedented humanitarian disaster,” with thousands killed mostly women and children and nearly the entire population displaced amid destruction, hunger, and disease.

He further stressed that the ongoing crisis did not begin in October 2023 but is rooted in decades of occupation, the blockade of Gaza, and structural inequality, urging global actors to address the deeper causes behind the cycle of violence.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a direct order to the nation’s security chiefs to track down and bring to justice the terrorists responsible for the deadly attack on Kasuwan Daji community in Niger State.

He also mandated the urgent rescue of all abducted victims. The directive, given on Sunday, follows reports that terrorists, possibly fleeing from military pressure in Sokoto and Zamfara states, carried out the assault, killing villagers and kidnapping women and children.

President Tinubu strongly condemned the attack, extending his heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and the people of Niger State.”These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people.

They must, therefore, face the full consequences of their criminal actions,” the President declared. “No matter who they are or what their intent is, they must be hunted down.”

He warned that not only the perpetrators, but also their accomplices, would be caught.

The President assured Niger State residents that security operations would be intensified around vulnerable communities, especially those near forest areas used as criminal hideouts.

Calling for national unity, Tinubu urged citizens to remain resolute and avoid divisive rhetoric that could undermine security.

“These times demand our humanity. We must stand together as one people and confront these monsters in unison,” he said, emphasizing the goal to reclaim peace and security in the affected communities.

The orders were issued to the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, all Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS).