News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has stated that her country will continue to respect existing agreements that allow the United States to use military bases located in Italy.

However, she stressed that Italy has no intention of taking part in the ongoing war involving Iran.

Meloni spoke on Thursday during an interview on an RTL radio programme. She said the Italian government had not received any request from the United States to use its bases for military action against Iran.

“Today we have no such request and I want to say that we are not at war and we do not want to enter a war,” she said.

The prime minister explained that the agreements between Italy and the United States date back to 1954. According to her, these arrangements permit certain logistical activities and operations that do not involve direct combat.

“These are technical authorisations when we are clearly talking about logistics and so-called non-kinetic operations – simply put, operations that do not involve bombing,” she said.

Meloni also noted that if Washington later seeks approval to use Italian bases for combat operations, the government would first consult the country’s parliament before making any decision.

She expressed concern about the growing tension in the Middle East and warned that the conflict could widen. According to her, the situation carries “a risk of escalation that could have unpredictable consequences.”

Italy, alongside the United Kingdom, France and Germany, is also considering sending defensive assistance to countries in the Gulf region. Meloni said the step is intended to protect tens of thousands of Italian citizens living there, as well as about 2,000 Italian troops stationed in the region.

The Italian leader described the Gulf area as important to global energy supply and warned that the ongoing crisis could affect Italy’s economy.

She said the government was monitoring energy costs and food prices. Authorities, she added, would take action to prevent companies from taking advantage of the situation by raising prices unfairly.

The current tensions began after the United States and Israel launched a major military offensive against Iran last Saturday. Reports indicate that at least 926 people have been killed, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior military officials.

Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel as well as Gulf states that host United States military assets.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State House of Assembly has formally commenced the impeachment process against Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo by serving him a notice to respond to allegations that could warrant his removal.

At a special plenary session on Thursday, the notice, read before the House, contained charges of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.

Addressing journalists after the session, House Majority Leader Lawal Hussaini Yangurasa confirmed that he presented the notice, which was signed by 38 members of the House.

He explained that following the service of the notice, the deputy governor is expected to respond within two weeks, after which the House will review his defence before deciding whether to proceed with the impeachment process.

Details later….

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Iranian forces have carried out new military operations against Kurdish armed groups in northern Iraq as the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel continues to intensify across the Middle East.

The latest attacks come as Iran also launched another wave of missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli and American assets in the region.

Reports indicate that this marks the 19th round of Iranian strikes since the United States and Israel began coordinated military operations against Iran nearly a week ago. Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency said the conflict has already resulted in more than 1,045 deaths across the country.

Iran’s state media said early Thursday that its military struck what it described as “anti-Iran separatist forces” operating in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region of Iraq. Authorities did not immediately disclose the precise locations targeted.

Al Jazeera reported that Iran’s intelligence ministry later confirmed the operation. The ministry stated that Iranian forces attacked positions belonging to “separatist groups” that were allegedly preparing to infiltrate the country through its western border.

The ministry also claimed the armed groups suffered significant losses and accused them of working with the United States and Israel to carry out attacks on Iranian territory.

Officials further said Iranian forces were cooperating with what they called “noble Kurds” in the area to counter what they described as an “Israeli-American plan” to destabilise Iran.

Residents in Iraq’s northeastern province of Sulaimaniyah reported several explosions late Wednesday night. The province lies within Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish region.

Local media outlets said at least four explosions were heard near the areas of Arabat, Zarkuiz and Surdash. Sources in the region indicated that the strikes appeared to target the headquarters of the Kurdistan Toilers Association, widely known as Komala. The group is an Iranian Kurdish armed organisation based in northern Iraq.

Videos circulating on social media showed large fires and blasts lighting up the night sky.

The escalation followed reports that some Iranian Kurdish armed groups along the Iran-Iraq border recently held consultations with United States officials regarding possible coordinated operations against Iranian security forces.

Reuters reported that the Kurdish coalition had trained fighters for potential cross-border operations designed to weaken Iran’s military capacity. However, Tasnim news agency denied earlier claims that Kurdish fighters had already entered Iran from Iraqi territory.

At the same time, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced a new round of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and American military facilities across the region.

Israeli media reported that air defence systems intercepted two drones over the western Galilee region. Saudi Arabia also said its air defence units shot down at least three drones believed to be linked to the Iranian attack campaign.

In Qatar, authorities instructed residents living near the United States Embassy in Doha to evacuate the area amid fears that American diplomatic sites could become targets.

Meanwhile, the United States and Israel continued large-scale bombardments inside Iran. Explosions were reported in Tehran and in several Kurdish cities including Sanandaj, Saqqez and Bukan.

US mining companies are lining up to invest in Venezuela, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said during a visit to the country on Wednesday, where he pressed for greater access to critical minerals.

Burgum represents an administration that claims to effectively control Venezuela and its vast natural resources following the removal of Nicolás Maduro.

He is the second senior US official to visit Caracas since an American bombing raid on January 3 left around 100 people dead and saw Maduro and his wife flown to New York to face US drug trafficking charges.

Accompanied by more than two dozen mining executives, Burgum described the group as representing “billions of dollars in investments and billions of dollars in well-paid jobs.”

“They are eager to get started, and they are eager to cut the red tape to allow that capital investment to flow,” he said after meeting with interim President Delcy Rodriguez.

Burgum, who heads President Donald Trump’s National Energy Dominance Council, described cooperation between Caracas and Washington as “unlimited.”

His visit follows that of Energy Secretary Chris Wright last month, who called for a “dramatic increase” in Venezuela’s oil output and highlighted “tremendous opportunities” for both countries.

The shift in tone reflects the altered US-Venezuela relations since Maduro’s capture. Trump has allowed Rodriguez, formerly vice president, to serve as interim leader as long as she complies with his directives regarding access to Venezuela’s natural resources.

In another sign of the diplomatic reset, the US Department of Transportation approved Envoy Air, an American Airlines subsidiary, to operate direct flights between Miami and the Venezuelan cities of Caracas and Maracaibo. These will be the first direct flights since US-Venezuela relations deteriorated in 2019.

— Gold and Coltan —

While US attention has focused on Venezuela’s oil, Burgum noted the country is also “rich in critical minerals.” In addition to gold and diamonds, Venezuela has deposits of bauxite and coltan, a mineral used in mobile phones, laptops, and other electronics. Mining activity is concentrated in the southeastern Orinoco arc.

Environmentalists have condemned the expansion of illegal mining in the area, citing deforestation and river pollution. Rodriguez, who recently overhauled the state-controlled oil sector to attract private investment, is now planning reforms to the mining code. Her brother, Congress Speaker Jorge Rodriguez, said Monday that the changes would allow “large foreign companies” to exploit minerals and rare earth elements.

— ‘Doing a great job’ —

Trump has praised Rodriguez’s compliance, posting on Truth Social on Wednesday that she was “doing a great job and working with US Representatives very well.”

“The Oil is beginning to flow, and the professionalism and dedication between both Countries is a very nice thing to see,” he wrote.

Rodriguez thanked Trump on Telegram for the US administration’s “kind willingness to work together for the benefit of the people of the United States and Venezuela.”

On Tuesday, Venezuelan state oil firm PDVSA announced new oil contracts with the United States. Since January, PDVSA has shipped over 80 million barrels of crude to the US, according to Trump. These deals come amid concerns about falling global oil output due to the war in the Middle East, which has already driven crude prices to their highest level in 18 months.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has formally taken its demand for the removal of Professor Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to the National Assembly.

MURIC and allied Islamic organisations are seeking Amupitan’s ouster due to his authorship of an 80-page legal brief alleging Christian genocide in Nigeria.

In a statement on Wednesday, MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said, three months after Islamic organisations first called for Amupitan’s removal, he remains in office.

Akintola accused the presidency of showing “little interest in addressing complaints from Islamic groups,” despite what he described as “indisputable evidence” that the INEC chairman made false allegations against Nigerian Muslims before an American audience.

He questioned the federal government’s commitment to fairness, suggesting it responds more readily to “frivolous demands” than to “evidence-based complaints from law-abiding Islamic organisations.”

MURIC voiced concern that Amupitan’s continued leadership could erode public confidence in INEC’s neutrality ahead of the 2027 general elections. The group warned that alleged anti-Muslim bias might become a contentious issue in future electoral disputes.

“Since the presidency appears uninterested in listening to the complaints of Muslims against Amupitan, we must take his case to the court of the people’s representatives, the National Assembly,” Akintola said.

He noted that the call for removal was not about the INEC chairman’s religion but about what MURIC described as a “fanatical and hateful” attitude toward Nigerian Muslims.

The organisation urged lawmakers in both chambers to investigate the matter, stressing that Muslims, as citizens and taxpayers, deserve a platform to be heard.

MURIC also reiterated that Amupitan was unsuitable to serve as an impartial electoral umpire in 2027.

According to Daily Trust, Amupitan contributed to the 2020 publication Nigeria’s Silent Slaughter: Genocide in Nigeria and the Implications for the International Community, released by the International Committee on Nigeria (ICON) and the International Organisation on Peace-building & Social Justice (PSJ).

His 80-page chapter, titled Legal Brief: Genocide in Nigeria, argued that the scale and pattern of killings and displacement of Christians met the threshold for genocide under international law. The brief also criticised the federal government for failing to protect affected communities and deliver justice for victims.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian Army has advised soldiers serving under the 14 Brigade in Ohafia to respect human rights and safeguard the rights of children while carrying out their duties.

The directive was delivered during the opening of a two-day sensitisation workshop for troops of the brigade. The event took place in Umuahia, Abia State, on Wednesday as part of the Army’s Civil-Military Affairs programme.

Army authorities also warned the soldiers against engaging in gambling and drug abuse. The troops were instructed to maintain discipline and professionalism while performing their responsibilities.

In addition, the soldiers received a warning about the use of social media. They were told not to upload confidential photographs or sensitive information online. Officials said such materials could be accessed by criminal groups and misused.

The Chief of Civil-Military Affairs in the Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Musa Awwal Etsu-Ndagi, explained that the workshop aims to remind troops about their responsibilities and the rights of civilians.

He said the training was designed to educate soldiers on their own rights, the rights of members of the public, and the protection of children. He also stressed the importance of proper conduct while interacting with civilians.

Etsu-Ndagi advised the soldiers to complete their Next of Kin forms accurately and ensure the information remains current. He said updated records would protect the families of soldiers from exploitation if a service member dies.

The senior officer also encouraged the troops to promote unity and understanding within their families.

During the workshop, the Deputy Controller of Narcotics at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Bekwele Chukwu, addressed the soldiers. He spoke about the dangers associated with the use of prohibited or controlled drugs. He warned that such substances could affect a person’s mental stability.

Earlier in his remarks, the Commander of the 14 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmad Mansur Dikko, expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for organising the workshop for the troops.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters have killed at least nine Nigerian soldiers and the Chief Imam of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

Security sources said the attack took place on Tuesday night shortly after residents ended their Ramadan fast.

One source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly, said the insurgents stormed the town in large numbers with heavy weapons. According to the source, the attackers confronted troops stationed in the area and overpowered them during the assault.

Another security source said the insurgents also moved into the residential parts of Ngoshe. The source said the town’s Chief Imam was killed during the raid. The attackers also abducted more than 100 women and children. Several people sustained injuries.

‘As I am speaking to you now, the entire people of Ngoshe have fled and nobody is left in the community. Most of us have taken refuge in Pulka,’ the source said.

The source further alleged that someone within the community might have assisted the attackers.

‘They came prepared and entered Ngoshe town with the help of an insider, killing 9 soldiers, slaughtering the mosque’s Chief Imam, and abducting over 100 women and children,’ he added.

Residents said the insurgents set fire to many houses and structures in the town before leaving the area. The incident forced surviving residents to escape to nearby communities for safety.

Attempts to reach the spokesperson of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Colonel Sani Uba, for comment were not successful as of the time this report was filed.

Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the attack.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Iran’s armed forces have issued a strong warning to Israel over what they described as a possible attack on Tehran’s diplomatic mission in Lebanon.

A military spokesperson said on Wednesday that Iran would respond by targeting Israeli embassies across the globe if such an action takes place.

Abolfazl Shekarchi, spokesperson for the Iranian armed forces, spoke during a live television broadcast. He said, “if Israel commits such a crime, it will force us to make all Israeli embassies around the world our legitimate target.”

His remarks followed a statement by the Israeli military a day earlier. On Tuesday, Avichay Adraee, the Arabic-language spokesperson for the Israeli army, said it “warns representatives of the Iranian regime who are still in Lebanon to leave immediately before being targeted”, and gave them 24 hours to depart.

The exchange comes amid rising hostilities between Iran, the United States, and Israel. Iran has faced joint US-Israeli airstrikes since February 28. Reports indicate that more than 40 senior Iranian government officials have been killed in the bombardment. Among those reported dead is Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.

The strikes have also affected civilians. More than 1,000 non-combatants have lost their lives, according to reports. The attacks prompted Iran to launch retaliatory measures.

Washington has accused the government led by Khamenei of suppressing its citizens and pursuing nuclear weapons development. Tehran has denied the claims and rejected the allegations.

The situation has continued to heighten tensions across the region, with both sides exchanging threats as the conflict deepens.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has ordered an immediate suspension of the new cashless payment system at airport toll gates nationwide, citing widespread chaos that has caused numerous passengers to miss their flights.

The decision was announced on Wednesday by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, following the Federal Executive Council meeting at the State House, Abuja.

Keyamo stated that the President intervened out of concern for the welfare of citizens, who have faced hours-long delays due to severe gridlock at the access roads to major airports.

“Mr. President was very concerned about the welfare of Nigerians and the fact that most Nigerians were losing their flights,” Keyamo told reporters. “So Mr. President, out of empathy, directed today that we suspend the present system because it creates a lot of gridlock, and Nigerians are suffering as a result of it.”

The cashless policy, implemented less than a week ago by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), was designed to eliminate corruption and optimize revenue collection after more than 50 years of cash transactions. It required motorists to use prepaid cards or electronic payments at toll gates.

However, the transition was plagued by bottlenecks, leading to massive traffic congestion—particularly at the Lagos and Abuja airport toll gates. Videos on social media showed queues stretching for kilometres, forcing travellers to depart for the airport hours earlier than usual.

While reaffirming the government’s commitment to a cashless system, Keyamo clarified that the President’s directive prioritises public convenience over the immediate elimination of cash.

“The major reason why Mr. President took this decision is to eliminate the present gridlock… not that the President is happy with the cash system,” the minister explained.

In the interim, a hybrid system will be implemented, allowing for both cash payments and the use of FAAN cards already purchased by motorists. The minister revealed that the government will now engage private sector participants to develop a more seamless electronic system that prevents future traffic disruptions.

“Mr. President said if we have to pay commission, we have to pay commission, but we’ll bring in private sector participants to help us devise a much more efficient payment system that will still eliminate cash at the gate,” Keyamo stated.

He added that the President has ordered a swift resolution and has directed the ministry to report back to him on the progress of a new, more efficient system.

By Uzair Adam

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has explained his decision to remain silent during interrogation by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), describing the investigation as politically motivated.

In written statements made under caution on February 19 and 20, 2026, while in ICPC custody and in the presence of his lawyer, Ubong E. Akpan, El-Rufai said his refusal to answer questions was deliberate and based on legal advice.

He maintained that he was exercising his constitutional right to silence and would only address any allegations before a competent court of law.

The former governor stated that after nearly two years of investigation, the anti-graft agency should present its findings before a judicial authority rather than seek further explanations from him.

He argued that only a judge could determine whether the probe amounted to political persecution.

El-Rufai, who served as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, also outlined his educational and professional background in his initial statement, noting his studies at Ahmadu Bello University, as well as at Harvard University and the University of London.

He recounted his career in public service, including his roles as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

The ICPC had secured a 14-day remand order from a Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari to detain him, with the order set to expire on March 5, 2026.

Should the agency fail to file charges before then, he may regain his freedom upon the lapse of the court-approved detention.

In a follow-up statement dated February 20, El-Rufai reaffirmed his stance, stressing that he would not respond to additional documents or questions outside the courtroom, again citing his constitutional rights.

The development adds a new dimension to the ongoing standoff between the former governor and the anti-corruption agency, as attention now turns to whether formal charges will be filed before the remand period expires.