News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the 35 Artillery Brigade have intercepted 296 large wraps of substances believed to be Cannabis Sativa along the Abeokuta–Igboora Road in Ogun State.

The operation took place at about 4:30 a.m. on March 1, 2026, after the troops received credible intelligence about the planned movement of suspected illicit drugs along the route. Acting swiftly on the information, the soldiers moved to the area and stopped a motorcycle without a registration number.

During a search, the troops discovered 296 large wraps of substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, also known as Indian hemp. The items were hidden inside three large sacks. The suspect reportedly abandoned the motorcycle and escaped into a nearby bush under the cover of darkness.

The seized exhibits have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ogun State Command, for further investigation and necessary action.

The 35 Artillery Brigade reiterated its determination to rid Ogun State of drug trafficking and other criminal activities. The Brigade warned individuals involved in illegal trade to embrace lawful means of livelihood or face the consequences of security operations.

It also reassured residents of Ogun State of the Nigerian Army’s continued commitment to safeguarding lives and property. The Brigade stated that troops will sustain a strong presence across the state to ensure that criminal elements do not operate freely.

The statement was signed by Major IderegHI Samuel Akari, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 35 Artillery Brigade, and dated March 2, 2026.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Iran’s newly declared Supreme Leader, Alireza Arafa, has threatened retaliation against the United States and Israel after Tehran accused both countries of carrying out military attacks on its territory.

In a statement released on Tuesday morning across several social media platforms, Arafa said diplomatic efforts had come to an end. He accused Washington of crossing a “red line.”

“The time for negotiations is over. The United States has chosen to cross the red line, the line of irreparable harm,” he said.

“By launching this war, they have signed their own death warrant: they don’t know when or how the axe will fall, but we hold the reins.”

His remarks followed reports of coordinated airstrikes by US and Israeli forces on Iranian military sites and key infrastructure. The operation marked a sharp deterioration in relations among Tehran, Washington and Tel Aviv.

Tensions between the countries have grown in recent months over Iran’s missile programme, its regional activities and allegations linked to nuclear development. The United States has repeatedly accused Iran of supporting armed groups in the Middle East and fuelling instability in the region. Iranian officials have denied those allegations.

Tehran described the recent strikes as “unprovoked.” Authorities insisted that Iran did not initiate hostilities.

Arafa rejected Western claims that the attacks were preventive steps against a nuclear threat.

“They brandish the nuclear specter like a scarecrow, blinded by their arrogance,” he said.

“They have no idea of the true extent of our power or what we are prepared to unleash.”

He directed some of his strongest remarks at Israel and warned of continued retaliation.

“As for Israel, its fate is sealed. Every strike, every crime, every act of suffering they have inflicted will come back to haunt them,” Arafa declared.

“They will remain in our sights, exposed, vulnerable, hunted.”

The exchange of threats has heightened concerns about a wider regional conflict. Armed groups aligned with Tehran in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen could become involved if hostilities expand.

Security analysts say a prolonged confrontation could disrupt global energy supplies and deepen sectarian divisions across the Middle East.

In his concluding remarks, Arafa described the crisis as a defining struggle for Iran.

“We walk in the shadow of the Leader, and every step is a lightning bolt,” he said, before ending with the slogan: “Iran does not bend. Iran wins. Always.”

As tensions rise and military activities continue, international actors face growing calls to intervene and prevent a broader conflict that could reshape the region for years.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Iran has clarified that it is engaged in conflict with the United States and Israel, not with any countries in the Gulf region.

Speaking on Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said, “We’re not attacking our neighbours, we’re attacking US military bases. US soldiers fleeing to hotels will not prevent them from being targeted.” His remarks come amid ongoing US and Israeli strikes on Iranian positions, and retaliatory Iranian attacks on American and Israeli interests in the Middle East.

Al Jazeera reports that Iran accused the US of “betraying diplomacy” by launching attacks during ongoing negotiations. Araghchi also urged Gulf nations to pressure Washington to halt its military actions against Iran.

The Iranian minister emphasized that US military installations, including those located within Gulf countries, and facilities housing American troops, are considered legitimate targets.

For the third day in a row, loud explosions were reported in Dubai, UAE, and Qatar as Iran continues to respond to US and Israeli attacks. Bloomberg notes that both the UAE and Qatar have been quietly appealing to international allies to encourage President Trump to pursue a diplomatic solution instead of extending the conflict.

Qatar warned that ongoing disruptions to regional shipping could further drive up global natural gas prices. The country also announced that it intercepted two Iranian fighter planes, along with missiles and drones, which had entered its airspace. Gulf nations have pledged to continue defending their territories.

Meanwhile, the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah continues to escalate as both sides exchange attacks.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United States has urged its citizens to leave more than a dozen countries across the Middle East as fighting between US-Israeli forces and Iran intensifies.

In a notice issued on Monday, the US Department of State advised Americans to depart several countries in the region, which include Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The advisory follows recent updates to travel guidance that cautioned against travel to parts of the Middle East.

According to Aljazeera, the directive applies to Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the occupied West Bank and Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

Mora Namdar, the State Department’s assistant secretary for consular affairs, announced the guidance on social media. She instructed US citizens to “DEPART NOW” from the listed countries using available commercial transport “due to serious safety risks”.

Earlier on Monday, the US Embassy in Amman said its staff had left the diplomatic compound “due to a threat”.

Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Washington, Patty Culhane, described the method of the announcement as unusual. She noted that the message came through a post by a senior official rather than through a traditional formal channel.

“The fact that the State Department is referring us to a tweet from an assistant secretary of state, and this isn’t necessarily official policy – but perhaps they are saying it is official policy – this is not at all how it is usually done,” Culhane said.

“This is really, truly bizarre. I can’t say that I have seen anything like this in my very long time covering Washington,” she said.

“This is not how this is done. The State Department has very complex processes to notify Americans in these places that they need to leave. That hasn’t happened. It’s not official government policy, at least it doesn’t appear to be yet, because this isn’t how they announce official government policy,” she added.

Culhane also questioned how Americans would be able to leave, given the security situation. “It’s not quite clear what this means, and exactly how Americans could leave the entire Middle East since commercial traffic has been interrupted so much because of all of the missiles,” she said.

“This is going to be a very big question, especially for all of the Americans in the Middle East”.

The advisory comes after US and Israeli forces launched heavy strikes on Iran on Saturday. Iranian authorities confirmed the deaths of several senior figures, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Tehran responded with attacks across the region.

President Donald Trump said on Monday that the military campaign was expected to continue for four to five weeks, although he indicated that it could extend beyond that timeframe.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Spain has announced that the United States is neither using nor expected to use joint military facilities on Spanish soil for operations linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares made the position clear during an interview with Spanish public television on Monday. “Based on all the information I have, the bases are not being used for this military operation,” he said.

The statement follows criticism from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who denounced the US and Israeli strikes on Iran that began on Saturday. He described the action as an “unjustified” and “dangerous military intervention” that falls outside international law.

Albares stressed that Madrid would not permit any activity beyond the scope of existing agreements. “The Spanish government will not authorise the use of the bases for anything beyond the agreement or inconsistent with the United Nations,” he stated. He referred specifically to the Rota naval base and the Moron airbase, facilities operated jointly by Spain and the US but which remain under Spanish sovereignty.

Defence Minister Margarita Robles also addressed the issue. She said the bases “will not provide support, except if, in a given case, it were necessary from a humanitarian perspective”.

Spain further criticised Iran’s retaliatory strikes on Gulf states, even as it maintained opposition to the initial US and Israeli attacks.

Flight data published on Monday by tracking service FlightRadar24 indicated that 15 US aircraft departed from bases in southern Spain after the launch of military operations against Iran. At least seven of the planes later arrived at Ramstein airbase in Germany, according to the same source.

Madrid’s stance differs from that of several other leading European nations. The United Kingdom had earlier declined to allow the use of its bases for strikes on Iran. However, Prime Minister Keir Starmer reversed that decision on Sunday. He authorised their use for “collective self-defence” following Iranian counterattacks aimed at US assets in the Middle East and energy facilities in the Gulf.

France and Germany have signalled readiness to take a similar approach.

In a joint statement issued on Sunday, the leaders of the three countries said they were “appalled by the indiscriminate and disproportionate missile attacks launched by Iran against countries in the region, including those who were not involved in initial US and Israeli military operations”.

They added, “We have agreed to work together with the US and allies in the region on this matter.”

By Muhammad Sulaiman

The Alumni of the Kashim Ibrahim Fellowship have called for the immediate release of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, describing his continued detention as unlawful and a violation of his fundamental human rights.

In a press statement issued on Monday, the group expressed “deep concern” over what it termed the illegal detention of El-Rufai, arguing that it contravenes constitutional guarantees of personal liberty, dignity and due process under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The alumni further criticised the Department of State Services (DSS) for failing to produce the former governor before the Federal High Court on February 25, 2026, stating that this action infringes his right to a fair hearing within a reasonable time as provided under Section 36 of the Constitution.

According to the statement, the right to be brought promptly before a court is “not discretionary but an essential safeguard of personal liberty and justice.” The group urged all relevant authorities to ensure strict adherence to constitutional provisions and uphold the rule of law.

The fellowship alumni also highlighted El-Rufai’s record in public service, particularly his tenure as governor of Kaduna State, where they said he implemented institutional reforms and socio-economic development programmes with measurable impact. They noted that the establishment of the Kashim Ibrahim Fellowship was among his initiatives to encourage youth participation in governance and leadership.

Reaffirming their solidarity, the group called on well-meaning Nigerians to support their demand for justice and due process. They insisted that every citizen is entitled to protection from unlawful detention and urged authorities to grant El-Rufai full rights to defend himself without prejudice.

The statement concluded with a renewed demand for his immediate release, emphasising that adherence to democratic principles and the rule of law is critical to strengthening public trust in national institutions.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United States has announced new sanctions against the Rwandan Defense Force (RDF) and four of its top officers over claims that they provided assistance to the March 23 Movement (M23) operating in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The decision was made public on Monday in a statement from the U.S. State Department. Principal Deputy Spokesperson Thomas “Tommy” Pigott said the action followed allegations that Rwanda offered “direct operational support” to the rebel group. He linked the move to the recent takeover of the Congolese city of Uvira by M23 fighters.

The statement noted that the fall of Uvira came “just days after President Trump presided over the December 4, 2025 signing of the historic Joint Declaration of the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity” together with DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame.

Washington described the rebel offensive as a “clear violation of the Washington Accords,” which were introduced as a peace framework for the troubled Great Lakes region.

U.S. officials stressed that M23 is already under sanctions from both the United States and the United Nations. The group faces accusations of carrying out serious abuses in eastern Congo.

“M23, a U.S.- and UN-sanctioned entity, is responsible for horrific human rights abuses, including summary executions and violence against civilians, including women and children,” the statement said.

The State Department also alleged that backing from the RDF and its senior commanders made it possible for M23 to take control of territory in the DRC and maintain its campaign.

“The continued backing from the RDF and its senior leadership has enabled M23 to capture DRC sovereign territory and continue these grave abuses,” the statement added.

The sanctions were issued under Executive Order 13413, as amended. The order authorises the U.S. government to penalise individuals and organisations accused of contributing to unrest in the DRC.

Pigott said the United States remains committed to the peace agreement and regional stability.

“The United States stands firm in its support for peace and stability in eastern DRC and the wider region,” he said.

“The Washington Accords mark a decisive turning point for the Great Lakes region, setting a new course for peace, cooperation, and prosperity among neighbors.”

The statement said the latest measures reflect Washington’s determination to see that the agreement is respected.

“As President Trump has made clear, the United States is prepared to use all available tools to ensure the DRC and Rwanda deliver on the promises of this historic agreement,” it said.

Eastern Congo has experienced prolonged conflict involving several armed groups. Rwanda has repeatedly faced accusations of backing M23. Kigali has denied those claims in the past.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Germany has confirmed that Israel moved its official government aircraft to Berlin over the weekend amid escalating strikes involving Iran.

A spokesperson for Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Monday that the Israeli government sought permission to park the aircraft in Germany for security reasons. The request was approved.

Stefan Kornelius told reporters at a press conference in Berlin that no senior Israeli officials were on board when the plane arrived on Saturday.

“The Israeli government asked if they could park this plane here. We complied with that request,” he said.

He added that only the flight crew was present when the aircraft landed in Berlin.

The plane, known as the “Wing of Zion,” departed Israel on Saturday. Its movement led to speculation on social media that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might be travelling to Germany.

Flight tracking data showed the aircraft left Israel early in the afternoon. It remained over the Mediterranean Sea for several hours before heading to Germany. It later landed in Berlin that evening.

The Boeing 767 is specially configured for official overseas trips by Israel’s president and prime minister. Israeli media have reported that the aircraft is equipped with advanced secure communication systems.

The relocation took place as tensions escalated following strikes linked to the conflict between Israel and Iran. German authorities did not indicate how long the aircraft would remain in Berlin.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed that the United Kingdom will not take part in offensive military action against Iran, despite criticism from United States President Donald Trump.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Starmer said he stood by his decision not to join the initial US-Israeli strikes. Trump had earlier expressed frustration with the UK’s stance and told The Daily Telegraph he was “very disappointed”. He also claimed Starmer “took far too long” to permit the use of British bases such as the Chagos Islands for operations linked to the strikes.

Responding to the remarks, Starmer told MPs: “President Trump has expressed his disagreement with our decision not to get involved in the initial strikes.

“But it is my duty to judge what is in Britain’s national interest, and I stand by it.”

The prime minister explained that although British forces will not participate directly in attacks, the UK has allowed US forces to use certain British bases for limited defensive purposes. He said the request concerned targeting Iranian missiles at storage depots or launch sites.

“It is simply not possible to shoot down every Iranian missile and every drone after they’ve been launched,” he said.

“The US requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purposes.”

Starmer stressed that UK bases in Cyprus were not being used by American bombers. He addressed reports of a drone strike at RAF Akrotiri and clarified the circumstances.

“It is important for me to say that our bases in Cyprus are not being used by US bombers,” he said.

“I want to be clear. The strike on RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus was not in response to any decision that we have taken. In our assessment, the drone was launched prior to our announcement.”

He added that developments since the weekend had changed the security picture. “It is clear that Iran’s outrageous response has become a threat to our people, our interests, and our allies, and it cannot be ignored,” he said.

Around 300,000 British nationals are believed to be in countries affected by the crisis. More than 100,000 have registered with the Foreign Office for updates. Airspace closures have disrupted travel across much of the region.

Starmer urged citizens to remain vigilant and register their presence. “We’re asking all British citizens in the region to register their presence so we can provide the best possible support and to monitor the Home Office travel advice, which is being regularly updated,” he told MPs.

He noted that local authorities in several areas have advised people to stay indoors. The government has deployed rapid response teams to assist British nationals and is working with regional governments and the travel industry to facilitate safe returns.

The prime minister also addressed concerns about the legality of military action. He referred to lessons from the Iraq war and underlined the need for a clear legal foundation.

“We all remember the mistakes of Iraq and we have learned those lessons. Any UK action must always have a lawful basis, and a viable thought-through plan,” he said.

He repeated that Britain would not join offensive operations. “ I say again, we were not involved in the initial strikes on Iran, and we will not join offensive action now. But in the face of Iran’s barrage of missiles and drones, we will protect our people in the region and support the collective self-defence of our allies, because that is our duty to the British people.”

Starmer also said the long-term objective of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons must be resolved through talks rather than force.

“So it’s clear the Iranian regime must never be allowed to get their hands on nuclear weapons. That remains the primary aim of the United Kingdom and our allies, including the US, and ultimately, this will have to be achieved at the negotiating table,” he said.

Elsewhere in Parliament, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey criticised Trump’s decision to launch strikes, which he described as “an illegal war”. He also called on wealthy British tax exiles in the Middle East, including “billionaires and washed up footballers”, to “pay their fair share to fund British defence”.

In a separate exchange, Starmer said the UK is working with Ukraine to counter drone threats in the Gulf. He highlighted Ukraine’s experience in responding to Iranian-made drones during Russia’s invasion.

“Ukraine, sadly, has more expertise than anyone in dealing with drones, and that’s why we’re putting their expertise and our expertise together and using it to help our allies in the region of nations as we speak,” he said.

As tensions escalate, the government has pledged to enhance security at Jewish and Muslim places of worship in the UK. Ministers say efforts will continue to protect British interests abroad while pushing for a diplomatic solution to the crisis.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump is facing mounting criticism over Washington’s recent military action against Iran, as senior lawmakers question the basis and legality of the operation.

U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said the administration has yet to provide proof that Iran posed an imminent danger that required military intervention. His remarks have intensified debate in Congress about both the constitutional authority for the strikes and the broader strategy behind them.

During a television interview before attending a classified congressional briefing, Jeffries stated that he would continue to review intelligence to determine whether the action was warranted. According to CNN, he expressed concern that lawmakers had not been shown evidence to support the decision.

“I will continue to look for information … to suggest that there was intelligence indicating that Iran was prepared to strike the United States. Nothing has been presented to justify what’s taking place up until this point,” Jeffries was quoted as saying.

He maintained that many Americans expect their leaders to address economic pressures at home instead of committing the country to another prolonged conflict abroad.

“Americans want the government to focus on making their life better, making their life more affordable, not getting involved in another endless war in the Middle East that is going to end in failure,” he added.

Jeffries also raised questions about the President’s authority to launch extensive military operations without prior approval from Congress. He pointed to Article I of the U.S. Constitution, which assigns the power to declare war to the legislative branch.

Reports indicate that lawmakers are seeking a vote on a war powers resolution in response to the strikes. Concerns have grown in Washington following briefings that reportedly did not show Iran was preparing an immediate attack before the joint U.S.-Israeli operation. The situation has drawn criticism from members of both major parties, who are asking for clarity on the objectives and long-term plan.

International reaction has also intensified. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) condemned the bombing of a girls’ primary school in southern Iran. The agency described the attack as a serious breach of international humanitarian law.

According to CNN, missiles struck a school in Minab during ongoing military operations. About 150 people were killed. Many of them were believed to be students. Nearly 100 others sustained injuries.

“The killing of pupils in a place dedicated to learning constitutes a grave violation of the protection afforded to schools under international humanitarian law,” UNESCO said, according to CNN.

The organisation warned that assaults on schools place students at grave risk and weaken the right to education. The incident ranks among the deadliest civilian casualties reported since tensions escalated.

While the strike occurred within the context of wider military action against Iranian targets, investigations into responsibility are still underway.

Humanitarian groups have renewed appeals for the protection of civilians and public infrastructure. Save the Children stressed that children often suffer most during armed conflicts.

“Every war is a war on children, and the world cannot stand by and watch children be killed or injured,” said Inger Ashing, the organisation’s chief executive, in a statement.

As tensions rise across the Middle East, lawmakers, diplomats and international bodies have warned that the crisis could spread across the region. In Washington, debate continues over the legality, purpose and human cost of the military campaign.