Germany

By Muhammad Abubakar 

Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), has expanded its monitoring of pro-Palestinian activism by adding the watermelon symbol to its official list of extremist and antisemitic indicators under specific conditions.

According to an agency report titled “Hidden Messages – Antisemitic Codes and Ciphers,” the watermelon motif is now flagged when used by activists to outline the geographic map of Palestine.

Authorities state that using the fruit’s shape to replace the borders of Israel acts as a “bridge narrative” that effectively denies Israel’s right to exist. 

The update was published alongside a re-classification of the slogan “From the river to the sea,” which German security officials view as a call for the elimination of the Jewish state.

The watermelon has historically served as an international symbol of Palestinian solidarity, utilising its red, green, black, and white colours to mirror the Palestinian flag. 

Pro-Palestinian networks have criticised the intelligence dossier, arguing that the security agency is conflating peaceful political expression with hate speech to suppress solidarity movements. 

Regional authorities, beginning with Bavaria, are expected to use the updated BfV guidelines to increase surveillance and tighten restrictions on public demonstrations.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United States has announced plans to withdraw about 5,000 troops from Germany, a key Nato ally, as tensions deepen between Washington and European leaders over the ongoing war with Iran.

The Pentagon confirmed the decision on Friday. The move follows a dispute between former President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The disagreement centres on comments made by the German leader about the conflict.

A senior Pentagon official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, criticised Germany’s recent statements. The official said they had been “inappropriate and unhelpful”.

“The president is rightly reacting to these counterproductive remarks,” the official said.

Germany remains the largest base for US military operations in Europe. More than 35,000 American troops are currently stationed in the country. The location serves as a major hub for training and logistics.

Earlier in the week, Mr Trump warned that he could reduce troop levels after exchanging words with Mr Merz. The German chancellor had said Iran was embarrassing the United States during negotiations aimed at ending the war.

“An entire nation is being humiliated by the Iranian leadership, especially by these so-called Revolutionary Guards. And so I hope that this ends as quickly as possible,” he said.

“The Iranians are obviously very skilled at negotiating, or rather, very skillful at not negotiating, letting the Americans travel to Islamabad and then leave again without any result.”

Mr Merz also questioned Washington’s approach to the war. He said he could not identify a clear exit strategy. His remarks highlighted growing divisions between the US and its European allies. The disagreements also extend to issues such as Ukraine and trade policies.

In response, Mr Trump criticised the German leader in a post on Truth Social. He wrote:

“The Chancellor of Germany should spend more time on ending the war with Russia/Ukraine (Where ‌he has been totally ineffective!), and ⁠fixing his broken Country, especially Immigration and Energy, and ⁠less time on interfering with those that are getting rid of the Iran ‌Nuclear threat, thereby making the World, including Germany, a ‌safer place!”

The Pentagon said the troop withdrawal would take place over six to twelve months. Officials expect the move to return US troop levels in Europe to what they were before 2022, prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

As part of the plan, a brigade combat team will leave Germany. A long-range fires battalion that had been scheduled for deployment will no longer be sent.

The decision comes as the US increases pressure on its allies over the Iran conflict. Washington has urged Nato members to support efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been largely closed since late February. The disruption has affected global energy supplies.

In a related move, Mr Trump also announced plans to raise tariffs on vehicles imported from the European Union to 25 per cent starting next week. The policy is expected to have a significant impact on Germany’s auto industry.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Germany has declined the nomination of former minister Femi Fani-Kayode as Nigeria’s ambassador, citing concerns over his past remarks and conduct, according to an exclusive report.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu had approved Mr Fani-Kayode’s appointment on March 6, assigning him to a Central European country as ambassador-designate. However, the German authorities rejected the nomination a week later, on March 13, 2026.

Officials in Germany based their decision on what they described as “erratic behaviour, controversial past statements, particularly his divisive ethnocentric, tribalistic, and religious fundamentalist comments in Nigeria”, which they said were “destabilising”.

The development followed a recent incident in Abuja where Mr Fani-Kayode reportedly clashed with the United Kingdom’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery. The disagreement occurred during a Ramadan dinner hosted by Senator Bashir Lado, the president’s special adviser on Senate matters.

Efforts to obtain Mr Fani-Kayode’s response were unsuccessful as of Sunday.

A senior government official, however, indicated that the former minister might be reassigned to South Africa in a similar diplomatic role.

Mr Fani-Kayode remains one of the high-profile figures nominated by President Tinubu for ambassadorial positions. He has, over the years, attracted attention for controversial public statements and social media posts.

In August 2020, he faced criticism after verbally attacking a journalist who questioned the source of funding for his nationwide tour. At a press briefing in Calabar, the reporter had asked, “Who is bankrolling you?” Mr Fani-Kayode responded by calling the journalist “stupid” and described the question as “insulting”. He later issued an apology following widespread backlash.

He was also involved in a public dispute with his estranged wife, Precious Chikwendu, over child custody.

In addition, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had filed charges against him, including fraud, money laundering, and forgery spanning nearly two decades. However, between 2024 and 2025, courts dismissed the cases. The rulings cited the prosecution’s inability to establish a link between Mr Fani-Kayode and the alleged offences, which included claims of fraudulent receipt of N4.9 billion, laundering of N200 million and later N8 billion, as well as forgery of medical documents.

United States President Donald Trump has criticised NATO members for failing to support Washington and Israel in the ongoing war with Iran, as tensions continue to disrupt global energy supplies.

The Strait of Hormuz remains largely inaccessible amid the conflict. The waterway is a key route for global oil and gas shipments. The situation has raised concerns across international markets, with no clear end to the fighting.

In a post shared on his Truth Social platform on Friday, Trump described NATO countries as “COWARDS, and we will REMEMBER!”

He faulted the alliance for refusing to participate in the military effort against Iran. He also accused them of complaining about rising oil prices despite staying out of the conflict.

“Now that fight is militarily WON, with very little danger for them, they complain about the high oil prices they are forced to ⁠pay, but don’t want to help open ⁠the Strait of Hormuz, a simple military maneuver that is the single reason for the high oil prices. So easy for them to do, with so ⁠little risk,” he wrote.

Trump has repeatedly urged key allies to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz, which is under Iranian control. Many of those countries were not consulted before the war began.

The conflict, which started on February 28 following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, has caused widespread destruction. Thousands of people have died, while millions have been displaced. It has also triggered instability in global financial markets.

Amid the developments, NATO confirmed it is modifying its mission in Iraq. This followed reports that personnel had been temporarily withdrawn due to the security situation.

“We can confirm that we are adjusting our posture in the context of NATO Mission Iraq,” alliance spokesperson Allison Hart said.

NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, US Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, also confirmed that mission personnel in Iraq had been relocated to Europe.

“I would like to thank the Republic of Iraq and all the Allies who assisted in the safe relocation of NATO personnel from Iraq,” the statement reads.

European leaders have, however, signalled reluctance to join the conflict. Speaking after a European Union summit in Brussels, French President Emmanuel Macron stressed the need for diplomacy.

“I have ‌not heard anyone here express a willingness to enter this conflict – quite the opposite.”

He added that respecting international law and reducing tensions remained “the best we can do”.

The war has dominated discussions among European leaders, especially its impact on energy prices. Reports indicate that there is no unified position within the European Union on how to respond to the crisis.

Officials have warned that energy costs may continue to rise in the coming months, as uncertainty persists over supply routes and market stability.

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

A Kano indigene and university lecturer based in Cologne, Germany, Muhsin Ibrahim, has raised concerns over alleged job offer racketeering in Kano State, claiming the practice remains widespread despite a change in administration.

In a series of Facebook posts, Ibrahim alleged that the sale of job placements in government ministries and institutions became common toward the end of the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and has continued under the current government led by Abba Kabir Yusuf.

He stated, “Job offer racketeering was prevalent in Kano towards the end of Governor Ganduje’s administration, in late 2022 and early 2023. I wrote extensively about it here. I thought Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, with his purported principles, would stop it. I was wrong.”

The lecturer explained that recent discussions with contacts in Kano revealed that the alleged practice is not only ongoing but expanding. He described a situation where employment opportunities are treated like commodities and sold openly.

“For two days, I happened to speak with family and friends about this illicit business in Kano. It is not only happening but also booming and carried out in broad daylight. Like merchandise, job offers at different ministries and institutions are priced and sold in the market,” he said.

Ibrahim also claimed that some individuals have fallen victim to fraud while attempting to secure such opportunities, describing the situation as “double jeopardy.”

“To make matters worse, several people have been scammed. I call this double jeopardy. You are duped while engaging in immoral, unethical practices. You have no one and nowhere to report your case to,” he added.

He acknowledged the challenges faced by job seekers, especially those who have spent years pursuing education without securing employment. However, he blamed those involved in selling job offers and criticised authorities for failing to curb the trend.

“I can understand why some people feel pushed into buy job offers. It is depressing to be without a job after investing so much money, time and energy in obtaining qualifications. So, I largely blame the sellers but also the government for doing almost nothing to stop this,” he stated.

The lecturer urged those involved to desist from the practice and called for adherence to due process in recruitment.

“Please stop selling job offers. Follow proper hiring procedures and standard practices. Do not abet corruption in Nigeria or anywhere else. Change begins with you and me.”

In a follow-up post, Ibrahim disclosed that a government official in Kano forwarded his earlier message to Governor Yusuf, who has reportedly pledged to respond to the issue.

“A Kano government official forwarded my previous post about job offer racketeering in the state to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. The Governor has promised to take appropriate action. May Allah (SWT) grant him the wisdom and the will to do so, amin.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked the German government to provide used helicopters to support intelligence and reconnaissance operations in the Sahel region.

The request came during a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday. This was disclosed in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. The discussion centered on ways to deepen security collaboration between Nigeria and Germany.

Onanuga said both leaders showed concern about the deteriorating security situation across the Sahel corridor. He stated, “The two leaders also expressed worry over the situation in the Sahel region. President Tinubu called for the supply of used helicopters to help in intelligence reconnaissance in the region.”

Quoting the President further, he added, “The Sahel corridor is bad and needs our support. Intelligence support reconnaissance is needed.”

Security was not the only issue addressed. Talks also covered Nigeria’s electricity sector, with emphasis on the Presidential Power Initiative. Tinubu stressed the country’s need for support in power transmission.

In response, Chancellor Merz assured that Siemens would offer technical assistance, while Deutsche Bank would show readiness to finance the project.

Onanuga noted that both sides also discussed partnerships in other sectors. According to him, “the two leaders also expressed their willingness to cooperate in creative arts and skill development”.

Railway cooperation also formed part of the conversation, alongside collaboration in arts and vocational development.

Merz spoke about diplomatic relations as well. He said, “Germany is eagerly awaiting the arrival of Nigeria’s new ambassador to Germany.”

Onanuga added that the German leader highlighted cultural cooperation. “He also spoke about the importance of the arts and called for the establishment of the Great Museum of African Arts,” he said.

The phone call started at 2:01 p.m. and ended at about 2:10 p.m., the statement concluded.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

The Arewa Community Germany has formally disassociated itself from a video circulating online about a so-called “Hausa International Protest” organised by Hausa Tsantsa Development Association, staged in Berlin.

In a letter addressed to Nigeria’s Consul General in Frankfurt, Ambassador Yakubu A. Dadu, the group said it had no role in organising or endorsing the demonstration and warned that the protest’s message conflicts with its core values.

The association, represented by Alhaji Tijani Garba, Dr. Ummah Aliyu Musa and Buhari Abubakar, stressed that it was founded on the principle of unity among all northern Nigerian peoples. It noted that Hausa, Fulani, Kanuri, Tiv, Nupe and other groups share a common heritage, adding that the organisation “does not draw lines” between northerners and will not support any activity that promotes ethnic profiling or elevates one group above another.

According to the statement, the Berlin protest risks fueling division and misunderstanding among Arewa communities in the diaspora, where the group says cohesion is especially important. The association reaffirmed its focus on cooperation, peaceful engagement and presenting a positive image of Northerners living in Germany.

The Arewa Community Germany also cautioned the public against linking its name to the protest, emphasising that any event involving the association will be announced through its official channels.

The group concluded by reaffirming its stance on harmony, mutual respect and a united Arewa identity.

By Maryam Ahmad

Bundesliga club Mainz 05 have lost their appeal against the unfair dismissal ruling in favour of Dutch winger Anwar El Ghazi, who has been awarded €1.7 million in compensation.

A German labour court had earlier found that the club acted unlawfully when it terminated El Ghazi’s contract in November 2023 following social-media posts he made during the Gaza–Israel crisis. The arbitration panel upheld that decision, rejecting Mainz’s argument that the posts constituted grounds for immediate dismissal.

In a statement, Mainz said it accepted the ruling but stressed its commitment to maintaining its internal code of conduct. El Ghazi welcomed the outcome, describing it as a vindication of his right to express his views.

By Maryam Ahmad

German police have arrested 16 people in a major operation against an international network behind a telephone fraud known as the “grandchild scam.”

The Berlin State Criminal Police Office stated that the operation involved officers from all German states, as well as Europol and police forces in Austria, Poland, Switzerland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.

Several call centres linked to the scam were shut down, and 44 planned fraud attempts — worth about €2 million (₦3.9 billion) — were prevented.

In the scheme, fraudsters call elderly victims pretending to be relatives in urgent need of money. In some cases, they claim to have caused a fatal road accident and are followed by fake police officers demanding cash to avoid prosecution.

The suspects, aged between 22 and 63, included callers and money collectors. Among them is a 26-year-old Slovakian woman accused of similar crimes in her country.

Police said the coordinated raids took place between mid-September and late October.